Which dial color for ceramic Daytona

[Sauzo]

Originally Posted by Mr Ben

I always think the white looks very slightly nicer with better contrast in the subdial colours - the contrast is one of the reasons I like both these dials though. Think I’d end up going for black as it’s slightly more discreet and I’d wear it more.

Whichever one I picked, I’d be happy with it but I would also always wonder if I should have gone for the other option!

Haha exactly. I do like the sexiness of the black but then the fomo of the white would make me wonder. Probably just go black as I like it and I think k it's a better value ATM. Plus it's not as loud as the white. I have never been a "LOOK AT ME" sort of person.

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

Where did you get that black rubber strap with the end links? It looks great!

My Daytona is still on the factory bracelet., watch you are referring to is not mine.

[Chadridv]

black for a one and only, being more versatile. White for a collection, being more sporty and possibly fun.

Also, if you have a smaller wrist, white appears to wear a little bigger IMO. That could be a factor.

I'll never be a one and only type of watch guy so for me it's white.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by envuks

I went black and love it 4 years later.









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Would you mind sharing where you get the rubber strap and end links?

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

black for a one and only, being more versatile. White for a collection, being more sporty and possibly fun.

Also, if you have a smaller wrist, white appears to wear a little bigger IMO. That could be a factor.

I'll never be a one and only type of watch guy so for me it's white.

I thought the consensus was white looks smaller whereas black looks bigger.

[BDII]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Both!

I’ve written the below in another post, but thought I’d share it again here.

All below are just my opinions.

Shared attributes:
- very comfortable to wear
- fit a wide range of wrist sizes
- work for men and women
- the venerable 4130 movement is a mechanical marvel, so perfect since inception that it has gone essentially unchanged since 2000. This movement broke ground with many firsts for Rolex.
- world’s best bracelet and clasp
- thin case
- robust and waterproof
- wears small but with commanding presence
- extremely well protected by cerachrome bezel, crowns and crown guards

Black dial (m116500ln-0002) attributes:

- first thing that jumps out at you is the way the concentric silver subdial rings spread the light spectrum, sometimes looking light blue, pink, green, gold, brown, purple … only those who have worn one will understand this phenomenon.
- beautiful gloss black dial
- sometimes appears larger in size than the white because the dial seems extended by the matching glossy black bezel
- more dressy and formal
- silver subdials accentuate and compliment the 904L steel case, making the dial more cohesive with the overall watch.
- suitable as an everyday every occasion watch, absolutely perfect with a tuxedo or suit, yet seems perfectly fine with jeans and a tee shirt, transforming itself into casual
- red Daytona text stands out less, but glimpses are more satisfying when you catch them
- definitely will get noticed LESS than the white dial, which can be a very good thing at certain times, occasions and locations
- in low light, the Rolex WG Crown stands out equally on both black and white dials, but in bright light, the WG stands out a LOT more on the black dial, making the watch appear more balanced and symmetrical.
- appliqué hour markers stand out more in all lighting conditions on the black dial
- chronograph (large) seconds hand easier to see and track on black dial
- if you can only own one watch and it’s a Daytona, get the black for its complete versatility

White dial m116500ln-0001 attributes:

- the black dial version is just a black dial Daytona, but the white dial gets a nickname and notoriety of being the “Panda” Daytona
- higher contrast with stark shifts from silver to black to white to black to white again. Incredibly striking!
- Panda-esk dial harkens memories of early four-digit Daytonas, which many find makes this reference more collectible
- black subdial rings bring best attribute of the white dial Zenith models into the modern day
- black subdial rings improve readability over the silver subdial rings of the white dial 116520
- black cerachrome bezel frames perfectly the white dial, making it stand out among nearly every other watch in public settings
- recognition: everyone will know what you are wearing (not always a good thing)
- white dial is mesmerizing as it sits somewhere in between being matte and gloss … as you more your wrist around the white dial takes on both properties.
- red Daytona text above the 6 o’clock subdial stands out more against the white
- the black minute and second markers at the outer edge of the dial stand out more, making it seem more like a tool watch
- chronograph (large) seconds hand harder to see and track on white dial … I wish Rolex had blackened (or painted red) the seconds hand on the white dial variant
- subdials hands easier to read against the black rings with white centers
- the five lines of text above the hand stack stands out more on the white dial. I wish it just said Rolex … next line Cosmograph … next line Daytona in red, but Rolex knows what they are doing
- The white dial is the one to have if your other Rolex watches are primarily black dial, giving you more color variety. It’s also the one to have to be recognized as having THE MOST HARD TO GET ROLEX on the planet (at least of the high production models).

