Me and the Old Ghost

[CHRONOLEX]

I'm a huge Daytona fan and have many references.

Previously had the 116 Ghost and 116 Pikachu on OF but sold the Pikachu, loving the Ghost more. (Apologies to everyone who hates the nicknames.)

When the 126 Daytona came out, I came across the new WG black dial/silver subs on OF at a grey dealer and purchased it, to figure out whether I liked the new version better (or not). If I liked it, I would try to replace my 116 Ghost with the 126 Ghost. However, after wearing the 126 for some time, I still cannot decide which one I like better.

Lots of people on here prefer the 116 because it doesn't have the metal bezel ring which seems like a scratch magnet, but others say 126 is better because new Glidelock is a game changer.

I still have no idea which one is better. "Maybe" the 126 is a little better because of the Glidelock, but it's definitely not perfect IMO. I also find the case a little blocky looking.

Anyway, for now, I will hang onto my 116 Ghost. If one of my ADs ever calls with one at retail I will definitely snag it, but until then, I'm not convinced it's worth the incremental $ on grey market. Despite significant PM purchase history at the 3 ADs I use, I have never been offered any Daytona on my list, so not holding out much hope.

Cheers to all with their 116 Daytonas!

[SS Oyster]

Same case 116 / 126 OF models. What do you mean by bulky?


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[928ktgold]

My dilemma as well. I have the 116519ln for one year now and love it I’ve been thinking it of want to update it. I had the 116500LN white for about 4 years and didn’t like the update at first, but ultimately updated it to the 126500 white. Seeing it person swayed me.
With the 116 126 ghost the differences are a lot more subtle. Not as obvious a change as the 126500LN. I grew to think the solid ceramic bezel on the 116500 looked like an after thought and didn’t flow well. Also due to it being on the smaller case of the 116500 it didn’t agree with me anymore.
On the 116519LN though I value the solid ceramic bezel for its protection against dings. And it pops more with it’s techy full disk of ceramic in the light. (My ceramic bezel in the 126500 shines less given less thickness but I like it. It goes with the thinner subdial rings.)
I also feel the sold bezel flows well with the techy design of the Daytona on OF. From a design standpoint the it all contrasts yet meshes well.

The subdials are obviously different on both models but not really perceptible as there both solid and black. I love the thinner hour markers on the 126 but value the thick ones of the 116 as it capture sunlight glimmer maybe a little more.

I got my 116 at retail and value that my AD valued my relationship enough to get it for me. However if they do get CPO and they let me update it I would probably do it as it wouldn’t cost much to change it. I’ve been quoted $10k for my 2023 116519 LN to 126519LN update. Not a no brainer decision.
I did pay similar money to change my 116 to 126500LN white, but there the differences were obvious and welcomed.
In summary 116519ln slight more sporty, 126519ln more elegant.

[Bazil]

I would keep a 116500 against 126, that’s down to sub-dial/bezel preference. As far as the 519, glide lock is such a positive, hour indices are slimmer which I prefer, I do much prefer 116519 bezel, has more presence, but it’s like everything that gets an upgrade or change it takes time to accept it or even prefer it.

[Policylimits_]

Same scenario. i had 116519 ghost and got the 126519 black. i let go of 116519 ghost. i prefer the new 126519 black. black dial is more legible to me, glide lock is great and the ring around bezel make watch appear more complete. i would consider new ghost in addition to black but with 116519 i had trouble with visibility reading the time in certain situations

[928ktgold]

OP so do you have both 116 and 126 OF steel pandas or not? Your story is not clear

[Mr. Superlative]

They all look utterly brilliant and beautiful!!

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by Bazil

I would keep a 116500 against 126, that’s down to sub-dial/bezel preference. As far as the 519, glide lock is such a positive, hour indices are slimmer which I prefer, I do much prefer 116519 bezel, has more presence, but it’s like everything that gets an upgrade or change it takes time to accept it or even prefer it.

116519 bezel does have more pop as it’s a big chunk of shiny black ceramic. However, I like the more refined look of the 126519 bezel ring. As with the 126500s it’s more refined vs the 116500 looking more sporty.

I do like the new 126 hour makers a lot more than previous even though they don’t glisten in the sun as much as the wider 116 hour markers.

[1st amg]

I like the new version as the proportions have slightly changed. I believe the new one also has a glidelock clasp. That's a game changer

[Robf52]

I have the new 126 on my AD wish list.