I’ve been on the waitlist with my AD for the two toned bluesy sub for 3 1/2 months. I have no history with the AD and yet miraculously, I got the call yesterday and I went and purchased my watch. It was a wonderful experience and I’m still walking on a cloud. I live in NJ in the US.
Wow - that’s amazing. It also proves one of the points in this episode - if you choose a specific model that’s less popular you may end up getting it much sooner.
I have to agree with you in how to get your Daytona from an AD. I’m not a big spender but when I started to show interest in the Daytona, it took me a year to get it. But before I got the Daytona, my AD sold me the BLNR. I took the time build a good relatIonship with my AD. I was patient and I took the time to visit them often to get to know them and for them to get to know me.
Loved this one, Damien! I was lucky enough to get my Daytona 116500LN this year from my AD after a long relationship. In my experience, they love people that continue to use their watches, especially when you wear the last one you purchased to collect the new one :).
Hi Damian, after only 6 months i got the call from my AD and i pick up my yellow gold black dial diamond set daytona tomorrow, excited is an understatement.
Great video! However, one thing I would disagree is when you mentioned to drop the other ADs and stick to one. In my experience the more relationships with various ADs the better the chances of getting multiple watches and the quality of watches will get better. If I stick to only one AD I may get a watch or two a year but with multiple ADs I can potentially get up to a dozen watches a year. I haven’t gotten a Daytona so far but I’ve gotten multiple Datejusts 41, a couple of Daydates 40 (one everose and one yellow gold), a couple of yachtmaster 40s, one yachtmaster 42 black dial which I declined btw, one OP41 in red dial and one 15500ST at the AP boutique and all since January this year and I expect to get many more by the end of the year and none of that would have happened if I stuck with just one AD. I hope I start getting some GMT master IIs, a green sub, maybe a blue Skydweller and yes hopefully a SS Daytona in due time. I do enjoy your videos though.
I agree. If you are already established, Multiple ADs = more chances to get a Rolex. But if someone is a new collector, it might better to concentrate on building an adequate purchase history with 1 AD first.
@@sc1 he or she can concentrate on building adequate relationships with multiple ADs. That’s how I did it. I have lived in 3 different states in the US in the last couple of years. That made it easier for me to contact multiple ADs without them knowing or becoming suspicious about it. Also, maybe someone only wants to get a watch or two and not many. Perhaps then it’s better to stick to one AD but like I said, in my case it has helped me tremendously to collect and invest in watches by building relationships with multiple ADs. Btw, since I wrote my original comment I’ve been offered about 5 Rolex pieces and one Vacheron Constantine, unfortunately although nice most of them didn’t make sense to me not only to my liking but also as an investment but one OP41 that I just bought. Waiting on other interesting pieces to come.
@@afvro75 Pros and cons to each strategy. Most people don’t have the funds to disperse between multiple ADs. But if you do, then yes, it’s a good strategy. I started with one AD: SD43, polar EXPII, z-blue Milgauss, white gold Pepsi GMT, DJ36, DD36 - then they stopped offering 18 months ago. I don’t know why. Tried another AD, with no purchase history: put on wait-list but they didn’t offer me anything so far (18 months). Started with a 3rd AD: 3 Date-Justs (including Wimbledon), gold Sky-Dweller, blue dial Sky-dweller, then finally offered TT Daytona. Maybe I would have been slightly better off to spread my spending evenly between the 3 ADs. IDK
@@sc1 curious why if you have these kinds of funds available for watches and you want a Daytona so badly why you don't pay the premium on the secondary market. Not judging, just trying to learn what I am missing.
Brilliant content Damian again with the heritage of the Rolex Daytona, waiting lists are long it’s just pot luck as to when anyone will get one if on waiting list.. think some brands are using the hype to hold back there products to aid the hype and the brands luxury aspect, add in the pandemic the lists are long, that’s for most brands not just Rolex
All because of the influence of the grey market and the criteria set by brands unfortunately, I can remember back in 2015 all the steel sport watches were available at ADs now there in the glass window but ‘exhibition only’
The Rolex Daytona is my favorite watch, because it is winning prize at the 24 hours of Daytona Endurance Race, which is sponsored by Rolex, but I would rather have a Tudor Black Bay Chronograph, its half the price of a Daytona and it is the watch that a Rolex AD will steer you towards anyway before they let you get a Daytona.
I got a daydate back in 07 from an ad going out of business for $5000 my wife has a jewelry store and she knew him and we went there that weekend. Just say it’s worth way more than I paid for it.
Just purchased a black dial stainless. Took 3 years but purchased. Hulk, Batman, black sub, blue yacht master, my wife a grey 37mm yachmaster and some small jewelry at the ad during the 4 years. Next ordered a meteorite day date white gold. Should be here in 2 years
I'd rather have either a Speedy, Navitimer or El Primero. Cosmograph far too expensive and unobtainable for the quality. Just not worth the hassle. P.S I own a Navitimer Heritage and it's absolutely belting... Definitely a watch for life..
