What Do You All Think Of This Daytona Scratch?

[nsguy]

Hi! I'm looking into getting my first steel Daytona and have settled on the 116520 with black dial. I found the following which is in good condition (unpolished) with the older clasp and older lume color. The only thing is it has this single scratch on the top of the lug. What would y'all do here? Wait for a cleaner one to come? I don't mind scratches but would prefer to not get a watch with a scratch in an obvious place before even wearing it. I'm wondering if it's shallow enough to bough with cape code. Thanks!

[Spartan]

To me that scratch is insignificant.
All my watches have scratches, its normal cause I (actually) wear my watches

its IMPOSSIBLE to wear a watch and not get any scratches....Thats a cool Daytona, a classic

[David5807]

Once seen can never be unseen...

[pickettt]

JoolTool?

[bumbershoot]

I’d pass on that watch. You’ll never be happy with it.

[LigerBelair]

Originally Posted by Spartan

To me that scratch is insignificant.

Agreed

[IndianRider]

Hard pass. You don't want to alter the case profile by buffing out a scratch like that. With a watch in this good condition unpolished, you'll want to leave it unpolished. And if the scratch bothers you, don't buy.

[inadeje]

Hard pass for me. Polishing that out affects the lug symmetry

[Spoonage]

Scratches will happen if you wear the watch. I see it as a non-issue. And if it truly bothers you get the watch polished.

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[rmlovett1]

Considering it’s an older model...I’d consider it part of the charm/character. Hopefully a full set.

[Rado63]

A few things to recognize here. With a pre owned and discontinued watch, you can find a watch that has no signs of scratches, but has been serviced and polished or laser welded or what ever it took to make the watch look new. This watch looks polished, but those scratches on the case and bezel, may have been too great to polish out. The Daytonas commonly get scratched on the bezel, case and bracelet on the 12 o'clock side. The price may reflect it's condition so that's why you are looking at it. For me Condition is the ultimate factor, but these 116520 are pre owned and difficult to tell how much servicing has gone into one to make it look new. If I Get a good deal on one, I can send it off to be welded, polished, and get a new bezel, then you got a brand new looking watch. You could also just buy one like this with some wear marks and just wear it and enjoy it. You're probably going to add some scratches of your own.

[Fort Rolex]

You’re gonna scratch it a lot, I wouldn’t worry about it

[EEpro]

I think it has been lightly polished but they tried to avoid the edges. Take a look at the reflection contours.

[Fredcohiba]

It gives it character.

[2nastie]

That looks like a DavidSW picture. Is the scratch on all the photos? Or is it only in that angle.

It's immaterial in my books considering the watch is probably a decade old with your current description. However, if it bugs you now, it might bug you in the future.

[RyanJ]

It already bothers you. It will bother you more after paying a premium.

[Mystro]

That is pretty deep by the end link. I could lighten it up and have crisp lugs but not sure I would want to go deep enough to totally remove it.

[nsguy]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

That looks like a DavidSW picture. Is the scratch on all the photos? Or is it only in that angle.

It's immaterial in my books considering the watch is probably a decade old with you current description. However, if it bugs you now, it might bug you in the future.

It's really only visible in that photo, as the other photos are of different angles where you don't see it.

[Mystro]

If it’s the on at DavidSW, the 9 o’clock side case has been polished. Look at the bottom of the side of the case at the lower edge. I am not saying this matters but you should know as much as possible.

[nsguy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

If it’s the on at DavidSW, the 9 o’clock side case has been polished. Look at the bottom of the side of the case at the lower edge. I am not saying this matters but you should know as much as possible.

Thanks. The listing says unpolished but I guess it could have been polished in the past but they weren't aware.

[Phooi]

I put a similar scratch on the lug of my SS SkyD within hours of buying it. I was certainly upset but I realize that it is the first of years of scratches. I still get upset with each new scratch. That’s a normal response to something you care about.

I also realize that I cause the scratch and not someone else. However you’re buying a used watch. You’re buying someone else’s life experiences.

The fact that you’re posting here tells me that you’re bothered by it. I would suggest you pass and wait for something more to your liking. Just remember that you will pay for the condition. Also a more perfect example may be one that has been polished.

Good luck on your search.

[Nikrnic]

Tough call, i doubt the cape cod will erase that one completely.

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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Phooi

I put a similar scratch on the lug of my SS SkyD within hours of buying it. I was certainly upset but I realize that it is the first of years of scratches. I still get upset with each new scratch. That’s a normal response to something you care about.

I also realize that I cause the scratch and not someone else. However you’re buying a used watch. You’re buying someone else’s life experiences.

The fact that you’re posting here tells me that you’re bothered by it. I would suggest you pass and wait for something more to your liking. Just remember that you will pay for the condition. Also a more perfect example may be one that has been polished.

Good luck on your search.

I agree. I don’t think it’s priced attractive enough to have to live with any issues. IMO, you are so close to new and a new “12 series” model buying used doesn’t make sense at that price.

[pbubsy]

If that's the only thing wrong with it and the price is right, I'd buy it, wear it and be happy.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Considering it’s an older model...I’d consider it part of the charm/character. Hopefully a full set.

Absolutely.

[jb335]

How could that 13 year old watch be unpolished? Shows no hairline scratches on any of the PCLs or clasp? Def polished. Right??

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by jb335

How could that 13 year old watch be unpolished? Shows no hairline scratches on any of the PCLs or clasp? Def polished. Right??

Correct. Unpolished is a white lie to calm the nerves of the noob that read that polishing was bad when a google search result brought him to this forum. I kid... but not much.

[subdateII]

Ask more pictures/questions if it bothers you. Personally, I would buy it as it comes with original papers and a 2019 service card from Rolex. Also, the seller is reputable.

The price is around market. If you want a BNIB/mint version you'll have to pay a steep premium (roughly 50% more). A few illustrations from another seller:
- https://www2.europeanwatch.com/watch...RED-33611.html
- https://www2.europeanwatch.com/watch...SET-33570.html

All in all, this is probably a fair deal.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Correct. Unpolished is a white lie to calm the nerves of the noob that read that polishing was bad when a google search result brought him to this forum. I kid... but not much.

haha. Except I would not call this a white lie.

[trfChris]

That might not even be a scratch, could be a reflection of something in the ceiling. But there is really no need for us to speculate. Send an email to DavidSW and ask him about the watch. He’ll be more than willing to describe the condition, send you more detailed pictures etc etc.