SS Daytone. Does it worth the money?

[kcmo]

It's not for everyone, that's for sure. Only a potential buyer can decide its worth.

[Brandon(phila)]

....and one of the reasons was...."I just didn't feel it was worth the price"...now let me clarify a few things.

It is an absolutely beautiful looking watch Black or White dial. (I had the Black)

The other reason - I really really like having a date function, to wear a watch everyday. So that always bothered me a little (I used to use the stop watch hand as my date...today is the 23rd...so I would start the chrono and stop it on the 23 sec)

I searched for a few months high and low and finally got one for $200 under retail BNIB NOS back when the retail was 11,200 USD.
When the watch showed up I was as excited as a little kid on Christmas morning, but when I put on....My first thought was where is the rest of it...it just seems soooo small and thin. At the time my other watch was a Sub C, but this felt much smaller. I said to myself I think I would like this watch more if it was $2000 cheaper, b/c it didn't feel like an $11200 watch.
I am not trying to make enemies, b/c I am a Rolex guy through and though.
Where else could I tell this story, some people think $100 is a lot for a watch :)

[warrior]

Personally, I never understood the allure of the Daytona...simply because I think the vast majority of chronos look alike. The same can NOT be said for the Omega Speedy Pro which is far more unique looking.

To me, the Daytona simply blends into the crowd...not really looking any different from a Tag, Seiko, Breitling, Timex chronograph. Why pay more for something not unique looking at all ???

[1Daytona]

Worth every dime. Craftmanship and details hard to beat, along with the best stainless steel, 904L, on the bracelet in the S/S version. Fun to have a watch that is somewhat hard to get and not everyone has on their wrist. Submariners far more common. You won't regret getting one and even if you get bored with it down the road, you won't lose any $ selling it...

[The GMT Master]

I think it's overpriced for what it is - hype aside, it's a fairly unremarkable but solid chronograph. No real background or history of note, virtually impossible to read in bright light, and, at the end of the day, a pretty boring watch. On a more positive side, the movement is excellent, and the bracelet on any modern Rolex is pretty hard to beat. I rationalise the Daytona as a jewellery piece, and it works far better in TT or 18ct - that's when you get the dial choices that do the watch justice, and you also get the level of exclusivity that people expect when they hear the words "Cosmograph Daytona". The SS is by no means a rare watch.

It is impossible to find another watch with the long list of achievements that the Speedmaster Pro has - it's also difficult to find a chronograph that is cleaner or easier to read. The Speedmaster is a truly special watch, and, IMO, should always be considered as part of a serious WIS' collection

[warrior]

THIS. Every word. I'd just add that, when it comes to the Speedy, it's hard to find a chrono in this day and age that truly stands apart from the crowd ....in terms of aesthetics. The domed crystal and legibility... make it the one to get. The Speedy is truly a cool watch.

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

I think it's overpriced for what it is - hype aside, it's a fairly unremarkable but solid chronograph. No real background or history of note, virtually impossible to read in bright light, and, at the end of the day, a pretty boring watch. On a more positive side, the movement is excellent, and the bracelet on any modern Rolex is pretty hard to beat. I rationalise the Daytona as a jewellery piece, and it works far better in TT or 18ct - that's when you get the dial choices that do the watch justice, and you also get the level of exclusivity that people expect when they hear the words "Cosmograph Daytona". The SS is by no means a rare watch.

It is impossible to find another watch with the long list of achievements that the Speedmaster Pro has - it's also difficult to find a chronograph that is cleaner or easier to read. The Speedmaster is a truly special watch, and, IMO, should always be considered as part of a serious WIS' collection

[Beelzy]

No.....and I have owned both the 4030 and 4130 based Daytonas.

Too shiny, too hard to read even during the day, and that darn sapphire crystal reflected sunlight like a Big Dog. It DID look very sharp on the wrist though, I must admit that.

