The Rolex Panda Daytona is one of the most popular and collectible models in the Rolex lineup. Known for its clean white dial with black subdials, it stands out for both its design and strong market value. While the look first appeared on vintage models like the Paul Newman Daytona, the modern Daytona Panda became a true icon with the release of the 116500LN in 2016. In 2023, Rolex introduced its updated version, the 126500LN, bringing subtle changes in design and movement.

In this guide, we will compare the Daytona 116500LN and the Daytona 126500LN side by side. You will also see a timeline of key Daytona models, learn how the design has changed over time, and get tips to help you choose the right Panda Daytona for your collection.

What Is a Rolex Panda Dial?

A Rolex "Panda dial" is a watch dial with a white or light main dial and black subdials. This color mix looks like a panda's face, which is where the name comes from. The Rolex Panda dial features a classic color contrast that creates a bold and clean time display. This strong visual clarity is one reason why, among all the Daytona dial variations, the Panda style has become a timeless classic and the top choice for many collectors.

There are two kinds of panda dials. The first is the classic Panda that we mentioned earlier, which is a white main dial with black subdials. The second is the Reverse Panda, which is a black main dial with white or silver subdials. Even though both dials use a black and white color scheme, the classic Panda is more popular and well-known.

Rolex Daytona Black Panda 116500 and White Panda 116500

Rolex Daytona ‘Panda’ 116500 vs 126500

1) Appearance and Design

The Rolex Daytona ‘Panda’ 116500LN and the latest ‘Panda’ 126500LN look very similar at first, but there are small changes that make a difference.

The case of the Rolex Daytona 126500LN has slimmer lugs, which give the watch a smoother and more modern shape. It still keeps the same 40 millimeter size. The bezel is still black ceramic, but the new model adds a thin metal ring around it. This makes it look more elegant and gives some extra protection.

On the dial, the subdials on the Daytona 126500LN are moved slightly inward. The black rings around them are also thinner. This gives the white part of the dial more space and makes the watch look cleaner. The spacing of the text on the dial is also more refined. There is now a small Rolex crown between the words “Swiss Made” at the bottom of the dial, and this is one of the new features added to the latest Daytona model.

All these updates are small, but together they make the Panda Daytona 126500LN feel more modern and balanced, while still keeping the strong Rolex Panda style.

Rolex Daytona White Panda 116500

2) Movement and Technology

For the Rolex Panda Daytona 116500, Rolex used the well-known Caliber 4130. This movement was first introduced in 2000. It was the first chronograph movement made fully by Rolex. Before that, Rolex used a modified Zenith movement. The Caliber 4130 was strong, simple, and reliable. It had a 72-hour power reserve and worked with fewer parts than other chronographs. This made it easier to service and more accurate over time. Many collectors trust this movement because it has been tested for many years.

In 2023, Rolex launched the Daytona 126500. It came with a new movement called the Caliber 4131. While it still has a 72-hour power reserve, it now includes new features. The most important one is the Chronergy escapement. This makes the movement more efficient and helps it use energy better. The rotor has new ball bearings, which help it wind more smoothly. The movement also has better protection against shocks and magnetic fields. Inside the Calibre 4131, there are now Geneva stripes. These are beautiful lines often found in luxury watch movements. Rolex added this detail to give the movement a more high-end look.

Even though you cannot see these changes from the outside, they are important to collectors. The Rolex Daytona ‘Panda’ 126500 is more than just a small update. It shows that Rolex wants to keep improving the Rolex Daytona series, both in how it looks and how it works.

3) Comfort and Wearability

The Panda Daytona 126500LN is a little more comfortable to wear than the Daytona 116500LN. The slimmer lugs and small design changes help the watch sit better on the wrist. The bracelet also feels a bit smoother. While both watches are 40 millimeters, the new shape of the Daytona 126500LN gives it a more modern fit. These changes may be small, but people who wear the watch every day will notice them.

4) Comparison Chart: Rolex Daytona 126500LN vs 116500LN

Rolex Daytona Black Panda

Evolution of the Rolex Daytona Panda

The Rolex Daytona Panda has changed a lot since it first came out. Every new version brought small updates. These changes helped the watch look better and work better. Over time, the Panda Daytona became one of the most wanted watches in the world.

In 1963, Rolex released the first Daytona, the reference 6239. This was the first model with a tachymeter bezel. It had a clean white dial and black sub dials. This was the start of the Panda look. At first, the watch was not very popular. But many years later, collectors began to see how special it was. People call this Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ because the actor wore one.

In 1988, Rolex launched the Daytona 16520. This was the first Daytona with an automatic movement. Rolex used a modified Zenith El Primero inside. This model looked more modern and was easier to use. It became more popular with younger collectors.

In 2016, Rolex released the Daytona 116500. This version had a black ceramic bezel for the first time. It made the watch more modern and more scratch-resistant. The white dial with black subdials became an icon. The Panda Daytona 116500 is what most people think of when they hear Panda Daytona.

In 2023, Rolex introduced the Panda Daytona 126500. The style is still the same, but the watch has a new movement and better design details. The lugs are slimmer, the dial is cleaner, and the movement is upgraded. These small changes make the watch feel more refined while keeping the same sporty style that collectors love.

Black and white has always been a classic combination in fashion. With the dial design in the Rolex Daytona collection, it keeps things simple yet bold. Whether it’s the Daytona 116500 or the 126500, both are good watches to buy, not just for their style and function, but also for their long-term value.