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

[joshua.pearl3]

Hi everyone

Have been thinking for years of getting a steel Daytona. I find it to be an iconic watch with a rich history. Frankly, the “prestige” that comes with it plays a role as well. I have been hesitant to pull the trigger, hoping to get it from an AD at when the economy turns.

I have lately realised this day will never come (unless I splurge on stuff I don’t need which I would never do), have accepted that the grey market price is the price and I’m ready to go ahead.

Well, now that the “availability” issue has been resolved I am having second thoughts. I don’t know if it is good size for my wrist. Perhaps I’m too used to my Santos.

Grateful if I could have your opinion. Of course I could get the older model (116500) which I have read here is slightly smaller, but not as slim as the 126500.

I would be grateful if I could have your views. I am sharing pics of me wearing the Santos (17cm wrist), the 126500 and the 116500.

Your honest opinion is very much appreciated. FYI - I am not the sporty type and have a strong preference for things that look elegant and do not like oversized watches. Also, I value the fact the newer one has a better movement (so in case of very marginal difference would prefer the new one) but still fit is the most important thing (and if the old one is just at the limit would opt for the older).

So question: new, old, or nothing!

Thank you so very much!


Santos



New / 126500





Old / 116500

[Calatrava r]

I prefer the new model with the steel around the bezel, smaller sub circles and the change to the lugs. You cannot go wrong with either and you may find the older model easier to source and at a slightly lower price.

[Avs Fan]

All three look good on your wrist. I wish the Daytona size worked as well for me!

[Nads786]

This is topical for me as I just tried on a black 12 and 12 series Daytona.

The one thing that stood out to me was the comfort level of the 11 over the 12. I really prefer the prior generation.

I think both look great on you!

[rolexnerd]

The new reference for sure!

[Steele]

New

[brandrea]

I prefer the new Daytona to the previous gen, looks more refined to my eye. Bith suit your wrist

[ArtNouveau]

I tried on a 12 series side by side with my 116500, nothing noticeable about how it “wears.”
Folks here measured them with calipers too and I don’t recall any difference greater than one half of a millimeter. Get the one whose aesthetics match yours.

[TheHulk]

First off, I think the Santos looks very small on your wrist. I think the Daytona looks spot. Trust me, do not fixate on the 116 versus the 126. I own the 116 and recently tried on the new model and there is no difference. You would practically need a magnifying glass. They are the same size and feel the exact same on the wrist. Now go get that Daytona.

[SS Oyster]

Fits great!
116500 is my preference and more durable!


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[Bxtek]

I think both Daytonas look good on you and the size is perfect imo. If I had to choose, I prefer the 126. Just looks and "feels" more elegant to me with the outer metal around the bezel giving a thinner ceramic bezel, the thinner subdial rings, and thinner indices. The difference between the two are like regular and BOLDFACE font so to speak. Neither is wrong, but it's what you prefer the most is what is right. If I was in the market for a grey piece, I will say that I've seen some great deals on pre-owned 116 versions. Big discount compared to what they were before the 126 release. Very tempting to go that route imo.

[Mr. Superlative]

I would go for the 126500. It’s a beautiful watch and looks good on you. The 11 is equally beautiful, but if buying either or now, you may as well buy the 12.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by TheHulk

First off, I think the Santos looks very small on your wrist. I think the Daytona looks spot. Trust me, do not fixate on the 116 versus the 126. I own the 116 and recently tried on the new model and there is no difference. You would practically need a magnifying glass. They are the same size and feel the exact same on the wrist. Now go get that Daytona.

Agree with this. In person you don’t really notice it as much as when blown up on an iPad to twice the size.
116500 for me. Had the choice for both and preferred the 116 with thicker bezel and the lack of bezel ring which on my speedy gets dinged up over time.

In black I do like the bezel ring look but I think it’s because I am used to the ring.

[BraveBold]

Strongly prefer the black 116 over the black 126 (the latter sub dials look malnourished and you lose the beautiful light-play of the sub-dials). For the white dial, less strong a preference but the 116 still wins.

While the above are my preferences, all those options are nice watches. Near identical from a distance.

[Halifax Daytona UK]

The Cartier looks too tight on the wrist. Is it stopping your blood flowing ?

[Daytona king]

The 126500. I prefer the new case.


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[ROLEX MAN]

Give Santos to your partner.

Keep Daytona.

[SMPc]

They both look great. There is no wrong choice here :)

[ratty]

Regardless of what others think, you obviously aren’t sure and have doubts about the look of the watch on your wrist. If you have these doubts before you buy it, are they likely to go away after you buy it?

If you are buying it for ‘prestige’ as opposed to buying it because you like it, I think your doubts will remain after the novelty and ‘prestige’ has worn off. You have to buy it for you, not for others.

I honestly think people find differences because they are looking for them. I find that if you just put it on and wear it you don’t notice differences.

[bp1000]

All look good, I prefer Daytona to Santos.

Santos to me needs to be small and either in steel or full gold but the latter is a bit much.

As for the Daytona, no wrong choice but I prefer the 11 series. It's a unique reference and I can't unseen the skinny rings of the 12 reference. Proportionally, it doesn't really look right to me, but a lot say its refinement.

[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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[joli160]

The Daytona generally wears small but on your wrist it’s spot on.
Bear in mind that wrist shots always makes it look bigger than a picture from three ft away.

I much prefer the new one, this one looks so much more refined that for the first time I really want a Daytona

[jcdevoe26]

I too had this decision to make and decided to go Grey on 116500ln and I do not regret it. It cost me alot yes but that was my choice and I love this piece soo much.

[1William]

Not enough difference in the 12 and the 11 series Daytona for me to justify the current price difference. Personal preference is where you are. Both look great.

[ap1]

Either approved for that wrist. I think the 116500 wears ever so slightly smaller

[milgauss2232]

IMHO, new is better

[Easy E]

Either. Not sure you can call the new movement better.

[travisb]

Both look great on you.
It just comes down to which look you prefer with the very slight changes between the two. Ring around the bezel, subdials etc.
Nice Santos by the way!

[BlackandBlue80]

Any of the Daytons look great on your wrist! Congratulations!!

[Joearch]

Both Daytona’s look good. I can’t tell the difference on my wrist between 12 and 11 series.
Might consider a steel bezel model. They look a bit more compact.