With its three subdials for timing laps, it was basically the world’s most regal stopwatch.īy the 1970s, it was already achieving icon status, with a big boost from Paul Newman, who adopted it as his signature timepiece when he developed a passion for motor sports. The storied chronograph, named after the Daytona speedway in Florida, debuted in the 1960s as a tool for auto racing enthusiasts. This is hardly the first time that the Rolex Daytona has created a fuss. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see these new Daytona models get flipped in the secondary market for a cool $5,000 premium over retail in the first six months,” said Paul Altieri, who runs Bob’s Watches, a prominent online dealer of vintage Rolexes in Westminster, Calif. Indeed, the new model may represent a prime arbitrage opportunity for anyone fortunate enough to get hold of one but crazy enough to sell it. “We’ll never have enough to satisfy demand,” Mr. Given the surging interest, the situation is starting to resemble a highly genteel version of the Cabbage Patch Kids frenzy of the 1980s, when tight supply for the must-have dolls around the holidays led to near riots in toy stores. (Many aficionados expect it in stores this summer.) A spokeswoman for Rolex, a company that is discreet to say the least, declined to discuss production or distribution plans for the new model or even the official release date. Considered a timepiece for cognoscenti, not first-time buyers, the company typically parcels them out in limited numbers to dealers, who, in turn, set aside the few they can get for their most loyal customers.Īnyone who knows how many, or few, Daytonas will actually be made is not telling. There was just one problem: Daytonas are scarce. More on Watches: Stories on trends and issues in the industry.What Are You Wearing? A new European Union regulation is expected to change the industry’s longstanding culture of secrecy.Is That Watch Cardboard? Using humble materials, a Hong Kong artist makes his own versions of high-end Swiss timepieces to have “a bit more fun.”.Casio G-Shock, at Home: A visit to the factory in Japan where most of these chunky and durable watches are made.Rolex Resales: The watch giant has started its own certified pre-owned program, which many in the industry say will change the secondhand market forever.
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