Let‘s face it, the reason why we feel like the Daytona is the perfect sized watch is because it is actually 38.5 and not 40mm. My caliper don’t lie;)

Just for the bezel without the metal ring, the old reference still looks pure and better. Time will tell

I don’t know Eric; I think the older may be better, I’m not sold on the metal ring. That is going to get beat and nicked to heck compared to the full ceramic ring. I’ve never heard of anyone shatter a ceramic ring on their Daytona. My pick, is the older gen, even with its quirky case.

Just going to say it, the 12 looks like a dogs dinner. To me it represents rolex caving in to a lifestyle aesthetic and designing a Daytona that can be stamped out in all metals and assembled easier (standardised across the metals). Who decided to beef up the 12, add in a bunch of compensators and then fit it out with skinny markers and sub dial rings. Aside from the case nothing is in proportion. The 11 was pretty much perfect, balance was beautiful, not just aesthetically but literally. The reason why the case was asymmetrical was to balance the weight across the wrist with the use of steel pushers on one side. It is reasons like this that made me fall in love with Rolex's dedication to functionality. Models with palladium mix (wg/rg) in didn't need this. The 11 series will be historically significant for a long time to come. But the hype train keens on turning so the 12 will still be the apple of ones eye.

I’ve been considering this piece for some time but after many weeks pondering I’ve opted for the invictus chronograph

Awesome, but I think I prefer the 116500.

Nah. Case shape is so freaking chunky. It's like the transition between 5 digit to 6 digit Sub. It's not for everyone. The change in case shape made it look less elegant. While the new dial is nice, it's bigger, the smaller markers and smaller sub rings make it look emptier. It's up to you if you like it or not. As with all grey market dealers, they're going to hype up new pieces and push that price sky high.

Funny. The metal around the bezel is what I don't like. Don't fix it if it ain't broke. I like my previous version and glad I got it before the new one came out.

The 116 dial looks more prominent as compared to the 126 subdued dial made worse by the shiny steel ring around the bezel. To me the 126 looks more feminine but with a chunkier case design - very odd though - akin to a muscular female if you ask me

I see everything improved on the new one. More retro, more elegant, more subtle. And those thinner crown guards give it this vintage look. Lovely. The end link is a great detail I had not noticed. Thanks for that. Well done.

I’m lucky I own the Daytona rose gold with the chocolate brown dial. Love the panda 🐼

Very cool iteration but I think they removed a lot of the quirks that made the Daytona so unique and special. I miss the beefy subdials and the old bezel 😢 I say this as biased 116 owner.

I gotta say Eric, everything you like about the new version are the very things I don't like about it. I really disappointed. "well they gotta come up with something" No, no they didn't!

The previous Daytona generation WG, RG, PT and Oyster flex models had the symmetrical (and thicker squared off bottom) lugs - as opposed to the SS, TT, and YG asymmetric cases with slender lug ends. Nice to see the new SS gen having this style now.

For white version, the 116500, and the black one 126500 are the right choices

Fun fact Eric: the chronograph movement on the 126 now has a fly back function 🥂

Very nice video Eric ! Everybody is focusing on the white dial but the black is more balanced and subtle, same for the previous 116500. Can you also do a review on the titanium yachtmaster ? 😊

The 11 series Daytona looks stronger and yet more elegant. The organic lines of the case were perfect with a more contrasting dial that is more dramatic. I feel Rolex changed a already perfect and legendary design and came away with putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa making the overall look “weaker” with the 12 series Daytona. The 11 series is still THE one to own and I would bet going to get significantly harder to get as time passes.

I prefer this new reference in black, can’t wait to see it in person. Beautiful watch 🔥🔥🔥

Great review. Captured all the detail, excellent camera work also. I'm sure you will have one of these in the collection case before too long!

The old case is very elegant and classic. When the new one was announced I thought about changing my SS-C but I have an oysterflex Daytona also so I have the new case shape and the classic case shape that is so elegant and small. Bigger is not always better. This old one may be the more sought after case in the future.

I like the old one much better.

Great job Detective Eric. The ring on the bezel does give it a different, better look. And great job by the designers at Rolex - took an amazing watch and made it better.

