Thoughts on the Rolex Daytona Meteorite dial.....

I posted recently about getting an Everose Chocolate dial Daytona and have been back to the AD a few times to try it on and I'm not 100% convinced. I have since come across a White Gold Daytona with the meteorite dial which looks quite beautiful to me, the model reference is 116509, I would be interested in the strap version.
Every dial is unique and is made from the infamous Gibeon meteorite that I believe Omega have also utilised in some of their Speedmaster models, has anyone any experience on this particulalry unusual Daytona, I think it's discontinued ?

Picture from the web, Rolex Daytona Meteorite dial 116519.
http://www.fototime.com/563E97AEABACF01/large.jpg

Nice but the Omega Grey Side meteorite dial is IMHO streets ahead

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Generally lovely, each one unique and yes, still listed on the Nov' 2016 UK price list at £30,600.

Haywood

Oh God no. It may be an amazing natural material but it does nothing for me.

Good looking watch and nice to get the weight of the gold with a Daytona that makes it feels bigger than it is, equally good is the racing dials.

The case as a whole and hands are nice.

Not a huge fan or the roman numeral indices but they work on that dial. The rest I love!

That looks great Steve - is this the expensive purchase you just made?

Only my opinion, but don't like the grey dial. Seen them in shop windows and too dull and indistinct for my tastes.

It may be an amazing material and highly valued but I see it as a waste of a finite resource. Also aesthetically doesn't float my boat.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

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Originally Posted by shalako

http://www.fototime.com/563E97AEABACF01/large.jpg

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Each to their own, etc, but It does absolutely nothing for me. Sorry, Steve.

I like these a lot and have looked at purchasing in the past - my one bit of advice is that the dials can be quite different (given the natural variation) my preference was for more 'big striations' as it gives a bolder appearance.

Sadly never found one I was happy with, at a price I was happy with. Lots available in the us but with exchange rates and import duties they are far less attractive than a year ago.

Good luck and do,let us see pictures if you go ahead.

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Originally Posted by pingu

It may be an amazing material and highly valued but I see it as a waste of a finite resource.

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But they just fall out of the sky and can be picked up everywhere... ;-)

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Originally Posted by Mrbarry

Not a huge fan or the roman numeral indices but they work on that dial. The rest I love!

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Ditto

Looks good on a strap. I think an all white gold bracelet would be too much.

Stunning watch and the dial changes dramatically, in the light and angle.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...psgfkqugei.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...psm9fpe8qg.jpg

Nice dial, but like others I agree that less would be more - get rid of the numbers and just have simple markers so you can see more of the dial.

Novelty value, but aesthetically a mess IMO.

Paul

Apart from the roman numerals its a very pretty and unique piece, and most people will never spot this one "in the wild". That said i like the chocolate better - very harmonic paired with the rose gold case. :)

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Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner

Nice dial, but like others I agree that less would be more - get rid of the numbers and just have simple markers so you can see more of the dial.

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I agree, too busy with the numbers.

I am sure that this will be super-desirable to some but the dial just looks a bit busy / cluttered to me.

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Originally Posted by markrlondon

But they just fall out of the sky and can be picked up everywhere... ;-)

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Not all that rare as a material but the etching carried out to reveal the microstructure is impressive.

Would look better with baton markers instead of Roman numerals.
the dial not the markers should be drawing your attention!

How you getting on with the Meteorite Steve? Enjoying it?

Meteorite dial & red hands = GREAT combination indeed !!!!

I like meteorite dials very much. My only fear is that if/when their protective lacquer fails, they will rust, because of their high iron content.

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

Nice but the Omega Grey Side meteorite dial is IMHO streets ahead

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Couldn't disagree more (sorry, Ryan). The Daytona is precious metal, and the movement is superior IMO... it's also a lot better looking, which isn't immediately obvious from the photo chosen to illustrate it.

I've come close to buying this version of the Daytona more than once, and absolutely love it.

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Originally Posted by learningtofly

Couldn't disagree more (sorry, Ryan). The Daytona is precious metal, and the movement is superior IMO... it's also a lot better looking, which isn't immediately obvious from the photo chosen to illustrate it.

I've come close to buying this version of the Daytona more than once, and absolutely love it.

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Obviously everyone has their own opinion which is great otherwise we would all own the same watch and that would be boring :)

The one thing I'd advise to be careful on is saying the Daytona movement is superior. I would say that it isn't a matter of opinion here that the Omega 9300/9400 movement is the best chronograph movement in the Sub £20k segment - I would say that a scientific fact not opinion. Power reserve, magnetic resistance, service intervals etc. That being said very few people make their buying decision on the movement alone otherwise nobody would buy a Milgauss and they would all buy Aqua Terras instead :)

Either way both lovely watches and I would be happy to own either.


