A monthly journal of trying to get a Daytona 116500

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jaisonline

March 2023 Update Part A:

It's time for my irregular check-in. Then my posts were written every few months before settling at once per year. Anyway, I'm sure everyone read about the new 126500 Daytona model.



Background :

It's been 1,713 days since i created this thread in July 2018. I then stated , "...why not document my many unsuccessful attempts at acquiring my “grail” watch, a white dial Daytona 116510 white dial.



I started this hunt in Feb. 2018. At that time, secondary prices (white dial) were around $19K but decided to NOT pay above MSRP. I watched (no pun) pre-owned prices increase from $22K in 2019 to $28K in early 2021. Then things got really nutty in 2021 (saw preowned prices as high as $47K for white dials). For most of 2022, prices started declining which continued into 2023. From Jan to March 2023 , prices ranged between $26k and $34k. Mere hours after the 60th anniversary WoW announcement, prices increased 10% (or listings on many sites were removed) from what I observed. Currently, prices for white dial 116500s are in the mid-$30s.


Frankly, It has been a frustrating First World problem trying to be this watch from an AD since I began in early 2018. I learned a ton of info about AD allocation, reseller processes, relationships, empty promises, how outside people (mainly social media) w/ events (COVID, stocks, crypto) influence demand and secondary market prices.

March 2023 Update Part B:

My gut told me a new Daytona was coming for the 60th anniversary. I wasn't sure a redesign would only for precious metals or across the board. I do like the new model (reminds me if the 6263, 16520 & 116500 were put in a bag and shaken together). News of the 126500 also pushed up 116500 prices.



So with my gut feeling about a new Daytona announcement for WoW, I spoke w/ the wife last month. Needed her to be onboard. Then decreased my watch collection rather quickly and picked up a pre-owned 116500 for a very fair Feb. 2023 price.



Thanks to everyone who followed this thread and my journey since 2018.

Ironic, how my 116500 journey ended how I should have began it with buying a nice pre-owned full set model.

Congratulations Job, you’ve certainly got patience

I hope you enjoy it, great post

[ocwatching]

fantastic thread and I applaud your tenacity with in your journey and posting on the thread over 5 years...glad you got your Daytona C and in the end..its all just money..can't take it with you...
enjoy it

[ThomasCrown]

Great read!

Thanks OP for coming back and providing a final update.

[Sunstreaker]

What an awesome story OP, congrats!

From what I can tell prices haven’t popped for the white 116500. They did initially then the hype very quickly wore out and they are back to the 30-35k range.

[jaisonline]

Thank you. It was quite a long journey.



Soon it will be 1 year since buying the Daytona and I’m still loving it along with recently acquired 1952 Topps Willie Mays & Jackie Robinson cards (also part of this journey as mentioned previously).



I agree the 116500s price movements have stabilized. Trying to inch back to pre-Covid levels but still a long way off.

Originally Posted by Sunstreaker

What an awesome story OP, congrats!



From what I can tell prices haven’t popped for the white 116500. They did initially then the hype very quickly wore out and they are back to the 30-35k range.

[mrlube1151001]

What a journey

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by mrlube1151001

What a journey

Thank you for reading it. Let’s just hope I don’t get the itch for the new model. 😂

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by jaisonline

Thank you for reading it. Let’s just hope I don’t get the itch for the new model.

I can't see that happening

[jaisonline]

Looks stunning in your picture. Can only imagine how swell ( lol ) it looks in person. Thank you so much for sharing

Just don’t know if I can / want to go through it again. Definitely have to make a trade for it. We’ll see what happens as the year progresses with the economy

Originally Posted by EEpro

I can't see that happening

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by EEpro

I can't see that happening

That is the best picture I’ve seen of the new white dial. The lighting is perfect. Both models are beautiful. Congratulations!

[Rolex1982]

Great share and enjoy your watch! Wear it in good health!

[Benjack]

Good luck on your search for a Daytona, and congratulations on your new purchase.

[alex.cicollo]

What a great read! Thank you!!! And congrats on your 116500. It’s a really stunning watch and for sure will always have a special place in your heart.