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rolex daytona panda: irresistible classic beauty

First released in 1963, the Rolex Daytona Panda is easily recognisable as one of the most covetable watches from the luxury brand, catapulted to iconic status by the one and only Paul Newman who wore the Cosmograph Daytona, which eventually went on to sell in auction for an eye-watering $17.75 million. Fast forward almost 60 years and the “Panda” as it is affectionately known, shows no signs of waning in popularity.

Purists believe the term “Panda” specifically refers to two models of the Daytona watch with characteristic black and white colouring. These are the reference 6263 and 6265 models with a white Paul Newman dial, black sub-dials, and a white outer seconds track. This distinct pattern, however, does not extend to other Daytona watches, even if they also feature black and white colouring. However, due to striking design, many people still use the term “Panda” when referring to this colourway and it’s easy to see why.

AN ICON IS BORN

The iconic 5-circle design of the Cosmograph Daytona is symbolic with its bezel, minute track, and three counters. Its classic “Panda” design of black counters on a white background is famous, partly benefiting from Hollywood icon, race car driver, and social entrepreneur Paul Newman’s endorsement, which catapulted it to fame. This configuration has been featured on several vintage references, such as the 6263 and 6265 editions. It has also been featured on the modern 116500LN and 126500LN editions.  

Honouring evolution has always been something that Rolex has stood for as a brand, and todays newer releases offer a fresh case shape and dial design with many features, including diamond inlays and various strap colours. However, those looking for the Panda will continue to seek out the traditional black and white model.

Rolex-Daytona-Paul-Newman-Phillips

THE MOST POPULAR MODELS

Firstly, the 16520 ‘Zenith’ had a great impact on the watch-collecting community, with its beautiful design embodying the brand’s values of high-quality materials and precision engineering, coupled with the iconic contrasting black and white dial, creating a unique timepiece.

This model reference features a highly sought-after Calibre 4030 Self-Winding Movement which is a combination of parts from both Zenith El Primero and Rolex. It is exclusive to this model and is highly sought-after by avid Rolex collectors.  

Since the discontinuation of the popular reference 116520 Rolex Daytona back in 2016, buyers looking to purchase this model have had no choice but to turn towards the secondary market. Even though the current production stainless steel Daytona isn’t easily obtainable, the reference 116520 is still an excellent timepiece value-wise, given its superior in-house movement and modern style when compared to the current models. 

Additionally, the popular pre-owned market still has plenty of these timepieces available. 

The 116500LN, launched in 2016 and discontinued in 2023, has the shortest production run of any steel Daytona in the last 30 years. The unique panda-like dial immediately drew attention, with its striking black and white design. Adding to the already-elevated aesthetic is the ceramic case and bezel, which create an extra layer of shine. It is easy to see why this watch has become a sought-after collector’s item in such a short amount of time.

Rolex_Daytona_27538_Front

NEXT GENERATION DAYTONA

The latest offering, released in 2023 on the 60th anniversary of the Daytona, saw Rolex overhaul its entire chronograph range.

Here, we take a look at the updated Rolex Daytona reference 126500LN. With its subtle design changes, Rolex has taken the iconic chronograph to the next level. For starters, the new case design is more contemporary in appearance, yet still preserves the original design that made the watch so popular.

The new dial has been upgraded with thinner rings around the three sub-dials and longer, thinner indices, while the Cerachrom ceramic bezel now features a metallic edge. These subtle changes are all part of what makes the new reference 126500LN stand out from the discontinued reference 116500LN Daytona.

The Rolex Daytona has maintained its iconic status amongst timepiece connoisseurs and collectors, with hardly any changes being made to its design. It continues to boast impressive features such as Oysterflex, Oysterlock, Easylink, Triplock, Parachrom, Paraflex, Chromolight as well as a unique ceramic bezel with a metallic edge.

Rolex has added further modifications by introducing a Glidelock bracelet extension system and offering stainless steel references with an Oysterflex rubber strap. With these new additions, it’s clear that Rolex has placed the Daytona at the top of their priority list. The Cosmograph Daytona continues to be one of the foremost references in watchmaking for its unique elegance.

Rolex-Daytona-with-Black-Cerachrom-Bezel copy

AN ENDURING TIMEPIECE

It is undeniable that this watch is as iconic as it is sought after. Due to the rarity of the Rolex Daytona Panda, it has gained a reputation as a smart investment, often with extensive waiting lists for new releases. Waiting lists can run to years, mainly due to the fact that to ensure meticulous attention to detail that each Rolex watch receives during production, the brand’s capacity for manufacturing watches is limited. In turn, this can lead to Rolex being unable to meet the demand for them, which only further increases the demand.

It can be worth looking at pre-owned options, as generally these are usually in excellent condition and will have the original box and papers for your peace of mind.

 Whilst the Rolex Daytona Panda is hard to come by, it’s worth keeping an eye on our page as we curate and update our stock regularly. 

 Please feel free to browse some of Pandas we currently have in stock.

  • ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH 16520

    ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH

    • YEAR1989
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £27,500
  • ROLEX DAYTONA 116500LN

    ROLEX DAYTONA

    • YEAR2022
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £26,750
  • ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH 16520

    ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH

    • YEAR1996
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £26,000
  • ROLEX DAYTONA 116500LN

    ROLEX DAYTONA

    • YEAR2022
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £28,000
  • ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH 16520

    ROLEX DAYTONA ZENITH

    • YEAR1998
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £45,000
  • ROLEX DAYTONA 116520

    ROLEX DAYTONA

    • YEAR2006
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £18,000
  • ROLEX DAYTONA 116520

    ROLEX DAYTONA

    • YEAR2008
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £16,950
How much is a Rolex Daytona Panda?

You can expect to pay upwards of £20,000 for one of these watches depending on model, age and condition for a pre-owned model, making sure you always buy from a reputable retailer.  If you are looking to buy a new watch, you can refer to an authorised dealer, although with waiting lists of up to ten years, you may prefer to  peruse the pre-owned market first. 

 

What is a Rolex Daytona Panda?

The term Rolex Daytona “Panda” is used to refer to a Rolex Daytona chronograph dial that consists of a white background with black sub-dials – giving it a resemblance to a panda’s face. Specifically, it pertains to the models Daytona 6263 and 6235 – however, the term has occasionally been applied to other Rolex Daytonas with the same colouring.

Why is the Rolex Daytona Panda so expensive?

The Rolex Daytona Panda is highly coveted by watch enthusiasts and collectors due to its rarity. With limited annual production, and numbers produced by Rolex undisclosed, the Daytona Panda is one of the most sought after models on the market. This exclusive timepiece is expected to continue to appreciate in value over time, with demand far outstripping supply. That does not mean that they are impossible to find, and you may be able to locate one on the pre-owned market.