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texex91 · 6 June 2011, 01:26 AM

Okay, I finally received my Daytona SS White dial V yesterday. At age 42, and after owning 7 different Sub's (SS, TT, 18K), GMTIIC and a few others, I decided it was time to try the Daytona to stand out a little more.

Wow, what a huge disappointment so far. Now before you start throwing eggs, let me explain my opinion.

1) NO DATE. Okay obviously I knew that when I bought it, but I really had no clue how much I would miss that. Something I use all the time (for biz and contracts) and if you are thinking about Daytona you need to really think through this--especially if you owned a Sub.

2) TIME IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. It really is hard to read time on the Daytona (maybe it's the white dial). I continually found myself search for the time with all of the other things going on on the watch, plus just hard to locate.

3) WATCH DOES NOT POP. Yes it's a nice watch, and different than Sub, I get it. But a little too bland for me. Again personal preference. The nice thing vs. Sub or other date sporty is that it's not a dime a dozen like Sub. But the Daytona is becoming a little more frequent (especially in Austin where I live and there is a lot of $$).

4) DON'T LIKE THE BEZEL. Impossible to read small numbers, and let's face it, unless you are into car racing of no use. Also, it 'blends' into the rest of the watch, which is a disappointment vs more of a 3D effect of Sub or YM.

I think after this venture, I have clearly decided I need a date and a little 'bigger' presence on my arm (seems small when you put it on vs Sub).

I will look at Yachtmaster S/Plat. Might be a nice combo to what I am looking for. I don't care that the clasp is 'old' and that it's not meant for Yachting--which is good since I don't own one. I also don't drive an F1 car, but I bought the Daytona. I'm a diver, but didn't buy my Sub for the 3 times that I went diving in the past 5 years. I would suspect most people don't really use their Rolexes for their intended uses on a regular basis (unless you count keeping time of course).

Had a Rolex for the past 21 years, and will continue to own them. But I am REALLY disappointed in the Daytona.

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Sherwooddavid · 6 June 2011, 01:52 AM

Sorry to hear you don't care for your new Daytona,maybe give it a little time before you dump it.

jay_kay · 6 June 2011, 01:58 AM

When I got my Black faced Daytona a couple of years ago it had been something I had been eagerly awaiting and I really couldn't wait to receive it. WHen I did get it...........well I was very dissapointed. I had it for less than 1 week and ended up swapping it for a black faced Milgauss and a Sub 16610LV. Milgauss lasted another week then that got swapped too.

johnbeth · 6 June 2011, 02:10 AM

As a Daytona watch collector, I respect your opinion, however, I dont agree with it. I find my meteorite to pop and easy to read. Maybe the SS white dial is the wrong watch for you. I hope you find the watch that makes you happy!

John

petesjag · 6 June 2011, 02:21 AM

I felt the same about my SS black dial...Traded it in for a TT version and it made all the difference...I am now a fanatic Daytona freak...You just got the wrong model..

Art 1 · 6 June 2011, 02:35 AM

One of the reasons for me considering unloading my SS is the poor visibility and the useless chrono as it is unreadable. I do have an interest in the TT however.

subtona · 6 June 2011, 02:40 AM

i went down the same road as OP.

i think when you own a conventional/functional model for some years
ie date/easy to read/ usable bezel, its hard to move into a daytona.

i agree with all your criticisms and sold mine after only a few months.

ps do you notice the rattle the movement makes when you tap it????
its from the new improved bearing in the movement, ill stick to the old quiet style...
the rattle put me over the top and i got rid of it.

texex91 · 6 June 2011, 02:47 AM

subtona -

I did notice that rattle and was wondering what that was! Just antoehr reason to add to my list. Now it's a SubC or YM SS

subtona · 6 June 2011, 02:54 AM

i wanted to buy 1 20 years ago but settled on a sub when i found out daytona was unattainable....best thing that could have happened to me.
sometimes you just have to experience it to know... at least you should be able to unload the daytona quickly:-) just hope they don't read this thread...oops.

apparently rattle is normal, i compared it to others, i thought there was something wrong.

not for me, its gone and i haven't looked back.

ps. apparently the zenith were even more difficult to see:-)

pps i should probably get rid of that belt buckle now:-)

Bobble · 6 June 2011, 03:17 AM

Having not owned one I can't comment on your points raised, however I really like the Daytona, but not having a date window is the one thing that puts me off

Sorry you had to find out the negatives the hard way!

