Thoughts on the new Daytona models

[Redsub71]

When the new lines were presented in 2023, the first thing I thought when I saw them was: "Why? Absolutely not! "You have to admit that it has been completely revolutionized: case, bracelet, caliber, but unfortunately the dials have not. All to be redone, bad copies of the discontinued references. In the steel versions the black dial has certainly been improved, but it is not enough, the white dial instead is the one that disappointed the most. The dials of the gold models, such as the PN, it is inexplicable to have repurposed it by eliminating the black hands of the counters and the red hand of the Chrono. The visible caseback on the platinum model doesn't make sense to me, while on the Le Mans version it makes logical sense. In fact, in surveys, almost everyone prefers old discontinued references. What do you think, Old or Young ?

[sambb]

like the new one - symmetry and size, etc. Old one looks great on my daughters though

[Mrngrz46]

Originally Posted by sambb

like the new one - symmetry and size, etc. Old one looks great on my daughters though

There is not such difference in size. Don’t exaggerate.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by Mrngrz46

There is not such difference in size. Don’t exaggerate.

I agree with him. We’re keeping our 116500LN for my mom. It’s just that little bit smaller

[Bazil]

126 … much prefer case, glidelock on OysterFlex is such a bonus ..



116 … preferred larger sub-dials, somewhat thicker bezel, colour of dial was a brilliant white ..

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Bazil

126 … much prefer case, glidelock on OysterFlex is such a bonus ..

The 126 and 116 in OF have the same case.

Agree on the GL though


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[Guppydriver]

I actually prefer the 126 version of the Paul Newman. A little less striking and more subdued with the sub dials being lighter. (Less "lemony")?

It's very easy to see why one would disagree though, the new version I find more subdued could be easily seen as less special.

[brandrea]

This recent poll seems to show roughly a 50/50 split in preference

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

[Cru Jones]

126

[derklink]

At first I was skeptical because I thought it can’t get better than the 116 but after seeing the 126 in person, I changed my mind and prefer it by a mile

[Redsub71]

I like the new symmetrical case, the new ring bezel, but I was disappointed by the dials: steel, gold, platinum. I really like the exposed back case on Le Mans, less so on platinum. Precisely, the Le Mans. If the steel versions had the dial of Le Mans, and its reverse, we would have appreciated the Rolex brand more

[hutch300]

There has been the chase to figure out which one is better but that isn't the case. I think each generation has pros and cons. I like the new bezel but not the increased case size.

[Redsub71]

Someone who has a 116500 would hardly buy a 126500. It's not a question of fans, the dials are identical to the previous ones

[Tqmb79]

For me depends on the model. Both new and old versions are amazing watches in my mind. My favorite is the white gold blue dial 116509. My favorite watch in my collection.

[Mr. Superlative]

Aesthetically, I prefer the 116 on the steel white dial. But I absolutely love my OF White Gold Daytona 126519.

[77T]

There are so many factors to consider.

First, how many commenters here own a 116, plus have now purchased a 126 while keeping the 116? Those folks have prime comparisons to note.

Otherwise, it is a lit review of the Rolex marketing dept. In other words, opinions voiced by readers of the stated features or those who had a chance to see an exhibition model for a few minutes.


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[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by 77T

There are so many factors to consider.

First, how many commenters here own a 116, plus have now purchased a 126 while keeping the 116? Those folks have prime comparisons to note.

Otherwise, it is a lit review of the Rolex marketing dept. In other words, opinions voiced by readers of the stated features or those who had a chance to see an exhibition model for a few minutes.


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I agree with this sentiment

If one more person says symmetrical.

Unless the crown and pushers are deleted it will never be truly symmetrical. So many watches are not perfectly symmetrical. I like them both and they all have pluses and minuses for me also.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

There are so many factors to consider.

First, how many commenters here own a 116, plus have now purchased a 126 while keeping the 116? Those folks have prime comparisons to note.

Otherwise, it is a lit review of the Rolex marketing dept. In other words, opinions voiced by readers of the stated features or those who had a chance to see an exhibition model for a few minutes.


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True enough my friend

I’ve owned neither but have handled both (the first gen multiple times, and the sending gen recently).

Enough to know, that neither are for me, but if I had to pick one it’d be the 12xx

[Rolex1982]

I personally like the new look more than the previous models.

[Calatrava r]

I prefer the model with the bezel framing, more balanced case and narrower sub dial circles.

[garyk]

I like them all but I’m fortunate enough to own mine and I would not be interested in trading for newer reference Daytonas!!





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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by garyk

I like them all but I’m fortunate enough to own mine and I would not be interested in trading for newer reference Daytonas!!

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Your YG reverse PN is incredible! Drool …


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[t65tampa]

Originally Posted by garyk

I like them all but I’m fortunate enough to own mine and I would not be interested in trading for newer reference Daytonas!!




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Got to agree with above. I have three 11650X Daytona models that I absolutely love. The changes between the 116 and 126 models aren't enough to make me want to put any more money in towards a trade or have duplication in models between the series.

I'm glad that Rolex did not change the Daytona significantly from the prior series as they still look beautiful and feel comfortable to wear daily.

[L_S_SHOE]

Older Daytonas for sure. They’ve evolved into an illegible piece of expensive jewelry. Ineffective and uninspired.


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[thegrandseirolexguy]

Not a Daytona fan. But the all SS black dial 116520 would be my pick.


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[Redsub71]

If you agree, I would extend the discussion to precious metals as well. The dials of the gold and platinum models are much, much too similar, but less sporty, than the previous discontinued models. Did you like the visible caseback on the platinum model? I don't, and I find the discontinued model more beautiful, more vintage.

[Krash]

Personally, I’d be thrilled with either.


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[Neil McCauley]

12 series for me, personally.

[Sergio_UKR]

New one. Way more elegant and proportional

[Pinchy]

There isn't a single dial that I would pick in the 126 line up over the respective 116 line up.

And the ring on the bezel, it looks nice enough but it drives me up the wall to think the replaced unscratchable material with... scratchable. Doesn't matter so much on the full gold pieces but basically nothing changed there anyway, except worse dials.

I won't kick the new black SS version out of bed though, that has improved and a steel ring is forgivable compared to say a gold bezel ring.