Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Modern Rolex Daytonas
Rolex only makes one chronograph, and it’s called the Daytona. This has been a statement of fact since the first model bearing the name was created in 1963. Okay, fine; there’s one notable exception, the Yacht-Master II. But we’ll leave that as a topic for another day. Today on Fratello Talks, it’s all about our favorite modern Rolex Daytonas! Nacho, RJ, and Lex are in the studio and have each picked a trio of references that they are partial to. Just like when we picked our favorite Speedmasters, we’re sticking to “modern” references. This means only those produced within the last 25 years. While this leaves us with a relatively limited selection given the scope of what is out there, there’s still plenty to pick from. Will we feature your favorite Daytona? You’ll have to tune in and find out. But first, it’s time for a wrist check.
Wrist check
We kick off the show with RJ, who is wearing his latest watch purchase, a Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16713. This distinctive brown-dial, steel and gold version of the GMT-Master II is also known as the “Root Beer.” After owning a couple of “Pepsi” models (refs. 1675 and 16710), he thought he’d give this one a go. And so far, it seems he’s found a match in this eye-catching reference.
Today, Lex is checking out the Pragma P1 Perseverance. It’s certainly not something you see every day. And though it might seem like a fairly simple watch at first glance, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. You can check out Lex’s article here if you want to read all about it.
Nacho is sticking to his guns with the Omega Seamaster 300M ref. 2254.50.00 on a gray NATO strap. This neo-vintage diver, also known as the “Peter Blake,” is more often than not on his wrist these days.
Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Modern Rolex Daytonas
For today’s episode, the guys were tasked with selecting their three favorite modern Rolex Daytonas. As we established, this is defined as models that were introduced/available at retail (or at least present in the catalog) between 2000 and now. This excludes all hand-winding, Zenith-powered, and pre-Daytona versions of the chronograph. With that in mind, let’s have a look at one of each of the guys’ picks. The first is one of RJ’s, and as you can see above, it’s the new gold and green Daytona ref. 126508-0008.
Lex has opted for a Daytona released simultaneously with RJ’s pick. It’s the turquoise-lacquer-dial Daytona ref. 126518LN-0014 in yellow gold that debuted at Watches and Wonders this year. Would he have preferred the dial to be natural stone? Sure, but this one still makes the cut for Lex’s top three picks.
Finally, Nacho’s most modern pick is the current steel white-dial Daytona ref. 126500LN-0001. While RJ and Lex preferred the previous generation’s ceramic bezel, Nacho appreciates the steel ring for how it changes the look to give the watch a more retro feel.
Do you want to know the rest of the guys’ picks? Tune in to the episode to find out. Leave your favorites in the comments section below, and as always, tune in next week for a brand-new episode of Fratello Talks.
