The evolution of the Rolex Daytona

Many of us are more than ready to get the new Rolex Daytona 116500LN. The Daytona is an interesting watch that has been Rolex’s ace for years. It is almost a cult success. So, how has the Daytona reached its current status?

 

In 1963 Rolex debuted the first Cosmograph model ref 6239. The features of it included a tachometer scale engraved on the metal bezel and the dials were either in black with silver counters or in silver with black counters.

 

 

The name "Daytona" did not appear on the dial until 1965. A new dial version called "exotic" was introduced in 1965. It featured an outer track which matches the sub-dials running around the edge of the dial. The seconds sub-dial is at 9 o'clock and it is marked at 15, 30, 45 and 60.

 

 

 

 

 

The ref 6240, which was produced till 1969 only, introduced screw-down push pieces and it became the first ref of the Daytona which was fully waterproof. Interestingly, the word “Daytona” is not always printed on the dial of the 6240. I do think that the “exotic” dial looks way better than usual dials for the 6240.

 

 

References 6262 and 6264 were produced between 1970 and 1972. These references adopted push-down buttons with metal bezel or black plastic bezel.. Dials were either white with black sub-dials or vice versa.

 

 

From 1971 to 1987, Rolex produced the Daytona 6263 and 6265. These references adopted black plastic bezels and metal bezels and they were waterproof to 100 meters.

 

 

 

The Daytona 6263 is also now known as the “Paul Newman” Daytona because movie star Paul Newman wore the ref 6263 and a ref 6241 on a bund strap. Any Rolex Daytona with exotic dial is known as "The Paul Newman Daytona". Particularly, a Paul Newman dial must be in ref 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 or 6265.

 

 



 



 

The most sought-after models of the Daytona today include these “Paul Newman” Daytonas. These watches are often seen fetching very high prices during auctions.

 

 

 

 

Rolex started in 1988 manufacturing the 16520 Daytona. The watch had a 40mm case instead of a 37mm one and it had sapphire crystals instead of Plexiglas. Before the 16520, the Daytona had always featured a manual-wound movement. The breakthrough came when Rolex adopted a new automatic movement based on the Zenith El Primero 400. The heavily modified movement was then the Calibre 4030. Because of limited supply and super strong demand, the 16520 was a great success.

 

 

 

Some notable models included 16520 with porcelain finish dials and 10-watch-only 16528 blue dial for Rolex collectors.

 

 

In 2000, the Rolex Daytona 116520 was out. It featured a totally in-house caliber 4130 and the black dial version had been a very sought-after model from 2000-2015.

So, what has made the Daytona such a success? Maybe it is because of the limited supply. Maybe it is because of the design of the watch. Or, maybe because it is a Rolex chronograph, which has always represented precision from the day it was born. In today’s world in which big watches are in vogue, the Rolex Daytona retains its classic shape in 40mm. The dial style of the new 116500LN white resembles the “panda” style of the “Paul Newman” Daytona, which is one of the most important legacy of the Daytona. Its bezel is now ceramic and it does not attract scratches anymore. These small improvements and dedication to the original details are what it takes for a watch to become legendary.

 

HK Snob

HKWF Group

Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Parmigiani is available at special price (Brand new in box)

AP RB2 NOS Rose Gold dated June 2015 HK$608,000 Nett



 

AP Ref.26299SN Limited 1,000 pieces RP HK$319,000 now HK$229,896



  

AP Ref.2629OR limited 1000 pieces HK$32,8000 

Parmigiani Men's White Gold Large dress watch RP HK$145,000 now $101,500.

Parmigiani Ladies in steel, Original Price $104,000 now $72,800



Special office, valued offer for HKWF readers, while stock lasts

HK Snob

Rolex 2016 watches have arrived Hong Kong

 

 

Probably some of you have seen this watches in Balls, gathering, parties and in MTRs
Yes, the long waiting 2016 new Rolex has arrived, though not all new models, but at least some of the best have...
However, they are distributed to the first tier customers, SVIP of the Rolex authorized dealer...etc

The Daytona Ceramic, for example are here in Hong Kong, with a list price of HK$95,000.

However, we understand that they cannot be sold at the list price.


