New Rolex daytona panda 126500LN vs 116500LN

[glamorama]

I must say the new one looks better as a package. Great updates!


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[APPRF]

The steel ring around the ceramic bezel makes it look cheap, also the thin pointed hour markers look like a crown of thorns on the dial. These are so obvious on the white dial more than the black. The old 116500 Panda is nicer and much more macho looking. Rolex made the same mistake it did with the new Submariner, the old Sub is a better looking Sub especially when comparing the Hulk to the Starbucks.

[justdate]

Originally Posted by Oytun

Just saw this. 116500 still looking better to me. 126500's thin subdials are not looking so good.

That’s a great pic. New one for me, looks more refined and elegant. A beautiful sports watch.

[StanCho]

Tried both new references recently. If black, then the new one. If white, then the previous one. New white version left me pretty... unwanting it, but the black one re-assured me that's the one I'll try and hunt for.

[hojlund]

Originally Posted by StanCho

Tried both new references recently. If black, then the new one. If white, then the previous one. New white version left me pretty... unwanting it, but the black one re-assured me that's the one I'll try and hunt for.

i understand why the old white is better than the new one, but why do you feel the new black is better than the old one? could you elaborate?

[Reloaded85x]

New one for me. Looks more complete.

[Pitbos]

Give me the old 116500 with the new indices, and we’ve got a winner.

But given what’s on the table, I’d take the original white dial over the new.


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[ufboy73]

I like how they were subtle with the changes

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

True or False … the new 126500 is the exact size / specifications of the current Precious Metal Daytonas, the 116518 for example ?

116500 = 38.88mm
126500 = 39.88mm

Some of the differences …






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The case thickness of the new one is thinner.



“I personally think that the new dial, with its more refined markers and thinner rings, really rejuvenates the style of the Daytona – the dial of the older generation now looks dated. Sleeker, more modern, more aerial, it feels even more luxurious, too, in a pleasant way. Sometimes less is more. The updates on the case are minimal, but then again, a comparison between the old generation and the new model reveals the upgrade in elegance and modernity. The work done to improve the ergonomics (case thinness and bracelet) is undeniably a plus, and the revised movement is also appreciated – even though I had no complaints about the calibre 4130.” - Monochrome

I have the 116500LN and love it. However, when you see a good side-by-side in good light, it’s hard not to see the 126500LN as more elegant, whereas the 116500LN looks more sporty and “toy”-like. Symmetrical lugs, no step between lug profile and bracelet, loss of the “boat” indices, all wins. I personally gravitate towards the look of the Zenith Daytona models, and the sub-dials and indices are 100% a nod back to those roots.

Again, just one opinion, and both are and will be collection stalwarts.


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[ol' Rex]

I've always liked the 116500LN, but I must admit that in real life the bezel has never really appealed to me. When one looks at it straight on, it's fine, but from the side it looks a little bit like a piece of rubber to me -- or somehow unfinished. It's difficult for me to describe...

For this reason, I think bringing back the metal ring around the bezel will be a big improvement, but I have yet to see the 126500LN in real life.

But please, Rolex, bring back the REAL PANDA, dammit!

[Spartacus]

Wow, much prefer the 116500.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by ol' Rex

I've always liked the 116500LN, but I must admit that in real life the bezel has never really appealed to me. When one looks at it straight on, it's fine, but from the side it looks a little bit like a piece of rubber to me -- or somehow unfinished. It's difficult for me to describe...

For this reason, I think bringing back the metal ring around the bezel will be a big improvement, but I have yet to see the 126500LN in real life.

But please, Rolex, bring back the REAL PANDA, dammit!

I get it. The 116 bezel does look like an afterthought from the side, but functionally it helps me worry less about wear and tear. That metal edge on the 126 is less reassuring with daily bumps and rubs of daily living.

