Panda 116500 vs 126500

[10splaya]

Im thinking about getting a new Panda Daytona

What are the plus and minus of the 2024 126500 vs the 116500

As far as aesthetics looks performance etc etc?

Is the Panda worth spending double retail?

Thanks in advance

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by 10splaya

Im thinking about getting a new Panda Daytona

What are the plus and minus of the 2024 126500 vs the 116500

As far as aesthetics looks performance etc etc?

Is the Panda worth spending double retail?

Thanks in advance

The movement has been enhanced in the 126 series to the chronergy escapement system. Rolex touts it as being ~15% more efficient than traditional Swiss lever escapements so perhaps a slightly longer PR than stated may be observed?

Aesthetically, I prefer the 116 purely for the fatter sub dials. The sub dials on the 126 look a little starved to me.

Lugs are symmetrical on the 126 so maybe it’ll wear better too? And it has a steel ring around the ceramic bezel, a nod to its heritage. Though I haven’t had a chance to try on the 126 series yet.

I personally can’t stomach paying double retail for any watch. But there’s no doubt that it’s a good , even great watch. At current asking prices, I expect not to have any wire springs in my watch, which the Daytona has.

The movement alone speaks volumes of Rolex engineering prowess. Mass scale manufacturing of a chronograph movement like the 413x , they really hit it out of the park with this movement.

Cut down the part count, made it watchmaker friendly and easy to service, even the vertical clutch chronograph runner assembly can be disassembled and serviced, unlike many other vertical clutch movements.

The movement is also respectably and completely finished.

Crucially, the reliability, productivity gains from streamlined servicing, part count reduction and concomitant reduced stocking requirements etc all have the dual advantage of enhancing the prestige & value of the Daytona, whilst also feeding into the Rolex bottom line.

I’m no Daytona fanboy but credit where credit is due, the movement is the epitome of a solid workhorse. Like the 7750 ETAs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so

[Guppydriver]

Unless you are already partial to the 116 (which you probably aren't since you are asking), mine as well go new.

If you are black dial dude, go 126 for sure.

However, I can see how some prefer the white dial of the 116 comparatively.

The 126 white dial white reminds me of seeing a beautiful woman without eyeliner or mascara for the first time. Still gorgeous, but just a little less striking. The thicker black sub dials of the previous model provided more depth and contrast.

That said, I would still choose the 126, even with the white dial.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Unless you are already partial to the 116 (which you probably aren't since you are asking), mine as well go new.

If you are black dial dude, go 126 for sure.

However, I can see how some prefer the white dial of the 116 comparatively.

The 126 white dial white reminds me of seeing a beautiful woman without eyeliner or mascara for the first time. Still gorgeous, but just a little less striking. The thicker black sub dials of the previous model provided more depth and contrast.

That said, I would still choose the 126, even with the white dial.

Hahaha brilliant analogy lol

[milgauss2232]

If there is one with the look you prefer, no opinion on the internet should sway you. If however you’re on the fence, I would get the 12 just because it’s new and would probably age better.

There are a few long threads on this topic already, you can do a search and see the other hundreds of opinions on this

[karleone]

I own the white 126500, the white 116500 is not mine (I have as well a black 116500).
The 116500 asymmetrical slim case looks better. For all the rest the 126500 is an upgrade (thinner subdials and indices, bezel ring, new endlink shape, thinner makes it very comfortable and even more than the 116500). The 126500 wears slightly larger than the 116500.

[antelom]

Originally Posted by karleone

I own the white 126500, the white 116500 is not mine (I have as well a black 116500).
The 116500 asymmetrical slim case looks better. For all the rest the 126500 is an upgrade (thinner subdials and indices, bezel ring, new endlink shape, thinner makes it very comfortable and even more than the 116500). The 126500 wears slightly larger than the 116500.

[10splaya]

Thanks for the posts!

The search function on the forum is not that great where you can search just in the forum youre currently looking at

And yes to pay double retail really sucks when you dont have a connection or dont have at least over 100-200k spend with Rolex. The fact taht they dont make at least from what Ive read that many Daytonas makes it more ‘obsolete’?

Im still thinking about it.

