Daytona : Mixed feelings

[the dark knight]

The Daytona is the last frontier for me. It's the last professional model I'm interested in that I've never owned. And I've been interested in one for a a very very long time.

I also have the "benefit" of really liking the TT version (in white), and the AD told me they should be able to get me one fairly soon.

Having said that, I'm still having mixed feelings on it. First, I think one of the biggest reasons I've always wanted one has gone away. For most of my collecting life you could walk into a Rolex AD and easily see all of the SS professional models EXCEPT the Daytona. So there was a certain aura of scarcity/rarity that I liked. In a perverse way almost all Rolex SS sports models have become hard to find, so they are like the Daytona of yesteryear.

It's also a fairly impractical watch when thinking of what I generally look for in watches. Date is almost a necessity, I'm valuing legibility more and more, and I had a watch with similar screw down pushers (BB Chrono) and I ended up never using the chrono. So it would almost be just a time-only watch for me, and honestly those don't get much wrist time.

OTOH that mystic is still definitely there, and I think it's just an awesome looking watch, and will wear great on my 6.5 inch wrists. And being the only one I haven't experienced yet, I'm wondering if I have to just experience it and scratch that itch.

Thoughts and recommendations? Should I just go for it when it comes in?

[MinMay]

Buy it if you like it. I know it’s nice to view others opinion but at the end of the day, you are the one wearing it.

In my opinion, Daytona is the pinnacle and grail of all watches :) it blows away every single Rolex model out there

[rmlovett1]

OTOH that mystic is still definitely there, and I think it's just an awesome looking watch, and will wear great on my 6.5 inch wrists. And being the only one I haven't experienced yet, I'm wondering if I have to just experience it and scratch that itch.

Thoughts and recommendations? Should I just go for it when it comes in?
the dark knight is online now Report Post


Given this statement….I’d go for it if I were you. If not, I’d imagine you’ll always wonder

[ecbkk]

there is some substance to the mystique but I never felt it was a mystical object when I owned it. The 4130 movement is a good piece of engineering and the design is a good fit for some wrists but the rolex daytona is a fashion watch to compliment gucci and louis vuitton streetwear these days. Compare this to a omega speedmaster, which has alot more credibility as a tool watch.

Originally Posted by the dark knight

The Daytona is the last frontier for me. It's the last professional model I'm interested in that I've never owned. And I've been interested in one for a a very very long time.

I also have the "benefit" of really liking the TT version (in white), and the AD told me they should be able to get me one fairly soon.

Having said that, I'm still having mixed feelings on it. First, I think one of the biggest reasons I've always wanted one has gone away. For most of my collecting life you could walk into a Rolex AD and easily see all of the SS professional models EXCEPT the Daytona. So there was a certain aura of scarcity/rarity that I liked. In a perverse way almost all Rolex SS sports models have become hard to find, so they are like the Daytona of yesteryear.

It's also a fairly impractical watch when thinking of what I generally look for in watches. Date is almost a necessity, I'm valuing legibility more and more, and I had a watch with similar screw down pushers (BB Chrono) and I ended up never using the chrono. So it would almost be just a time-only watch for me, and honestly those don't get much wrist time.

OTOH that mystic is still definitely there, and I think it's just an awesome looking watch, and will wear great on my 6.5 inch wrists. And being the only one I haven't experienced yet, I'm wondering if I have to just experience it and scratch that itch.

Thoughts and recommendations? Should I just go for it when it comes in?

[HERITAGE82]

I went through the same feelings as you did. The mystique of the Daytona is serious and growing up in the 90’s - 2000’s the SS zenith was like a unicorn. I ultimately bought a white dial SS zenith model and the hype was just that … all hype. It was a beautiful watch but I didn’t wear it much and owning it just to own it wasn’t my desire so I sold it.

Fast forward and again the Daytona fever struck me and I went after a white dial TT model thinking this will be better since it’ll have some flair to it. That was short lived and I sold it as well.

The Daytona hype machine is strong and I still get the fever for another one now and then even knowing that it’s just my mind getting caught up in the hype.

My advice is buy it and take it from there. Maybe you’ll love it or just love owning it but the only way to know is pull the trigger.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Might be one of those things where the hunt is more exciting than the kill. But yes, go for it when the opportunity arises so you can scratch that itch. It’s an awesome piece.

[Kiddodoc]

My wife gifted me that watch on our wedding day. It is a great reference. Most don't even know it is a Rolex even though it is a TT. I have grown to love Daytona's and have 4 waiting on my last one. If you don't like after owning it, someone would gladly take it off your hands.

[JRell]

I feel you and the hunt does make it more desirable. But for me I also have always liked the look of chronographs and I tried my ADs on and it was stunning. My biggest problem with the TT version is the cost. I like the black TT Daytona, but do I like it 19k worth? Probably not, but I 100% love the SS version 14k worth.

[Giovannibravo]

I really like the 116503 variants. I honestly prefer them over there SS counterparts. If you still like it buy it. However, don't go for a model just because it is a waitlist piece. You have to remember Rolex is not rare. They do manufacture a million watches a year.

[TheWatchmen]

You simply won’t ever know unless you buy one.

We’re mostly enablers here but practically speaking, buying a Rolex in modern times isn’t practical so the necessity of using the chrono function compared to your phone is kind of out the window.

If you don’t end up wearing it very much you can always trade.

