Watch Enthusiasts - Rolex Daytona

beancounter

So, I've just sold my Ducati after 12 years of ownership. I'm a bit too old and knackered for sports bikes now so I won't be replacing it.

I don't feel the need for any more cycles so I'm going to blow the proceeds on another lifetime ambition, a Rolex Daytona.

To all those who know about such things:-

- is there still a waiting list - how long?
- white face or black face?
- what would you buy for £8k?

Thanks for any advice forthcoming

bc

estampida

metal or leather strap (metal daytona's scratch easily...)

dark face as it looks less fussy then the white face

but if your spending crazy money on a watch why not a omega seamaster or an iwc.... (cheesy but will have wow factor) also a tag heuer monoco (but not the v4 model)

me - I would buy a nice watch but no more than £800

then either get a Harley (not a sports bike like you said) and go touring or take a long holiday for example - overland tour of the east coast of Africa, and a couple of weeks in asia....

but would do something very non-linear with the cash, you cant take a rolex with you......

guinea

I'm a watch nerd. Rolexes aren't my thing, but if you've lusted after a Daytona for a while you should definitely get one.

The true Daytona should ony be stainless steel. These used to be rare to get a hold of, but the queues are a thing of the past. Phoning around will secure you one.

However, you may want to look at second hand. They hold their value well and you will not lose any money over time. Look at chrono24 or any watch forum with a sales section.

For 8k you could get yourself a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for some understated class in a sport watch. (note, not the offshore)

mrushton

Firstly see about getting one second-hand at eg

http://www.theoldwatchshop.com

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk

Some watches turn out to be 'safe queens' where they are locked away and never worn. The model to own is the s/s bracelet model either black or white (I prefer white). The gold on leather is nice but not for me. You could wear Omega or IWC (prefer IWC myself) or Panerai (nice but trendy) or JLC (very classy and classic). Those Daytonas are over-priced imo.

clarkey cat

also, for just general watch-lusting this magazine is the mutts.

http://www.qpmagazine.com/Brands/default.aspx

upperoilcan

beancounter wrote:

I don't feel the need for any more cycles so I'm going to blow the proceeds on another lifetime ambition, a Rolex Daytona.

Enough said....Go for it and make yourself happy.

i'm lucky enough to have a Breitling Emergency Chrono and it's stainless and yes they scratch but when it goes in for a service all these scratches are buffed out and the watch comes back like new.....

Rolex also do the same.

Monkeypump

Have you tried one on? I lusted after one for years, but the 40mm case looks far too small on my wrist and the steel bracelet not wide enough. My attentions have switched to the Deapsea...

According to a vendor I spoke to recently, the Daytona isn't the 'holy grail' it once was, so (as said above) waiting lists shouldn't be a problem. It doesn't sound like you're buying it as a investment, but if you have one eye on re-sale values be careful which model you choose. Apparently only a few hold their value well. Perhaps vintage is a good option?

Next on my want-list is the Omega Planet Ocean (non-chrono) for a 'big' watch and the Tag Heuer Monza, which is small but stunning. Both are a bit mainstream, but very nice. I'll be waiting a while though!

If you're going all-out on a Daytona, get the Everose!

canbakay

I've always obsessed about watches, something passed from my father. The watch should be picked according to lifestyle (I don't mean bank account, I literally mean style) and size of wrist. The daytona, which I love and tried the pink version didn't suit me, too chunky. I prefer the leather strapped watches. I suggest looking at Breguet if you'd consider adding a bit more. The classique line.

styxd

The watch should be picked according to lifestyle

:?:

What do you mean? You can only wear a Seamaster if you're James Bond? What are all the overweight middle aged mend going to buy instead?

de_sisti

I'd go for a Rolex Submariner (non-date) or an Omega Railmaster.

As I wasn't eligible for a pay-off when I left the RAF in 1993, after 9 years service,
I decided to buy a nice watch (and a double bass). The shop I went to didn't have
the Rolex Submariner, so with money burning a hole in my wallet I decided to buy
the Rolex Explorer II that they had on display.

I faffed about buying an Omega Railmaster in 2008. By the time I made up my mind to
buy the watch, it had been sold. (It was less than 12 months old, going for £1200).

Edit: I've just realised that I have a genuine Rolex Explorer II white dial for sale
if you know anyone who'e interested.

canbakay

styxd wrote:

The watch should be picked according to lifestyle

:?:

What do you mean? You can only wear a Seamaster if you're James Bond? What are all the overweight middle aged mend going to buy instead?

as i said very clearly, style.

