116500LN vs. 126500LN

[moofur]

Great article on the changes and differences between the two. Didn't realize that there were so many changes. The changes make it almost look like a completely different watch.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/the-def...500ln-version/

[rolexgs]

you realize that they are two completely different watches? lol.

[PenDelicate]

Oh, it's not a ceramic *insert*.

Innnnteresting.

[1166600]

same but (a bit) different

[cdm765]

The new one looks so much better. Rolex does it again!

[Manamana]

In Closing, Our Subjective Analysis Of The 2023 Steel Rolex Daytona

Whereas Rolex claims to be all about the perpetual pursuit of excellence — a mission statement reflected by its unrivaled selection and quantity of remarkably high-performance movements, among other things — occasionally not even “The Crown” can escape the pressure of doing something just for the sake of doing it. With the 2016 debut of the steel Rolex Daytona 116500LN, perhaps not even Rolex knew what a challenge it would eventually be to try to improve upon that design and execution. Seven years later, the 60th anniversary of the collection has marked the time for that “something” to happen, and so Rolex was expected to face this trial head-on and somehow modify one of its finest-ever designs — the 116500LN steel Daytona.

Even with all this in mind, we have to say that many of the updates to the Daytona, and especially the steel Daytona, appear to be hard-to-justify modifications that represent more of a step back than forward. The asymmetrical design, the delicate shape of the lugs, case profile, and hour markers, the monoblock and unframed ceramic bezel, the perfect overall proportions of the steel Daytona — not one of these are watch design elements that happen by chance, not at this level, anyway. And yet, all of these deliberate and calculated elements of refinement have been undone without any historical or practical justification.

Totally agree with this

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Manamana

In Closing, Our Subjective Analysis Of The 2023 Steel Rolex Daytona
Whereas Rolex claims to be all about the perpetual pursuit of excellence — a mission statement reflected by its unrivaled selection and quantity of remarkably high-performance movements, among other things — occasionally not even “The Crown” can escape the pressure of doing something just for the sake of doing it. With the 2016 debut of the steel Rolex Daytona 116500LN, perhaps not even Rolex knew what a challenge it would eventually be to try to improve upon that design and execution. Seven years later, the 60th anniversary of the collection has marked the time for that “something” to happen, and so Rolex was expected to face this trial head-on and somehow modify one of its finest-ever designs — the 116500LN steel Daytona.

Even with all this in mind, we have to say that many of the updates to the Daytona, and especially the steel Daytona, appear to be hard-to-justify modifications that represent more of a step back than forward. The asymmetrical design, the delicate shape of the lugs, case profile, and hour markers, the monoblock and unframed ceramic bezel, the perfect overall proportions of the steel Daytona — not one of these are watch design elements that happen by chance, not at this level, anyway. And yet, all of these deliberate and calculated elements of refinement have been undone without any historical or practical justification.

Totally agree with this

Makes sense to me too.

Just to add, the only modification I like is the hour markers. Always preferred Zenith Daytona style markers over the more recent life boat style shape.

[Golfbone]

Originally Posted by Manamana

In Closing, Our Subjective Analysis Of The 2023 Steel Rolex Daytona

Whereas Rolex claims to be all about the perpetual pursuit of excellence — a mission statement reflected by its unrivaled selection and quantity of remarkably high-performance movements, among other things — occasionally not even “The Crown” can escape the pressure of doing something just for the sake of doing it. With the 2016 debut of the steel Rolex Daytona 116500LN, perhaps not even Rolex knew what a challenge it would eventually be to try to improve upon that design and execution. Seven years later, the 60th anniversary of the collection has marked the time for that “something” to happen, and so Rolex was expected to face this trial head-on and somehow modify one of its finest-ever designs — the 116500LN steel Daytona.

Even with all this in mind, we have to say that many of the updates to the Daytona, and especially the steel Daytona, appear to be hard-to-justify modifications that represent more of a step back than forward. The asymmetrical design, the delicate shape of the lugs, case profile, and hour markers, the monoblock and unframed ceramic bezel, the perfect overall proportions of the steel Daytona — not one of these are watch design elements that happen by chance, not at this level, anyway. And yet, all of these deliberate and calculated elements of refinement have been undone without any historical or practical justification.

Totally agree with this

So do I. This is an excellent analysis and I could not have expressed my feelings more accurately than they have in these conclusions.

[Tensai]

Yep, they nailed it. The "super" case is lunky.

[Rolex1982]

I would go for the 126500 black dail one.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Rolex1982

I would go for the 126500 black dail one.

[Agamemnon]

In my opinion, the new one looks more refined and elegant. A restyling has been done by transforming a substantially simple product of new conception into something more complete and accurate. I like it and, when it will be possible, I will definitely buy it.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

In my opinion, the new one looks more refined and elegant. A restyling has been done by transforming a substantially simple product of new conception into something more complete and accurate. I like it and, when it will be possible, I will definitely buy it.

Wait till the 126500 hits wrists. People will want them .

[Osmin]

Thank you for the interesting article. I agree with them, the update did not make the watch better. Only the ceramic inlay is an improvement.

