Do you think the daytonas' had it's day???

[Bisquitlips]

I personally have never sensed the magic of the Daytona.

There are so many other more impressive Rolexes that can be had for less. In some cases 2 for the price of 1 Daytona.

[Yume-sama]

No. Was just in my AD here in Vancouver, and in the 1 hour I was there... 3 people came in asking for it. They had to tell them no.

[BigHat]

All watch appeal is crazy. Some could say most of the hype for EVERY watch is nuts.


My take:

For the Daytona:
1. Rolex has done a masterful job of marketing it, especially the SS models. People crave what they have a hard time getting.
2. It's truly one of the best chronos on the planet. Runs perfectly and is easy to service and repair.

Against the Daytona:
1. It's deemed to be "magical." It isn't
2. The SS models are boring and they are the only ones that people crave to the point of unavailability.
3. Don't like screw down pushers, but admit it's not a "show stopper." Very close to selling an SS VC Overseas for a RG Overseas w/ the same approach.

If you love the look, even with meaningless tach markings (Yes, my new ROO has these dumbass markings and it didn't stop me) just go for it but be aware it's "spam" on the dial.

I don't think you can't go wrong with a Daytona, it's just so loved by those that don't really give a rat's a*s about watches. It will be a status symbol for awhile but remember, there was a time they couldn't give these away. If you really follow the industry, better options exist though.

[train-time]

IMO, NO, it's the economy!! Supply is still limited, demand has lessened increasing availability somewhat because $$$ are tight. It's unique, it's the only Chronograph that Rolex makes.

[TurboWatch]

I just sold 2 here this week.

It's supply and demand. Rolex isn't making more SS Daytonas these days. It's the economy. People are being more careful about making these high dollar items. That's all.

[Carlo Miguel]

I hope not...

[dannyp]

I think its day as a fad watch may have come and gone. If for no other reason than the Daytona (IMO) epitomizes conspicuous consumption. Spending isn't out, conspicuous consumption is. They Daytona as a symbol may have seen its day, but that just means prices will re-stabilize and only those actually interested in the piece will go for one.

[yemenmocha]

Originally Posted by train-time

IMO, NO, it's the economy!! Supply is still limited, demand has lessened increasing availability somewhat because $$$ are tight. It's unique, it's the only Chronograph that Rolex makes.

Yeah no kidding.

Hey guys.... do you think the world doesn't like Porsches any longer? They're having to discount them heavily with 1.9% financing. The days of Porsche are over.

Seriously though, it is a horrible economy and a lot of the potential buyers are out of the market as far as $10k watches go. All Daytonas are $10k + now, there is no cheap version of it like there is for Submariner or DJ.

Economy, economy, economy.

[simplicity]

daytonas' had its day?
too bad , too late , why didn't you tell me that last two years ago ?

[dhiltonlittle]

Originally Posted by simplicity

daytonas' had its day?
too bad , too late , why didn't you tell me that last two years ago ?

that's a sweet daytona!!!

[slcbbrown]

The watch has been in such demand that any drop in interest seems more significant. I'm not a big stop watch fan, but I do like the Daytona-- maybe not $10,000 worth.

The economy is so bad that many Rolexes look to be 20% down on the used market. A 20% drop for some Daytonas would be dramatic, and I don't think I've seen that, yet. At the same time, many more people can afford a $2,000to $4,000 purchase than can handle 10-grand. Don't expect to see a very active market for such a high priced watch.

If the economy doesn't start improving, someone will start discounting Daytonas.

[RedBaronF2001]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

The watch has been in such demand that any drop in interest seems more significant. I'm not a big stop watch fan, but I do like the Daytona-- maybe not $10,000 worth.

The economy is so bad that many Rolexes look to be 20% down on the used market. A 20% drop for some Daytonas would be dramatic, and I don't think I've seen that, yet. At the same time, many more people can afford a $2,000to $4,000 purchase than can handle 10-grand. Don't expect to see a very active market for such a high priced watch.

If the economy doesn't start improving, someone will start discounting Daytonas.

Most cogent reply I've seen in this thread. I agree 100%.

Where I live Daytonas are still very rare "in the wild" and at our ADs. Demand here seems "normal" still.

[forza1976]

No

[deserted]

I really like it , but in the rolex line up i have seen better looking rolex models, if i was to get one it would be the SS daytona blackdial because it's very robust.

[ingoodtime]

The Mayors in Boca Raton offers no deals. I wanted a Breitling Super Ocean and they said, maybe a 5 % discount. Then, their Breitling "Specialist" came over. He was quoting full msrp of about 2560. I bought the watch elsewhere for 2100 cash out the door.

