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

[TeddyS]

Hi Guys, obviously like most of you I am a pretty keen Rolex enthusiast, and as we all know the current state of play with trying to obtain any stainless Steele sports model from an AD is frustrating to say the least. But there is one model that seems to far outweigh the rest as far as closed waiting lists and ott resale prices and that model is the ceramic Daytona. So my question is, is this accolade justified? I mean, is this your grail ss pro sport model? If so why? And if not what model is? The sea-dweller 126600 will probably be a shorter run so rarer, the sky dweller is by far the most complicated Rolex so should this not take the crown? Just food for thought..

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by TeddyS

Hi Guys, obviously like most of you I am a pretty keen Rolex enthusiast, and as we all know the current state of play with trying to obtain any stainless Steele sports model from an AD is frustrating to say the least. But there is one model that seems to far outweigh the rest as far as closed waiting lists and ott resale prices and that model is the ceramic Daytona. So my question is, is this accolade justified? I mean, is this your grail ss pro sport model? If so why? And if not what model is? The sea-dweller 126600 will probably be a shorter run so rarer, the sky dweller is by far the most complicated Rolex so should this not take the crown? Just food for thought..

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

[GMT Aviator]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

I agree. Whilst the Daytona maybe the pinnacle of Rolex ownership for some, for others it is not. It could be a simple OP.
If anything I would say the accolade for best Rolex puts the Datejust on top, and by a very wide margin.....but again....who cares?!
Buy, wear and enjoy what matters most to you.

[Sarosh]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

I also agree. A Rolex is a Rolex. Not much more to say on it lol.

[travisb]

It's certainly the hardest SS to obtain. That doesn't make it the pinnacle (or grail) at least for me. Great watch none the less.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by travisb

It's certainly the hardest SS to obtain. That doesn't make it the pinnacle (or grail) at least for me. Great watch none the less.

As well as the SS Sky D. But yes I agree with this.

If I had to guess, and this is just my opinion of what other people’s opinions likely are, most would say the daydate is the “pinnacle” Rolex to own.

I think it’s more identifiable as a Rolex, and I think it’s the one most commonly associated with the highest levels of achievement.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

If I had to guess, and this is just my opinion of what other people’s opinions likely are, most would say the daydate is the “pinnacle” Rolex to own.

I think it’s more identifiable as a Rolex, and I think it’s the one most commonly associated with the highest levels of achievement.

This pretty much sums it up... great post and accurate even when referencing Rolex’s own advertising.

[Seaswirl]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

This. Seems like there are many threads trying to establish one watch, usually the OPs, as the preeminent, hardest to find, most practical and otherwise most lust worthy Rolex while denigrating other popular models. Some strange effort to validate ones choices it seems. FWIW, love my DaytonaC, but it isn’t magical.

[Seattlerf]

Originally Posted by Seaswirl

This. Seems like there are many threads trying to establish one watch, usually the OPs, as the preeminent, hardest to find, most practical and otherwise most lust worthy Rolex while denigrating other popular models. Some strange effort to validate ones choices it seems. FWIW, love my DaytonaC, but it isn’t magical.

Love my ceramic Daytona, but also love my 16750 Pepsi just as much. Hope never to decide between the two.

[Hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

Well said.

The notion of a best or “pinnacle” Rolex is about a silly as an “entry level” Rolex. They are each intended for different purposes and/or different tastes. The Daytona is a great watch, but I found it wasn’t for me because I don’t like watches with complications and I prefer a clean, simple dial.

[Mr. Adair]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Any hierarchy is an illusionary construct. The only "crown" is the Rolex trademark, and all Rolex wear them. The Daytona is the pinnacle of nothing, it's just another Rolex.

Frankly, I find the desire of many to try and determine, establish, or lobby for what is the "best" model (which suggests there is some sort of objective hierarchy) pretty strange. Why, and why would anyone care?

There is all kinds of empirical data to show the Daytona is the most desirable Rolex. What percentage of people on this forum if told they could only keep one Rolex would choose a Daytona? Very high I would guess. Should it be that way is up for discussion. Why would someone care? I think it goes part and parcel with luxury items. It'a like the owners who say owing a GT3 is the same as owning an RS. That statement it's just another Rolex is silly...

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

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.