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Originally Posted by ryanb741

I would say that it isn't a matter of opinion here that the Omega 9300/9400 movement is the best chronograph movement in the Sub £20k segment - I would say that a scientific fact not opinion.

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Unless you want to be able to read the minutes totaliser of your chrono, in which case chronos with 30 minute subdials suddenly look a better option. Writing "scientific fact" in front of your opinion doesn't magically turn it from an opinion into anything else.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...slerzj4ol.jpeg

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Originally Posted by Der Amf

Unless you want to be able to read the minutes totaliser of your chrono, in which case chronos with 30 minute subdials suddenly look a better option. Writing "scientific fact" in front of your opinion doesn't magically turn it from an opinion into anything else.

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No problem. Each to their own. Both watches are lovely anyway and I'd be happy to wear either.




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Hmmm... when it's been proven over time I may alter my opinion, Ryan. However, right now the Rolex movement is considered one of the greatest chronograph movements ever made so it'll do for me.

I know you're an Omega man, and I actually have two myself (and no modern Rolex whatsoever)... let's just agree that they're both pretty decent watches :)


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Have to say having owned the Daytona, it is sublime and very stealth, I also like the different shades it took up in the sun.

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

[...]The one thing I'd advise to be careful on is saying the Daytona movement is superior. I would say that it isn't a matter of opinion here that the Omega 9300/9400 movement is the best chronograph movement in the Sub £20k segment - I would say that a scientific fact not opinion. Power reserve, magnetic resistance, service intervals etc. [...]

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Regrets, but you appear to have your scientific facts wrong. Not that specifications tell anything about the actual quality, but the 9300 has a shorter power reserve (60 h vs. Rolex's 72 h). It also has an unenviable service record, plus it's thick as a brick and far less refined.

Omega's tarted-up ETA movement really shows its mundane roots and cost-cutting nature once you look under the flashy visible bits, too. Rolex's 4130 movement is far superior.

It's a very tricky watch to photograph but the Meteorite Daytona is something of a Grail for me ever since I first laid eyes on one.... It really is a watch that needs to be seen in person, the dial is mesmerising and quite stunning.
What also intrigues is that the dial is real Meteorite and is literally out of this world! The Gibeon meteorite from which the dial has been made has apparently been radiometer tested and found to be 4 Billion years old. It hit the earth when the earth was a mere infant at about 500,00 years old. The earth is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old now. It was found in Africa in the late 1800's I believe.

There is something very unique in being able to say your watch dial is 4 billion years old! A great conversation piece and I particularly like the fact that no two dials are the same, I don't think there are too many out there and as this dial has now been discontinued I don't think there's much chance of coming across to many in the wild.

http://www.fototime.com/0A4D9A3B325BDE4/large.jpg

Interesting debate about the Rolex 4130 and Omega 9300 movements, the other chronograph in my collection is an Omega Liquid Metal Planet Ocean Titanium Chronograph so I guess I'm neutral in this debate.

http://www.fototime.com/7F25B9AD566CEC2/large.jpg

The dial is still available to buy new, but at 4074 CHF + tax, few will be sold... It's really nice in person, especially with the grey alligator strap on the white gold case.

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Originally Posted by shalako

It's a very tricky watch to photograph but the Meteorite Daytona is something of a Grail for me ever since I first laid eyes on one.... It really is a watch that needs to be seen in person, the dial is mesmerising and quite stunning.
What also intrigues is that the dial is real Meteorite and is literally out of this world! The Gibeon meteorite from which the dial has been made has apparently been radiometer tested and found to be 4 Billion years old. It hit the earth when the earth was a mere infant at about 500,00 years old. The earth is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old now. It was found in Africa in the late 1800's I believe.

There is something very unique in being able to say your watch dial is 4 billion years old! A great conversation piece and I particularly like the fact that no two dials are the same, I don't think there are too many out there and as this dial has now been discontinued I don't think there's much chance of coming across to many in the wild.

http://www.fototime.com/0A4D9A3B325BDE4/large.jpg

Interesting debate about the Rolex 4130 and Omega 9300 movements, the other chronograph in my collection is an Omega Liquid Metal Planet Ocean Titanium Chronograph so I guess I'm neutral in this debate.

http://www.fototime.com/7F25B9AD566CEC2/large.jpg

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Originally Posted by Belligero

Regrets, but you appear to have your scientific facts wrong. Not that specifications tell anything about the actual quality, but the 9300 has a shorter power reserve (60 h vs. Rolex's 72 h). It also has an unenviable service record, plus it's thick as a brick and far less refined.

Omega's tarted-up ETA movement really shows its mundane roots and cost-cutting nature once you look under the flashy visible bits, too. Rolex's 4130 movement is far superior.

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Omega 9300 is one of the most reliable and accurate movements, totally manufactured in-house. I write it from experience, do you?

I don't know in which dream you've seen "unenviable service record" and "tarted-up ETA". Too much hate leads to total BS.

