A Polished Daytona 16520 - To buy or not to buy , that is the question

[Daso]

Hello all,. I still unhappily haven't aquired a Daytona 16520 since the prices have jumped this year. To think I turned down two opportunities to buy nice ones for $10k last year is sort of nauseating. Anyway, stupidity aside I cant afford a $20k + Daytona that is unpolished with chamfered lugs and forget box an papers. It's silly to me, but I still want one. So, I found one in realistically used condition that was definitely polished as the top of the lugs aren't fully brushed, it has all it's links, the bezel and case are ok but once again it's polished , not today death but enough to have a serious collector or a lot of people I speak with say Oh, it's polished. It's under $17k and I can do a payment plan since it's above my budget. Once again I ask the question but I'm buying to own it and keep it. Will I sell it one day, maybe who knows, a year, 5 years never. I'm not sure. That being said, is is really dumb to hope it will be desirable from an investment standpoint later on since everyone wants top versions am I just making a big mistake buying a let's say we'll worn and slightly over polished Daytona that still looks pretty damn good to me. I much prefer it to the 116520 aesthetically. The key here is that it is the Zenith Daytona that I found and want , not a 116520 where you can get a better condition piece with box and papers for a few Thousand less. Thanks.

[soundserious]

PASS. You can fix a lot, a polishing job can be ameliorated but it’s one of those things that will never be oem again.

[Jay (Eire)]

No. You won't be happy with this. The very fact that you are posting here should be enough to tell you that this is not the right watch.

I too prefer the 16520 over the more recent iterations (even the ceramic). If that's what your heart is set on then wait for it.

I've not been paying attention to the movement in 16520 prices, except that I'd noted prices in Japan were astronomical at least 12 months ago. Seems like the US has caught up now.

[lamnyc]

You won't be happy.

[jezza17]

Don’t buy an overpolished Daytona. Every time you look at the Watch the over polishing is all you’ll see.

[sensui]

Let's see the watch....having the brushed finish come off the top of lugs doesn't mean it can't be fixed. What's important is how much meat is left on the lugs...you keep saying it's nothing extreme and if so, someone like as L.A. Watchworks can get it back to factory finish easily with minimum missing metal....the price doesn't sound terribly out of line of the watch still has a decent case.

[Fleetlord]

Not enough info (pics) to help

[Daso]

Thanks for all the input. Since it's still at the store I asked for some photos and will hopefully be able to get your opinions based on photos and not my very unqualified Rolex judgement. I'm good with other vintage watches but Rolex doesn't seem to be my forte. I am cautious about posting photos of a watch I don't own.

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[joli160]

Originally Posted by sensui

Let's see the watch....having the brushed finish come off the top of lugs doesn't mean it can't be fixed. What's important is how much meat is left on the lugs...you keep saying it's nothing extreme and if so, someone like as L.A. Watchworks can get it back to factory finish easily with minimum missing metal....the price doesn't sound terribly out of line of the watch still has a decent case.

X2

[MinMay]

polished = no buy. If I'm going to spend that much, then it has to be OEM with box and everything else included. Good luck.

[AdamG]

Do 1652x series Daytonas have chamfered lugs?

[hitman23]

no chamfers on the 16520

[AdamG]

Originally Posted by hitman23

no chamfers on the 16520

[Simon_e]

No, find a better one and pay the difference on an interest free credit card. Any negative on the watch will scream out to you every time you wear it and will be harder to sell on.

[Daso]

Originally Posted by AdamG

Oops, my bad. Thanks for correction.

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[77T]

You said the key here is that it’s a Zenith movement. For me that wouldn’t trump an over-polished watch case. But when you post the pics, you’ll get some discerning opinions.

As others said, the metal that’s gone will stick in your mind long after the benefit of a Zenith movement is forgotten.


