Why are the new SS Daytonas more valued than the older Daytonas

[golfsc]

Looking at grey market prices and general interest in this forum it seems that the ceramic SS Daytonas are more coveted compared to the older Daytonas, including the Zenith Daytonas.

Why is that? Do most think its a prettier watch?

Kinda surprising as the older SS Daytona models are no longer in production which normally makes a Rolex more desirable.

[mafoofan]

The ceramic bezel brings the aesthetics more in-line with many of the more desirable vintage models.

[vh2k]

People want brand new.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by vh2k

People want brand new.

For sure this, but also the main knock on the 116520 was how easily the bezel scratched. Then we saw the ceramic on the Platona and hoped it was coming to the SS eventually. Years and years passed until it finally arrived, and now we are where we are.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

The ceramic bezel brings the aesthetics more in-line with many of the more desirable vintage models.

and also make the bezel less prone to scratches.

[Andad]

This depends on how far back you want to go?

Have you checked the price on a manual Daytona lately?

[subtona]

Prefer the white zenith.
Though black ceramic is close second

Very few full set zenith available on secondary market, if you find them in very good condition they will fetch as much if not more than modern ceramic.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by golfsc

Looking at grey market prices and general interest in this forum it seems that the ceramic SS Daytonas are more coveted compared to the older Daytonas, including the Zenith Daytonas.

Why is that? Do most think its a prettier watch?

Yes

[kans86]

Originally Posted by golfsc

Looking at grey market prices and general interest in this forum it seems that the ceramic SS Daytonas are more coveted compared to the older Daytonas, including the Zenith Daytonas.

Why is that? Do most think its a prettier watch?

Kinda surprising as the older SS Daytona models are no longer in production which normally makes a Rolex more desirable.

It's simply demand and supply. Far more buyers are coming to Rolex these days. Many of them are newcomers and following hypes, and they all carve the most modern watch with the ceramic Daytona being a pinnacle, pushing price higher. Meanwhile, the 4 or 5 digit Daytonas are generally for a smaller segment of buyers who are collectors or real/experienced watch enthusiasts.

[IamJacky]

To me it's because the 116500LN strikingly resembles the classic 6263 Daytona due to its black ceramic bezel and the three black sub dials; if they made those three black sub dials fully black I'd desire it even more.

[1665fan]

116520 is catching up to the ceramic and nos pieces are fetching 30k plus just like ceramic.... and the best zeniths are 50k and up......

[sgrossma]

Vintage seems to have leveled off 1-2 years ago. Prices have not moved much on vintage Rolex in a while so I wouldn't be surprised to see a big catch-up jump in the near future.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by IamJacky

To me it's because the 116500LN strikingly resembles the classic 6263 Daytona due to its black ceramic bezel and the three black sub dials; if they made those three black sub dials fully black I'd desire it even more.

I agree with this. Black sub dials and it would actually be a Panda

[1665fan]

It would also be nice if the 500 bezel was in proportion to the watch like the 4 digits.... it’s waaaay too wide on the ceramic version....

[Chester01]

People are easily influenced by social media.

[Marcjvr]

This old one is valued pretty high

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Chester01

People are easily influenced by social media.

Have to agree to many today Rolex watches are now little more than £££$$$ object things and many just buy the hype to wear the hype.

[1665fan]

Daytona’s are the new Bitcoin whether we like it or not.....

[WatchNutcase]

People want the new best shiny toy, I believe it has nothing to do with the resemblance to the 6263.

[travisb]

Hype. I still prefer the Zenith Daytonas despite usually preferring modern references.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

People want the new best shiny toy, I believe it has nothing to do with the resemblance to the 6263.

Agreed. People buying into the hype and shelling out $30,000 for a Daytona aren't watch historians... and they also don't know or care what a Zenith movement is.

[beshannon]

I far prefer my 116520 over any newer version

[ArtNouveau]

I have owned all three gens of SS automatic Daytonas. I'm a wearer not a collector, prefer the look of the ceramic bezel and modern movement.

[rambo99]

the ceramic bezel not just being less prone to scratches. it also display the more sophisticated technique of watch making, that is the molding of the ceramic bezel and the platinum engraved marking. although which bezel looks better is obviously subjective to different people, but the ceramic bezel shows better craftmanship and certainly more difficult to produce than the steel one.

[Mystro]

Hype and commodity trading. The ceramic Daytona is in play and has been chosen to be the highest game piece on the table at this time. It’s the game that drives its popularity and not the watch.

[lucycan]

LOVE the new Daytona!