Rolex Daytona: Zenith, In-House vs Ceramic

Chronext Promo Code: BARKANDJACK
Chronext: www.chronext.c...
The guys over at Chronext allowed me to get hands-on with three of their Rolex Daytonas. I compare the latest 3 versions of the Rolex Daytona: Zenith vs In-House vs Ceramic.
Rolex Daytona 16520 (Zenith Daytona)
Rolex Daytona 116520 (In-house Movement)
Rolex Daytona 116500 (Ceramic Daytona)
The Rolex Daytona is probably the most iconic chronograph, alongside the Omega Speedmaster. In my opinion, the Rolex Daytona is a better-looking watch than the Omega Speedmaster. However, the Omega Speedmaster is significantly easier and cheaper to buy.
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[@BarkandJack]

Chronext Promo Code: BARKANDJACK Chronext: www.chronext.co.uk/rolex?

[@FredoWfpb]

What watch are you wearing on that gray Nato Strap at the beginning of the video?

[@juniorjr5328]

Rolex didn't modify it. The design was specifically done by zenith on rolex requests

[@florianeckert2573]

@fredo: Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm White Dial

[@Tyrannimo89]

does the Code only work for the UK or only for specific purchases? I tried it from Germany and it does not work: "The discount code BARKANDJACK could not be applied"

[@BarkandJack]

Tyrannimo89 the code should be global. It only works with the minimum spend of £5000, or equivalent. Let me know if you’re spending over £5,000 and it still doesn’t work and I’ll get them to check it.

[@jackyoung7097]

116520 - I absolutely love the steel bezel. That would be my choice

[@joshuaan5396]

The best Daytona is the one you can buy

[@BarkandJack]

That’s a good point.

[@jacksonk75k95]

So a citizen?

[@owenmccord5078]

AD put me on a waiting list just yesterday. It’ll be my first Rolex. Should be any day now🤞

[@owenmccord5078]

@Sleve McDichael The platitude versions are even harder to come by.

[@ernestojurado3977]

Preceramic Black dial, ceramic White dial that's my choise 😉

[@PeterZandorff]

A 16520 Zenith Daytona cost a brick jouse to service! Just sold mine unserviced since Rolex AD claimed that service parts are becoming scarce on the Zenith 16520 movement and the service price is 60 % more expensive than on the 116520/116500 which is already not cheap. Another reason for the steap service price on a Zenith movement is that it consists of a lot more (non Rolex) parts, in total more than 30 % additional components to service for Rolex i.e. takes longer time to disassemble/assemble/clean/exchange etc. ADVISE/WARNING: Only buy a Zenith Daytona if you plan NOT to wear it!!!

[@vlyoz6088]

how much was it

[@modernworldiscrap]

My 16520 was serviced last year for ~700€ in Rolex Rabat Madrid

[@PeterZandorff]

@@modernworldiscrap Should´nt cost more for a simple disassembly, ultrasonic clean, change of gasket and assembly, but wait until the day it needs Zenith spare parts!

[@frankstipes4114]

You are dead WRONG

[@truxton1000]

All of these are stunning. When I decided to get one I looked at everything, went and held everyone of these in my hand. After weighing up all the differences I went with the 16520, it was between the two older models as I feel that in the long run they will hold their value best. I went with the 16520 ad not only did I like the small details better, the size of the subdials, that they are a little bit smaller and placed a tad lower on the dial, that they do not have the shiny silver surround. That the left subdial is the running seconds, something I feel is more in line with where I think this should be as Speedmasters and other have it there too.The thinner more elegant hands, the smaller time markers. Some say as tritium lose it's shine after a couple of decades the luminova version is better but I like that the tritium change colour and also change the way it works, makes it more vintage, more interesting. I will ALWAYS go for the tritium version of any watch given the choise. The last years fall of the prices specially for the ceramic model whilst the 16520 has lost much less value I think shows which model that will gain more in value as time goes by.

[@meone8949]

I have 4 daytonas. Both of these newer steel daytonas & a bi metal zenith. I cant get my head around why people prefer these zeniths. The watch feels so much flimsier. Favourite for me is the ceramic without a doubt.

[@marcosmcc2562]

I think I would go for the 116520. Looks incredible, wears really well, the movement is great and it's very slim for a Chronograph. It's a near if not perfect chronograph imo. 👌🏻 Great Video Adrian!