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[jrs146]

Lightly polished = sure no problem.
Over-polished = Pass


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[Daso]

Originally Posted by jrs146

Lightly polished = sure no problem.
Over-polished = Pass


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This is unfortunately where I lack the experience with Rolex vs other vintage pieces. Going to hopefully post some pics today.

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[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Daso

...I can do a payment plan since it's above my budget.

IMHO wait until you can afford it. This is a very friendly comment, as imho some things are 'toys' (watches, exotic cars, etc) and not a financial vehicle. Personally, am the type to get the best example possible. A questionably polished watch is not something i'd consider as would have rather have it scratched up instead so, if desired, a professional (RSC) could polish it properly.

JMHO

[Daso]

Originally Posted by AdamG

Do 1652x series Daytonas have chamfered lugs?

No. My error.

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[Speed]

If you like the way it looks - and want it on your wrist...buy it.

If not, don’t.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by sensui

Let's see the watch....having the brushed finish come off the top of lugs doesn't mean it can't be fixed. What's important is how much meat is left on the lugs...you keep saying it's nothing extreme and if so, someone like as L.A. Watchworks can get it back to factory finish easily with minimum missing metal....the price doesn't sound terribly out of line of the watch still has a decent case.

Agreed. There are few things Beau cannot fix. The man is a damn wizard.

[Daso]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Agreed. There are few things Beau cannot fix. The man is a damn wizard.

You must tell me more about Beau? Worth sending a watch all way from NYC? ( Not that far)

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[rushca01]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Agreed. There are few things Beau cannot fix. The man is a damn wizard.

LA watchworks did this one




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[watchwatcher]

If you're talking about "over budget" and "payment plan," then you want a watch you're happy with (ecstatic in fact) out of the box. IMO.

[Luap1976]

Op you say you have no experience in how to tell if a watch has been polished or not.,so what makes you think it was polished.the fine satin brushing on the lugs wears off naturally from daily wear constant rubbing from the jacket sleeve.my Tudor black bay I brought brand new from ad 3 years ago the lugs are shiny and look polished in places where the cuff is constantly rubbing I've never polished or would ever polish any of my watches I like the original lines.ive worn it every day for 3 years not babying it .so imo that is what your seeing unless the entire top of the lugs has been polished up to the bezel edge on all 4 lugs .then the watch in question may have had the satin brushing replaced with a polished finish at some point if thats what the original owner preferred

[Daso]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

If you're talking about "over budget" and "payment plan," then you want a watch you're happy with (ecstatic in fact) out of the box. IMO.

I agree to a certain extent, the big problem is the one I want is now in the $20'sh K range and almost impossible to find a layaway scenario on a watch that sells so quickly. That does beg the question of why one hasn't sold as well, but find me a nice Zenith Daytona that I can buy on a payment plan at a sub $20K and I'll jump. Ostensibly, the 116520 is probably the better overall choice but I'm not as fond of the dial and the prices being asked for those seem almost as crazy.

[Daso]

Originally Posted by Luap1976

Op you say you have no experience in how to tell if a watch has been polished or not.,so what makes you think it was polished.the fine satin brushing on the lugs wears off naturally from daily wear constant rubbing from the jacket sleeve.my Tudor black bay I brought brand new from ad 3 years ago the lugs are shiny and look polished in places where the cuff is constantly rubbing I've never polished or would ever polish any of my watches I like the original lines.ive worn it every day for 3 years not babying it .so imo that is what your seeing unless the entire top of the lugs has been polished up to the bezel edge on all 4 lugs .then the watch in question may have had the satin brushing replaced with a polished finish at some point if thats what the original owner preferred

I do have experience with other brands, but Rolex I'm behind the curve. You're right, I don't know enough. I hope to be able to post a picture at some point soon. How can any one judge without seeing right?

[Daso]

Out or respect to owner I have cropped individual sections of the watch for thoughts on if this is too polished or just worn and capable of being cleaned up. [IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/e7ec99a8de5e4c16d3a3ee4d57859f3a.jpg

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[Cinquecento]

Pass