HKWF has a few Daytona Ceramic White dial and black Ref.116500LN on hand, price is HK$140,000,


I have noticed those who sent me deposit for reservation, if you want to take this or wait for second batches? Let me know.

HK Snob

The new Air-king, the Milgauss and the Explorer

 

 

Rolex has, after many years, updated its Air-King in 2016. The price of the watch is around 47k HKD. At this price point, it is definitely an entry-level Rolex. So, is it an able contender against the Explorer and the Milgauss, which have always been very iconic?

 

 

 

 

Let’s look at what the new Air-King has to offer. At first glance, I almost could not believe it is a watch produced by Rolex. Its design is unlike any other Rolex which are mostly conservatively designed. The new 116900 Air-King is a bold watch. At 40mm, the watch has a polished bezel and a dial full of fun. Some may argue that the dial is too busy. However, it is also the dial that sticks to the aviation theme. It mixes the hour markers 3,6 and 9 with the minute markers. It does look like an Explorer I 214270 with Arabic minute markers. But is this what Rolex has to offer? A modified Explorer I?
 



 



 

 

 

No. The new Air-King has a fun dial as I mentioned. Other than the mixture of hour and minute markers, the dial features a yellow Rolex crown, green “Rolex” letters and a green second hand. Green is the color of Rolex and this watch has a theme of green. The font of the letters Air-King is full of style as well. The watch has soft-iron case inside which makes the new Air-King anti-magnetic and truly adheres to the aviation theme.

 

 

 

 

 

This is quite a comprehensive package for an entry-level Rolex, isn’t it? But how does it compare with the Milgauss and the Explorer I?

 

 

 

First, let’s talk about the Explorer I. At a slightly higher price, you can an 39mm watch which has very rich history. The dial of the Explorer I is much cleaner and simpler. It is also more classic, if that is the word. However, it lacks the funky elements that exist on the Air-King dial. It has the shock absorber that the new Air-King does not have. However, it is not anti-magnetic like the new Air-King.

 

 

 

 

 

How about the 116400GV Milgauss? The Milgauss is famous for its green sapphire crystal and its anti-magnetic capability. It is a very accurate watch. The dial of the Milgauss is not as busy as the new Air-King but it is colorful enough. It has an all polished case and polished center links on the bracelet. On the wrist, the Milgauss looks very sharp and elegant. The shades of green on the sapphire crystal keep bringing you surprises under different lighting.

 

 

 

The price? It is slightly higher than the new Air-King. But I do think that the design elements of the Milgauss seem better than that of the Air-King and that makes the Milgauss my choice among the three contenders here.

What is your choice?

 

HK Snob

HKWF Group

 

 

 

 



Dragon Boat festival Special Offer for HKWF readers, Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Pen LIMITED 3,000 pcs

 

 

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Ref.106509

An authentic Montblanc pen commemorating the life of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. 

 

 This Montblanc fountain pen is finely crafted of black lacquer with an intricate laser-engraved pattern representing the vertigo effect from Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958). 

 

It features sterling silver accents, the Psycho film reel identification notes around the cap, 53 hatch marks around the cone representing each Hitchcock film, and Montblanc floating emblem in cap top. 

 

Comes beautifully packaged in genuine Montblanc Hitchcock presentation box. Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition Rollerball Pen 106509

 

MSRP HK$24,000

 

Now HK$16,800 for our reader, limited stock available.

 

HK Snob

 



 

Dragon Boat Festival Special Sales JLC Ultra Thin dress Watch Ref.134.24.20

Jaeger-LeCoultre   134.24.20
Code	40572
Movement	Manual winding
Case material	Pink gold
Bracelet material	Crocodile skin
Condition	1 (Brand new in box Full Set)
	With box
	With papers
Gender	Men's watch/Unisex
Movement	Manual winding
Case
Case material	Pink gold
Case diameter	38 mm
Dial	Beige
Dial numerals	No numerals
Bracelet material	Crocodile skin
Clasp	Fold clasp

 
List Price  HK$114,000

Now Cash HK$85,500

HK Snob

Submariner Ref.116610LV BNIB

Full Set Brand new in box Submariner Date Ref 116610LV X1
EU Rolex AD , but the sticker on the left is removed by the Rolex AD staff. or will be selling higher.

