Advice on buying a Daytona

[Mick P]

Chaps

I am a retired Purchasing Manager of 30 years standing, so I think I am reasonably competent in buying most things.

I bought my First Rolex (39mm Explorer) new from an AD about two years ago.

I then bought a 2003 16610 from the same AD and finally a 1981 Freccione Explorer2 from a private deal. All three watches are in excellent condition and are running well. I finally bought my wife a 31mm solid gold DateJust for our 45th anniversary.

I thought that would be that but I have spent the last six weeks reading everything I can about the Daytona. The simple truth is that I just want one and won't rest until I get one, although in all fairness, I will take my time in seeking out the perfect watch.

Despite all of this reading, I still haven't decided which model to go for and this is where I would appreciate some advice. I have sub divided the Daytonas that I fancy into the following groups. Also I am only interested in plain stainless steel.

1. Vintage (6265). I like this watch which is hand wound, and I believe, not as tough as the modern watches but never the less a good Daytona. If anyone can nominate a better vintage, then please do. I know they are not cheap but I can raise the cash after the wife calms down a bit. It is a bit small at 36mm but I can live with that.

2. The Zenith 16520. This is the first automatic Daytona and 40mm in diameter. I know it is revered, but is it good and is it tough as when compared to an in house movement. Also is it easy enough to get parts when it needs servicing. I know the Zenith 400 movement was only made in limited numbers.

3. The easy way out is to buy a 116520. There are more coming onto the market since the release of the new ceramic was announced. They are ultra reliable and tough. This I think is a "cannot go wrong" model.

4. Dive in quick and buy a new Ceramic model. It looks cool and ceramic is tough when all said and done.

So the question is - which would you opt for and why and please feel free to come up with any weaknesses or criticisms of any of my choices.

Many thanks

Mick

[GerardoG]

Well Mick, that is a tough decision, and a very personal one. All options have its pros, but what YOU want is the most important.

Personally, I am a big fan of 'anniversary' watches...say a Daytona manufactured on your year of birth, of a Daytona to celebrate retirement; I trend to 'tie' most of my watches to unique events.

Let us know what you decide and...happy hunting!

[Mick P]

Gerado

I was born in 1948 - an anniversary model may prove problematical.

Mick

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Gerado

I was born in 1948 - an anniversary model may prove problematical.

Mick

...that is part of the game! How about other major events? Kids birth? Wedding? Special event?

Once again, this is only an option; in the end whichever Daytona you buy has to make YOU smile.

[soundserious]

16520 is a classic. In either black or white it's got vintage style and a modern size. The 116520 is a good option too and prices are pretty attractive now compared to a year ago.

[avilhena]

Well, for me, I would choose the DaytonaC, and in a close second place the 6265.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

...that is part of the game! How about other major events? Kids birth? Wedding? Special event?

Once again, this is only an option; in the end whichever Daytona you buy has to make YOU smile.

Agree. Anyway, if i'm not mistaken the first Cosmograph model 6239 was released in 1963. If he wants something closer to a birth year chronograph there's the Oyster Chronograph reference 6234 from 1955 but that's all, I guess.

[tkerrmd]

I would wait and get the ceramic model

[Etschell]

6265 if you can swing it, but they are 2-4x the price of the 16520 and 116520.

if not wait for the ceramic daytona. you are only a few months away and there will be some for sale from gray dealers shortly after release (no matter what anyone tries to tell you).

[motoikkyu]

I really love my Zenith, I know that's not a popular viewpoint on this forum, but I've always loved the El Primero movement because it's just so accurate. I recently upgraded my dial to an white arabic and it's super-legible, as well as accurate. If you find the model or style you like, go with that and don't look back. Before I upgraded my dial, I seriously thought I'd be in the market for a true vintage soon, but currently have no desire to change.

[rootbeer7]

If funds are available the 6265. Beautiful, classic, hand-wound and don't feel that small. If you regret the decision for any reason, money back easily.

