Rolex Daytona 116500LN Stainless Steel Black Dial (2020)

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500LN in stainless steel with a black dial is one of the most defining modern chronographs of the past decade, marking a pivotal evolution in the Daytona lineage. Introduced as the successor to the long-running 116520, this reference brought a ceramic bezel into the stainless-steel Daytona for the first time, instantly modernizing the watch while preserving its classic proportions. The 40mm stainless-steel case retains the familiar silhouette collectors value, with polished and brushed surfaces that strike a precise balance between sport and refinement. The black Cerachrom tachymeter bezel adds visual sharpness and long-term durability, giving the watch a distinctly contemporary edge.

The black dial reinforces the Daytona’s functional clarity, with high-contrast white markings, applied hour indices, and clean subdial layout that makes elapsed time easy to read at a glance. The tri-compax chronograph arrangement remains perfectly symmetrical, preserving the racing-inspired design language that has defined the model since its earliest references. Compared to earlier steel Daytonas, the dial feels crisper and more purposeful, benefiting from subtle refinements in spacing, typography, and bezel integration.

Powered by Rolex’s automatic chronograph movement, the 116500LN delivers the reliability and precision that underpin the Daytona’s reputation as a true tool chronograph despite its elevated status. The stainless-steel Oyster bracelet completes the watch with a solid, comfortable feel that suits daily wear. For collectors, the 116500LN with black dial represents a modern classic—an instantly recognizable reference that blends heritage, contemporary materials, and enduring design into one of the most sought-after stainless-steel sports watches ever produced.