The 116500LN Black has been very different than what I expected

[the dark knight]

I wanted to add a Daytona for at least 15 years, the longest I've pined over any watch before finally adding it. Finally just pulled the trigger on it grey market a couple of months ago as the prices have come back down to something I could stomach.

When I first got it, I thought it would be the ultimate "trophy" watch in my small collection, something I don't wear often.

Strangely, the hype faded fast and I almost got a bit disappointed, but then recently my paradigm on the watch itself changed and I'm starting to appreciate it a lot more. I think going for the black dial was a good choice in that regard.

Rather than "hype piece", it almost feels like a fancy 214270 Explorer I, and I say this in the best way possible as I love that watch. It's just such an easy watch to pick up and wear without overthinking anything. Good in any situation. A wind and go in the sense that if it's stopped, I just need to set the time (no date) and go. The dimensions are quite similar to the 39mm Exp I as is the comfort. Once it's on, it kinda disappears on the wrist.

In addition, I think it flys under the radar better than I initially expected, which aids daily wear. The all-black probably helps, as does the 39mm smaller size. But comically I think I have to thank the success of the Moonswatch. It's made black chronos super popular and a lot more ubiquitous than they were in the past.

Indeed, so far only one person has commented on my Daytona, and it was a barista at Starbucks. I kid you not, he looked at my watch and asked if it was a "Moonwatch". Not an Omega or a Speedmaster, but a "moonwatch".

[brandrea]

Great feedback I think sometimes when you wait on a watch for so long the build up can be a bit anticlimactic.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it more with time

As for the barista… I hope they got your order right.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Great feedback I think sometimes when you wait on a watch for so long the build up can be a bit anticlimactic.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it more with time

As for the barista… I hope they got your order right.

Thanks! I think it makes sense that there is no watch (not even close) that I hyped up in my own mind as the Daytona, so the drop from that was going to be really drastic.

Barista nailed the order!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

Thanks! I think it makes sense that there is no watch (not even close) that I hyped up in my own mind as the Daytona, so the drop from that was going to be really drastic.

Barista nailed the order!

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[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had four SS Daytonas from the 16520/116520/116500 generations and my current black dial 116500 acquired in 2019 is the keeper. Even though it’s pretty blingy with the PCLs the only comments I’ve had are from watch store employees.
Hype here is strong, in the world at large it’s just not that recognized. It is as you say a very comfortable unassuming piece that could certainly serve as a one and only. It’s also the most accurate mechanical watch I’ve ever owned. Last week I wound and set it then wore it a few nights for just a few hours. A week later it has not lost or gained a second.

[rockysw]

interesting experience. thanks for sharing.

And I am glad you are liking it more with time. It is a great watch. And the movement is quite remarkable. Moonwatch, even with manual wind, is thicker than a daytona which is automatic and rotor adds significant thickness.

[rolesor2022]

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

[karleone]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

This is not Reddit. Please stop with your negative attitude

[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by karleone

This is not Reddit. Please stop with your negative attitude

I can voice my opinion about the black 116500ln, just like you did about the white 116500. Don't be a hypocrite.

[Bustelo]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

I can voice my opinion about the black 116500ln, just like you did about the white 116500. Don't be a hypocrite.

Ha! How ironic!

[Reinhard in SA]

These threads are funny. Such strong preferences for either model, when if given the chance to buy one at retail most would jump to get either model.

The ring around the black bezel insert looks good, but I still find the size of the crown guards odd. Would it stop me buying one? Most definitely not. If I could get an 11 series NOS (at list), would I buy it? Most definitely.

Congratulations on a beautiful Daytona OP!

[GVAZQUEZ]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

OP waited 15 yrs and you are going to tell him he bought the wrong watch.


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[Oldfellow]

Originally Posted by GVAZQUEZ

OP waited 15 yrs and you are going to tell him he bought the wrong watch.


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[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by GVAZQUEZ

OP waited 15 yrs and you are going to tell him he bought the wrong watch.