I have a Speedy and as far as I'm concerned it's the king of chronographs. Its the watch that went to the moon for crying out loud. The Daytona is nice but not worth the money and its basically a status symbol these days. Id also rather not be a target for being mugged as well
@@TheWatchGuysTV Let me know if you want any help...I have the 10,000 hrs (Gladwell) knowledgebase and happy to share... recommend don't go exotic dial as up to half could be iffy dials or Texas dials - although Xupes have a perfect one and I know the owner well and can negotiate a discount if it floats boat. Stick with the screw down 6265/6263 to start with as bigger (by 0.5mm!) Oyster case is nice and buy on the quality of the dial (65-75 % of its value) - as you know there are Big Red and the early solid gold Batton Sigma dials (eschewing the Daytona stamp) and they are made in big eye and small eye. Small red is a RSC service dial so deduct £12-15k ! 3 types of pushers too early original without ridges most sought after, bracelet is nothing special to the watch it's a folded 19mm 7835 (correct) or later solid link 78350 and they are just £1000 but correct end links are best and another £1000 plus if you can find one with them. Cases started out with slightly slimmer lugs and then got chunkier towards the end of run. They are often found with hand filled papers as non certified VJ 72(7) Calibre. Buy the seller as there are fake cases out there on non-exotics and the serial engravings are good, but not spot on! All the best. Ps 6263/6265 values went up 35% in 2018 and have stalled for 3 yrs they will go from £60k to £90k in a big jump in next 18-24 months or so as will 1665 DRSD, 1016, 1680 Red, Matte dial 5513 and 1655 (although that's moved already from £18-23k last year so gone already like 1675 GMT) too that have had same trajectory🧐💥
To me, the most iconic luxury sports chronograph ever, in all eras...... The ceramic bezel featured of the recent models is the icing on the cake.....the tudor black bay chrono is merely a less refined semi poor designed pretender to the proper panda or reverse panda...... And although the speedmaster professional is a luxury sports chronograph in a way, its still 'more tool less luxury' and nothing like a daytona.......
Good video again Damian, only thing I would add is that I would say the two tone Daytona is the only realistic chance from the AD without a significant spend history.
No one wanted one before, they were still too expensive for me and now I can afford one and everyone wants one.. now they're twice the cost of MSRP used, hopefully I got a couple months left on that list but man I should've just sprung for it 10 years ago.
I'd like to buy my first rolex and was thinking about a twotone datejust (preferably with everose and the chocolate dial or yelllow gold with the champagne dial) in 36mm odr 41mm. Do you think I got a good chance to get them from the ad? How sought after are these specific models?
It's worth 8k. Otherwise, get an Omega. There's a point where it goes from showing your success, and then showing how hard you're trying to get accepted.
Another great episode Damian, enjoyable, informative and genuine. I particularly liked today’s wrist watch check #Seiko once again you show us that your collection covers all price points and that it’s about the watch and not the price that counts and that you appreciate them all… blimin love it …👌🏻
I like the 1963 Daytona but I don't like the modern ones. The ceramic bezel, screw down pushers and bling dials is just not my taste. Which is probably for the best as I'm sure it would cripple me financially lol
My dad was born in 1963 which is the same year the Daytona was invented so I really want that to be his first Rolex. However I live in a small town and my Ad told me they haven’t gotten a steel Daytona in 2 years. I have about a $10k buying history with them 1 rolex datejust and some jewelry so I think I am no where close to getting a Daytona unfortunately
Even with a $100l spend history in one year I doubt you would even figure - just buy grey market for the real price.... which actually puts you into patek / jlc / lange territory
Nice Video. Rolex is my favorite brand. I have 5 Rolexes, 2 are Daytonas. The Daytona is a beautiful watch. However, In my humble opinion they're more for fashion than function. The 2 screw down pushes on the side are useless unless you're racing and most grass roots racers I know don't use them. The 3 sub-dials makes it hard to see the hands to see the time. And unfortunately there is no date just. But it is a very sexy watch with good taste and I will never sell any of my Rolexes. They are all very special to me. Thanks for your video.
There are three versions I like. Everose on oysterflex, the frost blue platinum version, and the regular Panda. I'll continue to wait for a call from the AD.
You know, I think Damien (because of his huge spending fire-power) may not have ever experienced ADs the way a regular Joe does? This was starkly brought home to me last week. On the way back from the Apple Store I dropped into one of my local ADs without an appointment; it so happened I was shown to a new guy there who didn’t know me. Let’s say that the experience was kind of illuminating! I politely pointed out that I was a customer and asked if he’d care to look me up on the system. A few clicks on his laptop and you could almost hear the gears crunching and grinding: all of a sudden it was a case of _ah yes sir, you are moving up the list nicely and should have it next year_ A few seconds earlier I was hearing a VERY different tune being whistled!
