Daytona Pre-2000 or Post?

[CULLEN222]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on here, seeking out specific info and guidance.

I am in the position to buy my first Rolex, and have tried on what feels like every model. I have narrowed my search down to a Daytona here in NYC, SS from 1999, white face, black sub-dials, great condition or a Daytona in Miami, also SS, but from 2006 with white face and silver sub-dials.

I've been assured the pre-1999 model is more collectible (asking 2g more than the 2006 Daytona), but I've heard the post-2000 movements are better. I aesthetically like the black sub dials more, not to mention the sub-dials are centered with the 3 and 9 sticks, unlike newer models whose sub-dials are seemingly more "cramped." But considering this is a huge investment, I want to be sure I approach this smartly from all angles.

Any advice or input is highly appreciated! Also on the radar: a two-tone steel and yellow gold Submariner with black face and black bezel - a little flashy, an all yellow gold President with gold face from 1992 - very flashy, or a simple Datejust with black face, new. Can't decide but 90 percent sure it will be the Daytona!

Thanks, -C

[psv]

Always tough to decide on the first one, especially since you are looking at a substantial investment.

It is correct that the Zenith Daytona is more "collectible" and might appreciate a bit more in price (hence might) over the long run, but it was never a rare watch per se, especially with the white dial. A '99 Daytona should be an A-series with lume hands are markers and solid end links (SEL) on the bracelet. Price depends on condition, the availability of papers/box, service history etc. I'd say you should pay more than $9K for one without box/papers, if it is in truly great condition but do have it verified by independent expert, there are lots of fake ones floating around. If it is truly mint, known service history, one owner it, the price might climb up to $11K.

'06 Daytona has a "better movement", no need for immediate service (pretty soon though) and should come complete. I'm no pricing expert, but I wouldn't pay more than $8,500 for a mint one complete with papers/box.

Two-tone: either you hate it or love it. There is no in-between.

Get one sings to you and what you know you will love to wear. Don't worry about if it is collectible or not.

[dddrees]

Go for the one you like the most. It's always a bit tricky when you speculate on which one might be a good investment. Remember your the one that will wear it, make sure you like it.

[slcbbrown]

I'm assuming the 99 is a Zenith movement and the 2006 is not. Other than that, I understand you to say that the 2006 is $2k cheaper? If the prices and condition were identical, I'd buy the Rolex movement and newer watch.

I've heard the "Zenith is more collectible" story, but I can't see it in the market. I would go with a Rolex movement, but I ususally see the older Zenith watches selling at a discount compared to the Rolex-movement watches. I'm surprised to see a newer watch selling at a higher price.

[Tools]

You need to decide if you want to pay more for an older watch or not, and what you want to do with it..

Many think that the pre 2000, 4030 equipped models will be worth more in the future and so they are charging/paying more for one now..

I think that it is speculation and may or may not be the case. There are plenty of them around and they represent the end of the non-Rolex movement era Daytonas.. Post 2000 models represent the first series of Daytona watches with an in-house Rolex movement..

Folks need to guess which will prove more valuable in a couple of decades....

[HL65]

Go for the Zenith!! The earlier the better when it comes to Rolex IMHO!! (-;
PS--I don't think either are investments but both make for nice wrist wear!!

[BB83]

I'd go with (and did go with!) the Zenith for the reason you give - like the look of the dial better. Is the 1999 Zenith an "A" Serial? If so personally would pull the trigger on that one. You'll have a more aesthetically pleasing watch (to you) and a slightly more unique one. Just my two cents.

[BB83]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

The earlier the better when it comes to Rolex IMHO!! (-;

x2

[BB83]

To add one more thing, I prefer the Zeniths because they seem to have less parts polished than the new Daytonas - I think the bezel at least is unpolished on the Zeniths and polished on the new ones. Personally prefer the non-shiny look...

[Art 1]

I would look for a nice 4030.

[dalip]

I don't feel that the Zenith would be worth 2K more to me....I am also a big fan of the silver sub dials and overall finish of the 2006 you're looking at.

[bemik]

If it's your first Rolex, why don't you go for BNIB?
The feeling of being the first owner for your first Rolex... peeling the stickers off, seeing your name on the warranty card etc, is a great experience.

[Howie]

The Zenith has brushed lugs which you may find preferable for a sports watch.. Also, an A and P serial would be the last of the Zeniths with all of the final improvements such as luminova dial/ hands and a sel bracelet.

[walds11]

If I were to buy another Daytona, it would be an A or P serial. Gotta love the 4030 movement with luminova dial/hands and SELs. I've had many 4130s in the past and it's time for a change

Originally Posted by Howie

The Zenith has brushed lugs which you may find preferable for a sports watch.. Also, an A and P serial would be the last of the Zeniths with all of the final improvements such as luminova dial/ hands and a sel bracelet.

[dsio]

Hey how long did they do the porcelain white dial on the Zeniths? Always wondered why they stopped that because it was an amazing look for the Daytona.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by walds11

If I were to buy another Daytona, it would be an A or P serial. Gotta love the 4030 movement with luminova dial/hands and SELs. I've had many 4130s in the past and it's time for a change

I agree.

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by bemik

If it's your first Rolex, why don't you go for BNIB?
The feeling of being the first owner for your first Rolex... peeling the stickers off, seeing your name on the warranty card etc, is a great experience.

x2

[landroverking]

At the same price I would pick the Zenith, the 2K difference would be a deal breaker for me.

[Yazo]

If you wanna go Zenith Daytona I'd look here:

[smartson]

Originally Posted by Yazo

If you wanna go Zenith Daytona I'd look here:

Yazo
Great info. Curious where you get that biblical page from?

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by smartson

Yazo
Great info. Curious where you get that biblical page from?

Hey Roger! It's been floating around TRF for a while...

[josh6262]

I understand why the choice is difficult. I can see how you might be thinking that your going to own this watch for at least 20 years. And 20 years from now you will kick yourself in the arse if the Zenith movement Daytona is a huge collectible that brings big money and the 2006 Daytona is no big deal and is worth just a little more than you paid for it. The same thing might be true in reverse, that the Zenith movements crash in value and the 2006 version is in demand. Without a crystal ball nobody can say. The logical choice under this scenario would be to go with the rarer watch available today, which would be the Zenith one. I am sure that in 1969 the person who bought a Daytona and special ordered the white and black dial for $100 had no concept that this watch would bring $50,000 in 2010. Good luck with your choice and whichever you choose wear it in good health.

[petesjag]

Well im using my 1000th post to let you know that there is a 1999 white dial zenith BNIB, in the stickers and never used...for sale here in Holland.
If you are looking for a collectors piece then this would be it..
Check it out at www.subgmt.com go to the modern rolex's for sale and its the one for euro 10,500.-
good luck!
pete

[Speed]

Does a Zenith movement cost much more to service Vs. a more modern Rolex?

Zenith is automatic, yes?

[Yazo]

Depends and yes :-)

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Yazo

Depends and yes :-)

Thanks!