16520 black vs 116500 panda

[archershot23]

116500 is literally THE GOAT. It is THE ONE who is responsible that started this entire Rolex mania since it's inception.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by Deppe

I will probably be in the minority but I prefer the 16520 - especially with tritium dial and hands.

The 16520 was the Daytona that started all the hype around the Daytona and it was the first automatic Daytona. It has the same case as the 116500, but with a steel bezel that is reminiscent of (some of) the four digit Daytonas, especially if you can find one with a 200 uph bezel.

On the black 16520, the subdials are more cream than silver - from the six digits and up, the subdials are more silver. Also, the lugs are brushed on the 16520 and last but not least, the subdials are centered on the 3/9 axis, where they are slightly above that on the 116500.

I am indifferent with regards to the bracelet - yes, the 5 digit bracelets feels flimsier, but for me they tend to wear more comfortable.

I really like the 116500 as well, but find that the 16520 has more charm.

EDIT: Also, as the 16520 was dependent on Zenith to deliver movements, the output was actually limited to what Zenith could deliver. The scarcity of these at the time was therefore real.

I agree with most of this.

To me, the 16520 is class. I have no interest in the 116500 at all, it’s a bit too obvious for me. The 16520 can be work anywhere I go and just blends in.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by travisb

I almost always go modern but this is the perfect Daytona for me.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Beautiful, very classy.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by archershot23

116500 is literally THE GOAT. It is THE ONE who is responsible that started this entire Rolex mania since it's inception.

Really!

I don’t think so.

[spellmanski]

Originally Posted by ratty

Really!

I don’t think so.

Totally agree... that's the one I WOULDN'T go for!

[joli160]

Between this two I’d prefer the 5 digit.

Throw in the 126500 and that will be the one to take home

[Hkspwrsche]

116500 for me(as seen on my IG). I do like hacking the movement to get it dead on official time. I prefer my white dial for legibility but my eyes are almost to the point of needing reading glasses. The black dial feels more dressy.

I’d love to add a zenith as well eventually.

[elau1958]

If the 5-digit is more desirable, why are they so much less expensive? I happen to be in the market for a Daytona and we have a pre-owned Rolex authorized dealer in town. I was looking through their inventory last night and noticed the 5-digits are almost $10K cheaper even they are 2-tone.

[jcdevoe26]

116500LN White Dial for me :-)

[Deppe]

Originally Posted by elau1958

If the 5-digit is more desirable, why are they so much less expensive? I happen to be in the market for a Daytona and we have a pre-owned Rolex authorized dealer in town. I was looking through their inventory last night and noticed the 5-digits are almost $10K cheaper even they are 2-tone.

The 5-digits are not more desirable per se, and plenty of people prefer the ceramic bezel or the full in-house Rolex movement. I think this is just people that states their preferences for why the 5 digit Daytona are, in their opinion, more desirable based on what they value in a watch. As I stated earlier, I prefer the 5-digit due to the symmetry of the subdials among other things.

Regarding price, the prices in the EU for SS models with box and paper are about equal for the two models - but of course the supply of Daytona’s from the 1990’s with box and papers are more scarce than the 6-digits.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Bazil

Who wouldn’t want this though … I know it’s not black but is a beauty …

I know it’s a moot point but why if the 116500 is a “Panda”, why was this watch never referred to as a panda??? Just so many dang stupid silly nicknames in general. Daytona is an awesome name for such an iconic watch. Just my opinions!

[Kingcobb]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

The only Panda I’m interested in is the 6263 Newman. Otherwise the 116500 panda is just a “hype” watch in my opinion. The zenith, on the other hand, signals to the watch world that you’re a proper enthusiast, and is bound to draw up conversation.

But this is all just semantics. Buy what you love. In Daytona land, that happens to be the 5 digit zeniths and 4 digit plexis of the old world for me personally :)

You do realize the Newman is the very definition of a hype watch right? A watch they literally couldn't sell until it became associated with PN?

I mean I would love to have one, but I'm not gonna decide current production as a hype watch and turn around and say I want a newman like it isn't a hype watch....

[Kingcobb]

To answer the ops question all else being equal I'd take a 126 over either. As I already have one of those in black I'd buy a 116. The zenniths personally look small and less readable. Plus i love the ceramic bezels.

[1665fan]

16520 for sure…..patrizzi if you can find one

[Casey VP-26]

The 16520 Zenith Movement. I know it's been 25 years, but I still have an issue with the new inhouse movement using an Elastic Ring to advance the timer-hand. (WatchTime magazine February 2001 Page 32).

[Texasjim]

I wouldn’t kick any of em out of bed.