The Ultimate Daytona Buying Guide (Ref. 116520/116500)

[thinwhiteduke]

Will do, Sir @Reaps. I'm no expert, so I won't do a review. I will try to post pictures when my order arrives for whatever it's worth, though, from the looks of it, nobody cares for a VSF 116500LN, he he.

 

[wildkid]

I finally got around grab Clean Oysterflex and Clean clasp. I almost got their end links too, but I already bought Smarty End Links a while back. The lug fit is great, but it’s not so good where it meets the case (mine is noob 2.2). The Oysterflex feels great, I'd always wanted this look.

 

[wildkid]

The fitment is flushed and a lot better when it's not flexed on the wrist though ...

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Here, Sir @Reaps. Thank you very much @hontwatch for a smooth transaction for this VSF 116500 with DD4130 movement. Disclosure: I put value on the movement and can live with minor aesthetic flaws. First off, I know nobody appears to be interested in the VSF 116500, but I took the (friendly) challenge from Sir @Reaps. (1) I also consulted my go-to friend Sir @KJ2020 if it was ok or not cool to request Hont to open the case back. Sir KJ said no, Hont will probably decline, but lo and behold Hont did and we were able to make sure I got the DD4130 movement as advertised. See picture below; (2) The watch is not perfect, but I was blown away by my specimen! To start, it gave a reading of +2 seconds per day. See the picture below; (3) The crown "issue" thrown at VSF 116500 for me is probably unfair, or at least my watch didn't exhibit that concern. That the VSF crown is not crisp and has FAT DOTS. The VSF crown is just fine, and at the very least, it compares with my Noob's 116520 crown (Noob was the 1st to venture into True 4130 that we later know to be DD4130 or the VS4130). See picture below; (4) Area that could use improvement: VSF bracelet must have the Rolex patented Oysterlock system with the Easylink extension where you can extend or shorten the bracelet by 5mm. Again, my Noob 116520 has it. (5) Hont at @hontwatch was amazing and restored my faith in humanity, he he. I got my tracking number on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and was told to expect it in 15 to 20 days. I came home from Bangkok on the 12th and got my order from Hont yesterday, Wednesday, Nov 13! Awesome job, Mr. Hont! And did I say Hont threw in a free Rolex pouch and rubbers? Conclusion: If you're wanting a Daytona and if you're NOT a Clean fanboy, go buy a VSF Daytona (116500 or 126500) from @hontwatch. Simply put, VSF has the best movement there is as of this writing. The alleged "crown issue" is non-existent, at least in mine. And you get the best TD service (he's not chatty, but a straight shooter). Again, thank you to Sir @KJ2020 and to Sir @Reaps for the challenge. Count me in as a movement guy, thus VSF Daytonas all the way!

 

[thinwhiteduke]

... And when I can photograph it, my VSF 116500 from @hontwatch as flawless shiny rehaut with 100% engraving aligned "Xs" and "Rs." Probably my best rehaut engraving thus far.

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Not perfect, but the Rs are aligned with the markers.

 

[KJ2020]

Here, Sir @Reaps. Thank you very much @hontwatch for a smooth transaction for this VSF 116500 with DD4130 movement. Disclosure: I put value on the movement and can live with minor aesthetic flaws. First off, I know nobody appears to be interested in the VSF 116500, but I took the (friendly) challenge from Sir @Reaps. (1) I also consulted my go-to friend Sir @KJ2020 if it was ok or not cool to request Hont to open the case back. Sir KJ said no, Hont will probably decline, but lo and behold Hont did and we were able to make sure I got the DD4130 movement as advertised. See picture below; (2) The watch is not perfect, but I was blown away by my specimen! To start, it gave a reading of +2 seconds per day. See the picture below; (3) The crown "issue" thrown at VSF 116500 for me is probably unfair, or at least my watch didn't exhibit that concern. That the VSF crown is not crisp and has FAT DOTS. The VSF crown is just fine, and at the very least, it compares with my Noob's 116520 crown (Noob was the 1st to venture into True 4130 that we later know to be DD4130 or the VS4130). See picture below; (4) Area that could use improvement: VSF bracelet must have the Rolex patented Oysterlock system with the Easylink extension where you can extend or shorten the bracelet by 5mm. Again, my Noob 116520 has it. (5) Hont at @hontwatch was amazing and restored my faith in humanity, he he. I got my tracking number on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and was told to expect it in 15 to 20 days. I came home from Bangkok on the 12th and got my order from Hont yesterday, Wednesday, Nov 13! Awesome job, Mr. Hont! And did I say Hont threw in a free Rolex pouch and rubbers? Conclusion: If you're wanting a Daytona and if you're NOT a Clean fanboy, go buy a VSF Daytona (116500 or 126500) from @hontwatch. Simply put, VSF has the best movement there is as of this writing. The alleged "crown issue" is non-existent, at least in mine. And you get the best TD service (he's not chatty, but a straight shooter). Again, thank you to Sir @KJ2020 and to Sir @Reaps for the challenge. Count me in as a movement guy, thus VSF Daytonas all the way!

Super clean movement and great package bundle. Congrats bro, wear it well.

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Your guidance and wisdom are always inspiring, Sir @KJ2020. Thank you, my friend. I will wear it well indeed, my VSF 116500.

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Of rehaut engravings and serial numbers. VSF 116500 LV with the best DD4130 movement thus far from @hontwatch

 

[thinwhiteduke]

And, oh, the obligatory wristy.

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Gentlemen, I have to apologize to VSF Factory for my miss. Above I said "(4) Area that could use improvement: VSF bracelet must have the Rolex patented Oysterlock system with the Easylink extension where you can extend or shorten the bracelet by 5mm."

It turns out upon close examination that my VSF 116500 LN has the Oysterlock system with the Easylink extension! Therefore, I now have absolutely nothing to suggest to VSF that can be improved.

In conclusion, if you're deciding which Daytona to buy, take it easy on the Clean Factory and BTF Kool-Aid. Get the VSF Daytona from awesome TD @hontwatch. Both VSF 116500 and 126500 have the best movement there is!

I hope this post has helped. See pictures below of the Easylink extension:

 

[thinwhiteduke]

Taking out our VSF 116500LN for a spin. Easily the best value Daytona there is!
The best Daytona your $538 can buy! Rattle your overhyped and overpriced Clean Daytonas and contact my super TD @hontwatch and ask him to send you one! VSF 116500 LN and VSF 126500 LN. With Dandong movements VS4130 and VS4131. Simply the best bar none.