Is the 116500 the perfect steel Daytona?

[Fserial]

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?

[Tanuki]

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.

[Frank McKay]

Originally Posted by Fserial

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.


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[Agamemnon]

It could be, yes.

[HMHM]

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.

[alex.cicollo]

Yes. Full stop.

[Wssszsss]

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.

[omar-rye]

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

[ol' Rex]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

Nice!

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

[APPRF]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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.

[PenDelicate]

Originally Posted by APPRF

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.

[Alex369]

Originally Posted by APPRF

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.

Beautiful watch, but the upside down numbers on the bezel are not the best. I prefer other iterations...

[ol' Rex]

Perfection is different things to different people, but in my opinion, the "perfect steel Daytona" has yet to be released. Basically, it will be a white-faced version of the 126500, but it will be a "true panda" like the old 6263.

That to me would be absolute perfection, but I have the feeling Rolex will keep us waiting for a few years at the very least.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

Damn, that's good looking.

It amazes me how such subtle changes have changed the Daytona from something that honestly didn't do a thing for me in 116500 guise, into something (126500) that I really want to buy - hence why I got myself on the list at my AD. With those symmetrical lugs, it just looks "right" somehow now. Plus I love the vintage look of the bezel ring.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

I love my 116500 white dial from 2017. If I had the opportunity to buy one of the new model, this black dial watch looks amazing! Nice!!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

+1 Also think the 126500 looks nicer than the older 116500


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[Joearch]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

I’m in this camp. Hope to add one soon.

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

Agree 100% 126 is cresting perfection

[goldboy]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

With photography skills that fantastic, I think you could make the 116500 look even better

[Nico81]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

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

Yep


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by Fserial

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..

[Rushne]

Originally Posted by padi56

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.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by padi56

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..

Here we go... You're blindly affected by hype just as much as anyone else, but for you it manifests negatively. Take the context out of it, forget about the history and give us a real opinion for once.

You're not a fan of the modern daytona? Why? Don't say cause it's over hyped, that's not an objective reason.

Your opinion weighs heavy around here and people would love to hear you answer the question. Which daytona IS the peak iteration?

[Deppe]

I really appreciate symmetry in a chronograph, why I prefer the older style Daytonas where the subdials wasn’t raised, but was perfectly in line with 9 and 3. This is also why I prefer the older Patek chrono’s with the Lemania movements, and (one of the reasons) why I think the Corne de Vache from Vacheron is such a good looking watch.

But that may just be me.

[Gazoak]

Originally Posted by Fserial

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.

[Rushne]

Originally Posted by Gazoak

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.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Rushne

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..

[CarlOver]

Originally Posted by Mystro

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.

[Ruud Van Driver]

The best, perfect steel Daytona is the one the wearer owns and enjoys wearing the most.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

The 991.2 is very, very good. The GTS is the sweet spot for those. I agree with you.

^ this