Steel Daytona on my wrist (good fit and if so new or old)

[Bazil]

I’m going 126, as mentioned few times before ..

[joshua.pearl3]

Thank you all for your responses. The message is clear:

1. Most think that the fit is generally good, but perhaps the 11 series might be slightly better although the differences are negligible. The pre-ceramic generation might be even better
2. As a watch and ignoring fit you think the 12 series is better but could be that the premium is not justified for such similar pieces
3. The wear and tear of the 12 series might be greater as the metallic ring around the bezel gets dinged
4. The 11 series is more comfortable

Where I stand based on the above:

1. Pre-ceramic is something I would consider getting for my father as a gift (debating between this and the Pepsi jubilee). A lovely watch to stay in the family. I am looking for ceramic pieces (less wear and tear) and since I am marginally biased to get the latest which I think is slightly more elegant (hope so!) I want to side with those who say the difference on the wrist in insignificant
2. The latest offers I got: unworn 11 series from 2020 for EUR 28k and unworn 12 series from Feb 2025 for EUR 30-31k (different dealers). The former would source the 12 series directly from Rolex (you don’t want to know more!) and for that “piece of mind” that it is not stolen I would probably have to pay more. The Daytona service is c. EUR 2k and I imagine it would be due soon. For an additional c. EUR [1-2]k I’d go with the new one
3. Wear and tear is a huge consideration. I admire the braveness of those who don’t put a cover and screen protector on their phones. I was even contemplating sticking those thin protective films around the watch but it would probably be visible and embarrassing. In any case, I guess at service time, I will swallow the cost of a ring replacement if it carries dents and scratches
4. Frankly, didn’t feel any difference when I put them on for a minute each but I suppose the most comfortable would be to not wear a watch at all. Could be that some weight on my wrist wouldn’t harm; currently the only type of physical exercise I do is grabbing packets of crisps from supermarket shelfs and waiting for the discovery of the mechanical heart!
Thank you very much everyone – your help and advice has been most helpful! Will update you once the watch is found by the dealers and purchased :)

PS 1. The Cartier is very comfortable – no issues with blocking blood circulation :)
PS 2. Agreed on the 36mm. But do I get the gold Day Date (which I find absolutely absolutely absolutely stunning)? A bit too much, I think. I am in my mid-30s going out on dates. The Day Date will scream! And at work (very large family office type private equity we have to pretend we are modest – not even the Day-C will see the four walls there).

[Daytona king]

Originally Posted by joshua.pearl3

Thank you all for your responses. The message is clear:

1.Most think that the fit is generally good, but perhaps the 11 series might be slightly better although the differences are negligible. The pre-ceramic generation might be even better
2.As a watch and ignoring fit you think the 12 series is better but could be that the premium is not justified for such similar pieces
3.The wear and tear of the 12 series might be greater as the metallic ring around the bezel gets dinged
4.The 11 series is more comfortable

Where I stand based on the above:

1.Pre-ceramic is something I would consider getting for my father as a gift (debating between this and the Pepsi jubilee). A lovely watch to stay in the family. I am looking for ceramic pieces (less wear and tear) and since I am marginally biased to get the latest which I think is slightly more elegant (hope so!) I want to side with those who say the difference on the wrist in insignificant
2.The latest offers I got: unworn 11 series from 2020 for EUR 28k and unworn 12 series from Feb 2025 for EUR 30-31k (different dealers). The former would source the 12 series directly from Rolex (you don’t want to know more!) and for that “piece of mind” that it is not stolen I would probably have to pay more. The Daytona service is c. EUR 2k and I imagine it would be due soon. For an additional c. EUR [1-2]k I’d go with the new one
3.Wear and tear is a huge consideration. I admire the braveness of those who don’t put a cover and screen protector on their phones. I was even contemplating sticking those thin protective films around the watch but it would probably be visible and embarrassing. In any case, I guess at service time, I will swallow the cost of a ring replacement if it carries dents and scratches
4.Frankly, didn’t feel any difference when I put them on for a minute each but I suppose the most comfortable would be to not wear a watch at all. Could be that some weight on my wrist wouldn’t harm; currently the only type of physical exercise I do is grabbing packets of crisps from supermarket shelfs and waiting for the discovery of the mechanical heart!
Thank you very much everyone – your help and advice has been most helpful! Will update you once the watch is found by the dealers and purchased :)

PS 1. The Cartier is very comfortable – no issues with blocking blood circulation :)
PS 2. Agreed on the 36mm. But do I get the gold Day Date (which I find absolutely absolutely absolutely stunning)? A bit too much, I think. I am in my mid-30s going out on dates. The Day Date will scream! And at work (very large family office type private equity we have to pretend we are modest – not even the Day-C will see the four walls there).

Sounds Like you are trying to talk yourself into the 11 series but you want the 12 series. At this price point get what you really want.


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[garyk]

Yes, get what you think is best. I have the white dial 116 and recently tried on the black dial 126. I really like the look of the black 126 but it was slightly less comfortable on my wrist as my 116. Good luck on your choice, either way, Daytona is one of the great watches!

