Daytona 116503

[shie6523]

Hi,

I currently have a Sea-Dweller 4000 and Sub-C (non-date). I'm thinking of trading both in for a bi-metal Daytona ref. 116503 black or white face.

I've been visiting this forum frequently and noticed you don't seem to many bi-metal Daytona's on show. Is there a reason for this? is it not a popular model amongst Rolex collectors?

Ideally I'd like the newer steel ceramic Daytona with white face but I'm not to prepared to wait the amount of time I've been quoted from waiting lists. I've also ruled out the steel pre-ceramic version.

Thoughts?

[AJMarcus]

I just picked mine up and I love it. I had the 116520 white dial but it honestly was underwhelming. It was boring to me. And darned difficult to read the time. The 116503 has slightly more heft than the 116520 due do the gold and it feels great on the wrist. They upgraded the bezel on this model and it has the slightly upgraded super chronometer upgrade movement tweaked to the 4130 which means it is absolutely spot on time wise. It does have more bling with the two tone but makes a great transition from sporty elegance to class. Like you I didn't feel like waiting for the steel version and I'm glad I didn't. Good prices can be gotten from trusted TRF sellers so avoid paying retail. Might you keep the Sub C? If you can it would make for the perfect pair. I have a 16710 Pepsi and I enjoy the contrast. Good luck!

[rw2008]

Certainly are good deals to be had on these.

That said, I've just never found that they really "pop". TT sports models just might not be my thing though, with the exception of the Bluesy Sub. I'd rather save more for a used full gold 116518 on a leather or overpay for a steel 116500.

[904VT]

You might be able to get away with selling only one of your watches and adding $2-3k if you would consider a pre-owned Two Tone?

That's what I would do at least or something close. I think it's pretty awesome to be able to switch between Rolex divers and Daytonas

[7sins]

Originally Posted by rw2008

Certainly are good deals to be had on these.

That said, I've just never found that they really "pop". TT sports models just might not be my thing though, with the exception of the Bluesy Sub. I'd rather save more for a used full gold 116518 on a leather or overpay for a steel 116500.

Exactly, 116518!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=116518

[vladamir15]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

I just picked mine up and I love it. I had the 116520 white dial but it honestly was underwhelming. It was boring to me. And darned difficult to read the time. The 116503 has slightly more heft than the 116520 due do the gold and it feels great on the wrist. They upgraded the bezel on this model and it has the slightly upgraded super chronometer upgrade movement tweaked to the 4130 which means it is absolutely spot on time wise. It does have more bling with the two tone but makes a great transition from sporty elegance to class. Like you I didn't feel like waiting for the steel version and I'm glad I didn't. Good prices can be gotten from trusted TRF sellers so avoid paying retail. Might you keep the Sub C? If you can it would make for the perfect pair. I have a 16710 Pepsi and I enjoy the contrast. Good luck!

Really? That watch looks fantastic to me. I love white dials on tt or all gold models.

To op i would say white dial

[GordonC]

Originally Posted by shie6523

I've been visiting this forum frequently and noticed you don't seem to many bi-metal Daytona's on show. Is there a reason for this? is it not a popular model amongst Rolex collectors?

There's quite a few of us TT Daytona fans here, in fact you should be able to find a few threads dedicated to these beauties. It does seem that the TT version is not as widely popular as the stainless steel versions, but prior to the ceramic bezel SS models, I felt that the TT versions offered much more interesting dial variations.

I have a TT Daytona with the Panda dial:

[AK797]

The panda and blue Arabic dials are quite popular here, I would happily trade for one of those.

[KH8]

Go for it, you won't regret it

[Rocco21]

Two tone Daytona is beautiful.

[watchwatcher]

Two tones in general are not well received here. But, that is not indicative of the watch buying public...nor should it influence what you want to buy and wear.

[nymsportf30]

Originally Posted by 904VT

You might be able to get away with selling only one of your watches and adding $2-3k if you would consider a pre-owned Two Tone?

This! I'd sell the no date sub since you should have at least one in your collection with a date. I'd look for a nice pre-owned TT, There are plenty to be had in nearly new condition.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by vladamir15

Really? That watch looks fantastic to me. I love white dials on tt or all gold models.

