116520 - Thoughts?

[Jake85]

First time poster here! I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 Daytona 116520 in ‘honest’ condition. See attached. Given that this is a private cash sale and the watch is quite scuffed (no major dents/dings, looks unpolished, B&P are available) what are everyone’s thoughts on a fair price for this watch? Should I take a pass?

I am waitlisted for the DaytonaC and will likely be waiting forever....

I already have a 2017 BLNR, 1985 5513, and Tudor BB58 in the collection.

Thanks!

[james.l]

That case back looks like it's got 10 years of arm crud on it.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[Stew7]

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=25416038

There's your range.

[Jake85]

Originally Posted by james.l

That case back looks like it's got 10 years of arm crud on it.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Agreed! Still has the original plastic sticker over the case back sticker. Needs some TLC.

[Jake85]

Originally Posted by Stew7

There's your range.

Thanks! Market seems to indicate $16k USD and change, should there be a discount for the condition of this watch? Would the more experienced collectors take a pass on this watch or see it as an opportunity?

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by Jake85

Thanks! Market seems to indicate $16k USD and change, should there be a discount for the condition of this watch? Would the more experienced collectors take a pass on this watch or see it as an opportunity?

Nothing wrong with it that a little TLC can’t take care of. Any competent service tech could do a light polish and make it look like new or given it’s age, perhaps send it in for a full service. You would get it back in minto condition and have a warranty on it.

The service will run $1200-1500 so if it was me, would use that to negotiate the price down a bit.

Still a very desirable watch.

[BillA]

As another poster said, the watch needs its day at the spa.
Just a note, a 2004 model will have the "skinny hands". I believe that the D serial, was the first year with fat hands. It does make a difference.

[sutats]

Welcome to the forums! It looks visibly good. For a 2004 that's been worn the case shape is remarkably crisp with no gouges or dents or severe rounding off of the lug edges common seen from unartful polishing. The appearance of scuffs and swirls are nearly unavoidable on a 116520.

Tree fiddy or what you're comfortable with.

[enjoythemusic]

Looks honest and good condition. Get it and then have it serviced imho. Congrats!

[Jakey]

So that was a circa £4000 watch back in 2004. I certainly wouldn't pay over and above for the cost of a new Daytona taking into account that you are buying a 16 year old watch. If you want that particular model/age then fine but for me, I would go on a waiting list.

[Jake85]

Thanks everyone! I’ll keep negotiating on it and let everyone know where I end up.

[djgallo]

What do you mean by honest condition?

It looks like the watch case has been previously polished...based on the rounded lugs on front and back...they are not sharp/chamfered.

Personally, I would look for a better unpolished example for another 2K or so.

[Jake85]

Originally Posted by djgallo

What do you mean by honest condition?

It looks like the watch case has been previously polished...based on the rounded lugs on front and back...they are not sharp/chamfered.

Personally, I would look for a better unpolished example for another 2K or so.

Allegedly never polished or serviced just worn daily!

[1665fan]

Everything on a 116520 is round and polished when new....I say buy it

[timtim417]

Originally Posted by james.l

That case back looks like it's got 10 years of arm crud on it.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

lol

[djgallo]

Originally Posted by Jake85

Allegedly never polished or serviced just worn daily!

Here’s a couple of shots of my unpolished T series for your comparison.

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by james.l

That case back looks like it's got 10 years of arm crud on it.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Gross!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by BillA

As another poster said, the watch needs its day at the spa.
Just a note, a 2004 model will have the "skinny hands". I believe that the D serial, was the first year with fat hands. It does make a difference.

Which do collectors prefer - skinny or fat?

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by djgallo

Here’s a couple of shots of my unpolished T series for your comparison.

Stunner


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[illiguy]

$15k +

[djgallo]

Here is my 116520 white dial P series for your comparison

7AA9DC0E-E7D7-4E82-A9ED-C0619A9E4E93.jpeg

36745C5A-A9E3-46D0-A29B-9EDE8A3A39BA.jpeg

[jaisonline]

As Bill stated, early serials like the P (K & Y) series have higher demand than the majority of 17620s :)

plus some white dial 116502s w/ P, K & Y serials are the ones that turn cream.

the early serials also used slim hands from the 16520.
non-slim hands started showing up on F serials.

Originally Posted by djgallo

Here is my 116520 white dial P series for your comparison

[HORNBLOWER]

Highly desirable watch. It looks to be in nice condition but needs a clean and possible a light polish. As mentioned, it should have thin hands, enquire about this with the seller, it could be a bargaining chip. Personally I would have the fat hands fitted as the Daytona is difficult enough to read with the thin hands.

[cts]

Don’t forget the K series also, 2000-2001. Skinny hand production numbers are much, much lower so I’d say will definitely be worth more now and in the future...

[m j b]

$16K seems awfully high to me for a watch that needs a service.

Shoot, I sold my 116519, fully serviced for less than that last year.

[j-watch]

Perhaps think about this for a minute. Bobswatches has several on their site right now that look about new for less that what that one's going to run you plus a service. There's even a few "random" serial number pieces for just about what that piece is going to cost you plus service.

Now if you can negotiate that down a bit, it may make sense. Good luck.

[Initial_J]

I recently purchased an F series 116520 on eBay. It was quite an ordeal dealing with this particular seller, who was very inexperienced, but I managed to do the transaction in person and had the watch opened and authenticated before forking over the cash. The serial starts with F4... and is a skinny hands version. The total on eBay would have been just over $15k had I paid through the eBay system, which charges sales tax for private party transactions. I think these watches go for about $16k typically private party and $18k-$20k from reputable dealers. Note that mine came with boxes but no papers, is in very good condition for its age, and does not have a sticker on the case back. It runs well, but the movement looks like it could use a service.

I’m also curious about the collectibility of skinny vs. thicker hands. I had never heard of this difference but I am intrigued. It seems like there were fewer skinny hands versions of the 116520 made, which in theory makes it a bit more collectible.

I’m also curious,

[Initial_J]

One more thing. I absolutely love the watch and I think it’s moving to the top of my rotation. It’s a perfect mix of sportiness and elegance, has an old school feel without feeling too dated, and I like the size of the case. I don’t think you will regret purchasing it and there’s a fairly liquid market for the Daytona.

The one downside is legibility of the dial, but I think the issue is overstated. I don’t mind staring at the watch for an extra few seconds, so not an issue for me.

To summarize, my advise having just made the same purchase is DO IT!

[Jake85]

Originally Posted by Initial_J

One more thing. I absolutely love the watch and I think it’s moving to the top of my rotation. It’s a perfect mix of sportiness and elegance, has an old school feel without feeling too dated, and I like the size of the case. I don’t think you will regret purchasing it and there’s a fairly liquid market for the Daytona.

The one downside is legibility of the dial, but I think the issue is overstated. I don’t mind staring at the watch for an extra few seconds, so not an issue for me.

To summarize, my advise having just made the same purchase is DO IT!

Thanks! Do you have any photos of yours to share?

[Jcy90]

By far my least favorite Daytona reference