The DAYTONA - divides opinions above all others

[IamJacky]

What a collection! I tell myself to stop, but seeing your collection is making me want more!

I have such similar story as yours but only many years later. First got into Rolex in 2012 and never thought I was going to get another one. Some time in 2017 I watched an episode of Hodinkee Talking Watches with John Mayer where he talked about the non-Paul Newman Daytona 6263 and I was immediately hooked by its aesthetics. Sadly at the time a pre-owned would cost at least $30K. Lo and behold the 116500LN came out, it resembled the 6263 so much and became my instant grail.

Walked into many ADs to asked to buy one only to be brushed off/laughed at, I had no idea that a watch could be that difficult to get. Got angry/impatient and went grey and never looked back.

My wrist is on the smaller side so I love the Daytona on my wrist. Till this day it is still my favorite out of what I've acquired so far (along with the Batman).

[SS Oyster]

Great collection OP, but where is the 116520? Hope you are wearing all of them. Love the VC also ... pure class.

[Giangos]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I rest my case.

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[bwelch]

You need some yellow gold in that mix! Gorgeous collection :)

[Madman37]

The Daytona is amazing and the black ceramic one wow

[Benzsiam]

[geoffreyis]

Originally Posted by AzHadEnuf

They wear small. Can’t read them. Crappy bracelets and clasp. Feminine. Oh hell im still keeping mine.

This is amazing. What a piece!!

[ghassett98]

Love the black

[ROLEX*]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I rest my case.

https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2013/0...rolex.html?m=1

[Goin2drt]

Opinions and preferences are very diverse and it isn’t just with the Daytona. Date vs ND subs, OP’s, oyster vs jubilee and the list goes on.

Buy what you like. Don’t be offended if the next guy doesn’t like your choice. Your money, who cares.

[Solo118]

I love the Daytona, and can't imagine ever being without one.

[Db7566]

I don’t hate it, but I wouldn’t pay MSRP to own it.


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[CYC]

To me the Daytona's busy dial has somewhat obscure the legibility hence making the watch asthetically less pleasing to the eyes. However, the watch size and case wears extremely comfortable that one will not even feel it on the wrist which to some is a bad thing but to others is a plus.

[Ny325]

The Daytona is not my cup of tea.

[cts]

Daytona is king.

[Screwly]

Love the versatility of the black dial. Dress up and down soooo good!

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Let me start by saying I tried to get my first Daytona in 2002. I was on holiday in Las Vegas and walked past the Tourneau shop in Caesars and they had a picture in the window. The SA practically laughed at me when I walked in and tried to buy one. I knew nothing about Rolex or the Daytona back then.

Fast forward to 2013 and I finally get the 116520 from an AD. Fast forward more to 2016 and I get the 116500. To me it’s always been my grail, still is I guess.

People though seem very divided. You either love it or hate it. Busy dial, wears small, old fashioned etc etc. About half of my friends like it, the other half don’t. It’s similar with watch forums as well from what I can see. I’ve some great watches and it would be the last to leave. In an ideal world I’d pick 42mm and a cheeky blue dial if I could have one specially made.

What say you?

Nobody wants to be told ... "you can't get this." It makes many people's self defense mechanisms kick in and they immediately reject the watch or dislike it.

The Daytona is the only watch in the past 30 years that not everyone can obtain at the AD (even if you have the money). it, quite literally, is the most exclusive watch the past quarter+ century. Obviously, the Nautilus has become the most exclusive watch as of late ... but not over time like the Daytona. The Daytona started this trend of "unobtainable" in then watch world today.

I remember back in 2007 thinking, "who in their right mind would pay $12,000 for an $8,000 watch?????" I too, put up my defense mechanisms and tried to shun the watch.

But, the reality is ... I wanted one. Not only does it look good, but I LOVE motorsports and this is the watch of motorsports.

I love the Daytona and all it represents ... motorsports, exclusivity, history. And I love the way it looks. The dial is sublime. I love the screwed pushers. I just love it's iconic "look."

I can understand if one does not like chronos, not liking it. Hey, they don't like chronos.

But I don't really understand the complaint about legibility by many ... no chrono is legible. Have you every looked at a Navitimer??? Or a Datograph??? Or ANY chrono ... even a Citizens chrono?

