So...what’s so great about the Daytona?

[DLRIDES]

If it were 42mm and the dial had a cleaner more legible design, would look fantastic.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by subtona

Great look and feel with impractical application.

Chrono without a date is very desirable imho , there just aren’t that many real contenders.

It’s relatively slim and modest size also not very much competition here.

It could be considered a high complication for the brand, this adds an extra splash of desirability.

It’s 100m WR also not so common among chronos.

Paul Newman is not associated with Breitling but may have worn a Daytona.

Stuff like that.

Pretty much sums it up

[Chiboy]

I'm no watchmaker, nor do I understand the ins and outs of movement architecture. But I believe the vertical clutch design that Rolex employs is super solid, trouble-free, and allows for very smooth starting and stopping.

IMO, the current SS white model is the most beautiful $12k watch around. It looks to me like an updated version of a classic chrono. Contemporary yet classic. The early ones (6239, 6263, etc.) are to me the best looking vintage Rolexes out there. Others see a 60 year old well used Sub with creamy markers and drool. It's all a matter of taste.

[Robertolewis]

I would also add, if there was no wait and they were sitting in cases at AD's, I would still feel the same attachment to it, that is after owning it now for a while and wearing it. I would actually just buy both colors.

When I first got the black Ceramic, I kind of disliked it, sold it and then realized what I had done, paid a premium for a new with stickers in place white face and have zero regrets as it seems to hold at that value and if it doesn't I'm still good because I love it.

Just hoarding Daytonas because of the waitlists kind of sucks IMO because its a cool piece and should be worn and sold for much less. With that said, after collecting for some time and I have been ALL over the block, the Stainless Ceramic Daytona is worth every penny of the $20K they are pulling. That is compared to a number of other hack pieces and brands that I have had fail on me. I think Rolex is inflated on the grey based on retail price but under priced at the retail level compared to most other brands out there, the main reason its 90% of my current collection.

Ok, Sunday morning caffeine fueled rant over.
Have a great day and wear em, life is short!

[Robertolewis]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

If it were 42mm and the dial had a cleaner more legible design, would look fantastic.

For 6" ish wrists making the Daytona a 42 could be a bit big and floppy. Maybe not and maybe they could do it or make both sizes, unlikely I'm sure.

[Roley]

The Daytona is like a fine wine that gets better with age.

[GolfPunk]

Daytona is the best Rolex in my opinion ... you obviously prefer divers, divers don’t do anything for me so it’s all personal preference

[lord91]

Originally Posted by Altair

Some great replies, very interesting to see what attracts everyone to this watch in particular.

No need for anyone to get defensive, as stated I am sincerely curious and looking for information. That's what forums are for, sharing information.


Again, just to be really clear, I am not doubting, but would like clarification on:

Movement: What are the technical qualities that make it superior to other chronograph movements at or below the same price point?

History: I know the Daytona was heavily marketed in the world of Racing, and that was its niche. I think that was the right move as other areas where already covered well, and they even got some top notch drivers to promote the watch. But what did the Daytona achieve on its own merits in terms of a first or best at? Was there a new feature that it brought in that wasn't there like the datejust with the date or the subs with increased depth ratings?


Thanks in advance to all who take these questions objectively and help me understand this watch. It truly is an enigma to me!

Your questions are very good, but since mostly bought it because of the hype, past and present, you'll probably have to wait for someone to answer.

A fellow member did mention something about the movement, with the vertical clutch application, and as he said, that is the technical highlight of the new models. I don't know if Daytona used it first, but as i have read some reviews on this matter, it seems to have won everybody.

Historically, it wasn't the first automatic chronograph. That was a neck to neck race between the Heuer Carrera and Zenith El Primero, with Carrera hitting the stores first.

Until the years 2ooo, Daytona used Zenith's legendary movement, the El Primero.

So a quality chronograph, sporting the Rolex name and good marketing helped the Daytona to become what is it today, one of the most iconic watches.

For further insights of Daytona, its knowledgeable fans should chime in.

[Calatrava r]

This thread is like the movie "Ground Hog Day"

[jjcthe1]

I am also considering adding a Daytona to the collection because I also read lots of satisfied owners and I dont have one in the rotation. Am I seeing this right though that a newer model SS is going for around 20k while a solid gold version is only 2-6k more??

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by codecow

It has the best waiting list.

THAT is awesome!

