SS Daytona just hype??

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

SOOOOOOOO True... I don't understand why it's so bashed on here, it's a fantastic watch. I completely understand it's not for everyone, I respect personal choices, however you won't ever find me disrespecting someone by telling them their watch is all hype and no substance, overpriced, useless features, etc. I feel that way about some Rolexes, but even when a TRF member shows off a model I personally find hideous, what is the decent response? Something like:

Hey, it's not for me but congrats and enjoy!


Yet, for some reason SOME (not all of course, probably not the majority) TRFers feel Daytona owners don't deserve that basic respect, and they have a free reign of bashing a nice model. Love it, hate it, somewhere in the middle I respect your opinion, don't criticize a model because it was (is?) hghly sought after.

nice post, paul.

don't worry too much about it, though....is there any watch that doesn't get bashed? "short hands" explorer? "clown master"? girly 36mm DJ? "entry level" explorer ii? blingy GMT with the bizarre bezel text? fat lugs SubC that every tom, dick and harry wears? what's an air king?

for some reason, there's a lot of people who feel the need to put others' watches down....the good of that is that there is passion, the bad is that, come on, it's just a watch and not at all polite or respectful. would 99.99% of the negative comments be made in real life and not behind a computer screen?

if you like the watch, spend the money and enjoy it. if you don't, shrug your shoulders and move on, 'cause the price is the price and it's not going to change just because you happen to think you KNOW what a luxury item SHOULD cost.

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

I think the hype created the interest, a lot of people wanted the watch as they thought it was so rare and there was a thrill in the chase of a 7 year wait to be lucky enough to get one.

Very well put Terry

People always want what they can't get

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

Before they hype back in the early 80s my local AD said the Daytona sat in his window for 6 months+ everyone wanted the Omega moon watch. He said the Daytona hype created him a lot of sales of other Rolex models as he would not sell a Daytona to 1st time customers, now he's struggling to shift them at list price to anyone. He even used to sometimes force buyers to remove the seals off the Daytona in the shop to stop the obvious flippers.

I think the hype created the interest, a lot of people wanted the watch as they thought it was so rare and there was a thrill in the chase of a 7 year wait to be lucky enough to get one.

Without going into people's personal preference over whether it's good, bad or indifferent, the point you make above proves one thing; it's not a short term hype, it's lasted over 30 years.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

Rolex's price rises have killed the hype, what with grey dealers not buying them over list and not selling for more than a few hundred over list the hype is dying down and the demand for Daytona's is not there.

Before they hype back in the early 80s my local AD said the Daytona sat in his window for 6 months+ everyone wanted the Omega moon watch. He said the Daytona hype created him a lot of sales of other Rolex models as he would not sell a Daytona to 1st time customers, now he's struggling to shift them at list price to anyone. He even used to sometimes force buyers to remove the seals off the Daytona in the shop to stop the obvious flippers.

I think the hype created the interest, a lot of people wanted the watch as they thought it was so rare and there was a thrill in the chase of a 7 year wait to be lucky enough to get one.

My boss also says that the original Daytona was a very difficult watch to sell 'back in the day'. I would, however, argue that it was the grey market that really killed the Daytona hype. Rolex were simply matching their prices: they might as well maximise their profits, as plenty of people were willing to pay the prices that the greys were charging. Furthermore, greys seemed to be getting hold of an awful lot of 116520s - if you look on Blower's today, you can count 11 116520s in stock. That's the equivalent of several years' supply for some dealerships. I know everyone has to make a living, but the sheer scale of the mark up on the secondary market at its peak and the sheer number of watches available was bound to have annoyed/upset Rolex. Having to tell someone there's a 9 year waiting list gets pretty embarrassing after a while, and also aggravates some customers - about the only time I get a rough time from customers at the shop is over Daytonas.