[d33nastyle]

If you like something more classy than sporty take the 116520

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by OG1982

Honestly? I don’t think the Daytona fits you. If I were you I would be looking for a 36mm. The Daytona dominates your wrist, and IMO a watch should be worn above the wrist bone and have clear daylight, showing wrist above and below the case.

Saying all of this, someone who is looking for a watch for the perceived ‘prestige’ is likely going to ignore this advice.

Good luck with your search.


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100% agree a 37mm (6239) or 37.5mm (6365/6263) would look better.....

[77T]

What the Daytona needs is a size choice. The 6239's were 37mm and were thinner. (Yes...they were manual Valjoux's)

If the DJ, DD, YM, etc. can be done in dual sizes, it is time Rolex recognizes that the Daytona deserves the same. Redesign the 4130 with a microrotor and kill 3-4mm in height.

For the OP, I'd go slimmer like a 5-digit because the 6239 is overpriced.


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[brandrea]

Good luck deciding OP, no wrong answer really

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by joshua.pearl3

Thank you all for your responses. The message is clear:

1. Most think that the fit is generally good, but perhaps the 11 series might be slightly better although the differences are negligible. The pre-ceramic generation might be even better
2. As a watch and ignoring fit you think the 12 series is better but could be that the premium is not justified for such similar pieces
3. The wear and tear of the 12 series might be greater as the metallic ring around the bezel gets dinged
4. The 11 series is more comfortable

Where I stand based on the above:

1. Pre-ceramic is something I would consider getting for my father as a gift (debating between this and the Pepsi jubilee). A lovely watch to stay in the family. I am looking for ceramic pieces (less wear and tear) and since I am marginally biased to get the latest which I think is slightly more elegant (hope so!) I want to side with those who say the difference on the wrist in insignificant
2. The latest offers I got: unworn 11 series from 2020 for EUR 28k and unworn 12 series from Feb 2025 for EUR 30-31k (different dealers). The former would source the 12 series directly from Rolex (you don’t want to know more!) and for that “piece of mind” that it is not stolen I would probably have to pay more. The Daytona service is c. EUR 2k and I imagine it would be due soon. For an additional c. EUR [1-2]k I’d go with the new one
3. Wear and tear is a huge consideration. I admire the braveness of those who don’t put a cover and screen protector on their phones. I was even contemplating sticking those thin protective films around the watch but it would probably be visible and embarrassing. In any case, I guess at service time, I will swallow the cost of a ring replacement if it carries dents and scratches
4. Frankly, didn’t feel any difference when I put them on for a minute each but I suppose the most comfortable would be to not wear a watch at all. Could be that some weight on my wrist wouldn’t harm; currently the only type of physical exercise I do is grabbing packets of crisps from supermarket shelfs and waiting for the discovery of the mechanical heart!
Thank you very much everyone – your help and advice has been most helpful! Will update you once the watch is found by the dealers and purchased :)

PS 1. The Cartier is very comfortable – no issues with blocking blood circulation :)
PS 2. Agreed on the 36mm. But do I get the gold Day Date (which I find absolutely absolutely absolutely stunning)? A bit too much, I think. I am in my mid-30s going out on dates. The Day Date will scream! And at work (very large family office type private equity we have to pretend we are modest – not even the Day-C will see the four walls there).

12 series wins in wear and tear in my opinion. Dings on bezel of 12 series vs chips on ceramic bezel of 11 series, which will be more costly to replace?

[joshua.pearl3]

Thank you so very much all!

If I understand some of you well, you belive the ceramic Daytonas are less formal and the fit is average on my wrist.

You would instead opt for an 116520 or 16520. The latter is tougher to get in unworn / very good used condition and the price jumps quite a lot vs. the same watch in worn condition. Therefore, if my thinking is correct, it makes sense to go for the 116520 where the mark-up for a good newish one vs used is a few thousands rather than the 10s of thousands + the claps looks sturdier vs the 16520.

Frankly, the 116520 is a watch I very much like (hence my comment about getting it for my father). I would obviously prefer to have the latest model on my wrist with the latest mechanism, best clasp (my father's old DJ bracelet does a "smile" something which I believe the latest bracelets don't). However, if you think it fits me much better and it is dressier I will seriously consider it.

I suppose though it loses an element of "prestige" as it is not the latest model and from distance it less recognisable.

In any case, is it noticeably more compact than its ceramic brothers?

The bezel will be a scratch magnet sadly, but I suppose this can be replaced. I will also try to get a watch with papers and box from the last year it was manufactured (2015 I believe).

I will visit some grey dealers early next week to try it on and will share pics (unless I buy it on the spot in which case you will get even more) :)

Anything else I should consider?

[GST15]

I think both Daytona's look great on you. To be honest, I think the Cartier looks a bit small on you.

[SLWoodster]

Get the one you like. I don't think you need to worry that much about prestige.

