Incoming - Going from OF 116519 to full metal 116509

After a little over a year with the 116519, white gold Daytona on oyster flex with silver panda dial, I decided to make the move to the full bracelet version, the 116509. While I lose the black ceramic bezel, I gain the full bracelet and the ability to change to other straps to my hearts content (not possible with the 519). 

My thinking was that, for the long term, a full metal bracelet would be the safest bet, compared to rubber at least. When I say long term I mean 20, 30, 40 years as we see vintage Daytona references today. My concern was that the oyster flex simply wouldn't hold up as well. The old 519 below:

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I honestly don't really care about the precious metal component here, but rather I like this dial execution with the filled in sub dials, which I think looks much better than the rings on the modern steel references. If this dial were available on steel I'd have gone that route. 

The one downside, it's not quite as informal as the 519, so I fear I won't end up wearing it as often.. but I hope I'm wrong there. I may put a grey or bone suede strap on it to dress it down a bit to help there. Also, this thing has some heft! 

Overall pretty happy with the move, but it'll take some time to get a better sense if it was ultimately the right move for me. Anyone else make a similar switch? If so, any regrets?

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I have a ROO diver as my first watch, and eventually got the RO 15500. Wouldn’t say the bracelet is better, but they’re different. Definitely understand what’s going through your head.

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TypicalAsian

I have a ROO diver as my first watch, and eventually got the RO 15500. Wouldn’t say the bracelet is better, but they’re different. Definitely understand what’s going through your head.

Love the ROO Diver, I still remember being blown away by that watch when it came out. Also remember when 15202s were available in retailers lol. 

Bracelet is definitely different, not better or worse, but certainly changes the vibe on wrist, much like going from the diver to the 15500 I imagine. You still have the diver?

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I personally prefer the look of the black bezel and OF bracelet, but the 116509 looks great as well.

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Beautiful piece Blake and thanks for sharing. I’m not sure if you’ve talked about it on the podcast, but how did you like the Oyster Flex? While nothing like it, I have a SMP300 with the rubber and to your point, there is something great about the informal-ness of a black rubber strap.

I let my AD know I had a major work milestone and I‘d like to mix things up and get a two tone piece by year end to celebrate. He keeps tempting me with full gold and platinum pieces including the same Daytona 519. That was such a hard one to pass on, which I wouldn’t have if I didn’t already own a 500LN, but silly me is trying to buy a fun summer car instead of a full precious metal piece.

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AllTheWatches

Beautiful piece Blake and thanks for sharing. I’m not sure if you’ve talked about it on the podcast, but how did you like the Oyster Flex? While nothing like it, I have a SMP300 with the rubber and to your point, there is something great about the informal-ness of a black rubber strap.

I let my AD know I had a major work milestone and I‘d like to mix things up and get a two tone piece by year end to celebrate. He keeps tempting me with full gold and platinum pieces including the same Daytona 519. That was such a hard one to pass on, which I wouldn’t have if I didn’t already own a 500LN, but silly me is trying to buy a fun summer car instead of a full precious metal piece.

There are certain watches in my collection I generally stay away from on the pod as they can be a bit off-putting, this one included. I will say I found the OF quite comfortable, it was easy to wear all day and not really think about. But, the wings on the underside would leave impressions on my wrist, which I guess is their purpose? To dig in and channel air around the wrist. 

I had them replaced once, and the one set had noticeably changed color from wear/exposure/time, and that's what initially got me thinking about the long term viability of the reference. I do still have a spare set, so I suppose I could get the end-link from Smarty or something and go that route with the 509. 

This is my 4th Daytona and I'd still say the 500LN is the best for everyday or frequent wear, it's the most comfortable as it's lightweight and a great size. I'd only make the push for a PM model if you want something special but wouldn't wear all that often. Would make a great companion to the 500LN, though!

Fun summer car sounds awfully nice as well! What models are you looking at?

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First off, both are phenomenal and I'd love to have either one. The white gold 116519 has got 6263 vibes which I love. The white-gold 116509 obviously is much more low key but honestly, that iconic "Panda" dial scheme won't go unnoticed no matter what. But I agree 100% with your comments on dial execution specifically the subdials. That was also my one nitpick with the white dial 116500LN (you can read more here in my post "The ceramic SS Daytona "Panda" is NOT a grail watch! Or is it?!"). The all-black subdials available on the precious metal Daytonas are much more pleasing not to mention legible.

I've kept my SS Daytona on the bracelet but frankly don't wear it as often as my others more so because I'd like to keep as many scratches off of the polished center links of the Oyster bracelet as possible. I'd think that you'd be concerned with that too on the 116519. I've always liked the sportiness of the OysterFlex and wish Rolex would make it available on the stainless steel model but that's not likely to happen anytime soon.  

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buettner

There are certain watches in my collection I generally stay away from on the pod as they can be a bit off-putting, this one included. I will say I found the OF quite comfortable, it was easy to wear all day and not really think about. But, the wings on the underside would leave impressions on my wrist, which I guess is their purpose? To dig in and channel air around the wrist. 

I had them replaced once, and the one set had noticeably changed color from wear/exposure/time, and that's what initially got me thinking about the long term viability of the reference. I do still have a spare set, so I suppose I could get the end-link from Smarty or something and go that route with the 509. 

This is my 4th Daytona and I'd still say the 500LN is the best for everyday or frequent wear, it's the most comfortable as it's lightweight and a great size. I'd only make the push for a PM model if you want something special but wouldn't wear all that often. Would make a great companion to the 500LN, though!