Maybe I have a somewhat unusual perspective when it comes to Daytonas, but its gotten to the point where I will happily recommend the bi-metal over the steel. That's not because I can get more money out of a customer, but because I cannot in all good conscience sell a steel Daytona as a rare watch, which is what most (but not all) customers after one want. I argue that you'll see far, far fewer TT Daytonas in the wild, plus the choice of dials reduces the possibility of seeing an identical one. As such, a TT one will be rare in the sense there are (relatively speaking) few in existence, rather than one that is just perceived as rare, but is actually produced in relatively large numbers. It's a very, very bizarre watch for me, and I find the whole rarity spiel that many use to inflate the price of the watch quite distasteful. The whole irony of it is that I think the Daytona would sell excellently on its own merits, without the mentality that one can buy one to make an instant profit. I'll personally be very glad to see the back of the waiting lists

Apologies for the rant

Chris

[RJC]

Originally Posted by steelerfan65

it has always been one of the best in rolex lineup! It is amazing to me also how many people love to bash it.

x2

[RJC]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

nice post, paul.

don't worry too much about it, though....is there any watch that doesn't get bashed? "short hands" explorer? "clown master"? girly 36mm DJ? "entry level" explorer ii? blingy GMT with the bizarre bezel text? fat lugs SubC that every tom, dick and harry wears? what's an air king?

for some reason, there's a lot of people who feel the need to put others' watches down....the good of that is that there is passion, the bad is that, come on, it's just a watch and not at all polite or respectful. would 99.99% of the negative comments be made in real life and not behind a computer screen?

if you like the watch, spend the money and enjoy it. if you don't, shrug your shoulders and move on, 'cause the price is the price and it's not going to change just because you happen to think you KNOW what a luxury item SHOULD cost.

Absolutely agree. Unfortunately, this kind of attitude seems to be getting more and more frequent on TRF these days.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by RJC

Absolutely agree. Unfortunately, this kind of attitude seems to be getting more and more frequent on TRF these days.

X 2, Agree Cru!

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

the SS Daytona is and will probably always be the most desirable Rolex!!

While the Daytona will always hold appeal for some people, I certainly can't see this as being true, not now nor never. Not only are other models certainly desired as much -- consider the widely popular IIc and Subs -- but almost no Rolex sees as many haters.

I'll admit, I'm one. Even Rolexes I don't personally want I can still enjoy and appreciate. But, this is not true with the Daytonas -- I dislike them to an astonishing (to me) degree. I know it's all about opinions, but I can certainly say with some objectivity that it's hard to justify a statement that the Daytona is the "most desirable" of their watches.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

Rolex's price rises have killed the hype, what with grey dealers not buying them over list and not selling for more than a few hundred over list the hype is dying down and the demand for Daytona's is not there.

Before they hype back in the early 80s my local AD said the Daytona sat in his window for 6 months+ everyone wanted the Omega moon watch. He said the Daytona hype created him a lot of sales of other Rolex models as he would not sell a Daytona to 1st time customers, now he's struggling to shift them at list price to anyone. He even used to sometimes force buyers to remove the seals off the Daytona in the shop to stop the obvious flippers.

I think the hype created the interest, a lot of people wanted the watch as they thought it was so rare and there was a thrill in the chase of a 7 year wait to be lucky enough to get one.

See what I mean?

I completely agree the rarity of the SS model caused a "hype" drove up prices and created a frenzy in Gray markets, customers paying double MSRP, flippers going crazy, Cats and Dogs living together, a lot of people questioned a SS being worth that much. Heck, even I was amazed at the prices some people decided to pay for one! (It is their choice, they paid what they wanted to for something they wanted. ) And no doubt some of the demand was from people desiring what was impossible to get etc. BUT....

All that "hype" and market craze DOES NOT MAKE THE DAYTONA A BAD WATCH


Even with the craze settling down, it becoming more available, the SS Daytona is still a sought-after, value-holding, and (IMHO) an attractive and functional watch.

If you don't like the Daytona for whatever reason, I respect your opinion, there are ALL models of Rolex some of us like and dislike, but DON'T HOLD THE "HYPE" IT EXPERIENCED AS A REASON TO CLAIM THE WATCH IS BAD, OR UGLY, OR NOT WORTH THE MONEY, OR IT CLUBS BABY SEALS TO DEATH IN THE ARCTIC. .

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

While the Daytona will always hold appeal for some people, I certainly can't see this as being true, not now nor never. Not only are other models certainly desired as much -- consider the widely popular IIc and Subs -- but almost no Rolex sees as many haters.

I'll admit, I'm one. Even Rolexes I don't personally want I can still enjoy and appreciate. But, this is not true with the Daytonas -- I dislike them to an astonishing (to me) degree. I know it's all about opinions, but I can certainly say with some objectivity that it's hard to justify a statement that the Daytona is the "most desirable" of their watches.