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Daytona is the best Rolex in my opinion ... you obviously prefer divers, divers don’t do anything for me so it’s all personal preference

I am curious. Do you utilize the chronograph function, and if so how often?

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I am curious. Do you utilize the chronograph function, and if so how often?

Yes quite often. Sometimes just as a second hand but also for timing various other things, but mainly I love how the Daytona looks

[Fat_ninja]

Possibly because its rare and not mass produced

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

This thread is like the movie "Ground Hog Day"

Daytona is the best Rolex just leave it at that......it’s just like “is the Batman discontinued” thread lol shaking my head

[ROLEXster]

I love the looks of a Daytona and it sings to me.
That's all it matters.

Daytona makes me smile every time I look at it.
All other mumbo jumbos do not concern me.

Sometimes when I check the time, I end up staring at it for awhile.
And No ... I never use the chrono ... except playing with it for no real reasons.

[MariettaMike]

I love my white face Daytona and enjoy wearing it as with all my watches. There are, however, two issues that I find annoying: 1) no date, I keep looking for a date to remind me of the date and the Daytona has no date feature; 2) Given certain lighting conditions, the Daytona is hard to read the time of day.

[liu_watch]

Mainly because it’s a Rolex that is hard to find. Precious metal Daytonas had always been slow sellers. Plenty available at AD, before the recent overall shortage of course.

Imagine they had been limiting the steel sub...

I like Daytona because it has a slim elegant case, ceramic bezel and a nice movement. Before they update the bezel and chrono chapter rings I had little interest. Marketing, history, racing association, Steve McQueen, had no influence on me.

[HogwldFLTR]

The Daytona is the perfect size for me. I use the “unusable” chrono function all the time. Time swims daily. Time meds. It works fine for me. If it were larger I wouldn’t own one. The only time the pushers are screwed down is in the water. Wearing at the gym today; just love it.

[jh225]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

If it were 42mm and the dial had a cleaner more legible design, would look fantastic.

Yup.

While the Daytona is nice looking, it is too small and way too hard to read at a glance. The very first thought that came to my head when I held one was, "damn, this chrono is hard to read".

[Roger Lococco]

The Chrono function is largely unusable. No issues reading the time, although there are certainly more legible dials.

It’s a beautiful and very well-balanced watch on the wrist. Robust movement. I love the ceramic bezel. The most comfortable watch I’ve ever tried on. The fact it’s relatively rare is a nice add to me.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zuger]

The magic of Daytona is that it is one of the few watches in the world that can get someone who does not like it to buy it, wear it for a few years, then sell it at a profit.

[lord91]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Mainly because it’s a Rolex that is hard to find. Precious metal Daytonas had always been slow sellers. Plenty available at AD, before the recent overall shortage of course.

Imagine they had been limiting the steel sub...

I like Daytona because it has a slim elegant case, ceramic bezel and a nice movement. Before they update the bezel and chrono chapter rings I had little interest. Marketing, history, racing association, Steve McQueen, had no influence on me.

McQueen and Daytona have no story

[markseattle]

Originally Posted by BIGTEX

It's awesome! That's all there is to it. Best looking chrono out there!

1) Amazing movement;

2) Slim and sleek, very comfortable to wear;

3) It's both a sport watch and dress watch;

4) All that with a bit of iconic exclusivity.

Totally agree with the above. Plus (I have the white C) it's a great looking watch!.


Mark

[MTdweller]

Originally Posted by codecow

It has the best waiting list.

This!

[spect]

The Daytona can fit any wrist

[mixxmaster]

It’s just too loveable

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's a classic. Born in the 60's to appeal to the budding NASCAR crowds. Great marketing with a wide following.

Originally Posted by rlrobson08

Excuse me. Rolex was NEVER branded for the Winston smoking Bush beer Southern drinking (moonshine or store bought) NASCAR brothers. It was named after the Speedway where the famous 24 hours of Daytona race is held. This race is higher class in the eyes of racing folks.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Would love to know more about this. Was there ever any advertising or positioning with NASCAR in those early years?

[Rolex Essex]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's a classic. Born in the 60's to appeal to the budding NASCAR crowds. Great marketing with a wide following.

What an insult! Rolex Daytona has no connection to red neck racing.

[Rolex Essex]

Originally Posted by LuminousMaximus

I like it for the halibut...

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

That’s just drop dead gorgeous