The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 5 July 2023, 03:37 PM   #1
Fserial
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: US
Posts: 26
Is the 116500 the perfect steel Daytona?

Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?
Fserial is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 04:33 PM   #2
Tanuki
"TRF" Member
 
Tanuki's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 757
I think it may be at least for while. I don’t like things on the new model but of course I have yet to see the new one in the metal.
Tanuki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 04:58 PM   #3
Frank McKay
"TRF" Member
 
Frank McKay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,650
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fserial View Post
Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?

Great question and comments. Imho I believe so. The watch from a size, fit, dimension perspective is perfect. Black or white dial. Both iconic and will stand the test of time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Frank McKay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 05:08 PM   #4
Agamemnon
"TRF" Member
 
Agamemnon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Real Name: Giuliano
Location: Italy
Watch: Rolex - Panerai
Posts: 1,979
It could be, yes.
Agamemnon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 05:16 PM   #5
HMHM
"TRF" Member
 
HMHM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: HM
Location: 🇲🇾
Posts: 2,477
In terms of build quality, movement accuracy, no doubt the 116500 is the best.
However, in terms of pure aesthetic, the 6263 is almost unrivalled. There’s a reason why the new LeMan anniversary Daytona resembles the 6263, especially the black dial, Big Red variant.
HMHM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 05:32 PM   #6
alex.cicollo
2024 Pledge Member
 
alex.cicollo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Alex
Location: Europe
Watch: A few
Posts: 2,238
Yes. Full stop.
alex.cicollo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 05:39 PM   #7
Wssszsss
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: LA
Posts: 57
I have both black and white 116500, but I like the 126500 much more, they have more vintage looking just like an update after 16520 directly. (But I will need to wait to see on hand for sure)
The 116500s on the other hand, the design language are softer and rounder, just like how 2010s cars, it feels ‘modern’, I still think they will remain icons that represent this decade after many years looking back.
Wssszsss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:02 PM   #8
omar-rye
"TRF" Member
 
omar-rye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Underground
Posts: 2,670


I think we can end the discussion now, once and for all
omar-rye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:09 PM   #9
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,063
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fserial View Post
Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?
Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona,well speaking for myself not a fan of the modern day Daytona.It must be the most hyped Rolex watch ever,yes it has a great movement.But if it was not the fact of hype and always been hard to get at retail I would doubt if it would have the status today.Today hype sells watches as many buy to wear the hype and today most of the sports line have become little more than ££$$€€ objects and little more.Take my Daytona 6263 when my father bought his way back in the 1980s ADs could not give them away.They even gave him a discount of £25, he went to buy a Sub but the Daytona was over a hundred pound cheaper. But today most everyone would like to own a Daytona 6263 but now bringing crazy money and no mine is not for sale at any price..
__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:13 PM   #10
Gazoak
"TRF" Member
 
Gazoak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: England
Posts: 388
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fserial View Post
Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?
I actually believe the Porsche 991.1 was peak 911. Naturally aspirated as the 997, better interior than the 997 and better looking at the back. On the rest of your comments, I concur.
Gazoak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:21 PM   #11
ROLEX*
"TRF" Member
 
ROLEX*'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: ROLEXROLEXRO
Location: ROLEXROLEXROLE
Watch: ROLEXROLEXROLEX
Posts: 761
I think submariner is 16610LV, followed by 116610LV

Agreed Daytona is 116500LN
__________________
To each their own and your mileage may vary.
"In the time of our life, live—so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it." — William Saroyan
ROLEX* is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:37 PM   #12
Rushne
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Rushne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Watch: White 116500LN
Posts: 876
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoak View Post
I actually believe the Porsche 991.1 was peak 911. Naturally aspirated as the 997, better interior than the 997 and better looking at the back. On the rest of your comments, I concur.
Exact thought I had reading that. I do love the 997 as well of course, but the 991.1 is just that tad more perfect I think.
__________________

Omega: Seamaster Professional 300M 2220.80.00
Rolex: Daytona White Dial 116500LN
Rolex: Sky-Dweller Blue Dial Jubilee 336934
Rolex: DateJust 36 Roman White Dial Oyster 126234
Rolex: OP 36 Celebration Dial 126000
Panerai: PAM 422
Patek Philippe: Aquanaut 5167A
A. Lange & Söhne: 1815 Annual Calendar

@mechanicaltom Stolen: IWC Portuguese 500107 Case number 3853222
Rushne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:43 PM   #13
Rushne
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Rushne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Watch: White 116500LN
Posts: 876
Quote:
Originally Posted by padi56 View Post
Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona,well speaking for myself not a fan of the modern day Daytona.It must be the most hyped Rolex watch ever,yes it has a great movement.But if it was not the fact of hype and always been hard to get at retail I would doubt if it would have the status today.Today hype sells watches as many buy to wear the hype and today most of the sports line have become little more than ££$$€€ objects and little more.Take my Daytona 6263 when my father bought his way back in the 1980s ADs could not give them away.They even gave him a discount of £25, he went to buy a Sub but the Daytona was over a hundred pound cheaper. But today most everyone would like to own a Daytona 6263 but now bringing crazy money and no mine is not for sale at any price..
Wow! The most toned down and relaxed Padi post I have seen :)
But as usual, completely correct. I love my 116500 but I didn't pay a cent over retail and the reason for buying it was a personal goal I set myself first year out of high school... almost 20 years ago.
But in general... it's sold by hype.