I’ve thought about trading in the new one but overall like the look of the bolder thick subdials for now. Who knows when I see a new one in real life. Plus I want to keep one Daytona with the old case shape as I also have an OF 116519LN

[sampelligrino]

I prefer everything about the 126, other than the smaller hour markers

126 is more elegant to my eyes, 116 more sporty

[928ktgold]

Rolex followed Porsche in that the new 911 now has the widebody across the whole 911 line not just the 4S and turbo, even non S models have it. Now all the Daytonas have the widebody not just the gold models

[StanCho]

Originally Posted by hojlund

i understand why the old white is better than the new one, but why do you feel the new black is better than the old one? could you elaborate?

Just looks more refined with the ss ring around the bezel, thinner indices and what seems to me is more visible metal ring on the subdials.

[BraveBold]

The Daytona is already a busy (though beautiful) piece. The outer metal rim increases the clutter. Not an improvement.

[Refegotos]

Old for sure.

[Deppe]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The case thickness of the new one is thinner.



“I personally think that the new dial, with its more refined markers and thinner rings, really rejuvenates the style of the Daytona – the dial of the older generation now looks dated. Sleeker, more modern, more aerial, it feels even more luxurious, too, in a pleasant way. Sometimes less is more. The updates on the case are minimal, but then again, a comparison between the old generation and the new model reveals the upgrade in elegance and modernity. The work done to improve the ergonomics (case thinness and bracelet) is undeniably a plus, and the revised movement is also appreciated – even though I had no complaints about the calibre 4130.” - Monochrome




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See this quote I don’t really understand. The new Daytona has the dial of the Zenith Daytona, so basically it is “The new Daytona has the dial of the Daytona from 1988-2000, so the old Daytona now looks dated.” - what?

[Pablito]

Originally Posted by Deppe

See this quote I don’t really understand. The new Daytona has the dial of the Zenith Daytona, so basically it is “The new Daytona has the dial of the Daytona from 1988-2000, so the old Daytona now looks dated.” - what?

Excellent point 👍🏼

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Still not a panda…………

Anyway, I love all the changes.

Why do folks keep calling this watch a Panda? Makes no sense to me. If it has to have nickname just make an original one up.

[Calatrava r]

Did Rolex have issues with the ceramic bezel being hit and breaking. The rim may be just to protect the bezel.

[boltz]

The new one for me.

[Deppe]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Why do folks keep calling this watch a Panda? Makes no sense to me. If it has to have nickname just make an original one up.

It is my understanding that it is due to Rolex self referring to it as such - when you google “Rolex Panda” the page for the 126500 comes up on google.

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Did Rolex have issues with the ceramic bezel being hit and breaking. The rim may be just to protect the bezel.

It is not my understanding that there have been issues with the ceramic bezels on the Daytona, so I think it is primarily due to the vintage look. However, as the ceramic and the metal is one piece, I am not sure that it is an improvement from a functional point of view as I would assume that the metal dings/scratches easier than the ceramic, and thereby you would also have to change the ceramic part if you want to change the metal part. The old bezel I would assume would be more scratch resistant due to it not having the metal part.

I actually quite like the metal on the black but not so much on the white.

[too solid]

Curious if these have started landing at AD’s and on wrists yet?

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Did Rolex have issues with the ceramic bezel being hit and breaking. The rim may be just to protect the bezel.

No issues with chipping or breaking with the 11 series Daytona.

[Osmin]

Originally Posted by too solid

Curious if these have started landing at AD’s and on wrists yet?

Haven’t seen any posts yet except the 100 Le Mans

[Oytun]

I agree on new black looking wild. I want this. Definitely not the white one.. I like my white 116500 better.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Osmin

Haven’t seen any posts yet except the 100 Le Mans

There was an incoming rose gold OF on Reddit, one WG OF on Moda, YG OF on Chrono24, and a WG full bracelet on Chrono24.

[Watcheroo]

Originally Posted by Oytun

I agree on new black looking wild. I want this. Definitely not the white one.. I like my white 116500 better.

That’s a great shot.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Oytun

I agree on new black looking wild. I want this. Definitely not the white one.. I like my white 116500 better.

Never wanted black till now, but what a missed opportunity by not having white subdials (at least the rings on the SS version)

The Le Mans is somehthing insane though, that is a new grail I may even say over the platinum version