[@alexhoksbergen6161]

My favourite is the Zenith-Daytona, I like the thinner hands (which you occasionally find in some 116520, but rarely), and the finer and longer "boat shape" hour markers, I feel it looks more refined. Also love the sub-dials location, they have a better placement, more symmetric and aligned with the 3 hands mov. The 16520 has so many variance, the 4 lines, floating dial, inverted 6, porcelain dial, and the various bezels marking... This is the oldest "modern day" Daytona as we know it today.

[@joaari1]

As someone who had some wrist time with all 3 versions, i a gree with you 100%.

[@BastienKoert]

I love the black ceramic, but I think I'd end up with the 116520. The all around steel is just understated in a way that the ceramic isn't

[@aromaticsnail]

1:57 Although you're right, there's actually an easier-to-remember way to distinguish a Zenith from a non-Zenith model, one that can't be unseen: draw/imagine a line from the 9 to the 3 marker. The sub-registers' center is not aligned properly on the non-Zenith models to the diameter of the dial. Ugly AF imho...

[@kueweijun8785]

What the actual fck? There’s no going back from here haha

[@DutchClawz]

Oh boy

[@stuartniven1220]

My OCD radar has just maxed out at 11 ! That is on par with being told about Santa Claus ! 😢

[@aromaticsnail]

@@stuartniven1220 Believe me, I know how you feel

[@loaded2820]

There is no rule that says they must be crossing that horizontal line equidistantly. Making the subdials larger was one of the things they managed without increasing the case size, the tradeoff was making those subdials slightly higher.

[@nicholasalonso4648]

You are absolutely right!!!! the ceramic is sporty while the none ceramic is possibly a bit more dressy. I agree I would own both 116520 & 116500.

[@LlyleHunter]

As has always been the case with any Sub, regarding the current Daytona if you’re planning on wearing it with suits on a regular basis it’s best to select the black dial variant.

[@Iron-Father]

The latest production 2014-2016 of the 116520 has chromalight too.. The 16520 is amazing with its story regarding the zenith movement and I really like the more symmetric look of the subdials. I opted for the pre ceramic version simply due to the more classic, elegant looks.

[@FOVKRO]

Had a 2007 for 12 years now and love it. Would buy a ceramic, if only my AD would sell me one, alas I’m not a good enough customer!!

[@chipmacgill]

I've dropped over $100k at my AD and he asked me for a "trade" "my original 50th anniversary Sub or my Hulk)to get in line for a new 41mm something or other. LOL, I don't want to trade anything so I guess I'll be waiting to stumble across one in some AD in East Bum F.

[@limajuliett3406]

@@chipmacgill your AD doesnt seem to appreciate his customers...

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Had both a (white) 116520 and a (black) 16520 for a number of years. While superior technically (movement, bracelet), I just sold the 116520 to keep only the 16520. It is more refined, and that Zenith movement just make it a bit more special in my view, despite its limitations (non-hacking, smaller power reserve).

[@nomansland120]

Definitely go Black Dial Steel Bezel! It's just so shiny and nice in real life. I have a 116500 and I'd swap it for a steel bezel in a second!

[@bartversteijnen1084]

I own the white dial 116520 and the bezel plays the light in different ways. Sometimes it is sparkly white, sometimes black and sometimes it looks like the polished metal it is. The C-tona just has a black bezel that is less dynamic in regards to how it plays the light. The same argument can be made for the white dial vs the black dial. White is just bright and pops on the wrist whereas black is just dark in all light conditions.

[@i1p2p3o4c5a6m7p9o9]

I like the first two steel bezel more, and i would choose the 116520 for : Super luminova (tritium is dead after 20 years or less) , 72h power reserve and (as i red on watch forums) simpler movement to service (so fewer work hours and so less expensive). Now i need 17.000€ or more to buy one on the grey market ! :)

[@duncanwood4489]

I actually own the 116520 white dial and steel bezel and it’s an absolute masterpiece, works very nicely alongside my ceramic Submariner

[@nomansland120]

The 4130 movement is just so smooth it's unreal. You can run the 4130 all day long and it will only affect the 70 hour power reserve by a measly 2 hours!

[@jackevans9615]

I'd go for the 116520, the ceramic is too blingy for me. Why are the watchmakers in the chronext pictures not wearing fingercots?

[@limajuliett3406]

The later versions of the 16520 did have super luminova and solid endlink bracelets. I think they were both introduced in 1999.

[@IULENZA]

In my opinion the 16520 white dial is the most beautiful modern daytona, followed by the 116520 black dial. The ceramic gives its best with gold cases, f.e. the 116515ln is simply gorgeous!

[@ragnaroker85]

The daytona is definitely a grail watch for me. Also I'm a big fan of panda dials. So the 116500 checks off so many boxes for me.