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When the new ref came out, I wasn’t sure how I’d react, but now I know there’s zero question… it’s a huge upgrade vs. the 2021 black dial in so many ways. My friends unanimously liked the new version much more. And it wasn’t even close. It immediately “dates” the prior model (im talking about black dial only, not white)… In person, the bezel on the old version looks a LOT more plasticy and unfinished/out of place/slapped on the top, the center rings look shimmery and cheaper, and the larger/fatter markers etc. also don’t look as refined. Myself and the others agreed, the new model looks much higher end, more balanced, more detailed, more refined. I’ll say it also feels weightier and more solid. Maybe I’m dreaming that part. But certainly feels more solid. Overall, I was really surprised at how much more I like the new model. I was half expecting to have buyer’s remorse. But it’s not even close. Really.

My friend has the prior black dial and we were able to compare side by side. The new is Much more finessed and balanced dial w/ the Zenith proportions. The prior Black ceramic looks "horsey" next to it. Even he agreed and wants to trade his old black for new black.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

When the new ref came out, I wasn’t sure how I’d react, but now I know there’s zero question… it’s a huge upgrade vs. the 2021 black dial in so many ways. My friends unanimously liked the new version much more. And it wasn’t even close. It immediately “dates” the prior model (im talking about black dial only, not white)… In person, the bezel on the old version looks a LOT more plasticy and unfinished/out of place/slapped on the top, the center rings look shimmery and cheaper, and the larger/fatter markers etc. also don’t look as refined. Myself and the others agreed, the new model looks much higher end, more balanced, more detailed, more refined. I’ll say it also feels weightier and more solid. Maybe I’m dreaming that part. But certainly feels more solid. Overall, I was really surprised at how much more I like the new model. I was half expecting to have buyer’s remorse. But it’s not even close. Really.

My friend has the prior black dial and we were able to compare side by side. The new is Much more finessed and balanced dial w/ the Zenith proportions. The prior Black ceramic looks "horsey" next to it. Even he agreed and wants to trade his old black for new black.

I couldn’t disagree more. The new one is less durable … bezel ding (polish) magnet with a copy dial to the Zenith. I prefer the look of the 116500, and it is far more durable.


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[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I couldn’t disagree more. The new one is less durable … bezel ding (polish) magnet with a copy dial to the Zenith. I prefer the look of the 116500, and it is far more durable.


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To each their own. At the end of the day, they're Both fantastic watches. I just prefer the new reference and think it is MUCH better looking than the old.

[GVAZQUEZ]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

When the new ref came out, I wasn’t sure how I’d react, but now I know there’s zero question… it’s a huge upgrade vs. the 2021 black dial in so many ways. My friends unanimously liked the new version much more. And it wasn’t even close. It immediately “dates” the prior model (im talking about black dial only, not white)… In person, the bezel on the old version looks a LOT more plasticy and unfinished/out of place/slapped on the top, the center rings look shimmery and cheaper, and the larger/fatter markers etc. also don’t look as refined. Myself and the others agreed, the new model looks much higher end, more balanced, more detailed, more refined. I’ll say it also feels weightier and more solid. Maybe I’m dreaming that part. But certainly feels more solid. Overall, I was really surprised at how much more I like the new model. I was half expecting to have buyer’s remorse. But it’s not even close. Really.

My friend has the prior black dial and we were able to compare side by side. The new is Much more finessed and balanced dial w/ the Zenith proportions. The prior Black ceramic looks "horsey" next to it. Even he agreed and wants to trade his old black for new black.

And your friends are?? just let it die bro..

And yes for what ever it’s worth I agree everyone has opinions. However OP was not asking for an opinion he was just sharing with us a watch he has been after for several years.

Let’s show support as usual fellas, have a great and safe weekend TRF


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[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by GVAZQUEZ

And your friends are?? just let it die bro..

And yes for what ever it’s worth I agree everyone has opinions. However OP was not asking for an opinion he was just sharing with us a watch he has been after for several years.

Let’s show support as usual fellas, have a great and safe weekend TRF


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At first, OP said, "Strangely, the hype faded fast and I almost got a bit disappointed.."