Personally I wouldn't buy a Sub or GMT as I prefer a chronograph, but I wouldnt state on here that I dislike them to an astonishing degree - its simply rude and impolite. Why not just say you prefer the GMT??
It's this type of comment that IS becoming all too frequent and unwelcome on TRF

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Personally I wouldn't buy a Sub or GMT as I prefer a chronograph, but I wouldnt state on here that I dislike them to an astonishing degree - its simply rude and impolite. Why not just say you prefer the GMT??
It's this type of comment that IS becoming all too frequent and unwelcome on TRF

It's, like, just my opinion, man. Why shouldn't I be able to state it? Have we really gotten to that point?

Also, I stated my opinion accurately. It's not that I prefer X or Y watch over it, it's that I do not like it in and of itself. I feel I have defensible reasons for my *opinion,* but that is neither here nor there. The real question is why can an opinion not be expressed? Especially since we all know that opinions are personal and subjective and not shared universally.

[L-16610]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

I own and love a black V series daytona - I read on here all the time from many posters saying its all hype, it won't last and it's a short term trend/fad/fashion that dictates the Daytona price - thing is, I've been looking through threads from 2/3 years ago, and the same people were making the same comments!!

Now trends, fashion and fads do not go on for 15-20 years so let's be honest, whether the ss Daytona is for you or not - the SS Daytona is and will probably always be the most desirable Rolex!!

This is not hype in my opinion.

it's a hype and already today they are not very hot anymore
Besides 20 years ago you bought these with a big discount

I'm not sure this will be the most desirable within 10 years

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

It's, like, just my opinion, man. Why shouldn't I be able to state it? Have we really gotten to that point?

Think of it like this: if we met in person would you say "I hate your watch!" or would you be polite and say its nice for you but I prefer some of Rolex other models??

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Having to tell someone there's a 9 year waiting list gets pretty embarrassing after a while, and also aggravates some customers - about the only time I get a rough time from customers at the shop is over Daytonas.

The whole irony of it is that I think the Daytona would sell excellently on its own merits, without the mentality that one can buy one to make an instant profit. I'll personally be very glad to see the back of the waiting lists

Apologies for the rant

Chris

There you go Chris, in your own words. By the way, i don't think that many people have said that the Daytona is rare, just hard to find. ( especially in your dealership 9 years waiting list !!!!! )

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by L-16610

it's a hype and already today they are not very hot anymore
Besides 20 years ago you bought these with a big discount

I'm not sure this will be the most desirable within 10 years

I didn't buy mine due to hype. It was the only Rolex I wanted and when I went to buy from the AD I was surprised at the waiting list - I got it because in my opinion it is a fantastic looking watch with a great movement

[Mickey®]

Not sure if I replied on this post yet but...I'd sell my LV and Explorer II to get a White Dial Daytona if I wasn't lazy...and die happy.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Paulie 50

There you go Chris, in your own words. By the way, i don't think that many people have said that the Daytona is rare, just hard to find. ( especially in your dealership 9 years waiting list !!!!! )

Well, I think most folks on TRF are pretty well informed when it comes to the Daytona, but the general mentality out in the real world is that the Daytona is rare. We have c. 40 names on our list, so we have to quote 9 years, but the reality is more and more people are turning the watch down when we call them. In reality, a serious buyer doesn't have to wait anywhere near that long with us

[terrywoods]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Well, I think most folks on TRF are pretty well informed when it comes to the Daytona, but the general mentality out in the real world is that the Daytona is rare. We have c. 40 names on our list, so we have to quote 9 years, but the reality is more and more people are turning the watch down when we call them. In reality, a serious buyer doesn't have to wait anywhere near that long with us

I bet they turn them down nearly every call when they discover grey dealers are now longer buying them over list and they have no way of shifting a £7.5k watch for a profit. I remember when they used to be £3.4k not so long back.

I know a few people who really want a daytona but it's not because they like the watch and the stop watch more the status and the hype of the watch. I just smile when they say it's there dream watch.

