The 116500LN Black has been very different than what I expected

[the dark knight]

I wanted to add a Daytona for at least 15 years, the longest I've pined over any watch before finally adding it. Finally just pulled the trigger on it grey market a couple of months ago as the prices have come back down to something I could stomach.

When I first got it, I thought it would be the ultimate "trophy" watch in my small collection, something I don't wear often.

Strangely, the hype faded fast and I almost got a bit disappointed, but then recently my paradigm on the watch itself changed and I'm starting to appreciate it a lot more. I think going for the black dial was a good choice in that regard.

Rather than "hype piece", it almost feels like a fancy 214270 Explorer I, and I say this in the best way possible as I love that watch. It's just such an easy watch to pick up and wear without overthinking anything. Good in any situation. A wind and go in the sense that if it's stopped, I just need to set the time (no date) and go. The dimensions are quite similar to the 39mm Exp I as is the comfort. Once it's on, it kinda disappears on the wrist.

In addition, I think it flys under the radar better than I initially expected, which aids daily wear. The all-black probably helps, as does the 39mm smaller size. But comically I think I have to thank the success of the Moonswatch. It's made black chronos super popular and a lot more ubiquitous than they were in the past.

Indeed, so far only one person has commented on my Daytona, and it was a barista at Starbucks. I kid you not, he looked at my watch and asked if it was a "Moonwatch". Not an Omega or a Speedmaster, but a "moonwatch".