Steel vs Gold: Daytona Oysterflex

[Chadridv]

I bought my 116519 a few months back. At the time I wore my SS 116500 almost exclusively on Oysterflex, with aftermarket end links, to emulate the look of the 116519. When I got the WG Daytona, I put the Oyster PCL bracelet back on the SS Daytona, and have been wearing like that ever since.

Then yesterday, I switched the SS Daytona back to OF and I have to say I might just prefer my make shift Oysterflex SS 116500 more than the beautiful, and natural born oysterflex 116519.



Hear me out. They're very different, so this is not your typical which is better, "114060 vs 116610" type of talk. It's not really apples to apples. I know there are many variables to consider when squaring these two watches off. There's retail price, secondary market price and demand, oyster bracelet and PCLs vs Oysterflex. It's not really a fair comparison to make and to be fair, these two watches don't compete for wrist time. They both have a time and place in my rotation. I absolutely love both pieces and luckily I have no need or desire to lose one of them. That's no where this is going. Just sharing some information and perspective :)

There are really only two factors I'm going to review here: Comfort and Look (and the versatilely of varying comfort and look)

Comfort:

On OF the SS Daytona is more comfortable. This mostly comes down to weight. I mentioned this when I first got the 116519, but after months of wearing both, it becomes more and more evident every day.

The OF should be worn snug IMO, to look and feel right. it's weird because I often wear it so snug it leaves marks on my wrist, but despite what might seem like an indication of discomfort it is actually very comfortable. However, If it starts to bother me at all, I pop open the EZlink and let my wrist breath a little. This is a perfectly suitable option with the SS Daytona on OF. However, the weight of the gold 116519 Daytona doesn't really allow for this. Here's why; It MUST be worn snug all the time to look and feel right. If you wear that watch too loose, the weight of the head kind of moves about like a weight on a string. Attempting to wear it loose just feels wrong. You also always know it's there. Not necessarily a bad thing, but in comparison the SS Daytona on OF feels like second skin, regardless of how tight or loose it's worn.

Look:

OK so I'm gonna try to avoid getting flamed here, so hear me out. The WG Panda-esqu dial on my 116519, makes this watch probably the best looking watch I've ever seen in person. I want that to be clear, so you know how much I love the watch and appreciate how damn good it looks. The watch looks like a million bucks, wait, do people still say that with inflation and all? OK the watch looks like a BILLION bucks! lol.

Here's the thing. 90% of the time, in the summer i'm in a t shirt and shorts, and the winter jeans and a sweat shirt. I try not to look like a slob or anything, but I certainly don't dress up often. I don't need to look like a BILLION bucks. I don't even need to look like a million bucks. I very much like to fly under the radar, which is why the 116519 appealed to me in the first place. But what I'm trying to say plain and simple, is that the SS Black dialed 116500, is just a little more under the radar than my 116519, and therefor becomes naturally more versatile to me. I know I was trying to leave out other factors, but I have to admit the lower price point of the 116500 might play a little into my mentality of wearing it daily. Either way I'm simply more comfortable wearing my SS Daytona daily and for any occasion, including work which can be physical.

In Conclusion:

Combined with the versatility of EZlink sizing and versatility of casual wear, the 116500 might just be more valuable and useful to me. Of course, I haven't even broached the subjects like bracelet options, pricing and demand. But all of those speak favorably to the 116500 as well.

I really hope Rolex will start making the Oysterflex available on SS Sports models. The weight distribution is much much better than that of a PM watch on rubber. I know many of you wear Everest and Rubber B straps, so we have that as a frame of reference as both of those straps wear very similarly to the OF. Otherwise, I know I'm probably one of a small handful of people who have been lucky enough to try this configuration out. But take my word for it, the look and feel of the 116500 on OF is incredible.

Lastly: as much as I enjoy receiving private messages from anyone on the forum, I find I'm repeating myself constantly when discussing privately this SS Daytona on OF. So here is a prepared response to common questions:

Q: Where do you get the Oysterflex Bracelet and how much does it cost?

A: You have to be kind of lucky to land yourself an OF bracelet. You either need to have a fantastic relationship with someone at an AD who can hook you up, or you need to keep an eye on private sales. As most know, ADs are not really supposed to sell "loose parts" so don't waste your time or theirs going from door to door asking to buy one. If you have a good enough relationship to ask, you'd know.

The MSRP is about $250 per piece, so about $500 for the complete strap.

Q: Where did you get the Endlinks, how much were they and how is the quality?

A: I bought the end links from smartyjones18 here on TRF, or if you'd prefer you can visit his site www.smartyendlinks.com. The price is $80

The quality is quite good, but the fitment is not perfect. Especially after owning the 116519 which has the endlinks made by Rolex built into the case, I realize you can't compare. It's not quite a night and day difference, but it's close. Although small there are gaps and there is a tiny tiny bit of play. BUT, keep in mind, these end links are designed to work with a variety of straps, up to about 5mm in thickness. Perhaps at exactly 5mm the fitment would be closer to perfect, but you have the ability to pick and choose different leather or rubber options. That versatility is valuable IMO, but you can't have it all. I'm sure if you send George your watch with a dedicated strap and paid for a custom build, he'd send something back that works perfectly, but that's not what you get for $80. Overall I'm very satisfied with them.

Q: How does the SS Daytona on OF compare to the WG Daytona born on OF.

A: Start reading from the beginning.