When you talk about luxury watches, there are very few brands whose popularity can be compared to Rolex. There is no doubt Rolex watches are renowned for their quality, precision, and durability, and in most cases, they also signify the status of their owners; why wouldn’t it?, being the first watch to get the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision? That’s just one of the many amazing facts of the Rolex. Yes, they’re amazing, durable, etc., but many questions come with this work of Art: are they a good investment? The answer is YES. If yes, which Rolex models are the most popular?
In this Blog, we will explore one Rolex option and answer a specific question: Why is Rolex Daytona a good investment?
What do you know about the Rolex Daytona?
Do you know that the Daytona, introduced in 1965, marked a significant milestone for Rolex as it was the brand’s first chronograph watch designed to be waterproof? When next you get your hands on a Rolex Daytona, look for the word “Oyster” on the dial; this signifies that it is part of the Rolex waterproof watch line.
Do you also know that the Rolex Daytona chronograph, explicitly designed for racing drivers, is one of the most popular watches and a sought-after collector’s item? After starting from the second row, this timepiece quickly became a legend.
Since Hollywood actor Paul Newman wore an early version of what is now known as the Daytona in steel, many people have developed a strong desire for it. But that’s not the only thing contributing to the model’s success: Rolex doesn’t bring nearly as many Daytonas onto the market as could be sold. Of course, is one reason why it is extraordinary, but there is more to that story.
What is so special about Rolex Daytona?
This Rolex Daytona stands out in the market for several reasons, including its excellent craftsmanship, timeless design, rarity, and standing as a high-end sports watch.
Let’s get into details as to what is special about the Rolex Daytona:
- Value and Desirability: According to data from Barron’s, the average price of a used Rolex watch has increased from less than $5,000 in 2011 to more than $13,000, with a high increase since the global pandemic in 2020. The Rolex Daytona is the highest appreciating model with an average price of a pre-owned model reaching $30,000. This Rolex price increase, especially seen with the Rolex Daytona, can be a result of the high demand for Rolex watches with roughly a 5-year waiting list for a brand-new Rolex Daytona.
- Rarity: Vintage Rolex Daytonas are becoming increasingly rare, especially the models from the 1960s and 70s. As the supply of these watches dwindles, their value is likely to increase.
- Quality: Rolex has always been known for the exceptional quality of its watches. Daytonas, in particular, were built to last, with robust movements and high-quality materials. This means that, unlike many other watches, a Daytona is unlikely to lose value over time due to wear and tear.
- Brand recognition: Rolex is one of the most recognisable and prestigious brands in the world. This means that Daytonas are likely to retain their value, even in times of economic downturn.
- Collectability: Rolex Daytonas are highly sought after by collectors. This, combined with their rarity, means that they can command high prices at auctions.
- Historical significance: The Rolex Daytona is named after the famous Daytona Beach race track in Florida, USA, and was originally designed for race car drivers. This historical significance adds to the value and appeal of Daytonas.
- Investment potential: The Rolex Daytonas has been steadily increasing over the years. In fact, some models have seen their value increase by several thousand percent in just a few decades. This makes a Daytona a potentially lucrative investment.
- Timeless design: The design of the Rolex Daytona has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in the 1960s. This timeless design means that a Daytona will never go out of style, making it a watch that can be enjoyed for generations.
- Resale value: The high demand for Rolex Daytonas means that they often have a strong resale value. This means that, even if you decide to sell your Daytona in the future, you are likely to get a good return on your investment.
Top 3 Rolex Watches For Investment
Is it too late to invest in a Rolex Daytona? Here are some quality models that are worthwhile:
1.Rolex “Pre-Daytona” Ref. 6238 :
The first watch on this list is what collectors call the Rolex “Pre-Daytona” Ref. 6238. It was the last Rolex chronograph before the introduction of the Daytona Ref. 6239 in 1963, but that’s not its only selling point. It also fundamentally changed the design of Rolex chronographs. This starts with the dial and continues with the hands, which already hint at those of the early Daytona models.
