116500 White vs Black

[bmwsubmariner]

I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.

• I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
• White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
• White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
• I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
• Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
• I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.

[Roger Lococco]

I really think that the white dial is the right choice here. An all time classic.


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[rlx123]

I have both and the black dial just sits in the safe.


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[Roddypeepa]

What else do you own? That might make a difference.

White is so obviously a Daytona could be more obvious to everyone else. Maybe that appeals. Maybe it doesn’t?

I think when the time comes - once I’ve gathered the funds - I will be getting a white. I think it’s slightly more legible and long term as an inheritance I think white will prove to be the best bet. Nice to know my son could liquidate it easily if he needs to in time.

Lot of hope around the Daytona but I think most of it is justified. Built like a tank and one of the best chrono movements ever made.


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[alex.cicollo]

Most of my steel watches have black dials - white makes for a bit of diversity in my collection.

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

I really think that the white dial is the right choice here. An all time classic.


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Originally Posted by rlx123

I have both and the black dial just sits in the safe.


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Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

What else do you own? That might make a difference.

White is so obviously a Daytona could be more obvious to everyone else. Maybe that appeals. Maybe it doesn’t?

I think when the time comes - once I’ve gathered the funds - I will be getting a white. I think it’s slightly more legible and long term as an inheritance I think white will prove to be the best bet. Nice to know my son could liquidate it easily if he needs to in time.

Lot of hope around the Daytona but I think most of it is justified. Built like a tank and one of the best chrono movements ever made.


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116600 SD4K - likely going to trade/sell this. Either now for the Daytona or eventually for a GMT. I'd like to have the Daytona and a GMT (either 16710 with any bezel or 116710 BLNR)
Omega SMP Quartz - Blue Dial - sentimental piece
Omega SMP Coax - Black Dial - sentimental piece.

Originally Posted by alex.cicollo

Most of my steel watches have black dials - white makes for a bit of diversity in my collection.

Thanks everyone! Few pics of the white dial I tried (incoming soon below). I go back and forth if it works with my skin tone. I think some of it is that I've only had black/blue dial watches. So going to white is totally new. I'm pretty boring in the regard.

[bmwsubmariner]

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[Spoonage]

I had the choice black or white... I went white.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner

116600 SD4K - likely going to trade/sell this. Either now for the Daytona or eventually for a GMT. I'd like to have the Daytona and a GMT (either 16710 with any bezel or 116710 BLNR)
Omega SMP Quartz - Blue Dial - sentimental piece
Omega SMP Coax - Black Dial - sentimental piece.



Thanks everyone! Few pics of the white dial I tried (incoming soon below). I go back and forth if it works with my skin tone. I think some of it is that I've only had black/blue dial watches. So going to white is totally new. I'm pretty boring in the regard.

In that case definitely white. Would make a nice contrast to your black and blue seamasters.


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[4 Aussies]

The two most popular Rolex watches are the Sub and GMT, dial color black. I took myself out of the masses and bought white. I'm also on my AD's shortlist for black, which I like as well, both are winners, but a white dial Rolex is different and stands out, contrast is King for me!!

[Captkerosene]

I bought a black and then replaced it with a white. Black shiny chrome looked cheap to me and couldn't read the sub dials. (Just got new glasses.) Love the watch but I'm already looking at WG/blue dial and YG/Newman to complement it. Maybe put the Panda on a strap for more casual wear ... lots of polish for a sports watch.

[mpkRolex]

Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner

I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.

• I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
• White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
• White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
• I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
• Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
• I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.

I think you have answered your own question


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[EL Diablo]

I have both and wear the black 99% over the white.
I just gravitate to it more.

[prnceofpersia23]

Love my black dial. Works with absolutely everything.

Unfortunately it’s too similar to the sea of black dial, oyster bracelet sports Rolex. The white dial is a great contrast as part of a collection.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner

I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.

• I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
• White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
• White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
• I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
• Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
• I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.

OP You seem to be inclined towards a white bias based upon your post. Go with what sings to you. The white seems to.

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

I had the choice black or white... I went white.

Good move. Any particular reason why you went white? Just prefer the look or a lot of other black dial watches in your collection?

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

In that case definitely white. Would make a nice contrast to your black and blue seamasters.


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Thanks! You make a great point about it being different than others in my small collection.

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

The two most popular Rolex watches are the Sub and GMT, dial color black. I took myself out of the masses and bought white. I'm also on my AD's shortlist for black, which I like as well, both are winners, but a white dial Rolex is different and stands out, contrast is King for me!!

