What To Look For When Purchasing A Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona, which the manufacturer describes as, “The driver’s watch”, is an iconic watch introduced in 1963. It was created to the requirements of race-car drivers driving the 24 Hours of Daytona race, from which it gets its name. In 1963, as today, Rolex were a sponsor of the race and it gave them an opportunity to create something unique.
The Daytona is water resistant to 100 meters and has an automatic movement. It’s classed as a chronograph, so has timekeeping and stopwatch functionality. The stopwatch has been designed to measure accurately lap times and average speeds which is done using the tachometric scale on the bezel.
This is a beautifully engineered watch that is made to meet the standards, not only of the manufacturer, but also the independent body, COSC. They check the accuracy of a watch using internationally agreed methods and then issue a certificate to the manufacturer on successful completion.
The dial is 40mm diameter and the dial face includes counters in different colors to the main dial. This contrast allows them to be seen in bad light for example, whilst driving in an auto race. This watch is offered in steel or gold. Yellow, white or everose gold are available and the watches come with either a leather strap or bracelet, dependent on the model. Each model has two different dial colors to choose from, so it’s possible to personalize the Daytona too.
It’s important that buyers are aware that there are many replicas on the market. It’s always advisable to buy from an authorized dealer, especially as this is the only way to get a factory warranty and you can be sure that the watch is genuine.
If you choose to buy from a shop or trader that is not an authorized dealer, you need to be careful of imitations. You should consider the following tips, which will help you to authenticate any watches you are offered. The very first thing to do is to see a genuine example. This will give you a reference. Look closely at the watch and ask questions of the shop assistant. If you decide that you would like to buy elsewhere, then at least you have had a close up look at the watch, which should help you spot a fake, should one be offered to you.
There are two numbers that Rolex stamp onto each watch: the serial and case numbers. These are the best ways of identify the watch as the manufacturer can check their records and authenticate for you. They are stamped at the 12 O’clock position, at the point where the watchstrap meets the watch. There are also some practical things to check out. Replicas tend to be cheaply made so the second hand tick as it moves around the dial, whereas the Daytona’s is silent. Another thing to look out for is the hidden clasp with the Rolex crown on the bracelet, as most replicas don’t have that detail.
Many people look for a good deal through the internet but Rolex don’t sell watches online. Without being able to examine the watch yourself, the earlier advice won’t be much help and genuine watches sold online will most probably be imports, so it is always best to buy your watch from an authorized dealer.
A Rolex Daytona guide is only one of the high quality watches that appear on this detailed web site. A watches guide will describe the attractive features that make this watch a well known pick.
February 15, 2011 | Posted by Clyde Owen
Categories:
Tags:


Recent Comments