Incomingggg!!! (It's provocative)

[WheresCassAt?]

I'll jump right into it.....Been working with a SA at an AD for the past few years, have purchased many Rolex pieces along with a few other watches that I fancy within a 5 year timespan. While travelling in Amsterdam earlier this year I stopped into a couple watch boutiques which I'm sure many of us do and immediately fell in love with a Santos Dumont Skeleton.

Rather than making an impulsive purchase I immediately contacted my SA about the said piece and he assured me that it was possible to purchase. Given my history with this AD I requested a 126500ln (white dial) with this purchase and to my surprise it was approved. Great!!!

Recently picked up both pieces and albeit beautiful I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed when looking at the Daytona especially when its beside the Santos Dumont.

Of course it's a beautiful piece. I can already hear the TRF boo birds, but i did mention that this would be provocative...

So my question stands.....Would the Daytona "Panda" be as heavily grailed in so many of our collections if it was readily accessible? Is it that as humans we want what we can't have? Or do we all believe that this watch is the creme de la creme of stainless steel timepieces (not just Rolex)

all opinions are welcome

[G&TMe]

Gorgeous watches, both of them.

I've had that conversation with other collectors in the past, and while I think the Panda Daytona is gorgeous, I do think the inaccessibility of it to most is what makes it as desirable as it is. We all want what we can't have as part of human nature, and none of us are immune to it. I purchased the 116500 Panda from my AD in 2020 or so, and I don't think I've worn it in the last two years as it became too often for strangers to approach me and start asking questions about who my AD is, etc. when all I've been trying to do is enjoy my time.

[Chiboy]

After wearing a TT DJ every day since the mid '80s when I got it, in 2016 I decided to consider getting a second watch. I fell for the white Daytona and "got on the list." I thought it was beautiful and didn't even know it was hard to get. Fast forward six months, and I got tired of the wait, even though it was "only" supposed to be another few months, I bought a slightly used platinum Daytona from DSW. Although I never looked back, and have worn that Daytona every day for the last 7 1/2 years (the DJ sits in a drawer now), I am pretty sure I would have been super happy with the white Daytona, which I still think is gorgeous. I don't think it has anything to do with how popular, polarizing or hard to get it is.

But that's just me. I've been on here for 8 years, and after getting the Daytona at the end of 2016, I haven't bought another watch. So I'm not the "typical" TRFer who walks out of an AD with a new Rolex and posts, "what should I get next?" lol.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

After wearing a TT DJ every day since the mid '80s when I got it, in 2016 I decided to consider getting a second watch. I fell for the white Daytona and "got on the list." I thought it was beautiful and didn't even know it was hard to get. Fast forward six months, and I got tired of the wait, even though it was "only" supposed to be another few months, I bought a slightly used platinum Daytona from DSW. Although I never looked back, and have worn that Daytona every day for the last 7 1/2 years (the DJ sits in a drawer now), I am pretty sure I would have been super happy with the white Daytona, which I still think is gorgeous. I don't think it has anything to do with how popular, polarizing or hard to get it is.

But that's just me. I've been on here for 8 years, and after getting the Daytona at the end of 2016, I haven't bought another watch. So I'm not the "typical" TRFer who walks out of an AD with a new Rolex and posts, "what should I get next?" lol.

Refreshing

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

But that's just me. I've been on here for 8 years, and after getting the Daytona at the end of 2016, I haven't bought another watch. So I'm not the "typical" TRFer who walks out of an AD with a new Rolex and posts, "what should I get next?" lol.

Similar with me as well. I was always after the next watch. And a SS white dial Daytona was the grail on my wish list. It had nothing to do with hype, I just loved the look of the watch. And then in February of this year I purchased a RG, Sundust dial Daytona on OF from my AD. It is phenomenal and this became my grail. I no longer desire a SS Daytona and I'm no longer constantly looking for the next watch. This Daytona does it all for me.

[TheHulk]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

After wearing a TT DJ every day since the mid '80s when I got it, in 2016 I decided to consider getting a second watch. I fell for the white Daytona and "got on the list." I thought it was beautiful and didn't even know it was hard to get. Fast forward six months, and I got tired of the wait, even though it was "only" supposed to be another few months, I bought a slightly used platinum Daytona from DSW. Although I never looked back, and have worn that Daytona every day for the last 7 1/2 years (the DJ sits in a drawer now), I am pretty sure I would have been super happy with the white Daytona, which I still think is gorgeous. I don't think it has anything to do with how popular, polarizing or hard to get it is.

But that's just me. I've been on here for 8 years, and after getting the Daytona at the end of 2016, I haven't bought another watch. So I'm not the "typical" TRFer who walks out of an AD with a new Rolex and posts, "what should I get next?" lol.

Honestly, I’m jealous of this. I too bought a Platona (two years ago) and it’s truly perfection. I could sell the rest and call it a day BUT I’m an addict. Sad but true. I have two guys and we bounce what’s next off one another. I’m addicted to the chase buy yes id be just fine with riding off in the sunset with the brick like Platona…..BUT I definitely wont

[Gearjockey]

First of all, congratulations on your acquisition. I think you should feel proud and I do not want to detract from your recent purchase.

I’m sure I cannot purchase this reference (Daytona) at AD, but I also do not desire it either.
I think the Daytona is a fine reference and it’s very handsome, but it’s just not something I aspire to.
I enjoy Speedmaster, mostly pre-lunar 861 and 321 movements. That’s always been my first chrono fascination and I own several versions of them.

When I feel a buzz about something, I generally eschew it. Been that way my entire life.
IIRC, there was a Daytona-bro on TRF a couple weeks ago, who kept extolling the Daytona desirability vs the cheap Speedmaster. It was amusing (and baffling) and reminded me of Ford vs Chevy arguments I had when I was a kid.