Watches are small ... if you add sundials ... those are even smaller and harder to read ... who cares? Chronos are beautiful. It is beautiful because of the complexity. Just like a perpetual calendar or a world timer.

I think most reject the Daytona ... because they have been "rejected" by the Daytona (meaning, they can't get one from their AD).

I commend those that love the watch so much they are willing to pay grey for it ... that's TRUE watch love. No one can call them "fools" -- they are true to their love and willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill/obtain that love.

Those that are fortunate enough to get "the call" from their ADs ... more power to them and may they always have "an attitude of gratitude" with respect to the watch.

The Daytona is a modern icon of watches for a reason ... it's that good. Remember, it was the true watch enthusiasts that raised the Daytona to its position originally (30+ years ago) ... the recent hype is just along for the ride.

[Token74]

I think there are other watches that divide opinions far more, the Royal Oak and Nautilus spring to mind as being true marmite watches.

The Daytona gets a lot of press, but i think most of the negative comments i see about it are really about the grey market selling price. As a £10k watch i think most think it’s a good/nice watch. Sure, some will say it’s hard to read and there is no date, but i don’t think many really hate it or think it’s crazy overpriced at £10k.

But, at £15k to £20k it is only the Daytona lovers that can stand behind it, for everyone else it brings out a whole lot of negativity.

When you say it would be the last out the door for you, i get that totally. I sold my 116500 but only because it was replaced by a 116519, i can’t imagine but having a Daytona in the collection. And if i had to go back to one watch only, i would trade the 116519 for a 116500 in an instant. As part of a collection of several steel sports watches, i prefer the 116519, but as an only watch, the 116500 would win hands down.


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[zion_rasta]

Yeah, too small and no date. Sold mine

[jtorrebl]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Nobody wants to be told ... "you can't get this." It makes many people's self defense mechanisms kick in and they immediately reject the watch or dislike it.

The Daytona is the only watch in the past 30 years that not everyone can obtain at the AD (even if you have the money). it, quite literally, is the most exclusive watch the past quarter+ century. Obviously, the Nautilus has become the most exclusive watch as of late ... but not over time like the Daytona. The Daytona started this trend of "unobtainable" in then watch world today.

I remember back in 2007 thinking, "who in their right mind would pay $12,000 for an $8,000 watch?????" I too, put up my defense mechanisms and tried to shun the watch.

But, the reality is ... I wanted one. Not only does it look good, but I LOVE motorsports and this is the watch of motorsports.

I love the Daytona and all it represents ... motorsports, exclusivity, history. And I love the way it looks. The dial is sublime. I love the screwed pushers. I just love it's iconic "look."

I can understand if one does not like chronos, not liking it. Hey, they don't like chronos.

But I don't really understand the complaint about legibility by many ... no chrono is legible. Have you every looked at a Navitimer??? Or a Datograph??? Or ANY chrono ... even a Citizens chrono?

Watches are small ... if you add sundials ... those are even smaller and harder to read ... who cares? Chronos are beautiful. It is beautiful because of the complexity. Just like a perpetual calendar or a world timer.

I think most reject the Daytona ... because they have been "rejected" by the Daytona (meaning, they can't get one from their AD).

I commend those that love the watch so much they are willing to pay grey for it ... that's TRUE watch love. No one can call them "fools" -- they are true to their love and willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill/obtain that love.

Those that are fortunate enough to get "the call" from their ADs ... more power to them and may they always have "an attitude of gratitude" with respect to the watch.

The Daytona is a modern icon of watches for a reason ... it's that good. Remember, it was the true watch enthusiasts that raised the Daytona to its position originally (30+ years ago) ... the recent hype is just along for the ride.

Hip hop hooray preach bother! Well stated. I’m a grey guy myself

[brandrea]

Hate is such a strong word. I’m the first to admit I’m not a fan of the Daytona, but for me it mostly has to do with readability. YMMV.

Beautiful collection OP

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by jtorrebl

Hip hop hooray preach bother! Well stated. I’m a grey guy myself

Actually, I have been fortunate enough to purchase all of mine at an AD. But I respect all true watch enthusiasts ... and those that go through grey have proven their commitment where it counts ... with their wallet. Respect brother!




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