[@JonWS55]

I had the Zenith version for a while and eventually let it go as I just didn’t connect with it on an emotional level... that said, it’s amazing on the wrist and I loved the feedback of the pushers and crown. A great watch to wear - even if for some models it’s challenging to tell the time :)

[@morganthedruid1]

I love the Zenith purely because the centre of the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock subdials line up perfectly with the 3 and 9 on the dial where as the later versions don't , they are raised and it doesn't even get close for me.

[@gzmdesign]

I love that ceramic one... probably the only Rolex that does anything for me... that white face with the black rimmed subdials is just incredible... stunning imagery as usual Adrian!

[@BarkandJack]

Yeah I needed up falling for the ceramic one. It’s just so cool.

[@TheDesertracer62]

I just got the 116520 a week ago....and I absolutely LOVE it!!

[@troogroove9318]

I bought a Daytona 116520 a few years ago and love it, the weight is right and it wears well with a suit and jeans. I find the black dial is easier to read in the sun.

[@mikec3454]

Ever since I saw video pointing out the fact that the Daytona has asymmetrical lugs, I can't un-see it. Still love this watch ... simply the best proportioned and easy to wear chronograph out there.

[@smal1014]

3 of the heavyweights of the Rolex division for sure.....very iconic watches. I've had a Zenith bi metal, 116520 and would love the latest ceramic bezel one love the black touches on the sub dials has to be a white dial for me. Great watch comparisons Adrian!

[@GustavoRSantos]

My next Rolex will be a Daytona. However, it’s been impossible to get and grey market is crazy 😢

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I agree with you Adrian, the new versions look so much better!!

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks for watching buddy. 👍🏻

[@willdallas9761]

20k on a Daytona... one thing stops me, A. Lange and Sohne 😶

[@nevillegrimshaw7758]

Absolutely spot on sir! I’m always drawn to ALS👍

[@chipmacgill]

not really the same watches though. I am kind of done with Rolex as well and looking at Breguet and Lange, but aren't they really "dress" watches?

[@watch_MrG]

Lange’s chronograph costs double of Daytona

[@ArmiIngratta]

Totally agree!! I actually have the latest panda Daytona but selling it to fund a proper watch!! 😈

[@grokker99]

The Datograph isnt a steel sports chrono. When you buy a Daytona, youre buying heritage thats imo more interesting and cooler than a Lange Datograph.

[@mikebauernfeind7024]

Great video Adrian. Ideally , it would be nice to have them side by side and try them on. Rolex watches always look so much better in person and I suspect it would be much easier to decide between the 116520 and the 116500 simply by comparing black vs shiny silver bezel. Picture and video I prefer the 116520 but I suspect in real life it would be the 116500.

[@rabelosancho]

116520 - white dial. Prettiest watch ever made, period.

[@andyusa]

I have a 116520 black and regretted not getting the white too when the price wasn't as crazy... I remember seeing one for sale on a AD store but I just didn't have the money to afford another one back then...

[@eglantinefrancoisg.9243]

Golden year for the Daytona is 1998: 16520 with tritium dial and SEL bracelet. 1 year production. Grail.

[@FS-zn9xe]

If I had to choose, would actually take none of the three but rather stick with my Zenith El Primero Rainbow. It has an easy to wear size and case dimension, solid bracelet and most of all the date function, which to me is imperative and missing on all of the Rolex Daytonas. Sure, it does not have the same reputation or monetary value like the Rolex, but it is a no nonsense watch you can wear on all occasions.

[@brt356]

Adrian, I'm biased - but I would also have to pick the 116520. I was fortunate enough to get a new one over ten years ago. I love its classic look and yes, the movement is fabulous. But for me it was simply the classic elegance of this watch that I like. It is by far the most comfortable watch to wear. I can safely predict that I will never part with it.

[@Billeh556]

116520 all the way. Great vid as always mate!

[@Touyoujin]

Definitely 116500, everything is superb. Especially Loving the ceramic tachymeter that gives a nice contrast to the white dial. Just more elegant imo.

[@The_real_Mr_Ghost]

116520 have the best value for the money! 👌👌

[@TimedSquare]

Out of these 3 Daytonas, the award for the best looks goes to... your haircut! Then, the 116500 takes the crown for me. Cheers!

[@BarkandJack]

🤣

[@gileskerr5699]

A little bit off topic here, but I received a bark and jack Nato strap today black 22mm, folks I strongly recommend these top quality and very comfy 👍😊 will buy again

[@stevenuk]

116520 all steel is the best one for me... saying that, what you really want is all 3 !!

