Rolex Collection: Someday Dream Watch

Fastwong · 2024-07-18T18:41:41Z

Explore Fastwong's journey with the Rolex Daytona, from a childhood dream to a surprising gift. Discover collector insights on its enduring appeal and market evolution.

Fastwong

WPS member · Rolex forum

23 replies4237 views1 photos

Fastwong's recent acquisition of a Rolex Daytona for his mother sparks a fascinating discussion on the enduring appeal and evolving perception of this iconic chronograph. His personal journey, marked by a long-held desire for the Daytona and a surprising detour to the Sea-Dweller, offers a relatable entry point into the complexities of watch collecting. This article explores how a watch's legend can shape, and sometimes challenge, a collector's expectations.

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... but not today. In a few days this watch is going on to my mother who lost her Daytona and asked me if I could replace it - she said it should cost around $4k LOL.

Ever since a gold plated chrono pusher fell off my quartz two tone Tag Heuer somewhere on the beach never to be found again, I've wanted a Daytona. In 1998 I went to an AD ready to get a Daytona or a Sub, the price difference back then wasn't crazy, both were available, but the dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse on a Sea Dweller no one wanted and that was that. I figured I would return to the Daytona someday. Oops. Since the steel Daytona became unobtanium I moved on but it was always somewhere in the back of my mind. Having it on the wrist now it felt initially way too small and I had forgotten how flimsy the old bracelets and clasps feel. I wondered (worried) if the dream didn't live up to reality but I quickly got used to both. It looks great and I can't lie, there's some extra specialness in the legend that it's become. It is still a someday watch for me, no immediate plans to pursue one for myself, but this week on the wrist has been a fun journey back in time and maybe will push the Daytona up a spot on the mental list.

Key Points from the Discussion

The perceived value and emotional connection to a Rolex Daytona can be heavily influenced by marketing and its legendary status, sometimes leading to a disconnect between initial expectations and the physical experience of wearing the watch.
Despite owning other high-end timepieces, the Rolex Daytona often provides a unique level of satisfaction that other watches do not, highlighting its distinct place in many collectors' hearts.
Many collectors share a similar journey of initially pursuing a Daytona, being sidetracked by other Rolex models like the Sea-Dweller, and eventually fulfilling their Daytona desire years later.
There's a common regret among collectors about not acquiring specific dial variations, such as the white dial Daytona, when they were more readily available, underscoring the importance of seizing opportunities in collecting.

The Discussion

Jay (Eire)

Jul 18, 2024

The most relevant question for now is…

…did this come out of your watch budget or your mothers? LOL It’s a watch I’m smitten by too. And one with which I also have a story AND one which also started with a Sea Dweller ! I did however fill my Daytona desire many years ago. Strange to say this in light of what else has been on my wrist but no other watch gives more satisfaction.

Fastwong

Jul 18, 2024

Mine :( She thinks a platinum ladies Rolex watch is $4k because back in the stone ages she got her gold Rolex - at Tiffany - for like $3k....

If she knew how much watches were today she wouldn't spend the money so the only way to make it happen was to hide the cost and make it a gift. I get what you're saying though about the wearing satisfaction, must be Rolex marketing eating our brains, been eating mine since the '80s. Half the time I think this looks way too small and too shiny, like a knock off, and other half of the time it looks just the right, perfectly proportioned, and timeless. At the time I thought an SD and a Daytona woul

loujo

Jul 18, 2024

You are a really good son

(Or daughter I’m not judging 😀)

Fastwong

Jul 19, 2024

I'm too old to catch on to pro-nouns so who cares anyway :)

Jay (Eire)

Jul 19, 2024

I think we all would like to join your mother in that time machine !

A super nice gift, and your mother has great taste.

Fastwong

Jul 19, 2024

Hah, how long have you had your Daytona? My mother doesn't know anything about watches but she was a fashion designer her whole life, I tried and failed to convince her a 116520 or ceramic model was the same thing.