Tony-GB · 6 June 2011, 03:19 AM

Hi Texex91

Before selling the watch would you consider a dial change? I had no interest in the Daytona, being a commited Yacht-Master wearer (I've had three!) until I wore Marke's SS with the WG dial. Now I want one!!

Here's the thread with some superb pics:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=83373

The only thing I would change is to make the central & subdial hands red.

Mrdi · 6 June 2011, 03:23 AM

I agree Tex.
Taixas salesmen need BLING and the Daytona
is not a yellow Dodge Viper with headers.
Perhaps a President in gold with diamonds would meet your needs. It tells you the day as well as the date, just in case you have trouble remembering the day as well as the date.

Tony-GB · 6 June 2011, 03:27 AM

Dial pic from the thread I included:

RJC · 6 June 2011, 03:45 AM

Thats a shame. I love mine.....

1kw · 6 June 2011, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

Dial pic from the thread I included:

What a great looking dial

I picked up a brand new white face SS Daytona while on vacation 2 weeks ago. I love mine. Yes to all the things mentioned above. It does feel great on the wrist, much lighter and more comfortable then my GMT II ceramic. The SS Daytona is hard to buy for a reason

mitchy · 11 June 2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1kw

What a great looking dial

I picked up a brand new white face SS Daytona while on vacation 2 weeks ago. I love mine. Yes to all the things mentioned above. It does feel great on the wrist, much lighter and more comfortable then my GMT II ceramic. The SS Daytona is hard to buy for a reason

nice pics

FNFZ4 · 1 April 2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

Dial pic from the thread I included:

I love this Dial

psv · 1 April 2012, 09:02 AM

I kind of agree with the OP, I really wanted to love the watch but it was not a keeper for me. It is more wrist jewelry! ;-). (but it is very photogenic!)

Mrdi · 1 April 2012, 09:25 AM

Says Tex:
"it was time to try the Daytona to stand out a little more"

Maybe a tattoo on your forehead would help..

Kevin B · 1 April 2012, 12:27 PM

I have to agree with the issue of telling time. I have a black dial on mine and really struggle to tell the time. Man, I would love to have the white dial that Tony posted on mine, my problem would be solved

Rolexavidfan · 28 April 2012, 11:12 AM

One settles for a Daytona.

Daytona is not for everyone IMHO, factor that in with the hefty price tag, the availability, the functional feature which makes for a busy dial and the no date feature.

It took me quite a while to settle in to my SS Daytona white, almost to the point of selling it. Fortunately, there is now more love on it and I actually find the white dial more legible but am a date kind of guy. I love the comfy wearing of the Daytona. Nowadays, I wear my Dayttona on weekend and on sports events. It still put a big smile on my face to have owned one.

Rolexavidfan · 28 April 2012, 11:13 AM

One settles for a Daytona.

Daytona is not for everyone IMHO, factor that in with the hefty price tag, the availability, the functional feature which makes for a busy dial and the no date feature.

It took me quite a while to settle in to my SS Daytona white, almost to the point of selling it. Fortunately, there is now more love on it and I actually find the white dial more legible but am a date kind of guy. I love the comfy wearing of the Daytona. Nowadays, I wear my Dayttona on weekend and on sports events. It still put a big smile on my face to have owned one.

Ranfni · 3 May 2012, 07:59 PM

I think you need glasses...lol

htc8p · 5 May 2012, 02:17 PM

the op's observations are very accurate. there are certainly better chronographs out there for less money. speedmaster, zenith, iwc.

its not always about the brand or the prestige.

aandrianto · 5 May 2012, 11:11 PM

The positive side of having no date is.... you don't have to adjust the date....

Arki · 6 May 2012, 01:35 AM

I do kinda miss the date feature when i wear my black daytona after using my sub date on rotation. But guess what , the daytona still gets more wrist time than my GV,TTdatejust & Sub combined . I wonder why ?

impalass · 6 May 2012, 09:26 PM

All the op's points are valid ones. After 30+ years of wearing a Speedy and Submarimer I picked up a SS Daytona black dial, Nov. 2011.

