116500 or 126500 panda

[cjmaud]

Curious opinions from owners of both references which you prefer? I just picked up a 116500ln panda, but was offered the new reference for a few grand more. I’m not concerned about the extra cost, but which is the most visually appealing?I’ve read countless threads on the differences and what people pick based on pictures they’ve seen, but I know in real life both watches look different than in the pictures. Does anyone that owns both prefer one vs the other from a looks perspective?

[Roger Lococco]

White 11
Black 12


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[Tzachi]

Old panda looks nicer IMO.
For black Id go new!

[rmagoo57]

I prefer the 12. The ceramic Daytona really didn't appeal to me until I saw the new 12 on my wrist at a local store. A week later I traded my black 116520 for the 12 panda. The thinner looking bezel and sub dials did it for me.

[gamingdoctor]

I like the thicker black subdials on the 116.

[Duke10]

I prefer the 116 for the thikkkkk black bezel and white dial contrast.

Black dial I tend to lean 126 as proportions are better for that color dial.

We are talking very minor differences overall though. They are all great!

[Colorado_kid]

Both 11 and 12 are amazing. I like this one for the case shape.


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[Ravager135]

I have the 126500LN with a black dial. I think both models look best in their current iteration. I initially thought the metal ring around the ceramic bezel was a mistake (and I could certainly live without it), but it does not bother me in the least. I think the newer Daytonas wear a hair larger and the case shape is more visually pleasing. I also really like the slimmer indices. To me, this is the biggest "upgrade" if one exists. I think it gives a more refined look. If they had full contrasting subdials like the Le Mans they'd be perfect.

[shirtguy]

For the panda id go with the 116500

Thicker black bezel
Stronger dial contrast
Was the first ceramic daytona
A very reliable and proven movement

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12


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this

[Carlazzo]

126 !!!

[Cru Jones]

Go for the ring.

[Starhutch]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12


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[rockysw]

both are amazing. But 12 is better looking watch in my view. I was in the same position some time ago, but I choose 11 in the end, only because I find it bit quirky compared to other models in some ways (full ceramic bezel, uneven lugs, etc which you dont see on any other model) all of which make it bit more interesting for me.

[1166600]

For me I go with the 11 version Panda with a clear "white" dial, 12 has a more "off white" dial.
I also like the case better on the 11 better, dislike the "horse feet" horns
and most of all, the 4130 is 25 years on the market and to me the best Chrono movement around, the upgraded 4131is to prove it´s reliability in the next years

[Calatrava r]

I like the 12 much better. The bezel ring and thinner sub dial rings really improve the look.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I like the 12 much better. The bezel ring and thinner sub dial rings really improve the look.

Same here

[omar-rye]

I live the 126 as well. It's more refined to me.

[Armis]

There are previous threads addressing same question. Ultimately you’re going to see both opinions. I had both sets, but kept my panda 11.
More importantly, I’m curious how you see the panda variants in comparison. An obvious distinction as pointed out by others is that the 11 has strong, visually appealing contrast with character I notice across the room, which [to me] is consistent with the sporty icon that it is. But if you want refinement, for lack of a better characterization, in your sport piece then the 12 will give you more of that. Good luck!

[dnd2984]

After owning all four at one point. I sold both the 116500 and 1265 in black. I kept both the white dials. I prefer the newer 126500 in over the 116500, it looks more refined to me. I also prefer the case as it's the same as the PM case now.

[Cassian739]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12

[inosaris]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12


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[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I like the 12 much better. The bezel ring and thinner sub dial rings really improve the look.

Agree. My dad and I traded our old 116s for the new 126 in white and black respectively. I also traded my 116 OF to the new 126 OF

[joli160]

With the introduction of the 12 series it is the first time I am considering a Daytona.
The 11 series I always felt that it was an afterthought to add a ceramic bezel.
Bezel is too big and protruding over the case which looks odd.
The new one looks more balanced, add the new case and it is a clear winner in my eyes.

[928ktgold]

Quotes I like to summarize this debate:
11 is more sporty
12 is more refined

Black is the better looking of the two
White is the more interesting looking of the two

[Halifax Daytona UK]

The 12 reference is more refined. But Im biased.

[Pinchy]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12

This.

[Ebearius]

I prefer the 11 series in white and the 12 series in black.
When making a secondary market purchase of a steel Daytona, I had narrowed my preference down to those two models.
For the final decision, I put one on each wrist.
I ended up choosing the white 116500 with zero regrets.

[JRell]

Whatever I can get at retail, so now that would only be the 12s

[nr1416]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12


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This is the way.

I think you going to see the 116 going for just as much as the newer reference once the 126 is out for over 5 years. The 116500 didn't have a super long run in comparison to other Rolex sport models.