I'm mostly in grey and navy suits hence the leather strap watch. When casual, i'll have a steel, chunkier and more casual watch on.

Of course there are those Steve Job styles where they'll be 50 year old lawyers and like to wear casios. That also is a style statement.

Nothing about age or weight.

Stevo_666

If you love the watch then get it, but Rolexes have never really got me drooling. For that sort of money you might want to look at an IWC like the 'Big Pilot' or a Panerai - in particular the limited editions which seem to go up in value over time so you can always recoup your investment and more if you fancy a change.

Peddle Up!

I went through a phase of chrono-style watches, but now the simpler the better.

Secteur

Come over to TZ-UK.com (you have to register during business hours) - there's a very very loosely moderated and mostly safe sales corner there, and there's currently a mint unworn Daytona for around £6k if I recall correctly

fatreg

For 8K, I'd be getting one of these or these

beancounter

Thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated.

bc

jonomc4

got to say - my favourite watches are Franck Muller - never been a Rolex fan for a utility watch I prefer a Bretling.

garrynolan

3 questions - 1/ Who is Rolex Daytona; 2/ What is he/she enthusiastic about; and 3/ Why should I watch?

verylonglegs

Blancpain fifty fathom for me if I was in your shoes.

rodgers73

I'm sure my comments will be skimmed over given the tone of this discussion, but anyway.

I love watches but for me the cheaper the better. I'm not yet 50 but I am a lawyer and I wear a £30 Swatch. On a weekend I wear a £20 Timex and I think they're both lovely. When I'm on my bike I wear a big rubber/plastic sports watch that was £7 off Ebay.

For me the joy is in the simplicity and lack of pretension (not being rude about expensive watches!) that these things have.

So, I'd spend the £8k on something that will give me some good memories like a holiday or some sort of adventure/expedition.

bompington

mrushton wrote:

Those Daytonas are over-priced imo.

Am I the only person who finds this quite hilarious in the context of this thread?

beancounter

bompington wrote:

mrushton wrote:

Those Daytonas are over-priced imo.

Am I the only person who finds this quite hilarious in the context of this thread?

Yes, I should think so.

bc

guinea

rodgers73 wrote:

I'm sure my comments will be skimmed over given the tone of this discussion, but anyway.

I love watches but for me the cheaper the better. I'm not yet 50 but I am a lawyer and I wear a £30 Swatch. On a weekend I wear a £20 Timex and I think they're both lovely. When I'm on my bike I wear a big rubber/plastic sports watch that was £7 off Ebay.

For me the joy is in the simplicity and lack of pretension (not being rude about expensive watches!) that these things have.

So, I'd spend the £8k on something that will give me some good memories like a holiday or some sort of adventure/expedition.

Actually, you make a decent point.

However, just swap the words watch with bike, Swatch with Apollo and Timex with Carrera and you'll see how 95% of the population see bikes.

Sure, there are people who buy a rolex as they think it's a sign of making it big, but they're not watch enthusiasts. Folk who like their watches aren't doing it to show off. They just appreciate watches. I'm wearing a G-Shock to work today and I own two Panerais, a Montblanc, several Omegas and a few other niche brands. Showing off is never part of my thoughts (althoug the conent of this post might make you think I am a show off

pauldavid

Sorry to take the thread slightly off track but can any of the watch buffs that have posted suggest a decent place to sell a watch.

I have a Breitling that I would like to part with but not really sure where to go to make sure I get a decent price for it.

craprider

£8k to spare?
coke and hookers.

beancounter

craprider wrote:

£8k to spare?
coke and hookers.

Far too old....

bc

guinea

pauldavid wrote:

Sorry to take the thread slightly off track but can any of the watch buffs that have posted suggest a decent place to sell a watch.

I have a Breitling that I would like to part with but not really sure where to go to make sure I get a decent price for it.

Ebay.

Seriously.

badly_dubbed

£8k on a watch?? mair money than sense.

for 8grand id finish my house off, its half done.

beancounter

badly_dubbed wrote:

£8k on a watch?? mair money than sense.

for 8grand id finish my house off, its half done.

You didn't read the post, did you?

I'm selling a motorbike, I don't need the money for anything else.

My house is finished, thanks

bc

craprider

beancounter wrote:

craprider wrote:

£8k to spare?
coke and hookers.

Far too old....

bc

Viagra and hookers?

beancounter

craprider wrote:

beancounter wrote:

craprider wrote:

£8k to spare?
coke and hookers.

Far too old....

bc

Viagra and hookers?

Not quite that old

bc