[@hansmuller4770]

High quality video, love it! The Daytona is such a beautiful and legendary watch!!

[@benjameshodges]

Great video. I prefer the horizontal alignment on the bezel of the 116520. And the more subdued silver sub-dial rings. I kinda wish the chronograph sub-dials aligned with the centre pinions. But it still looks great. Despite the Rolex specs, the case is more like 38.2mm. And there were different marks within each reference with the 116520 receiving Chromalight indices and hands. Keep up the great work!

[@balazsgalambos4458]

Ceramic for me, awesome video again thank you for sharing Adrian

[@watchingandseeing]

You cannot tell the time on the daytona...rather have an OP?

[@stevenwebb9861]

Its the Ceramic for me Adrian. i feel its an investment too that you can wear scratch enjoy and still not loose money. A winner all round.

[@danielharyanto6713]

Its interesting you stated that daytona c has 0.5mm shorter lug than 116520. I thought the cases are 100% the same. Anyway I gave up 116520 black dial and move toward the ceramic white just because the dial is really hard to read. Way too shinny..

[@dickydarmali7861]

How about the Daytona APH Error Dial? Is it more valuable?

[@julianmouton3]

If it’s a Zenith with a Patrizzi dial, then I’ll take one of those. Otherwise, I like a ceramic Daytona (any dial color).

[@vaderskeletor]

Info's incorrect. The mk 7 & 8 had already SEL and Superluminova

[@thomassierp5583]

I'm confused y why the reduction of bpm is a credit in a chrono meant to run race time at 10th of a second intervals. Would like some info. :)

[@mirkorizzuto139]

Hi Adrian, if I had the choice and money, I‘d go for the ceramic one. I love the black and white contrast between the bezel and dial plus it is less prone to scratches. Great presentation of differences between models

[@martinstephenson4311]

That's the one I'd pick too.

[@sleepeatdrive7619]

I bought a 16523 Zenith Daytona 2 years ago. It has been an amazing watch and wears nice. It has risen in value but I have no reason to sell it. Its always a good day when it’s on the wrist!

[@Ilikeavocados822]

Ceramic Daytona is the only watch anyone will ever need. Dressy, Casual, Sporty. You can wear it anywhere, anytime. Theres a reason why they are 2x list price. Demand demand demand. The people have spoken. As far as I am concerned all models will continue to increase with no end in sight. Great content as always

[@maxjohnheng]

A super userful video! Always wanted a comparison video on all three Daytona models! Thank you Adrian:)

[@harm97]

Ceramic,the best.I liked it so much that I've bought the black dial first and later the white dail 😅👍🏻good video

[@craig2100]

Definitely the ceramic dial...sportier and more unique

[@nda6228]

Zenith is unique, ceramic is a manufactured collectible. In terms of wearability I’m definitely with you but for uniqueness and value definitely the zenith

[@bhpbhau]

Great topic Adrian! Any idea of indicative prices one can expect to pay for each?

[@kennyhandkammer9557]

I have a Big Red 6263 I had a 2006 Daytona that was stolen I am looking to replace it. This video has been helpful. Thank you

[@Thankyou_3]

Great video Adrian, the movement shots was so amazing. We love your videos related to amazing knowledge on differences on models numbers of Daytona.

[@daytona595]

Years ago when they showed the new 116500 my heart sank. I thought the ceramic ruined it, I loved the steel bezel on the 116520. Ceramic looks cheap to me. The 116500 looks too much like a submariner and not enough like a Daytona.

[@sgoody1]

No mention of the black dial. I know everyone seem to prefer the white, but do you have any views on the black one, which I think I prefer?

[@davidcarol345]

I went with the Zenith because, tritium, black sub dials with steel bezel. I like the contrast. :-)

[@Viallineo]

Love this video. Not only does it feature my grail watch but it’s such an informative video and expertly put together by Adrian 👍

[@richardknight4617]

I’m a 116500 owner, might not be the zenith value but it’s the Best Daytona in Quality they’ve ever made

[@xiaoyang4571]

I love the looks of the Zenith Daytona. Also, later Zenith Daytonas have solid endlinks and luminova dials.

[@creamdisco]

Great Video! New Ceramic Bezel 116500 is the best.

[@sjol6126]

116520 - pure classy class

[@Btx_77-80]

Interesting vid. It would have been worthwhile to include the two tone as well. Those are actually still available without paying absolutely insane over retail.

