Underwhelmed by the Daytona

[thegrandseirolexguy]

I’ve never been a Rolex Daytona fan. Wanting to find out for myself what the hype was all about, I popped into my local grey dealer today and tried on the following modern Daytona references.

Specifically, the:
116520 black dial
116500LN black dial
116503 TT gold dial
116520 white dial
116523 TT white dial

I felt thoroughly underwhelmed. The SS references in particular had a distinct lack of heft that made it feel unsubstantial on the wrist, and the black dials were hard to read.

The older generation clasps without the spring loaded beak & hook system also felt cheap and tinny. Although the easy link extension had already been integrated by then.

The one exception that really caught my eye was the 116523 TT white dial. Even I was surprised by how much I liked it. Bonus points because I could tell the time at a glance, and the watch had a luxurious, weighty feel to it, courtesy of the solid gold material.

Aesthetically, it looked great too and asking prices for the TT 116523 white dial weren’t ridiculous, unlike the modern SS references.

Guess I’ll be sticking with my yacht-master for now.


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[Mystro]

You saved yourself a lot of money. What model YM do you own?

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

You saved yourself a lot of money. What model YM do you own?

I did indeed. Though the 116523 TT Daytona really left an impression on me.

Didn’t think I’d like it that much, especially after being disappointed by the SS variants.




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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

I did indeed. Though the 116523 TT Daytona really left an impression on me.

Didn’t think I’d like it that much, especially after being disappointed by the SS variants.




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That is an idea situation as you are happy and content with what you own. No reason to even look at another watch.

[Nads786]

I've only tried the TT Daytona and was unimpressed. I'm waiting to hold my final thoughts until I try a SS version in the metal.

[Guppydriver]

Although frustrating, this is why I have preferred "Exhibition only" over completely empty display cases.

It allowed me to eliminate a DJ dial color that I would have adamantly requested had I not had a chance to try it on.

Daytona's are certainly not for everyone. They have a few quirks that can either endear you or repel you.

Glad you had a chance to try them on.

[yessir69]

How dare you?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

I’ve never been a Rolex Daytona fan. Wanting to find out for myself what the hype was all about, I popped into my local grey dealer today and tried on the following modern Daytona references.

Specifically, the:
116520 black dial
116500LN black dial
116503 TT gold dial
116520 white dial
116523 TT white dial

I felt thoroughly underwhelmed. The SS references in particular had a distinct lack of heft that made it feel unsubstantial on the wrist, and the black dials were hard to read.

The older generation clasps without the spring loaded beak & hook system also felt cheap and tinny. Although the easy link extension had already been integrated by then.

The one exception that really caught my eye was the 116523 TT white dial. Even I was surprised by how much I liked it. Bonus points because I could tell the time at a glance, and the watch had a luxurious, weighty feel to it, courtesy of the solid gold material.

Aesthetically, it looked great too and asking prices for the TT 116523 white dial weren’t ridiculous, unlike the modern SS references.

Guess I’ll be sticking with my yacht-master for now.


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Like you was never a fan of any of the modern Daytona range yes it has a great movement that I would rate in the top 5 chronograph movements ever made.The SS Daytona was always hard to get at retail ever since it's launching in 2000 with the in-house cal 4130 a Rolex first ever chronograph movement.And back around 2000 for a few years you could buy the TT version for what the SS was selling for once Daytona hype started.Today the modern Daytona must be the most hyped Rolex watch ever,but hype sells watches today.

[njlam]

I too have never understood the following of the Daytona.

It is hard to read, and the idea of screw-in pushers on a chronograph seems impractical.

From a chrono perspective, the Speedmaster Moonwatch (preferably EW) or a Zenith El Primaro (mine are the triple calendar/moonphase versions) get the job done for me.

Prestige/status are not as high on my priority list as others. YMMV.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by njlam

I too have never understood the following of the Daytona.

It is hard to read, and the idea of screw-in pushers on a chronograph seems impractical.

From a chrono perspective, the Speedmaster Moonwatch (preferably EW) or a Zenith El Primaro.

I couldn't have put it better.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

I’ve never been a Rolex Daytona fan. Wanting to find out for myself what the hype was all about, I popped into my local grey dealer today and tried on the following modern Daytona references.

Specifically, the:
116520 black dial
116500LN black dial
116503 TT gold dial
116520 white dial
116523 TT white dial

I felt thoroughly underwhelmed. The SS references in particular had a distinct lack of heft that made it feel unsubstantial on the wrist, and the black dials were hard to read.

The older generation clasps without the spring loaded beak & hook system also felt cheap and tinny. Although the easy link extension had already been integrated by then.

The one exception that really caught my eye was the 116523 TT white dial. Even I was surprised by how much I liked it. Bonus points because I could tell the time at a glance, and the watch had a luxurious, weighty feel to it, courtesy of the solid gold material.

