A Brief History of The Rolex Daytona Panda
The Rolex Daytona Panda is a collector’s dream and one of the most talked-about chronographs in modern watch history. The crisp white dial with bold black sub-dials gives it a striking, high-contrast look. This “panda” design harmonizes sporty style with classic, long-lasting magnificence.
Originally launched in the early 1960s, the Rolex Daytona Panda, officially known as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, was built for speed. It was engineered with racing drivers in mind and equipped with a tachymeter bezel and stopwatch functions. But what began as a tool watch quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. Much of that fame came in the late 1960s. That’s when Hollywood legend and racing enthusiast Paul Newman was spotted wearing a version now known as the “Paul Newman Daytona.” It featured a distinct panda-style dial that’s now one of the most sought-after in the world.
Since then, the Daytona has evolved across generations. The watchmaker has preserved the classic panda dial look from the early manual-wind models like the 6239. Newer versions like the 116500LN and 126500LN come with modern upgrades, including advanced movements and durable ceramic bezels.
Are you a seasoned collector or exploring your first luxury chronograph? This page will discuss how this timepiece offers something beyond mere prestige. After reading, you will understand why it’s one of the most compelling watches you can own in 2025.
History of the Rolex Daytona Panda?
This masterful piece is a timekeeping icon with a history that spans over six decades. This model is part of the legendary Cosmograph Daytona collection, a line originally crafted in 1963 for professional racing drivers. Built with speed, precision, and endurance in mind, it quickly became one of the most respected chronographs in the world.
But what makes this variant so special? You will find out soon enough.
Why Is It Called the Rolex Panda?
It all comes down to the dial. The Rolex Panda features a white face with black sub-dials. They create a bold and high-contrast look that resembles the face of a panda bear. Simple, striking, and incredibly stylish, this dial layout is astonishing, but it offers more than its look. It enhances legibility whilst capturing the sporty DNA of the Daytona.
A Watch Born for the Track
The Daytona’s roots run deep in motorsports. In fact, Rolex became the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in 1962, just a year before the Daytona wristwatch itself launched. This close connection to racing goes beyond branding; it’s the soul of the watch. The very first reference, the 6239, laid the foundation for a chronograph that would eventually carry the name “Daytona” proudly across its dial.
By the late '60s, Hollywood legend and race car enthusiast Paul Newman helped catapult the Daytona, and especially the exotic panda-style dials, to cult status. His personal Daytona was later sold for over $17 million at auction, making it an unforgettable gem in horological history.
The Evolution of the Daytona Panda
From the beginning, the brand exceeded the limits of design and creativity with the Daytona. In the hand-wound era (1963–1988), references like the 6239, 6241, and 6263 introduced pump pushers, acrylic bezels, and, later, screw-down crowns. These were robust, mechanical watches designed to endure the punishing demands of the racetrack.
Then came the Zenith Era (1988–2000). The watchmaker adopted and refined the famous El Primero automatic movement from Zenith, resulting in the Caliber 4030. Models like the 16520 (steel), 16523 (two-tone), and 16528 (all-gold) defined this chapter. They offer more precise, self-winding performance whilst retaining that iconic Panda aesthetic.
But Rolex wasn’t done. In 2000, the brand launched its in-house chronograph movement, the Caliber 4130, ushering in a new era of independence and precision. This movement powered celebrated references like the 116520, 116523, and 116528, with improved efficiency, durability, and a longer power reserve.
A Modern Icon: Ceramic and Oysterflex
Fast forward to the 2010s, and the watchmaker once again redefined the Daytona with modern flair. The brand introduced the Cerachrom ceramic bezel in 2011, beginning with the elegant Everose gold reference 116515LN. Shortly after, they launched the platinum reference 116506, which added a touch of class and poshness. Then came the stainless steel 116500LN, which featured the iconic black and white Panda dial. This model quickly became a fan favorite and pushed the Rolex Panda into the modern spotlight.
In 2017, the watchmaker added the Oysterflex bracelet to the Daytona lineup by combining the flexibility of rubber with the strength of metal. This unique design aligns perfectly with today’s active lifestyle.
A Closer Look at the Modern Variations
Few luxury sports timepieces spark as much excitement as the Rolex Daytona Panda. This wristwatch has become a must-have for collectors and a style staple for professionals. If you’re exploring models or wondering about Rolex Panda price trends, two standout references dominate the conversation today. They are the 126500LN and the 116500LN, and here’s how they compare, both in form and function.
