Noob Daytona vs ARF Daytona

[vcappp]

Stainless Steel 116520 white dial is the best noob to go for.

White 116520 SS Bezel version’s dial has an error of the font position “T” from OYSTER PERPETUAL



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[ssouthall6]

The white dial 116520 isn't too bad but the problem is the ROLEX font and spacing which is the most prominent part of the dial is completely wrong.

It's only the best choice because it needs the least remedial work to make it passable


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[Jxwatch1]

1.. see pic
2..noob habds on gen dial no difference

Sent from iX

Great this means no need to relume with bg wm9 then if the lume strength is same as gen. This bothers me a lot when its not same. Great!


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[M Scott]

In the past two months I have been studying both Genuine and Replica watches to try and learn more about the Rolex Daytonas.

There have been many posts with different opinions and different photos showing the problems specifically with Noobs Daytona Dials.
I think the problem is that the Four SS Daytonas all use different dials, and Noob has different problems with each of them. Some more than others.

Because people continue to ask about these problems, I would like to consolidate and illustrate what I have learned all in one place to try and help settle some of the confusion.
All of these problems or issues would apply to the Noob 904L V2 Daytona releases.


The Genuine SS Bezel 116520 Daytona was produced from 2000 to 2016. It was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the Ceramic Bezel 116500.

- The Gen 116520 used the same Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name for both the Black and White dials.
- The Gen 116520 used the same size sub-dials in Silver for both the Black and White dials.

- The New Gen 116500 uses a narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name and it is the same Font for both the Black and White dials.
- The New Gen 116500 used the same size sub-dials in a less shinny Silver for the Black dial and Black sub-dials for the White dials.


And now the illustrations for each Noob SS Daytona Dial...

- 116520 White Dial - Many people say that this is Noobs best Daytona as it only has one minor flaw.
The size and color of the sub-dials is correct, but Noob uses the narrower Font from the newer Gen 116500 for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name.
So Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this dial as shown below...

- The 116500 White Dial - This seems to be a very popular Daytona from all the owner's photos that I have seen. It also has only has one different flaw.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Black sub-dials is just a little too wide.
I think these Daytonas look really good in the owner's photos and the different size of the sub-dial appears to be less obvious than the Black dials...

- The 116520 Black Dial - The Black Daytona dials are more of a disappointment as they have more flaws that are more obvious. AND Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is not correct, and the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide.
Again, Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this 116520 dial. Also the contrast of the Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

- The 116500 Black Dial - This Black Daytona dial is also a disappointment as it also has more flaws that are more obvious. Again, Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide and the Silver color is way too shinny.
The contrast of the overly shinny Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

 

[Rep Enthusiast]

In the past two months I have been studying both Genuine and Replica watches to try and learn more about the Rolex Daytonas.

There have been many posts with different opinions and different photos showing the problems specifically with Noobs Daytona Dials.
I think the problem is that the Four SS Daytonas all use different dials, and Noob has different problems with each of them. Some more than others.

Because people continue to ask about these problems, I would like to consolidate and illustrate what I have learned all in one place to try and help settle some of the confusion.
All of these problems or issues would apply to the Noob 904L V2 Daytona releases.

Great post and summary! Thank you very much! And thank you for really reading all the post and not just dropping questions... Maybe we can highlight the information somehow?

 

[guru]

M Scott great summary of the dials, now we need the same for ARF ....

One comment on the 116520 black dial. The color of the subdials is different in different light.
Inside and in the shade is has a light golden shine, Outside and in the sun it shines silver.
Noob dials are only silver.

The white 116520 has this effect too and noob seems to have it also.

 

[Sub007]

M Scott thanks for this review, very helpful.

Calling for help from the modders on the Noob Daytona. I bought the 116500 Noob white dial (supposedly waiting line for that one) and look to put Gen Crystal and Gen Hands on it.

Will most likely need some modding to do this?

 

[ssouthall6]

In the past two months I have been studying both Genuine and Replica watches to try and learn more about the Rolex Daytonas.

There have been many posts with different opinions and different photos showing the problems specifically with Noobs Daytona Dials.
I think the problem is that the Four SS Daytonas all use different dials, and Noob has different problems with each of them. Some more than others.

Because people continue to ask about these problems, I would like to consolidate and illustrate what I have learned all in one place to try and help settle some of the confusion.
All of these problems or issues would apply to the Noob 904L V2 Daytona releases.


The Genuine SS Bezel 116520 Daytona was produced from 2000 to 2016. It was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the Ceramic Bezel 116500.

- The Gen 116520 used the same Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name for both the Black and White dials.
- The Gen 116520 used the same size sub-dials in Silver for both the Black and White dials.

- The New Gen 116500 uses a narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name and it is the same Font for both the Black and White dials.
- The New Gen 116500 used the same size sub-dials in a less shinny Silver for the Black dial and Black sub-dials for the White dials.