[ElPrimero]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Well, I think most folks on TRF are pretty well informed when it comes to the Daytona, but the general mentality out in the real world is that the Daytona is rare. We have c. 40 names on our list, so we have to quote 9 years, but the reality is more and more people are turning the watch down when we call them. In reality, a serious buyer doesn't have to wait anywhere near that long with us

Chris, you said you end up putting them in the window, due to lack of interest. Realistically, what kind of wait would I be in for if I visited your AD direct? (Black dial SS)

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by ElPrimero

Chris, you said you end up putting them in the window, due to lack of interest. Realistically, what kind of wait would I be in for if I visited your AD direct? (Black dial SS)

Well, we promised the next black dial to a chap around Christmas time - we still haven't had a black dial in. This year has been exclusively white dials. As we never know exactly what Rolex plan on sending us until shortly before we receive the watches, I would have to say "how long is a piece of string?" Could be a couple of months, could be much, much longer. Funny how it goes sometimes - you'd think you'd be sent each dial alternatively, but it doesn't work like that

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by terrywoods

I bet they turn them down nearly every call when they discover grey dealers are now longer buying them over list and they have no way of shifting a £7.5k watch for a profit. I remember when they used to be £3.4k not so long back.

It was 2000/1 when they were that price.

[Zed Homme]

The senseless bashing isn't limited to the Daytona, people love to bash the milguass or dssd as well. Currently, my AD still has a black SS daytona in the case. It has been there since January, and I know he has a second one in his safe.

He also has a couple of subs, I guess those watches are just hype as well....

[dooder202]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

I own and love a black V series daytona - I read on here all the time from many posters saying its all hype, it won't last and it's a short term trend/fad/fashion that dictates the Daytona price - thing is, I've been looking through threads from 2/3 years ago, and the same people were making the same comments!!

Now trends, fashion and fads do not go on for 15-20 years so let's be honest, whether the ss Daytona is for you or not - the SS Daytona is and will probably always be the most desirable Rolex!!

This is not hype in my opinion.

Well the interest in this watch is in the eye of the beholder, I remember how badly I wanted one, so I purchased one and thought "Why did I just buy a watch without a date" Plus, IMHO the Daytona doesn't seem or feel like a 12k watch, it's all stainless steel (except of course for the two-tone and 18k models), it doesn't have a date, it was sort of difficult to read, so on and so forth, so needless to say I flipped it.

[normandy]

I saw one last week at the local AD here.
it's a white dial 116520 displayed in the case.
V serial, Price: MSRP plus tax

hype or not, I happen to love daytonas and its price tag becomes sensible when you want it bad enough.

[Guerreiro]

Yes Sir!

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Maybe it was just my timing :)

One thing, I just noticed you were referring to the SS model. I was talking about the Daytona in general (I can't remember exactly what models I saw .. I will check next time I am walking around).

I do stand corrected indeed ... I was just at the Mayors @ The Falls in South Miami and they did have about 5 or 6 Daytonas, but all TT or Gold. No SS. I had a good conversation with the store manager and he told me that there is a long waiting list for the SS.

They did have the new Daytona Everose with ceramic bezel. I can't say that I am too crazy about it. I prefer the SS by miles.

Since I was at it, I asked for the Expy 42 and he was not sure of an ETA, maybe a couple of weeks. BTW, the guy's name is Frank. He's great, even offered a fair trade for my 16570 for a TT GMT C.

And they did have the WG Sub C Blue ... man that is a stunning watch!!

[yemenmocha]

SS Daytona is amazing. No, it's not hype. Anything like this with less supply is going to be subject to that critique though.

[77T]

Bashing? Never saw it...

If you own a Daytona any negative words you see on TRF roll right off your back...because you KNOW why you wanted it and what you had to do to get it.

I never saw a Daytona owner bash it ;-)

[Sherwooddavid]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

I own and love a black V series daytona - I read on here all the time from many posters saying its all hype, it won't last and it's a short term trend/fad/fashion that dictates the Daytona price - thing is, I've been looking through threads from 2/3 years ago, and the same people were making the same comments!!

Now trends, fashion and fads do not go on for 15-20 years so let's be honest, whether the ss Daytona is for you or not - the SS Daytona is and will probably always be the most desirable Rolex!!

This is not hype in my opinion.

Agree 100% !

[marshallr47]

Regardless of the hype, I do enjoy my Daytona very much. I know it's not for many everyone but to each his/her own.