Aesthetically, it looked great too and asking prices for the TT 116523 white dial weren’t ridiculous, unlike the modern SS references.

Guess I’ll be sticking with my yacht-master for now.


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The answer is simple: try on a Platona!

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The answer is simple: try on a Platona!

Even I like THAT one and the John Mayer.

Kat


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[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The answer is simple: try on a Platona!

Can’t afford one.


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[nikolan]

I don't get the hype on these watches

[Wingman244]

After buying a 116500 black dial Daytona about 6 weeks ago, I flipped it for this (and a lot of cash obviously). In a lot of ways it is much better. Readability is an order of magnitude better. It keeps better time. The case is finished between the lugs so you can actually switch straps to traditional straps. A nice bonus is the exhibition case back. It's nice to see the movement.

I found the Daytona too small, too hard to read and the screw down pushers were annoying. Also it did not fit my 7.5" (19cm) wrist and seemed to fall to one side or the other no matter how tight the bracelet. The 44mm Speedy fits on my wrist and stays planted.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Wingman244

I found the Daytona too small, too hard to read and the screw down pushers were annoying.

This pretty much sums up my feelings on the Daytona

[APhound]

Originally Posted by Wingman244

After buying a 116500 black dial Daytona about 6 weeks ago, I flipped it for this (and a lot of cash obviously). In a lot of ways it is much better. Readability is an order of magnitude better. It keeps better time. The case is finished between the lugs so you can actually switch straps to traditional straps. A nice bonus is the exhibition case back. It's nice to see the movement.

I found the Daytona too small, too hard to read and the screw down pushers were annoying. Also it did not fit my 7.5" (19cm) wrist and seemed to fall to one side or the other no matter how tight the bracelet. The 44mm Speedy fits on my wrist and stays planted.

Nice


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[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Wingman244

After buying a 116500 black dial Daytona about 6 weeks ago, I flipped it for this (and a lot of cash obviously). In a lot of ways it is much better. Readability is an order of magnitude better. It keeps better time. The case is finished between the lugs so you can actually switch straps to traditional straps. A nice bonus is the exhibition case back. It's nice to see the movement.

I found the Daytona too small, too hard to read and the screw down pushers were annoying. Also it did not fit my 7.5" (19cm) wrist and seemed to fall to one side or the other no matter how tight the bracelet. The 44mm Speedy fits on my wrist and stays planted.

That Speedmaster Racing is stunning, if I didn't have a Moonwatch I would definitely consider this, congratulations.

[brandrea]

They’re not for everyone.

I rank chronographs behind Dive watches and GMTs. Everyone has their preferences I guess

[Brian Page]

I go back and forth on this topic I currently own (again..) Black 116500. All the negatives are true hard to read but now I wear readers anyway... However the movement is a masterpiece. It couldn't be my one and only watch though, for sure.

[JoseR]

Way overrated IMO.

[ArtNouveau]

Okay, I’ll alert the media.

[123Blueface]

I use to be as well. Took me years to like it. In fact, back in 1994, I was offered one from the showcase at the AD and recall thinking to myself, that’s not what a Rolex looks like. Ended up with the very common DJ Rolesor with yellow dial.
Today, I love them. What caused that eludes me but one main reason is how nicely it fits on my 6.5” wrist. As I age and shrink some more, my two Daytona may end up being my only two watches.

[RiRi]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Today, I love them. What caused that eludes me but one main reason is how nicely it fits on my 6.5” wrist.

Could not agree more - for a 6.5" wrist, the Daytona has the perfect dimensions and among all my Rolex watches this one fits best

[jamesbondOO7]

Like the 911, everyone has one.

[Seo]

I love the daytona because I am primarily a chronograph collector but I don’t have the biggest wrists. There is no column wheel vertical clutch chrono at this size but at the same time has a timeless design, robust, high WR etc etc.

In saying that are they overrated? yes, they shouldn’t be and it’s highly irritating that they’re so hard to buy. They should be considered at the same level as a plain Jane sub.

[TimeAZ]

You should check out the 116503 TT white. It's absolutely magnificent.

[173rdabn]

As the old saying goes. " You pays your money and you takes your choice". In this case, no choice was made as expectations weren't met.

[Masteryacht]

I think the hype and the difficulty to get can make it anticlimactic when you finally do get one.

[Bazil]

I think Daytona price will plummet on the back of this ..
front page news, watch enthusiasts don’t like Daytona - shock waves through the industry, Rolex stock has nose dived ..
Now I’m questioning my love for the Daytona .. perhaps these folks are right, let me start a thread if it’s still safe to wear a Daytona now they’re officially unliked ..
*inserts his own sarcasm emoji*