[clubrcr]

A great article, thanks for sharing.

[brandrea]

Obviously I haven’t seen one in person, but I like everything about the new Daytona.

The dial looks a bit more spread out thanks to the slimmer sub dials, and longer thinner markers.

I prefer symmetrical lugs.

I personally like the outer ring around the bezel, looks more “finished” to my eye than the previous gen.

What I’m not sure of is how it will feel in the wrist, but from most reports it should wear slightly larger and closer to the existing PM version. I guess the supercase is not dead afterall

[1William]

As a current owner of both of the last generation SS Daytona watches I do not see enough of a change to warrant a swap or an addition. I will need to see the watches in person.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by 1William

As a current owner of both of the last generation SS Daytona watches I do not see enough of a change to warrant a swap or an addition. I will need to see the watches in person.

Me too. I’m sticking with my black dial 116500, I can’t see enough change to make me want the new one. This coming from someone who also owned 16520s and 116520s before.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by 1William

As a current owner of both of the last generation SS Daytona watches I do not see enough of a change to warrant a swap or an addition. I will need to see the watches in person.

I agree. I also have both and do like how the new ones look, but not enough to wait for a swap and certainly no intention of owning both…

[GVAZQUEZ]

Originally Posted by JSol1

I agree. I also have both and do like how the new ones look, but not enough to wait for a swap and certainly no intention of owning both…

Same here my wife and have both SS and a few OF.. the new Daytona is beautiful but I feel it’s a downgrade.


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[watchwatcher]

Yeah...I see all these little updates as being not so much 'improvements,' but simply a very meticulously thoughtful way to create a desirable product while maintaining the same level of desirability in the former model.

As far as I can tell with the new Daytona, mission accomplished.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Obviously I haven’t seen one in person, but I like everything about the new Daytona.

The dial looks a bit more spread out thanks to the slimmer sub dials, and longer thinner markers.

I prefer symmetrical lugs.

I personally like the outer ring around the bezel, looks more “finished” to my eye than the previous gen.

What I’m not sure of is how it will feel in the wrist, but from most reports it should wear slightly larger and closer to the existing PM version. I guess the supercase is not dead afterall

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Yeah...I see all these little updates as being not so much 'improvements,' but simply a very meticulously thoughtful way to create a desirable product while maintaining the same level of desirability in the former model.

As far as I can tell with the new Daytona, mission accomplished.

100%

The old asymmetric case was, IMO, a design fail. Its something I could never unsee and what put me off steel or TT Daytonas.

For Hodinkee to say its a step backward is frankly ridiculous and most likely nothing more than sensationalism for views.

They never complained about the symmetrical PM cases before, and a large section of the Daytona fanbase didn't even know there were case differences.

The only truly new Daytona design element is the bezel ring on the cerachrom bezel.

[train-time]

Great comparison! Wider and longer lugs and a larger case, by 1mm. Finally, it's where it should be.

[FLx_]

I prefer the previous version. I was on the list for a TT, but I think I'm going to cancel. :(

[phillyvice]

People seem to ignore the fact that the new steel bezel ring will protect the previously naked ceramic bezel. I guarantee it’s cheaper to replace that metal ring than the entire ceramic bezel which is prone to chipping.

I was actually on the edge of buying a zenith chronosport and had this very concern of bezel chipping, and decided to go in another direction (skyD). I don’t abuse my watches, but I certainly don’t baby them. Then Rolex released this new Daytona and I thought, what a perfect solution. Personally, I think it looks really good too.


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[bp1000]

I’m still struggling with this one but will reserve judgement until I see it.

Rolex had to do something and what they’ve done are certainly refinements but the Daytona has now become a safe bet.

The dials are safe, the case is standard, the bezel is practical and like every other.

I like the charm of the asymmetrical case which they’ve always done to balance the case on the pusher side. This is pure Rolex to me, balance and thoughtful design.

I think it just plays into todays market which is all about show and less about the thrill of owning and using a tool watch.

I’m sure the dials will get more interesting as we go but I’m going to miss the case variety in lug shape and asymmetry.

I won’t be changing my white dial, ever, but I have asked for a black dial. For some reason on the 12 models, I like black better.

[brandrea]

I have to think that the wearing experience might be different. That might be the determining factor for many Daytona enthusiasts

[DC116710LN]

The fact that it looks and wears larger should appease those who felt the previous versions were too small.

I personally am lukewarm on the changes, although I'll reserve judgement until I see one in person

[Roli4life]

The super case was a step backward for the submariner and it’s a step backward for the Daytona ad well.

The outgoing version just looks better.

[Big Tex Rolex]

I’ll have to see it on my wrist … if it’s in fact a “Maxi / Super Case”, I’m not sure I’ll like it.

I traded my 11 Submariner for a 12 Submariner, and could not be happier with the changed proportions of the 12 Submariner.

I have an 116500 (Black), and would not mind if the dial was a tad larger, but I’m not sure I want the Case expanded, especially from 6:00 to 12:00, as it appears in the comparison photos.