Let's make long story short, it is brand New, April 2016 Watch

HK$63,500 ( no additional charges for hand delivery to Philippines)

HK Snob

Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 birch dial on sale

Rolex Day Date Ref.18038 birch  dial "fossil", 95% new,
had been overhauled and have Rolex Service record.

HK$85,000 cash.

HK Snob

PS, watch sold on 1 June.

Pilot watches and HKWF recommendations

Pilot watches were made for the quest of flight in Europe in the beginning of the 20^th century. The world’ first pilot watch was made by Cartier, Louis Cartier to be precise. The Santos watch was made by Louis Cartier for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont to wear in his flights in 1906 so he did not have to look at his pocket watch when controlling his aircraft. The watch first went on sale in 1911.
 

In 1912, Louis Blériot flew across the English Channel with a Zenith pilot watch which featured oversized Arabic numerals, an oversized crown and luminous hands and dial. From 1939, the Zenith Zenith Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 became a standard instrument for French aircraft. Zenith then successfully made its name in the history of aviation.

However, what made pilot watches so popular were the two world wars. British pilots began to use pocket watches in WWI. In WWII, five manufacturers including A. Lange & Söhne, Wempe, Lacher & Company/Durowe (Laco), Walter Storz (Stowa) and IWC started manufacturing the legendary 55mm B-Uhren for the German air force. Today, you can find vintage pilot watches made by these companies sold at hefty prices.
 

These B-Uhren were large, easy to read and anti-magnetic and they laid down the foundations for modern pilot watch designs. 

 

Our recommendations:

1.      Breguet Type XX
 

The Breguet Type XX connects aviation with the brand’s family history. The Breguet Type XX Aeronavale can trace its roots back to the 1950s when the French Naval Airforce made a special order for 500 pilot watches with “flyback” function. Until today, this function remains one of the very recognizable features of the Breguet Type XX Aeronavale.

The watch features a 39mm case, a size which is just about right for everyone’s wrist. It has a polished case and a polished bi-directional bezel. The case is very well finished with coin edge. The dial is extremely legible with three sub-dials displaying the running seconds, the minute counter of the chronograph and the hour counter of the chronograph.  

This watch is one of the most celebrated pilot watches in production. It comes with a brown alligator strap or you can choose the bracelet version, which is equally elegant.
 

The watch retails at around 80k HKD. You can expect more than 20% discounts at HKWF. However, If you want to get a second-hand one, you may as well go for those which have tritium dials. The vintage feeling of those watches are just irresistible.  

 

 1.      Zenith Type 20 Annual Calendar

The Zenith Type 20 Annual Calendar is absolutely a bang for your buck. It is a pilot chronograph that has annual calendar display and retails at around 75k HKD before any discount.
 

The watch is a reissue of the aforementioned Zenith Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 with modern functions. It has a 48mm stainless steel case with a huge onion crown. The oversized hands and Arabic numerals offer very good legibility, which is a must for pilot watches. The display of the date is at 6 o’ clock and the display of the month and the day is at 3 o’ clock. The two sub-dials are the chronograph’s minute counter and the running seconds.

The watch comes with a brown alligator strap. It is a blend of modern functions with retro style. On the wrist, it gives you a lot of wrist presence. It is not a watch to be ignored in any way.

 

1.      IWC Big Pilot Heritage 48 (Heritage 55)

IWC has in 2016 updated its pilot watch collection. Adhering to the brand’s design of the 1940s pilot watch, the Big Pilot Heritage offers two choices on case size, 48mm and 55mm. While the 55mm version is exactly the size of the original B-Uhr, the 48mm version may be more wearable for most who are not Arnold Schwarzenegger.

 

 

The case of the Big Pilot Heritage is in sandblasted titanium, which helps reduce the weight of the watch. The hands are in blued steel and it has a seconds sub-dial. The Arabic numerals are in beige color.

The strap that comes with the watch is a brown calf-skin pilot-style strap which has rivets on it. It is a watch that reminds you of the WWII era and one that is absolutely better than a Steinhart, a Stowa or a Laco.

 The IWC Big Pilot Heritage retails from 120k HKD to 140HKD. It is a simple and pure pilot watch with great history and tradition.

 

 

HKWF Group