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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500LN is the steel Daytona generation made from 2016 to 2023, now available as a pre-owned watch rather than a current model. Its appeal is its bold black ceramic bezel and the choice of white or black dial; its successor, the 126500LN, keeps the basic formula but adds a polished bezel rim and calibre 4131. Whether the older watch is worth buying depends less on its discontinued status than on which design you prefer, the individual watch’s condition and documentation, and the price being asked.
What the Rolex Daytona 116500LN is
The 116500LN is the Oystersteel Cosmograph Daytona with a black Cerachrom bezel, introduced in 2016 and replaced in Rolex’s lineup by the 126500LN in 2023, according to WatchGuys’ comparison. It is not the current steel Daytona. Rolex’s current product page covers the successor, not an archived specification sheet for the 116500LN.
The reference was offered with two dial variants: 116500LN-0001 with a white dial and 116500LN-0002 with a black dial. Collectors often call the white version “panda” and the black version “reverse panda,” but those nicknames are informal; the reference suffix and actual dial color are the useful details when comparing listings.
Design: the bezel and dial define the difference
116500LN: ceramic to the outer edge
The outgoing model’s black Cerachrom bezel meets the outer edge of the watch, creating a strong dark frame around either dial. WatchGuys identifies this as one of the defining visual differences from the successor. The contrast is especially pronounced with the white dial; the black dial produces a more continuous dark look.
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#1 Best Overall
- Brand New high quality Bezel Insert For Rolex Daytona 116500LN 116599RBOW Rainbow Baguette Cut Stone Custom Bezel
- Fits For Rolex Daytona Model: 116500, 116500LN, 116508, 116520, 116505, 116509, 116523, 116506, 116516, 116519,116515,116503
- Size : Outside diameter: 38.50 mm / Inside diameter: 30.50 mm
- Color: Rainbow bezel
- Stone: CZ Diamond , synthetic Lab Stone
126500LN: a polished metal surround
The 126500LN places a polished steel ring around its black ceramic bezel. This gives the successor a more visibly framed bezel, while the 116500LN’s treatment appears more graphic and uninterrupted. Which is preferable is a matter of taste, not a technical advantage.
The 116500LN uses the familiar Daytona chronograph layout, with three subdials and a tachymeter scale on the bezel. A comparison by Fratello discusses design impressions, but those judgments are editorial rather than objective measures of quality.
Rank #2
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility: Designed for Rolex Daytona models 116500, 116500LN, 116520, 116523, and 114300.
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Function: Perfect for replacing or upgrading the bracelet, offering durability and style.
Movement: calibre 4130 versus 4131
Independent sources identify the 116500LN as using Rolex calibre 4130. The successor uses calibre 4131; Rolex confirms that movement on its current 126500LN page. The 4131 is a later-generation movement, but the available sources do not provide a like-for-like independent test that establishes a practical accuracy or performance advantage for a particular 116500LN buyer.
Rolex lists the 126500LN with approximately 72 hours of power reserve and a precision claim of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing. Those are official specifications for the successor and should not be assumed to be the official figures for the discontinued 116500LN. The retrieved Rolex page lists the successor’s diameter as 40 mm and water resistance as 100 m; it does not provide a thickness figure there.
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- 1.brand new aftermarket replacement screws. They will fit Rolex Submariner,Daytona, Explorer, no date Submariner, Air King, Sea Dweller, Oyster Perpetual and other models. 2.These screws are made of the highest quality 316L stainless steel.
- 1. This product is a special watch joint connecting screw for Rolex Daytona series, with a precise specification of 13.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.4mm, suitable for the original oyster steel strip structure, and the size is consistent with the original.
- 2. The screw adopts precision turning technology, and the diameter of the shaft and thread accuracy strictly match the original factory tolerance. The installation is smooth without slipping or missing, ensuring a firm and stable connection between the surface and the joint.
- 3. Specially designed for modern Daytona oyster steel strips such as 116500, 116520, 126500, etc., not suitable for water ghosts GMT、 Journal type and other series of watch straps.
- 4. The material strength and hardness meet the standard, and it is wear-resistant and not easily deformed, which can meet the daily disassembly and adjustment of the length of the gauge section, and is suitable for professional maintenance and daily replacement needs.
116500LN versus 126500LN
| Detail | 116500LN | 126500LN |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup status | Produced from 2016 to 2023, according to WatchGuys’ comparison | Introduced in 2023 and current in the sources consulted |
| Dials | White (-0001) or black (-0002) | White (-0001) or black (-0002) |
| Bezel appearance | Black Cerachrom extends to the outer edge, according to WatchGuys | Black Cerachrom framed by a polished steel ring, according to WatchGuys |
| Movement | Calibre 4130, identified by independent sources | Calibre 4131, confirmed by Rolex |
| Official specifications available from the retrieved Rolex page | Not stated for this reference on the retrieved Rolex page | 40 mm diameter, 100 m water resistance, approximately 72 hours’ power reserve, and −2/+2 seconds per day after casing |
WatchGuys characterizes the change as a refinement rather than a revolution. That is a useful way to frame the choice, but it is an attributed commercial publisher’s opinion, not a hands-on finding here. If you prefer the older bezel treatment or specifically want the 4130 generation, the 116500LN has a clear identity of its own. If you want the current reference and its newer movement, compare the 126500LN directly rather than treating the older model as an equivalent new purchase.
