Rolex Daytona 2016 - 116500LN

The Cosmograph Daytona has been a staple in Rolex's catalog of luxury watches since 1963. The Swiss manufacturer has given the timepiece a few updates over the years, some of which are more obvious than others. One of the most significant changes was in 2016, when the industry giant furnished the current Daytona ref. 116500LN with a ceramic bezel. The LN in the reference number stands for "lunette noir," French for "black bezel."

The bezel's tachymeter scale is the biggest differentiating factor between the 116500LN and its predecessor, the 116520. The scale is made using a complex PVD process and is coated in platinum. Rolex promises Daytona wearers that the bezel is extremely scratch-resistant and easy to read.

The case and bracelet of the Daytona 116500 are crafted from 904L stainless steel, also known as Oystersteel. The case is very similar to that of the model's predecessor with a 40 mm diameter and 12 mm thickness. Measuring around 47 mm lug-to-lug, this Daytona is quite a moderate size and thus looks good on almost any wrist. The Daytona 116500 offers water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

The Daytona 116500 comes mounted on the well-known Oyster bracelet. The three-piece link bracelet has polished center links, which radiate sporty elegance. What's more, Rolex equips the band with their patented Oyster clasp with the Easylink extension system. This means that you can adjust the bracelet by +/− 5 mm to fit your wrist perfectly.

The automatic in-house caliber 4130 has been powering Rolex Daytona models since the year 2000, and the ref. 116500LN is no exception.

Prices for the Daytona 116500

• 35,500 USD – white dial (new or pre-owned)
• 31,500 USD – black dial (new)
• 31,000 USD – black dial (pre-owned)

The financial performance of the Rolex Daytona 116500 is very good, despite the clear drop in prices from mid-2022. At the time of writing in January 2023, you could buy a new model with a black dial on Chrono24 for around 31,500 USD. Back in January 2021, the same watch was selling for closer to 26,000 USD, which means the reference has increased in value by 21% in just two years. Compared to Rolex's list price of 13,500 USD, the watch's value has risen by a staggering 133% on the secondary market.

The white dial version is slightly more popular and therefore also more expensive. In January 2023, prices for mint-condition models were around 35,500 USD. Two years earlier, the watch was valued at roughly 27,500 USD, meaning it climbed by some 8,000 USD. Pre-owned Daytona 116500s demand similar prices to new models.

Interestingly, the Daytona 116500LN changes hands for less than its predecessor, the ref. 116520, regardless of dial color and condition. A lot of Daytona fans are drawn to the more classic steel bezel, increasing demand for the timepiece and pushing prices up.

Rolex launched their in-house caliber 4130 with the Daytona 116520 in the year 2000. The automatic movement boasts a Parachrom hairspring made from a zirconium-niobium alloy that protects the balance spring from shocks and strong magnetic fields. The 4130 is also equipped with the KIF shock protection system from KIF Parechoc. The movement offers a power reserve of 72 hours when the chronograph is not operating. If it runs constantly, however, the power reserve is reduced to 66 hours. The balance oscillates at 28,800 vph.

Reasons to Buy a Rolex Daytona 116500

• Daytona with in-house caliber 4130
• First Daytona with a ceramic bezel
• Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension system
• Water resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft)
• Available with a black or white dial
• Less expensive than the previous model