However, Padi, could contributing factors also be, there isn't really an equal to the Daytona.
By that I mean, Automatic, 100m WR , slim and 39ish mm?
And of course, "reasonably priced", this side of 20k

The Zenith is the closest but, a bigger watch...

But... hype does still add more demand than any other factor.... by far I guess.
__________________

Omega: Seamaster Professional 300M 2220.80.00
Rolex: Daytona White Dial 116500LN
Rolex: Sky-Dweller Blue Dial Jubilee 336934
Rolex: DateJust 36 Roman White Dial Oyster 126234
Rolex: OP 36 Celebration Dial 126000
Panerai: PAM 422
Patek Philippe: Aquanaut 5167A
A. Lange & Söhne: 1815 Annual Calendar

@mechanicaltom Stolen: IWC Portuguese 500107 Case number 3853222
Rushne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 06:50 PM   #14
KY..
2024 Pledge Member
 
KY..'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Real Name: Keith
Location: California
Watch: 60s to 90s
Posts: 1,373
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fserial View Post
Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?
No,
The original 4 digit Paul Newman is hands down the #1 Daytona, and the original 6263/6265 Big Red is #2 IMO.
__________________
Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s…
Exhttps://imgur.com/FnO9FRy
”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”
KY.. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 07:24 PM   #15
Driver8
"TRF" Member
 
Driver8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 2,874
Obviously this is completely subjective, but no I personally I don't think the 116500LN is the "perfect" Daytona.

The reason I say that is because by the OP's yardstick of "every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula", the new 126500LN doesn't really deviate from the formula at all IMO (despite what some may say). In reality it's a VERY gentle evolution of the 116500LN, not an earth shattering revolution which leaves the 116500LN standing as some beacon of perfection.

Plus (and this is a personal thing) by any measure, the asymmetrical lugs on the outgoing SS Daytonas are arguably not really "peak design" from an aesthetic standpoint....which is no doubt one reason why Rolex have changed it.

Was the 116500LN a milestone? Yes of course it was, as it was the first ceramic bezel SS Daytona. Is it the perfect iteration? No, not IMO. For me the 126500LN is already a demonstrable improvement. JMO and YMMV.
__________________
Rolex - 116710BLNR : 116610LN : 116622 : 116334 : 14060M
(Plus - Glashutte Original, Breitling, Omega, IWC, Tag Heuer, Doxa, Sinn, Seiko, G-Shock + micros)
Driver8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 11:47 PM   #16
watchwatcher
"TRF" Member
 
watchwatcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Larry
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Yes
Posts: 35,047
It's a great watch, to be sure, but...

Really, time will ultimately tell. Until then, I think it's all pretty much speculation, and, if I were to speculate,I don't know how you'd make the claim any 5 (or even 6) digit series is the peak when there are so many great 4 digit watches. And speaking of 4 digit watches, the Paul Newman would be a pretty tough one for any modern Daytona to surpass.

But, hey, since we're just spitballing here, I'll throw one out: I think the greatest iteration of the EXP2 is the 1655.
watchwatcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2023, 11:54 PM   #17
APPRF
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Here
Posts: 1,480
Yes and Yes 100% you are correct. As Padi said nobody wanted the 6263 it was sold at discount and grey dealers even refused to buy them. It's just hyped because of the Paul Newman factor and charity auction, not sure if the buyer was revealed, it may be Rolex itself. The 6263 is actually the most hyped Daytona not the 116500.
APPRF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:04 AM   #18
ol' Rex
"TRF" Member
 
ol' Rex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Mont Boron
Watch: ing the detectives
Posts: 193
Quote:
Originally Posted by omar-rye View Post


I think we can end the discussion now, once and for all
Nice!

I really like the look of the ring around the bezel.