Cant wait to wear mine, i will get it as a wedding gift 😎👍🏻

Once you get a dent on the outer metal ring of the bezel its going to be a big eye sore. The Tudor black bay chronos have metal rings around the bezels and unfortunately I dinged it somehow. Everytime I look at my watch that is the first thing I see. Lol. I dont know how your going to repair the bezels after they get dinged. Bad design and I assume an expensive replacement coming from a daytona.

The 12 series Daytona size is almost identical to the 11 series. Actual owners measurements. Clasp width at locking side: 17.62 mm for both Clasp length: 36.64 mm for both Sizeable links: 15.48 mm for both Sapphire glass: 116500: 30.31 mm 126500: 30.24 mm Thickness (caseback to crystal): 116500: 12.16 mm 126500: 12.0 mm Bezel (full extents of bezel/metal ring): 116500: 38.48 mm 126500: 38.76 mm Span across watch SEL to SEL (12 to 6): 116500: 50.40 mm 126500: 49.34 mm Span across watch crown to case (9 to 3): 116500: 42.6 mm 126500: 43.0 mm

Finally watch eric back !!!! After a long time to seeing watch eric doing a review on the water front !!! Watch eric is the best when it comes to reviewing thame watch and giving out even the minor details !!! Hats off to watch eric

Slimmer the bezel is a great move … if you look today the bezel on the SD43 for example is ridiculous…it’s huge … so great move on the Daytona . One of the reasons I love the SD4K as well

Please Eric don t lie to me again that you have it in your collection as always

The new 'Bright Black' in white gold on Oysterflex is set to become a classic - AMAZING and timeless! A Le Mans for day-to-day use.

Previous one is the perfect size

Great video! I agree, the metal ring on the bezel is a great touch.

Definitely like the 116500LN better than the new one. I wished they had just discontinued it and would've come up with a totally new design

i think the anti reflective coating is only on the underside. rolex does this for new models but have never done it for the top side.

Just purchased mine last Saturday-identical from my AD at retail. I love my little panda.... Well worth the wait. I love the Daytona Panda hands down!! The watch is completely overhauled....

I don't like any of the dial changes, all the case and bracelet changes are awesome.

Great feedback! Although I REALLY wish you would have used a caliper on both to provide true measurement comparisons. Cheers 🍻

The skinny black subdial rings are putting me off this abit

High quality review bro as usual!!!

8:50, I have already dinged the gold bezel edge on mine so that is a legitimate concern. Only had it a month. Does look good though!

I have the older Panda and I do not like the new Panda. Hate the tacky steel ring around the bezel and the thinner sub dials. Change for changes sake, how very Rolex.

I’ve seen and handled both in person, own the previous model and that’s the one I prefer. There is more “Panda” going on with the previous version with the thicker sub-dials and bezel. I think that one will age better. However, I do like the newer versions for the precious metals models and my new platinum ships tomorrow!

Great vid Eric! FYI - all WG, RG and Plat Daytonas, not just the OF models have the same lugs as the new 126500. Only the YG 116508 and 116500 models had the old asymmetrical lugs.

Its certainly sleeker, I quite like it!

Nice video! Where did you get your small red Armband from ?

the old case was much better.

Nice vide mate 🥃

One the changes I don't like is the three sub dials black circles are smaller now and therefore the numbers in them are smaller too. The original was already hard to read the new one is more difficult. I use chronograph function a lot because I charge my clients by the hours. Also Rolex still uses screw down lock on the two chronograph buttons which was very inconvenient for my use. I love my Omega Seamaster Professional chronograph because of the unlocked chronograph buttons can be engaged immediately. The high polished center link on the bracelet is a scratch magnet and I wish Rolex has a choice on all brushed finish bracelet.

Great content Eric. Looks very Crispy

I like them both! And for different reasons although if I had to pick it would be the 116 for the crazy reason most of my children are born in the years the 116 was produced 😂 I’m not rushing to swap my 116 I’m happy to have her and I wouldn’t get the best money for mine as I wear her reg 😜

I just got my black one and couldn’t love it more 👍🏼

ARC now on top of the sapphire crystal. Didn’t expect this.

Not a fan of the new Daytona. The sub-dials are skinny and now the ceramic bezel is an insert and not an actual solid ceramic bezel.

I like the steel ring round the bezel and see-through case back. If I make it to Miami it would be great to say hello.

I don't like the dial changes though... the thinner black sub dials border made the white space in sub dials look empty and it made a hard to read dial even harder now with slimmer everything.

well done for staying out all the drama

Great review Eric, hello from Australia. Finally good to get a good comparison with the previous model. I'm hoping for my one next year after a long history with my AD. 🤞

Greetings from Ireland Eric. Evolution always results in improvements. I take the new one !

