Is the Daytona really the pinnacle of Rolex SS professional sports models?

[fastman73]

I own a Daytona and I love it, but I am still looking at GMT BLNR and the YM 116622.

However, I will say I think when you own one you do question whether you need another SS sports model, as I am also contemplating a TT in RG.

[300blackout]

Originally Posted by mahefa

To many Daytona seems to be important. I think it is beautifully made, but not that practical or useful. I prefer GMT models.

I agree with you.

[dannyp]

I'd argue just the opposite, that it is in some ways one of the most boring because it has never been the source of true innovation in watchmaking. Other SS sport models, such as the Sub, SD, GMT/Exp. II included groundbreaking feats in watchmaking, such as water tightness, gas release and multiple timezone display. Functionally speaking, the Daytona is just another chronograph, albeit one that benefits from other Rolex innovations.

[subtona]

Yes.

Modern movement of the Daytona was ahead of the curve , though the new movements found in gmt, sky dwellerand day date have meaningful improvements.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by subtona

Yes.

Modern movement of the Daytona was ahead of the curve , though the new movements found in gmt, sky dwellerand day date have meaningful improvements.

I was speaking more of the original functional innovations of the watches, those which allowed them to dive to unprecedented depths, or things like the jumping hour hand. Simple, yet elegant solutions to previously under-addressed problems.

[GSBC]

Yes. To me it is.

[MCO1]

From reading the responses opinions vary on this. It does seem a bit polarizing either you like it or you don't but most cannot argue it does have a certain mystique. Since I got my 116500 White dial i have kind of wondered where to go next with watches. Pinnacle? Maybe or maybe not but it has greatly curbed my own watch desires.

[liuk3]

I'm trying to decide whether I want it cause I love it or only because I haven't been able to get one since it came out. It's weird because I have pretty much zero need for the chrono complication, and as I am getting older I find my eyesight getting worse from a far-sighted perspective which I've heard makes this watch harder to read. I do like the racing heritage homage of the watch though, and I am looking to add more white dials to my largely black dial collection. We shall see if it is in my future.

[Cato]

Well if popularity is any metric, then yes the Daytona C is the best.

In my eyes it’s the Submariner Date or ND as the most legendary SS Sports Rolex.

[JohnnyRol]

I guess it comes down to how you define pinnacle. I'd give that title to the submariner. I think back to when I was a kid. I didn't know much about anything let alone watches. But I'll never forget the cyclops on my uncles sub and I didn't even know what it was at the time. Funny how images stick with you.

[NYCWATCHCREW]

Yes

[subtona]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I was speaking more of the original functional innovations of the watches, those which allowed them to dive to unprecedented depths, or things like the jumping hour hand. Simple, yet elegant solutions to previously under-addressed problems.

I see.

The brand has made a mark with so many of their pieces and the longevity of the models has solidified their impact on the different areas of functionality like few other manufacturers.

Others try and come close but all things considered just can't unseat the crown. The

[HogwldFLTR]

I own one but it's not my favorite watch. So I'd say no. Beside which what has the Daytona got to do with cards?

[breitlings]

Good arguments.

i would argue there are different price points within the Rolex lineup. OP DJ SkyD DD on one side and on the other AK EXP/EXP II, Sub/GMT SD DSSD YM Daytona

Think of the watches Rolex offers in Platinum, I believe only two (other than masterpiece pearlmaster and celini) and Daytona is one of them.

[Phrank]

Originally Posted by 1William

I think that it is a matter of personal preference. I like the Daytona and have owned it in YG, RG, TT and SS. The hype surrounding the watch is just that. But it does not change the fact that it is the most sought after regular production SS Rolex now. I would love to see a Daytona II in 42 mm with the same style and design and an upgraded movement. That might be a yet to be released grail. For now, the SD43 checks all the boxes for me and has the appropriate size. To each their watch.

Yea, let the frenzy begin....I personally prefer the 116520 or the 16520, and if they released one in that vein at 42mm - I'd riot in the darn streets.

@brandrea - and I agree, if the Sub had a limited production, I think it would easily be the most sought after, for me, Rolex is the Submariner, it is the brands icon IMO....

[Canook]

Originally Posted by kwingy

I had a 116520 and sold it - I miss the fact that its worth a lot more now then when I sold it rather then the watch itself.

Agreed...Me too!! ive had 2 and in all honesty they do nothing for me... far too small on my wrist and with a white dial too hard to read in some light....

I respect them for what they are but as far as being the pinnacle... NO

Only a couple of years ago they were constantly called a womens watch due to the size....
Go back 10+ years ago and dealers couldnt move them with a massive discount and pawn shops only wanted subs,DJ & DD's

Only in the last 2+ years with all the hype and lack of supply has driven the "want" for them through the roof....

Pinnacle.. no

besides a grail is something of a personal taste not defined by what someone tells you should be.... and its shouldnt come down to $$$ what is your grail.... it should be what you like personally
Many guys grails are reasonably priced watches and not because they cant afford more expensive ones its just their personal choice

[avega357]

Originally Posted by 1William

I think that it is a matter of personal preference. I like the Daytona and have owned it in YG, RG, TT and SS. The hype surrounding the watch is just that. But it does not change the fact that it is the most sought after regular production SS Rolex now. I would love to see a Daytona II in 42 mm with the same style and design and an upgraded movement. That might be a yet to be released grail. For now, the SD43 checks all the boxes for me and has the appropriate size. To each their watch.