Fun Fact: The Pre-Daytona is also a Bond watch. In his one-off role as 007 in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
2. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239:
Next goes to the famous Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239. It is the first official Daytona reference and came directly after the first model in this list. Most watch fans know that there are a few differences between the Daytona models. We’re talking about the Daytona model with pump pushers, affectionately known among collectors as “push-down Daytonas.” This is also called the “Paul Newman” Ref. 6239. This Dayton with Exotic Dial is priced at least 190,000 EUR and is, therefore, pretty much out of reach for mere mortals.
Fun Fact: This is the model worn by Paul Newman.
3. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263:
This is the very last hand-wound Rolex Daytona reference with a black bezel. The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 was manufactured from 1971 to 1988. It not only has the characteristic black Bezel but also screwed pushers and is, therefore, extra waterproof. The Ref. 6263 appears a little more massive than the earlier models. It is a perfect modern hand-wound Daytona, powered by the Valjoux 727 caliber – essentially based on the Valjoux 72 – but with a higher beat rate and accuracy.
Why is Rolex Daytona so hard to Get?
The difficulty in acquiring a Rolex Daytona can be attributed to both appreciation over time and market demand and scarcity.
- Appreciation Over Time: The Rolex Daytona, like many vintage and modern Rolex watches, has seen a significant increase in value over time. This appreciation is not limited to vintage models but has also been observed in modern Rolex Daytonas.
- Market Demand and Scarcity: The global demand for Rolex watches, particularly the Daytona, far exceeds supply. The general public’s growing interest in luxury timepieces, the relatively stable supply of Rolex watches, and the public’s focus on a few Rolex models are the main causes of this imbalance.
According to Rolex, “The scarcity of our products is not a strategy on our part. Our current production cannot meet the existing demand in an exhaustive way, at least not without reducing the quality of our watches – something we refuse to do as the quality of our products must never be compromised.”
How to Store and Care for Your Rolex Daytona
Best Practices for Storage and Maintenance
Environmental Factors: Consider the humidity, temperature, light, and dust in your storage area. Use a humidity-controlled watch box or be safe for older models or those in high-humidity areas. Store in a dark place to prevent dial fading.
Storage Options: Choose original boxes, watch rolls/wraps/wallets, watch winders, and safe deposit boxes based on your collection size, lifestyle, and financial means.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly check your Rolex for any signs of wear or damage, especially if stored for extended periods. This includes checking the water resistance and cleaning the watch if necessary.
Pre-Storage Check: Before storing your Rolex, ensure the movement is well-lubricated and the crown and gaskets are in good condition. Wind the watch about once a month to circulate lubricants.
Tips for Using Watch Winders:
- Choose the Right Winder: Ensure the winder suits your Rolex’s automatic movement. Avoid using winders for quartz or traditional hand-wind models.
- Consider the Frequency of Use: A winder might not be necessary if your Rolex is worn daily. However, a winder can keep the movement active and the date and time current for watches worn less frequently.
- Balance Between Activity and Wear: Watch Winders are beneficial for watches that are not worn often but can result in additional wear and tear over time. Use them judiciously to avoid unnecessary wear.
Best Rolex Watch Winder
Regardless of the Rolex Dayton you decide to add to your collection, it is essential to properly store and wind it to ensure it stays in its pristine condition. That’s where a high-quality watch winder comes into play.
MOZSLY® Single Watch Winder – Black Leather
The MOZSLY® Single Watch Winder has an exterior that houses Japanese motors that operate silently. Its flexible power options via AC adapter or batteries provide versatility. And the ability to independently adjust each winder allows you to customize the settings for your unique timepiece.
MOZSLY® Double Watch Winder -Black Carbon Brazed Piano Paint
For those with multiple pieces in their collection, the MOZSLY® Double Watch Winder is a luxurious choice. Its carbon fiber design with acrylic glass showcasing the winders shows a sophisticated aesthetic. With this, your prized Daytonas and any other timepiece you’ve got would stay in great shape and ready to wear while adding a stylish décor to your space
Conclusion
Getting a Rolex Daytona is a wise choice if you want a premium watch. However, as a luxury watch owner, it is your responsibility not only to buy it, but also to maintain it and make sure that it is restored to its extraordinary condition for a long time.
Also Read: What You Need to Know About Buying an Entry-Level Rolex?