To be fair, look at it from their perspective and the hordes of abuse/ chancers they have to deal with. And we all started somewhere, an my AD only knows I’ve bought watches from them - overall firepower is not really relevant as long as I can buy the ones on my list that come in.
@@TheWatchGuysTV I agree, I do understand the situation the ADs are in - I've got more sympathy for 'em than most. But it's just, when you say "anyone can get a Daytona", or whatever...I dunno, Damien, I dunno... I've bought Pateks, JLCs, Rolex, Tudor, Omega, etc, in the past - and I get a certain degree of privileged AD-experience. Yet even I would struggle to get a Daytona - at least a steel one (if I actually wanted one.) The guy with no spend history does have a very different and much poorer experience in an AD, I think. And of course _you_ are a (much) bigger customer for these guys than I am - so you probably get the real über-elite treatment?
No, you’re missing the point - at some point I didn’t have the buying history, but I used these tips to improve my AD relationship - these are the tips I am passing on to prove that anyone can do it. I didn’t walk into an AD and say “I’ve got a million £ to spend. I approached them like anyone else.
@@TheWatchGuysTV In another earlier video, I remember you saying that you firstly bought a gold (or was it platinum?) Day-Date, then gave them a whole list of other Rolex references that you were looking to buy. With respect, this is a just _a tiny bit_ like saying you have a million to spend, isn't it? ;-) Okay, maybe not literally a million - but you were leaving them in no doubt that you're a serious buyer with some real financial muscle. And that's okay! Power to you man! But saying anyone can do it? Well yes - agreed - anyone with similar purchasing power...
I don't think what you said about ADs is true. Flippers share a percentage of profit from the premium of exclusive watches along with the ADs, that's how it works.
I know you are watch newbie but FYI Daytona have been over list since beginning of 90s. When the zenith Daytona came out 1989 the popularity grew like crazy. Now u know my friend 👍
Great video Damian but Rolex Daytona iconic "original" design? C'mon - we all know the Daytona was a homage watch based on the success of the Omega Speedmaster which was released a full six years before the Daytona. Just put a 1957 or 1958 Speedmaster up on the screen and put a 1963 Daytona next to it - there is no doubt where the design language came from. I mean love Rolex if you want, but all these people perpetuating the myths - let's face it Rolex is very good at taking cool stuff created by others and putting their marketing muscle behind it and claiming it as their own (just think Submariner which is a homage to the real OG - Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms). Probably the model Steve Jobs used when launching Apple. Take other people's creative ideas, call them your own, use a lot of catchy marketing and spend lots of money promoting them and viola people believe you actually created the idea/design.
Simple, have AD relationship? Keep buying until you are put on the list and wait 5-10 years. Otherwise pay premium and have it on the spot and potentially save a ton of money in the long run.
Exactly - all those invited to buy those pieces have spent more on depreciation from that dealer than any amount they can 'make' on those pieces... which if selling would cause them to lose the relationship with the dealer anyway
@@TheWatchGuysTV great stuff - although you do have a solid social media presence... I wonder if you didn't if it would make a difference. Speaking personally I am looking at Grand Seiko and JLC Reverso as they have the watch I like, I would enjoy wearing them, they would be keepers, and I don't have to go onto a subjective wait list that I would do with Rolex. I will get that buying history in first though (about 15k) and the chap we met at Mappin we really connected with and he said he trusted us and our intentions. Having said this, I would have not hope or assumption that they should jump me up any list over and above other genuine people spending six figures a year with them - that would feel unfair to take that allocation from them and also unfair to arm twist the new friend we have in the AD. We like him, he likes us, we know our place and don't wish to make him uncomfortable (other than almost fainting when I saw their display piece blue dial skydweller!). Having said that Rather than pay grey market price for that at 26k I would probably put that down as a deposit for my grail watch - the 5180r £84k calatrava skeleton. I would however be willing to leave the warranty card with them (despite this probably making Paul Thorpe scream into his porrage!) and promise in writing to sell it back to them - it is the watch I want and would be a keeper barring an emergency and is not something I would view as a flippable commodity.
I will take a Daytona from your collection your pick, just send me which every one you want to give me. I’ll pay the shipping. I’ll trade my sea dweller for it!
What makes them popular? The price. Nothing else. People want them because they sell above retail. Just like any other thing in the world that's the reason.
