Talk Me Out Of A Daytona

[Time Exposure]

Awesome responses, thank you. Much of what is said has gone through my head. Allow me to touch on some comments:
I see the appeal of Panerai, and would "share" one with my wife (who loves the Radiomir), but the style just doesn't ring my bell. I love Speedmasters, but just sold the fourth and final Speedy to build the fund for my next chrono. Missing the date is okay by me, but I do prefer an automatic.
I really want a chrono. I had considered a Sub or SeaDweller, especially since they cost less and I have a knack for being distracted by other purchases while pursuing the grail. But chrono is the only interest at the moment.
AP ROC is the highest on my "alternatives" chart (not a ROO fan). Mike has come to know me (for better or worse) and yes, the scratch-magnetitude of a RO concerns me a bit. Then there's Daytona PCL's. Part of me says, fuggeddabouddit (is that right? my New Joisey is not fluent). This will be my daily love, and scratches are expected.
Part of my concern is the relative fragility of ye olde F Piguet chrono. My "beefed up" Omega Broad Arrow was a disaster, and left a bad taste after 4 repairs (the last one on my dime). I'm a professional desk diver and occasional Disneyland Line Stander, so I'm not particularly hard on my watch.
The VC Overseas has always intrigued me. I say I can do w/o the date but that big date is nice. I can't decide if the integration of the Maltese Cross is cool or campy.
Black dial is a must. Had white, couldn't read it. Fearing I may have the same issue with black, but I'll take the extra second to study the indicator. This really makes me appreciate the Speedmaster!
And as for that taunting photo of the Patek 5980 (my former grail), yes! For the price of a stainless Daytona, please get me one for now, and while I apply for a home equity loan please get me a dozen more at that price OUCH! HEY! Reality just b!+€#-slapped me...
Sorry for my typical wordiness, and keep suggestions coming!
PS-no love for a used IWC GST Perpetual Calendar Chrono? It's actually the one that got me thinking about alternatives, but service on a PC chrono has me a tad spooked...

[Clay]

How about a Zenith Daytona…???

I happen to think the White Dial SS model 16520 is much nicer looking then the newer version…

[sennheiserz]

Tudor big block chronograph + ND Ceramic Sub + Carribean vacation > Modern daytona

[Callummcs]

If it was me I would go with the Daytona. I think that if you bought something else you would just regret not going for the Daytona?

I do have a skewed view on this though as the Daytona is the watch I have always wanted ever since I first saw one.

[Presa canary]

Easy....

[Vaxe]

I just bought a white 116520 but my daily chrono is the Zenith 1969 38mm with an El Primero 400Z. It's about 1/2 the price of the Daytona and an excellent timepiece.

[locutus49]

One thing to keep in mind if you are considering Haute Horology like AP is not only to they require more frequent servicing, but servicing is more expensive and reportedly slower.

Rolexes maintain their value, require less frequent service, and service is reasonable considering the high quality of the movement.

So if you are actually going to wear the watch often, these are points to consider.

If you are going for pre-owned, unless you are interested in vintage (which is a whole 'nother discussion), I would suggest a recent model (11 number) with the excellent in-house movement. I am biased as I'm researching Daytonas for my own eventual purchase. YMMV.

[locutus49]

Vaxe, nice looking Zenith.

Originally Posted by Vaxe

I just bought a white 116520 but my daily chrono is the Zenith 1969 38mm with an El Primero 400Z. It's about 1/2 the price of the Daytona and an excellent timepiece.

[Steel28]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

I just bought a white 116520 but my daily chrono is the Zenith 1969 38mm with an El Primero 400Z. It's about 1/2 the price of the Daytona and an excellent timepiece.

Vaxe! Congrats, you did it!

I like that Zenith as well.

[submariner123]

Originally Posted by Nycturbovr6

Don't get the black get the white dial

but the black one looks so much better...

[Vaxe]

Originally Posted by Steel28

Vaxe! Congrats, you did it!

I like that Zenith as well.

Thanks, will have an unboxing thread tomorrow...

[Tseg]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

...but talk me into some other chronograph on a bracelet.

OK. Everyone is selling Daytonas. You don't want one. The new trend is frugal chronographs. Save yourself $12K. Its more accurate (isn't accurate timing why you want a chronograph?) and can tell you the date.

[Clay]

Sorry…
They don't get much better looking then this…

[GsurgBM]

Stick with the classic

[GsurgBM]

Originally Posted by Clay

Sorry…
They don't get much better looking then this…

That is good looking. If I was after a white dialed daytona, that's the one.

[goog53]

Wait until a SS version with Ceramic bezel is released

[rootbeer7]

I looked at Daytona countless times. Last time I tried both black and white ss models and tt panda. Whilst they looked amazing, there was sonething missing, a date!!. I got a Tudor big-block and couldn't be happier.

[Dr.Brian]

The screw down chrono buttons kill it for me every time.
I love a good chrono.
The IWC is a great one.

[lipjin]

Great analysis OP on the various chronos out there. I think as a daily the ROC is great - probably get some desk diving marks on the clasp but you can always use a clasp condom

Would also throw in a zenith striking 10th 1969 tribute for consideration - great looking chrono with a funky complication and wears larger than the 38mm that was pictured before.





And the trusty ROC:) to tempt you a little more.

[sroh]

There are some nice chronos here! Other than the PP, I think my favorite of the 'other' choices is the VC. That is one sweet looking Chrono, and I love the big date.

$12K was the max I was willing to spend (and I had to stretch to get there). The Daytona was my choice, and I haven't been able to wear anything else since I picked it up a few weeks ago.

[Racerdj]

I can't as I really like mine.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Clay

Sorry…
They don't get much better looking then this…

Originally Posted by GsurgBM

Stick with the classic

Some good advise here

[Bullitt44]

Will never talk anyone out of a Daytona!

[locutus49]

I don't know why you are dead set against the Daytona, one of the icons of horology, but if you want something else, I think the Patek 5990 is a Chrono (among other things) and the 5980 may be, too. These are the new releases for 2014. And these are the only watches I would place above the SS Daytona.

Remember, Patek and Rolex hold value, others depreciate quickly.

[VICI]

Did someone say chrono??



No scratch worry - ceramic


My favs:



Not my pic but a cool shot

[Nidal]

You will end up buying one after this thread


Nidal

[Browner]

Omega Aqua Terra Chrono is brilliant, the dial has subtle lines emulating a ships deck. The black of grey dials look the best.

[MrJ320]

My top choices if the watch is on bracelet and in the Daytona price range are AP ROC, VC OS, Daytona, IWC 3878 (in that order)

[vman]

Why should we talk you out? It is a great watch :-)

In that price category there only several other players already mentioned in this thread. From what I understand, Daytona's movement is probably more rugged then the mechanisms found in VC Overseas or AP ROC.

[jamesbondOO7]

No date, no deal.