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I have to resurrect this thread . . .

 

Because I have read it several times and the comments are a factor in my decision to pick up the black dial version of the 16519. In my opinion, the 16519 looks very very good with the black strap.
Truth be told, I am not much of a bracelet guy, so the Daytona, and most of the rest of the Rolex tool watches, have never really made it into the top tier of desirability for me. I have always liked them on straps, Natos, and Rubber B's, but since they are not initially shipped that way, something always felt "off", even though I have owned a few. When I realized that this watch was designed with the strap in mind, and initially shipped by Rolex this way, I got very interested. True that Rolex has started creating watches with the rubber strap, and I love how these look as well, but since I own an AP Royal Oak Offshore with a rubber strap, I couldn't justify getting another (for me) expensive piece with a rubber strap. The "vintage" feel of the 16519 with the Zenith movement is icing on the cake!
It is for these reasons that the 16519 ticks all the boxes for me. It is arriving this week, and I will follow up with a fresh post and photos!

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21 Comments view entire thread 

The argument for this ref. 16519 being the ultimate grail Daytona

 
By: Signo : April 4th, 2018-22:57
Before I begin, I want to say that the following is my opinion and mine only. Please feel free to disagree, and I have no doubt that many of you will. First, I view all Daytona models before 1989 (ie. pre-16520) as more functional watches, neither aesthet...  

Like you, I prefer the 16520 to the 116520. I find, and we'll agree on that, that it is a a kind of best of both modern and vintage world.

 
By: amanico : April 4th, 2018-23:21
And we'll also agree on our common preference for the 16520 over the Dayto 62xx... The Daytona fans will kill us for that, but hey, let's stay strong. Now, 16520 or 16519? I still have a preference for the 16520. I do hear you on the bracelet concern, whi... 

Without question....

 
By: Baron - Mr Red : April 5th, 2018-00:45
.....it is a cool watch and you make a good case for a "grail" status. However, I think the thing about the word "grail" is that actually such a thing doesn't exist. We all have specific watches that feel like they are grails but then, once we attain the ... 

You have to tie your shoes a lot!

 
By: Brandon Skinner : April 5th, 2018-08:35
Great post and in many ways I agree with you. The only thing that put me off to the gold Daytona references on straps were how excessively large the folding buckle is. Besides that I would love to own one!👍

Compelling articulation

 
By: MTF : April 5th, 2018-02:54
Signo, You made compelling and detailed arguments for your choice. I didn't even know a non bracelet original model existed. That makes sense and looks good too. As an aside, the workers at Zenith Manufacture also remember those days well. When I visited ... 

The last of the good ones!

 
By: Jay (Eire) : April 5th, 2018-04:16
A clearly well thought out and articulated arguement. While I too am in the camp of the Zenith Daytona, I own a 16520, for me your case for 16519 falls down in one major area. The strap. To me, Subs, GMTs and Daytonas must be on a bracelet. The bracelet i... 

I've given this a lot of thought..........

 
By: Thomas_3 : April 5th, 2018-06:35
but am afraid I can't add anything to it without a few more pictures.

Here you go.

 
By: Signo : April 6th, 2018-21:15
A couple 16520 shots for you to compare and contrast with the 16519. ...  

Not much. I'm afraid to...

 
By: Signo : April 22nd, 2018-22:23
damage / loosen the SEL. The 16519 gives me more peace of mind. ...  

Nice one, but I think we need more pictures to decide :)

 
By: vitalsigns : April 5th, 2018-10:51
I do like the style of the Zenith era Daytonas more than the last 2 generations.... The Daytona has gone from more of a tool watch to more of a fashion watch (as has all of Rolex's line-up). Cheers, John

Love the detailed review

 
By: Leon75 : November 10th, 2020-10:12
Thank for the detailed review and pictures. I have been looking at this watch to, but the 16519 was never with the black dial from the steel 16520. It must have replaced the original 16519 white dial with Arabic numerals?

I have to resurrect this thread . . .

 
By: Jim14 : December 8th, 2020-13:50
Because I have read it several times and the comments are a factor in my decision to pick up the black dial version of the 16519. In my opinion, the 16519 looks very very good with the black strap. Truth be told, I am not much of a bracelet guy, so the Da...