Great points, thanks!

Originally Posted by Captkerosene

I bought a black and then replaced it with a white. Black shiny chrome looked cheap to me and couldn't read the sub dials. (Just got new glasses.) Love the watch but I'm already looking at WG/blue dial and YG/Newman to complement it. Maybe put the Panda on a strap for more casual wear ... lots of polish for a sports watch.

Never even thought about the black looking cheap, so I appreciate that perspective. The WG/blue dial is my favorite Daytona on bracelet. Price is a bit out of reach for me at the moment and my concern would be the weight for a daily wear watch. All of my watches get worn and used for everything. For a while I was considering a 16520 for the lighter weight, but ever since the 116500 came out in 2016, I've wanted one and never wanted a Daytona previously. Just looked so clean to me. 2 of my friends have black dial 116500's which every time I saw, I realized how much I liked.

Originally Posted by mpkRolex

I think you have answered your own question


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Haha! Definitely back and forth. Maybe watching more videos and looking at more pics will help convince me. :)

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Love my black dial. Works with absolutely everything.

Unfortunately it’s too similar to the sea of black dial, oyster bracelet sports Rolex. The white dial is a great contrast as part of a collection.

Thanks! That is my thought on black dial too, it will go with everything. I want it to work with every outfit and occasion. I think the black will do that. The white I have a slight concern with, but you make a great point about it being different. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by inadeje

OP You seem to be inclined towards a white bias based upon your post. Go with what sings to you. The white seems to.

Funny enough, I've always wanted the black. Maybe it was due to the price difference and I was trying to talk myself into black? But I don't think so, I think I genuinely prefer it. Downside with the black is not being able to tell the time and a possibly larger wearing watch (visually).

The main reason I'm considering the white is because everyone seems to say the white is way better on the 116500. With everything in life, I try and understand the other side of the equation and what I could be missing by focusing so much on the black. Like I said, I think the white looks so clean in some instances. Black looks cleaner in more situations, but when the white looks good, it is just perfect.

The $4k price difference I also think about to some extent. I'd like to get into a GMT at some point in addition to the Daytona and that goes a decent ways towards acquiring that. But if the white dial is actually better, then I'll go that direction. I'm very indifferent as I like them both. :)

[Kenny G]

I much prefer the black but majority will always be white. The good news is that you can’t go wrong with either.

The only thing I’d say is that never let the ~$4K difference factor in as it’s such a small amount of difference when you’re in the ~$25-29k grey market price range.

[Lol-x]

I've experienced both and white is my preference on a 116500.

Legibility is great. The panda effect is superior.

But as always go with what makes you happy!!

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by alex.cicollo

Most of my steel watches have black dials - white makes for a bit of diversity in my collection.

this is spot on. Unless you have many other white dial watches, this is a no brainer.

[BraveBold]

Black dial is the better looking watch. It also looks more expensive, not that it should matter.

White dial is what more people want to post on Instagram. It epitomizes “hype watch” and will be more instantly recognizable if that matters.

The price difference is immaterial.

[Bxtek]

White would be my choice. The dial color really "pops" more for me, also there's more contrast with everything, especially against the black ceramic bezel. Also, as you already mentioned....easier to read.

[Oytun]

Originally Posted by rlx123

I have both and the black dial just sits in the safe.

Same here, don't remember when was the last time it had a wrist time.

When you got white, you want black. When you got black, you want white. When you got both of them, black sits in the safe.

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had four SS Daytonas from the three previous generations, two white and two black. I chose the black 116500 because I like it better. My AD doesn’t differentiate, if you are offered a steel Daytona you are asked what color, more people ask for white so it takes longer to get.
I think about this a lot when I wear my Daytona…it’s a great rugged comfortable watch that keeps extremely accurate time but if you expect it to change your life it probably won’t. You have to love it because you enjoy it, not because of what others think.

[t65tampa]

I have white dial 126500 and black dial 116500. Both are beautiful - white more legible, black looks sleeker. I’m most likely to wear my yellow gold 116508. All kidding aside, get when excites you. They are both great variants of a fantastic watch model.


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[Mr. Superlative]

I have white 12 and black 11.
I prefer the Black, it looks way more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
The white is still beautiful, no doubt about it. But the Black for me personally is easily the better looking of the two.
As others have said, there is no right or wrong answer here. Both are great, so buy the colour that speaks to you most.