Rolex

I think it's fair to say that the Newman Daytona is the grail for many a vintage Rolex lover. The problem, its also become a cult item, a status symbol. Popstars, footballers and racing drivers to name but a few now vie regularly with WIS to obtain one. The result, prices are today stratospheric. Another problem, is authenticity, T's post on the dodgy Tudor sub clearly proves the point, when it comes to vintage buyer beware...

How we would love for Rolex to give us a modern interpretation of this vintage classic. Alas, we are probably never going to see that.

Ofcourse Rolex do offer a variety of exotic dials today..but all in precious metal versions.

For those that desire a new fresh, exotic dial in the 116520, have to just keep dreaming, the demand for the steel Daytona, means that Rolex have to put zero effort into this piece. Its a shame really, as what it shows is that prioity is to maximise sale from the gold and S/G versions. So fow now, we have to accept the same version that was basically launched back in 2000.

The only light around the corner is that maybe we will have a new steel ceramic bezel version. I expect prices for this will be at a premium over the steel bezel, maybe then we will see an exotic dial?

For now I share my dreams with you..as we wait patiently, for a Daytona in steel that the next generations will look back on with same fondness we have for the Newman... I hope so

the dream...

but probably more likely...we will get this

well I hope for the black subdials anyway..

But like you, I fear we are very far from it...

Surprising, when you compare with the last Tudor Chrono " Heritage ", which " sticks " to the patrimony, while Rolex goes far from its roots.

The latest Daytona? Not for me, clearly.

But we don't have to all drink and like the same tea...

Your last photoshop picture would be a good start, but even this one sounds irrealistic to me.

When I see the latest Dayto, I want to cry.

Best,

Nicolas.

I'd like to share some thoughts.

Lets imagine Rolex gave us something on PN that you suggest. It still won't cut it for you. You see, the vintage PN is so desirable for reasons that are not easily put into words. Take the Mona Lisa. Technically, it is a long way from being Leonardo's best painting. In fact, most experts would agree that it fals short technically compared with many other of his work and also that of many other painters. Yet, it has a magic. A factor X. The same is true with PN. When you have a PN on your wrist, there is something about it that captures you.

One sneaky evening in Paris, Nicolas "borrowed" a PN that was heading to me. He sneaked it on his wrist for an evening. It was like a "Lord of the Rings" experience. He saw and felt the magic.

No matter what Rolex do in the future, the only way of experiencing that "magic" is to get yourself a proper PN. Yes, there are dodgy vintage versions around, but there are also honest and expert people on this forum that will always be around to prevent "mistakes".

Coolest watch in the world. It is the Rolex Collector's Light Saber.

That these 24 hours spent with YOUR P.N  were  an unforgettable ( and almost  traumatizing ) experience.

Living, even for a short time, with this watch on your wrist, is really something, and helps you to better understand why so many people are running after.

The Vintage is the Vintage, and a re interpretation will never replace it.

It may, actually, be a nice complement for those who already own THE Real Mac Coy, or an alternative to the others.

Best, Mr Jedi.

Nicolas.

oh  and a 6265 Paul Newman with box and papers......

go on shoot me....I deserve it...

in which case you know what I am talking about.

6239 is probably my favourite, followed by the 62 and 64. When wearing the 62, i have been known to jump tall buildings.

Well knowing how much costs a vintage 6238, 6239, 6263 and 6265 plus the quasi unavailability of spare parts for calibre 722 and 727 , you would be in shock to hear of what costs to service valjoux 72 based rolex calibre, it used to cost over 1000€ to repair one.  Put aside that Rolex with the new daytonas with black Ceramic Bezels killed the elegance of daytona, I am not really sure that the Paul Newman variation will help. The 116520 white gold daytona with the grey meteorite dial and the 16520 Patrizi Dayto are classics, of course there are the markI, II, III and IV 16520s which delgado (a well known rolex collector) reviewed a while back. But  the idea of a modern  New Paul Newman, will hardly be as popular as was the old one, generally the pn dayto is often matching with the 6263 for the purist. Tastes vary.

have a great day

best regards

georges

and I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the manual wind Daytonas, particularly the Paul Newman/Exotic dial models.  A new one would give people a modern easy to service movement and availability of parts, a sturdier bracelet, improved water resistance, and a more affordable price.  All good things.  However, if Rolex made a huge batch of "new PN Daytonas" they still would be lacking the magic of the vintage PN Daytonas.  Some of that magic of the PN Daytonas is derived from the story behind its name, its relative rarity, its exclusivity, and the price.  I think if Rolex wanted to capture some of the "Magic" of the vintage PN, they would have to do more than just make a PN styled dial.  They would have to make it in very limited quantities to maintain its exclusivity, maybe make it a manual wind (maybe a modern take on the Cal 727), and unfortunately charge a lot more for it than for a standard Daytona.  

While I love the Daytonas, and  have a 16520, 16528, and 116520, I'm not sure I'd want a retro-remake.  Sometimes there is no substitute for an original, be it a car, a watch, or artwork.  Maybe it means I'll never have a PN, but I've seen them in person, admired them and maybe we aren't supposed to have everything in life we like or want.  It gives us a holy grail to seek...maybe someday we reach that goal, but its ok if we don't. 

Best regards,

Dino