SS Daytona vs. 18K TT Daytona - Help!

[alohanakoni]

Hey Guys,

Alright, I am down to my last decision. Could anyone explain to me why the 18K TT Daytona (White Dial) is cheaper than the SS Daytona (White or Black Dial). Although both are the same series the TT Daytona is cheaper. I like the TT Daytona better due to the fact that the 18K TT GMT II (Black Dial) looks exquisite. However, at the end of the day I wear a Daytona. So my questions is....does the SS Daytona have a better re-sale value than the 18K TT Daytona? Just in case I want to sell my Daytona later on to fund another purchase. What's your opinion?

[padi56]

The S.Steel Daytona is all down to fashion and pure hype, and whats in at the moment.Although myself not a fan of the modern daytona IMO the TT is a far nicer looking watch and not as commonly seen as the over-hyped SS.But most watches today in say the vintage world its the S.Steel that command the high prices over TT or gold.

[dopeymuppet]

Ah it's an age long question. I have owned both in my life although I flipped the TT one (in my avatar) towards a WG one over the summer. I'll be honest, I'd get the SS. The TT is stunning but after a while of owning it it's just neither one nor the other. Either choose SS or gold imo, am not a fan of both of them together!

As for the price, the TT ones are usually much cheaper as the demand for them is less, even though the production cost of the watch is higher. I bought mine for far below MSRP and bought my SS for above, but that's supply and demand for you!

Best option is though, as everyone else will say, choose the one that you like!

[charliec]

SS in my opinion. Resale % should you wish too is much better on the SS

[barstoolman]

Well, if purchased brand new from an AD, the TT Daytona is not cheaper......in fact, its quite a bit more. The TT takes a hit in the pre-owner/resale market as it just simply is not as desirable as the SS.

If you are buying merely for future resale value then buy the SS, otherwise, buy whichever one speaks to you

[Tools]

The TT Daytona lists for $14,250...

The SS Daytona lists for $9,925....

They might knock off a couple of thousand from the TT if you really know the AD... But around here the TT does not sell for less/same as the SS.

However, you can't find a SS model.

I was at my favorite AD just last night and there were 9 Daytonas (and 3 in the window display) in the showcase... all of them different, including a green Beach model; 5 of them were TT.

Talking to the Manager, he stated that they sell a Daytona every couple of days...but the SS models come in to their regional head office, calls are made to those interested, and when they get a yes and a deposit in hand, they send the SS model out to that dealer.

The bottom line.....Get the model that you like....if it's a TT, great...it's a wonderful watch and it is on your wrist..not what somebody else is wearing..

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by alohanakoni

Hey Guys,

Alright, I am down to my last decision. Could anyone explain to me why the 18K TT Daytona (White Dial) is cheaper than the SS Daytona (White or Black Dial). Although both are the same series the TT Daytona is cheaper. I like the TT Daytona better due to the fact that the 18K TT GMT II (Black Dial) looks exquisite. However, at the end of the day I wear a Daytona. So my questions is....does the SS Daytona have a better re-sale value than the 18K TT Daytona? Just in case I want to sell my Daytona later on to fund another purchase. What's your opinion?

If you are buying it to resale it down the road for another purchase, get the SS. If you are buying it to wear it and keep it and love it, get what you like - not what others like.

[Klokke]

Worldwide, black is harder to get than white in SS and commands a higher premium over list in most countries (e.g. Japan). This may not be an issue if you are not going to flip it but rarity is always nice to have.

The perceived increased popularity of white in some countries is likely due to the greater availability of the white dial compared to black even though both are still very hard to get at an AD for list price.

Finally, there is historic support for going with the black dial. COSMOGRAPH production began in 1963 with the reference 6239, initially with a VALJOUX 72B movement, and identical to that of the 6238 models. The oldest examples have a bezel for speed measurement with graduations and silver counters on a BLACK DIAL for the steel version.

Having said all that, they are both SS Daytonas are stunning and a true "grail" Rolex. The black is more versatile, works in more situations, and has a larger presence on the wrist.

All the above applies to the SS Daytona only. The Daytona started as a "tool" watch. The predecessors were chronographs used to time things reliably in sometimes tough conditions. The watch was never designed to be wrist candy to be worn with a suit (although it can be).

Adding a precious metal is not a functional addition -- it's purely cosmetic. Gold is softer, heavier, and more scratch prone than the special steel Rolex uses. The classic Daytona of yesterday, today, and tomorrow will always all steel. It's not hype, just history.

[ohsixx]

I went entirely on looks and bought the TT Daytona White Dial!

[SS Oyster]

You can do your own research on Ebay. There you will find the TT's going for around $7-8k, where the SS models command $9-11k. Up to you, but from an investment and rarity standpoint, the SS is the watch to purchase.

[lagios]

SS Oyster have a point here
You can find a good deal at ebay
But if you are considering resale value go for the SS

[marshallr47]

I love the SS version but that's just me. Good luck with your decision.

[alohanakoni]

thanks for your opinions. my daytona arrived this morning and it's absolutely stunning. i chose the TT. the TT daytona sings to me! i will post the pics later on.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by alohanakoni

thanks for your opinions. my daytona arrived this morning and it's absolutely stunning. i chose the TT. the TT daytona sings to me! i will post the pics later on.

Kudos to you for going with your heart! Congrats!

[Welshwatchman]

If you buy pre-owned at $7500 (TT) and $10000 (SS) respectively then either watch will be worth this same amount in the future.

There is little further loss nor gain at these prices IMO. It allowed you to buy with your heart.

[hsung]

Originally Posted by alohanakoni

thanks for your opinions. my daytona arrived this morning and it's absolutely stunning. i chose the TT. the TT daytona sings to me! i will post the pics later on.

I also chose the TT because I have longed for one, plus it's got the weight that feels more precious ... yet you can get it at a better deal than the SS

[sini1717]

Great stuff ,well done enjoy your watch. TT all the way for me.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by alohanakoni

thanks for your opinions. my daytona arrived this morning and it's absolutely stunning. i chose the TT. the TT daytona sings to me! i will post the pics later on.

Around 18 years ago, when the steel Daytona was just impossible to find
many of my friends would come to me for advice how to turn their T/T into steel ?
I bet there are at least 200 watches out there for which I helped
to "renovate"....

[CanuckRolex]

In my opinion the SS daytona is pure BS hype and is not rare.

when you put a TT and a SS together, the TT will always stand out as the better option.

[alohanakoni]

guys,

thanks for your posts. i am glad to know that i am not the only TT Daytona guy.

[chenx15]

if the supply is equal the TT daytona will surely be more expensive that the SS resale wise