Does everyone really like the Daytona this much?

[Driver8]

As usual with Daytona discussions I see there’s lots of evangelical eulogising about how angels sing when you try one on, how it has an X factor that only those in the know truly understand, and that to not go completely ga-ga over the Daytona can only mean that you’re “salty” because you can’t get one, etc, etc, etc. Everyone simply MUST love and desire a Daytona at all costs.

I think that when viewed with a calmer head, most honest watch fans would say the Daytona is a perfectly decent chronograph, with a very good movement, and benefiting from the usual Rolex build quality. Is it the most important chronograph ever made? No - the Speedmaster and a couple of others will have something to say about that. Is it aesthetically perfect? Again, no - asymmetric lugs, the size doesn’t suit everyone, it has a busy dial in a very small area, etc. And let’s not forget its history is hardly one of unbridled universal desire, with pieces languishing unsold in dealer displays back in the day.

The more recent success (and by ‘recent’ I mean from 1988ish!) of the Daytona is primarily down to good marketing, the ongoing cache of the Rolex brand, and (crucially) limited production. Nothing gets the ol’ juices of desire flowing more freely than a hefty dose of FOMO. As soon as something that is vaguely desirable is seen as “hard to get” its perceived desirability increases exponentially.

Is the Daytona a good watch? Yes, it is - you get the only chronograph in the Rolex lineup, Rolex build quality and an excellent movement.
Do I personally want one? No, I don’t - I personally can’t unsee the asymmetric lugs and it wears just a little too small for my liking.
Are they highly desirable for some? Absolutely! But let’s not be under any illusion that hype and FOMO are by far and away the biggest reasons why so many want them. After all, if you’re of a mind to be influenced by others, there are plenty of posts even in this thread that will help drive would-be owners into a frothing frenzy of desire!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Vintage 4 digit Daytona’s are probably the most beautiful designs in consumer products








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s just incredible

[RazorD]

I’m fortunate enough to have 2 (black and white). Personally, it’s one of my favorite models. Specifically the black dial. It sees the most wrist time out of any watch in my collection.

[Chiboy]

I think the excessive hype and difficulty of getting at retail helps make it the most loved and hated watch on TRF.

[ronricks]

I think a big draw to the current Daytona is it’s difficulty of obtaining at msrp and it’s significant value over msrp. Prices have been dropping almost weekly on the current model. That being said it is an awesome watch and one I would love to have at msrp or even over msrp when prices eventually hit bottom.

[rlx123]

Originally Posted by Beto737

It’s looks, hype, collectibility, and status.

Are there better made watches in the market? Of course! Are there more useful, readable watches in the market? Absolutely! Are there better looking watches in the market? That’s entirely on the eye of the beholder.

But, it is not your run of mill type of piece. “Most” that wear it are usually enthusiasts or in the know.

Everyone keeps talking about “well made” characteristic of a watch. I don’t think any of us here has ever removed all high-end chronographs into their individual components and compare them piece by piece. I only agree that Rolex movements do not look “pretty”compared to some high end watches but that alone does not define a “well made” watch.

If you’re talking about time keeping accuracy and durability, I don’t think any other mechanical watches can compare to Rolex. These are two of three characteristics that I would considered in judging the quality of a watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[watchwatcher]

Actually, on this forum you'll get more honest feedback about the Daytona than any other social media platform (that I know of). And...you'll get some out and out bashing as well, some of which may be...dare I say, sour grapes?

That said, it's always had a certain 'mystique' about it, i.e, it was never really available back in the days when watch cases were full. I only ever saw one at the AD, and it wasn't in the case, it was still in its protective coffin- already sold, of course. My SA just did me the favor of letting me look at it.

My own opinion is that it's a great watch...and that's completely devoid of any internet hype. A great chronograph, too. Rock solid movement with 72 hour power reserve- long before the 32 series came on the scene. Anyone luck enough to own one (or more) is very fortunate, indeed, IMO.

Now...the kicker. It's not my favorite watch in the Rolex line up, or really, even close to it. I have simpler tastes these days. But, man, every time I put one on...wow, just wow. There's just nothing quite like it.

[Donb]

Bought my first Rolex in 1990. Loved it so much I never really paid any attention to other brands or Rolex models over the years.

Last year on vacation in Maui and walked in to a Rolex dealer only to find out there were none... only exhibition display watches.

Looking them over, I immediately went for the SS Daytona with white dial.

The sales person basically laughed, said you had to pick the most sought after model. My wife commented "of course he did".

She told me they have such a long wait list that there not taking names anymore. I asked the price "If" one was available and it was MSRP. She told me they have a used one I could buy for $42K, almost 3 times the MSRP.

I recently bought a BNIB fresh (gray market) "Panda" for $30,600,00. Still twice the price of MSRP but I was attracted to the Daytona before I knew of any hype about it being hard to get.

For me, it was totally the watch.

[Joearch]

I find the anti Daytona so intriguing. If you don’t like it don’t buy one. I have a white face stainless bezel obtained 10 years ago and a recently acquired WG slate on Oysterflex. For my they feel so nice on the wrist with excellent design and execution. The last 4 years have seen much hype on many watches. If I ignore all the noise the Daytona still is an excellent and high value time piece.

