I have just received my first BTF Daytona, purchased from a true gent of the forum, @LBMCK21, and I though (similarly to my CF 116518 thread) that I would post my first impressions of the watch along with some close ups, for those who may be interested in picking one up themselves!
Firstly, I am incredibly impressed with the quality of this watch, some of the things I noticed right away include just how good the crystal and dial are! The crystal is so clear and the sunburst dial is absolutely stunning when it catches the light
The watch also has the correct markings for a platinum watch both on the case and inner bracelet, which I had seen in a few other threads people were concerned about as some of the first "leaked" pics shown some versions of the watch without them. The crown and pushers look and feel great, and the watch winds beautifully, with no noticeable grittiness like you sometimes get with these 4130 movements.
The lugs are longer than a typical 116500 case (like gen) and also the SELs protrude slightly outwards as they should do. I did a quick google for some side on pics and BTF have gotten it remarkably close on first inspection, which is incredible to see!
Link for gen pics for comparison: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/h...na-in-platinum-live-pics-full-details-pricing
Now the elephant in the room is of course the incorrect hands. It is annoying that BTF overlooked this but imo the positives of this watch more than make up for that, annd I assume this will be an easy swap to the correct hands which I will eventually do. The bezel is not to the quality of Cleans but still really nice overall, its only once you look closely and with a clean watch next to it for reference that you notice this anyway!
Overall I am incredibly happy with the watch and glad it has joined my Daytona collection.
Now to the part you actually want to see, the pics:
Firstly, I am incredibly impressed with the quality of this watch, some of the things I noticed right away include just how good the crystal and dial are! The crystal is so clear and the sunburst dial is absolutely stunning when it catches the light
The watch also has the correct markings for a platinum watch both on the case and inner bracelet, which I had seen in a few other threads people were concerned about as some of the first "leaked" pics shown some versions of the watch without them. The crown and pushers look and feel great, and the watch winds beautifully, with no noticeable grittiness like you sometimes get with these 4130 movements.
The lugs are longer than a typical 116500 case (like gen) and also the SELs protrude slightly outwards as they should do. I did a quick google for some side on pics and BTF have gotten it remarkably close on first inspection, which is incredible to see!
Link for gen pics for comparison: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/h...na-in-platinum-live-pics-full-details-pricing
Now the elephant in the room is of course the incorrect hands. It is annoying that BTF overlooked this but imo the positives of this watch more than make up for that, annd I assume this will be an easy swap to the correct hands which I will eventually do. The bezel is not to the quality of Cleans but still really nice overall, its only once you look closely and with a clean watch next to it for reference that you notice this anyway!
Overall I am incredibly happy with the watch and glad it has joined my Daytona collection.
Now to the part you actually want to see, the pics
:
