Customer Reviews

Rolex Mens Stainless Steel Daytona Black Dial

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I actually own this watch and I am wearing it as I type. This is known to be one of the hardest to get watches. Authorized dealers are given ONE per year (actually two, but one is black-faced, and one is white faced). The white faced is the most demanded, thus more rare. I waited over a year to get mine, and only by luck did I get mine. The 116520 is milestone of Rolex's success. It signifies the start of a new era for Rolex... in which EVERY watch, EVERY component, and EVERY piece is made entirely by Rolex across all watches in their production. Until the year 2000, the Daytona's internal components were made by Zenith & Valjoux (still great quality, but not made by Rolex). This watch retails (at the moment I am writing) for about seven grand. If you want the watch now... you will have to pay over ten to twelve grand. If you want to wait 2-3 years on a waiting list (if you can even find a dealer who has one, usually they only sell this watch to customers who have bought other Rolex's and don't hold a waiting list) then go to an authorized dealer and do so. Be careful who you buy this watch from, as fakes are getting better and better. If you do buy one, be sure to take it to an AD (Authorized Dealer) to ensure it is Authentic. If you think this watch is expensive now... wait 5-10 years... it will be worth more than a house in today's standards. Rolex increases the cost of their watches every year by 7-20%, so this watch is going to go up in value... don't trust me... watch the prices go up for yourself and see.

Along with new Rolex's going up in price... your used Rolex does too... eventually your used Rolex is worth more than you bought it new and you can sell it to break even or make profit... and thus the reason that so many collect these timepeices. Of course... if you want to invest your money... you can find a lot greater returns at a bank or financial advisor than in a Rolex.

If you buy this watch above MSRP, you are giving someone a LOT of money... wheras when you buy from Rolex... a large portion of the money goes to Charity... just a FYI.

Details on the watch - The Calibre 4130 (the movement inside the watch) is already being praised by watch authorities as one of the TOP 10 movements ever created... for it's simplicity, accuracy, and efficiency. It uses less components than other models and is very rugged... this is a watch you could wear jackhammering everyday all year and not have to worry about it breaking.

I don't think adequate information is being given for a Rolex Daytona/Cosmograph timepiece.

First, there should be a model number, i.e. the first letter of the serial number. The later Daytonas which have the serial numer on the Rehaut of the watch are usually considered to be more valuable.

Second, if the timepiece is an older series Daytona, this means it has been sitting around for some time with the original lubricants drying up.

Third, I think it's only ethical to list the current retail price for a Stainless Steel Daytona. My understanding is sthat the full retail from an authorized dealer (AD) is $9,925. I acknowledge that Daytonas sell for more than the retail on the grey maket... and I know that ADs only receive about 2 per year, thus creating a demand that exceeds supply and hence the higher price. However, I believe than an AD can only charge the retail price.

Fourth, I don't believe it states clearly whether this is a new or pre-owned watch.

Lastly, there should be a firm statement whether the watch is being purchased through an AD, and hence would have the Rolex guarantee... otherwise who knows whether or not the watch store can provide any type of Rolex level repair, which... if they don't have a Rolex-trained repair person with about $100,000 investment of genuine Rolex tools, lubricants, availability to genuine Rolex parts, etc... they may well not.

All in all, for a watch in this price range I don't think Amazon is doing their job in protecting their customers.

That's my $.02.

Nathaniel in Oceanside, CA

I recently bought a Rolex Yachtmaster and SS BLK Daytona. Of my watches the Daytona is by far my most valued timepiece. Because I bought more than one watch I was able to get a deal on both and paid much less than retail for both. I usually hear people talk about how expensive a Rolex is and that it's not worth it. My opinion is a man should own at least one Rolex in his life. If you are willing to shell out thousands on a diamond engagement ring for a marriage that may or may not last, then why not treat yourself to a piece of quality that you can actually pass down and that won't depreciate as fast as a diamond ring. In the end, by this watch because you like it, not for an investment or collector's item. Not many people even notice it when I wear it, but those that do appreciate the quality.

