The Rolex Daytona has been in vogue for over 2 decades, or even more for some earlier references. For those who have doubts whether to get the Daytona or not, we give you our Daytonas of choice.
- Rolex Daytona 6263 – The “Paul Newman” Daytona with exotic dial
The legendary 6263 is on our list, and it always will and should on anyone’s list of favorite Daytonas. A Rolex 6263 Daytona with exotic dial is referred to as “the Paul Newman Daytona” as movie star Paul Newman used to wear it a lot when racing, and not racing. At 37mm, the 6263 has a very exquisite dial layout. It looks classic by any standard. The sub-dials are well placed with appropriate space and balance in between. The numerals on the sub-dials are exquisitely done. The chapter ring is another feature of an “exotic” dial. It matches the tachymeter on the bezel very well.
Other than that, the 6263 has red “Daytona” letters on the dial and features screw-down chronograph pushers. It is a must-have for any Daytona enthusiast and the prices at auctions have proved that.
- Rolex 116520 Daytona
The first automatic chronograph with an in-house Rolex movement – is it enough?
The 116520 has been in production since 2000 when it replaced the 16520 which had a modified Zenith movement. The 116520 is now out of production and it is replaced by the new ceramic Daytona 116500ln. However, it was a cult success by any means. The price of the 116520 had always been higher than the retail price. It was such a symbol of status that no other watches could, or can compare.
- Rolex 116500ln Daytona Ceramic
Rolex is good at solving problems. While the bezel of the 116520 was said to attract scratches easily, they have now put a ceramic bezel on the newest Daytona ref 116500ln. The new 116500ln is a stunner. The white dial version features the “panda” style dial similar to the legendary 6263. The best thing is that it has a ceramic bezel that is not easily scratched. Other details? The movement’s accuracy is now +2/-2 per day! As the successor of the 116520, it is going to be another cult success. Do get yours before it gets hard to find one.
Here are the 5 reasons why you should get the new Rolex Daytona Ceramic 116500ln
The new Rolex Daytona 116500ln was released at Baselworld 2016. We know that it will be a crazy hit for any watch enthusiast. However, if you are still thinking about whether to save up for the watch, here are 5 reasons why you actually should.
- It is an icon.
For years, the Rolex Daytona has been one of the most celebrated watches in the world. In the world of Rolex, it represents the most expensive model of Rolex’s stainless steel watches (the Yacht Master ii excluded). If you want to upgrade from your world of Submariners and GMTs, it is time to get a Daytona.
- The new ceramic bezel
The 116500ln features a black ceramic bezel. As we all know, a ceramic bezel is scratch-proof. On the 116520 Daytona which features a polished stainless steel bezel, one of the big problems is that the bezel attracts a lot of scratches. We can often see second-hand 116520 which are full of scratches on the bezel, the most obviously seen part of the watch. With that said, it is easier for you to keep your watch as mint as possible with the new 116500ln.
- The only “complicated” stainless steel Rolex
The Rolex Daytona is the only stainless steel Rolex with a complication (GMT function excluded). It has been Rolex’s only chronograph for years. Although you may not fully utilize the chronograph function, it might be time for you to taste something different from your three-hand time-only watch.
- Increased accuracy
As Rolex is now imposing new standards other than the COSC standards they have been observing, Rolex watches are now +2/-2 per day according to their new independent certification.
- “Panda” style
If you have been in the watch world for long enough, or not so long, you may have noticed how expensive a “Paul Newman” Daytona 6263 is, especially those that feature a “Panda” dial. The new 116500ln white dial version features something similar. The three black sub-dial rings sit on the while dial which gives you a close-to-Paul-Newman experience.
As to prices, the 116500ln is on a steady rise. It was HKD129,000 when I bought one in April. Now, it is at least HKD135,000. Some even sell for over HKD140,000. For the 116520, the black dial version is around HKD95,000 to 105,000 depending on its condition and the year of production. An NOS 116520 can cost you as much as HKD130,000.
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