The 116500LN Black has been very different than what I expected

[the dark knight]

I wanted to add a Daytona for at least 15 years, the longest I've pined over any watch before finally adding it. Finally just pulled the trigger on it grey market a couple of months ago as the prices have come back down to something I could stomach.

When I first got it, I thought it would be the ultimate "trophy" watch in my small collection, something I don't wear often.

Strangely, the hype faded fast and I almost got a bit disappointed, but then recently my paradigm on the watch itself changed and I'm starting to appreciate it a lot more. I think going for the black dial was a good choice in that regard.

Rather than "hype piece", it almost feels like a fancy 214270 Explorer I, and I say this in the best way possible as I love that watch. It's just such an easy watch to pick up and wear without overthinking anything. Good in any situation. A wind and go in the sense that if it's stopped, I just need to set the time (no date) and go. The dimensions are quite similar to the 39mm Exp I as is the comfort. Once it's on, it kinda disappears on the wrist.

In addition, I think it flys under the radar better than I initially expected, which aids daily wear. The all-black probably helps, as does the 39mm smaller size. But comically I think I have to thank the success of the Moonswatch. It's made black chronos super popular and a lot more ubiquitous than they were in the past.

Indeed, so far only one person has commented on my Daytona, and it was a barista at Starbucks. I kid you not, he looked at my watch and asked if it was a "Moonwatch". Not an Omega or a Speedmaster, but a "moonwatch".

[brandrea]

Great feedback I think sometimes when you wait on a watch for so long the build up can be a bit anticlimactic.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it more with time

As for the barista… I hope they got your order right.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Great feedback I think sometimes when you wait on a watch for so long the build up can be a bit anticlimactic.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it more with time

As for the barista… I hope they got your order right.

Thanks! I think it makes sense that there is no watch (not even close) that I hyped up in my own mind as the Daytona, so the drop from that was going to be really drastic.

Barista nailed the order!

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had four SS Daytonas from the 16520/116520/116500 generations and my current black dial 116500 acquired in 2019 is the keeper. Even though it’s pretty blingy with the PCLs the only comments I’ve had are from watch store employees.
Hype here is strong, in the world at large it’s just not that recognized. It is as you say a very comfortable unassuming piece that could certainly serve as a one and only. It’s also the most accurate mechanical watch I’ve ever owned. Last week I wound and set it then wore it a few nights for just a few hours. A week later it has not lost or gained a second.

[rockysw]

interesting experience. thanks for sharing.

And I am glad you are liking it more with time. It is a great watch. And the movement is quite remarkable. Moonwatch, even with manual wind, is thicker than a daytona which is automatic and rotor adds significant thickness.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

Thanks! I think it makes sense that there is no watch (not even close) that I hyped up in my own mind as the Daytona, so the drop from that was going to be really drastic.

Barista nailed the order!

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[rolesor2022]

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

[amphr1]

I think one reason no one comments is that there are so many watch that looks exactly the same across the room that you have to really look to find out. It could have been a seiko or a mall watch for all anyone would know unless it's an arms length away. In this way, I'm also glad I have the black. But no doubt there is owner bias I cannot get rid of. The real test would be, if Rolex let you exchange dial and give you stamp of approval, would you exchange your black dial with a Panda?

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[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by amphr1

I think one reason no one comments is that there are so many watch that looks exactly the same across the room that you have to really look to find out. It could have been a seiko or a mall watch for all anyone would know unless it's an arms length away. In this way, I'm also glad I have the black. But no doubt there is owner bias I cannot get rid of. The real test would be, if Rolex let you exchange dial and give you stamp of approval, would you exchange your black dial with a Panda?

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No I wouldn't for exactly the reason you mentioned. Even if someone knows nothing about watches, the Panda would be much more noticeable because of the color contrast.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Is that why your nickname is also the dark knight? Seems like there’s a theme going on.


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[BraveBold]

I remember discussing black vs white dial with my wife when I was considering which one to get. I chose black because it was simply more “me”… I am guessing for many owners it is just a sense of what fits their style better. I honestly couldn’t fathom having one that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. There is such a trivial difference in cost that for the vast majority of owners, it would be absurd NOT to get exactly what they desire…

I still take random photos of it after nearly 5 full years of ownership… beautiful watch and one I don’t intend to ever sell.

[BlondesNwatches]

Definitely an amazing piece and I can appreciate that it flies under the radar, which is a good thing.

[~JJ]

It’s funny, my initial thought when I bought my first Daytona was it wears very similar to my 39mm Explorer. I find this case design to be the most comfortable to wear in the Rolex line. Great watch and congrats!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I feel you, OP. Said it time and again. Biggest "let-down" of my watch-collecting journey has been my Daytona. They're hyped to hell... and I honestly don't know why at this point.

A nice watch - sure. But for me it's just "so so".

It does wear well, that said. And is super comfy. But for me, the cons far outweigh the pros.

[Oldfellow]

Thanks for the interesting background on your experience.
I think is a great piece, and I’m glad that you are now enjoying it more.

[911cz]

Thanks for the honest feedback. Much appreciated. Just give it more time and you’ll like it even more.

[hutch300]

I think the lore around it makes it anticlimactic. Much like Pappy Van Winkle. Once you love with it you realize how comfortable and versatile it is. I actually believe its current gray market price is worth it. I know many don't and that is fine too. Great watch, enjoy OP.

[Cru Jones]

Thanks for sharing. A definitely relatable “problem”.

