Rolex Daytona watch journey from lost timepieces to a nostalgic try-on, sparking thoughts of future ownership. - Rolex

Someday....

... but not today. In a few days this watch is going on to my mother who lost her Daytona and asked me if I could replace it - she said it should cost around $4k LOL.

Ever since a gold plated chrono pusher fell off my quartz two tone Tag Heuer somewhere on the beach never to be found again, I've wanted a Daytona. In 1998 I went to an AD ready to get a Daytona or a Sub, the price difference back then wasn't crazy, both were available, but the dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse on a Sea Dweller no one wanted and that was that. I figured I would return to the Daytona someday. Oops. Since the steel Daytona became unobtanium I moved on but it was always somewhere in the back of my mind. Having it on the wrist now it felt initially way too small and I had forgotten how flimsy the old bracelets and clasps feel. I wondered (worried) if the dream didn't live up to reality but I quickly got used to both. It looks great and I can't lie, there's some extra specialness in the legend that it's become. It is still a someday watch for me, no immediate plans to pursue one for myself, but this week on the wrist has been a fun journey back in time and maybe will push the Daytona up a spot on the mental list.

Available on the marketplace

447 HEUER listings are live on the eBay market and 15 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 MENS WATCH WAZ1120 2-TONE GOLD PLATED SWISS QUARTZ WITH BOX.

1,204 USD

Pre-owned - Good · GB

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The most relevant question for now is…

By: Jay (Eire) : July 18th, 2024-19:22

…did this come out of your watch budget or your mothers? LOL It’s a watch I’m smitten by too. And one with which I also have a story AND one which also started with a Sea Dweller ! I did however fill my Daytona desire many years ago. Strange to say this i...

Mine :( She thinks a platinum ladies Rolex watch is $4k because back in the stone ages she got her gold Rolex - at Tiffany - for like $3k....

By: Fastwong : July 18th, 2024-20:10

If she knew how much watches were today she wouldn't spend the money so the only way to make it happen was to hide the cost and make it a gift. I get what you're saying though about the wearing satisfaction, must be Rolex marketing eating our brains, been...

You are a really good son

By: loujo : July 18th, 2024-23:54

(Or daughter I’m not judging 😀)

I'm too old to catch on to pro-nouns so who cares anyway :)

By: Fastwong : July 19th, 2024-01:57

I think we all would like to join your mother in that time machine !

By: Jay (Eire) : July 19th, 2024-02:58

A super nice gift, and your mother has great taste.

Hah, how long have you had your Daytona? My mother doesn't know anything about watches but she was a fashion designer her whole life, I tried and failed to convince her a 116520 or ceramic model was the same thing.

By: Fastwong : July 19th, 2024-16:08

I bought the 16520 about 15 years ago now I think.

By: Jay (Eire) : July 19th, 2024-19:33

Good timing. But my regret was I also wanted the white dial and of course it would have been nicer, wiser, to buy it then.

Same for me. 15 years ago, and I also want the black dial. :))))

By: amanico : July 19th, 2024-19:54

Hah, apparently I missed the boat back then! After a week this watch is really bringing me back. The black, the touch of red, I feel like I'm taken back in time to this 🤣

By: Fastwong : July 22nd, 2024-00:29

...

This one is one of the last. The 16520 is a great reference, and truth to be told, my favorite Daytona. Best of both vintage and modern worlds!

By: amanico : July 18th, 2024-20:08

Agreed! I spent an hour at the AD trying out all the new Daytonas and even with the vintage nods of the latest tweaks the 16520 still felt like a cleaner design. Admittedly the new watches are tanks thought by comparison, so solid.

By: Fastwong : July 19th, 2024-01:57

Hah, thanks! Though, I admit to enjoying the hunt. It gave me an excuse to visit the ADs to check out the latest Daytona's, hit a few vintage dealers and put hands on a lot of 16520s to get a feel for what "good" is

By: Fastwong : July 19th, 2024-02:08

Rolex

Someday....

Available on the marketplace

Someday....

The most relevant question for now is…

Mine :( She thinks a platinum ladies Rolex watch is $4k because back in the stone ages she got her gold Rolex - at Tiffany - for like $3k....

You are a really good son

I'm too old to catch on to pro-nouns so who cares anyway :)

I think we all would like to join your mother in that time machine !

Hah, how long have you had your Daytona? My mother doesn't know anything about watches but she was a fashion designer her whole life, I tried and failed to convince her a 116520 or ceramic model was the same thing.

I bought the 16520 about 15 years ago now I think.

Same for me. 15 years ago, and I also want the black dial. :))))

Hah, apparently I missed the boat back then! After a week this watch is really bringing me back. The black, the touch of red, I feel like I'm taken back in time to this 🤣

Yes, go, my friend, go. The prices calmed down on the Daytona Zenith.

Well, you know what Mr T would say….”you fool” 😂

ROFL!

This one is one of the last. The 16520 is a great reference, and truth to be told, my favorite Daytona. Best of both vintage and modern worlds!

Agreed! I spent an hour at the AD trying out all the new Daytonas and even with the vintage nods of the latest tweaks the 16520 still felt like a cleaner design. Admittedly the new watches are tanks thought by comparison, so solid.

Yes, the 16520 has an incredible charm, in comparison.

I’m a little confused by the backstory…

Ah, sorry, never got one until just this week and it's going to my mother so I'm just living the dream temporarily :)

That’s a VERY nice thing you are doing for her👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Hah, thanks! Though, I admit to enjoying the hunt. It gave me an excuse to visit the ADs to check out the latest Daytona's, hit a few vintage dealers and put hands on a lot of 16520s to get a feel for what "good" is

There’s nothing like a Daytona. I love every Daytona.

LOL, it's true! I can't put my finger on what it is but something....

You certainly found the perfect one here!

Thank you! It was really good to see a bunch of examples in person before pulling the trigger, the internet hides a lot