The stainless daytona is a grail watch for those at this price point. It has a ton of "prestige", but it is also not anywhere near the realm of a john mayer daytona, meteorite daytona, daytona beach, 6263 daytona, 6263 yellow gold lemon dial, 16599 first of its kind rainbow. My point is, it's endless. Just enjoy

Originally Posted by joshua.pearl3

Thank you so very much all!

If I understand some of you well, you belive the ceramic Daytonas are less formal and the fit is average on my wrist.

You would instead opt for an 116520 or 16520. The latter is tougher to get in unworn / very good used condition and the price jumps quite a lot vs. the same watch in worn condition. Therefore, if my thinking is correct, it makes sense to go for the 116520 where the mark-up for a good newish one vs used is a few thousands rather than the 10s of thousands + the claps looks sturdier vs the 16520.

Frankly, the 116520 is a watch I very much like (hence my comment about getting it for my father). I would obviously prefer to have the latest model on my wrist with the latest mechanism, best clasp (my father's old DJ bracelet does a "smile" something which I believe the latest bracelets don't). However, if you think it fits me much better and it is dressier I will seriously consider it.

I suppose though it loses an element of "prestige" as it is not the latest model and from distance it less recognisable.

In any case, is it noticeably more compact than its ceramic brothers?

The bezel will be a scratch magnet sadly, but I suppose this can be replaced. I will also try to get a watch with papers and box from the last year it was manufactured (2015 I believe).

I will visit some grey dealers early next week to try it on and will share pics (unless I buy it on the spot in which case you will get even more) :)

Anything else I should consider?

[samson66]

New one looks better to me. Just a fresher look to it. Seems to fit you well but I would say it is at the top of your range.

[Solo118]

Big fan of the newer model, case alone makes it worth it.

[SVH]

both look good but the new wins by a bit iMO

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Daytona king

Sounds Like you are trying to talk yourself into the 11 series but you want the 12 series. At this price point get what you really want.

I was thinking the same

[Carlazzo]

126 !!!

[WatchTimes]

Id buy a Zenith Daytona myself if I was having this debate.
Thankfully I don't love the Daytona so I don't have to pick
Nothing wrong with the new one but no ceramic=Zenith for me
Just gotta decide which color dial you want and if you want to go ceramic

[joshua.pearl3]

All - as an update, I spent quite some time today going through reputable dealers who have a late 2015 new-ish 116520 and made appointments to try on next week.

However, one of the dealers I had requested the 126500 from found me one, purchased from Rolex today. The price was fair and I bought it. I call it destiny :)

Will take some time to get to me but as soon as I have it will share pics!

Again, thank you all for your advice and for sharing your views! I look forward to wearing and enjoying my first Rolex!

[77T]

Originally Posted by joshua.pearl3

All - as an update, I spent quite some time today going through reputable dealers who have a late 2015 new-ish 116520 and made appointments to try on next week.

However, one of the dealers I had requested the 126500 from found me one, purchased from Rolex today. The price was fair and I bought it. I call it destiny :)

Will take some time to get to me but as soon as I have it will share pics!

Again, thank you all for your advice and for sharing your views! I look forward to wearing and enjoying my first Rolex!

Congrats


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[John Doyle]

Fits great, and i would go for the new model.

[kwingy]

Prefer the 126, the look is cleaner. Maybe its just the angle of your pic but dare I say the old model looks somewhat cluttered and a bit squished in.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[joshua.pearl3]

Boom!

Feels a bit tight - Initially added a link and moved the clasp to its shortest position but was loose.

Then removed one link and moved the clasp to a different position (not the furthest out).

Will wear it a couple of days and take stock. It’s particularly cold today and my wrists were warm from a big jacket.

Really really like it!!

Big thank you to the lovely forum members here! Now I can feel like an official Rolex forum member as well.








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[Nads786]

Originally Posted by joshua.pearl3

All - as an update, I spent quite some time today going through reputable dealers who have a late 2015 new-ish 116520 and made appointments to try on next week.

However, one of the dealers I had requested the 126500 from found me one, purchased from Rolex today. The price was fair and I bought it. I call it destiny :)

Will take some time to get to me but as soon as I have it will share pics!

Again, thank you all for your advice and for sharing your views! I look forward to wearing and enjoying my first Rolex!

Congratulations! I didn't realize they would just source you a watch to your spec instead of browsing the available listings. That is really interesting for me to hear.

[joshua.pearl3]

Originally Posted by Nads786

Congratulations! I didn't realize they would just source you a watch to your spec instead of browsing the available listings. That is really interesting for me to hear.

Dated yesterday. I wanted it to be as new as possible. (If you tap that part of the market you do it well!)


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[lord91]

Great choice. Enjoy it to the fullest!

[Saxonite]

Looks awesome!! Congrats on the new purchase. I love both the 116520 and 126500. Both feel the same on my wrist. I think the 11 is a bit sportier and the 12 is a bit more elegant. Also love your Santos. That is on my short list after I get my Daytona to round out my steel Rolex collection. Wear in good health and enjoy!