The 126500LN
This model represents the latest evolution of the Daytona Panda. It carries a familiar 40 mm stainless steel case but with subtle refinements that showcase the brand’s continuous pursuit of perfection. The bezel is made from the watchmaker’s durable black Cerachrom ceramic. It features a tachymeter scale, designed to measure speed, and that highlights the watch’s strong motorsport roots.
Within the watch, the brand has upgraded the movement to the Caliber 4131. This new-generation automatic chronograph builds upon the legacy of the 4130. It offers smoother performance, better energy efficiency, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The crisp white dial with contrasting black sub-dials remains the centerpiece. It offers superb legibility and the timeless “Panda” appeal. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, and the Oyster bracelet with a fold-over clasp ensures secure comfort.
The 116500LN
When the 116500LN was introduced in 2016, it quickly became a benchmark in the market of luxury chronographs. This model reintroduced the Panda dial to the modern Daytona lineup. It paired it with a sleek black ceramic bezel and a polished stainless steel case. Its look was instantly recognizable; refined yet aggressive, and perfect for formal occasions and weekend wear.
What truly set the 116500LN apart was its movement, the in-house Caliber 4130. Known for its durability and accuracy, this self-winding chronograph movement delivered reliable timekeeping with a 72-hour power reserve. The dial layout, with three black sub-dials arranged across a white base, made the watch easy to read whilst giving it a bold visual identity. Another thing that made the 116500LN become an instant icon is its 100 meters of water-resistance and traditional Oyster bracelet.
The Price of the Panda in 2025
If you’re searching for a Rolex Panda for sale in 2025, brace yourself. This isn’t a watch you simply walk into a store and buy. Both the modern 126500LN and the recently discontinued 116500LN are incredibly popular. And that demand shows no signs of slowing down this year.
Retail Price vs. Reality
Officially, this collection is priced at around $15,500 for the 126500LN and slightly less, $14,800, for the older 116500LN. But here's the catch: these prices are only available through authorized Rolex retailers. And that usually comes with a waitlist that could stretch out for years. For most buyers, especially those who want the watch now, the only real option is the grey market, and that’s where prices skyrocket.
On the secondary market, the Panda Daytona typically sells for between $29,000 and $34,000. Models with the white dial usually cost more because they’re the most in demand. The rarity and desirability of this model have turned it into a powerhouse in the resale world.
New vs. Pre-Owned Models
Newer references like the 126500LN, equipped with the updated Caliber movement, are commanding serious attention in 2025. Even secondhand units can sell for nearly double their retail price simply because they’re so hard to get from official sources.
Meanwhile, the 116500LN, which was discontinued in 2023, continues to perform exceptionally well on the pre-owned market. In fact, clean examples regularly sell for anywhere between $29,000 and $35,000, sometimes more, depending on the dial and provenance.
And if you’re into vintage? Early Panda-style Daytonas like the 16520 can sell for over $40,000. Rare versions with special dials, like the “Patrizzi,” can even reach six figures.
What the Market Looks Like in 2025
This year, steel Panda Daytonas are still the hottest ticket in town, consistently trading at 100–150% above retail. Even when they briefly show up at authorized dealers, they’re snapped up immediately. They often go to loyal clients or those with a serious buying history.
Interestingly, although gold Daytonas saw some MSRP increases of around 13% earlier this year, they still lag behind steel models in resale value. The steel Panda remains the most desirable among collectors and casual buyers alike.
Market trends also show the 116500LN has appreciated over 35% since 2020, outperforming even icons like the Submariner. Basically, even though the Panda looks stunning on the wrist regardless of your outfit, it’s also a smart investment that holds and grows in value.
Conclusion
There’s no debate that this masterpiece is at the pinnacle of modern watchmaking. Its historical legacy, functional precision, and instantly recognizable panda dial have made it one of the most sought-after chronographs on the planet.
But this goes beyond mere looks. Backed by over 60 years of evolution, the Daytona Panda pairs professional-grade performance with enduring design. Models like the 116500LN and 126500LN aren’t just collector favorites, they’re market leaders. As of 2025, these watches consistently sell for double their retail value, with white-dial versions commanding the highest premiums.
The data is clear: demand outpaces supply, prices are rising, and both new and discontinued references show strong appreciation year over year. Are you buying it for the legacy, the engineering, or the value retention? This iconic piece isn't a trend; it's a proven investment wrapped in everlasting style.