New style daytona vs former? (126500 vs 116500)

[Nico81]

Hi, for those that own both, wanted to get your thoughts on, especially black version

I will have an opportunity in May to choose straight from AD 126500 or remaining 116500 ( i guess they got some of remaining inventory)

I did have white 116500 at on point and i did like it alot i just prefer black dials.
What i liked about 116500 is how wearable it was and comfortable. Case design was really nice.
At the same time my OCD would kick in and asymmetrical case bothered me and also it felt on smaller size

I have not tried on new model but i know that the case is bigger ( larger crown guards, and lugs, and lugs are symmetrical)

For those that tried both or own both, what are your thoughts in general of the new vs former and also the feel/ wearable aspect

Im leaning towards new model but i am concerned about comfort and clunky feel on the wrist

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Topspin14m]

No discernible difference from a wearability standpoint.

[Lalo007]

I have owned both models. The older model looked a bit smaller on my wrist than the new model. I have a 7 inch wrist and wear my new Daytona often and it feels and wears similarly as my old 116500 but I can definitely see a difference.

[SS Oyster]

I'd go for the 116500 if I were you.

I have three 1165xx (white, black and PN). My wife has 126515. The very first time she wore it, she dinged and scratched the Everose Bezel surround (ring), which upset her so much that she wouldn't wear it for months.

I'm really happy all of mine as 116s instead of 126s. We ALL know that the very first thing you look at on an old Daytona is the bezel edge to judge condition. Fortunately, Rolex got it right with the mono block Cerachrome bezels on the 116500s and 11651Xs, but IMO screwed up putting that silly ring around the bezel on the new 126s.

[RollingInTheDeep]

White 11, Black 12.

[lcs77]

11 for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[APPRF]

From the AD most will pick the new 126500 even if they love the old 116500. From grey most will pick what they really like, and it most likely will be the Panda 116500 or the black 126500. Watch the old Panda increase in price closer or above the new one in years to come. Similar to Hulk vs Starbucks currently.

[Madman37]

The 11 in black is the way the new one makes subdials look now

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Nico81

At the same time my OCD would kick in and asymmetrical case bothered me and also it felt on smaller size


Im leaning towards new model but i am concerned about comfort and clunky feel on the wrist

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wanted to love the 11 series but the asymmetrical case put me off. It was one of those things for me that once seen could not be unseen.

I own, and wear often, a 116509. It has practically an identical symmetrical case design/ shape/size as the new 12 series steel case (but weights significantly more at 207g sized for my wrist)

It is neither clunky nor uncomfortable. Quite the opposite in fact.

I'm wearing a forged carbon/titanium Doxa Sub 300 today which is supremely comfortable on its rubber strap and weighs just 95g. Strapping the Daytona on, the only discernible difference is the weight. The Daytona is no less comfortable.

Realistically, the comfort of the 12 should be no different to the 11.

I'd put good money on no one who was blindfolded and unable to touch the watch being able to tell the difference in on wrist feel between identically sized 11 and 12 series Daytonas.

Clunkiness and comfort in this comparison are pretty much influenced by prejudices and visual preferences for the vast majority.

You'll be fine with the 12. Its all about what one you like the look of most.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'd go for the 116500 if I were you.

I have three 1165xx (white, black and PN). My wife has 126515. The very first time she wore it, she dinged and scratched the Everose Bezel surround (ring), which upset her so much that she wouldn't wear it for months.

I'm really happy all of mine as 116s instead of 126s. We ALL know that the very first thing you look at on an old Daytona is the bezel edge to judge condition. Fortunately, Rolex got it right with the mono block Cerachrome bezels on the 116500s and 11651Xs, but IMO screwed up putting that silly ring around the bezel on the new 126s.

Assuming a friction fit between the cerachrome and the metal, that ring should be no "weaker" than the edge of an all metal bezel.

But I agree that other than any aesthetic preference, the appeal of the all cerachrom bezel on the PM cases was its robustness compared to the all PM bezels. The ring negates a lot of the cerachrom upside as the bezel tends to be a high contact point, as you pointed out.

[BraveBold]

Black 116500 is nicer looking in-person. The 126500 is nice too if you don’t have the 116500 option.

Given both options, easy 116 for me.

