Was Daytona always impossible to get

[msdaytona]

In 2013 I got my SS Daytona 116520 as a walk in. No purchase history.

[mannyv11]

2013 first rolex purchased was a Daytona for my wife.

[Zyfon]

Before 2010, I remember going to a few local ADs and saw pretty much every models, even the Daytona on sale. Some even offered discounts. That was the norm then. How time has changed.

[jitdc]

I think there are always going to be stories of walk-in Daytona purchases... Market and model/version of Daytona will of course have played a role. But on the whole, yes it has been more difficult than not for most folks to get a standard steel Daytona. Especially since the movement was updated to a modified Zenith then again to Rolex's own, and then of course again with the ceramic bezel update. Which sent it into the stratosphere of unobtanium.

[Sumit1]

Depends the one you are looking for.
Just speaking out of personal experience

Was offered a two tone on my 3rd visit to the AD. No purchase history. Did not buy.

Got a white gold OF after 7 months wait (diff AD) with purchase history of president bracelet lady date just for wife and day date for me.

Never interested in SS so do not anything to share on that.


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[SN2354]

They hit goat status when the new at the time Zenith 16520 was released. Could you imagine those older 4 digit Daytonas never sold well at all?

Now it is all hype, sadly those that want the only true Rolex Chrono must wait on endless lines that barely come to fruition.

[Chefinspecteur]

Ordered my 116520 white dial in 2004. AD told me, that I have to wait for about 12 years. After Lehman collapsed in 2009, I got the call very fast. When I picked up the 116520 at my AD, he left the "call list" on the desk while checking some things behind the curtain and I saw all the names which passed this 116520. A lot of bankers in Zurich must have been under financial pressure )) I still have my 116520 and it reminds me of that story.