Fun summer car sounds awfully nice as well! What models are you looking at?

I noticed that about the podcast, if what are you wearing ends in a Rolex, quickly state and move on. Totally get it, they can be a polarizing brand and many tune out when talking about expensive watches in general.  

I was curious about long-term wear of the wings. Not sure if they are an improvement or not, but heck, they look good. 

I am hoping the next piece is another Daytona, but honestly, open to the two-tone Root Beer too. At the mercy of my SA's allocation. 

Regarding the car, I oscillate back and forth. Pre-covid, it was a 911 all day long, but those prices became unreasonable and Lotus is far behind on the Emira production, so thinking more obtainable. Used AMG GTs keep dropping, as has the sister C63S, but that is a little large. I like the idea of the Supra with a stick, but I keep hearing they can be rattle boxes, which lead me to also consider the TTRS. We shall see, could very well come down to an opportunity buy. 

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Rolexahoma

First off, both are phenomenal and I'd love to have either one. The white gold 116519 has got 6263 vibes which I love. The white-gold 116509 obviously is much more low key but honestly, that iconic "Panda" dial scheme won't go unnoticed no matter what. But I agree 100% with your comments on dial execution specifically the subdials. That was also my one nitpick with the white dial 116500LN (you can read more here in my post "The ceramic SS Daytona "Panda" is NOT a grail watch! Or is it?!"). The all-black subdials available on the precious metal Daytonas are much more pleasing not to mention legible.

I've kept my SS Daytona on the bracelet but frankly don't wear it as often as my others more so because I'd like to keep as many scratches off of the polished center links of the Oyster bracelet as possible. I'd think that you'd be concerned with that too on the 116519. I've always liked the sportiness of the OysterFlex and wish Rolex would make it available on the stainless steel model but that's not likely to happen anytime soon.  

Great write up on your 500LN (and beautiful watch!), I appreciate your observations and echo many of your sentiments. This is a watch that is easy to be frustrated with over a few small details, because in many ways (for Daytona fans) it comes so close to true greatness, but never quite snatches it. The 6263 (an all-time favorite of mine) vibes are exactly what led me to the 519LN. 

Is it too much to ask that Rolex offer features like the Oyster Flex on SS models? Or the black ceramic bezel on full PM preferences? Would that diminish their appeal at all? Rolex is a tough nut to crack for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a 1265XX generation take a slightly different tack here, I just hope they don't change the (IMO) perfect dimensions of the watch. There are plenty of other chronographs I fend equally or more interesting, but none wear even remotely as close to the way the Daytona does. 

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AllTheWatches

I noticed that about the podcast, if what are you wearing ends in a Rolex, quickly state and move on. Totally get it, they can be a polarizing brand and many tune out when talking about expensive watches in general.  

I was curious about long-term wear of the wings. Not sure if they are an improvement or not, but heck, they look good. 

I am hoping the next piece is another Daytona, but honestly, open to the two-tone Root Beer too. At the mercy of my SA's allocation. 

Regarding the car, I oscillate back and forth. Pre-covid, it was a 911 all day long, but those prices became unreasonable and Lotus is far behind on the Emira production, so thinking more obtainable. Used AMG GTs keep dropping, as has the sister C63S, but that is a little large. I like the idea of the Supra with a stick, but I keep hearing they can be rattle boxes, which lead me to also consider the TTRS. We shall see, could very well come down to an opportunity buy. 

It's funny how some cars have taken a similar route to some watches. I had been chasing an OG Datograph for some time, and it has kept inching further and further out of reach over the years in the same way the 911 has. Now, all of the sudden what was a ~$45k watch has become a ~$90k watch, and decent 911 SCs from the '80s or clean 964s and 993s all seem to be six figure cars now. 

The AMG GT is a lot of car and they could be near a sweet spot in price, same with the AM V8 Vantage, but they def fly a bit more conspicuously than a 911. Love the idea of an Emira or stick MKV, they both feel a bit more approachable, and just south enough of the exotic line to have some fun in. 

All great options, though! If I didn't live in NYC I'd for sure have a slice of my watch budget dedicated to a car along the same lines of what you're thinking (great minds, us!). 

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buettner

It's funny how some cars have taken a similar route to some watches. I had been chasing an OG Datograph for some time, and it has kept inching further and further out of reach over the years in the same way the 911 has. Now, all of the sudden what was a ~$45k watch has become a ~$90k watch, and decent 911 SCs from the '80s or clean 964s and 993s all seem to be six figure cars now. 

The AMG GT is a lot of car and they could be near a sweet spot in price, same with the AM V8 Vantage, but they def fly a bit more conspicuously than a 911. Love the idea of an Emira or stick MKV, they both feel a bit more approachable, and just south enough of the exotic line to have some fun in. 

All great options, though! If I didn't live in NYC I'd for sure have a slice of my watch budget dedicated to a car along the same lines of what you're thinking (great minds, us!). 

Good comparison with the Datograph. I think many of us had that one watch we kept an eye on to buy at a later date than COVID prices happened.

Definitely looked at the Vantage and my neighbor had one I had the pleasure to drive. Very fun car.

Sadly, the market for fast, sub $100k, small two door, two seat, RWD cars is slowly drying up.

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buettner

Love the ROO Diver, I still remember being blown away by that watch when it came out. Also remember when 15202s were available in retailers lol. 

Bracelet is definitely different, not better or worse, but certainly changes the vibe on wrist, much like going from the diver to the 15500 I imagine. You still have the diver?

Still owning both😉