[brandrea]

Aesthetically I prefer the 12 series for the thinner sub dial rings and the overall case shape.

I just wish the sub dials were balanced … something that once I see I can’t unsee it

[Pboned]

I prefer the new 12 series.

[Spartacus]

Much prefer the 116500.

[Roger Lococco]

White 11
Black 12


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Aesthetically I prefer the 12 series for the thinner sub dial rings and the overall case shape.

I just wish the sub dials were balanced … something that once I see I can’t unsee it

What do you mean the sub-dials aren’t balanced?

[rolexjackson]

I’m a YUGE fan of the 12 series, for me the symmetrical case and the metal ring really does it for me.


Life is short, buy the watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

What do you mean the sub-dials aren’t balanced?

If you look at the sub dials they aren’t centered to the dial markers at 8 and 10 and 3 and 5. They sit closer to 3 and 10 of that makes sense. I guess it’s asymmetrical


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cornsyrup_bezel]

this topic has been coming up a bit recently. Both great try em on and pick the one you like. Tell us more how you got this dream opportunity!

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by brandrea

If you look at the sub dials they aren’t centered to the dial markers at 8 and 10 and 3 and 5. They sit closer to 3 and 10 of that makes sense. I guess it’s asymmetrical


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for clarifying. They’re centered above the 3 and 9 horizon. They’re like that on both 11 and 12 series cause they can’t all fit in the bottom half of the dial unless they become smaller.

I think they look more balanced this way cause it would be too bottom heavy if they were crammed down lower.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

Thanks for clarifying. They’re centered above the 3 and 9 horizon. They’re like that on both 11 and 12 series cause they can’t all fit in the bottom half of the dial unless they become smaller.

I think they look more balanced this way cause it would be too bottom heavy if they were crammed down lower.

There are many opinions on the dial layout ….

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=692089

[CHRONOLEX]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'd go for the 116500 if I were you.

I have three 1165xx (white, black and PN). My wife has 126515. The very first time she wore it, she dinged and scratched the Everose Bezel surround (ring), which upset her so much that she wouldn't wear it for months.

I'm really happy all of mine as 116s instead of 126s. We ALL know that the very first thing you look at on an old Daytona is the bezel edge to judge condition. Fortunately, Rolex got it right with the mono block Cerachrome bezels on the 116500s and 11651Xs, but IMO screwed up putting that silly ring around the bezel on the new 126s.

You are so right. The bezel is the tell tale indicator of Daytona condition. 100%

[CHRONOLEX]

Originally Posted by lcs77

11 for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great comparison shot!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

The 11 is better from a wearability perspective imo. That being said, I do like the subdials and hour markers on the 12.

[Actor07]

The 12 series hour markers and subdials look sleek and feel like they've been doing either some Peloton, yoga, HIIT, or some serious work on a Pilates Reformer as compared to the Series 11. I'm not watch dial body shaming but the Series 12 feel more modern and make the overall Daytona dial feel less cluttered. Needless to say, it's the 12 series for me.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by brandrea

There are many opinions on the dial layout ….

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=692089

Funny I never really noticed that before, maybe because I dont really like rings any way, and yet on the new AP ROC, and you have the old ROC centered as an example in that thread, the subdials are too high up, which does bug me as I think they should be either centered or slightly lower than halfway but never above.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by AK797

Funny I never really noticed that before and yet on the new AP ROC, and you have the old ROC centered as an example in that thread, the subdials are too high up, which does bug me as I think they should be either centered or slightly lower than halfway but never above.

I actually think it’s more noticeable on the 12 series for some reason … maybe the thinner subdial rings?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AK797]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I actually think it’s more noticeable on the 12 series for some reason … maybe the thinner subdial rings?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, you can see more black on either side of the rings and it more highlights the exact positioning of the rings on the dial.

[DC116710LN]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Im leaning towards new model but i am concerned about comfort and clunky feel on the wrist

I tried on the 126505 and it didn't feel clunky or uncomfortable as compared to the 116xxx. If you prefer black dials, I would choose the 126500

[Henrimontgomery]

IMO the zenith disks were the better options. Aligned vertically on 3/9, and you’ll notice that after playing with the shape of indexes, Rolex simply went back to the sharp shapes of yore.