Eric, great videos and I always take your advice. We need to get you a white Tee-shirt. Haha

Amazing review of one of the best watches in the world

Finally a proper review on the new panda

Great review Eric, but correct me if I’m wrong. In reference to the case, is the previous full gold pieces the same ias the new stainless models? Either way it’s a beautiful

Great review E, you da GOAT 👊🏽👊🏽💯

Great review Eric. I appreciate your detailed review of this new Daytona. I love the new watch, my only complaint is the new subdials with larger white centers.

The new reference definitely looks more refined to me - the added symmetry, trimmer hour markers, & thinner subdials certainly help in that. Looking at them side by side, I have to say that the new reference is the more elegant - it will age very well imo. I'm guessing that a lot of folks saying they like the 116 better have that one and know it will be years before they get the updated version lol

Nice information and very important video. This new Daytona is the Crown doing a throwback design in its own way. It's not a re-edition or a 1:1 copy of a vintage model. It's a new luxe Daytona that uniquely speaks to the past. So what is that past? Well, it's a mixture of the Paul Newman styling and aesthetics of the very first Daytona model, which itself links back to Le Mans.

I love how Eric says he might “dump” his current panda lol

Sure Eric saw it, new rolex logo between swiss made at 6 o clock. Sub dial arms look micrometers thinner on close up comparison. nice review of both watches. did the watch clasp change?

Please make a review of the 2023 GMT Master 2 in full gold.

Thanks Eric, always love your content 🙌🏻

best review on KZfaq

Eric your best video! Well summarized👍

Longer indices on the dial hour markers made a big impact Inview of slimmer sub dials

Rolex service centre in London state they have never seen a damaged edge of a ceramic Daytona bezel. The metal ring is not required for function.

I prefer the look of the older one. Also the old one felt like the perfect size on my wrist.

This rolex product is really beautiful and amazing. thumbs up to the maker. Good work and more great success will surely come

If this was Grand Seiko they would’ve used the bracelet from the old model and this is why Rolex is where Rolex is. At this price point you can’t cut/overlook any small detail.

have no idea which is which in the side by side shots until towards the end of video. an initial label wouldve been helpful in the video

went to my AD other day, they haven’t received one yet, It would be a perfect piece added to my collection.

I really like this new watch.

What a great comparison video! Thanks man.

Hey Eric thanks for the most awaited video of the year, Avatar of watch video Awsome comparison was having doubts on new Ref but seeing now i completely have diff views to the new one Damn the new one and old one is very hard to decide as 116500 was so perfect anyways thanks for you who took the effort of filming this great episode 👍🏻

Great video Eric. That LeMans Daytona looks awesome.

„Congratulations you are now on the waiting list and it will take only infinity years“

6:46 end link length is similar, the lugs on the new one is longer

Love my Panda. 🐼 Would love the newer one too

Great review. I got to say aesthetically the old model looks much better.

hmm I am pretty 50/50 on this new one. I will have to see it in person. Thanks for the review! I suspect that purists will dislike it for a while, especially if they bought the 116500 and therefore have a personal interest in downplaying the new one...

Prefer the new bazel but the new subdials are too thin in my opinion.

I feel like they'll have the clear casebacks soon. They have them on the current WG and plat Daytonas, thinking that'll move down the line.

Beautiful Rolex Daytona. Just wished they weren’t so inflated so that I could actually afford one.

Thanks for the video! Coolest watch guy out there

Where is your buddy Anthony Ferrer, The Timepiece Gentleman??

Great review. I love all the new tweaks except the case. I like the smoother lines of the previous case. But as the Rolling Stone say. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need”

Shuttle improvements Eric, going to be a couple of year's before Grey Market have a supply of the newer model Daytona 🤔

Nice vid eric! I prefer the contraste of the previous version. They were rare and will be more rare once rolex will open its 2nd factory and will deliver "full gazol" all new steel sports.😂

How long did you have to wait to get it?

Its so well done and So restrained. What a deft touch from Rolex . " Soigné "

Nice! Looking forward to the Le Mans Daytona review. It’s such a good looking watch 😎

I like the beefy subdials of the old but love the shape and bezel of the new model I think with time the new one will be more timeless.