[brandrea]

Isn’t it about like any other Rolex professional reference? You have those who love it, and others who will take a pass

[sambb]

i really like daytona on a woman's wrist - looks sharp, and prefer speedmaster on most men. I dont like the asymmetric lugs also, but to each his/her own.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

I’ve tried to stay mostly objective here. And I realize eye of the beholder, etc…

But the Daytona isn’t “hands down” the most beautiful watch in the world. I think even most of the superfans here would admit that.

It is the 100% in the eye of the beholder. When I put one of my ADs’s white dial SS Daytona on, if was just absolutely the most beautiful watch I have ever seen.

[Tensai]

Daytona is iconic. Although some feel the need to criticize it, it is objectively (by the measure of its immense international demand) one of the greatest watch models ever. You can't refute that. So scoreboard to the Daytona.

[dba]

No.

[Trailboss516]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Isn’t it about like any other Rolex professional reference? You have those who love it, and others who will take a pass

Agreed. You could substitute any other Rolex model into the thread title and you'll get similar results.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

Agreed. You could substitute any other Rolex model into the thread title and you'll get similar results.

Originally Posted by Cauhauna

I didn't understand it until I tried one on for the first time.

Holy buckets.

The moment I put it on, I had an immediate physical reaction which I had never experienced from a watch before. I started sweating, my heart started racing, and it got more difficult to breathe. It was stunning. I knew, at that moment, that I was going to get one, no matter the cost.

So, I did. It's now my daily and has been for around a year.

I went from "it's overhyped and I'd not pay that much" to "this could be my one and only" in one try on.

Originally Posted by JRell

Most beautiful watch in the world, hands down. Maybe just maybe, that is why there is so much hype!

With all due respect, People ain’t writing this about the Explorer or the Sub.

[gerry100]

Daytona has too many complications I wouldnt use, not to mention the cost

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Toproll85

Beautiful watch !

[aczaja10]

I like the look, but it’s too small for me. I’ve tried so many on and they just don’t look right on my wrist.

[MRBolton]

The Daytona is by far my favorite Rolex model, and I so greatly aspire to own one. Maybe 2023 will be the year I get the call!

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Toproll85

I like Rolex for the feats achieved in exploration and resistance to pressure. My collection go in this direction. I must be an exception who never approached my AD for a Daytona.
Not that I don't like it, but that it doesn't interest me. The function is useless, I see it with my Chronomaster Original rose gold.
You will tell me that I still have a stopwatch and that therefore I am illogical. Not at all, I spin for fun and for the oil once in a while, but I don't need it.
I simply fell in love with the pattern and the color combo with the gold. A part that I find much more beautiful than a Daytona.
For the record, Rolex and the Daytona would not exist today without Zenith at the time. The El Primero is thus mythical and beautiful to observe as a bonus.


Everything is personal in the end. But I still think that the vast majority are attracted by status (like THE grail of obtaining, and to shout to others and to their ego "I got it, me") and of course the lasting value (x2 catalog minimum), there are so many other beautiful chronos on the market...

Gorgeous watch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[justcruisin]

The 116519 is perfect, love the OF and everyday wear potential. Perfect size and the “real” panda legibility works. Not sure about the SS pieces.

[ROLEX MAN]

Fell in love my "Bosses" 6263 in 1981, it drove me so nuts that I just had to have one!

Finally 20 years later (and saving hard) I got this:



P.S. I will never sell!

[Rushne]

I have loved the Daytona since just afte rhigh school in 2004 a friends dad had brought a fake one back home from some trip.
I remember saying "Nice! One day I'll make the time to get a real one of these"

After many years of research and comparison. I just love the package that is the Daytona.

100m water resistance in a case that is so thin and not over sized. The zenith is too thick and large. Speedmaster is large and not WR. AP RO Chrono is far more expensive and not WR. Tudor is too big. IWC Pilot chrono, again too big and thick. Brietling, same.

So i understand the hype. I didn't buy it because of hype, I bought it because I love it. Then again I refused to pay grey prices and just played the waiting game for mine. So the hype was annoying from that regard.

[Tonski74]

The Daytona is so iconic for a reason. It definitely ticks a lot of boxes for many people


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[LFFL]

Daytonas are a bit too busy for my liking.

[Porkbelli]

I am not a fan of the Daytona, but I like the VTNR and CHNR. So, maybe I just have quirky tastes from the Daytona fans. However, I do like the Rolex 24 hours at Daytona.

[vitadine]

Originally Posted by Angryinch

I too don’t see all the fuss about the Daytona. I enjoy the entire line up pretty equally. I think it’s all hype, humans love hype, the whole brand is hype realistically now. Rolex is a master of marketing, they are targeting you when you’re 5 years old.

Maybe everyone is a race car driver?? I get a kick out of the guys who don’t like the yacht master 2 because of its complication, but have two Daytonas and drive a car that does 0-60 in 7 seconds.

Maybe it’s because the Daytona is beautiful and the Yachtmaster 2 is just ugly.

[Mystro]

Its too easy to dismiss the SS Dayton's popularity only considering the modern day popularity.

So if the SS Daytona is "hype", how do you explain its desirability before the internet?
Remember this was the watch that was never in the display cases predating the internet.

Is this word of mouth hype or was Rolex carefully controlling its availability way back in the early 90's?

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Its too easy to dismiss the SS Dayton's popularity only considering the modern day popularity.

So if the SS Daytona is "hype", how do you explain its desirability before the internet?
Remember this was the watch that was never in the display cases predating the internet.

Is this word of mouth hype or was Rolex carefully controlling its availability way back in the early 90's?

That would be all due to Paul Newman!