First Rolex- Help me buy a Daytona

[MrRothstein]

Hello - looking to get a Daytona in the coming months...own a Breitling now and will be new to the Rolex family.

I bought my Breit new from an AD but in considering the Rolex I am looking at used.

I know the general specs I am looking for and have tried on a bunch of different ones and did a little research....mainly looking for any hints or tips on what to look out for when shopping:

what should be included with the watch, any particular years or models to stay away from or seek out, what should match and what markings I should see as far as serials etc...

The watch will hopefully be:
Daytona
2 Tone
Slate dial
great condition
box and papers ( how important is this)

Haven't decided between Zenith or Rolex in-house movement so any thoughts on that would be appreciated too!

thanks- look forward to being a part of the community

[jjnd08]

Box and papers aren't that important, especially if you plan on keeping the watch and you aren't a flipper. A box set will cost more, but it will also get you less when you go to sell.

I just bought a SS Daytona. I went for the 116520. I just loved the aesthetics of it, the movement, and the upgraded bracelet and clasp versus the older Zenith movement models.

And welcome to the forum!

[MrRothstein]

Thanks! ^

I def plan to keep the watch and hopefully pass it down someday - I feel more "secure" with full sets but I also know you can just buy a box and tags...

I have only tried on the new bracelet so other than pix I can't comment on the Zenith but the new one felt great

[iclick]

I bought an F-serial (~2004), mint SS Daytona about two months ago which had the inner box, booklet (in French), an RSC warranty card (serviced in 08/13), cloth, and red hang tag. I would like to have had the original warranty-certification document but it wasn't in the package and in a minor way that played into my price expectations. I've been looking for the outer box, "Your Rolex Oyster" booklet, and a Daytona booklet in English with correct date but am still looking. I'm interested solely for the resale attraction even though I don't plan on flipping this watch anytime soon.

It's been said before but if you don't plan on selling the watch the other paraphernalia is probably meaningless. That said, I have a vintage GMT that I've owned since new (1971) with everything except the boxes and hang tag and I'm currently looking for these even though I will never sell the watch. Since I have the original receipt and all paperwork I want to complete the package, mostly since the watch has a very high sentimental value to me. Without that I wouldn't bother.

[accce]

Any of the TRF sellers here should be able to find you something.

[MrRothstein]

Originally Posted by iclick

I bought an F-serial (~2004), mint SS Daytona about two months ago which had the inner box, booklet (in French), an RSC warranty card (serviced in 08/13), cloth, and red hang tag. I would like to have had the original warranty-certification document but it wasn't in the package and in a minor way that played into my price expectations. I've been looking for the outer box, "Your Rolex Oyster" booklet, and a Daytona booklet in English with correct date but am still looking. I'm interested solely for the resale attraction even though I don't plan on flipping this watch anytime soon.

Yes...just as you mention all that stuff I'm getting maybe it's just because I don't buy them often and aren't as jaded as some- but I love to get a package and paperwork and boxes etc...a watch coming to me in a padded envelope just isn't the same (until it hits my wrist of course)

Originally Posted by accce

Any of the TRF sellers here should be able to find you something.

I am making my way through the listings now - I found a bunch on Ebay as well...I was just asking in general to see what I should look out for here or wherever I decide to buy


Also I didn't put this in the original post but is there a reference guide for all of the different dials that come on Daytonas? I'm getting confused as to what is official and whats aftermarket and am seeing different variations of the same color dials...thanks

[AK797]

You sure you don't want the panda dial, its stunning.

[Racerdj]

I hope you will enjoy the Daytona as much as I have. I would contact some of the trusted sellers here and have them keep an eye out for one you have chosen.

[GolfPunk]

Panda on the TT is awesome:

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by MrRothstein

Hello - looking to get a Daytona in the coming months...own a Breitling now and will be new to the Rolex family.

I bought my Breit new from an AD but in considering the Rolex I am looking at used.

I know the general specs I am looking for and have tried on a bunch of different ones and did a little research....mainly looking for any hints or tips on what to look out for when shopping:

what should be included with the watch, any particular years or models to stay away from or seek out, what should match and what markings I should see as far as serials etc...

The watch will hopefully be:
Daytona
2 Tone
Slate dial
great condition
box and papers ( how important is this)

Haven't decided between Zenith or Rolex in-house movement so any thoughts on that would be appreciated too!

thanks- look forward to being a part of the community

Forget that TT stuff unless its a Panda. Stick with the iconic/classic white dial Daytona!!!!!!

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Panda on the TT is awesome:

X2 this and the blue dial are amazing

[landroverking]

I think the TT zenith models have a lot of up side to them right now.
Some really like the in house movement and it is one of if not the best chronograph made today. As for me I much prefer the zenith subs layout.
Seconds at 9.

[MrRothstein]

I'm not sold on the Panda yet...I do see it getting alot of love everywhere...haven't seen one in person so that could be it...I also thought I wanted the champagne face, but a trip to an AD changed that

That SS with white dial up there is very clean...i'm in love with the TT right now though...I wear yellow gold jewelry and also plan on a SS sub being my next purchase so TT for the Daytona it is

After more research I think I would like the 2005+ model with the inner bezel engraving and new hairspring...

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by MrRothstein

I'm not sold on the Panda yet...I do see it getting alot of love everywhere...haven't seen one in person so that could be it...I also thought I wanted the champagne face, but a trip to an AD changed that

That SS with white dial up there is very clean...i'm in love with the TT right now though...I wear yellow gold jewelry and also plan on a SS sub being my next purchase so TT for the Daytona it is

After more research I think I would like the 2005+ model with the inner bezel engraving and new hairspring...

The good news for you is since the model you prefer is not at the top of most Daytona lovers list, you'll get a great deal on the model you are looking for......less for sure than buying an SS model. Good luck with your search....you can't go wrong and naturally, enjoy!!!!!