Big Red Panda Daytona Review (Ref:6265)

[pdpmojo]

I've searched the forums for reviews on this watch and found that they are few and far in between. I thought I would write a review for those that have not seen or been able to try one of these on.

On the wrist:
The original bracelet was a link or two too small so I tried a few different strap styles before finally settling on a very soft (and comfortable) ostrich strap. Why ostrich? I found a very peculiar connection with Ostriches and motor racing (in some parts of the world Ostrich racing is very popular and can reach land speeds of 43 mph). It's been a good conversation starter and better on the wrist than any calf or croco I have experienced.








I have gotten used to modern watches and their substantive weight. When I first strapped on the 6265 it virtually disappeared on the wrist. I didn't think I would like it but now when I go back to a modern Milgauss, I feel like I have a brick on my wrist.

Case, Dial and Crystal:
This watch is a pure looker. At a distance, it really does not catch the eye. It is virtually invisible to anyone outside of the watch community. I like that. It has a very dressy look to it but on closer inspection, its sport side comes out.

Right off the bat the first thing I noticed was the crown. It's big! A beautiful triplock crown, I think it really makes the watch. Maybe not big by today's standards, but on this 37MM case it stands out. Any thankfully, since it's a manual watch, the big crown is a pure joy to wind.





The dial is very interesting as well. The silver has a sunburst effect and it has a different hue depending on the light source. I am not sure if this is how it came from the factory years ago, but today it has a very warm almost champagne note to it.




Movement and Accuracy (Valjoux 727):
I am completely blown away by this piece's accuracy. It has been within +2/3 seconds per day for the last 2 weeks. This is a 30 year old watch that has most likely never been serviced (will be going to service in a few weeks). It is a pure testament to how robust and bloody accurate these movements were. One thing I noted with the movement is that it is non-hacking and that it is louder than any watch I have had during normal operation and winding. I hope that it continues to run this well for the next 30 years.

Old Vs. New:
There's certainly more charm to the 6265 compared to the 116520; however, you will definitely get more looks and curb appeal for the newer Daytona. As I mentioned above, the old 6265 Daytona is invisible. In terms of size, the vintage certainly wears smaller than the modern Daytona. Side by side, I think the size difference is less apparent. Again, it's in my opinion that the over sized crown is helping that effect quite a bit.



Hope you enjoyed the read. If you ever get the chance to obtain one of these gems, do it and don't look back.

[jdmi32]

Beautiful watch. Congrats. Very nice review and great pics too.

[Mike1066]

Beautiful watch. I would love to own one some day. Enjoy it!

[crowncollection]

Beauty congrats

[mluther]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together. It is pretty surprising just how loud the valjoux 727 is. I would put it closer to 40 than 30 years old. Enjoy that beauty

[Dan Pierce]

What a stunner! Thanks for sharing and enjoy that classic.
dP

[thomaspp]

Gorgeous... enjoy that 1!

[watchcrank]

Nice article and agree as to size. I have owned a few and find that they are beautiful to look at but seem very small on the wrist. Enjoy your very nice one :-) M

[pdpmojo]

Originally Posted by mluther

Thank you for taking the time to put this together. It is pretty surprising just how loud the valjoux 727 is. I would put it closer to 40 than 30 years old. Enjoy that beauty

You're right. The 6.2MM serial puts it around '81 so we're talking 33 years old.

[MATCH1969]

Just a beauty

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by pdpmojo

I've searched the forums for reviews on this watch and found that they are few and far in between. I thought I would write a review for those that have not seen or been able to try one of these on.
...
Hope you enjoyed the read.

Sure I did! Great post, thank you for taking the time to write it.

Originally Posted by pdpmojo

If you ever get the chance to obtain one of these gems, do it and don't look back.

That's "probably" going to be a little hard I'm afraid. Maybe in a next life, who knows.

[nickb732]

Congrats! I wish I could get one.

[Vincent65]

beauty, congrats!

[zapokee]

You made me dribble...

[lhanddds]

Nice write-up, that's a beauty.

[soundserious]

Great comments, marvelous watch

[CrownMe]

Great watch and a even better review. thanks for sharing.

[nick c]

Beautiful

[unclesallie]

But does your Daytona have the special, "Sing Ramona" feature?

[JohnAndrew]

Beautiful watch and an excellent read.
Thank you and congrats.

[pdpmojo]

Back from service at ABC Watchwerks. Finally got her on a proper oyster bracelet.

[zapokee]

Beautiful! Congrats on the new bracelet. It looks stunning.

[Micha]

sweeeeeeet.....

[RolexJNJ]

Very nice! Congratulations!!

[willang]

Wow!

[AzHadEnuf]

Great review, beautiful watch! The valjoux 727 winding noise is a great way to start the day.

[lhanddds]

Looks great

[PoderEsBueno]

Looks very nice - time to enjoy

[jdmi32]

Outstanding!

[Frogman4me]

good stuff, thanks for sharing