How much does the 116500LN cost in 2026?
There is no single fixed resale price. Dial, condition, completeness, seller, and the valuation method all matter. These dated figures are not interchangeable: one is a platform market estimate, while another is a dealer comparison’s estimate for complete sets.
Rank #4
- Stainless steel case 39.5mm diameter x 14mm thick; White dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, VD53B-14 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 146 grams
- Stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal;Screw-down crown; Stationary stainless steel bezel; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 24hr; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
| Figure | Source and date | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| NZ$50,215 | WatchCharts, 2026-10-07 | Its estimated pre-owned price for the 116500 model; not a guaranteed sale price. WatchCharts separately listed approximately NZ$23,000 as a retail reference as of February 2023. |
| About US$29,600 white; about US$25,500 black | WatchGuys comparison, figures verified September 2026 | Source-reported estimates for complete sets, not guaranteed transaction prices. |
| About US$14,800 | WatchGuys comparison, figures verified September 2026 | Historical final list-price context for the 116500LN, not a current pre-owned asking or transaction price. |
| US$16,900 | Rolex US page, accessed 2026-10-08 | Displayed price for the white-dial 126500LN successor; it is not the resale value of the 116500LN. |
WatchCharts also displayed a 19-day median time on market and 3,323 sales over one year for its model page. These are platform-level model metrics, not a forecast for how quickly a specific watch will sell. A discontinued reference is not automatically a sound investment: WatchGuys notes that the earlier model’s price corrected from a prior peak, and neither scarcity nor future appreciation is guaranteed by the information available here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fit and dimensions: what can be said without a wrist test
This is a desk-based review, not a hands-on assessment, so it cannot establish how the watch wears or feels on an individual wrist. Published thickness figures for the 116500LN differ: WatchGuys gives about 12.2 mm in one review and about 12.4 mm in its comparison. Fratello also questions the relationship between listed and measured diameter. Treat those as source-specific figures rather than a definitive, directly comparable measurement set.
Best Value
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Check Compatibility: This aftermarket sapphire crystal is designed to fit men's Rolex Daytona Chronograph models, including 6240, 6263, 6265, 6239, 6424, 78490, 78360, and more. Verify compatibility before purchase to ensure a proper fit.
- Accurate Fit: Made to exact specifications, this top-quality sapphire crystal includes a pressure-resistant Swiss nylon gasket. It provides a perfect fit and ensures your watch remains waterproof.
- Durable Construction: The genuine white sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant and built to last. It matches the original in both appearance and functionality, offering long-lasting protection and clarity.
- Complete Your Watch: This sapphire crystal includes a pressure-resistant gasket designed to help maintain the watch's water resistance when installed correctly.
If fit is decisive, try the exact watch on your wrist or compare it with a watch whose dimensions and case shape you already know. Do not use the successor’s official 40 mm diameter as proof that every example of the older reference will feel identical.
What to check before buying a pre-owned 116500LN
Because the 116500LN is no longer the current reference, the condition and history of the particular watch are central to the purchase. Check the actual dial variant and reference, then assess the watch and the seller as a package.
- Reference and serial consistency: Confirm that the reference and serial details correspond to the watch and its documentation. Ask a qualified professional to resolve discrepancies rather than relying on a listing description.
- Authenticity: Use a reputable seller and arrange independent verification when appropriate. Photographs and paperwork alone do not prove that a watch is authentic.
- Condition: Ask for clear images and a written description of the case, bezel, dial, bracelet, and any known repairs or damage. Have concerns assessed by a qualified watch professional.
- Provenance and documents: Confirm what is included—such as box, papers, and service records—and whether the details match the watch. A “complete set” estimate is not a promise that every listing includes the same items.
- Warranty, returns, and service: Get the terms in writing before paying, including any seller warranty and return window. Rolex says only official Rolex jewelers are allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches; ask an official jeweler about the appropriate route for verification or maintenance. No specific service cost for this reference is established here.
- Total price: Compare like with like: same dial, similar condition, comparable documentation, and equivalent warranty and return terms. A market estimate, dealer estimate, listing price, and completed sale are different measures.
Who should choose the 116500LN?
The 116500LN is most compelling for someone who specifically prefers its bezel treatment, wants the 4130 generation, or values this particular chapter of the ceramic-bezel Daytona. It makes less sense to buy solely because it is discontinued or because a seller promises future appreciation. Buyers choosing between it and the 126500LN should weigh the visible design difference, movement generation, fit, condition, paperwork, and total price together—not assume the two references are interchangeable.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
