Rolex Dive Watches: On-Water Performance Test

MTR · 2025-07-01T17:08:04Z

MTR reviews the new Rolex Daytona with a display back, sharing his journey from skepticism to admiration. Discover insights on wearability, collector philosophy, and the evolving market.

MTR

WPS member · Rolex forum

62 replies7193 views6 photos

MTR's candid review of the new Rolex Daytona with a display back offers a refreshing perspective on luxury watch ownership. His 'on-water test' highlights the practical joy of wearing a finely crafted timepiece as intended, rather than treating it as a fragile collectible. This article explores MTR's personal journey with this unexpected acquisition and synthesizes community insights on the evolving collector mindset.

Yes, there’s a display back now.
Some say: unnecessary for a Rolex.
And they may be right — the movement is excellent, like all Rolex calibres, but not exactly a showcase.

But let’s be fair:
The plates are beautifully finished, the rotor runs as smooth as ever, and the case — well, it’s Rolex. Solid, clean, confident.

I don’t treat my watches like porcelain dolls.
They were made to be worn — and that’s exactly what I do.
No „pampering“, no hiding. Just letting it do what it was built for.

By the way and to be honest (I wrote it already): I didn’t expect to ever get this watch. Despite being a (rather good) long-time customer at my AD, I went through the same thing as everyone else – waitlist, radio silence, nothing happening.
At some point, I had written it off.
When the call came more than two years later, I could hardly believe it. I wasn’t even planning to buy it anymore. Until I tried it on…

More pics coming soon — unless the lake decides to keep it.
(Like it happened to my iPhone three summers ago. The shock was so deep I drove home in total silence — for 45 minutes. Just staring ahead. Only the lake was talking.)

All the best, my dear watch friends!
Thomas

Key Points from the Discussion

The author, MTR, admits that despite initial skepticism and never being a 'Daytona fan,' this specific reference 'blew him away' upon wearing it, transforming him into an admirer due to its comfort and meticulous craftsmanship.
MTR emphasizes a strict '100% rule' for new acquisitions: a watch must be absolutely perfect for him to buy it, as he has already divested himself of anything less than ideal, even at a loss.
A fellow collector, 1WatchMan, shares a similar 'one in, one out' philosophy, noting that as collections become more curated, deciding which watches to part with becomes increasingly difficult, especially if a watch isn't worn regularly.
MTR clarifies that while the watch passed an 'on-water test,' it has not yet been tested 'in the water.' He also notes that the sapphire caseback might make this new reference slightly lighter than its predecessor with a solid caseback.
The author suggests that potential buyers should try on this specific Daytona model, noting that for experienced collectors, waiting times are more bearable, and the current market might even see improved availability.
MTR reflects on the pain of selling watches at a loss but rationalizes it by considering the wear received, the financing of new pieces, and the greater 'loss' of capital tied up in unworn 'safe queens.'

The Discussion

dedestexhes

Jul 1, 2025

I like how you describe it, I would call it even “honest”. It just does what it says. So for this kind of watch the finishing ist just spot on in my opinion. And keep enjoying your time on the water, you never can spend enough time on the water! Cheers, Dirk

Clueless_Collector

Jul 1, 2025

I cannot describe it well enough...it's special. Congrats again and glad to see you're enjoying it, Thomas.

MTR

Jul 1, 2025

As you stated in another thread: „This hobby/passion haunts us.“ Will there ever be peace???!?! P.S.: Because you wrote that this watch was made for me – I have to say, I was never a big Daytona fan, and for some reason, this Rolex line always left me rather …cold. Until I had this watch on my wrist. I have to admit… wow. Just wow! Gigantic! And the whole watch screams: QUALITY!!

MTR

Jul 1, 2025

An exzellent description of this watch. It has a certain presence on your wrist, but IMHO it’s not shouting. And I like the weight. Since it’s not my first platinum watch, it’s no surprise for me. It would be interesting to compare this new reference with the previous model, which had a closed caseback. Maybe my (latest) version is a bit lighter due to the sapphire caseback.

MTR

Jul 1, 2025

There’s also an upside to it: you get a little glimpse behind the scenes at Rolex. And the watch is probably a touch lighter than the previous model. I find it extremely comfortable to wear.

Gwai

Jul 1, 2025

thank you. And that watch… is something else! In a league of its own, really. Cheers Marc

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