SS Daytona vs. SS Sub

[RollWithIt]

Know that this question has been asked a million times over so apologies in advance. In the market for one of:

SS Sub Black Dial - 114060
SS Sub Black Dial w/Date - 116610LN
SS Daytona Black Dial - 116520

Don't really think that I can go wrong with any of the three (love them all) just trying to breakdown some of the finite details that would push me in one direction rather than the other.

1. If I can actually find the Daytona should I just get it? Seems to be in very limited supply? Would think that from the supply perspective alone it would make it more valuable than a Sub.

2. From what I've read/heard the Daytona bezel is much more likely to scratch and wear. Should that be a concern? I get the impression that the SubCs will naturally be more durable (ceramic bezel)?

3. Assuming I can't find the Daytona - SubC Date or No Date? I'm personally inclined to say No Date (more classic and clean look), but I assume it's more personal preference? Is there any view about what's more desired from a resale/collectible perspective.

Thanks for the feedback!

[travisb]

I would not take perceived value or resale into the decision.
All three are great choices and will stand the test of time and daily wear. There will never be a stand alone winner other than the one that's right for you.
What look do you like more and which is most comfortable for you?

[MCO1]

Depending on where you are in the world the Daytona is not nearly as allusive as AD's would lead you to believe. They can be found so don't let perceived scarcity sway your decision. All would make great choices and all would equally hold their value respective to their purchase price.

Here would be my order of purchase Sub no date(the reasons you stated), Daytona , Sub Date. Good luck on your choice.

[Kneecough]

No Date is my favorite of the 3... But go to your dealer and try all of them on.

[bobabreath]

To me, the Sub is a more rugged and versatile watch than Daytona. I assume date is not a critical factor since you are considering Daytona. So of your options, I think Sub nodate would be the best choice. Clean, iconic look that can do anything!

[Cdn328is]

Though I'm certainly biased, there are a few rational arguments that favour the 114060 or at least the sub over the Daytona:

- on the fly unlimited adjustability of glidelock clasp (I would actually buy the sub on that basis alone even if it would cost more than the Daytona!)

- scratch resistance of the bezel, as you mentioned but I I don't think that the Daytona is any worse than any other aluminium bezel watch.

- the date in the 116610, if you use it often on the watch.

- the service on the more complex Daytona movement will cost more than the 116610, which might even cost a little more than the 114060 (the latter is an assumption based on the absence of a date complication, I really don't know for sure).

- Initial cost, the subs will be priced considerably lower and will be easier to find.

- cleaner dial in the 114060 (but that's a matter of opinion). It's certainly the most minimalist of the three if that's your thing.

In terms of collectibility or rarity, the Daytona is most likely the "rarest", followed by the 114060 and the 116610. But I don't think Rolex releases actual sales or production figures by reference number so it's a hard one to call.

All that being said, the purchase of a Rolex watch is not only driven by reason but by desire. The 114060 is the one that sang to me the most in the end. Go to an AD, spend time with each model and the choice should be more easier to make.

[Urosfan]

Originally Posted by travisb

i would not take perceived value or resale into the decision.
All three are great choices and will stand the test of time and daily wear. There will never be a stand alone winner other than the one that's right for you.
What look do you like more and which is most comfortable for you?

x2

[RollWithIt]

Really a toss up - No Date vs Daytona. My gut (forever) was Daytona but after trying them both on (not the SS Daytona but the white gold one..because the AD didn't have the SS one)..I liked the Sub No Date a lot.

[Cdn328is]

Originally Posted by RollWithIt

Really a toss up - No Date vs Daytona. My gut (forever) was Daytona but after trying them both on (not the SS Daytona but the white gold one..because the AD didn't have the SS one)..I liked the Sub No Date a lot.

If you're patient and don't mind going pre owned, you can buy either in new or like new condition to try it out and resell at little to no loss to you if you change your mind. Wait a few days, go try them on again and you make your choice then.

[melrob1]

I have both No Dat and Daytona. Two different wathces. I use the Daytona and my dressier watch but also dressed up casual. ND is my everyday watch. The PCL's on the Daytona makes it hard for me to make it an everyday. I think I all cones down to how you feel about using the Daytona as an everyday watch with the PCL's. BTW for me the Daytona is night and day more comfortable.

[JayJ]

Maybe you can get both a pre owned No Date and Date Sub for the price of a new Daytona

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RollWithIt

Know that this question has been asked a million times over so apologies in advance. In the market for one of:

SS Sub Black Dial - 114060
SS Sub Black Dial w/Date - 116610LN
SS Daytona Black Dial - 116520

Don't really think that I can go wrong with any of the three (love them all) just trying to breakdown some of the finite details that would push me in one direction rather than the other.

1. If I can actually find the Daytona should I just get it? Seems to be in very limited supply? Would think that from the supply perspective alone it would make it more valuable than a Sub.

2. From what I've read/heard the Daytona bezel is much more likely to scratch and wear. Should that be a concern? I get the impression that the SubCs will naturally be more durable (ceramic bezel)?

