Is the Rolex Daytona Still Hard to Get in 2025?

If you’ve been trying to get your hands on a Rolex Daytona, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not imagining things. Even in 2025, the Daytona remains one of the hardest Rolex watches to acquire. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, the struggle is real.

So why is the Daytona still so elusive?

Scarcity Is Not an Accident

Rolex doesn’t flood the market with watches. They’ve always kept production tight, and the Daytona is no exception. Despite its massive popularity, Rolex produces a limited number of Daytonas each year. Rumors suggest it’s only a few thousand pieces annually, though Rolex has never confirmed the exact number.

This limited supply creates a natural imbalance more people want a Daytona than there are Daytonas available. It’s classic supply and demand.

Long Waiting Lists (If You’re Lucky Enough to Get On One)

Walking into an authorized Rolex dealer and asking for a Daytona typically ends with a polite smile and a waitlist that could stretch several years—if the dealer even offers to put your name on it. Most dealers prioritize longtime clients or high-volume spenders. In many cases, you’ll need to have a purchase history with the store before they even consider allocating you a piece.

The stainless steel models, like the Cosmograph Daytona with a ceramic bezel (reference 116500LN), are especially in demand. These are the ones people are chasing, and they’re virtually never available for immediate purchase.

Secondary Market Realities

Because buying at retail is so tough, many turn to the secondary market. But prices here are steep. A Daytona that retails for around $15,000 often sells pre-owned for $25,000 to $40,000, depending on the model and condition. Special editions, like the Rainbow Daytona or anything with a meteorite dial, can fetch six figures without blinking.

These prices aren’t inflated for no reason the demand is just that high. Even used Daytonas hold their value incredibly well, and in many cases, they actually appreciate over time.

Is Rolex Discontinuing the Daytona?

This question pops up a lot, especially whenever Rolex updates its lineup. The brand occasionally retires specific references, which only fuels the hype. In 2023, Rolex surprised collectors by releasing an updated Daytona lineup to mark the model’s 60th anniversary. While the core design remained intact, subtle changes and movement upgrades kept the Daytona fresh without oversaturating the market.

As of now, there’s no sign that Rolex plans to discontinue the Daytona entirely—but specific models do get phased out, and when that happens, their value typically spikes.

Is It a Good Investment?

That depends on your definition of investment. If you’re looking for something with solid resale value and long-term appreciation, the Daytona is a safe bet. Few luxury watches retain value like this one. Many buyers have found that even after years of wear, they can sell their Daytona for more than they paid. That’s not something you can say about most consumer goods.

Final Thoughts

So yes, the Rolex Daytona is still incredibly hard to get in 2025, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Its mix of legendary history, mechanical excellence, and limited availability make it a crown jewel for collectors worldwide.

If you’re lucky enough to own one, wear it proudly. And if you’re still searching—be patient. The wait might be long, but for many, the Daytona is worth every second.