Going 116500 Over 126500

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had four SS Daytonas, the current one is a black 116500 bought new in November 2019. When the 12 series was announced my initial impression was how “un-revolutionary” it was. A few months ago I got to compare mine with a black 126500 at the WOS in Las Vegas. I am even more convinced now that there’s nothing about the new generation that makes me want to swap. Get the best price you can on the one YOU prefer.

[SS Oyster]

Bother are terrific and incredible chronos, but I prefer 116500 as bezel less likely to get damaged.


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[Daytonaman799]

Is the white on the 116500 more porcelain vs the 126? I loved the porcelain aspect of the 116. I traded it towards my platinum Day Date and don’t regret it but I do love the case design of the Daytona. I still have an early 116520 and that can be hard to read.

[Reloaded85x]

Both are great, but prefer 11 white and 12 black.

[Redsub71]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I’ve had four SS Daytonas, the current one is a black 116500 bought new in November 2019. When the 12 series was announced my initial impression was how “un-revolutionary” it was. A few months ago I got to compare mine with a black 126500 at the WOS in Las Vegas. I am even more convinced now that there’s nothing about the new generation that makes me want to swap. Get the best price you can on the one YOU prefer.

I agree! This is the thought of the majority

[BraveBold]

I prefer the 116500 black - sleeker, less chunky look. It was made clearer when trying the 126 on and comparing in-person to my 116…

[keeso]

Personally, I do not see a bad choice in both 11 and 12. I think they are both beautiful.

[Greg.A]

FYI below where poll of over 600+ people participated where 126500 won, however, choose the one you like ultimately

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

[zabazja]

Am I the only one who thinks the 11 series hour markers are ugly? Since the 12 series it’s bothering me even more than before.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

FYI below where poll of over 600+ people participated where 126500 won, however, choose the one you like ultimately

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

By a very slight margin due to the the newer and shinier Rolex is the better model phenomenon . This happens everytime Rolex releases an upgrade to older models. Then in years to come the actual better looking model prevails even if it was the older model. Look at the Hulk vs Starbucks, The SD4K vs SD43, Explorer 39 vs Explorer 40, even some are starting to lean more for the older black Sub models vs the new. The 116500 Panda which is the first ceramic Daytona, the one that started all the hype, produced for 7 years only, and the first model to be used as a carrot by Rolex ADs will be more popular in the future in my opinion. Not every redesign is an upgrade even if it was done by Rolex.

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by Manamana

By a very slight margin due to the the newer and shinier Rolex is the better model phenomenon . This happens everytime Rolex releases an upgrade to older models. Then in years to come the actual better looking model prevails even if it was the older model. Look at the Hulk vs Starbucks, The SD4K vs SD43, Explorer 39 vs Explorer 40, even some are starting to lean more for the older black Sub models vs the new. The 116500 Panda which is the first ceramic Daytona, the one that started all the hype, produced for 7 years only, and the first model to be used as a carrot by Rolex ADs will be more popular in the future in my opinion. Not every redesign is an upgrade even if it was done by Rolex.

Also check out the Fratello (really popular website for watch hobbyists )watch poll https://www.fratellowatches.com/sund...126500ln/#gref. Where 126500LN also wins the 116500LN in the poll. Numbers don’t lie I am afraid

In nutshell, The 126500ln has improved certain aspect of the design while paying tribute to the earlier Daytonas
1. Thinner counter rings which resembles the Zenith Daytona
2. Bezel with outer metal rings similar to the earlier Daytonas
3. Symmertical lugs
4. Redesigned case with contoured lugs to sit better on wrist
5. Chronograph pusher slightly bigger for easy operation

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Also check out the Fratello (really popular website for watch hobbyists )watch poll https://www.fratellowatches.com/sund...126500ln/#gref. Where 126500LN also wins the 116500LN in the poll. Numbers don’t lie I am afraid

In nutshell, The 126500ln has improved certain aspect of the design while paying tribute to the earlier Daytonas
1. Thinner counter rings which resembles the Zenith Daytona
2. Bezel with outer metal rings similar to the earlier Daytonas
3. Symmertical lugs
4. Redesigned case with contoured lugs to sit better on wrist
5. Chronograph pusher slightly bigger for easy operation

Yes numbers reflect the newer and shinier is better phinominen when Rolex redesign an old model (not always an upgrade or improvement, but mostly to be fair).

1,2,3,are not considered improvements by many. Especially the symmetrical lugs which actually make the overall look asymmetrical. The design of the 116500 was hailed as the ultimate design by Rolex which actually said that officially on the launch of the 116500 in 2016 including the asymmetrical lugs. Why did Rolex decide to change that design again is a mistake in my opinion. It's just change for the sake of change. In my opinion it was the pressure to make it look bigger. Are you telling me the elephant foot of the lugs are more nicer than the old lugs on the side profile above.

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by Manamana

Yes numbers reflect the newer and shinier is better phinominen when Rolex redesign an old model (not always an upgrade or improvement, but mostly to be fair).