Inspite of not being as easy to read as my old faithfuls I still love this watch. It took four months for the honeymoon to come to an end. At present it serves as my dress/weekend watch.

The Daytona still puts a big smile on my face, and every time I look at it one word comes to mind, "Masterpiece".

DesertGoon · 11 May 2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texex91

Okay, I finally received my Daytona SS White dial V yesterday. At age 42, and after owning 7 different Sub's (SS, TT, 18K), GMTIIC and a few others, I decided it was time to try the Daytona to stand out a little more.

Wow, what a huge disappointment so far. Now before you start throwing eggs, let me explain my opinion.

1) NO DATE. Okay obviously I knew that when I bought it, but I really had no clue how much I would miss that. Something I use all the time (for biz and contracts) and if you are thinking about Daytona you need to really think through this--especially if you owned a Sub.

this makes it maintenance free since we don't have to change the date for certain months.

2) TIME IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. It really is hard to read time on the Daytona (maybe it's the white dial). I continually found myself search for the time with all of the other things going on on the watch, plus just hard to locate.

at the age of 40's we tend to have a short-sighted vision and the poor contrast between white dial and silver hands makes it even harder to tell the time.

my comments above.

Mercman1 · 20 May 2012, 08:58 PM

I have come very close the pulling the trigger on buying the SS Daytona (white) as per OP, but the lack of date has put me off.

No matter how much I try to convince myself that I am ok without a date, it just so happens that a few moments later, I'll be looking at my wrist to check out the date for work, or some other reason.

I really really wanted to buy this model and kind of had the same feelings as OP, but felt I would be lynched if I even said such things in public.

Texex91 - you're a brave man, but I think the points you raised are very valid and despite the Daytona being considered a must-have in a collection, I think we all must choose wisely and ultimately settle for what is practical and useful to us, not just go with what others say.

So, what did i buy instead of the Daytona - waiting for the new DJII 116300!

Gauravchopra · 21 June 2013, 10:51 PM

Hi all,
I just sold my steel gold champaign dial.
I am a male 35 yrs.......
Looking for an upgrade.......
Will the new rosé gold ceramic or rose gold bracelet be worth it!!!!!!!!!!!

6 June 2011, 01:26 AM	#1
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	Daytona SS (White Dial) - V Okay, I finally received my Daytona SS White dial V yesterday. At age 42, and after owning 7 different Sub's (SS, TT, 18K), GMTIIC and a few others, I decided it was time to try the Daytona to stand out a little more. Wow, what a huge disappointment so far. Now before you start throwing eggs, let me explain my opinion. 1) NO DATE. Okay obviously I knew that when I bought it, but I really had no clue how much I would miss that. Something I use all the time (for biz and contracts) and if you are thinking about Daytona you need to really think through this--especially if you owned a Sub. 2) TIME IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. It really is hard to read time on the Daytona (maybe it's the white dial). I continually found myself search for the time with all of the other things going on on the watch, plus just hard to locate. 3) WATCH DOES NOT POP. Yes it's a nice watch, and different than Sub, I get it. But a little too bland for me. Again personal preference. The nice thing vs. Sub or other date sporty is that it's not a dime a dozen like Sub. But the Daytona is becoming a little more frequent (especially in Austin where I live and there is a lot of $$). 4) DON'T LIKE THE BEZEL. Impossible to read small numbers, and let's face it, unless you are into car racing of no use. Also, it 'blends' into the rest of the watch, which is a disappointment vs more of a 3D effect of Sub or YM. I think after this venture, I have clearly decided I need a date and a little 'bigger' presence on my arm (seems small when you put it on vs Sub). I will look at Yachtmaster S/Plat. Might be a nice combo to what I am looking for. I don't care that the clasp is 'old' and that it's not meant for Yachting--which is good since I don't own one. I also don't drive an F1 car, but I bought the Daytona. I'm a diver, but didn't buy my Sub for the 3 times that I went diving in the past 5 years. I would suspect most people don't really use their Rolexes for their intended uses on a regular basis (unless you count keeping time of course). Had a Rolex for the past 21 years, and will continue to own them. But I am REALLY disappointed in the Daytona. [IMG][/IMG]

6 June 2011, 01:58 AM	#3
jay_kay "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Barrowford Watch: Tudor Black Bay 54 Posts: 1,699	When I got my Black faced Daytona a couple of years ago it had been something I had been eagerly awaiting and I really couldn't wait to receive it. WHen I did get it...........well I was very dissapointed. I had it for less than 1 week and ended up swapping it for a black faced Milgauss and a Sub 16610LV. Milgauss lasted another week then that got swapped too. __________________ Rolex Explorer 214270, Omega Speedmaster '1957 Relaunch' 3594.50.00, Panerai Luminor 1950 PAM00127-E, Panerai Radiomir 1936 PAM00249-I, Panerai Mare Nostrum PAM00716-T, Panerai PAM00785-Q Set, Panerai Luminor Black Seal PAM00594-Q, Panerai Luminor Daylight PAM00604-Q, Tudor Black Bay 54 79000N, Heuer Carrera Re-Edition CS3113, Hamilton Military W10 & TAG Heuer F1

6 June 2011, 02:40 AM	#7
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,026	i went down the same road as OP. i think when you own a conventional/functional model for some years ie date/easy to read/ usable bezel, its hard to move into a daytona. i agree with all your criticisms and sold mine after only a few months. ps do you notice the rattle the movement makes when you tap it???? its from the new improved bearing in the movement, ill stick to the old quiet style... the rattle put me over the top and i got rid of it. __________________

6 June 2011, 02:54 AM	#9
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,026	i wanted to buy 1 20 years ago but settled on a sub when i found out daytona was unattainable....best thing that could have happened to me. sometimes you just have to experience it to know... at least you should be able to unload the daytona quickly:-) just hope they don't read this thread...oops. apparently rattle is normal, i compared it to others, i thought there was something wrong. not for me, its gone and i haven't looked back. ps. apparently the zenith were even more difficult to see:-) pps i should probably get rid of that belt buckle now:-) __________________

6 June 2011, 03:19 AM	#11
Tony-GB "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: Oxfordshire, UK Watch: 116680 & 116622 Posts: 3,953	Hi Texex91 Before selling the watch would you consider a dial change? I had no interest in the Daytona, being a commited Yacht-Master wearer (I've had three!) until I wore Marke's SS with the WG dial. Now I want one!! Here's the thread with some superb pics: http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=83373 The only thing I would change is to make the central & subdial hands red. __________________ "...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?" http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/ www.cheetah.org

6 June 2011, 01:52 AM	#2
Sherwooddavid "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Canada Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,079	Sorry to hear you don't care for your new Daytona,maybe give it a little time before you dump it.

6 June 2011, 02:10 AM	#4
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	As a Daytona watch collector, I respect your opinion, however, I dont agree with it. I find my meteorite to pop and easy to read. Maybe the SS white dial is the wrong watch for you. I hope you find the watch that makes you happy! John

6 June 2011, 02:21 AM	#5
petesjag "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: netherlands Posts: 2,177	I felt the same about my SS black dial...Traded it in for a TT version and it made all the difference...I am now a fanatic Daytona freak...You just got the wrong model..

6 June 2011, 02:35 AM	#6
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	One of the reasons for me considering unloading my SS is the poor visibility and the useless chrono as it is unreadable. I do have an interest in the TT however.

6 June 2011, 02:47 AM	#8
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	subtona - I did notice that rattle and was wondering what that was! Just antoehr reason to add to my list. Now it's a SubC or YM SS

6 June 2011, 03:17 AM	#10
Bobble Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Paul Location: Midlands UK Watch: GMT IIc, Daytona Posts: 423	Having not owned one I can't comment on your points raised, however I really like the Daytona, but not having a date window is the one thing that puts me off Sorry you had to find out the negatives the hard way!

6 June 2011, 03:23 AM	#12
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	I agree Tex. Taixas salesmen need BLING and the Daytona is not a yellow Dodge Viper with headers. Perhaps a President in gold with diamonds would meet your needs. It tells you the day as well as the date, just in case you have trouble remembering the day as well as the date.

1 April 2012, 09:02 AM	#18
psv "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North America Posts: 11,063	I kind of agree with the OP, I really wanted to love the watch but it was not a keeper for me. It is more wrist jewelry! ;-). (but it is very photogenic!)

