Review: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Panda” 116500LN
Having a fantastic run since 2016, this iconic model will continue to gain appreciation and love beyond 2023
In March 2023, I embarked on my first international trip since 2019, flying to Asia. While cruising, I connected my iPhone to the in-flight wi-fi and received a text from Steve at my local Rolex Boutique. He was asking me to call him back to arrange a visit. Apparently, he had called earlier, but my phone was turned off.
It was the “call” that we watch enthusiasts all have been waiting for. Unfortunately, the timing was far from ideal, as I received it while on a plane departing town for a two-week trip. The noise level on the plane was so high that I had to delay returning Steve's call until we landed in the transfer airport. Thankfully, Steve was understanding and suggested that I schedule a visit a few days before my return.
I had made several purchases at Rolex Boutique J. Licht and Sons in the past, but I had never asked for a Daytona. The watch always seemed like an unattainable dream, so I didn't bother trying. However, everything changed when I had a conversation with Steve last year. He recognized my passion for watches and encouraged me to have faith and be patient. I had no idea what he had in store for me with the upcoming appointment, although I had some guesses. Then, during Watches and Wonders, a new Daytona lineup was unveiled, adding to the excitement and suspense of what was to come.
Steve was a master at keeping his customers in suspense and delighting them with surprises. I went to see him as soon as I returned home and we chatted for a bit. Then, Steve brought out a presentation box that I had never seen before. I couldn't help but wonder what was inside. Steve invited me to open the box and what I saw left me speechless - a dazzling and stunning "Panda" Daytona, fulfilling a dream I never thought possible.
A Brief History of Rolex Daytona
1963 - 1988: first generation with manual wind Valjoux-based movement
In 1963, Rolex launched the Cosmograph Daytona, a watch designed for motor sport enthusiasts. The name "Cosmograph" was chosen to reflect its chronograph function, which measured and recorded the movements of the cosmos, or the universe. From 1963 to 1987, Daytona watches were equipped with a manual wind movement based on the Valjoux 22.
In 1964, advertisements for Rolex in US newspapers featured following descriptions of the novelty.
“This is the new Rolex Chronograph. Named ‘Daytona’ after the International Speedway where Rolex is the official timepiece. Its tachometer is engraved on the bezel for easy mph reading. It has one-minute, 30-minute and 12-hour recorders. The sweep second hand times to ⅕ of a second. The 17-jewel movement is enclosed in a stainless steel waterproof Oyster case. The Rolex Daytona Chronograph. With black or white face, matching stainless steel bracelet. $210 including federal tax.”
It's truly incredible that the basic specifications of the Daytona have remained virtually unchanged for over 60 years. You may have noticed the 1964 price for a steel Daytona in the ads. In the United States, the inflation rate from 1963 to 2023 has been approximately 790%. Factoring in the inflation, the true value increase of a Daytona is about 9 times during this period.
1988 - 2000: “Zenith” Daytona (ref 16520)
In 1988, Rolex introduced an automatic Daytona with the Caliber 4030, which was based on the Zenith El Primero movement. However, this movement lacked the hacking function, which allows the watch to stop when the crown is pulled out to set the time.
This model marked the beginning of modern Daytona aesthetics, and it was the white-dial version that earned the nickname "Panda." Notably, the seconds sub-dial was located at the 9 o’clock position, which is a way to distinguish the "Zenith" Daytona from subsequent models.
2000-2016: In-house caliber 4130 (ref 116520)
In 2000, Rolex achieved a major milestone with the introduction of the in-house chronograph movement, Caliber 4130. The development of this state-of-the-art caliber was the result of several years of intensive research and development. The new, slim movement provided space for a larger barrel, which, after being fully wound, offered an impressive 72-hour power reserve. This exceptional movement remained in production for the next 23 years.
2016-2023: Cerachrom bezel (ref 116500LN)
The next upgrade took place in 2016, when reference 116500LN was launched. A big change was the use of a ceramic bezel. The ceramic bezel, also known as a Cerachrom bezel, is made of a high-tech ceramic material that is resistant to scratches, corrosion, and UV rays. This makes it highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the watch looks as good as new even after years of use. As a matter of fact, the LN in the reference number stands for “Lunette Noire”, meaning black ceramic bezel in French.
2023 forward: new caliber 4131 (ref 126500LN)
Fast forward to the current time. The Watches and Wonders witnessed the lowering of the curtain for 116500LN. A successor, 1256500LN, took the stage. However, the iconic 116500LN is forever a shining star for watch lovers all over the world. I felt so fortunate to be able to add this piece to my watch collection at the last moment.
Paul Newman Daytona (ref 6239)
The most famous Daytona watch released over the last 60 years is undoubtedly the Paul Newman Daytona. The watch owned by Paul Newman himself, known as the "Paul Newman's Paul Newman," sold for a staggering $17.8 million in a 2017 auction. I had the privilege of seeing this legendary timepiece in person at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles during my visit in December 2021.
