[Rolex] A thorough comparison of the new Daytona model "Ref. 126500LN" and the older model "Ref. 116500LN"!

Good evening everyone.

Also known as the "King of ROLEX," the Daytona is arguably the most popular Rolex model. The Ref. 116500LN, released in 2016, has long been a driving force in luxury watchmaking due to its bold appearance, but the Ref. 126500LN was released in 2023, marking a much-anticipated change of generation. However, the new model retains its popular features and has been attracting a lot of attention even before it hits the secondary market.

So this time, we will be doing a thorough comparison of the new Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500LN with the old Ref. 116500LN! If you are interested in the new model, we recommend you do some research before it hits the market and make sure you understand what has changed. Please enjoy reading this article until the end.

First, let us briefly introduce each of the Daytonas we will be comparing.

Old model Ref.116500LN

Specifications

Case diameter	40mm	Bezel	Cerachrome
Dial	White or black	Luminous	Chromalight
material	SS	bracelet	SS
Waterproof	100m	Drive system	Automatic
Cal	4130	Power reserve	Approximately 72 hours

The sixth generation Daytona, Ref. 116500LN , was sold from 2016 to 2023.

This model uses a ceramic bezel (commonly known as the "Cerachrom bezel") reminiscent of the plastic bezel that was created in 1967 , and is highly scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and does not fade easily. The movement is the same as the previous model "Ref. 116520", equipped with "Cal. 4130", and boasts an average daily rate of -2 to +2 seconds after casing, more than twice the accuracy of the certified chronometer standard, making it even more advanced than the previous model.

New model Ref.126500LN

Specifications

Case diameter	40mm	Bezel	Cerachrome
Dial	White or black	Luminous	Chromalight
material	SS	bracelet	SS
Waterproof	100m	Drive system	Automatic
Cal	4131	Power reserve	Approximately 72 hours

The "Ref. 126500LN" is a new model released in 2023.

While keeping the basic design, this model has been slightly changed and has inherited the charm of the previous model. The bezel is made of metal and has a design reminiscent of the hand-wound Daytona. [Rolex] The new movement "Cal.4131" that fans have been waiting for has been installed and it has become a hot topic, but it is more accurate to say that it has been slightly changed rather than completely revamped.

Next, let's compare the old model, " Ref.116500LN ," with the new model, " Ref.126500LN ."
The main specifications are as follows:

Reference 116500LN

Reference 126500LN

40mm	Case diameter	40mm
Cerachrome	Bezel	Cerachrome
White or black	Dial	White or black
Chromalight	Luminous	Chromalight
SS	material	SS
SS	bracelet	SS
100m	Waterproof	100m
Automatic	Drive system	Automatic
4130	Cal	4131
Approximately 72 hours	Power reserve	Approximately 72 hours

❶【 Case 】

When viewed from the front, the difference is hard to tell, but when viewed from the side, the difference is immediately obvious: the "Ref. 116500LN" has smooth curves, while the "Ref. 126500LN" has a bold, sharp design. It can be said that the design is more stylish.

❷【 Bezel 】

The "Ref. 126500LN" uses metal for the edge of the bezel. The bezel is trimmed to give it a clearer outline and a more manly look.

❸ [ Dial ]

The "Ref. 116500LN" had large, thick indices and an outer circumference of the subdials, giving the dial an impactful impression, but the "Ref. 126500LN" is thinner overall, giving it a sleek and stylish impression.

The design of "SWISS MADE" at the 6 o'clock position on the dial is different; while the "Ref. 116500LN" only has the "SWISS MADE" marking, the "Ref. 126500LN" has a crown mark between "SWISS" and "MADE".

❹【 Movement 】

There are no major differences in specs, but the number of parts used is reduced, and the Cal.4131 is equipped with Rolex's cutting-edge technologies such as the Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorber. In addition, improvements have been made to the ball bearings, which play an important role in winding, making it an updated watch in terms of practicality.

By the way, the 2023 new "Ref. 126506", which is the first Rolex to feature a see-through case back, is also equipped with the same "Cal. 4131". You can see the "Côtes de Genève decoration" and "gold rotor", which makes it not only functional but also stylish.

The new Daytona Ref. 126500LN has been modified in small ways, but when compared to the old model, I think the appearance is very different. Preferences are divided, but either way, the extremely popular Daytona is sure to continue to attract attention, whether it's the new or old model.

The new model has not yet appeared on the secondary market, but once it does, it is expected that the price of the "Ref. 116500LN" will rise due to the pull of the "Ref. 126500LN." If you are looking for the older model, it may be wise to purchase it sooner rather than later.