Rolex Daytona 126500LN - Review & Buying Guide
Since 1963, the Rolex Daytona has been the Crown's emblematic chronograph, and over the decades, almost everything has been said and written about this high-performance chronograph.
2023 marked the iconic Daytona's 60th anniversary – six decades defined by uncompromising accuracy, racing heritage and enduring collectability. To commemorate the occasion, Rolex unveiled this signature chronograph's 'new generation' variant, bidding an official farewell to what we can now call the 'old Daytona' (Ref. 116500LN).
Except for the design, pretty much everything has changed, including the case, movement, dial, and hands. Since the devil is in the details, we are here to discuss every minute detail about this new-age Daytona Ref. 126500LN.
Because we're going to look at the changes of the new Daytona in detail, we must shed light on the history of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona yet again. Moreover, the Cosmograph Daytona, which we knew until 27 March 2023, was actually one of the oldest watches in the brand's catalogue. So, fans of the Rolex Daytona will want to know how exactly the 2023 model is different from the previous 116500LN version.
For Rolex geeks, there is plenty of fascinating stuff going on. Without further ado, let's discover everything about the Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500LN.
Brief History of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex started experimenting with mechanical chronographs in the 1930s. The Swiss watchmaker teamed up with Sir Malcolm Campbell, a famous British race car driver who broke many speed records on Daytona Beach in Florida. This is how Rolex's connection to motor racing started to grow strong.
In the 1940s, Rolex made better chronograph watches that could time super accurately. But the 1950s were even more special because that's when Rolex released two of its most important watches – the reference 6034 and 6234, which people now call the 'pre-Daytona'. These references had three small sub-dials on the face and gave a sneak peek of the 'Daytona'.
In 1962, Rolex solidified its bond with the world of motorsports by becoming the timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway. In 1963, their chronograph watch line, the Rolex 6239, was given an actual name, and the name 'Daytona' started appearing on the dial in 1964.
This reference revolutionised the sports watch category by adding a tachymeter scale on the bezel, something that had not been done before. It also featured a striking motorsport theme with a contrasting dial and sub-dial colouring, and it was named 'Cosmograph'.
Since its initial release, the Rolex Daytona has seen many upgrades, and Rolex has been producing stainless steel versions of the model for as long as it has been a part of the brand's lineup. However, the Ref. 116500LN is the first stainless steel Daytona with a ceramic bezel. This remains one of the most desirable luxury watches in existence. But Rolex decided to send shockwaves through the watch industry when it discontinued the Daytona 116500LN in 2023 and unveiled an even upgraded model – the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126500LN in 2023.
Review of The Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500ln
The Basics:
- Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126500LN
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Black monobloc cerachrom bezel in ceramic with moulded tachymetric scale
- Dial: White/Black
- Bracelet: Stainless steel, Oyster
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Calibre 4131
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Power Reserve: 72 hours (Approximately)
- Price: £13,200
1. CASE
If you place the Daytona 116500LN and the new Daytona 126500LN side by side, you might think that almost nothing has changed. After all, the watch still sits comfortably at 40mm. But if you look closely, you'll notice that Rolex has discreetly redesigned the entire case. In terms of dimensions, the thickness is now 11.9mm, which is almost 0.5mm less than its predecessor. The Daytona is the thinnest amongst its peers compared to the other modern chronographs that are 14mm or more. So, that's a great thing.
The 126500LN Daytona's lugs have been reshaped. The previous model had an asymmetrical case with thinner lugs, which have now been reduced. Another update can be seen in the crown guard, which is now curved from top to bottom and longer, making it better integrated within the overall case design. The flanks are now flatter than the previous Daytona model, which had rounded case bands.
The sapphire on the top is flat, but with an anti-reflective coating, the crown screws down and the pushers are screwed for the functionality of the chronograph mechanism.
2. BEZEL
The major update on the new Daytona can be seen in the bezel's construction. Previously, the Daytona had a full-ceramic ring. Now, the bezel has a thin polished band of metal as the middle case and appears edged. Adding this metallic ring offers more resistance to possible shocks. The bezel is no longer an insert but a solid element, and the metallic ring is a part of the case.
Interestingly, Rolex mentions that this design pays tribute to vintage watches with Bakelite inserts, but we all know that Rolex rarely looks back to the past or its vintage-looking references.
On the bezel, the same recessed tachymeter scale is on a black polished surface with numerals and markers coated with a thin layer of platinum via PVD.
