116500LN vs. 126500LN

[Oytun]

Just noticed, those new lugs looking horribly long, not looking good from this angle

It looks like this bracelet does not belong to this case

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by ooztumer

Just noticed, those new lugs are also horribly long, not looking good from this angle

It looks like this bracelet does not belong to this case

While I think it’s slightly longer, the angle of the picture exaggerates it compare to actual reality. If it’s based on the 1165xx PM case shape, it will fit very well and be slightly bigger than the 116500.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by HMHM

While I think it’s slightly longer, the angle of the picture exaggerates it compare to actual reality. If it’s based on the 1165xx PM case shape, it will fit very well and be slightly bigger than the 116500.

I think they’re the same profile as current 116 PM models. I have a 116519, and the lugs are great.

[Bazil]

I’d have any, either, all - anything Daytona ..

[decisive]

Originally Posted by illiguy

I think they’re the same profile as current 116 PM models. I have a 116519, and the lugs are great.

You sir are 100% correct.

Rolex has shifted from 2 case types to 1. All cases will be the 11 PM case for both steel and PM. Simpler, cheaper, allows for more to be made.

[JRell]

I am always one of the first to suggest the supercase had lugs way too big. Huge difference in the subs. I think the GMTs could use some tweaking. But the Daytona didn’t have this problem at all, other than the slightly non matching lugs. I think the advantage of the new is the extra protection under the ceramic bezel to allow for more durability, but this is the first new release that I don’t necessarily like the look of the new version more, I might even like it less. Would take either at retail regardless!

[trali]

New lugs look horrible:(

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.

Absolutely true. And where is my gain in power reserve from using heavily advertised Chronergy escapement? Shame!:)

On the other hand,

Originally Posted by decisive

Rolex has shifted from 2 case types to 1. All cases will be the 11 PM case for both steel and PM. Simpler, cheaper, allows for more to be made.

I hope so!

[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.

[illiguy]

The 116500 v 126500 comparison review from Monochrome is very informative.

“I personally think that the new dial, with its more refined markers and thinner rings, really rejuvenates the style of the Daytona – the dial of the older generation now looks dated. Sleeker, more modern, more aerial, it feels even more luxurious, too, in a pleasant way. Sometimes less is more. The updates on the case are minimal, but then again, a comparison between the old generation and the new model reveals the upgrade in elegance and modernity. The work done to improve the ergonomics (case thinness and bracelet) is undeniably a plus, and the revised movement is also appreciated – even though I had no complaints about the calibre 4130.” - Brice Goulard for Monochrome

https://monochrome-watches.com/hands...d-specs-price/




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[BNA/LION]

Thanks for sharing!

[Oytun]

Some more pics from https://www.ablogtowatch.com/the-def...500ln-version/

[trout_thumper21]

Magnificent. I am at full mast now. 126500 ALL. THE. WAY.

Originally Posted by Oytun

Some more pics from https://www.ablogtowatch.com/the-def...500ln-version/

[Oytun]

Yes looks good to be honest, i still like my 116500 better though can't get used to thin subdials and long lugs. also i bet market price will be minimum 3X for 126500 :)

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by illiguy

I think they’re the same profile as current 116 PM models. I have a 116519, and the lugs are great.

They are great but on the oysterflex strap. It does look off on the steel bracelet

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by jtorrebl

They are great but on the oysterflex strap. It does look off on the steel bracelet

Have you ever tried a full PM modern Daytona? Works fine on wrist, including the Platona, just as it works well on OF.

I think the lug discussion is much ado about nothing, for those that have tried/owned the updated case profile. The 126500 will also have a thinner profile on the wrist.

[MaverickMP]

pretty sure alot of people will start changing their minds once the new ones are actually out

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Have you ever tried a full PM modern Daytona? Works fine on wrist, including the Platona, just as it works well on OF.

I think the lug discussion is much ado about nothing, for those that have tried/owned the updated case profile. The 126500 will also have a thinner profile on the wrist.

I have the 116519 as well as a 116500LN white. So I do know and love the case. I just said the new lugs and bracelet “looks” off. I still like it though. On your Platona the endlinks also float above the lugs. I never understood it before but I do now. Maybe Rolex did this to balance out the longer lugs of the bracelet and supercase combination? The new models have a new endlink that now matches the curve of the case.

Also do you think the 126500 is going to be thinner than our 116519ln? How’d they do that? I’ve read it’s almost 1mm thinner but how?

[TBC123]

Like many I was underwhelmed by how small the 116500 looks on the wrist. Hoping the size increase and design changes will make visual impact better. Look forward to seeing one in the wild.

[Oytun]

Originally Posted by MaverickMP

pretty sure alot of people will start changing their minds once the new ones are actually out

Certainly, but only the ones that can/will get it from AD at retail or the ones willing to pay 3x retail :) All grey dealers i spoke with estimating 3x or 4x retail for SS ones

Rest of us will continue to love our 116500's

[Oytun]

Originally Posted by TBC123

Like many I was underwhelmed by how small the 116500 looks on the wrist. Hoping the size increase and design changes will make visual impact better. Look forward to seeing one in the wild.

It will look bigger on wrist, but i believe it will be like 116610 - 126610 kind of difference

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by jtorrebl

I have the 116519 as well as a 116500LN white. So I do know and love the case. I just said the new lugs and bracelet “looks” off. I still like it though. On your Platona the endlinks also float above the lugs. I never understood it before but I do now. Maybe Rolex did this to balance out the longer lugs of the bracelet and supercase combination? The new models have a new endlink that now matches the curve of the case.

Also do you think the 126500 is going to be thinner than our 116519ln? How’d they do that? I’ve read it’s almost 1mm thinner but how?

Great observations. I am sure this could cut both ways when comparing the 126500 versus 116500, but even as an owner of a 116500LN, the “step” end link, asymmetrical lugs, and “boat” indices are hard to unsee on the 116500LN once you see them.

In terms of case thickness, I know from that Monochrome write-up that the 126500LN is 11.9mm thick, or 0.5 mm thinner than the 116500LN due to a discreet case re-design. I think this will be a nice update to an already sleek/thin-profiled watch. Believe the 116519LN on OF is 12.27mm thick, so YES - the 126500LN will also be thinner than that model.

[Skully]

Very informative, thanks!

[Redsub71]

I prefer The old Lines 1165xx

[kwingy]

I think both are nice and I wouldn't complain to have either one. I feel the design changes are something you would quickly get accustomed too.