Daytona Madness Pt3 - The Good Shepherd

The mystical Daytona aura has further secured its grip on my heart and soul. After a long drought (about 10 months) I finally got my second and definitely last brand new SS 116520 Daytona. I was at work when I got the surprise email from my AD. Your heart starts pounding faster, priorities change and the hasty walk up to the AD’s shop takes a mere instant. Wish I had the camera to take a shot of my big grin when I placed it on my wrist. All my work colleagues believe I’m watch crazy and this behaviour must confirm it LOL. That said, the passion for watches is very infectious.

I’m still trying to figure out why I sold it the first time, guess it was a guilt response after I bought the Patek 5100J. One gets to appreciate things more the second time round. The 116520 now forms an essential part of my rapidly growing Daytona collection.



I consider each watch in the trio to have very different personalities.





The 6263 is the patriarch of the collection, possibly one of the most striking dial combinations, with each angle revealing another reflective mystery to the eye. The wonders of the Valjoux 727 movement are clearly from another era.

The 116509 by contrast, I believe is the most progressive in the collection. This wondrous dial must clearly be branded as a modern ‘exotic’. I feel that the WG version is more sporty and great to wear on sunny weekends. Another differentiator is its heft.

Of particular interest is difference in the cases when you place the SS and WG side by side.



I think the SS Daytona looks more sedate and conservative when compared to the 116509 WG. The 116520 is a very practical daily wearer. A perfect work companion that complements suave business attire without any pretence. Only another fellow collector would ever appreciate its true significance in horological lore. When noticed on my wrist by the layperson, its seductive lines will often command a discreet second peek.

Wristshot



Naturally only a Daytona zealot will empathise with my assertion that while all three are from the same family they are quite different watches.

A Zenith Daytona is surely the next logical target, however before I can entertain that thought, I need to wage war on the mounting credit card bills. Surely a project for 2009.

Daytona Madness Pt2 - a good companion

Well I have finally worked out that when it comes to Rolex I'm definitely a Speedracer versus a Sea-Dweller or Submariner. My Daytona tale started earlier last year when I had a Z 116520 SS blackface and then sold it (boy have I regretted it since).

Two months ago I started with a 'Grail' 6263 Panda and awaiting another black SS 116520.



HOWEVER LOL, I have always loved the black dial 116509 WG, the dial and contrast is just amazing. A new version of the term 'Exotic dial' comes to mind. No wonder Rolex use this one in all their promotion. A new one at an AD at MSRP is just pure madness. So after some very tough bargaining I managed to get a great deal from the first AD in Sydney but as we were looking at the watch the seconds hand fell off. Bad Karma or what?!

Disappointed, I tried one other AD and they had my conquest in stock so I was lucky to secure it to my wrist.



With a huge celebration in order, my wife and I went to one of Sydney's finest restaurants with arguably the best views of the harbour. It is called 'Level 41'. We had the full six course 'Degustation' with wines and a Laphroaig whisky for me at the end.

Wristshot with the desert tasting plate.



First impressions are very positive. Love the 'Click' sound when one pushes the chrono button. The power reserve of 72hrs and quick wind-up is very practical. Especially when you want to change watches on weekends.


I have to say only Rolex could get away with a full white gold sportswatch with such class. The dial of the 116509 gives a more 'Tres Chic' look and a less formal vibe when compared to the SS models.


Still getting used to the weight of the watch on the wrist. I needed a bit of bling in my collection.

Hope enjoy the post and thanks for looking.