1 April 2012, 09:25 AM	#19
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	Says Tex: "it was time to try the Daytona to stand out a little more" Maybe a tattoo on your forehead would help..

1 April 2012, 12:27 PM	#20
Kevin B "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 324	I have to agree with the issue of telling time. I have a black dial on mine and really struggle to tell the time. Man, I would love to have the white dial that Tony posted on mine, my problem would be solved

28 April 2012, 11:12 AM	#21
Rolexavidfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Har Location: Tukwila, WA Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,569	It may taking a little using before ... One settles for a Daytona. Daytona is not for everyone IMHO, factor that in with the hefty price tag, the availability, the functional feature which makes for a busy dial and the no date feature. It took me quite a while to settle in to my SS Daytona white, almost to the point of selling it. Fortunately, there is now more love on it and I actually find the white dial more legible but am a date kind of guy. I love the comfy wearing of the Daytona. Nowadays, I wear my Dayttona on weekend and on sports events. It still put a big smile on my face to have owned one. __________________ Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Go for the timepiece you love. You will save more. ...

28 April 2012, 11:13 AM	#22
Rolexavidfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Har Location: Tukwila, WA Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,569	It may take a little using before ... One settles for a Daytona. Daytona is not for everyone IMHO, factor that in with the hefty price tag, the availability, the functional feature which makes for a busy dial and the no date feature. It took me quite a while to settle in to my SS Daytona white, almost to the point of selling it. Fortunately, there is now more love on it and I actually find the white dial more legible but am a date kind of guy. I love the comfy wearing of the Daytona. Nowadays, I wear my Dayttona on weekend and on sports events. It still put a big smile on my face to have owned one. __________________ Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Rolex Go for the timepiece you love. You will save more. ...

3 May 2012, 07:59 PM	#23
Ranfni "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Rob Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex Panerai AP Posts: 433	I think you need glasses...lol

5 May 2012, 02:17 PM	#24
htc8p "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Bert Location: philippines Watch: 116710 ln Posts: 3,446	the op's observations are very accurate. there are certainly better chronographs out there for less money. speedmaster, zenith, iwc. its not always about the brand or the prestige.

5 May 2012, 11:11 PM	#25
aandrianto "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: AA Location: Jakarta Watch: ....... Posts: 253	The positive side of having no date is.... you don't have to adjust the date....

6 May 2012, 01:35 AM	#26
Arki Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manila Watch: DJ,GV,SUB,Daytona Posts: 45	I do kinda miss the date feature when i wear my black daytona after using my sub date on rotation. But guess what , the daytona still gets more wrist time than my GV,TTdatejust & Sub combined . I wonder why ?

6 May 2012, 09:26 PM	#27
impalass "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: Toronto, Canada. Watch: SD / LV / Daytona Posts: 2,089	All the op's points are valid ones. After 30+ years of wearing a Speedy and Submarimer I picked up a SS Daytona black dial, Nov. 2011. Inspite of not being as easy to read as my old faithfuls I still love this watch. It took four months for the honeymoon to come to an end. At present it serves as my dress/weekend watch. The Daytona still puts a big smile on my face, and every time I look at it one word comes to mind, "Masterpiece".

20 May 2012, 08:58 PM	#29
Mercman1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Saudi Arabia Posts: 186	I have come very close the pulling the trigger on buying the SS Daytona (white) as per OP, but the lack of date has put me off. No matter how much I try to convince myself that I am ok without a date, it just so happens that a few moments later, I'll be looking at my wrist to check out the date for work, or some other reason. I really really wanted to buy this model and kind of had the same feelings as OP, but felt I would be lynched if I even said such things in public. Texex91 - you're a brave man, but I think the points you raised are very valid and despite the Daytona being considered a must-have in a collection, I think we all must choose wisely and ultimately settle for what is practical and useful to us, not just go with what others say. So, what did i buy instead of the Daytona - waiting for the new DJII 116300!

21 June 2013, 10:51 PM	#30
Gauravchopra "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: India Posts: 2	Hi all, I just sold my steel gold champaign dial. I am a male 35 yrs....... Looking for an upgrade....... Will the new rosé gold ceramic or rose gold bracelet be worth it!!!!!!!!!!!

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