3. DIAL
In addition to the redesigned bezel, the dial has received a facelift in the new Daytona 126500LN. Note that the steel 126500LN is available in two options, one with a black dial and silver rings and the other, which is also the most coveted, with a white lacquered dial and black rings. You'll find changes on the hands and sub-dials as both have been reduced in size to offer a sleeker and more modern outlook without compromising the contrast and legibility.
The hour markers are now smaller and more defined, and they feature a thinner metallic ring that offers more space for the Chromalight luminous insert inside. The hands are slightly thinner to remain consistent with the rest of the dial and combine a black lacquered band and a luminous insert.
Another very significant change is seen in the contrasting rings surrounding the sub-dials, which are now resized. While the external diameter remains identical, the inner diameter has been increased, making the black-textured portion thinner. This modification, along with the small applied markers, gives more space to the dial and makes it appear even more harmonious.
Other minor details found on the dial include the small Crown at 6 o'clock, which hints at a new generation movement; the fonts are slightly thinner, but the literature at 12 o'clock remains the same (5 lines, reading Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified), the red Daytona above the 6 o'clock sub-dial, and the position of the counters, which are still slightly higher than the central axle.
4. BRACELET
The bracelet is slightly redesigned, and it's all in the small details. The new Rolex Daytona 126500LN is worn on a classic three-link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel with polished centre links and satin-finished outer links. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp featuring an Easylink comfort extension link, allowing adjustment of up to 5mm. As always with Rolex, the construction and comfort of the bracelet is superb.
5. MOVEMENT
Unlike the platinum version, which allows you to appreciate the magical movement architecture inside, the steel and gold models have a solid case back. The new version of the Cosmograph Daytona comes with the Calibre 4131, which benefits from the latest Crown technologies. This new calibre includes the patented Chronergy escapement with its efficient geometry.
Crafted from nickel-phosphorous, this escapement is highly resistant to magnetic fields. It is also combined with a blue Parachrom hairspring made from a paramagnetic alloy and equipped with a Rolex overcoil. The oscillator is mounted on the Paraflex shock absorbers. Overall, this makes the new movement look nicer than the previous one.
Even hidden under a solid back, the Calibre 4131 flaunts a more refined decoration than the traditional Côtes de Genève. It is now decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève, which has a polished groove between each band. Of course, the movement Calibre 4131 is Superlative Chronometer Certified with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds/day.
6. PRICE & AVAILABLITY
With the older generation (116500LN) officially discontinued, the new Daytona 126500LN is now part of the permanent collection and priced at £13,200. But if you try to get your hands on one at the retail, the situation remains the same as with any other popular steel Rolex model—almost impossible to get. Even if Rolex increases production overnight, the demand for steel Daytona is so high that nothing will change. Sadly!
| Model | Retail Price | Pre-Owned Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ref. 126500LN ‘Daytona’ | £13,200 | £23,650 - £30,000 |
However, you can always try your luck on the secondhand market. The watches are in insane demand and are highly popular, so be prepared to pay a high premium.
While there are many reasons why a pre-owned Rolex is a smart investment, the very fact that you own one is worth celebrating.
In Our Opinion
Long story short, the new Daytona 126500LN boasts a series of updates that give it a slimmer, more modern design. In our view, this makes it a better watch than the previous, now-discontinued model. The new Daytona is wider and takes up noticeably more space on the wrist than its predecessor.
The new dial is more refined and even more luxurious than the older one. Rolex's work to improve ergonomics, such as the case thinness and bracelet, has surely worked its way with us, and the refined movement is also a bonus! But one thing that we feel Rolex should finally let go of is the insane amount of text on the dial! Rolex! We hope you're listening.
It is interesting to note how many people said when the design was first revealed that the Daytona 126500LN looked like the Zenith Daytona Ref. 16520. Well, maybe the dial design slightly resembles the 16520, but to us, it resembled the Zenith El Primero De Luca chronographs from the 1980s and 1990s.
To Conclude With..
Looking closely at the Rolex Daytona 126500LN made us realise that this stylish 40mm chronograph is still one of the most in-demand automatic chronographs on the market. The design is unmistakable and effortless to incorporate into the most basic lifestyle. As the most collected and coveted chronograph in history, the Rolex Daytona has decoded the winning formula and continues to enjoy its reputation. The 60th-anniversary reference doesn't replace anything but upgrades it.
The main keywords with this new Daytona Ref. 126500LN are elegance and refinement. There's hardly any watch with so much baggage associated with it, in a good way, and it enjoys overwhelming global dominance.
If you're lucky enough to own one of these priceless pieces, it shouldn't be about value retention or collecting dust but simply be worn.