What’s New in the Latest 2023 Rolex Daytona (Comparing Daytona 126500LN and 116500LN)

This year, in 2023, Rolex has released the latest Daytona model with an upgraded movement, differing from the previous generation like the Daytona 116500LN, which used the Calibre 4130 movement. As expected, the new Daytona brings only “minor” updates, leaving newcomers wondering how the Rolex Daytona 126500LN differs from the Rolex Daytona 116500LN. So, what are the differences? Let’s explore in this article with Py-Luxury Global!

1. How is the steel case of the 2023 Rolex Daytona different?

In the latest Daytona collection for this year, the steel model with the reference number 126500LN is the successor to the “hot hit” 116500LN in the market. Upon close examination, you’ll notice that on the steel version, including the two-tone Daytona (steel case with a gold bezel), the case isn’t entirely symmetrical.

The reason is that the left side is designed wider than the right to balance the “weight” of the chronograph pushers, the crown, and the two protectors on the right side of the watch. This might be hard to notice without guidance, but once you know it, you won’t forget.

Narrow, asymmetrical lugs have been used on steel Daytona models and even on rose gold models with metal bracelets until 2023. In contrast, thicker, symmetrical lugs are now used on the 18k gold Daytona models with leather straps. Moreover, longer lugs also appear on the all-gold and platinum Daytona watches.

By 2023, both steel and two-tone Daytona models have been equipped with these narrow lugs, significantly contributing to an overall elegant look. Conversely, on solid gold and platinum Daytona watches, the lugs are flat, adding more weight and presence on the wrist. Starting in 2023, all Rolex Daytona watches, including steel and two-tone models, feature flat lugs, as seen in the image below.

Those familiar with and fond of the careful proportions of the pre-2023 steel Rolex Daytona will notice that the changes on the Daytona 126500LN have made a significant difference. While not as dramatic as the “Maxi Case” or “Super Case” on the GMT-Master II in 2005 and the Submariner series produced between 2008 and 2010, this is still a noteworthy modification to the steel Daytona case proportions.

The next new feature is the presence of a ceramic Cerachrom bezel on the Daytona. Of course, this update applies only to Rolex Daytona models with the Cerachrom bezel, as there are still a few solid gold Daytona models with gold bezels.

Rolex has confirmed that the Cerachrom bezel on the Daytona is not the same as on the GMT-Master II. This metal bezel has been around since 1965 when the first Oyster Daytona was introduced, such as in the 6240/6241, also known as the Paul Newman Daytona.

Rolex might have noticed the recent popularity of the Daytona Paul Newman in auctions and decided to incorporate this feature into the current Daytona generation.

On the same wrist, the new Daytona (below) feels larger in size and shape, which is peculiar as Rolex still refers to both as “40mm” watches. The 2023 Rolex Daytona is wider, taking up more wrist space compared to its predecessor. For some reason, Rolex seems to oversimplify things and still labels the Daytona as a 40mm watch.

The increased “width” is due to the lug design, as well as the case diameter. The diagonal measurement from the 2 o’clock to 8 o’clock positions on the 116500LN was only 38.88mm (excluding pushers), whereas the new 126500LN is exactly 1mm wider, at 39.88mm. Interestingly, the dial size remains unchanged, which might make it appear as if there are no changes here.

This comparison also brings about other notable changes in the 2023 steel Rolex Daytona. The pointed protectors corresponding to the narrow lugs on previous models are no longer present. Instead, a flat area has been increased (notice the round blue circle).

A closer look at the upper pushers shows that they are wider on the Rolex Daytona 126500LN (highlighted in red). Lastly, the metal bezel surrounding the watch has been mentioned above, indicated by the green circle.

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2. How is the dial of the 2023 Steel Rolex Daytona different from the previous model?

After quietly increasing the case size, the dial had to follow to maintain the proportions. The new Daytona dial has a significantly thinner frame for the sub-dials. Another secret feature of the Daytona is that the sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock are positioned slightly higher, and the red “Daytona” text above the 6 o’clock position remains in place.

Another new aspect is that the hour markers are thinner, longer, and more angular than before. Many Rolex Daytona watch enthusiasts agree that this “new” design seems to have previously appeared on the 1988 Daytona.

Currently, the steel Daytona is available with two dial options: a black dial with silver sub-dials and a white dial with black sub-dials, known as the “Panda” dial. The sub-dials still have concentric circles, though this detail is hardly noticeable with the naked eye.

Unlike some updates on other watch models, Rolex has retained the blue Chromalight luminescent material for the Daytona. Similarly, the hands and hour markers are made of 18k white gold. Around the periphery of the dial, between the full second/minute markers, there are four square marks, dividing each second into five parts.

3. How is the movement in the 2023 Rolex Daytona steel different?

In the latest Rolex Daytona models is the caliber 4131 movement, marking the first significant update since Rolex introduced the 4130 movement, a highly regarded automatic chronograph movement that Rolex designed, developed, and manufactured in 2000.

Although some minor undisclosed updates have been made to the Caliber 4130 movement in recent years, the Rolex caliber 4131 is a major change. It remains concealed by a solid case back on all Rolex Daytona watches except the all-gold Daytona.

Here are the specific differences between the Rolex 4130 and Rolex 4131 movements:

The self-winding “Perpetual” winding system of the caliber 4131 uses double the number of jewel bearings (red circular parts) to provide greater durability and smoother automatic winding.

Fairly speaking, the Daytona equipped with the 4130 is one of the quietest chronograph watches available today, with hardly any audible rotor movement, even during vigorous shaking.

Next is the green circular part, the Paraflex shock absorber, a potential upgrade from the KIF shock absorber in the 4130. Hidden within the movement and circled in purple is the Chronergy escapement, a highly efficient escapement developed by Rolex.

The remaining changes focus on the aesthetics of the movement: the new Caliber 4131 has Rolex Côtes de Genève stripes (marked in blue), a significant improvement over the curved lines in the 4130. Rolex created its own Geneva stripes by adding a polished groove between the stripes.

Finally, the balance wheel now has an orange chaton and an open rotor design, revealing more details of the movement and the Rolex logo along with the “Chronometer Perpetual” inscription (marked in yellow color)

The Chronergy Escapement of Rolex

Although Rolex has added the high-efficiency Rolex Chronergy escapement, the brand has not provided any specific performance claims for the Daytona 2023. The power reserve is still specified at “approximately 72 hours,” and the new Daytona is regulated to operate with extremely strict accuracy criteria applied to all currently produced Rolex watches, which means -2/+2 seconds per day.

This suggests that the efficiency of the escapement has been improved to allow more precise chronograph operation throughout the power reserve, regardless of how much or how little energy is left.

Rolex rarely updates the aesthetics of its movements, but they have done so comprehensively with the Rolex Daytona 2023 and the caliber 4131. While a sapphire crystal case back is now exclusive to the all-gold Daytona and the new Rolex 1908 collection, Rolex has embarked on a journey to develop more attractive movements.

The 2023 Rolex Daytona steel watch, reference number 126500LN, is priced at $15,100, which is an increase compared to the recent price of $14,550 for the previous model.