How to get one? Keep dreaming, you can’t. Rolex holds back supply to artificially run up hype on these watches. A Tudor and Seiko are as nice, as well manufactured, as accurate, but more available and realistically priced. Don’t believe the hype people. It’s just a watch. Remember, watch collecting is the modern day equivalent of Tulip Mania. 😅
Damian, as much as you come across as a lovely guy you’re in cloud cuckoo land with how ADs treat people whom don’t have an endless pot of cash to splash. Example: my local AD gets allocated 1 Daytona with the White Dial and 1 Daytona with the Black Dial. Am I happy to wait? Yes. Am I a watch enthusiast which buys many different pieces? Yes again. Does my AD care? No.
I couldn’t care less who has one now, who had one in the past. I’m not even sure I’d like one. They do look good. Can’t see where I’d need a chronograph. Doesn’t matter anyway. Rolex doesn’t like selling them. Also, no way in hell am I going to buy one on the grey market. I encourage all to do the same. Here to the death of the grey market pigs. 😮😊
Out-of-control speculation and sterile showoff watch. The 2 reasons why I will wear vintage Speedmaster 321, Autavia or Nina Rindt, but never a Rolex Daytona.
Same style. I have a white gold one and waiting for a steel Daytona. Should I keep both? Originally thinking of changing the white gold one to a sky dweller.
Little fun fact - precious metal and bi colour Daytona's were selling ok (about 24% of all Daytona sale) until the late 90s.... then a certain Jackie Stewart awarded his two race drivers a steel Daytona...and at the time announced (somewhat pompously) that only real men wore steel. Result - precious metal and bicolour Daytona sales (which tended to be bought by people with a motorsport bent) fell off a cliff to just 5% through the v late 90s and early noughties ! Yes and tbh 4 isn't that many. I know a guy in Italy that has 50-60 Daytonas and they are all 37.5mm manual wind incl about a dozen exotic dials aka Paul Newman's. I suspect when Damian gets his first 37.5mm Daytons he'll jettison the newer ones, like we all did, when we saw the light !
But I don’t want another Rolex EVER!!!!!! Crappy business ethics and horrible customer service 😢 I can drive 30 minutes to Kuwait City and choose between no less than 50 Daytonas from the third party dealer there, including all SS but they simply are not exclusive or exciting as a brand or model. All Kuwaitis wear Rolex, and AP….. I prefer Cartier, VC and Omega
Thanks for sharing, Damian. I absolutely adore the platinum 116506; you've got a stunning collection and it's great that you actually wear them. I'm still on the list for the 116400GV Z-Blue Milgauss (I know you don't care for it!), but added the new Speedy (had to be hesalite) recently from my AD, so wonder if that will get me 'up the list'; fingers crossed! Great content as usual (on both channels). Cheers, Rich
Screw Rolex, I am planning an achievement gift to myself for hitting 2 million dollars in retirement account and house paid off before 50(meaning i no longer HAVE to work a day in my life, it is now a CHOICE to work). But after seeing the BS and wait times through the AD, I'm going to get 2 Omegas (dress and a sport watch) instead of one Rolex(Daytona).
How do you get one simple 1) Spend thousands of dollars on other watches you don’t want from AD 2) Buy 2 or 3 Other Rolex models the AD tells you to buy before you can get a SS Daytona 3) Be wealthy That’s what I’ve heard if you want any Rolex Sport Model
@@TheWatchGuysTV I watched it. This is what I’ve heard from other people who tried getting that certain Rolex. But I have to strongly disagree when you said anyone can get one not true. Cost I believe is a bigger factor than obtain ability. If there were 1000 Daytona’s Available at a AD there would be no shortage to pick but for some it’s the cost more that they have trouble with. This is probably way we see so many Homages because the majority of the population can’t or don’t feel comfortable spending $12k+ for a Daytona.
I think you’ll find when I say “anyone can get one” that is kinda assuming people who actually WANT one AND can afford it. I’m not talking about the population of the human races, just focusing on those who say they can get a Daytona at retail. When they can. With these tips.
@@TheWatchGuysTV But the way it was said gave the impression of any average Joe can just walk in and drop tens of thousands of dollars. So please be more specific or we’re gonna be seeing a lot of people with low income trying to convince ADs of getting them Daytona’s lol.
nice vid disagree on how you get a daytona... being "nice" aint it... you got ur rolexes not bec you were nice ... its bec you spent a boat load at Edinburgh watch company that's why they sponsor you and you get all the hard to get watches.... You being nice to them is just secondary. Thanks for the video anyway
@@TheWatchGuysTV Your opinion and I have mine... wish it was as easy as you say.... causeif your right Mr. Rogers would have had the greatest collection ever..
@@TheWatchGuysTV becouse I doing this every day. 12 years. this is my pasion. but not intrested to buy daytona. I have two other rolexes. daytona is too hyped. If they cost 10k - yes, then I would be intrested.
If you were paying attention, Mr GS, you’ll notice I said used Daytonas in 2015 - that’s before the ceramic models were launched. And I didn’t say anything specific about panda.