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I really love my Zenith, I know that's not a popular viewpoint on this forum, but I've always loved the El Primero movement because it's just so accurate. I recently upgraded my dial to an white arabic and it's super-legible, as well as accurate. If you find the model or style you like, go with that and don't look back. Before I upgraded my dial, I seriously thought I'd be in the market for a true vintage soon, but currently have no desire to change.

Hi

So it is accurate which is a plus.

However, is it easily serviceable and do you know if parts are available ?

Regards

Mick

[Viffer]

Think outside the box here, the Daytona is just soooo common, half the forum has one and the other half are on a waiting list somewhere in the world. Go for a Tudor Chronograph, plenty to choose from and a variety of styles. Or even a Speedmaster, even more choice. Go on, go for it Boyo.

[TimeToWatch]

Originally Posted by Viffer

Think outside the box here, the Daytona is just soooo common, half the forum has one and the other half are on a waiting list somewhere in the world. Go for a Tudor Chronograph, plenty to choose from and a variety of styles. Or even a Speedmaster, even more choice. Go on, go for it Boyo.

I buy watches based on what I like, if everyone else has one too then I guess their taste is as good as mine

My vote would be for the 16520, unless you want to wait until oblivion for the DaytonaC. Like the DaytonaC, the 16520 is modern with a retro feel - 40 mm case, black or cream subdials, brushed lugs, skinny hands/hour markers. It's the perfect daytona IMHO

[darwin95]

tough one.
There is no bad choice there. Based on your collection, I would pick 116520 and possibly trade up for ceramic version later (if it's worth it for you).

[AK797]

Ceramic for me, unless you're willing to hazard everything for a PN.

[Jamesha]

Just curious Mick but why the urge for a Daytona as opposed to any other Rolex model? Congrats on retirement by the way


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[Snow-Dweller]

I find the 116520 difficult to read, particularly in white.

[subtona]

Try reading it in low light before you buy.

Originally Posted by Clivek

I find the 116520 difficult to read, particularly in white.

I agree the white is difficult but I found the black to be nearly impossible in all but the best of circumstances.

[Danny83]

I would also wait for ceramic

[judson]

My favorite is the Zenith. If I could have one, that would be it.

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by Jamesha

Just curious Mick but why the urge for a Daytona as opposed to any other Rolex model? Congrats on retirement by the way


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James

I can't answer that in all honesty. Until recently I could not understand why anyone would even think about wearing a Daytona, now it's a constant thought.

No explaining crazy obsessions.

Mick

[locutus49]

I am about your age and the problem with the new ceramic is you may have to wait a couple of years to get one. So I would buy the current new (or 2nd hand) model and down the line trade up for a ceramic if you so desire.

[MCO1]

116520....very wearable, durable and classic. The others would be great, especially the 6265 but I guess I am too practical it would be a bit small for my taste and would be a special occasion watch for me. The ceramic might be a long wait and something to add to the list down the road when the hype has died down.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Go for the 116520.

If you buy used, especially from a trusted seller here, you could flip the watch and lose very little down the line. You'll also get all the benefits of a modern Rolex (upgraded bracelet, great automatic chrono movement) that's very wearable.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I would wait and get the ceramic model

Bingo

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Etschell

6265 if you can swing it, but they are 2-4x the price of the 16520 and 116520.

if not wait for the ceramic daytona. you are only a few months away and there will be some for sale from gray dealers shortly after release (no matter what anyone tries to tell you).

[Dyim]

116520 now as a test run to see if you actually like Daytona.

Stay on the list for 116500. When your turn comes up, either flip the 520 or add the 500.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by subtona

Try reading it in low light before you buy.



I agree the white is difficult but I found the black to be nearly impossible in all but the best of circumstances.

Hmmm, now I found the white very difficult in bright light. There's not enough contrast between the silver sub-dials, hands and white face for my eyes at least. I found the black so much better. When I tried the two outside in the bright sun, the black was a clear winner and no-brainer for me

Mick, try the existing 116520. I love mine. Good luck

[GB-man]

Get the new one this fall