Why is the SS Daytona so popular and expensive ??

[Omar_Jaramillo]

Sorry I am new to the world of rolex, but after looking around I discovered that the SS Daytona is one of the most desired watches with long wiatlist periods and a pricy tag (10k?) I was just wondering Why? Does anyoen know I would gladly apreciate it Thanks

[Robb]

I believe it is because there is a much higher demand than Rolex actually produces! Please correct me if I am wrong guys.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

It is expensive because it is popular and popular because it is expensive.

Well, to be more sincere:

The SS Daytona (the current 116520) is popular, because it is the "cheapest" way to get a Daytona if you want it.

However, Rolex does deliberately not manufacture many SS Daytonas simply because "they" (i.e. Rolex) does not earn much on manufacturing an SS Daytona. But on the GOLD and GOLD/STEEL Daytonas, Rolex earns more.

Due to the huge demand for SS Daytonas, Rolex has but one way to "cut away" a few of the potential buyers: Raise the price!

The "demand" has to be seen relatively, however, since many potential buyers double and triple-book the Daytonas (going from one AD to the other getting put on a waiting list that - in some countries is "6 years long!!). Some AD's do not even care to put "new customers" on the SS Daytona waiting list anymore. It makes no sense with a list of over 100 persons wanting one, does it?

It adds to the popularity that you have to be someone slightly "important" to get one "quick"......either "important" in terms of having a lot of money (so you can buy one NOW) or being famous). So owning a Daytona gives a signal: I am someone "important". Sounds silly, but it is true.

The other, older Daytona versions that are no more made (for example the references 6263 and 16520) are popular, because they are no more made. The funny thing is: when the 6263 was still in production, it was not near as popular as now. Actually, many 6263 were staying in the shop windows for a long time before getting rid off by the AD buy selling them at a discount.

NOW, however, the 6263 is fetching crazy prices, far far higher than the 16520.

I hope this last bit about the 6263 (low popularity back then and discounts) is right, since as stated before, this is out of my memory since I have no books to check it while I am working.

[frostie]

I believe that it is expensive cause of its high demand and sophistication. It is considered to be one of the best movements out there and the watch itself is simply stunning. Also the versions that are available are usually golden ones or white gold or TT. Correct me if i am wrong guys. I hope that i am telling the right stuff cause if i dont i will be

[worktolivelife]

cheapest Rolex chronograph sports watch, so demand is high! in relation to output, if price is not an issue the watch of your dreams can be on your wrist today IMHO!!!!

steve

[frostie]

I have one question. What does IMHO mean?

[s7horton]

The only reason it is so desireable is because Rolex decided to slow production on that one. If they sped up production of the daytona and put it in the hands of everyone that wanted one, and then stopped production on the TT blue sub, the TT blue sub would be the "must have" watch.

People would be calling every dealer they could find to try and get their name on a magical list..

[ohlins]

well if u dun understand the allure of the ss daytona, it's better not to find out more.....cos u might want one :P

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by frostie

I have one question. What does IMHO mean?

It means:

I Must Have Oyster!



Sorry! !!

It means: "In my humble opinion"

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Omar_Jaramillo

Sorry I am new to the world of rolex, but after looking around I discovered that the SS Daytona is one of the most desired watches with long wiatlist periods and a pricy tag (10k?) I was just wondering Why? Does anyoen know I would gladly apreciate it Thanks

Good question, actually, and one which I'll never be able to figure out.

Having gone through the entire Rolex line up in almost 27 years, the Daytona is one watch I would never buy.

Why pay so much for a watch which merely tells the time and does bugger all else?

Sure, it has a Chronograph function, but how many of us here would actually use it?

Sure, it has a Tachymeter scale and bezel, but how many of us here even know how to use the damn thing?

As far as I'm concerned, it's a superbly constructed watch with a movement to die for....but, other than that, it does nothing for me - sorry!!

JJ

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by frostie

I have one question. What does IMHO mean?

Frostie - In My Humble Opinion.

Some of these tosspots are too smart by far...

[Omar_Jaramillo]

Hehe I Love my TT Blue Sub JJ It is amazing! but i was lookign around for purshasing a second Rolex in the future, I was looking and the Daytona caught my eye sicne it was very popular I like the TT one and the SS one besides from teh Daytona wich watch do you guys recomend, I also prefer it to be a black or dark face =)

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Omar_Jaramillo

Hehe I Love my TT Blue Sub JJ It is amazing! but i was lookign around for purshasing a second Rolex in the future, I was looking and the Daytona caught my eye sicne it was very popular I like the TT one and the SS one besides from teh Daytona wich watch do you guys recomend, I also prefer it to be a black or dark face =)

Honest reply, Omar? I would sincerely recommend this one....in a heartbeat!!

[GoldenBear]

Rolex doesn't profit from the artificial mark-up from the scarcity, dealers and brokers do. I still don't understand why Rolex don't make more SS Daytonas and bump the price a little. They would be more profitable and they would sell a ton more. Although the rarity factor would eventually evaporate and the after-market would crash (yet, I digress). It would be one thing if Rolex profited from the crazy demand and inflated prices (think diamond industry). It seems like a bunch of AD's and scalpers are the ones who are making the money.

[John685]

Originally Posted by s7horton

The only reason it is so desireable is because Rolex decided to slow production on that one. If they sped up production of the daytona and put it in the hands of everyone that wanted one, and then stopped production on the TT blue sub, the TT blue sub would be the "must have" watch.

People would be calling every dealer they could find to try and get their name on a magical list..

Owww Seth, JJ might disagree with you. It's my understanding that JJ thinks the TT blue sub is a "must have" watch.

[mike]

It's a beautifull watch with a great movement and history.

A good AD will take care of you.

[jac67]

I love that pic Mike.

Originally Posted by Omar_Jaramillo

Why is the SS Daytona so popular and expensive ??

Simple, Over-hype.


John.

[Alcan]

Hi Omar. Rolex scaled back production of SS Daytonas when they realized that there was much more profit margin in selling precious metal (TT and Gold) watches. The manufacture and supply of SS versions began to shrink, and the market responded accordingly. As to a previous comment that Rolex has upped the price of the SS Daytona disproportionately, that simply isn't so. The market currently dictates the price, as any item is only worth as much as buyers are willing to pay.

[triton]

pardon my ignorance. im not saying that the daytona is not good. i would love to own a daytona one day myself. here in singapore, the asking price is close to SGD$19K.

just curious. the daytona has good movement compared to what kind of watch? in singapore, for 19k, one could get a breguet type XXI and have spare change to get a chopard GMT chrono which has chrono function and tach function.

is it over-hyped like some mentioned? i do know that demand is higher than supply which probably results in higher price.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by triton

just curious. the daytona has good movement compared to what kind of watch?

In 1991, Rolex dropped their Valjoux movement in Daytonas and started using the Zenith El Primero movement. That remained until the end of 2000 when Rolex introduced the 116520 Daytona with an in-house movement. So, despite what some might claim, one of the most respescted movements available is the Zenith. A Zenith El Primero can be had for considerably less than a Daytona.

Originally Posted by triton

is it over-hyped like some mentioned? i do know that demand is higher than supply which probably results in higher price.

That's pretty much it.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Honest reply, Omar? I would sincerely recommend this one....in a heartbeat!!