Originally Posted by Mr. Adair

There is all kinds of empirical data to show the Daytona is the most desirable Rolex. What percentage of people on this forum if told they could only keep one Rolex would choose a Daytona? Very high I would guess. Should it be that way is up for discussion. Why would someone care? I think it goes part and parcel with luxury items. It'a like the owners who say owing a GT3 is the same as owning an RS. That statement it's just another Rolex is silly...

Apparently, some don't understand what the Professional Line models (and therefore, this thread) are all about; Pro models are all designed to be different from one another and do different things having different forte's past merely telling time. "tool watches", if you will, using the notion that there's a right tool for the job. A Daytona (chrono) is not a GMT (display time zones) is not a Sub (dive watch) is not a Milgauss (anti-mag) etc etc.

Believing there's a hierarchy (and therefore, that a "pinnacle" exists) between watches purposely designed to have different functions is comparing apples to oranges to pears to grapes and trying to force-feed/lobby the notion that one job, function, or forte' is the best. Well, a Daytona is hardly the "pinnacle" of Pro Models if one wants to dive super deep underwater with it, display another time zone, or even read the date. Hell, with sub-par contrast between hands and dial/subdials of the SS models and half the PM models are barely even legible to tell the time or elapsed time, and not legible at all when that flat, sapphire crystal reflects light.

It seems that the 2 of you (and some others) are trying to equate fashion statement/scarcity-induced "desirability" that has nothing to do with the actual functioning to being a "pinnacle" in a mix of purpose-built tool watches doing different things. One thing all models do is display the time, and yet the Daytona is the only one of them where complaints (not only mine) of readability arise. Pick any Pro Series model and you won't find anyone having trouble reading the dial in real, day-to-day life, but there's plenty re the Daytona even in TRF Daytona threads. I have perfect vision and read instruments quickly to absorb and act on what they're telling me for a living, and the Daytona's sub-standard interface with the wearer/user to do it's most basic job as a watch (to tell time) is not made up for by the jewelry factor or "Oh wow, you have a Daytona!" unless you're the type that factors in a Fashion Statement angle to the equation. I couldn't care less about a tool watch being a fashion statement, but if you do then it doesn't even really need to tell time and one never even has to unscrew the pushers and operate the chrono, like most Daytona owners don't. Then, it's just an overpriced, "look at me" bauble that makes one feel good based on others not having, and imagines it being noticed by others is a compliment to oneself. On this forum there's only 1 guy I can think of who actually uses his Daytona for it's actual purpose during racing. There'a few others who may use the chrono time time something here and there, but the reality for most is those pushers stay screwed firmly in.

The avocado crop was scarce due to weather a few years ago in Oz, and in NZ they were selling for $5, $6, $7 a pop. One couldn't get guacamole in Mexican restaurants. People who loved avocados and those who believe (and market) the idea that avocados are a "Superfood" wailed and gnashed their teeth. They had to find other things to put on their toast in the morning and snacks the rest of the day.

By your reasoning, each selling for $7 due to scarcity = "empirical data" plus the loud clamoring about no availability in the produce section of supermarkets by newbie avocado fanatics buying into Superfood hype on a Food & Fitness Forum = "Avocados are the pinnacle of all fruits".

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Apparently, some don't understand what the Professional Line models (and therefore, this thread) are all about; Pro models are all designed to be different from one another and do different things having different forte's past merely telling time. "tool watches", if you will, using the notion that there's a right tool for the job. A Daytona (chrono) is not a GMT (display time zones) is not a Sub (dive watch) is not a Milgauss (anti-mag) etc etc.

Believing there's a hierarchy (and therefore, that a "pinnacle" exists) between watches purposely designed to have different functions is comparing apples to oranges to pears to grapes and trying to force-feed/lobby the notion that one job, function, or forte' is the best. Well, a Daytona is hardly the "pinnacle" of Pro Models if one wants to dive super deep underwater with it, display another time zone, or even read the date. Hell, with sub-par contrast between hands and dial/subdials of the SS models and half the PM models are barely even legible to tell the time or elapsed time, and not legible at all when that flat, sapphire crystal reflects light.

