Daytona, should I upgrade my 116523 to 116503? Need advice!

[ColdFusi0n]

Good day everyone. Hope someone can help me out with This Dilemma.

I currently own a 116523 Daytona black dial with the older smaller clasp.

Recently, I’ve been getting eye-raped by 116503 with the new bezel and larger clasp (although the newer 116523 variant do come with new style clasp) so I’m pretty tempted.

But a part of me says it’s not worth the extra $4500 considering the fact that it’s still a half gold Daytona and 99% of the population cant tell the difference between old / new bezel on the wrist unless they are into Daytona themselves.

So this temptation is rather a personal satisfaction or OCD rather then practical because a good Friend of mine told me, whether I spend 16k or 20k, anyone who look at my wrist will only notice a black face half gold Daytona that’s all. Not new or old style clasp / bezel.

So based on experience, will it’s make any huge difference in terms of wrist presence comparing the 116503 and 116523 ? And say if I had that extra few grand of disposable income, would it be a worth while upgrade or I should rather save up little bit more and invest in another sport model?

Apart from this, I already own a 116610ln and 116710 as a beater watch and a Audemars Piguet volcano theme. So I’m pretty much contented with my collection and not really eyeing any other Rolex sports.

Thanks in advance for your input guys!

[faimag]

I would stick with the 523. I actually prefer the older bezel markings. More discreet. More classic. As for the clasp, it makes little difference. The larger clasp may fit awkward in smaller wrists. And if you factor in you need to put in almost 5K to do the swap, I would say "no way"!

[ColdFusi0n]

Thanks for your advice

[pkincy]

I suppose I concur. The differences from the 23 to the 03 model are small. Now if you wanted to change dial colors simply to get something different for a few years, that could be a reason, but if you want black for black, I likely would take some of that money and have your 23 serviced. It likely is getting that time isn't it?

[jenedla]

Thats a difficult proposition. Maybe ask yourself the question from a different perspective.

If you did not currently have the 523 and were debating on whether or not to buy a brand new 523 or 503 and the price difference was $4500, which would you choose?

[ColdFusi0n]

Originally Posted by jenedla

Thats a difficult proposition. Maybe ask yourself the question from a different perspective.

If you did not currently have the 523 and were debating on whether or not to buy a brand new 523 or 503 and the price difference was $4500, which would you choose?

That’s a very good prospective sir.

Well when I wanted to purchase between both, I had the extra cash to get the 503 but during that time when I purchase, I had some unforeseen commitments that might require the extra cash I had so that was the only thing holding me back from getting the 503 and I went for the 523.

Now that my commitments are secured and I have that spare cash that could either be idling in the safe box, that’s why I’m contemplating.

But of course if i didn’t had any commitments to worry about when I was buying the watch i would easily go for the 503 without thinking twice !

But now that I have the option to upgrade it, I am just thinking whether it’s worth the extra few thousand asthetically and investment wise. As i don’t plan to sell or flip anytime soon because this is the only model that I really want to have in my collection. After this, I don’t really have any feel for any other watch.

[kwingy]

I had the 116523 and apart from the larger clasp and the numbers on the bezel, what else are you paying for? If you paid extra $4500, I am pretty sure after a while you would regret it once you realise those two things along aren't worth the extra cash and it's not like you would get this extra if you decide to trade in. It's money lost IMO for the same watch pretty much. You already have a solid enough clasp that does the trick and does the job well.

[Chaser]

Assuming your 116523 is due for a service, factoring new bezel, replacement of chipped crystal and possibly other parts, the 4500 gap starts to close. 4.5k is worthwhile for a brand new watch, an updated modern clasp, fresh paint on the bezel. I have a 116523 Panda and if these dials were available on a 503 I'd get it no question.