Is the Panda the GOAT?

[sojourner]

I used to think the black dial, non-Paul Newman 6263 was the greatest Daytona with the best wrist presence of any Rolex (modern or vintage).

Rising prices aside, I’m beginning to think it is now the white dial 116500.

Anyone agree?

[arcampado]

IMO no, it’s mostly hype driving prices crazy right now on this one.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a gorgeous reference, but just imagine if for the 60th anniversary they did the white dial with all black chrono sub-dials in 41mm… the watch community would explode! Now that would be a strong contender for the GOAT!

[Mystro]

It is to me out of the modern Rolex catalog.
I want to add that how the watch wears is a big factor to me besides how it looks.
It’s large extended flat case back separates it from other popular models that have a semi domed case back. The cal.4130 underneath that flat case back is the best modern movement Rolex makes.

“GOAT” is a sliding scale and is all how you individually prioritize what matters most to you.

[Roberto Kupferschein]

I was thinking the same way until yesterday when my AD show me a Blue SS Skydweller.
That watch is Incredible, and I own a new Daytona Panda.

[macrowatch]

I vote yes. The rejuvenated interest in the watch market more than 5711 could be traced back to the launch of the model.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by Roberto Kupferschein

I was thinking the same way until yesterday when my AD show me a Blue SS Skydweller.
That watch is Incredible, and I own a new Daytona Panda.

I just got a blue SS SkyD and have to say it is next level. To me it rivals a WG piece. I've never seen a panda daytona up close though so could not compare fairly.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by Roberto Kupferschein

I was thinking the same way until yesterday when my AD show me a Blue SS Skydweller.
That watch is Incredible, and I own a new Daytona Panda.

It wasn’t a Panda, but I sold my Daytona a couple of years ago, always found it too small.

IMO The SS SkyD Blue is probably the best SS Rolex on offer now.

[rmlovett1]

For looks…I’d personally choose a big red any day over the 116500. For wearability I’d wear a 116500. GOAT….debatable

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by Richris1

For looks…I’d personally choose a big red any day over the 116500. For wearability I’d wear a 116500. GOAT….debatable

Perfectly said Richard

[EEpro]

Maybe it will be in terms of fame but in the hand it's not even close to being the nicest looking watch Rolex makes.

It's very photogenic for sure but there's so many angles where that watch is truly not nice to look at in real life.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by sojourner

I used to think the black dial, non-Paul Newman 6263 was the greatest Daytona with the best wrist presence of any Rolex (modern or vintage).

Rising prices aside, I’m beginning to think it is now the white dial 116500.

Anyone agree?

No

[zengineer]

It's the ATMO, All Time Most Overhyped.

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[JoseR]

Originally Posted by zengineer

It's the ATMO, All Time Most Overhyped.

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[bob sims]

Originally Posted by zengineer

It's the ATMO, All Time Most Overhyped.

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So many nicer watches than this 43k junk metal stopwatch. The bluesy just to pick one of many.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by zengineer

It's the ATMO, All Time Most Overhyped.

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This

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Easy E

This

For a watch that is rare, elusive, and hard to get ...it sure seems to be in a large percentage of Rolex enthusiast's collections.

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[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by zengineer

It's the ATMO, All Time Most Overhyped.

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I agree. I think if the Sub was that “hyped” instead of the Daytona, the 6538 would be the “GOAT”.

However, IMO, there isn’t really a “GOAT” because, aesthetically, and tech-wise the Rolex range is very divergent. For example, I love the LOOK of the 6538, but the bracelet and clasp are much better on the ceramic subs. And, the movement of the newest sub41 is FAR superior.

The same can probably be said about the panda. It’s beautiful, but technology wise, it cannot be the greatest compared to today’s Daytona!

I honestly don’t understand how the Daytona became the hyped piece that it is. I mean only a decade ago they were highly discounted I believe… 🤷*♂️

[HMHM]

For me it’s a definite NO. The 6263 Big Red Daytona in black is just special, especially with those big red Daytona font. As a matter of fact that is the main reason why I got the 116500 in Black. Can only hope one day the Big Red gets a re-edition of some sort.

[1William]

It depends on what your measures are to determine the GOAT. I get it and can understand the discussions regarding it. For me, probably the Submariner.

[logo]

Originally Posted by sojourner

I used to think the black dial, non-Paul Newman 6263 was the greatest Daytona with the best wrist presence of any Rolex (modern or vintage).

Rising prices aside, I’m beginning to think it is now the white dial 116500.

Anyone agree?

Hard no for me. It’s a nice watch, in fact I really like the watch and see that it checks a lot of boxes, but greatest of all time? Your definition may differ from mine, but the 116500 has zero life accomplishments. Hard to compare the new blood vs the legends of old in any meaningful way.

[JSolution]

Nice watch.

Put short and simple for me I don’t know how on earth the steel Daytona can be compared to a Day-Date.

Greatest of all time? Absolutely not.

More of a a commodity and a bragging right to most in my opinion.

[Zuger]

No. Sub Date is the GOAT if I have to pick one. Even that is open to debate frankly.

[Gtviper21]

Originally Posted by Zuger

No. Sub Date is the GOAT if I have to pick one. Even that is open to debate frankly.

Yes definitely A Iconic Piece…..


Love the Sub

[Cloudchaser]

Not even the best 116500! :)

Black dial isn't as legible but I prefer the look.

[brandrea]

It’s like comparing apples to oranges … to say any reference is the GOAT.

To me there are other Rolex models that I like more. No disrespect to the Daytona or those who think so.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It’s like comparing apples to oranges … to say any reference is the GOAT.

To me there are other Rolex models that I like more. No disrespect to the Daytona or those who think so.

+1

[axelbaws]

Having recently compared the black and white 116500 in real life, I honestly don't even think it's the greatest 116500. Looking at the white's pictures and prices online makes it easy to lose touch with reality.

[macplee]

blue sky is truly special - nothing else like it - the daytona has similar watches from zenith to tudor.

blue sky stands alone - no rolex or any other brand has a watch like it.

and rarely will u see it in the wild - they make less of them than other rolexes.

i seem to see the daytona reasonable amt considering everything.

[1665fan]

16520 is the goat…..

[noshame]

No, not the GOAT. A wonderful watch but I actually prefer the black dial and would choose that if the watch Gods offered me one.