Two Daytona models belonging to Paul Newman will be up for auction on June 9 this year by Sotheby’s. One piece is the 116520 “Zenith” Daytona while the other piece is the 116519 in white gold. were gifts to Mr. Newman and there are inscriptions on the casebacks.
The upcoming Sotheby's Important Watches auction on June 9th will feature two Daytona models previously owned by Paul Newman. The first is the 116520 "Zenith" Daytona, and the second is the 116519 in white gold. Both watches were given as gifts to Mr. Newman and have inscriptions on their casebacks. The auction is expected to draw significant attention and high bids from collectors all over the globe. It will be interesting to see how much these historic timepieces will sell for.
A Professional Tool Watch
A Daytona is equipped with a tachymetric scale engraved on the bezel, which allows it to measure speed and elapsed time. The scale can measure speeds from 60 mph to 400 mph (or km/h), making it particularly useful for monitoring car races. To measure a car's average speed, one needs to observe the car complete a distance of one mile or one kilometer, and then push the chronograph pusher before and after the car finishes this distance. For example, assume a car takes 33 seconds to complete one mile, the central sweep hand will stop at the 33rd second position, as seen below. The corresponding reading on the scale is 110 mph, as in the photo below.
The Daytona's two counters on the dial make it possible to measure elapsed time in hours and minutes, allowing race drivers to easily map out their track times and tactics. What sets the Daytona apart from most chronographs on the market are the screwed-down pushers, which offer two main benefits. Firstly, they provide better water resistance up to 100 meters. Secondly, they prevent accidental pushing of the pushers (while not using the chronograph).
Reference 116500LN is powered by caliber 4130 with a Superlative Chronometer certification (COSC + Rolex certification after casing). This means a timing precision of -2/+2 seconds per day, with or without the chronograph running. The power reserve is 72 hours, exactly good for 3 days. Not to mention the solid construction and durability. This Daytona model is indeed a professional tool watch through and through.
Timing measurement with a timegrapher done by the author:
Dial up: +2
Dial down: -1
12 up: 0
12 down: 0
Crown up: -3
Crown down: +2
Average: 0.0 seconds / day
An Iconic Timeless Design
Admiring the Daytona on my wrist, one phase came to mind - “often imitated but never surpassed”. There are many “Panda” dial designs in the watch market today, defined by the black and white sub-dials of the chronographs. The pleasing layout and strong contrast offer excellent legibility for the wearers. Nevertheless, the Daytona remains a standard-bearer, unmatched and unrivaled over many years.
The evolution of Daytona from a tool watch to highly sought-after luxury item is a textbook case for design schools and business schools. The secret to success may lie in striking a perfect balance between preserving tradition and pursuing relentless innovations. We may cite many elements of the design that have not changed for a long time, such as the 40mm case size, the sub-dial layout design, the pushers and crown guard. At the same time, we witness the use of new materials such as the ceramic bezel and the Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence. The cautious yet determined improvements over the years have made Daytona the top choices for motor sport enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
The Daytona wears comfortably with the 40mm case diameter and 12.5mm thickness. The steel case and bracelet give the watch a substantial weight, but it doesn't feel overly heavy. The Rolex 116500LN bracelet offers a Glidelock extension system, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length in 2mm increments without using any tools. This provides a more precise fit and ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, even during physical activity or changes in temperature that may cause the wrist to swell.
In summary, the Daytona “Panda” is a watch that is so nice to wear, operate and take pictures with. It is perhaps one of the most photogenic timepieces ever made! Regardless of the angle or wrist size, whether worn by men or women, every wrist shot of the watch looks splendid.
A Special Piece in the Collection
“How long was the wait?” I got this question from a few friends. It was hard to answer exactly. I acquired all my Rolex watches from the Rolex Boutique J. Licht and Sons. Believe or not, I walked in the store one day in 2021 and saw two new submariners on display. I purchased the no date sub and left the “Bluesy” there for another lucky guy.
After the Watches and Wonders 2021, I went in the store to asked about the green palm Datejust. Trissine said let her check and then helped me place a special order for it. It took a bit longer for the Root Beer to arrive, despite a GMT Master II being the Rolex I wanted from the very beginning. I must have bugged Clay too many times that he finally gave it to me, haha.
I saw Steve around in the boutique but only had a chance to chat with him some time last year. He expressed delight in seeing that I wore my Rolex watches, as well as other interesting pieces such as the Christopher Ward Bel Canto. I let him know that a Daytona is a dream watch for me and I would cherish it forever. When I received the text from Steve on the airplane, I knew that he must trust my words.
The Daytona is an ultimate timepiece for any watch collection, with a 60-year history that has fascinated the watch collecting community. Its painstaking evolution and constant improvements are what make it so special. The iconic good looks and flawless operation bring a smile to my face every time I have this piece on my wrist.
Congrats man! Cool story too :) Have you by any chance read my post on the Daytona? Curious to hear your thoughts ... although it sounds like you liked it anyway, so perhaps moot
Congratulations! That’s a very special piece and it clearly means a lot - very happy for you 😊