Im in the market for a white faced watch with a black bezel. So of course the Daytona caught my eye

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by 10splaya

Thanks for the posts!

The search function on the forum is not that great where you can search just in the forum youre currently looking at

And yes to pay double retail really sucks when you dont have a connection or dont have at least over 100-200k spend with Rolex. The fact taht they dont make at least from what Ive read that many Daytonas makes it more ‘obsolete’?

Im still thinking about it.

Im in the market for a white faced watch with a black bezel. So of course the Daytona caught my eye

Zenith chronomaster sport is a good white dial black ceramic option. A little thicker case than Daytona and just a little less finishing but for 1/3 the money it's worth trying on.

[Mystro]

There is a lot of threads on this exact topic…..I mean a lot.

[bliss]

I own the 126500 white and its a great watch but i like my no date sub better. I couldn't/wouldn't pay gray prices for it but it really depends on your access to rolex and how much you want the watch. if you love it and want only that one then it might be worth going gray and saving the AD hassle

[karleone]

You should have a look at this thread

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

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by karleone

You should have a look at this thread

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

Indeed, refer this poll where 126500 wins over 116500, over 600+ voters voted. As the TS put it, numbers don’t lie. Also similar results over at Fratellowatches where 126500 emerged the winner.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Indeed, refer this poll where 126500 wins over 116500, over 600+ voters voted. As the TS put it, numbers don’t lie. Also similar results over at Fratellowatches where 126500 emerged the winner.

"I reject your facts and insert my own reality!"

This watch is pretty tough to beat and I've owned many 11 series configurations.

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by EEpro

"I reject your facts and insert my own reality!"

This watch is pretty tough to beat and I've owned many 11 series configurations.

Yes, indeed, only its own successor can beat the predecessor. Otherwise 116500 itself is hard to beat.

[kritameth]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Indeed, refer this poll where 126500 wins over 116500, over 600+ voters voted. As the TS put it, numbers don’t lie. Also similar results over at Fratellowatches where 126500 emerged the winner.

I love numbers and all for polls, but referencing that poll as an argument, given the current margin of 2.5%, is reaching at best. Assuming a reasonable margin of error, it is, by all means, a tie. I own both and by no means advocating one over the other, simply an attempt to be rooted statistically.

[Bazil]

There’s oh so many thread and opinions, too many ..

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by 10splaya

Im thinking about getting a new Panda Daytona

What are the plus and minus of the 2024 126500 vs the 116500

As far as aesthetics looks performance etc etc?

Is the Panda worth spending double retail?

Thanks in advance

I was in the same situation recently. I personally do not like the changes made in the new 12 series. I am a fan of the quirkiness of the asymmetrical lugs and smaller size of the 116550ln (I have smaller wrists). I did give the 12 series a try (went and tried it on) and just did not like the newer (not really new as its the case that the WG/RG daytonas have been using for years) case dimensions and feel on my wrist....so I went ahead and bit the bullet and paid probably far too much for an unworn/fully sticker 116500ln and guess what I do not regret it at all. I love the watch and its not going to be resold so dont really care about "losing money", the watch will be handed down to my daughter at some point down the road anyways and so the smaller size will work for her as well :-)

[joli160]

126500 is the one. It’s not worth the 30k but you have to pay to play.

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by joli160

126500 is the one. It’s not worth the 30k but you have to pay to play.

?
MSRP is $15,100 in the states.. The 126 is the latest and greatest, OP

[joli160]

Originally Posted by 2loaded

?
MSRP is $15,100 in the states.. The 126 is the latest and greatest, OP

Yes, but almost nobody can buy one at an AD and are forced to pay market price

[Ferrari-F430]

Originally Posted by 2loaded

?
MSRP is $15,100 in the states.. The 126 is the latest and greatest, OP

I've been to several AD's and NONE of them will even take this as a request. Well, to clarify, they tell me if I put it on my request list it's a 100% waste to do so, so I don't. They aren't going to magically pick you just because you listed it. My AD told me it could be 10 years and I still may not get one. So yea, $30K-ish right now if you have to have one for 99.9% of the population.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by jcdevoe26

I was in the same situation recently. I personally do not like the changes made in the new 12 series. I am a fan of the quirkiness of the asymmetrical lugs and smaller size of the 116550ln (I have smaller wrists). I did give the 12 series a try (went and tried it on) and just did not like the newer (not really new as its the case that the WG/RG daytonas have been using for years) case dimensions and feel on my wrist....so I went ahead and bit the bullet and paid probably far too much for an unworn/fully sticker 116500ln and guess what I do not regret it at all. I love the watch and its not going to be resold so dont really care about "losing money", the watch will be handed down to my daughter at some point down the road anyways and so the smaller size will work for her as well :-)

The 1265 cases have a new case - it’s not the same as the 116509 116505 116506 even if the designs are close - they are different dimensions, thinner, and the endlink design is very different.

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by karleone

The 1265 cases have a new case - it’s not the same as the 116509 116505 116506 even if the designs are close - they are different dimensions, thinner, and the endlink design is very different.

thanks I didnt realize there were actually different, they seemed so similar to me.

[ukwatchguy1]

I prefer the 116 white but 126 in black. However the black just looks too hard to read and for the price of the Daytona on the grey market the black is just too under the radar for me.

I am considering purchasing a 116 still and getting rid of my new batgirl but like others have said it is painful to blow double retail and is a lot of money for me to justify on a watch,

I have come across people before who managed to get a 116 panda at retail but eventually sold and were more than happy with a sub/ sub date, so I am also being careful not to be carried away by hype

[huba01]

Originally Posted by jcdevoe26

I was in the same situation recently. I personally do not like the changes made in the new 12 series. I am a fan of the quirkiness of the asymmetrical lugs and smaller size of the 116550ln (I have smaller wrists). I did give the 12 series a try (went and tried it on) and just did not like the newer (not really new as its the case that the WG/RG daytonas have been using for years) case dimensions and feel on my wrist....so I went ahead and bit the bullet and paid probably far too much for an unworn/fully sticker 116500ln and guess what I do not regret it at all. I love the watch and its not going to be resold so dont really care about "losing money", the watch will be handed down to my daughter at some point down the road anyways and so the smaller size will work for her as well :-)

Totally agree, I have the same as Karl, 116500 Black and 126500 White and looking to trade the 126500 panda to the older version. Love the asymmetrical lugs, smaller size and the boldness of the dial making it appeal more sporty to me. Also have a 116519 that I love and a 116520 white dial which will probably be traded into a mint 16610lv at some point.

[Oytun]

Originally Posted by huba01

Totally agree, I have the same as Karl, 116500 Black and 126500 White and looking to trade the 126500 panda to the older version. Love the asymmetrical lugs, smaller size and the boldness of the dial making it appeal more sporty to me. Also have a 116519 that I love and a 116520 white dial which will probably be traded into a mint 16610lv at some point.

Daytona was born with a sports spirit, should have a sporty appearance.

I also tried both for some time, and back to 116. 126 is beautiful, but i'm not looking for beauty or elegance in a watch, i couldn't stand thin subdials and bezel on a bigger "looking" case. It 100% felt like 116610 after 16610 to me. I like more masculine - aggressive looking watches. It's built for motorsports, race tracks. Not for golf courses.

[MY-WATCH]

Originally Posted by jcdevoe26

I was in the same situation recently. I personally do not like the changes made in the new 12 series. I am a fan of the quirkiness of the asymmetrical lugs and smaller size of the 116550ln (I have smaller wrists). I did give the 12 series a try (went and tried it on) and just did not like the newer (not really new as its the case that the WG/RG daytonas have been using for years) case dimensions and feel on my wrist....so I went ahead and bit the bullet and paid probably far too much for an unworn/fully sticker 116500ln and guess what I do not regret it at all. I love the watch and its not going to be resold so dont really care about "losing money", the watch will be handed down to my daughter at some point down the road anyways and so the smaller size will work for her as well :-)

This

[Duke10]

Originally Posted by MY-WATCH

This

Pretty much sums up my experience as well. Except I have bigger wrist and still prefer the 116.

No knock on the 12, just one guys opinion…


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[OG1982]

Not a huge fan of the Daytona, but the new one looks nicer, at least to my eye.