Rolex creates only one chronograph and is called the Daytona. This was a statement of fact since the first model to name was created in 1963. got it. One notable exception is the Yachtmaster II. But we leave it to you as a topic for another day. Today, with the Fratero story, it’s about our favorite Modern Rolex Daytonas! Nacho, RJ, and Lex are in the studio, each choosing a trio of references. Just like when I chose my favorite Speedmaster, I stick to the “modern” references. This means only those produced within the last 25 years. This leaves us with a relatively limited selection given the scope of what’s out there, but there are still plenty of options. Would you like to introduce your favorite Daytona? You have to tune and find it. But first, it’s time to check your wrists.
Wrist check
Start a show with RJ wearing his latest watch purchase, the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16713. This distinctive brown dial, steel and gold version of the GMT-Master II is also known as “root beer.” After owning several “Pepsi” models (see 1675 and 16710), he thought he would give this a try. And so far, it appears he’s found a match in this eye-catching reference.
Today, Rex is checking the perseverance of Pragma P1. That’s certainly not what you see every day. And while at first glance it may seem like a fairly simple watch, there’s more to it than just eye contact. If you want to read all about it, check out our Lex article.
Nacho is stuck on the gun with the Omega Seamaster 300m ref. 2254.50.00 on a gray NATO strap. Also known as “Peter Blake,” this neo-vintage diver is often missing on his wrist these days.
Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Modern Rolex Daytonas
In today’s episode, the guys were tasked with choosing their three favorite Modern Rolex Daytonas. As established, this is defined as a model that can be introduced/available in retail (or at least present in catalogs) between 2000 and the present. This drives all the manual windings, vertices of the chronograph, and excludes pre-Daytona versions. With that in mind, let’s take a look at one of each guy’s picks. The first is one of the RJs, and as you can see above, it is a new gold and green Daytona ref. 126508-0008.
Lex chose to release Daytona at the same time as RJ’s pick. It’s a turquoise lacquer dial Daytona ref. 126518LN-0014 This year’s yellow gold debuted with watches and mysterious. Did he prefer to make the dial into natural stone? Certainly, this still cuts out of Rex’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 ceramic bezels, Nacho appreciates the steel ring and understands how to change the look to give it a more retro feel to watches.
Want to know what the rest of you pick? Please check according to the episode. Leave your favorites in the comments section below. As always, next week check out our brand new episodes of Fratero Talk.