To op i would say white dial

I agree. I now have the 116503 TT white dial and it does pop- in the right way. When I said the white dial was underwhelming I was referring to my SS daytona 116520. BTW. Did you know Rolex chose this model to bequeath to the winners of the 2017 Daytona. Here's the pic

[Mystro]

TT Daytona is so classy looking. I had one years ago and only sold it because I needed a date.

[ragingcao]

Originally Posted by GordonC

There's quite a few of us TT Daytona fans here, in fact you should be able to find a few threads dedicated to these beauties. It does seem that the TT version is not as widely popular as the stainless steel versions, but prior to the ceramic bezel SS models, I felt that the TT versions offered much more interesting dial variations.

I have a TT Daytona with the Panda dial:

Agree w Gordon.
Local AD told me once that TT models (particularly Daytona) are not popular in US but in Asia they're very much sought after. Also true for the full PMs.

[Mo122]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

I just picked mine up and I love it. I had the 116520 white dial but it honestly was underwhelming. It was boring to me. And darned difficult to read the time. The 116503 has slightly more heft than the 116520 due do the gold and it feels great on the wrist. They upgraded the bezel on this model and it has the slightly upgraded super chronometer upgrade movement tweaked to the 4130 which means it is absolutely spot on time wise. It does have more bling with the two tone but makes a great transition from sporty elegance to class. Like you I didn't feel like waiting for the steel version and I'm glad I didn't. Good prices can be gotten from trusted TRF sellers so avoid paying retail. Might you keep the Sub C? If you can it would make for the perfect pair. I have a 16710 Pepsi and I enjoy the contrast. Good luck!

How is the bezel upgraded ? What is the difference ? How can you tell ?


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[G'ed]

The tachymeter scale on older 116523 is multiple dot and hash markings. On new 116503, its continuous scale with triangular mark like those on cerachrom bezel.

Imho, it fixed the issue of older model for me. It's tad busy. The new cerachrom type look much tidy and cleaner. Sporty too. Just IMHO.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by Mo122

How is the bezel upgraded ? What is the difference ? How can you tell ?


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503 bezel....

[Jaycnyp]

This is a tough one, on one hand the Daytona is on my short list when I go back to YG or TT, but on the other the sub is my second favorite SS model. For me it would depend more on lifestyle. If I bought a PM watch and tried to wear it right now as a daily (TT included) I would destroy it (though 6 digit >5 digit in PM because of solid links). I actually took a full chunk out of a center link on my 16613 when I had it (wish this was in the iPhone days so I had a picture...I don't think I had a camera phone yet when it happened). If you are easier on your watches than I am, the 503 is gorgeous!

[bobby81]

I have purchased the Daytona 116503 White Dial new it's a lovely Watch I'd much prefer it than the pre ceramic SS Daytona I don't know why they aren't popular The Gold makes it a lovely casual & dress watch so you have the best of both worlds I haven't figured out how to post photos yet that why there isn't a photo with this but you can see all the lovely photos of it posted here

[regnant]

White Dial with gold colored sub dials is fantastic. I'm considering SKY Dweller 326934 otherwise I could buy that model to accompany my two Daytona watches

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by GordonC

There's quite a few of us TT Daytona fans here, in fact you should be able to find a few threads dedicated to these beauties. It does seem that the TT version is not as widely popular as the stainless steel versions, but prior to the ceramic bezel SS models, I felt that the TT versions offered much more interesting dial variations.

I have a TT Daytona with the Panda dial:

I saw this exact watch on a white rubber strap and it really popped

This was while I was browsing some SS white daytonas which I'm thinking of trading my bluesy for


I can echo the sentiment that I have debated before whether it is a bit too boring. The flipside for me is that I can change the bracelet for different straps - the white dial I think is very versatile when it comes to different coloured straps

[zion_rasta]

Due to the artificial supply shortage of SS Daytonas, the Daytona TT is the best Watch money can buy right now.
I got mine New for a lower price than a used Daytona SS 116520.



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