Daytona is too small at present, beleive it or not I am waiting for the larger version. But given how popular the current model is I doubt one will be released soon

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

One of the best chronographs out there, any brand, anywhere. IMO. The movement is spectacular.



That said, if you're not much of a chrono guy, that doesn't exactly make it the pinnacle.



The fact that it's selling at an $8k premium makes it something, though.

That premium really is something!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bladeshot]

Pinnacle? No. I have considered one but do not own one. Have a nice stable of SS sports Rolex but I don’t see a SS Daytona in my future. History, legacy, longevity of other References supersedes Daytona. My grail are GMT II References. More useful for my purposes, less busy dial, etc. if I bought a Daytona it would be a platona just because of the overall colors and it’s a PM. I think I’d enjoy that more than a SS Daytona.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AdamG]

Yes

[lecorsaire]

Absolutely. Anyone who doesn’t think it’s the pinnacle of Rolex’s sports line is just fooling themselves. It is probably the most iconic and important Swiss chronograph in history regardless of those made by Patek and artisanal watchmakers. Even those who normally wouldn’t buy Rolex, appreciate the Daytona. I would say that along with the Day-Date it’s Rolex’s most important watch.

[MrWeha]

100% yes

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

Absolutely. Anyone who doesn’t think it’s the pinnacle of Rolex’s sports line is just fooling themselves. It is probably the most iconic and important Swiss chronograph in history regardless of those made by Patek and artisanal watchmakers. Even those who normally wouldn’t buy Rolex, appreciate the Daytona. I would say that along with the Day-Date it’s Rolex’s most important watch.

In Geneva this week. Visited a few of the high end watch stores wearing my Daytona. It simply staggered the salespeople - they were just awed to see one in nature.

Had a private tour of Vacheron yesterday - which was absolutely awesome btw. Even the guys there loved the Daytona, although they had some really, really nice watches on their wrists too...

I don't know of another Rolex model that would have the same effect.

[rudestew]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

maybe pinnacle isn't the right word, maybe just the coolest!

HAHA in reality to everyone has different taste and uses and to each his own

Anyone got a faster Daytona ? Is a cool picture :-)

[Etschell]

to me no. i dont use a chrono so it doesnt make sense to own one. i know many who own one dont but i prefer watches with functions i use. even if someone offered me one at msrp i would not buy it.

to me it is the submariner. right now the pinnacle is the 116618lb. if a platinum were ever released that would be the pinnacle for me.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

In Geneva this week. Visited a few of the high end watch stores wearing my Daytona. It simply staggered the salespeople - they were just awed to see one in nature.

Had a private tour of Vacheron yesterday - which was absolutely awesome btw. Even the guys there loved the Daytona, although they had some really, really nice watches on their wrists too...

I don't know of another Rolex model that would have the same effect.

i suspect a lot of that has to be how hard it is to get. I get the same thing with my 5711 and its not the best patek by a long shot. Not a knock on the watch though. For me the OF WG daytona is the pinnacle of the line, but they make enough variations for all tastes

[lecorsaire]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

In Geneva this week. Visited a few of the high end watch stores wearing my Daytona. It simply staggered the salespeople - they were just awed to see one in nature.

Had a private tour of Vacheron yesterday - which was absolutely awesome btw. Even the guys there loved the Daytona, although they had some really, really nice watches on their wrists too...

I don't know of another Rolex model that would have the same effect.

Yep. This is exactly what I was talking about. It’s an extremely iconic watch. I actually drove by the Vacheron HQ last year on the A1 while en route to the Provence from Germany. I immediately got euphoric lol. The scenery is truly spectacular and the roads are some of the fun to drive on.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

Absolutely. Anyone who doesn’t think it’s the pinnacle of Rolex’s sports line is just fooling themselves. It is probably the most iconic and important Swiss chronograph in history regardless of those made by Patek and artisanal watchmakers. Even those who normally wouldn’t buy Rolex, appreciate the Daytona. I would say that along with the Day-Date it’s Rolex’s most important watch.

I've owned a SS Daytona and currently own a WG Daytona and never felt they were the pinnacle of anything, and don't think I'd be fooling myself about my own watches.

And certainly not "the most iconic or important Swiss chrono in history". That title belongs to the Speedy Pro, obviously. In the face of actual watch history and events, Daytona-jewelry as a fashion statement pales in comparison. In historical importance I'd also rank it lower than Zenith's El Primero.

[lecorsaire]

Originally Posted by CRM114

I've owned a SS Daytona and currently own a WG Daytona and never felt they were the pinnacle of anything, and don't think I'd be fooling myself about my own watches.

And certainly not "the most iconic or important Swiss chrono in history". That title belongs to the Speedy Pro, obviously. In the face of actual watch history and events, Daytona-jewelry as a fashion statement pales in comparison. In historical importance I'd also rank it lower than Zenith's El Primero.

This is your opinion but I beg to differ. Do you consider the Submariner or GMT more important? The fact is the Paul Newman Daytona sold for $17.8m with the buyer’s premium. Even though the Speedy went to the moon and the El Primero is a superb watch, they just don’t have the Rolex aura and never will. People can say it’s the marketing, the crown, the celebrities, a combination or just pure luck but this is just the reality. None of them look as good a 6239 or 6241 exotic dial either.

[astewartconst]

I owned a 116520 white and while I did like it I ended up selling it. I wonder now if I only wanted to own it was because it was a Daytona aka the pinnacle Rolex sports model.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk