Good Morning OF,

The Rolex Daytona has sky rocketed in value in the past year. In today's market, a nice condition pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116520 is in the $17,000 - $20,000 range. The 40MM diameter fits well with the thin 12.2mm case thickness. The perfect sport model for dress & casual occasions. Powered by the 4130, this Rolex chronograph caliber has a 72 hour power reserve. My single complaint about this model is the high polish bezel, but we all know they've solved that problem with the newest iteration featuring a ceramic bezel.

What are your thoughts on the Daytona?

 

I really like the Big Red from the 80s, but I don't get the hype on the new versions (double retail is insane to me). I think the Zenith and PM Daytonas are a better buy than a Ceramic version at $25K or $26K.

 

+1 on the complaint regarding the “high polished bezel”; for my tastes that takes any chrono off the table for me; too distracting ...

 

I just dont dig this ref too poshy for me. Its value increases due to the unavailability of thr ceramic version maybe

 

I figure if I wanted one bad enough, I’d have pulled the trigger by now. Too bling for me.

 

as a new owner of the black dial ceramic bezel daytona. . to me the steel bezel does not work here. . .or really on any black dial daytona

 

I love it.

 

Thoughts?
I think the Speedy looks better.
Never had one on the wrist but something about it just seems "too busy" to me.

 

You really aren't going to get unvarnished opinions by posting this question on an Omega website. I've owned a gold strap Daytona (1992), a steel/gold bracelet Daytona (1997), a WG bracelet Daytona (2007) and currently a black dial ceramic Daytona. They are a completely different watch than the Speedmaster and really travel in different circles. Many people put a strike against it because of the pricing structure, but that's just the way it is, the market sets the price and Mr. Market says it's about $23k for a new Daytona vs. $4.5k or so for a new Speedmaster. As I said, completely different watches for different markets. Huge difference in the market price, of course, but own one for ten years and sell it and the net cost is better on the Daytona in most instances. A steel sport Rolex is a storehouse of value which can be admired and used.

The polished bezel models were always susceptible to dinging and scratching and didn't take to polishing very well. The current ceramic bezel versions are just about perfect, imo. Rolex makes a good product, as does Omega. On the wrist the Daytona looks great, a Speedmaster doesn't have quite the presence but they also look good depending on the model. One is not better than the other, they both have a reason to exist. I just don't see the need for each side bashing the other for whatever reason. Live and let live.

 

Like @Larry S, I have considered these for years, and never pulled the trigger. I don't dislike them, but they are pretty far down my list, and there are a handful of other vintage/classic Rolex references I would buy first, in addition to the ones I already have in my collection.

Several years ago, I considered buying one of the "inverted 6" El Primero pieces as an investment, because it was obvious to me that they were going to skyrocket. But in the end I didn't do it because I really don't like to buy watches as investments if I don't think I'm going to love them on my wrist.

 

Every time I look at a modern Daytona I’m shocked at how they managed to design such an illegible dial.

 

I agree. The 6239 is my favorite.

 

It looks like a watch you would buy at TJ Max or Ross Dress for Less.

 

That is all well and fine, but it still looks like a pimp watch to me.

This is more tasteful in my opinion.

 

I agree. The zenith daytonas are not necessarily better than the new ones, for sure they do have more charisma than the later ones . and also let's keep in mind, new generation of watch enthusiasts do like modern stuff, so the ceramic bezels are more attractive to them

 

Not really sure why Rolex bothered with the ceramic bezel anyway as the majority of these pieces are tucked away in a safe and won't get scratched, the rest are brought on the grey by fools with more money than sense and it won't bother them if they do get dings. And of course you------who loves the piece and didn't buy it for investment purpose...(fill in name)

 

exactly. . fill in name is ME! lol

 

Well, I don’t like the bezel particularly but then again I got rid of a black ceramic Daytona as I thought it was a bit boring.

the sweet spot on Daytona’s Is the two tones imo - and the best value. Esp in black.

they are great watches, but I think expensive for what they are.

 

A pimp watch! Really? Not even a little

 

If I had money for a Rolex, my money would go towards an early GMT Master. Different watch I know, but sings to me much more than the Daytona