Since then, I've crept over to the Dark Side and never looked back.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

No.....and I have owned both the 4030 and 4130 based Daytonas.

Too shiny, too hard to read even during the day, and that darn sapphire crystal reflected sunlight like a Big Dog. It DID look very sharp on the wrist though, I must admit that.

Since then, I've crept over to the Dark Side and never looked back.

Never had any of these issues.

To me the Daytona is the ultimate Rolex. No specific reason, it is just the one that sings to me the most. It was my first love, and I always wanted one.

If I had the chance to trade my Sub for a SS Daytona with very little out of pocket, I would surely take it.

[Beelzy]

Say what??

Your avatar Daytona is a shining example of a hard to read watch that reflects.....LOL!!!

[Israguard]

I frankly don't know very much.. And I see/read the word "chronograph" all over the place. I'm a simple man.. Am I wrong or is this just fancy lingo for a stop watch?.

Unless you're in sports, track and field or a coach.. Who in this day and age needs a stop watch?. I just honestly don't get it.

The Daytona in 18k gold looks damn nice.. But anything by Rolex in 18k looks swell.

I just don't get it.. I respect it and don't think it's ugly or remotely unattractive, I just don't get who needs the 3 dials.

My little rant lol

[NYCrussino]

If you have the money to spend on one, then its worth it. If you want a deal, get a pre-owned.

[NYCrussino]

Originally Posted by Israguard

I frankly don't know very much.. And I see/read the word "chronograph" all over the place. I'm a simple man.. Am I wrong or is this just fancy lingo for a stop watch?.

Unless you're in sports, track and field or a coach.. Who in this day and age needs a stop watch?. I just honestly don't get it.

The Daytona in 18k gold looks damn nice.. But anything by Rolex in 18k looks swell.

I just don't get it.. I respect it and don't think it's ugly or remotely unattractive, I just don't get who needs the 3 dials.

My little rant lol

Its a watch used for racing...I guess it could be called a fancy stop watch, the fact that the infamous paul newman wore the cosmograph definitely adds value to it..

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Israguard

I frankly don't know very much.. And I see/read the word "chronograph" all over the place. I'm a simple man.. Am I wrong or is this just fancy lingo for a stop watch?.

Unless you're in sports, track and field or a coach.. Who in this day and age needs a stop watch?. I just honestly don't get it.

The Daytona in 18k gold looks damn nice.. But anything by Rolex in 18k looks swell.

I just don't get it.. I respect it and don't think it's ugly or remotely unattractive, I just don't get who needs the 3 dials.

My little rant lol

Certainly don't need one but I enjoy using the chrono to time drives from different cities, the burn of a cigar, or even cooking a pizza.
There are times, on occasion, when I need to calculate units per hour or measure the duration of digital content in front of clients who are always amazed how much info is culled from the trusty precision instrument strapped to my wrist.
dP

[patek.wis]

all these responses
and not one picture

shame! lol

[nauticajoe]

Different strokes.....If you like chrono's & like the brand, you'll get a Daytona regardless of price.

[Israguard]

Hi Nauticajoe,
You're right..I now have 6 Rolexes.. Different models etc.. My next one will be 18k Daytona or DD.. But Daytona in 18k is a killer

[brkanand]

I own a SS Daytona. It is a nice piece and I like to wear it but always thought needless halo surrounded this watch due to marketing ploy.

[seanthome]

I agree with your argument that the SS Daytona doesn't seem worth the premium in price. Its a great looking watch, but don't think that warrants the additional price. Would much rather have the Sub or DJII as both feel they are better values.

But if I was super rich and had $30-40K to spend on a watch, would get the gold Daytona just as easily as the DD.

Originally Posted by Ardalan

Hello Everybody,

I always had couple of questions about SS Daytona's price and I think here is the best place to ask them.

Thanks for sharing you opinion about these questions:

Why It is so expensive? Even the Rolex DateJust II with 18k white gold and diamond dial is 10K which is cheaper than SS Daytona. Does it really worth the money to pay for an SS watch?

