WG 126509 vs SS 126500.. no love for the WG?

[sampelligrino]

Been debating which one to go for, and sure it depends on the rest of the collection personal preferences etc.. but searching on threads here and just overall, it seems like most even with market premium prefer SS DaytonaC vs the WG non ceramic bracelet counterparts?

Anyone have the 116509 or 126509?

[Seddyspaghetti]

I guess ppl prefer the lower price point of the ss for a similar look

[t65tampa]

Both would be best! Heft of precious metal in a Daytona, that is pretty svelte to begin with, is transformative compared to the stainless steel version. Then again, it is hard to find a more beautiful and comfortable watch to wear than the stainless Daytona.

Basically, I'd recommend getting the 126500 from your AD when you can. Then add a white gold Daytona on the bracelet. You'll see they wear very differently even though they look similar. Get the Daytona 116509 over the current model. You can find the previous generation at some really good price points in the preowned market.

[jb335]

I love PM Daytonas. I think it’s the best version of sports PM in the Rolex lineup.

I’ll take the 509 over the 500 everytime.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kinnakeet]

I have had both, the WG one had the blue dial. SS white dial. I eventually sold them as I found them difficult to read. I frequently use a chrono and these were nearly impossible to read. Didn’t like the screw down pushers.

[gamingdoctor]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeet

I have had both, the WG one had the blue dial. SS white dial. I eventually sold them as I found them difficult to read. I frequently use a chrono and these were nearly impossible to read. Didn’t like the screw down pushers.

That's discouraging - I was thinking about getting the blue dial. I thought the hands were easier to read on that dial?

[Mrngrz46]

If gold then yellow

[MRBolton]

I've tried on the 126509 "ghost" recently and have tried on the 126500 white a couple times. The WG Daytona feels a little bland and underwhelming compared to the stunning contrast of the white dial stainless 126500 or 116500.

I think the blue 116509 is interesting, but only in certain lighting conditions.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I've tried on the 126509 "ghost" recently and have tried on the 126500 white a couple times. The WG Daytona feels a little bland and underwhelming compared to the stunning contrast of the white dial stainless 126500 or 116500.

I think the blue 116509 is interesting, but only in certain lighting conditions.

I totally get the allure of the 126500, and even with market pricing it's still substantially cheaper to obtain than the WG 126509

That being said, while I know the SS has all the hype there was something I couldn't put my finger on that led me to sell my older gen 116500LN before, maybe it seemed like just so much going on between the ceramic bezel & hollow subdials, that has me liking the more "simple" WG style with the bezel the same as the case, making the watch appear slimmer and cleaner to my eyes

Decided to go with the 126509 black stick dial, maybe it's a bit "dressier" and something appealed to me that it isn't a "hype" watch and actually more subtle in appearance than the SS versions IMO. Not to bash the SS in any way, it is truly an incredible piece by it's own right

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by sampelligrino

I totally get the allure of the 126500, and even with market pricing it's still substantially cheaper to obtain than the WG 126509

That being said, while I know the SS has all the hype there was something I couldn't put my finger on that led me to sell my older gen 116500LN before, maybe it seemed like just so much going on between the ceramic bezel & hollow subdials, that has me liking the more "simple" WG style with the bezel the same as the case, making the watch appear slimmer and cleaner to my eyes

Decided to go with the 126509 black stick dial, maybe it's a bit "dressier" and something appealed to me that it isn't a "hype" watch and actually more subtle in appearance than the SS versions IMO. Not to bash the SS in any way, it is truly an incredible piece by it's own right

I can totally understand that logic. The premium of the steel on the grey market vs the WG prices makes no sense to me.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

That's discouraging - I was thinking about getting the blue dial. I thought the hands were easier to read on that dial?

If legibility is your goal, nothing beats a Speedmaster IMHO

[Daytonaman799]

I love the new baby lemans white gold. Far better than the ceramic and it’s on my list….

