The Daytona Splinter Cell Thread - Pre-Ceramic Daytonas

[illiguy]

I love the Daytona in all variants. However, I have a special affinity for the non-Ceramic Daytonas.

I was lucky enough to to get the call around Christmas from my wonderful AD on the 116500LN (White). Beautiful reference. Ultimately, however, it wasn’t for me - hype be damned. The good news is that the DaytonaC will stay in the family and go to my Dad, a fellow enthusiast and well-deserving.



The Daytona that “sang” to me most is the 116520 (Black). It is “The One”.



If you love non-Ceramic Daytonas like me ... post your thoughts and/or share your pics!


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[1665fan]

116520 are as good as the ceramics, I traded a black ceramic for a 116520 cream...I’m happy

[raclaims]

I def prefer the pre ceramic Daytonas but the ceramic ones are no slouch!

[JerBear]

Glad you found “the one” and excited for your pops!


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[ArtNouveau]

I had both dials of the 116520, black was my favorite. I do like that bezel of my black 116500 is not a scratch magnet.

[nr1416]

I love the pre ceramic Daytona's, specially in black. The ceramics are amazing pieces too but definitely a modern vibe.

I compare the ceramic Daytona's to modern water cooled Porsche 911s. The stainless steel bezel Daytona's are the air cooled versions. And the 116520 being the 993 of that generation, the last of the last. LoL

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[illiguy]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I had both dials of the 116520, black was my favorite. I do like that bezel of my black 116500 is not a scratch magnet.

For sure. As Rolex does, the ceramic makes the 116500s a nice everyday wearer (assuming one can quickly get over the inevitable scratches to PCLs).

Originally Posted by nr1416

I love the pre ceramic Daytona's, specially in black. The ceramics are amazing pieces too but definitely a modern vibe.

I compare the ceramic Daytona's to modern water cooled Porsche 911s. The stainless steel bezel Daytona's are the air cooled versions. And the 116520 being the 993 of that generation, the last of the last. LoL

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Love this analogy. Spot on.

[Coffes4closers]

I have both (ceramic is RG on oysterflex tho) and a 116520 black. I’ve handled the 116500 in both colors, and have to say, for SS on a bracelet, I much prefer the SS bezel 116520. I think it pops more and has more depth overall.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Coffes4closers

I have both (ceramic is RG on oysterflex tho) and a 116520 black. I’ve handled the 116500 in both colors, and have to say, for SS on a bracelet, I much prefer the SS bezel 116520. I think it pops more and has more depth overall.

Interesting you say this. I do really like the ceramic with the Oyster Flex.

Yet for other PM Daytonas on bracelet, like the WG 116509, I again much prefer the aesthetic of the non-Ceramic bezel.

[kieselguhr]

I love the TT Daytonas! Modern white or champagne dial works but the one I really want is the slate dial one!


(From Watches of Switzerland)

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I love the TT Daytonas! Modern white or champagne dial works but the one I really want is the slate dial one!


(From Watches of Switzerland)

[DoricSpiker]

You have Frank Sinatra on your stereo and your dad now has Michael Buble.......
I have WG Silver dial with red hands. Love it.

[HogwldFLTR]

I’m a fan of the TT Slate as well!!!

[poliwog]

Totally with you on this. The ceramic bezel ones kinda look "toyish" to me. Though I definitely wouldn't pass on one if it was offered to me at retail.

Steel however, is ultimate classic.

[Timo_]

Congrats to you and your dad on the pickups!
I dearly share your affinity for the pre-ceramic daytonas. No chronograph comes close in my opinion. Me personally would love to pick up a 16520 zenith one day - the centered subdials on 3 and 9 o‘clock just do it for me :)

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by DoricSpiker

You have Frank Sinatra on your stereo and your dad now has Michael Buble.......
I have WG Silver dial with red hands. Love it.

Well said. My dad is a big fan of ‘ol blue eyes, so maybe I won’t share with him this analogy.

Originally Posted by poliwog

Totally with you on this. The ceramic bezel ones kinda look "toyish" to me. Though I definitely wouldn't pass on one if it was offered to me at retail.

Steel however, is ultimate classic.

[cornerstore]

Had the Ceramic 116500 in Black. Didn’t bond with it , so sold it off, but really like the 116520. Found the 116500 ceramic insert looked like plastic and made the watch look smaller on the wrist.