The Rolex Daytona is the driver's watch, which was first introduced in 1963. At that time, as is still the case today, Rolex sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona race, and built the watch to meet the demands of professional race-car drivers.
The Daytona has an automatic movement and is water resistant to 100 meters. It has an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph and also a chronograph. These are watches with stopwatch and timekeeping functions and because of the Daytona's lineage, the stopwatch is designed to measure average speeds and lap times. This is done using the tachometric scale which is engraved 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 watch is available in either steel or gold. The choices of gold include white, yellow and everose and it's also possible to buy a model made of steel and gold. Depending on the model, there is a choice of leather strap or bracelet and each model is offered with two different dial colors. The counters on the dial face are always in a contrasting colors to the main dial, for example white counters on a black dial. This allows them to be seen in low light.
This is a desirable and valuable watch so the buyer has to be aware of replicas. It's always best to buy from an authorized Rolex dealer. This way you are guaranteed authenticity and buying from an authorized dealer is the only way to get a factory warranty.
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.
There are lots of deals to be found on the web, but Rolex don't sell watches online and, in most cases, purchases made through the internet will not allow the buyer to check the merchandise first, so the tips in this article won't help. Any genuine watches for sale on websites will most likely be imports, so it's best to visit an authorized dealer.
A Rolex Daytona guide is only one of the top quality timepieces that appear on this comprehensive web site. A watches guide will describe the desirable features that make this watch a popular pick.
Posted under Watches
This post was written by Clyde Owen on February 18, 2011