Anyway, like I said, looks like a cracking watch.

Congratulations.

You did say all opinions welcome.

[1259]

The Daytona is nice but its rarity is a huge part of its appeal. I personally don’t think if it was as available as a Datejust it would be as popular.

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by 1259

The Daytona is nice but its rarity is a huge part of its appeal. I personally don’t think if it was as available as a Datejust it would be as popular.

Agreed! Interesting you say that because it seems that quite a few TRF members have received "The Call" for a 126500ln as of late. They're becoming much more commonly seen on the internet as well, which also takes away from the mystique

[KatGirl]

Congrats on both your new watches. To answer your question, I am not particularly a Daytona fan! I don’t get the hype! The PN is kind of neat, but I would rather have a hand wind Speedmaster with a hessalite crystal.

Kat


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[-dustin]

Dumont skeleton is a badass piece. Especially in the flesh. Congrats.

[worldofoyster]

congrats, both are good looking

[horizo]

Sweet Cartier

[Bazil]

Well Done - and enjoy ..l

[Jackie Daytona]

Nice! Congrats on both counts! No worries what anybody thinks of them but you. They are yours and you like them so it’s all that matters.

[Mystro]

So my question stands.....Would the Daytona "Panda" be as heavily grailed in so many of our collections if it was readily accessible? Is it that as humans we want what we can't have? Or do we all believe that this watch is the creme de la creme of stainless steel timepieces (not just Rolex)

all opinions are welcome

The SS Daytona was hard to get and not in display cases for decades when every other model was in the case and at a discount. This was before hype or any artificial influences. Heck, this was pre internet. Rolex themself has always treated it very special.

[rolesor2022]

It's honestly a handsome watch. The fact that it's hard to obtain makes it more appealing of course.

Would the AP Royal Oak be as heavily grailed in so many of our collections if it was readily accessible?

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

It's honestly a handsome watch. The fact that it's hard to obtain makes it more appealing of course.

Would the AP Royal Oak be as heavily grailed in so many of our collections if it was readily accessible?

I believe so. The finishes on the AP Royal Oak are much more refined and sharp. Feels much more like a piece of jewelry when on the wrist. Also with it being so delicate I find myself reserving it for more special occasions...

[travisb]

Congrats on both pieces! That's a gorgeous Santos.
In answer to your question, I don't think the Daytona would have the superior popularity it has if it was as readily available as say a SS Sub or Exp 2 or as just a walk-in watch.
It IS great, phenomenal movement and still one of the best chronos produced but the hype does play a big role.

[enjoythemusic]

Major congrats

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by travisb

Congrats on both pieces! That's a gorgeous Santos.
In answer to your question, I don't think the Daytona would have the superior popularity it has if it was as readily available as say a SS Sub or Exp 2 or as just a walk-in watch.
It IS great, phenomenal movement and still one of the best chronos produced but the hype does play a big role.

This.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

The Santos is gorgeous, no Romans! The Daytona is lovely… for a Daytona. They don’t sing to me.

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

The Santos is gorgeous, no Romans! The Daytona is lovely… for a Daytona. They don’t sing to me.

Wouldn't be interested in the original Cartier Santos as its way too bulky and I'm not a fan of the skeletonize'd roman numerals. Agreed! The Santos Dumont is a much more refined watch!

[SudiYunus]

Congratz

[123Blueface]

Not fair to compare that Daytona to that WG Dumont with that awesome Demoiselle weight.
That Cartier is fire!!!
Congrats!

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Not fair to compare that Daytona to that WG Dumont with that awesome Demoiselle weight.
That Cartier is fire!!!
Congrats!

The Santos Dumont is also Stainless Steel

[BIGMAC142]

I would say no. If not hyped it would be like an average SS Rolex model. I definitely respect those that love this watch for what it is and its looks. For me it’s just a good looking watch that I wouldn’t ever buy based on my desire for it. I’d be willing to bet 50% or more that own this watch wouldn’t have purchased it if not for the hype and aftermarket value.

[WheresCassAt?]

Originally Posted by BIGMAC142

I would say no. If not hyped it would be like an average SS Rolex model. I definitely respect those that love this watch for what it is and its looks. For me it’s just a good looking watch that I wouldn’t ever buy based on my desire for it. I’d be willing to bet 50% or more that own this watch wouldn’t have purchased it if not for the hype and aftermarket value.

I posed this question to a friend that only collects hype pieces and he himself admitted that its a nice watch but he wouldn't be as head over heels if it didn't have all of the attention attached to it.

He's quite the contradiction because he says my Cartier pieces are too small for his 350lbs frame but is somehow still interested in one day owning a Cartier Crash

This whole conversation is what made me want to create this thread on TRF...

[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by WheresCassAt?

I posed this question to a friend that only collects hype pieces and he himself admitted that its a nice watch but he wouldn't be as head over heels if it didn't have all of the attention attached to it.

He's quite the contradiction because he says my Cartier pieces are too small for his 350lbs frame but is somehow still interested in one day owning a Cartier Crash

This whole conversation is what made me want to create this thread on TRF...

Cartier crash on a 350lb frame?! Sheesh, that crash is going to look tiny

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by WheresCassAt?

I posed this question to a friend that only collects hype pieces and he himself admitted that its a nice watch but he wouldn't be as head over heels if it didn't have all of the attention attached to it.

He's quite the contradiction because he says my Cartier pieces are too small for his 350lbs frame but is somehow still interested in one day owning a Cartier Crash

This whole conversation is what made me want to create this thread on TRF...

Buy on hype. Sell on hype.

When you buy what the heart wants. You don't ever sell.

I have a similar friend. Has nearly every hype PM piece in the catalogue. I had a simple question for him - what do you wear on the daily? Pretty much only one watch - YM on OF.