116500 to 126500 upgrade?

[Maxy]

Hi folks, I have the 116500 white dial and love it and recently I was able to hold the 126500 white dial and I'm truly impressed. I feel the steel ring around the ceramic bezel and slimmer markers and inner circles give it very modern feeling. There's also the case lugs symmetry match. Overall, it makes it very appealing. I'm now seriously thinking if I should upgrade. Anyone else did this or thinking to do it? Or do you think in the long run, the 1st ceramic Daytona will remain popular? Any thoughts? Please share.

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had a black 116500 since ‘19. Last spring in Vegas the WOS in Wynn’s had a 126500 black as exhibition. Trying them on and comparing side by side, there’s just not enough difference for me to seek one out.

[Hkspwrsche]

Your own opinion may vary so you need to decide for yourself. I have a white 116500 and based on timing, I had the choice of both when both were out. I was leary of the metal ring (from years of speedy service a the dings on the bezel) and if I wanted a zenith with thinner sub dials I would have bought that instead.
I honestly think the black looks better in photos; even my own black dial. I still think the 116500 white is the most legible ceramic stainless Daytona. Try them on back to back and you’ll know for sure. I did.

I would look very carefully at both in person. We blow up these macro photos and comparisons often make them lean toward our own preference but, on the wrist both white dials are very similar with legibility going to the 116 for me. The a-symmetrical case is not unusual for any Rolex. The heavier crown guards on the new version make it look less symmetrical to me.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I’ve had a black 116500 since ‘19. Last spring in Vegas the WOS in Wynn’s had a 126500 black as exhibition. Trying them on and comparing side by side, there’s just not enough difference for me to seek one out.

Thanks for your response.

Originally Posted by Hkspwrsche

Your own opinion may vary so you need to decide for yourself. I have a white 116500 and based on timing, I had the choice of both when both were out. I was leary of the metal ring (from years of speedy service a the dings on the bezel) and if I wanted a zenith with thinner sub dials I would have bought that instead.
I honestly think the black looks better in photos; even my own black dial. I still think the 116500 white is the most legible ceramic stainless Daytona. Try them on back to back and you’ll know for sure. I did.

I would look very carefully at both in person. We blow up these macro photos and comparisons often make them lean toward our own preference but, on the wrist both white dials are very similar with legibility going to the 116 for me. The a-symmetrical case is not unusual for any Rolex. The heavier crown guards on the new version make it look less symmetrical to me.

That I agree that 116's porcelain white dial is the more legible and the 126 white is more matte and not as white as 116. Thanks for your reply as well!

[omar-rye]

I'd be content with the 116500 if I owned it, but given the choice between the two, I prefer the 126500 by a mile.

[Triggerfish]

I love both, but I am drawn to the newer design in white. It's just personal taste. I've always told myself I would like a black dial 116500 and a white dial 126500, and I could be totally happy picking between the two every morning!

[amphr1]

I had a hard time telling the two apart in the first few seconds of holding them. Unless you are really into the brand, you would not spot the difference. If you already have one, there is very little reason imho to upgrade.

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[Cru Jones]

If you like the 12, get it. Pretty simple, IMHO.

[PenDelicate]

You meet two people at a watch-gathering.

A: "Oh, I had the previous version but sold it: when the new version came out, I just had to have it."

B: "I prefer the newer version, but you know what? THIS is my watch, and I'm sticking with it."

[hojlund]

why not getting the 126500 black dial as you already got the white dial? white dial for black shirt and black dial for white shirt, enjoy best of both world.

[Toivonen]

126500 is way better than the previous one imho. So, if you can, do it

[geoach]

this topic is been done over and over...........case is different and some small ring added OK like it or don't like it

[Armis]

From your post I believe you like the white 12 more than your 11. To answer your question, based on what we’re already seeing today, it’s unlikely that in the future the 11 will be more popular although it will remain as popular as any Daytona. The 11 did get a lot of attention because of the difference from previous generations. However, a poignant question is whether the 11 or 12 will be as popular as the Zenith version. I think collectors feel very strongly about that version, and you see comparisons of the 12 to the Zenith. Ultimately, just go ahead with the 12 without concern about future value of the 11. Good luck!