1,2,3,are not considered improvements by many. Especially the symmetrical lugs which actually make the overall look asymmetrical. The design of the 116500 was hailed as the ultimate design by Rolex which actually said that officially on the launch of the 116500 in 2016 including the asymmetrical lugs. Why did Rolex decide to change that design again is a mistake in my opinion. It's just change for the sake of change. In my opinion it was the pressure to make it look bigger. Are you telling me the elephant foot of the lugs are more nicer than the old lugs on the side profile above.

Everyone can write one big essay like the above but number's don’t lie my friend..

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by zabazja

Am I the only one who thinks the 11 series hour markers are ugly? Since the 12 series it’s bothering me even more than before.

True that..12 series thinner index’s goes back to to Zenith design..

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Everyone can write one big essay like the above but number's don’t lie my friend..

Numbers change all the time. Rolex couldn't give the Daytona away, Hulk was discounted at AD. Look at them now, imagine if you made a poll then. I would never refuse a 116500 or a 126500 from the AD they are both nice, It's just that I don't think the 126500 is an improvement or upgrade that's all.

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by Manamana

Numbers change all the time. Rolex couldn't give the Daytona away, Hulk was discounted at AD. Look at them now, imagine if you made a poll then. I would never refuse a 116500 or a 126500 from the AD they are both nice, It's just that I don't think the 126500 is an improvement or upgrade that's all.

Numbers change all the time but they don’t lie my friend..

[ts3]

Originally Posted by zabazja

Am I the only one who thinks the 11 series hour markers are ugly? Since the 12 series it’s bothering me even more than before.

No, they are hideous. If it wasn't for the markers I'd prefer 11 series over 12 series.

[Redsub71]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Also check out the Fratello (really popular website for watch hobbyists )watch poll https://www.fratellowatches.com/sund...126500ln/#gref. Where 126500LN also wins the 116500LN in the poll. Numbers don’t lie I am afraid

In nutshell, The 126500ln has improved certain aspect of the design while paying tribute to the earlier Daytonas
1. Thinner counter rings which resembles the Zenith Daytona
2. Bezel with outer metal rings similar to the earlier Daytonas
3. Symmertical lugs
4. Redesigned case with contoured lugs to sit better on wrist
5. Chronograph pusher slightly bigger for easy operation

All the polls were rigged, on Instagram, in international forums, and this one too. The reason is simple, the website owners thought that by doing so, they could be considered positively by the big brands. For those who remember, the old 116500 was ahead in this race, but it was disturbing those who already had something else in mind. They could not erase the negative comments of the many fans disappointed by the dials of the new Daytonas, but they modified the survey. There is no denying the evidence. Who like me has noticed this manipulation of numbers? Shameful

[Redsub71]

If you read the comments in the old poll, there were many and all in favor of the 116500, but then in the numbers strangely, even if slightly, the 126500 went ahead

[Redsub71]

I don't mean that the 12xxxx is a failure, I like it too. The Le Mans model is a masterpiece, but the discontinued ones are much more beautiful and preferred by the majority of enthusiasts. I am also thinking of the Daytona 116520 and 116528, the first Daytonas in Rolex history with an in-house caliber, nostalgia a lot of nostalgia, masterpieces that we will regret for life

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by Manamana

By a very slight margin due to the the newer and shinier Rolex is the better model phenomenon . This happens everytime Rolex releases an upgrade to older models. Then in years to come the actual better looking model prevails even if it was the older model. Look at the Hulk vs Starbucks, The SD4K vs SD43, Explorer 39 vs Explorer 40, even some are starting to lean more for the older black Sub models vs the new. The 116500 Panda which is the first ceramic Daytona, the one that started all the hype, produced for 7 years only, and the first model to be used as a carrot by Rolex ADs will be more popular in the future in my opinion. Not every redesign is an upgrade even if it was done by Rolex.

I agree with you on most points but the 116500 did not start the hype. The OG manual wind four digit Daytonas were the ones the dealers had collecting dust. When the Zenith powered 16520 was introduced in the late 80’s the “legend” started. High demand and ADs carefully handing them out as rewards started back then.

[Ferrari-F430]

Being that I refuse to buy grey market on one, I guess I'll be "stuck" with the 126500.

[enjoythemusic]

Only way to be sure....

[mike morris]

My vote 11 black all time favorite

[928ktgold]

126500

[fluffybunny]

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[Spartacus]

I prefer the 116500 for historical significance and maintaining true to original form and case.

As a collector, you are getting the first ceramic Daytona, and the one that was connected to the historic PN auction.

The change to subdials was odd, don’t think it looks the best. We are splitting hairs, though both look great.

[prnceofpersia23]

Love my 11

[Joearch]

Buy what you like, don’t buy what you don’t like. Relatively simple concept. No rational explanation for which design is superior. A number of people here don’t like any version of the Daytona. I enjoy a number of different versions and don’t concern myself with other opinions that most likely are valid.

[YoyoGift8]

No wrong choices here, although i have the 116 I will still be happy if I had the 126 instead. Like them both equally.