For Rolex fans, part of the thrill in getting a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, or simply the Daytona, is the anticipation. See, even though Rolex updates the model every now and then, they were almost always in limited edition, especially the ones in stainless steel. It could take years before you could even feel one on your hands because of delays in delivery and the long roster of waitlisted clients. Inevitably, part of the process is the head-scratching, heart-dropping moments when you just couldn’t catch a break in getting one.
Compare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Prices Online
Release date: 1963
Despite the limit of stainless steel Daytonas per model, the pursuit continues because of its timeless appeal and the mere power of the watch itself. For many of Rolex’s years as a watchmaker, its sole chronograph was the Daytona, and it was also among the most complicated it ever made. It is also a Rolex-that association already means a lot, knowing that the brand name itself is enough to draw enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Case: Stainless steel
- Diameter: 40mm
- Height: 12.4mm
- Water resistance capacity: 100 meters
- Movement: Self-winding manufacture Caliber 4130
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 44 jewels
- Power reserve: 72 hours
Pros
The Daytona stainless steel fulfills the promise of a luxurious experience; the timepiece’s exterior is elegant, and Rolex devoted extra time in polishing every corner of the Daytona, some of which are harder to take notice of than the others. It will take plenty of beating before the beauty of this watch fades, mainly because of the oystersteel material, a superalloy that can resist harsh elements and erosion, down right to the simplest of scratches. Its COSC-certified, self-winding movement has been given the added amp in the Parachrom balance spring that makes magnetic fields irrelevant to the metal. The Daytona, despite being a racing-inspired watch, is also unmatched by most in its water resistance of 100 meters.
Cons
The Daytona is way expensive than most watches that have the same primary features, save for the 100-meter water resistance. If you’re not too insistent on buying yourself this Rolex, then there are options that are still high end but won’t break the bank as much as the Daytona would. The aesthetically pleasing dial has a drawback, too, in that it lacks an anti-reflective coating, which will cause gleams of light and slightly decreased readability.
Compare With
- Nomos Glashütte Autobahn
- Oris Big Crown Automatic (Pointer Date)
- Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision
- Rolex New GMT-Master II (Pepsi)
Image credits: Time and Watches, The Watch Source Blog, Luxe Watches, Watches & Jewellery of Bond Street, The Luxury Times
