Daytona 11520 vs 11500

[blevine]

Looking to add a Daytona to the ol collection. Admired it since I was a lad.
Given the difficulty of getting an 11500 ceramic I am leaning towards the 11520. But even if it weren’t hard to get the ceramic, I seem to prefer the LOOK of the steel bezel. Seems like it displays watchmaking and metal working skill more than the ceramic. Also it seems, to me at least, that its more luxurious than the ceramic. Yes I know the steel shows scratches but scratches are inevitable if you wear your watch a lot and don’t plan on selling it (ever).

Anyone prefer the Daytona steel bezel look to the ceramic?

[79280_116520]

I enjoy my 520 very much even when the bezel and PCL are scratch magnets. At least with the scratches it gives the watch some character and I can differentiate my watch from others at watch gatherings.

[maximus1]

Yes to me the 116520 has a more classic feel and look.

[sensui]

I like both and I think a lot of people are caught up in the hype of the ceramic insert....not everyone because some for sure preferred that look since the early bakelite inserts from the 4 digit Daytonas. Decide what looks good for you and go for it!

[Spoonage]

I have a DaytonaC. Like it alot, but all things being equal I would have went with a Zenith Daytona...

[timeldn]

I have tried the ceramic and pre-ceramic and I prefer the 116520 classic.

[Seaswirl]

I owned both the black and white 116520 in the past, and I greatly prefer the 116500. Compared to the 116500, the polished steel bezel and shiny subdial rings of the 116520 make the watch feel a bit dated. I really liked my 116520s, but I like my 116500 a lot more.

[s14roller]

Had the 520 but as careful as I am, the steel bezel would pick up scratches so off it went. Waiting on a 500.

[ROLEXster]

Both nice looking watches.

One more dressy and other one more sporty.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by maximus1

yes to me the 116520 has a more classic feel and look.

x2

[sillo]

For me it's 16520 > 116500 > 116520

Just way too much polished surface on the first in house Daytona.

[Beckford]

How durable is the ceramic bezel? They both look beautiful but I’m not a big fan of the scratches.

[stylinleems]

Originally Posted by ROLEXster

Both nice looking watches.

One more dressy and other one more sporty.

Beautiful picture!!!

[Rilz]

I also prefer the 116520 classic.

[Muxi]

The scratch magnet thing gets to you. Ceramic sometimes looks like a toy but avoiding to stare at nicks and swirls is a higher priority for me. Rolex should have experimented with hardened metal bezels imho

[79280_116520]

Both models are basically the same watch for different target buyers, 116520 (classic design, non-sticklers with scratches), 116500 (new design, super sticklers with scratches)

[RoverLR4]

I’ve owned the 16520 in white and black, a few 116520 in white, and sold them all for a 116500 in white. Best watch decision I’ve made in a long time. If I chose to add another Daytona it might be the 16520 or 116520 Black. But regardless of which you settle on, they’re all awesome, so don’t stress too much over it! Enjoy!