Money no object Rolex Daytona Challenge

[inadeje]

You can choose just one of these four. It’s a family members gift to you (so you can’t sell it, ever) and you must wear it.

Which would you choose?

Why?

[Trailboss516]

116520 because I think it looks the best.

[ProCoach]

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

116520 because I think it looks the best.

It does, but I’d still pick a 62XX…

BTW, the current is 116500LN

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

116520 because I think it looks the best.

Which? The Ceramic LN or the 2000s variant?

[current_exchange]

The 4-digit mostly because of hour markers and sub dials. This is the perfect Daytona. Rolex had it right the first time. The hour markers on the current Daytona are just hideous.

[ltmgeller]

Coming from the 70's that'd be my pick.

[Bxtek]

The 70's vintage one on the left would be my pick! I love the true "Panda" look with the solid black subdials with the larger vintage numbers which are easier to read. I also love how the subdials are spread further apart than the later versions. I really love the silver sunburst dial as well. My father used to have that watch! I know that is a manual wind movement which is a bit of an inconvenience, but that would be okay with me!

[amphr1]

Voted 1970s. Reminds me how it was directly to compete with the moonwatch. Maybe they'll do a 60th edition in that style. I think it would be epic if it was in a limited edition, not to be the new norm, because then people will say Rolex copies Omega.

[inadeje]

I chose the Zenith for a few reasons.

I prefer the closer proximity of the subdials and the symmetrical aesthetics
I prefer the svelte simplistic hours markers over the later gens
I prefer autowind
My family member agreed I could have the last SEL version

[fskywalker]

62XX


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[brandrea]

They got it right the first time

[NachoNeal]

Didn't vote. I'm not into chronos. They all look the same to me.

[FrankNYC]

Modern one for me. The 70s Rolex are too delicate for me, acrylic crystal and all...

[ArtNouveau]

I would take the 4digit. I have owned the white dial 16520 and 116520’s, and currently have a black 116500. Haven’t owned the vintage one and it would be a nice addition.
Remember, the 4digits were even smaller than the current that many people gripe about.

[4 Aussies]

62XX

[ndls]

Modern. And am I missing something - everyone’s referring to the 116520. Isn’t it 116500? Sorry if I’m incorrect. It really doesn’t matter lol

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by ndls

Modern. And am I missing something - everyone’s referring to the 116520. Isn’t it 116500? Sorry if I’m incorrect. It really doesn’t matter lol

You’re correct typo

[cts]

116520

[Andad]

70’s.

[SS Oyster]

Big Red!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SudiYunus]

hm.......... DJ 41

[logo]

I like them all, but each has their own imperfection to me - no Daytona has ever been perfect IMO. The 4 digit has a bottom pusher that is further away from the crown than the top pusher due to the afterthought of adding the reset pusher to the Valjoux movement. The 5 digits have a stamped clasp that I don’t like as much as the 4 digit and 6 digit, but at least the Zenith has aligned sub dials, but at the expense of a non in-house movement. The 6 digit has the misaligned subdials which don’t bother me much, but the bezel in ceramic looks just a bit too thick compared to the precious metal variants and the white dial looking like bleached tooth enamel vs a rich ivory of the 4 and 5 digits, and all with minimal contrast of the hands. Then there’s the ridiculous amount of text and the daily life limited functionality of screw down pushers on the 5 and 6 digits… I’d take them all, but choosing just one would be the 4 digit. Adding my 321 Speedmaster to the mix, I’d choose my Ed White every time due to aesthetic and history. All personal preference though.

[faimag]

4 digits all the way

[Harry-57]

I'd want the most lebible one, if such a thing exists.

[Hulkhunter]

Zenith for me

[Benzsiam]

Vintage 1970s is my pick, very classic and gorgeous.

[Kiddodoc]

While I love the 6263, since it is vintage, I would not wear it due to it's value but my favorite is the 116500!

[1William]

A 1970's example would be my choice.

[Trailboss516]

Originally Posted by ProCoach

It does, but I’d still pick a 62XX…

BTW, the current is 116500LN

I know. I prefer 116520.

Edit: I assume you are referring to the original poster, not me.

[subtona]

If it has to be a Daytona I Would go with a new 116500 with a black dial.
Would prefer to make my own memories with a new watch especially if it is a sentimental gift.

Unless you are choosing a watch that exists out of a family members collection?
In that case I would go with the vintage piece.

But if it doesn’t have to be a Daytona then I would choose anything else/anything legible /anything except the Daytona.

Originally Posted by inadeje

I chose the Zenith for a few reasons.

I prefer the closer proximity of the subdials and the symmetrical aesthetics
I prefer the svelte simplistic hours markers over the later gens
I prefer autowind
My family member agreed I could have the last SEL version

Agree with your points about the zenith, my last attempt at keeping a Daytona in the collection was the watch you describe. Last year of production p serial zenith movement from 2000. It lasted a year in the collection. Aesthetically It’s a great watch in every detail but useless for telling the time and as a chronograph due to poor legibility from lack of contrast. After 4 Daytonas in and out of the collection I now have a speedy 321 which definitively resolves the legibility issues of a Daytona. You can read the time on a speedy from across the room, legibility is incredible…. But as a member above said, nothing is perfect… the speedy is not expected to last in my small collection because it gives up many of the other qualities that we get with a Daytona.