The white (we all know) is generally more in demand, so it commands a greater (~$3k-5k) price on the secondary market, but to me that only furthers the value advantage to the black dial. You can’t go wrong with either.

Which one will have better long term value? I’d be guessing to say white, but honestly do not care.

For those who are lucky enough to own one or both, take the time to really drink in the beauty, quality and engineering prowess represented therein.


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Great reviews! I put my name down for black a few weeks back, and glad I did!

Now we wait….

[shirtguy]

Its fairly simple

You only get black cause you couldn't get the white

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by shirtguy

Its fairly simple

You only get black cause you couldn't get the white

Nonsense. I’m on my fourth SS Daytona since 2000. First was one of the last 16520’s with white dial, second was a white dial 116520 traded a few years later for a black dial 116520. When it came time for a 116500 I asked my SA for a black dial because that was my favorite. I could have had either although a white dial would have taken longer because more people asking for it.

I’ve never had the desire to have both at the same time, I’d rather spend my funds on diverse models. I’m also pretty sure this one’s a keeper too. Don’t want a bigger one, or date, or new movement, very happy with this variation.

[ltmgeller]

I prefer the white one.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Nonsense. I’m on my fourth SS Daytona since 2000. First was one of the last 16520’s with white dial, second was a white dial 116520 traded a few years later for a black dial 116520. When it came time for a 116500 I asked my SA for a black dial because that was my favorite. I could have had either although a white dial would have taken longer because more people asking for it.

I’ve never had the desire to have both at the same time, I’d rather spend my funds on diverse models. I’m also pretty sure this one’s a keeper too. Don’t want a bigger one, or date, or new movement, very happy with this variation.

Someone actually said that? What an Instagram comment. I am very close to my next watch the Daytona. My AD ask white or black and said black. Some people actually prefer black dials, I know it is so hard to believe!

[JRell]

Originally Posted by shirtguy

Its fairly simple

You only get black cause you couldn't get the white

I could get either and said I want the black, so wrong. Unless you are a flipper lol.

[LFFL]

Never seen either in the flesh, I think I'd have to see them on wrist to make a choice. Looks like can't go wrong w/ either, I ain't putting in a vote ;D

[GregNYC]

Originally Posted by logo

Just describing what I see. Not sure if the watch is new, in which case it’s just a friendly FYI in case you missed them. But from your reply, I take it they are on there intentionally in which case not my watch, not my problem.

Tbh I don’t see stickers in that photo of the two Daytonas. What am I missing?


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[inadeje]

Since I have both I cannot vote. Both have their individual charm and style.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I thought the consensus was white looks smaller whereas black looks bigger.

White bigger

[77T]

I always liked the blue dial…




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[fskywalker]

White


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[EEpro]

This is the look I hated and saw almost every time I looked down.

Fratello image.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by GregNYC

Tbh I don’t see stickers in that photo of the two Daytonas. What am I missing?


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The black dial has stickers on the lugs. You can see the edges.

[Tanalasta]

Thinking beyond the answer, ivory or sunburst rose. Why limit yourself to steel options?


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[JRell]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I thought the consensus was white looks smaller whereas black looks bigger.

Black obviously makes the watch look bigger. The dial blends in with the bezel. The white shows the contrast and the size of the dial.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by shirtguy

Its fairly simple

You only get black cause you couldn't get the white

I actually got the white first. After wearing it for a few months asked my AD for the Black and she delivered…

[JasoninDenver]

So, among those who have both…

Which dial is the most legible for actually reading the time in low light?

This is a big concern as I have had beautiful white or silver dialed watch with silver hands that became illegible in a darker room such as a restaurant.

[envuks]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

Would you mind sharing where you get the rubber strap and end links?

The strap is OEM oysterflex. I sourced each piece separately via the TRF classifieds to get proper fit. The end links are smarty end links.


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