3. Assuming I can't find the Daytona - SubC Date or No Date? I'm personally inclined to say No Date (more classic and clean look), but I assume it's more personal preference? Is there any view about what's more desired from a resale/collectible perspective.

Thanks for the feedback!

Why is it today that buying a Rolex watch is based on what's more desired, resale/collectible perspective, what ever has happened to buy the Rolex watch you want to own and wear.

[kultschar]

Originally Posted by melrob1

I have both No Dat and Daytona. Two different wathces. I use the Daytona and my dressier watch but also dressed up casual. ND is my everyday watch. The PCL's on the Daytona makes it hard for me to make it an everyday. I think I all cones down to how you feel about using the Daytona as an everyday watch with the PCL's. BTW for me the Daytona is night and day more comfortable.

Also have both and melrob1 nails my views 100%

[Joearch]

If you buy preowned they will all hold relative value the same. I have Sub C and White face Daytona. Love them both but if I had to keep one it would be the Daytona. Very special piece.

[Bfd70]

Originally Posted by travisb

I would not take perceived value or resale into the decision.
All three are great choices and will stand the test of time and daily wear. There will never be a stand alone winner other than the one that's right for you.
What look do you like more and which is most comfortable for you?

Thread complete

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why is it today that buying a Rolex watch is based on what's more desired, resale/collectible perspective, what ever has happened to buy the Rolex watch you want to own and wear.

I think that somehow, somewhere down the line the meanings of "Rolex watch" and "baseball card" became interchangeable/intertwined in some peoples' minds as they passed from childhood into adulthood.

[bradj]

Just know that none of these watches you listed are rare. For me its the sub with date.. but then thats just me. Try them all on and see which one you love.

[FTX I]

IMO if you're getting just one, go Sub Date. If you can get two, add another Sub.

[Steel28]

As many members mentioned, how can we choose for you?

Get the one that sings to you the most and good luck.

[WWC]

I've been a sub person for about 3 years until I added the Daytona into my collection. The dial and comfort of the latter is just amazing

[seand442]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why is it today that buying a Rolex watch is based on what's more desired, resale/collectible perspective, what ever has happened to buy the Rolex watch you want to own and wear.

^^^This^^^
None of the watches are rare or limited editions, regardless of what an AD will tell you. Try them on and buy the one you like and will wear.

[Mastergreenhand]

As an only, I don't see how you can go wrong with a sub.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why is it today that buying a Rolex watch is based on what's more desired, resale/collectible perspective, what ever has happened to buy the Rolex watch you want to own and wear.

My thoughts, exactly.

Resale should not be on the mind. But to each their own.

[hknslmz]

I would say Daytona..

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by RollWithIt

1. If I can actually find the Daytona should I just get it? Seems to be in very limited supply? Would think that from the supply perspective alone it would make it more valuable than a Sub.

2. From what I've read/heard the Daytona bezel is much more likely to scratch and wear. Should that be a concern? I get the impression that the SubCs will naturally be more durable (ceramic bezel)?

3. Assuming I can't find the Daytona - SubC Date or No Date? I'm personally inclined to say No Date (more classic and clean look), but I assume it's more personal preference? Is there any view about what's more desired from a resale/collectible perspective.

1. Only if it's the watch you want. It's not in limited supply. Both watches, the sub and daytona, hold their value very well. One costs more than the other, but I don't know if I would say more valuable.
2. Only if scratches bother you. But yes, the sub will show less wear.
3. If you really want a Daytona, don't buy a sub. Keep looking until you find one.

[Cinquecento]

Both. Sub date first.

[TheMethod]

Daytona

[AK797]

Go for the Daytona you really want, you can find one if you hunt around and show ADs you are serious.

[AS1]

I would say Daytona, and pretty easy to get quickly from a trusted seller.

Also, to be fair to the OP, the days gone by that people yearn for were not the days when a Daytona had a list price over $12K. I can understand why someone coming into this fairly new would have questions like this considering the huge sums of money involved.

[Cdn328is]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why is it today that buying a Rolex watch is based on what's more desired, resale/collectible perspective, what ever has happened to buy the Rolex watch you want to own and wear.

My perspective on this is that a lot of watch enthusiasts often pursue a watch thinking it would be "the one", buy it and then find something else they want down the road. We have people from all walks of life on this forum and for some, losing a few thousand $ on a watch isn't a big deal.

I personally am not in that category. While I can comfortably afford my watch, one, two or even three thousand is still not pocket change and finding a watch that I could sell without losing that kind of money is the reason I went pre-owned instead of new, though I plan on keeping this one for ever.

I won't speak for the OP because I don't know if that's what he meant, but I think that that's what most people are referring to when inquiring about "investment" and "value", both of which will be determined by supply and demand, hence rarity and collectibility, if that makes any sense.

That's an even bigger factor when you're hesitating between two models and know there's a good chance you may want to switch down the road.