Another Daytona

[jamie]

It's not like you're married to it. If you can't keep both, keep the one you like best now knowing that can trade for the other anytime in the future.

[Klokke]

I've owned the GMT-II C and the SS Daytona (early M-series) and while the clasp differences are minimal, I prefer the Daytona's.

The clasp on the Daytona (78490) feels more secure and robust but is also more elegant and simple. The inner folding elements are sculpted and tapered unlike those in the GMT II-C (78590) which have a very thin middle portion and fat edges. These same elements are nicely engraved on the wrist side on the Daytona and appear printed/cheaply scored on the GMT II-C away from the wrist.

When closed on the wrist, the Daytona clasp is more comfortable and appears smaller and more proportional than the longer one on the GMT II-C.

The Daytona (Z & early M series) clasp has a pressure fit round snap closure with no moving parts to fail. It closes/opens with an audible snap. Some complained that this design made it hard to open and is likely why the newer GMT II-C clasp has a spring loaded mechanism to make it easier to open. Springs can fail and get lost. The Daytona clasp is not hard to open. I've seen 4 year old do it.

Both have a "swing-out" or "flip-lock" adjustment feature, but neither have the "GLIDELOCK" mechanism found on the SDDS clasp.

A lot of these things involve personal preference and almost everyone would agree that the differences are much much fewer than the similarities. It's hard to see why it would be worth paying about 10% more for the GMT II-C style on the new Daytona when the current Daytona clasp is arguable better. However, you may soon have no choice as Rolex appears to be standardizing on the GMT II-C clasp. This might make the current Daytona clasp something of a rarity in a short time.

Now, as you mention, the correct answer when you get "the call" from you AD about an SS Daytona is simply YES. Buy white or black -- whatever you are offered. Congratulations that you have a choice!! Amazing luck!

But you are trying to decide on one and I would have to recommend black.

Worldwide, black is harder to get and commands a higher premium over list in most countries (e.g. Japan). This may not be an issue if you are not going to flip it but rarity is always nice to have.

The perceived increased popularity of white in some countries is likely due to the greater availability of the white dial compared to black even though both are still very hard to get at an AD for list price.

Finally, there is historic support for going with the black dial. COSMOGRAPH production began in 1963 with the reference 6239, initially with a VALJOUX 72B movement, and identical to that of the 6238 models. The oldest examples have a bezel for speed measurement with graduations and silver counters on a BLACK DIAL for the steel version.

Having said all that, they are both stunning and a true "grail" Rolex. The black is more versatile, works in more situations, and has a larger presence on the wrist. Good luck!

[Felly Jr.]

What a TOUGH decision!

[ashu2289]

Originally Posted by Tools

Pick one, let somebody who has been waiting as long as you have a shot at the other..

[ashu2289]

If you already own a Black Dial Rolex or planning to have one, then go for the WHITE and if not then BLACK
However, if I were you it is WHITE all the way

[ottude]

My wife wants to update her look with a White Dial SS Daytona. She currently has a metallic face men's date. I would like the black, but I have a GMTIIc, so I think a white would be a great contrast - in that I could take it from her whenever she isn't looking!
I was offered a White Dial SS Daytona at $1k premium, but I really don't care what the MSRP is, I just refuse to pay over that. I'm waiting for a few months to buy so that the premium selling AD's get a chance to see what it is like not selling many premium watches for a while.

[Felly Jr.]

Originally Posted by ashu2289

if I were you it is WHITE all the way

[ttannert]

I thought I wanted a White Dial until I saw the Black in person. I love it!

My wife would have told the AD they had the wrong number!

You are a very lucky man!

[Dr.B]

Mojo, I am new to this forum so greetings to all.
I have been quite frustrated with AD's, wait, wait, wait.....forever wait....
I am VERY interested in a white NEW 2008 Daytona, but very nervous about all these "on line" transactions.
Does anyone know of an AD willing to sell one NOW. If any of you guys "hook me up" I will compensate dearly....Thank you.....Dr.B

[mojo]

Originally Posted by ashu2289

If you already own a Black Dial Rolex or planning to have one, then go for the WHITE and if not then BLACK
However, if I were you it is WHITE all the way

I thought I wanted white dial for that exact reason...I have a SD, SS sub date & GMT IIc so I wanted something a little different. Black daytona is not just another black dial. Maybe I need to put them both away for a while and try not to think abought it - like that could happen. What to do what to do.

[adr]

Originally Posted by daytona1

... This is simply the best Daytona picture I ever seen !!! & Now I am hungry for one ...

Should have stay away from this forum since I purchased 14060M last month.