Need the forum’s advice!

[rrschmieder]

Hello all,

I am close to pulling the trigger on a two-tone Daytona with the black dial, but for the life of me can’t decide between the current version 116503 (with the updated bezel), or the previous version 116523 that was discontinued.

If I get a later version of the discontinued model, it’s essentially the exact same watch (same movement with parachrome hairspring and even ROLEX rehaut). The difference is just the bezel font and design.

In general I would prefer a newer watch, but the difference here seems pretty minuscule and it looks like I can get the discontinued version for $2k-$3k less than a current model.

The current version is on the left and the previous version is on the right. What do you guys think?

[springer]

I think the answer is...only you can decide. Why let others pick out your Daytona. Get what you can afford and like.

[rrschmieder]

Yeah, that’s fair.

[lord91]

I would absolutely get the current version, the font on the old one is ridiculous.

[RFC]

Up to me I would ask how much older is the previous version? Both are almost identical but if the previous version is 5 years or more older I would pick the newer version. I can’t tell the production date from your descripcion. Btw if you are asking you seem inclined to buy new.

[harrisonMandy]

Originally Posted by rrschmieder

Hello all,

I am close to pulling the trigger on a two-tone Daytona with the black dial, but for the life of me can’t decide between the current version 116503 (with the updated bezel), or the previous version 116523 that was discontinued.

If I get a later version of the discontinued model, it’s essentially the exact same watch (same movement with parachrome hairspring and even ROLEX rehaut). The difference is just the bezel font and design.

In general I would prefer a newer watch, but the difference here seems pretty minuscule and it looks like I can get the discontinued version for $2k-$3k less than a current model.

The current version is on the left and the previous version is on the right. What do you guys think?

Rolex released the Daytona ref. 116523 in 2000 as part of the new-generation Daytona collection equipped with the new in-house Caliber 4130 automatic movement. Remember, prior to that year, Daytona watches ran on caliber 4030, which was a modified Zenith El Primero automatic movement.

Like all modern Daytona watches, the Daytona ref. 116523 sports a 40mm Oyster case, screw down chronograph pushers, and a screw-down winding crown. As a Rolesor model (Rolex’s term for two-tone watches), it features an appealing mix of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold throughout the watch. For instance, there’s the yellow gold engraved tachymeter bezel on the stainless steel case and the yellow gold center links framed by steel links on the Oyster bracelet. The Daytona ref. 116523 comes with many dial color and hour marker options, however, they all include the trio of registers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.