Daytona 116500 v 126500

[ZDaytonawatchlvr]

I think the 116500 reminds me of the 6263 and the 126500 reminds me of the 16520. The thinner sub dials on the 126500 remind me of the Zenith Daytona 16520 whereas the larger sub dials of the 116500 remind me of the 6263. Either is a classic but with the relatively short production run of the 116500 it might be the watch to own for collectibility. It seems to me that Rolex is always refining the look of their watches away from the older sporty look to a more refined jewelry item look. Don't get me wrong, if offered a 126500 at retail I would certainly purchase it and be very happy. I own the 116500 in black and white and plan to keep them both.

[SVH]

really splitting hairs in comparing these two! but i agree the 126500

[dnd2984]

I like my sub dials thick..

[Steerpike999]

White Dial 116500 all the way, the 126500 white dial looks anaemic imo.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by ZDaytonawatchlvr

I think the 116500 reminds me of the 6263 and the 126500 reminds me of the 16520. The thinner sub dials on the 126500 remind me of the Zenith Daytona 16520 whereas the larger sub dials of the 116500 remind me of the 6263. Either is a classic but with the relatively short production run of the 116500 it might be the watch to own for collectibility. It seems to me that Rolex is always refining the look of their watches away from the older sporty look to a more refined jewelry item look. Don't get me wrong, if offered a 126500 at retail I would certainly purchase it and be very happy. I own the 116500 in black and white and plan to keep them both.

I like this analogy. I also think at normal wrist distance it’s all very close.

[Mr. Superlative]

A divisive topic, with no right answer. For me, personally, I prefer the 12 white. It looks more sharp, more refined, with a real poise about it. However, for the Black I prefer the 11. That watch, to me, is perfect. It has stealthiness, masculinity, confidence, and exudes class from any distance.

12 White.
11 Black.

[Miexpeman]

I’m glad that the length of time that I had to wait before getting the call meant that I got the 126500 white dial. Great watch!

[nr1416]

I personally like the sportier look of the 116500 more, I think the chunk of ceramic you get on the bezel will be something that collectors will love down the road when everything has a bezel ring for the next 20 years on it.

I do get why people like the refined look of the 126500, but to say you love one and can't stand the other is crazy both are amazing watches and from the average persons point of view they are identical.

[arrey]

126500 is the way much nicer dial and the bezel gives some vintage vibes but at end buy what you really like.

[Spartacus]

11 by a mile

[Armis]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=950372

Here’s the poll where 126500 wins, for info

Both pieces are in the end nice, but I wanted to make a point about the poll (which I’m sure some will push back on:)). Interestingly, I didn’t realize this poll was not based on the comparison of live side by side pictures of the pieces, or alternatively on wrist shots. A little shading here, or a little highlighting there introduces some potential degree of bias for some people. Indeed, for me looking at this poll, I find the white dial 12 a little more appealing. However, every wrist shot or table comparison had me choosing the 11, while the 12 looked sort of ‘anemic’ in comparison to the stronger contrast of the 11. Again, the main point is the relative limitation of the poll. And I’m not even getting into the ownership details of the respondents which may further have skewed results.