And now the illustrations for each Noob SS Daytona Dial...

- 116520 White Dial - Many people say that this is Noobs best Daytona as it only has one minor flaw.
The size and color of the sub-dials is correct, but Noob uses the narrower Font from the newer Gen 116500 for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name.
So Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this dial as shown below...

- The 116500 White Dial - This seems to be a very popular Daytona from all the owner's photos that I have seen. It also has only has one different flaw.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Black sub-dials is just a little too wide.
I think these Daytonas look really good in the owner's photos and the different size of the sub-dial appears to be less obvious than the Black dials...

- The 116520 Black Dial - The Black Daytona dials are more of a disappointment as they have more flaws that are more obvious. AND Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is not correct, and the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide.
Again, Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this 116520 dial. Also the contrast of the Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

- The 116500 Black Dial - This Black Daytona dial is also a disappointment as it also has more flaws that are more obvious. Again, Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide and the Silver color is way too shinny.
The contrast of the overly shinny Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

Yeah you more or less got it there

The 116520 as you say was produced over a 15 year period during which I have seen at least 8 dial / bezel variations. Very minor but notable differences.

For this reason, the 116520 is the better choice, because there were so many variations in thickness, spacing and font on the bezel insert that you can actually get away with it.

As you say, noob have got the ROLEX font wrong on this model, almost certainly deliberately, I believe to ensure that ARF and Noob both maintain sales.

It's infuriating.


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[M Scott]

M Scott great summary of the dials, now we need the same for ARF ....

Thanks to you and others for taking the time to answer my newbie questions earlier in this thread and help me fill in the blanks.

One comment on the 116520 black dial. The color of the subdials is different in different light.
Inside and in the shade is has a light golden shine, Outside and in the sun it shines silver.
Noob dials are only silver.

The white 116520 has this effect too and noob seems to have it also.

I tried to match the comparison photos as best as I could by adjusting the size, color levels, and contrast in Photoshop.
But, there really is no substitute for being able to compare those color shades in person, side by side with Genuine parts.

With the cost and limited availability of Genuine watches like the 116500s, I wonder if Noob, ARF, or their suppliers have Gen parts to try and copy, or if they just do some parts with only pictures?

 

[markfisher]

M Scott I think that in the last 2 pics (Daytona Ceramic with black dial) the right pic is of an ARF model, not a Noob, because subdials are almost correct. Also Bezel seem the ARF one and not the Noob one.

 

[M Scott]

M Scott I think that in the last 2 pics (Daytona Ceramic with black dial) the right pic is of an ARF model, not a Noob, because subdials are almost correct. Also Bezel seem the ARF one and not the Noob one.

Nice catch, you are correct Mark. I had copied the ARF photo of the 116500 from the same TD site and then mixed it up with the Noob in my files when making the post...


FIXED... the 116500 Black Noob Dial looks worse now. (as it should.)

In the past two months I have been studying both Genuine and Replica watches to try and learn more about the Rolex Daytonas.

There have been many posts with different opinions and different photos showing the problems specifically with Noobs Daytona Dials.
I think the problem is that the Four SS Daytonas all use different dials, and Noob has different problems with each of them. Some more than others.

Because people continue to ask about these problems, I would like to consolidate and illustrate what I have learned all in one place to try and help settle some of the confusion.
All of these problems or issues would apply to the Noob 904L V2 Daytona releases.


The Genuine SS Bezel 116520 Daytona was produced from 2000 to 2016. It was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the Ceramic Bezel 116500.

- The Gen 116520 used the same Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name for both the Black and White dials.
- The Gen 116520 used the same size sub-dials in Silver for both the Black and White dials.

- The New Gen 116500 uses a narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name and it is the same Font for both the Black and White dials.
- The New Gen 116500 used the same size sub-dials in a less shinny Silver for the Black dial and Black sub-dials for the White dials.


And now the illustrations for each Noob SS Daytona Dial...

- 116520 White Dial - Many people say that this is Noobs best Daytona as it only has one minor flaw.
The size and color of the sub-dials is correct, but Noob uses the narrower Font from the newer Gen 116500 for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name.
So Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this dial as shown below...

- The 116500 White Dial - This seems to be a very popular Daytona from all the owner's photos that I have seen. It also has only has one different flaw.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Black sub-dials is just a little too wide.
I think these Daytonas look really good in the owner's photos and the different size of the sub-dial appears to be less obvious than the Black dials...

- The 116520 Black Dial - The Black Daytona dials are more of a disappointment as they have more flaws that are more obvious. AND Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is not correct, and the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide.
Again, Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this 116520 dial. Also the contrast of the Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

- The 116500 Black Dial - This Black Daytona dial is also a disappointment as it also has more flaws that are more obvious. Again, Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide and the Silver color is way too shinny.
The contrast of the overly shinny Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

 

[M Scott]

Revised to add ARF Dial photos for reference...
Disclaimer... These are all online photos from different sources adjusted in Photoshop to be the same size and similar levels of light and contrast.
The different sources make it very difficult to show the color differences in the Silver sub-dials or the Red in the Daytona name.

