Authentic Rolex Daytona for $5,500

[Apheaven]

Had my zenith Daytona on earlier today and a guy comes up and asks me where I purchased my “vintage” watch. I tell him the AD, which he then suspiciously looks at me and says “ADs don’t sell vintage”. I explain I was the original buyer. He looks at me both up and down then says “wow”. Tonight, I am geeking out on watches and I find the paperwork.....ironically today, 19 years and 1 month ago (3/8/2000) I purchased my Black Rolex Daytona for $5,500.00, which came to $5,953.75 after taxes. I have only serviced the watch once. Still keeps excellent time within spec. I have gone everywhere and done everything with this watch. I have appreciated my best moments and, at times, suffered through my worst moments wearing that watch. It has literally handled both the birth of my own children to the death of my best friend. It is rare something stays with you this long. If I had to sell everything, this would be literally the last thing. It it 100% sentimental to me and will be passed down. The most surprising part, besides telling time can be used as a bottle opener at the most opportune times...with virtually no wear. Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[joli160]

Nice story and it has received a beautiful patina :thumbs:

[Amazing]

The watch looks great and it's nice that you've shared this many memories with it.

Can I ask, if you remember, was it difficult to get at the time?

[WatchLurv]

Yum! This watch goes for north of 20K now. Seen some pieces listed at 50K (LOL).

[Apheaven]

Originally Posted by Amazing

The watch looks great and it's nice that you've shared this many memories with it.

Can I ask, if you remember, was it difficult to get at the time?

They did not have in the store case however you would just order from any dealer, then they would ask what dial color you wanted ( black or white). 6 weeks or so to deliver. Simple as that...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Amazing]

Originally Posted by Apheaven

They did not have in the store case however you would just order from any dealer, then they would ask what dial color you wanted ( black or white). 6 weeks or so to deliver. Simple as that...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amazing. The good old days for sure. I wasn’t too far behind that but it was already tough when I got into watches.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rambo99]

looks like still in good condition. rolexes are invincible!

[sensui]

Enjoy in good health.

[Roberto B.]

Those were the days! Treasure it!

[delboylee]

That's a really cool story, love it! Keep it forever :) it will be worth more to you than any amount of $$$$

Ps I bet there wasn't a wait list back then? What was the original purchase like vs nowadays?

[Jeronimo]

Excellent story, thank you for sharing.

It still looks beautiful, keep on wearing and enjoying it in good health!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jojoshop]

Very nice indeed

[SkyJuice]

Timeless piece comes with great story

[GarbanzoNegro]

Nice!

Bu the way, how do you use it as a bottle opener? :-O

[037]

Great to see a watch held for so long without regard to the market. May it bring many more decades of enjoyment.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by delboylee

That's a really cool story, love it! Keep it forever :) it will be worth more to you than any amount of $$$$

Ps I bet there wasn't a wait list back then? What was the original purchase like vs nowadays?

Actually there were and it was a hard watch to obtain and they sold at premiums back then too. The 116520 was a different story as it actually traded below retail nearing it's end of run before trading at a premium once again.


Great story and watch OP!

[1William]

Very nice.

[AH0RSEY]

Originally Posted by Apheaven

............ The most surprising part, besides telling time can be used as a bottle opener at the most opportune times...with virtually no wear. Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

USED AS A BOTTLE OPENER! OMG how

[wytrader]

New thread with pics please of how to use a Daytona as a bottle opener :)

The amount of people that will go nuts. Love it.

Great story, continue to wear it in good health!

[travisb]

Great backstory. Cheers to many more memories!

[HORNBLOWER]

Superb.

[amh]

[rodo]

Very nice! My kermit has the same value to me as your daytona does to you. Wear it in good health!

[glamorama]

Great story

It looks to be in great condition for the wear it has had

[nicon]

For this kind of stories it's worth to read forums. Also great clickbait title ;).

[Rick_Nashville]

Absolutely fantastic story. The history, the memories, and the all-around amazing long-term service you have achieved with this watch is a supreme rarity. Handsome good looks, too. Thanks for sharing your Daytona experience! -Rick.

[nick c]

Amazing story and beautiful Daytona you have.

[77T]

A nice reflection - like the calmingly placid surface of a pond set among majestic evergreens.

A well-needed reality check among the rattling rants of Rolex availability and nitpicking ADs, RSC, dial font spacing, etc.

Thanks for bringing home the real value of having chosen well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[shortsqueeze]

Originally Posted by Apheaven

I have gone everywhere and done everything with this watch. I have appreciated my best moments and, at times, suffered through my worst moments wearing that watch. It has literally handled both the birth of my own children to the death of my best friend. It is rare something stays with you this long. If I had to sell everything, this would be literally the last thing. It it 100% sentimental to me and will be passed down. The most surprising part, besides telling time can be used as a bottle opener at the most opportune times...with virtually no wear. Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is terrific!

[ap1]

I think the new ones went up that much in price this year. Looks sweet