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by sampelligrino

Been debating which one to go for, and sure it depends on the rest of the collection personal preferences etc.. but searching on threads here and just overall, it seems like most even with market premium prefer SS DaytonaC vs the WG non ceramic bracelet counterparts?

Anyone have the 116509 or 126509?

I have a 116509. Lots of love for the WG here.

Legibility isn't a Daytona strongpoint. It's more about which is the least illegible. But don't let that sway you. Assuming you have a smartphone, you'll havea more accurate and legible timing device right there.

And lets face it, its 2024. Analogue timing hasn't been used in motorsport (ot any sport now) for decades.

As Brian said above, if you want a more legible chronograph, get a speedmaster.

I've never been a fan of the SS Daytona's asymmetric case. Rolex "fixed" that for me with the 126500. But I had my 509 already and there's something very special about the warmth and heft of the WG.

[/QUOTE]

[Daytona king]

I think the 126519 is more popular than the 126509. I think the 126519 is actually more popular than the 126500 especially in the ghost version.

I would say
126519>126500> 126509 imo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I have a 116509….

Legibility isn't a Daytona strongpoint. It's more about which is the least illegible. But don't let that sway you. Assuming you have a smartphone, you'll havea more accurate and legible timing device right there.

[/QUOTE]

I take it back … who cares if you have to stare an extra second or two

[bp1000]

I have the steel and also the WG

I just prefer the WG, it's far more interesting and feels a lot more special on wrist.



The steel Daytona is "affordable" (in the relative sense of the world of watches) to most people and it is a fantastic watch to most. People just can't get their head around spending 3x more on the WG vs the steel.

A lot of people who make the leap to buy something in gold, go yellow, so it looks more expensive. I actually like the fact the WG looks like steel because it's less noticeable and more versatile.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I have a 116509. Lots of love for the WG here.

Legibility isn't a Daytona strongpoint. It's more about which is the least illegible. But don't let that sway you. Assuming you have a smartphone, you'll havea more accurate and legible timing device right there.

And lets face it, its 2024. Analogue timing hasn't been used in motorsport (ot any sport now) for decades.

As Brian said above, if you want a more legible chronograph, get a speedmaster.

I've never been a fan of the SS Daytona's asymmetric case. Rolex "fixed" that for me with the 126500. But I had my 509 already and there's something very special about the warmth and heft of the WG.

[/QUOTE]

My man Scott speaketh the truth.

My own particular feelings lie in the difference between the dials of the steel and WG. Yes, the warmth and heft are special, too, but man, some of the 509 dials (like the one he's wearing) just hit me right in the feels. So nice.

Now, for the best of both worlds, I like the OF line, as you get the more exotic dials plus a ceramic bezel. The newer references feature the glide lock bracelet so you not only get the best of what Daytona has to offer, but the perfect fit as well.

[alex.cicollo]

I don't like Daytonas... 🙈😍

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by bp1000

I have the steel and also the WG

I just prefer the WG, it's far more interesting and feels a lot more special on wrist.

The steel Daytona is "affordable" (in the relative sense of the world of watches) to most people and it is a fantastic watch to most. People just can't get their head around spending 3x more on the WG vs the steel.

A lot of people who make the leap to buy something in gold, go yellow, so it looks more expensive. I actually like the fact the WG looks like steel because it's less noticeable and more versatile.

Great and "reassuring" to read, I concur with the the appeal of the stealthiness of WG which is why I went for the 126509.. there's just something about the SS that I want to love like everyone else, but some box is not getting "ticked" for me there

Looking for full bracelet (have an Aquanaut I wear for the strap), and weirdly looking for a non-ceramic bezel, now realizing I like the more classic metal bezel look oddly enough

My 126509 should be coming next week With the black dial, I wish this one had the nickname Bruce Wayne vs the black/grey GMT ha ha

[ts3]

Don't have either but the 126509 black is my favorite Daytona as well. 126500 white is not for me and 126500 black feels more blingy and busy than 126509 black and as a result less subtle and clear. Also don't like the metal ring around the ceramic bezels and prefer the old-style full metal bezel in comparison.