The Modern Icon: Rolex Daytona Panda 116500LN and the New 126500LN

The Rolex Daytona Panda

Few watches have captured the imagination of collectors in recent years quite like the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN with the white dial—known affectionately as the “Panda.” Since its debut at Baselworld 2016, this reference has become one of the most coveted modern Daytonas, blending vintage-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge Rolex technology.

A Nod to Racing Heritage

The Daytona line has always been tied to motorsport, but the 116500LN marked a turning point. Its ceramic Cerachrom bezel offered both durability and a sleek, contemporary look. The crisp white dial with black sub-dials echoed the classic “Paul Newman” Daytona aesthetic, giving this reference its “Panda” nickname.

Collectors loved it not just for its looks but also for what’s under the hood: Rolex’s in-house Caliber 4130 chronograph movement, boasting superb accuracy and reliability.

The Rise of a Modern Classic

The 116500LN quickly became one of the most in-demand Rolex sports models. Waitlists at authorized dealers stretched for years, and secondary market prices soared well above retail. For many enthusiasts, owning a “Panda” Daytona became a grail-level achievement.

The New Generation: Daytona 126500LN

In 2023, Rolex introduced the Daytona 126500LN, a refined successor to the 116500LN. While the overall design remains familiar, subtle updates elevate the model even further:

• Slimmer case profile with redesigned lugs
• Polished Cerachrom bezel ring with a thin metallic rim around the dial edge
• Updated Caliber 4131 with improved finishing and a longer power reserve
• Enhanced display caseback (for platinum versions)

The 126500LN represents Rolex’s evolution of the Daytona while honouring the design language that made the 116500LN so beloved.

Collectability & Market Perspective

Both the 116500LN “Panda” and the newer 126500LN are highly desirable among collectors. The 116500LN, now discontinued, carries strong potential as a modern collectible thanks to its short production run and iconic status. Meanwhile, the 126500LN benefits from Rolex’s latest refinements and represents the current pinnacle of the Daytona line.

How We Can Help

At Watch Reserve, we specialise in sourcing and selling both references:

• The Daytona 116500LN “Panda”, a modern classic that has already earned its place in horological history.
• The Daytona 126500LN, the newest chapter in Rolex’s legendary chronograph story.

Whether you’re looking to add a discontinued grail or secure the latest release, our team can guide you through every step with discretion, authenticity guarantees, and competitive sourcing.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has always represented performance, luxury, and timeless design. With the transition from the 116500LN to the 126500LN, collectors now have two generations of excellence to choose from - each with its own story and appeal.

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