[@tomsmith70]

I know it's asymmetrical but I love to have the running seconds to one side. The zenith daytona for me everyday :)

[@nikielhanna7401]

I personally own the black dial 116500. LOVE IT!!!

[@lamaludwig1470]

Thanks for the nice comparison. For me the one in the middle. But too expensive currently.

[@coachmigueldiaz9535]

very hard choice! I think I would go with the double 116520 but the latest edition is super cool. I understand people can love and hate Rolex but these Daytonas are just so beautiful!! No disrespect to the rest of the watches out there (affordable watch collector here) but when you say chronograph... These guys jump right up to my mind! Thanks for the video. 9:40 minutes of day dreaming !

[@felixleong6920]

Hi. I had brought 116500 two weeks ago.. It's a beautiful timepieces.

[@jasoncy711]

Im a 5 digit ref fans. So definitely 16520. Great content anyways. Cheers!

[@nicholasalonso45]

Absolutely on point!!! 116520 & the ceramic panda are the best Daytona’s

[@geot5367]

116520 black dial and a 16520 white dial on a leather strap would make a great pair.

[@khoimavlogs5161]

116520 white dial all day long. Best looking of all time.

[@English2Elvish]

Yeah, Zenith movement - that floored me that a Rolex was using NON Rolex parts / movements. Which, alright, they massively re-engineered it so I can get onboard. I MUCH prefer the black subdials on the 16520 over the 116520 silver ones, perhaps without even compromise. BUT, indeed that bracelet and tritium make it a pass (next one) from me... The 116500ln is just the best of damn well everything. Double MSRP? Sigh, so it is...

[@felixborissilvesterter887]

Not to forget, also a change self-winding movement . To start with 16520

[@user-mg9he3qj3n]

Thanks Adrian, informative as ever, every day is a school day for me as I’m still learning about the differences 🚒👍

[@antoniolittera2154]

To me ceramic looks cheap. I had a Zenith Daytona once and sold it at a substantial loss. If I were to do a rebuy it would be newer one due to better movement and bracelet, but I stick with the metal bezel.

[@c.w.9615]

I bought the Parnis version. It's a great design for sure.

[@arthurmontiel2665]

The brushed lugs on the zenith are the standout for me.

[@JasonX2]

That's a really interesting dive into one of the coolest watches out there.

[@huldiger]

If the Price doesn´t matter, i would go with the Zenith Daytona for Collection, and when it comes to wearing more often i would go with the ceramic one. nice video all over. thx.

[@louisjoe6495]

If any of you viewers have not checked out Chronext, it looks like the way to go. I just visited it & found a few pieces in my price range. They have ALOT of different brands at all price ranges. Thanks, I just subbed. CHEERS!

[@huanngo7299]

The slimmer hour marker on the Zenith gets me, but the newest panda is the one I would buy.

[@SChapps]

1.5% discount that’s generous of them

[@Yong_Goh]

i purchased a Black face 116520 in 2012 which my wife has stolen from me pretty much since day1... she tends to treat timepieces like a case of lipstick and just dump everything in her bag on many occasion where it has been shaken like a cocktail with coins, rings, bracelet, cellphones etc... Didnt take long for the steel bezel to become a swirly piece of art. so what i did was I swapped out the steel bezel with an aftermarket ceramic bezel and that problems was solved at least :D

[@robbstone5866]

Great video as usual. I noticed that the lug-to-lug dimensions for the 11650 is 46.5 mm compared to the two other models that are 47 mm. You didn’t highlight this detail so I am uncertain if it was just a typo? All the best!

[@IANSPA]

Zeneth all day long.

[@1018Frankie]

My favorite is the ceramic one, it’s suites better my laid back lifestyle, nice video, greetings from Puerto Rico!

[@rsrs8632]

I would buy a 37 or 38mm Zenith el primero. Its more elegant (to me anyway), costs less, available and has that impresive 36000bph, now being improved to 60 hrs power reserve. A chronograph for me is meant to be accurate to 1/10th of a second, not to 1/8th.... Its the movement where all other watch manufacturers said ’we are not going to compete against that’. True to this day, 50 years on!

[@triman82]

The exact video I was looking for. Great info and awesome authentic reaction to which watch you'd prefer!

[@Juanpasilver]

The three are pure gems. However, to me a Rolex must have a Rolex movement. And between the 116520 and the 116500 I will pick the 116520. Rolex hit the sweet spot there - its sporty, elegant, classy and beautiful... I appreciate the Ceramic bezel on Subs and GMTs but for Daytonas, to me they have to be steel.