__________________
"I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire [...] not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then..."
ol' Rex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:10 AM   #19
Ravager135
"TRF" Member
 
Ravager135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 4,224
I really like the look of the newest Daytona. I can take or leave the metal ring around the ceramic bezel. I can easily understand why many don't like it and thus prefer the previous generation model. I still feel all the other changes are for the better on the newest model.
Ravager135 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:14 AM   #20
APPRF
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Here
Posts: 1,480
Quote:
Originally Posted by omar-rye View Post


I think we can end the discussion now, once and for all
For the new 126500 Daytona the sought after model will be the black in my opinion. The white Panda 116500 will always be the iconic face for the Daytona for years to come, they ruined the Panda look on the new white 126500.
APPRF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:21 AM   #21
swish77
2024 Pledge Member
 
swish77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 6,999
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fserial View Post
Now this is very subjective but every iconic product evolution arguably reaches its peak when every element is just right and after which further developments are actually deviation from the original formula.
For the Porsche 911 it was the 997 generation.
For the steel Submariner it was 16610.
For the steel GMT-Master it was 16710.

Will the 116500 be remembered as peak iteration for the steel Daytona?
Subjective indeed. The 6263 Big Red was the peak Daytona, IMHO. (And the last air-cooled Porsche 911 (993) was the peak.)
Attached Images
 
swish77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:35 AM   #22
ArtNouveau
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NWA, USA
Watch: BLRO/Daytona/OP41s
Posts: 5,388
I’ve had four SS Daytonas from three generations. My black dial 116500 is my favorite and the incremental changes to the 12 series aren’t enough to make me want to change.
Oh, and 991.1 911 for me too.
ArtNouveau is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 12:41 AM   #23
Mystro
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Mystro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: The Mystro ;)
Location: Central Pa.
Posts: 15,512
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rushne View Post
Exact thought I had reading that. I do love the 997 as well of course, but the 991.1 is just that tad more perfect I think.
The 116500 Daytona will go down as the pinnacle of the modern Daytona.
As far as the 911 and owning every model over the last 30+ years.
The ultimate modern 911 would be the 991.2 from my perspective.
991.2 was perfection in build quality, materials, design and performance. Everything was just dialed in and the torque was significantly stronger from low rpm’s all the way up. You had all the tech with out it dominating the interior design and the build options were at the very top without Covid compromise.
I sold my 992 and searched for a for a top 991.2 Exclusive Manufaktur model.

On a side note: TRF is such a fun place for so many reasons besides watches as many of us have so many similar passions outside of our time pieces..
__________________
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hyitq0aikqgajc0/Time%20sig.jpg?raw=1[/img]
Mystro is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:12 AM   #24
CarlOver
"TRF" Member
 
CarlOver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: US
Posts: 2,220
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mystro View Post
The 116500 Daytona will go down as the pinnacle of the modern Daytona.
As far as the 911 and owning every model over the last 30+ years.
The ultimate modern 911 would be the 991.2 from my perspective.
991.2 was perfection in build quality, materials, design and performance. Everything was just dialed in and the torque was significantly stronger from low rpm’s all the way up. You had all the tech with out it dominating the interior design and the build options were at the very top without Covid compromise.
I sold my 992 and searched for a for a top 991.2 Exclusive Manufaktur model.

On a side note: TRF is such a fun place for so many reasons besides watches as many of us have so many similar passions outside of our time pieces..
The 991.2 is very, very good. The GTS is the sweet spot for those. I agree with you.
CarlOver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:25 AM   #25
PenDelicate
"TRF" Member
 
PenDelicate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Stockholm
Watch: Just a Daytona
Posts: 1,385
Quote:
Originally Posted by APPRF View Post
For the new 126500 Daytona the sought after model will be the black in my opinion. The white Panda 116500 will always be the iconic face for the Daytona for years to come, they ruined the Panda look on the new white 126500.
For me (obviously only from photos), the new rim around the ceramic of the 12-series has taken-on the appearance of a frame around a painting. I really like it.
PenDelicate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:26 AM   #26
Ruud Van Driver
"TRF" Member
 
Ruud Van Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: Chopped Liver
Location: S. Wales Valleys
Watch: Mickey Mouse
Posts: 9,926
The best, perfect steel Daytona is the one the wearer owns and enjoys wearing the most.
__________________
116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737

"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott
Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Ruud Van Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:32 AM   #27
Cassidyanne
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Camarillo
Posts: 361
Aestheticcally speaking, nothing has ever matched these two beauties!!!!

And the 16520....still better looking than the 116500!!
Attached Images
     
Cassidyanne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:37 AM   #28
JSolution
"TRF" Member
 
JSolution's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Real Name: Jay
Location: England
Watch: SkyD
Posts: 6,398
Meh give me gold over steel :)
JSolution is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:40 AM   #29
Hurricane
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoak View Post
I actually believe the Porsche 991.1 was peak 911. Naturally aspirated as the 997, better interior than the 997 and better looking at the back. On the rest of your comments, I concur.
991 was definitely peak Porsche 911 - it was actually lighter in weight than the 997 and has the most perfect Porsche shape to date.

Hurricane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2023, 01:41 AM   #30
Hurricane
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlOver View Post
The 991.2 is very, very good. The GTS is the sweet spot for those. I agree with you.
^ this

Hurricane is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.