Rolex

After two years of waiting, I was fortunate to receive the call and obtain this wonderful 116500LN in black. To date, perhaps there has been really two watches that I've had to wait longer than 2 years (a model from both Patek and AP which I'm still waiting for to date) so it's nice to see a wishlist really come true especially in light of the perceived supply challenges worldwide.

High level - it's an excellent watch but has its pluses and minuses. This is actually my first ceramic bezel model and it goes well with the black dial and shiny surfaces and I'm excited to wear this and put it to the test. Weight wise, it feels a little more substantial than I recall prior models? Movement has a bit more "springiness" in the Chronograph action but loving the instantaneous minutes hand. Mixed feelings about the significant use of polished surfaces - it makes it very blingy.

So-is the hype real? Interestingly the last time I purchased a Daytona at MSRP it was probably half of the list price as it currently stands. I think it was a real "value" and positioned well within the Rolex lineup.

Today, the MSRP is mid-five digits and it seems much higher than the other steel professional models, with of course an incredibly hyped market price, yet for some reason as I wear it, I don't think I am getting the same personal satisfaction and awe as I did the first time decades ago. My last steel professional model was a 50th Sea-Dweller, and I still remember the thrill of putting it on the first time.

Does anybody else feel the same?

Anyway, all considerations aside, I can see how this watch is super special. I hope to post other observations later

Cheers

Peter

It's an incredible watch at retail but at market there may be many other more incredible options out there. But I'm
sure this one will always be desirable for everybody...

Peter

...and incredibly well-made. At retail, especially given runaway inflation, it's a steal.

Adding ceramic, an in house movement, and an iconic design will keep this super desirable.

Cheers
Peter

...for my son two years ago. It's much more elegant than my '80s-era Submariner beater : )

I just asked my 15 year old to try it on, and he said “meh” and went back to his Apple Watch… 😂🤣 I might be in trouble convincing my son in the future!

Cheers
Peter

I had previously considered the Platona but I’m beginning to shy away from heavy precious models on the wrist. Maybe I’m getting older, but wearing a huge hunk of gold or platinum bracelet just seems like for a less frequent formal occasion. I think that’s where this SS model is particularly special and versatile and well recognized. And maybe it seems just a tad less…excessive and worrisome as it is steel anyways…

Good luck with your search and wait! Hope to see you with one soon.

Cheers
Peter

I ordered two steel Daytonas last year at my AD and received the white dial in December and will get the black this summer. Both for my sons, so they go unworn and with original plastic into the safe (one already is).

And lucky for your two sons. Amazing how this hobby May be a future source of funding for education. Cheers!
Peter

Next to you: on a plane, in a cafe, near a sink, in a store, or just on a walk?

It may be one of the most easily recognizable designs...maybe it's a reason for the hype...

Peter

Prefer black over white for the longest time.

Cheers, Peter

Then I would probably be calling around If anything, I recognize that my dealer's support for this should keep me keeping this on my wrist (or my son's wrist)!

Cheers
Peter

And that's the point, the Daytona is a great chronograph timepiece. Solid, reliable, and accurate.

After wearing it a day, I recognize what a well constructed, robust, and iconic piece it is. I will try to beat it around for the next few weeks and travel to see if there are any new thoughts.

Peter

I am fortunate to have one, well actually two. I have the white panda dial I purchased at msrp and I later added a two tone late 90's to have the Zenith caliber. I have to say the White Panda dial Daytona is the most recognized timepiece I have, well at least the one people who recongize it comment on. I don't love that fact, but it sort of amazes me as other hot luxury sport models I have and wear (Sub, DayDate, Datejust) go unnoticed or at least uncommented. Getting back to the watch and the hype, the Daytona is a special watch. Always has been even back 20 years ago where you could routinely find steel Subs, GMTs, SeaDwellers in the case at AD's and even discounted, the steel Daytona (at least in my area) always sold at list and there were not many of them in the case. You would see way more of the precious metal Daytona's lying around. This Daytona in steel is a special sport watch. The Rolex in house caliber is an amazing design built to typical Rolex standards. An added factor is the case, fits (me) like a glove. I believe it is slighter smaller than the newer cased Subs and other Rolex professional models. So I sort of get the hype. In my opinion I would never pay the prices (two or three times retail) they are asking. But I do believe it is is worth every penny at retail and perhaps a bit above if you can find one.

I remember well those days when most pieces, save for the SS Daytona, was available and at a discount. And even with the SS Daytona, perhaps the wait was less than a year, and even less so with the purchase of another model.

I am absolutely happy Rolex has built up such strong brand awareness and a following - as many would say - I would recommend anybody's first nice watch to be a Rolex. Solid, dependable, wearable, and in general a good value at retail. Just now with all of the interest (I think while I was collecting my watch I heard three people come in, ask for any pieces, ans get turned back quickly by the dealer), it's pretty insane. The world of "instant gratification" and "random purchasing" seems long gone, as with some brands.

Anyway I do believe now that some hype is appropriate - I guess handling so many different watch brands the game has elevated all around, so it's harder to feel super excited

Cheers
Peter