[pedersenkl]

You will never know if it is for you or not for you, until you own it and try it. I suggest you get one. If it doesn’t sing to you, it’s not a hard piece to sell.

I love my SS White 116520.

[inadeje]

I too am a Daytona fan. Ever since my late teens and early 20s it was the watch that I thought wouldn’t ever be able to afford, never mind own. As soon as I started making some money I sought to buy a SS Zenith Daytona in the early 90s. Sadly, no matter how many ADs I visited, it resulted impossible to acquire after 2 years hunting. With the money burning a hole in my pocket I finally acquiesced and bought a brand new TT Daytona below (I still own it). Fast forward a few decades, I now have the zenith SS, and both SS Ceramic’s too.

The Daytona is spectacular and will always be my first love Rolex.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

The Daytona is the last frontier for me. It's the last professional model I'm interested in that I've never owned. And I've been interested in one for a a very very long time.

I also have the "benefit" of really liking the TT version (in white), and the AD told me they should be able to get me one fairly soon.

Having said that, I'm still having mixed feelings on it. First, I think one of the biggest reasons I've always wanted one has gone away. For most of my collecting life you could walk into a Rolex AD and easily see all of the SS professional models EXCEPT the Daytona. So there was a certain aura of scarcity/rarity that I liked. In a perverse way almost all Rolex SS sports models have become hard to find, so they are like the Daytona of yesteryear.

It's also a fairly impractical watch when thinking of what I generally look for in watches. Date is almost a necessity, I'm valuing legibility more and more, and I had a watch with similar screw down pushers (BB Chrono) and I ended up never using the chrono. So it would almost be just a time-only watch for me, and honestly those don't get much wrist time.

OTOH that mystic is still definitely there, and I think it's just an awesome looking watch, and will wear great on my 6.5 inch wrists. And being the only one I haven't experienced yet, I'm wondering if I have to just experience it and scratch that itch.

Thoughts and recommendations? Should I just go for it when it comes in?

If you have several watches, the Daytona should be a very nice piece to add. It is different from the other sport models that are mostly black dialed, and no complications. Do not worry about the date feature, you will find it easy to live with once you wear it (much easier to adjust the time if not worn for a while too!)

Now for the fit of the watch, it will look amazing on your wrist. I have a similar sized wrist, and have never really been comfortable with the boxier sport models. the only watch I keep going back to is the Daytona. It is really a fantastic watch that hasn't been "Maxi-ed" just yet.

If your dealer can source one, even in TT, you at least owe it to yourself to try it out when it comes in and see if it sings to you.

It is not for everybody, but you will know within seconds of putting one on.

[frav]

The Daytona is one watch that is very different from other watches if added to a collection. Can’t be compared to other watches.

[Barada7]

A tip I read somewhere: set the chrono hand to the day of the month.

[joli160]

For the same reasons that you are in doubt I don’t like the SS Daytona very much and would certainly never buy one.
Buying a watch just to scratch an itch and you are not sure about is not something I would do.

[fskywalker]

Only buy it if you really like it, not because of hype


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mrhenish]

I think those things that matter (date, etc) will mean the watch won’t get much wrist time. On my phone I keep a list of watches I want (I have chipped away at the list). Every couple of years I get wrapped up in hype then look at Rolex, look at Patek, etc and find watches I want after really thinking about it. That list usually matches the list on my phone. I almost bought a WG sub last month, which is a great watch. Then I realized oh yeah I have never had a sub on my list so I passed.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by joli160

For the same reasons that you are in doubt I don’t like the SS Daytona very much and would certainly never buy one.
Buying a watch just to scratch an itch and you are not sure about is not something I would do.

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Only buy it if you really like it, not because of hype


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Ditto.^^^

I guess the upside is that if you don’t end up bonding with it, it should be relatively easy to sell

[WatchGuy1966]

Daytona is beautiful to look at but it's hard to read as your near vision sneaks away with age

[B2 Stealth]

Most overrated Rolex model. Would never consider adding one to my collection.

[Starhutch]

I would like you to hold off as I’m trying to collect my second currently

[ArtNouveau]

I’m on my 4th Daytona, a black dial 116500. I’m in the “you’ll never know until you try” camp. As others have said you won’t lose much if any if you decide it’s not for you.
Mine gets worn in regular rotation, it’s not fragile. Today it went bike riding with me, washing my car, out to dinner, and everything else I’ve done.

[1259]

Functionality is a bonus for jewelry but at the end of the day watches are just jewelry

[Cauhauna]

It’s the best watch in the catalog
Buy one and daily it. Then you’ll get it

[Emery]

I love mine. Wears great on smaller wrists too, compared to other current sports references.

[KY..]

I wanted one from the time I was a kid, so I get your point and had to get at least one to feel like the mission was accomplished… No regrets!

[EvelynWaugh]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Only buy it if you really like it, not because of hype


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

This.

[SS Oyster]

Buy what you love, never anything else. Nothing will scratch the itch, so either buy it or find out if you like it by borrowing one from a friend to wear for a week. You'll know. If you buy at retail, you can't go wrong.

I always wore bigger watches on my 7.5" wrist, like DSSD, so the Daytona seemed too small and illegible, however, once purchased and on my wrist, it was magic. I love it better than any other watch, period.

[2loaded]

The Daytona shouldn't be the final frontier. The TT white is the watch given to the winner of the Daytona 24hr race. Very nice reference, almost too nice. The wife loves hers. I recommend!