Rolex Daytona 116500LN In Black

Most Wanted Sports Watch

You don’t need to be a watch collector to know the “Rolex Daytona”. The sports model is the most popular watch in the Swiss brand’s product line and enjoys attention not limited to only watch nerds. Our previous articles showed you some of the most popular variants, such as the platinum version, the John Mayer edition and the Daytona Rainbow. In this article, we proudly present you the Rolex Daytona 116500LN in black.

The Daytona is named after the Daytona Beach race circuit, where some of the most iconic race events of the past took place. The chronograph timepiece is recognizable by its additional pushers and sub-dials. Over time, the Rolex Daytona Chronograph increased in popularity, becoming the ultimate Rolex model and hence enjoyed only subtle aesthetic differences over the past decades.

New Features

In comparison to the predecessor, ref. 116520, the current model was upgraded with a black ceramic bezel. The new feature – so-called Cerachrom bezel – is highly scratch-resistant and is slowly becoming part of Rolex’s DNA as it can be found among various other models such as the GMT & Submariner. Compared to the polished stainless-steel bezel of its predecessor, which looked scratched and worn after a short period of time, the now black bezel allows the wearer to enjoy a fresh and new looking bezel over the years without any sign of wearing. On the bezel, you will find the engraved tachymetric scale for measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometers per hour.

If you read our article about the John Mayer edition, you might have recognized that Rolex decided to stick with the non-ceramic bezel for its bi-color and gold models (yellow, rose and white gold) with precious metal bracelet. However, the models in gold with the Oysterflex strap have the Cerachrom bezel instead. We will likely only see watches with ceramic bezels from next year onwards as 2022 marks the 60^th birthday of the Daytona.

In-house Movement & Accuracy

As with all current Daytona models, the watch features a 40mm diameter. The Rolex Daytona 116500LN in black comes with the classic Oyster bracelet in steel. Inside the 40mm steel case, Rolex placed the in-house manufactured 4130 caliber that will keep itself wound by using your kinetic energy. If you don’t move enough, don’t worry. The self-winding luxury chronograph has a power reserve of up to 72 hours.

Furthermore, the caliber 4130 is also a COSC certified movement which means it passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests (deviation of maximum -4 /+6 seconds per day). But this was not enough for Rolex. The Swiss watch brand decided to undergo further testing for its Superlativ Chronometer until the caliber reached an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.

The black dial of the Rolex Daytona 116500LN features a highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence. It is the most recognizable chronograph dial in the watch industry and is beautifully finished in all black and white outer tracks on the iconic sub-dials.

Availability & Price

It’s no secret that this chronograph is the most wanted sports watch by the Swiss brand. The official retail price of the Rolex Daytona 116500LN in black (as shown in the pictures) is CHF 12’500, while the current market price is around three times that high at around CHF 37’500.

As mentioned previously, next year (2022) is the 60^th anniversary of the Rolex Daytona. I am sure the whole Daytona product line will be upgraded with new references and, most likely new design. Therefore, enjoy the current references as long as you can. Once the discontinuation is official, prices will appreciate even more.