New (Old) Gold Daytona

[countrysquire]

My wife gave me a gold daytona as a wedding present. It was in a green Rolex box and doesn't have any scratches, but I believe it is used since it has the second hand at 9 o'clock, does not seem as heavy as I remember the gold Daytona, and there is no green sticker on the back. Any way to tell how old this watch might be and if it's authentic?

Thanks for any comments.

[toph]

If you are able to try an put some pictures on and loads of people can tell you. Are the sub dials a chronograph timer or used for the date etc. If the yare for the date and month then it is not authentic

[countrysquire]

Sub dials are for a chronometer. I noticed that it seems the current models have the second hand at 6 o'clock and this watch has it at 9 o'clock.

[toph]

As in the the second hand in the sub dial? if so that is correct they are at 6 but without a picture i could not answer you 100% accurately. Maybe some others could. Also i do not know if daytona's used to or if certain models have the seconds at 9. But i would doubt it

[scottschoe]

Ask your wife where she bought it from and bring it there for an inspection.

[tazzy1]

you could check the serial number by taking off the band at 6pm. The letter it starts with will give you the year of production. Also the stamped clasp code should tell you year of production for the band.
Check the clasp code here http://www.oysterinfo.de/en/detailin...mern/index.php

The code is the year made and number next to the code is the month made.

[Baptistman]

If your wife bought it as a pressie, does it matter. Or did she buy it, thinking it is new.

[David1971]

The old daytona (1988-2000) with Zenith movement have the second hand at 9, the new one (2000-) with inhouse movement have the second hand at 6.

check this link http://www.oysterinfo.de/de/specials...6520/index.php

-David

[countrysquire]

Thanks David for that comparative site. IF ONLY IT WAS IN ENGLISH!!!

[llamaofdoom]

Where did your wife purchase the watch? Did they provide the serial # when she purchased it? If so, the first letter or digit of the serial # would be enough to arrive at the approximate date of manufacture.

[countrysquire]

It has a U serial number. I understand that is late 97 early 98. Trying to decide if the post 2000 movement and solid links makes a big difference.

[ratmotortom]

Did she think she was buying you a NEW watch ?????

[countrysquire]

I think she knew it was a used watch but wasn't familiar with the differences pre and post 2000. Still haven't had anyone weigh in if the in house Rolex movement is substantially better than the Zenith movement or if the solid links make a real difference over the hollow links.

[toph]

Originally Posted by countrysquire

I think she knew it was a used watch but wasn't familiar with the differences pre and post 2000. Still haven't had anyone weigh in if the in house Rolex movement is substantially better than the Zenith movement or if the solid links make a real difference over the hollow links.

What i do know as i asked this question recently is that the post 2000 Daytonas use a 4130 movement that is better than the Zenith movement BUT the Pre 2000 zenith daytonas are more valuable at the moment due to the rarity of the watches

[Tools]

If you have a '97 or 98 Daytona with the sub seconds at the 9 o'clock position, you have a very valuable watch indeed.

Many would say that the Zenith movement (4030) Daytona is a more valuable watch since fewer were made. It is sought after and commands a good price..

The Zenith is a good quality movement.......The in house 4130 is a good quality movement.. To say one is better is splitting hairs. Same with the hollow versus the solid links.. The solid links are noticibly heavier, but again, better is subjective..

Of course, pictures would help us out.......

[countrysquire]

Thanks for the additional information. Mayor Jewellers certified Rolex watchmaker confirmed the U serial number and said the watch was in excellent condition. I know that the older stainless Daytonas are valuable but does that also apply to the solid gold ones (with white dial). Will try to figure out how to post photos.

Thanks again.

[toph]

is this like yours, it is from 1996 and with a leather band though! Add a few $1000 for a solid gold band. also this is in £ sterling, so just double it for $US
http://www.watches.co.uk/watch.php?wid=0228P

[llamaofdoom]

Black dial is slightly more desireable, but I wouldn't pass on a white dial. It's all good as long as it isn't champagne.

Long term, you will do better $-wise with that 16528 than you'll do with the more recent models, IMHO. Just far fewer are out there.

[East Bay Rider]

Nice wife! I received my SS GMT-ll as an anniversary gift. I would GLADLY accept a Zenith YG Daytona (ANY color dial) as a gift.
Please post pics.

[countrysquire]

Thanks guys for all the comments. And thanks Toph for the photo. Exactly the watch with an all gold band. I learned tonight she paid $12,500 so given the pricing of the one in the UK that seems like a fair price.

Since it looks like a keeper I will need a link for the bracelet. It only has three removable links and I understand that they usually have five. Any suggestions where to buy?

Thanks again.

[llamaofdoom]

$12,500 for all gold is a good price, even if it is short a couple of links. Sounds like that watch is a keeper.

[countrysquire]

Thanks. Anyone have an idea for a source for a gold link for the pre 2000 bracelet?

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by countrysquire

Thanks. Anyone have an idea for a source for a gold link for the pre 2000 bracelet?

Try your local AD.

[countrysquire]

Originally Posted by scottschoe

Try your local AD.

Thanks Scott. I spoke with one store and they quoted $675, which I thought was high for that small of a hollow link. I have a call into a second AD. I was hoping there might be a source for the listing of surplus links from folks with smaller wrists that simply had the extra links sitting in their box in storage.

[Tools]

Any Rolex Authorized Dealer should be able to get you another link..

However, the gold links are expensive........several hundred bucks.

You might want to try to buy one from somebody who had to take out some links... or try a WTB post in our For Sale Forum

[vukotab]

Your wife bought you incredible present!That watch you have is definitely a keeper!

[frostie]

Lucky you

That's a very nice present

[kelly56]

Compliments to a very thoughtful wife and an awesome gift. Congratulations.

[countrysquire]

Originally Posted by Tools

Any Rolex Authorized Dealer should be able to get you another link..

However, the gold links are expensive........several hundred bucks.

You might want to try to buy one from somebody who had to take out some links... or try a WTB post in our For Sale Forum

Thanks Larry. I tried going to the For Sale Forum to post the WTB but I got an error message that said I did not have permission to post there.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by countrysquire

Thanks Larry. I tried going to the For Sale Forum to post the WTB but I got an error message that said I did not have permission to post there.

You need to have 15 posts and to have been a member here for at least 15 days.
It would be great to see pictures.
Be sure to post a wrist shot after getting the band sorted out.