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The Ultimate Daytona Buying Guide (Ref. 116520/116500)

Mercedesslr

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2/12/19
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Hey guys I need some help. Im
Looking at building a Meteroite Daytona. I contacted a non-TD I believe, who provided some info but not a lot. I’m in a tossup on if I want to use a stock Daytona by BTF or another factory or an Artisan De Geneva rep which has a clone DD4130 but the factory is unknown. Both watches can accept the dial but can’t really find any info on the Artisan piece to see the dimensions and specs.
 

mcboom

time & patience - the two most powerful warriors
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12/1/23
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Does anyone know if a jubilee bracelet from GMT-II would fit a Daytona given both are 20mm? Are the SEls the same ?
 

MrBald

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5/4/23
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Thank you for this guide helped me alot for me to decide what Daytona to order. Finally ordered the 116500 Panda CF :)
 
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Daytona2010

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31/8/20
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6
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London
Hi guys, something I couldn’t find posted on here was a detailed difference in lume.

I have had a Noob V4 Daytona and CF V2. I found that the lume on both didn’t last very long when compared to some of my gen watches.
The CF v2 definitely lasted longer and was generally brighter than the noob.
I have just ordered a CF V3 so will see if there is a change. I am also hoping to put the coronet from the V2 on the V3.
Will post pics if it’s possible.
 
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Daytona2010

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31/8/20
8
6
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London
Hi guys,
Above you will find the difference between the CF V2 and CF V3 (the V3 still has the plastic). I’ll try and get better quality ones later. The print is def better on the V3 and I think the rings are smaller…though there isn’t much in it.

The lume is exactly the same on both, in that if you wake up in the night you can’t see much on either 😅

One thing I have noticed is that the rotor noise on the V3 is much louder the the V2. Currently trying to work out if it’s a fault with this individual watch or the downside to the new 4130’s. My Noob V4 was still the best movement (silent).

The coronet is obviously bad on the V3, so I am going to do an experiment and see if it can be swapped (I have asked one of the legends on here so will keep you posted).
I am thinking a blend of the v2 and v3 (keeping the best of both) might make a nice little setup.

Not sure if this is useful, just figured I’d post as it might help someone out in the future.
 

Emceerice

Getting To Know The Place
25/3/19
23
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3
Hi guys,
Above you will find the difference between the CF V2 and CF V3 (the V3 still has the plastic). I’ll try and get better quality ones later. The print is def better on the V3 and I think the rings are smaller…though there isn’t much in it.

The lume is exactly the same on both, in that if you wake up in the night you can’t see much on either 😅

One thing I have noticed is that the rotor noise on the V3 is much louder the the V2. Currently trying to work out if it’s a fault with this individual watch or the downside to the new 4130’s. My Noob V4 was still the best movement (silent).

The coronet is obviously bad on the V3, so I am going to do an experiment and see if it can be swapped (I have asked one of the legends on here so will keep you posted).
I am thinking a blend of the v2 and v3 (keeping the best of both) might make a nice little setup.

Not sure if this is useful, just figured I’d post as it might help someone out in the future.

Super helpful thanks. Would love to hear the results of your coronet project. Personally, hoping clean does an update for this specific issue.
 

Donnaildk

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17/10/22
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Hi’
Doe’s anyone know where or from whom I can get my hands on a gen 116520 black bezel? New 800€ or used 500€ have interest.
 

dexterkawaii

Do not accept unsolicited offers
5/4/23
3
1
3
Vietnam
I really need help form all of you, Can all of you help me this panda is clean or not ? i have no clue about this piece
serial number 216WF642
Clasp code : 7CD


358562478_6839755302703994_867247240568109249_n.jpg
 

SimSam

Getting To Know The Place
18/7/23
30
5
8
UK
This is an excellent thread for newbie’s like myself. Whilst I’ve got a few gen watches I am new to this. I started out my search for a good version of the Daytona 116520 Black Dial but, now keep getting drawn to the 116500 Black Dial.

I understand that CF is the best option for 116520 V2 (possibly V3 in the near future? ) However, a little unclear about the 116500 Black Dial is CF the best option?

I am unlikely to do any mods in the short term so, best out of the box options would be great.


 

samsoniteman

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This is an excellent thread for newbie’s like myself. Whilst I’ve got a few gen watches I am new to this. I started out my search for a good version of the Daytona 116520 Black Dial but, now keep getting drawn to the 116500 Black Dial.

I understand that CF is the best option for 116520 V2 (possibly V3 in the near future? ) However, a little unclear about the 116500 Black Dial is CF the best option?

I am unlikely to do any mods in the short term so, best out of the box options would be great.


I was in a similar boat as you! From what I gathered, they're all generally pretty good.
General consensus though is latest versions of CF is best for the white dial (OOTB) and BTF for the black dial (OOTB). Happy to be corrected on this.

That said, I jumped on a noob v4 for the white dial because one came up in the sale forum and am waiting for a BTF black dial (also from the sale forum). The white dial noob is amazing in person - Im quite happy with it.

Good luck and happy hunting!
 
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SimSam

Getting To Know The Place
18/7/23
30
5
8
UK
I was in a similar boat as you! From what I gathered, they're all generally pretty good.
General consensus though is latest versions of CF is best for the white dial (OOTB) and BTF for the black dial (OOTB). Happy to be corrected on this.

That said, I jumped on a noob v4 for the white dial because one came up in the sale forum and am waiting for a BTF black dial (also from the sale forum). The white dial noob is amazing in person - Im quite happy with it.

Good luck and happy hunting!
Thanks for the feedback. Re: 116500 the BTF Black dial looks a little shiny to me. However, the CF is a little more dull in comparison to the gen. I'm not sure if there have been recent improvements to the Black Dial on the CF, is there now a V3 ?

I'm still trying to do more research on 116500 as I started out looking for a 116520 but, I think the 116500 will be my first purchase. Any suggestions welcome.
 

samsoniteman

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Thanks for the feedback. Re: 116500 the BTF Black dial looks a little shiny to me. However, the CF is a little more dull in comparison to the gen. I'm not sure if there have been recent improvements to the Black Dial on the CF, is there now a V3 ?

I'm still trying to do more research on 116500 as I started out looking for a 116520 but, I think the 116500 will be my first purchase. Any suggestions welcome.

I went with the 116500 for both the black and white dial. Comes down to personal preference.. I liked the contrast of the black ceramic bezel separating it from the bracelet vs the stainless throughout on the 6520.
 

SimSam

Getting To Know The Place
18/7/23
30
5
8
UK
I went with the 116500 for both the black and white dial. Comes down to personal preference.. I liked the contrast of the black ceramic bezel separating it from the bracelet vs the stainless throughout on the 6520.
I’ve come to the conclusion 116500 Black Dial is going to be the first one I pull the trigger on. Now on the hunt for a trusted supplier and ideally find one with UK stock availability would be great