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

I wanted to add a Daytona for at least 15 years, the longest I've pined over any watch before finally adding it. Finally just pulled the trigger on it grey market a couple of months ago as the prices have come back down to something I could stomach.

When I first got it, I thought it would be the ultimate "trophy" watch in my small collection, something I don't wear often.

Strangely, the hype faded fast and I almost got a bit disappointed, but then recently my paradigm on the watch itself changed and I'm starting to appreciate it a lot more. I think going for the black dial was a good choice in that regard.

Rather than "hype piece", it almost feels like a fancy 214270 Explorer I, and I say this in the best way possible as I love that watch. It's just such an easy watch to pick up and wear without overthinking anything. Good in any situation. A wind and go in the sense that if it's stopped, I just need to set the time (no date) and go. The dimensions are quite similar to the 39mm Exp I as is the comfort. Once it's on, it kinda disappears on the wrist.

In addition, I think it flys under the radar better than I initially expected, which aids daily wear. The all-black probably helps, as does the 39mm smaller size. But comically I think I have to thank the success of the Moonswatch. It's made black chronos super popular and a lot more ubiquitous than they were in the past.

Indeed, so far only one person has commented on my Daytona, and it was a barista at Starbucks. I kid you not, he looked at my watch and asked if it was a "Moonwatch". Not an Omega or a Speedmaster, but a "moonwatch".

White Dial 116500LN for me, but also had a somewhat similar experience. I love mine and daily it all the time....I also have a 214270 MK2 that I love as well.

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

I remember discussing black vs white dial with my wife when I was considering which one to get. I chose black because it was simply more “me”… I am guessing for many owners it is just a sense of what fits their style better. I honestly couldn’t fathom having one that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. There is such a trivial difference in cost that for the vast majority of owners, it would be absurd NOT to get exactly what they desire…

I still take random photos of it after nearly 5 full years of ownership… beautiful watch and one I don’t intend to ever sell.

Its funny because I went back and forth on the Black vs White debate over and over in my own head and so I turned to my wife for advice (she knew nothing of the cost difference or the nicknames etc)...she instantly said to get the white as it was more "me"...even after I told her the price difference she said I would regret not getting the white in the long run.

[Bazil]

I honestly can’t separate a 116 white from a 126 black if I want another one, you’ve made a great choice, sometimes the thrill of the hunt is greater than the catch, we’re all weird watchy people that analyse intricate details and get excited over things vast majority of the population would never get, but it is funny your barista thought it was a moon watch .. enjoy the Daytona, it’s a lovely watch imo in any iteration …

[inadeje]

A Great insight and opinion OP. Having both black and white I can honestly say that the difference is easily enough to warrant owning both. True, the watch is hyped in internet-land, but in my honest opinion justifiably so. The Daytona I such a cohesive design that screams class.

As for the age-old black/white debate. The black’s seamless transition from dial to outer bezel (on the 11 series) creates an interesting optical illusion making the face meld into one with the bezel.

The white’s (incorrectly referred Panda) striking contrast between bezel and dial seems more “fresh”, dynamic and sporty to these eyes.

I love them both and have always said that I fell in love with Rolex because my first love was always the Daytona from being an adolescent the watch mesmerized me. Age hasn’t reduced my appreciation.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

This is not Reddit. Please stop with your negative attitude

[1William]

I have owned both the SS white and black dial at the same time, 11 series. Cool watches and a very big flex in our world of collecting. In the end, the Daytona is too small, 38.5mm, for my 7.5-7.75 inch wrist and difficult for me to read at a glance. When I owned them I thought the white dial would get more wrist time but it turned out the black dial got more. Don't know why, other than an overall preference for black dial watches. I am glad you are pleased with your Daytona. Enjoy.

[t65tampa]

The Daytona fits me perfectly. I know it wears a little smaller for a lot of people, but with my 6 3/4 inch wrist, it's right on the money. I do think the black dial with the ceramic bezel gives the watch a larger diameter presentation than the white dial version does. I went with the black dial for my stainless steel Daytona for that reason.

[Wingman244]

Love my Godzilla... LOL, am I allowed to say that? Coming from a 42mm Polar Explorer II and a Speedmaster I really love the size of the Daytona. I think the thinness of the Daytona does not get enough attention. Is there a thinner chrono than the Daytona? After the polar E2 I did not want another white dial so I got the black dial. Such a perfect watch. Fits my 7.5" wrist so well. I do wish it was easier to read, but maybe I just need to wear my glasses. I have had mine for 1.5 months and the only person to notice my watch was a guy sitting next to me on the plane. Hey yelled - "Hey is that a Rolex you are wearing!" I think everyone a few rows on each side heard it... Turned out to be a nice older gentlemen, we had a nice conversation.

[shaunylw]

That’s great news. I am still waiting for the day my number gets called, under the radar would be a bonus. I never thought of a Daytona as discreet but it does look a fair amount of other watches, makes sense.


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[rolesor2022]

Originally Posted by karleone

This is not Reddit. Please stop with your negative attitude

I can voice my opinion about the black 116500ln, just like you did about the white 116500. Don't be a hypocrite.

[GVAZQUEZ]

Originally Posted by rolesor2022

You should have got the new 12 series black. The 11 series black pales in comparison and its very underwhelming when next to the new 12 black. Way more refined and looks better with the updates

OP waited 15 yrs and you are going to tell him he bought the wrong watch.


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[GVAZQUEZ]

Congratulations OP it’s a beautiful watch enjoy it!!


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