But I know exactly what he meant and felt when he said that because that's how I felt too when I received the black dial 116500ln. I quickly traded it for the new black dial reference 126500LN and it felt like Moses parted the Red sea all over again. It is one of the most beautiful watches, let alone Daytonas I have ever seen/experienced. Did not mean to offend. Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone

[karleone]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

When the new ref came out, I wasn’t sure how I’d react, but now I know there’s zero question… it’s a huge upgrade vs. the 2021 black dial in so many ways. My friends unanimously liked the new version much more. And it wasn’t even close. It immediately “dates” the prior model (im talking about black dial only, not white)… In person, the bezel on the old version looks a LOT more plasticy and unfinished/out of place/slapped on the top, the center rings look shimmery and cheaper, and the larger/fatter markers etc. also don’t look as refined. Myself and the others agreed, the new model looks much higher end, more balanced, more detailed, more refined. I’ll say it also feels weightier and more solid. Maybe I’m dreaming that part. But certainly feels more solid. Overall, I was really surprised at how much more I like the new model. I was half expecting to have buyer’s remorse. But it’s not even close. Really.

My friend has the prior black dial and we were able to compare side by side. The new is Much more finessed and balanced dial w/ the Zenith proportions. The prior Black ceramic looks "horsey" next to it. Even he agreed and wants to trade his old black for new black.

Then in your opinion the 126500 white is better than 116500 white right? Otherwise all your argumentation doesn’t make any sense!

[MK25toLife]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

Classless and tasteless

[Easy Rhino]

I'm not ready to ask for and expect to obtain a Daytona yet, but I cannot choose between a black or white dial, nor do I need to yet. But they're both beautiful and what a great problem to have! Choose what speaks to your heart and charge forward from there. Who TF cares about detractors?

[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by MK25toLife

Classless and tasteless

Okay.

[amphr1]

I think one reason no one comments is that there are so many watch that looks exactly the same across the room that you have to really look to find out. It could have been a seiko or a mall watch for all anyone would know unless it's an arms length away. In this way, I'm also glad I have the black. But no doubt there is owner bias I cannot get rid of. The real test would be, if Rolex let you exchange dial and give you stamp of approval, would you exchange your black dial with a Panda?

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[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by amphr1

I think one reason no one comments is that there are so many watch that looks exactly the same across the room that you have to really look to find out. It could have been a seiko or a mall watch for all anyone would know unless it's an arms length away. In this way, I'm also glad I have the black. But no doubt there is owner bias I cannot get rid of. The real test would be, if Rolex let you exchange dial and give you stamp of approval, would you exchange your black dial with a Panda?

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No I wouldn't for exactly the reason you mentioned. Even if someone knows nothing about watches, the Panda would be much more noticeable because of the color contrast.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Is that why your nickname is also the dark knight? Seems like there’s a theme going on.


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[BraveBold]

I remember discussing black vs white dial with my wife when I was considering which one to get. I chose black because it was simply more “me”… I am guessing for many owners it is just a sense of what fits their style better. I honestly couldn’t fathom having one that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. There is such a trivial difference in cost that for the vast majority of owners, it would be absurd NOT to get exactly what they desire…

I still take random photos of it after nearly 5 full years of ownership… beautiful watch and one I don’t intend to ever sell.

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

I remember discussing black vs white dial with my wife when I was considering which one to get. I chose black because it was simply more “me”… I am guessing for many owners it is just a sense of what fits their style better. I honestly couldn’t fathom having one that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. There is such a trivial difference in cost that for the vast majority of owners, it would be absurd NOT to get exactly what they desire…

I still take random photos of it after nearly 5 full years of ownership… beautiful watch and one I don’t intend to ever sell.

Its funny because I went back and forth on the Black vs White debate over and over in my own head and so I turned to my wife for advice (she knew nothing of the cost difference or the nicknames etc)...she instantly said to get the white as it was more "me"...even after I told her the price difference she said I would regret not getting the white in the long run.

[BlondesNwatches]

Definitely an amazing piece and I can appreciate that it flies under the radar, which is a good thing.

[~JJ]

It’s funny, my initial thought when I bought my first Daytona was it wears very similar to my 39mm Explorer. I find this case design to be the most comfortable to wear in the Rolex line. Great watch and congrats!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I feel you, OP. Said it time and again. Biggest "let-down" of my watch-collecting journey has been my Daytona. They're hyped to hell... and I honestly don't know why at this point.

A nice watch - sure. But for me it's just "so so".

It does wear well, that said. And is super comfy. But for me, the cons far outweigh the pros.