It seems that the 2 of you (and some others) are trying to equate fashion statement/scarcity-induced "desirability" that has nothing to do with the actual functioning to being a "pinnacle" in a mix of purpose-built tool watches doing different things. One thing all models do is display the time, and yet the Daytona is the only one of them where complaints (not only mine) of readability arise. Pick any Pro Series model and you won't find anyone having trouble reading the dial in real, day-to-day life, but there's plenty re the Daytona even in TRF Daytona threads. Sub-standard interface with the wearer to do it's most basic job as a watch (to tell time) is not made up for by the jewelry factor or "Oh wow, you have a Daytona!" unless you're the type that factors in a Fashion Statement angle to the equation. If that's the case then it doesn't even really need to tell time and one never even has to unscrew the pushers and operate the chrono, like most Daytona owners don't. Then, it's just an overpriced, "look at me" bauble that makes one feel good based on others not having, and imagines it being noticed by others is a compliment of oneself. On this forum there's only 1 guy I can think of who actually uses his Daytona for it's actual purpose during racing. There'a few others who may use the chrono time time something here and there, but the reality for most is those pushers stay screwed firmly in.

The avocado crop was scarce due to weather a few years ago in Oz, and in NZ they were selling for $5, $6, $7 a pop. One couldn't get guacamole in Mexican restaurants. People who loved avocados and those who believe (and market) the idea that avocados are a "Superfood" wailed and gnashed their teeth. They had to find other things to put on their toast in the morning and snacks the rest of the day.

By your reasoning, each selling for $7 due to scarcity = "empirical data" plus the loud clamoring about scarcity in produce markets by newbie avocado fanatics buying into Superfood hype on a Health Food Fitness Forum = "Avocados are the pinnacle of all fruits".

do you think any other model rolex will fetch more at auction than PN’s daytona?

[zaratsu]

Originally Posted by breitlings

do you think any other model rolex will fetch more at auction than PN’s daytona?

Highest price does not mean highest quality, especially in the world of luxury watches.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by breitlings

do you think any other model rolex will fetch more at auction than PN’s daytona?

No.

Do you think any set of artifacts will fetch more people who have over the decades and will collectively pay more money to see than King Tut's?

I'm just asking because I'm joining an Archeology forum and want to start a thread to figure out what the "pinnacle of artifacts" is in order to help out those that get suckered down at the souk into overpaying for a modern, "close-enough" rendition of his one-of-a-kind death mask to imagine they have purchased "the best" souvenir measured objectively against all other souvenirs.

[Mr. Adair]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Apparently, some don't understand what the Professional Line models (and therefore, this thread) are all about; Pro models are all designed to be different from one another and do different things having different forte's past merely telling time. "tool watches", if you will, using the notion that there's a right tool for the job. A Daytona (chrono) is not a GMT (display time zones) is not a Sub (dive watch) is not a Milgauss (anti-mag) etc etc.

Believing there's a hierarchy (and therefore, that a "pinnacle" exists) between watches purposely designed to have different functions is comparing apples to oranges to pears to grapes and trying to force-feed/lobby the notion that one job, function, or forte' is the best. Well, a Daytona is hardly the "pinnacle" of Pro Models if one wants to dive super deep underwater with it, display another time zone, or even read the date. Hell, with sub-par contrast between hands and dial/subdials of the SS models and half the PM models are barely even legible to tell the time or elapsed time, and not legible at all when that flat, sapphire crystal reflects light.

It seems that the 2 of you (and some others) are trying to equate fashion statement/scarcity-induced "desirability" that has nothing to do with the actual functioning to being a "pinnacle" in a mix of purpose-built tool watches doing different things. One thing all models do is display the time, and yet the Daytona is the only one of them where complaints (not only mine) of readability arise. Pick any Pro Series model and you won't find anyone having trouble reading the dial in real, day-to-day life, but there's plenty re the Daytona even in TRF Daytona threads. I have perfect vision and read instruments quickly to absorb and act on what they're telling me for a living, and the Daytona's sub-standard interface with the wearer/user to do it's most basic job as a watch (to tell time) is not made up for by the jewelry factor or "Oh wow, you have a Daytona!" unless you're the type that factors in a Fashion Statement angle to the equation. I couldn't care less about a tool watch being a fashion statement, but if you do then it doesn't even really need to tell time and one never even has to unscrew the pushers and operate the chrono, like most Daytona owners don't. Then, it's just an overpriced, "look at me" bauble that makes one feel good based on others not having, and imagines it being noticed by others is a compliment to oneself. On this forum there's only 1 guy I can think of who actually uses his Daytona for it's actual purpose during racing. There'a few others who may use the chrono time time something here and there, but the reality for most is those pushers stay screwed firmly in.