My wife purchased a Rolex (her first) there at full msrp because they offered the 20 month no interest financing and she wanted it.I told her to walk away but to no avail. I'd prefer not to do business with them. I don't like their stuffy attitude at all. She recently purchased another and did not even bother to look there. I did not for mine either.

I was at a JR Dunns in South Florida. I was looking during my lunch hour and of course, wearing my TT sub with serti dial. The sales clerk gave me a nice Rolex magazine and then whispered to me, we discount but don't tell anyone I told you that.

Thats the kind of store I want to deal with.

As far as the Daytona, well, I own some chronos but prefer the old three hand style (or a 4 hand GMT)

[alfanator]

Well, i just bought a thin hand F series with a black dial. I have been collecting for 15+ years and this is one of the few times that i have seen SS Daytonas selling for below retail on the secondary market. Regardless, I like the watch and hope to keep it in the rotation for some time to come.

It is the economy pushing demand down along with everything else. It will eventually recover.

[therolexguy]

It's still one of the most desirable watches in the Rolex lineup, it's just more available. So instead of people buying them for 10 and selling them for 12-13, you can pick one up for a little less than retail, but you can't flip it for more. It's actually nice for people who are true collectors because you don't have to wait for each Daytona to come in and for the AD to go through their "list". I don't think it's lost it's luster at all, it's the economy and people are holding out so they're now available. GOOD FOR US.

[deserted]

Well i borrowed this picture fromm tools until i receive my camera back , but getting a SS daytona witth my TT black sub would complete my collection

[Dom]

Agreed with post 30. It is nice that the speculators are out of the picture - at least in some countries. Most of Europe still seems difficult.

[Tools]

Around here they don't discount a SS Daytona at all......

They know that if the first guy doesn't buy it at MSRP, the next guy will.......... they don't last more than an hour or so once they get one in the store........

[springer]

Although still popular, I believe Rolex has priced the Daytona out of the market for most buyers, therefore reducing its desirability to many buyers. In answer to your question, I believe its day has come and gone.

[mb hawaii]

Originally Posted by springer

I believe Rolex has priced the Daytona out of the market for most buyers, therefore reducing its desirability to many buyers. In answer to your question, I believe its day has come and gone.

Hmmm, I also thought the more Rolex prices their watches higher the more desirable they become do to exclusivity. I mean there are plenty of very nice lookin gand good timepieces out there for a fraction of what Rolex command but most desire a Rolex.

[gg922]

Come on now!!!! Its all about the economy!!!!

[Gaijin]

Its nice to not have the speculators around here anymore calling every AD even dropping names of members here to ADs telling them that so and so told them that the AD would sell them a SS Daytona. Then turning around and gouging members here for a quick few bucks.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by RJC

The watch was competitively priced and I thought it would have been snapped up immediately.

Rob

It took a lot of will power on my part not to snap this one up.

[CEG]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

It took a lot of will power on my part not to snap this one up.

Same as !! Looked a steal to me.

[Pulpdiction]

For me the Daytona is not longer something I wish to buy, I purchased a Milguass last year and loved the look of it but I found how much I really missed the date feature, I use the date feature most days and therefore a Daytona without a date is somethinh which is not practical for me. Its a small thing but without this is it incomplete and therefore I will not buy one. Practicality for me is key in any watch.

[MrCowboy99]

It has for me, but I dont think globally.

Also.. all this talk of Daytonas and not one pic of once. So here are mine!

[Prince]

Originally Posted by RJC

...Do you think it's popularity/ desirability has come to an end???

In a word, NO. I see no evidence in the marketplace of the Daytona losing any popularity, and especially not any desirability. Even if it were to wane a bit, there are many, MANY collectors who would keep this watch in the forefront of desirability.

Now...what MAY be happening is the reduction of the unrealistic lust for the white-dialed, SS Daytona. That has always been out of control, IMHO.

[BillA]

I think it is the economy that is putting a spoiler on the SS Daytona, everything is lower these days, cars, houses. As someone earlier said, it is refreshing that you can buy one now at a competitive price on the forums or gray market, and not trying to be gouged by someone who bought one at an AD, and is flipping it to make a few bucks at enthusiasts expense. Although, the list price is up there, when you compare it to other fine watch chrono's, it is lower priced.
The non-date feature does not bother me, that is a good use for a cell phone. Perhaps this worldwide recession will put a damper on many things, remains to be seen how long it lasts.
I also think that the youth of today is not into "luxo" watches. Look at womens magazines, I get Nordstroms and Neiman Marcus magazines loaded with womens clothing and they have no less than 6 watch manufacturers showing matching color accessories to the outfits, watches uner $100. I think in the future, the luxo watch makers will have a hard time with women, just my opinion.