In the past two months I have been studying both Genuine and Replica watches to try and learn more about the Rolex Daytonas.

There have been many posts with different opinions and different photos showing the problems specifically with Noobs Daytona Dials.
I think the problem is that the Four SS Daytonas all use different dials, and Noob has different problems with each of them. Some more than others.

Because people continue to ask about these problems, I would like to consolidate and illustrate what I have learned all in one place to try and help settle some of the confusion.
All of these problems or issues would apply to the Noob 904L V2 Daytona releases.


The Genuine SS Bezel 116520 Daytona was produced from 2000 to 2016. It was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the Ceramic Bezel 116500.

- The Gen 116520 used the same Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name for both the Black and White dials.
- The Gen 116520 used the same size sub-dials in Silver for both the Black and White dials.

- The New Gen 116500 uses a narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name and it is the same Font for both the Black and White dials.
- The New Gen 116500 used the same size sub-dials in a less shinny Silver for the Black dial and Black sub-dials for the White dials.


And now the illustrations for each Noob SS Daytona Dial...

- 116520 White Dial - Many people say that this is Noobs best Daytona as it only has one minor flaw.
The size and color of the sub-dials is correct, but Noob uses the narrower Font from the newer Gen 116500 for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name.
So Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this dial as shown below...
The comments apply to the Noob Dial... The ARF Dial is shown for comparison.

- The 116500 White Dial - This seems to be a very popular Daytona from all the owner's photos that I have seen. It also has only has one different flaw.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Black sub-dials is just a little too wide.
I think these Daytonas look really good in the owner's photos and the different size of the sub-dial appears to be less obvious than the Black dials...
The comments apply to the Noob Dial... The ARF Dial is shown for comparison.

- The 116520 Black Dial - The Black Daytona dials are more of a disappointment as they have more flaws that are more obvious. AND Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is not correct, and the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide.
Again, Noob is using a Gen ROLEX Daytona Font, but it is not the correct font for this 116520 dial. Also the contrast of the Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.
​​​​​​​The comments apply to the Noob Dial... The ARF Dial is shown for comparison.

- The 116500 Black Dial - This Black Daytona dial is also a disappointment as it also has more flaws that are more obvious. Again, Noob uses the same Black dial for both the 116520 and the 116500.
The narrower Font for the ROLEX name and for all of the words in the four lines below the name is correct, but the size of the Silver sub-dials is really too wide and the Silver color is way too shinny.
​​​​​​​The comments apply to the Noob Dial... The ARF Dial is shown for comparison.
The contrast of the overly shinny Silver sub-dials on the Black dial makes the larger size very obvious to see.

 

[Mark1937]

M Scott thank you very much!!!!!!!

...your post is perfect!!!

 

[thinwhiteduke]

M Scott , take a bow, mate! Very useful contribution to the RWI community! This is worthy of a sticky! Good job!

 

[watcher009]

M Scott thank you for this

 

[markfisher]

Gen White ceramic and Gen Black ceramic seem to have different bezel... look at the thickness of the font

 

[markfisher]

ARF Ceramic black bezel is almost 1:1 with gen!

 

[guru]

here you go

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[tmp2018]

NOOB VS ARF - imho a rep should be judged from outside to inside: ARF Dial is better, ARF Clasp is better, ARF Bracelet is better, ARF Bezel is better etc. overall ARF SEL is better...

nobody will use the chrono ever or lets say not in 99,9999999% in the time you will wear and own it...

if someone wants a great daytona rep OOTB, ARF is the only option...

 

[mui.richard]

NOOB VS ARF - imho a rep should be judged from outside to inside: ARF Dial is better, ARF Clasp is better, ARF Bracelet is better, ARF Bezel is better etc. overall ARF SEL is better...

nobody will use the chrono ever or lets say not in 99,9999999% in the time you will wear and own it...

if someone wants a great daytona rep OOTB, ARF is the only option...

I beg to differ...had my Noob 116500 V1 since May and all the while I've been extremely happy with it. Perfectly reliable, never skipped a beat and maintained a very, very good +1.3/day accuracy. Couple that with a 65+ hrs power reserve it's one of the best watch, rep and gen included, in my small collection.

And since 99.9999999999% of the world's population have never seen a DaytonaC in person, never did anyone ever even had the slight doubt it's not gen.

I had an ARF 116500 in my possession for a short while and while I do agree that the bezel and dial is technically better compared to a Noob, the skipping of the second hand @6 annoyed the heck out of me. So while there ARF may look better in photos, it just doesn't cut it for me.

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