It is an interesting watch and never sold in any significant numbers nor was it highly in demand, trade wise it sits around the same value as a regular gold daytona on a strap but if you want to be a little different and don't fancy the more desirable and common racing dial its a good choice

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Originally Posted by Belligero

Regrets, but you appear to have your scientific facts wrong. Not that specifications tell anything about the actual quality, but the 9300 has a shorter power reserve (60 h vs. Rolex's 72 h). It also has an unenviable service record, plus it's thick as a brick and far less refined.

Omega's tarted-up ETA movement really shows its mundane roots and cost-cutting nature once you look under the flashy visible bits, too. Rolex's 4130 movement is far superior.

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Regrets but you are delusional if you think this. The Daytona movement is agricultural next to the 9300/9400 but that is nothing to be ashamed of. The 9300/9400 is the best mainstream chronograph movement out there (mainstream means not Patek, Lange etc). You saying it isn't doesn't change this fact, nor does me saying it is! Not judged by a horological nobody like me but judged by experts and watchmakers within the industry. Doesn't mean that everyone needs to rush out and get one but it is the fact of the experts that this movement is materially better than that in the watches of the competition. But hey ho, movements aren't everything, some of my favourite watches have ETA movements but please don't try and belittle Omega's achievements and the one area where they have incontestably bettered the competition just because it doesn't sit with your own myopic view if watch hierarchy.

Anyway my point is made, I'm not getting into more arguments on it, if you disagree just do yourself a favour and perform a google search and be careful when you make such statements in future as you have people coming to this site in genuine need of information and guidance and statements like yours may incorrectly inform their opinion.


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I had a close look at a Rolex meteorite dial once, for me it was on a different level, if I had the chance and the means I would get one in a heartbeat as a keeper. Daytona with a Mereorite dial is amazing.

Cool — you read some propaganda on the bastion of horological credibility called ablogtowatch.

Unfortunately, you'll find that watchmakers in real life who have experience with both the 4130 and the 9300 don't agree that Omega makes the better movement, let alone the best in any category. :)

I really like the omega version but the rolex release is lovely IMO.

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

Regrets but you are delusional if you think this. The Daytona movement is agricultural next to the 9300/9400 but that is nothing to be ashamed of.

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Bit harsh. With LIGA-toothed wheels and parachrom-blu, it's hardly agricultural. It's more highly finished than other rolex movements as well. It doesn't have a date function, so the comparison is hard to make anyway. The Omega is nice but has a decade or so to go before we know how they stack up. Omega loves their "pictograms", stick as many badges on a movement as they can, solving problems noone really had. Rolex chose another path... They needed an in-house chrono, so made it the best they could, and have kept improving on it over the years.

Given the choice I'd go for the 4130 over the 9300, it's more refined, I'd say.

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

Regrets but you are delusional if you think this. The Daytona movement is agricultural next to the 9300/9400

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Now that really is delusional!

No worries. Each to their own. Suppose some of you still believe in Santa too:)

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

No worries. Each to their own. Suppose some of you still believe in Santa too:)

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What are you trying to say??

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Originally Posted by Enoch

What are you trying to say??

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Just that life is too short and people can believe what they want.

Either way, first world problems and the Daytona is a beauty regardless of whether the Omega movement is superior or not.

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Originally Posted by ryanb741

Just that life is too short and people can believe what they want.

Either way, first world problems and the Daytona is a beauty regardless of whether the Omega movement is superior or not.

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Phew....thank god for that.......for a minute there I thought you were suggesting there's no such thing as Santa

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Originally Posted by learningtofly

Now that really is delusional!

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As good as the Omega movement may or may not be, they keep putting it in clownsized/clowndesign watches, a new one introduced every fortnight it seems, at ludicrous prices, with abysmal residuals. There have been many great chronograph movements made in the past that are forgotten and OOP today.... Will this be one of them? I have a feeling it will be....

Meanwhile people keep coughing up dough for the humdrum, poor performance calibre 1861 in the moonwatch.... ;)

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Originally Posted by 744ER

As good as the Omega movement may or may not be, they keep putting it in clownsized/clowndesign watches, a new one introduced every fortnight it seems, at ludicrous prices, with abysmal residuals. There have been many great chronograph movements made in the past that are forgotten and OOP today.... Will this be one of them? I have a feeling it will be....

Meanwhile people keep coughing up dough for the humdrum, poor performance calibre 1861 in the moonwatch.... ;)

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Well that's true re the Moonwatch - very juddery movement but somehow that adds to the charm as the co axial version of the moonwatch just doesn't have the same allure.

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The meteorite Daytona does look good (regardless of its movement :la:) but I think this looks better still...

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite Dial
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-conte...ink-Gold-1.jpg

Picture credit: A Blog To Watch http://www.ablogtowatch.com/jaeger-l...but-sihh-2015/