The avocado crop was scarce due to weather a few years ago in Oz, and in NZ they were selling for $5, $6, $7 a pop. One couldn't get guacamole in Mexican restaurants. People who loved avocados and those who believe (and market) the idea that avocados are a "Superfood" wailed and gnashed their teeth. They had to find other things to put on their toast in the morning and snacks the rest of the day.

By your reasoning, each selling for $7 due to scarcity = "empirical data" plus the loud clamoring about no availability in the produce section of supermarkets by newbie avocado fanatics buying into Superfood hype on a Food & Fitness Forum = "Avocados are the pinnacle of all fruits".

Huh? That didn't so too elitist...

I don't think anybody is confused in how to match a Professional model to it's proper usage. And I can tell you are making assumptions already on the Daytona being the "poseur" model du jour. When I bought my first Rolex in 1982 the "poseur" model was the Submariner. There will always be that element with Rolex.

I have had every Professional model (some twice) sans the Sea Dweller. And a few Air-Kings to boot. At the end of the day all I now care about is my early 70's all original 5513 Metres First and my Daytona C.

The Daytona is the most important watch Rolex makes. They build their business model around the watch and the availability/production model simply shows it. And yes, it doesn't mean it's the best

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by Mr. Adair

The Daytona is the most important watch Rolex makes. They build their business model around the watch and the availability/production model simply shows it. And yes, it doesn't mean it's the best

The DateJust is the most important watch Rolex makes and has been since the they were introduced. Their entire business as we know it...the one that produces 800,000 men's and women's watches per year, is built on the bread and butter, best-seller DateJust foundation. The reason there are so many DJs and OPs available is because that's what they sell the most of and dedicate the most display case space to. No Djs, OPs, or DDs and you may as well write off 98% of women who've ever wanted, bought, or will buy a Rolex and who, despite not proportionally well-represented on Sports watch-centric Rolex internet forums, represent a large portion of Rolex buyers/recipients.

There is absolutely nothing that shows Rolex has built it's business model around the Daytona, then or now.

With no DJs and OPs (and DDs) but instead producing just Daytonas, Subs, GMTs, etc, Rolex would be a niche watchmaker catering only to the minority of men who buy Pro Series models and virtually no women, who almost never do. When the world-at-large thinks "Rolex", they picture a DJ or DD. The Daytona is a distant also-ran as far as recognizability and gross sales.

[RazorD]

All depends on the person. For scarcity, I’ve spoke to a few ADs that have said they get more SS Daytona’s than SS Skymasters.

[dmitrii_]

Originally Posted by RazorD

All depends on the person. For scarcity, I’ve spoke to a few ADs that have said they get more SS Daytona’s than SS Skymasters.

Skymaster is so scarce because it doesn't exist

Your ad is lying

[TeddyS]

Originally Posted by dmitrii_

Skymaster is so scarce because it doesn't exist

Your ad is lying

Wonder what a Skymaster would look like? Basically a Skydweller with a ceramic bezel. Could work..

[AK797]

Originally Posted by dmitrii_

Skymaster is so scarce because it doesn't exist

Your ad is lying

Sky-master actually sounds better than Sky-dweller to me.

[Spoonage]

I would not say that it it top dog. There are many out there that don't even like the Daytona. It's probably the most hyped because of the Paul Newman connection, it has a lower allocation (production), and is generally harder to get. Don't get me wrong it's a great watch and I have one, but not worth any premium. If I had to choose I would keep my BLNR over the Daytona and the rest of my current watch collection.

[mahefa]

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

[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.

[brandrea]

It’s tough to argue against it due to it’s long waiting lists.

If the Daytona is produced in lower production numbers that would also contribute.

I suppose if the Submariner were produced in similar quantity as the Daytona, than it would be just as “rare” and probably king of the hill

[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.

[TeddyS]

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.

I agree, I think the Daytona in a 42mm would be amazing. I have a particularly big wrist so 40mm watches just look to small. I’m also really excited to see the new Deepsea with the wider bracelet. I think it will wear a lot better

[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....

[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

[beshannon]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=597908