I recenly purchased a new 116520 with white dial from may ARD after waiting well over 5 years. Actually the 116520 Watch in either White or Black dial now retails for $9900 at Authorized Dealers. You will not find one on the "grey market" for $9000. I do agree that it appears that the watch is not in stock and will be purchased off the grey market but most likely only for a $500-$700 markup which is a fair price to pay if you are not willing to wait several years to obtain one from your ARD. That said, one should be very aware of variations of the 116520 model - things like the "ROLEXROLEXROLEX" engraving being present on the inner rim of the case on later models as well as the presence of the Blue hairspring in the movement. Regardless of how you obtain one - grey market or waiting on a list with your ARD as I did it is well worth the wait and worth every penny to own this watch.

I own this watch, with a white dial along with several other Rolex watches. I purchased this watch in 1990 when my Rolex Sea Dweller 4000 was stolen and replaced by homeowners insurance. I had to wait 18 months for the Daytona after paying for it in full. It cost around $5500.00 at the time and the continuous price increases ARE a VERY nice reason for investing in a Rolex.

The problem with the Daytona is that, even in all stainless steel, it is EXTREMELY susceptible to minor scratches, especially on the dial. I only wear mine VERY occasionally (the original green sticker on the back of the case is still like new) but I have some very minor scratches on the dial.

The thing that sets a Rolex APART from virtually all other watches is its RUGGEDNESS and DURABILITY. A Rolex is DESIGNED to be worn under ANY conditions that its wearer may be exposed to. In that regard the Sea Dweller 4000 was a much more PRACTICAL watch in that the owner need not be concerned about scratching it up or damaging it cosmetically if worn 24/7.

After talking to the dealer and then reviewing the sites I'm starting to think I should have also bought a lottery ticket. My wife and I walked into a local jewelers to buy a watch for my birthday and after looking at several types and brands the salesman, (a friend) leaned over the counter and said i have something else to show you. He asked the owner to get the "Daytona" and as soon as I saw it I knew that was the watch. My wife also knew that we weren't going to leave the store without it. The salesman further told us that there was a waiting list but because of the local economy people on the list couldn't afford it, so right place, right time. Yes it cost slightly over 10K but this is something that will be passed down to one of my sons, and grandsons, and possibly even further. How's that for a legacy.

This watch is the finest timepiece one can encounter in their lives. However, you have better odds of seeing the abominable snowman in person. I spent seven years on multiple waiting lists till I was able to acquire the white dial 116520 (the rarest daytona)at RRP ($9925 as of Nov 2008). This watch has appreciated 45% in retail price since I have been looking for it. If you see one buy it (it's not a practical purchase, but grants the wearer the ultimate exclusivity because of its sheer rarity). Regard it as artwork and you'll enjoy your purchase.

I got this watch at a hefty price, but it's worth every penny. It's almost impossible to get from authorized Rolex dealer as they are stupid or rather Rolex for making such a short supply. But I guess that is part of the appeal of the watch. People tend to want what they cannot get. If the supply was not as low, the appeal for this watch may not be as high. But objectively speaking, I think it is a beautiful piece. It is questionable if there are better-looking watches out there, but it was fun finally finding a place that sells it. It's a jungle out there as some stores have no waiting lists or if they do, require you to be a prefer customer and some have a first-come basis policy which really depends on LUCK...forget all that, I pay whatever, give me the damn watch.

As a fairly new Rolex Daytona owner (waiting list for 2 years), I concur with the statements made before me about availability, and cost. The watch speaks for itself (if real) and I am impressed with it more each day. Whether it is an object of love, desire, investment, or indulgence, wanting one is no sin, and owning one sheer pleasure. Of course other than its' aesthetic beauty, and the feeling of confidence and pride one gets in owning a very high quality ANYTHING (it is first and foremost an unquestioned serious timepiece and item of jewelry), lots of Rolex owners simply LIVE for the reactions of others to the watch. It reflects different things to different people, owners and viewers alike. It outlast owners, and will increase in value each year. I trust other owners will enjoy theirs as much as I do mine. I also own a Movado Men's diamond Eliro, and while stylish and elegant in its' own right, the Rolex is a whole other animal.

I love my Daytona, I bought it off my Uncle from an Estate sale. I was not aware of the "Molex" watches that are floating around of this model. There apparently is such demand for the Daytona's that there are plenty of dead on knock offs available. I guess they are easy enough to spot just based on our sweeping hand, but he was telling me that some are incredibly well made and would fool the untrained eye. So buyer beware.