[padi56]

Its your choice but hardly a upgrade.

[Daytona king]

I was in a similar situation. For me the modern case was worth the trade imo. For me the 126500 is a significant upgrade as the watch wears larger on my wrist. It also looks for refined. The new case is the same case as the OF Daytona.

Get the new one. If you are already asking you know the answer.



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[GB-man]

I did it as I strongly preferred the new reference. Do it.

[JSol1]

I prefer the 12s. I own both Black & White 116’s and I plan on upgrading both. As others have said, no big changes just iterations of refinement…

[inadeje]

I prefer the 12-series Daytona, but there’s really nothing groundbreaking about the design—at least historically speaking. The bezel surround is a clear nod to the four-digit Daytona, while the slimmer hour markers and subdials are a direct throwback to the five-digit Zenith-era Daytona. The larger presence of the 12-series is basically Rolex giving the Daytona the 'maxi case' treatment, creating the illusion of a bigger watch on the wrist.

[Bazil]

I went from 116 to 126. Panda to Ghost, no regrets …

[BraveBold]

It would be a downgrade. The 116500 is nicer, in both colors. Particularly the black in 116, the sub-dials catch the light in a way that really complements the PCLs and elevates the watch another level.

[brandrea]

I like the updated 12 version much more than the previous generation. Approved

[Halifax Daytona UK]

I had the choice of either as i was buying grey and went with the 126 as I felt it looked more refined.

[Onequik135i]

I prefer the newer 126 over the older one, those thinner zenith era sub dials does it for me.

[travisb]

Should be an easy transition if that's what you want.
Given the choice today, I'd take the 126 over the 116.

[lord91]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I prefer the 12-series Daytona, but there’s really nothing groundbreaking about the design—at least historically speaking. The bezel surround is a clear nod to the four-digit Daytona, while the slimmer hour markers and subdials are a direct throwback to the five-digit Zenith-era Daytona. The larger presence of the 12-series is basically Rolex giving the Daytona the 'maxi case' treatment, creating the illusion of a bigger watch on the wrist.

The 12 series Daytona case is a bit larger than the 11's series, indeed. However, it is anything but a maxi case; it's refined, with nice and curved proportions.

[Redsub71]

No way, i prefer the old 116500. Small case, more white dial and more big sport counters. The new 12 is a bad copy

[Bxtek]

I personally like all of the new 126 updates and would choose it over the 116 if both were in front of me to pick. If I had already owned a 116, I wouldn't consider "upgrading" since they are too similar. I say upgrading in quotes because I honestly feel that neither is better than the other. It's all in the self preference and which one the particular person likes best.

I don't know what's in your collection, but if you currently have a white 116 and want a 126, maybe consider a black 126? Sell nothing and add it to your collection? Different enough to justify buying, and you still get to enjoy all of the new updates with the new ref?

[Mystro]

Boy has this topic been discussed to the 1/10000 degree several times. Nothing new to even to say other than some reliability reports coming in with the 12 series movement changes. Still early but there is some issues being reported here on TRF. I personally don’t think the cal.4130 can be improved on and is still the best modern movement Rolex has ever created.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by lord91

The 12 series Daytona case is a bit larger than the 11's series, indeed. However, it is anything but a maxi case; it's refined, with nice and curved proportions.

Several members here did caliper measurements of the two watches when the 12 series was introduced. There was nothing about the cases that varied by as much as 1/2 mm. Styling wise there are differences but for all intents and purposes their cases are identical in size.

[Aerotol786]

Originally Posted by Daytona king

I was in a similar situation. For me the modern case was worth the trade imo. For me the 126500 is a significant upgrade as the watch wears larger on my wrist. It also looks for refined. The new case is the same case as the OF Daytona.

Get the new one. If you are already asking you know the answer.



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As someone with both what’s your experience with the new movement? Have you tried running the chrono for a while on both and seeing how it affects timekeeping?