If you are willing to go used, this is an excellent alternative. Tudor 7900 series AKA "Small Block". This was badged as a "Tiger" in the early 2000s but if youre lucky you can score a rare "pre-tiger" from the late 90s, basically the same watch but without the tiger logo. Imo the best daytona alternative.

My birthyear explorer II is so special to me, not only was it a birthwatch, it was also a grail watch.

I have experience with water damaged watches as ive been collecting vintage pieces for about 5 years now. Water damage and moisture will cause bubbling on the dial. The pictures dont quite capture it but its actually a paint issue and its the flaking of paint. Moisture also will firstly affect the lume and cause the lume to crack, and it will also affect the crystal as it will create condensation. I was with my mechanic when he took the watch apart and I saw for myself there is no signs of moisture in the case, movement, hands, etc. Its simply a case of paint flaking due to possible poor QC.

Level 5: Clebar

Id like to see someone who has one of those here!

Agree with you on the label. Its really not patina but rather a dial defect similar to Rolex Spider dials. But I figured since its not damaging the movement and the defect is only on the dial, I figured id leave it and maybe buy a replacement dial after and keep both!

Currently at no rush to send it in to change it. Doesnt bother me and if it does ill be happy to shell out the funds needed to have the dial swapped. Is it patina? I really dont think so. Patina would mean age but this watch is barely 3 years old. Its clearly a QC issue but I find it quite cool. Ill just hold on to it.

Funny how these weird some QC issues get at times. From my 7 years experience in watches stuff like this always happens and its always the weirdest problems like lume, paint, and misalignment. I suppose even though we like to view our watches as handcrafted artisan pieces, they still are mass manufactured to an extent.