Why SS Daytona is 3 times more expensive than Omega Moon Watch? Is it really 3 times better?

Is it just about the brand? If Omega replaces the "Omega logo" with a "Rolex logo" on the moon watch do you guys pay 3 times more for it?

Daytona = Datejust II with white gold+ milgauss. Is it really THAT good? Why?

Thanks for sharing your opinions.

[Steelgold]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

Different strokes.....If you like chrono's & like the brand, you'll get a Daytona regardless of price.

Agreed. I like chrono's and like the brand which is why I got my Daytona.

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by Israguard

Hi Nauticajoe,
You're right..I now have 6 Rolexes.. Different models etc.. My next one will be 18k Daytona or DD.. But Daytona in 18k is a killer

Nice!.....can't wait for the wrist shot.

[Chewbacca]

LEFT BRAIN: as a chronograph, there's many better options at 1/3 the price or less...

RIGHT BRAIN: as a rolex, its superb and worth every penny...

[Dr. Robert]

Any Rolex is worth the money.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

LEFT BRAIN: as a chronograph, there's many better options at 1/3 the price or less...

Which ones would those be?

I can think of the Omega Planet Ocean with Cal. 9300... but then again, it doesn't have the same resale value.

Then there's the VC Overseas Chrono... but it's more expensive than the SS Daytona and has a worse resale value, too.

[warrior]

Brand blindless maybe?? I like Rolex alot and have two...but, when you get up to a certain level of quality and rep..... Aesthetics, Uniqueness, History, and Originality matter. A Daytona? Why get something that looks like everything else?? Why blend when it comes to looks? No brainer...truly a no go when it comes to the Daytona.

That's not really PC on a brand forum, I know. But, there it is.

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Any Rolex is worth the money.

[nycpassat]

the demand for the daytona still exist after all these years. IMO, its quite an attractive watch, however not my cup of tea.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Which ones would those be?

I can think of the Omega Planet Ocean with Cal. 9300... but then again, it doesn't have the same resale value.

Then there's the VC Overseas Chrono... but it's more expensive than the SS Daytona and has a worse resale value, too.

there's plenty options out there... for Left Brain....

for Right Brain... just the daytona... and that's just fine.

[DucS2R]

I finally bought a white SS Daytona a few months ago and really love it, beautiful watch and yes it is hard to read the subdials. I had two other chronos, a Speedy Pro moon phase and an IWC 3760. I absolutely loved the speedy and because of that I gave it to my younger son when he graduated from College. He had always admired the moon phase and it was a pleasure to give it to him as he heads off to med school. We just got it back from a full factory servicing. I still have the IWC and it is a nice watch with a great band, but I do not wear it all that often anymore even though it is very usable as a timer.

I just happen to really like the Daytona for daily business wear, but everyone has to own a Speedmaster at some point as well. Classic!

T

[psv]

The Rolex Daytona has achieved icon status, it is as simple as that. Once a "Veblen good" reaches that unique status rationale about the actual worth/value doesn't factor in. Is a Mont Blanc Meisterstuck simple ballpoint pen really worth $350? Is the Eames Lounge chair worth $5K?

[h999r]

YES ... but NO according to my parents and my girlfriend.

[GradyPhilpott]

I had a chance to try on a black dial SS Daytona recently and to my amazement I could not read the numbers on the subdials.

I thought maybe the light was too bright over the display case, but even in normal light I could not read the red numbers against the silver background.

This is a deal killer as far as I'm concerned and I was greatly disappointed.

I've never been attracted to the Daytona in the way that I have been attracted to the Omega Moon Watch or some of the older IWC Pilot Chronographs in terms of style, but if you can't even read the calibrations, then the watch ceases to be an instrument and becomes simply another piece of expensive jewelry.

I really hope that the Daytona is up for a redesign in the near future and it gets back to its tool watch roots.