Few watches command instant recognition and admiration like the Rolex Panda. With its striking white dial and bold black subdials, this timepiece has become a symbol of precision, prestige, and timeless design. Nicknamed for its distinctive color scheme, the “Panda” has carved out a cult following among luxury watch collectors, celebrities, and style enthusiasts worldwide.
What Is the Rolex Panda Daytona?
The Rolex Panda Daytona refers to a specific and highly coveted version of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The Panda features a white dial paired with black subdials, making the watch dial look like a panda's face, hence the nickname.
Though Rolex does not officially use the term “Panda,” it has become popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors to describe this bold, high-contrast dial configuration.
In the context of Rolex, the modern “Panda” usually refers to the Rolex Daytona reference 116500LN, which was introduced in 2016,
Technical Specifications
Below are the technical specifications of the modern Rolex Daytona Panda
Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Reference Number: 116500LN
Case Material: Oystersteel (904L stainless steel)
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: Approx. 12.2 mm
Bezel: Fixed black Cerachrom ceramic bezel with engraved tachymetric scale
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Pushers: Screw-down chronograph pushers
Movement
Caliber: Rolex 4130
Type: Perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding
Chronometer Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + )
Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 44
Functions:
* Central hour, minute, and seconds hands
* Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock
* 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
* 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock
* Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Dial and Hands
Dial Color: White lacquer
Subdials: Black with silver-toned rings (classic “Panda” layout)
Hour Markers: Chromalight appliques with long-lasting blue luminescence
Hands: Polished with Chromalight luminescent fill
Bracelet and Clasp
Bracelet Type: Oyster bracelet
Material: Oystersteel
Links: Flat three-piece links
Clasp: Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension
Design Features That Make the Panda Special
Why is Rolex Daytona so popular? That's because the Rolex Panda isn’t just technically excellent. It's a design and cultural icon.
1. Iconic “Panda” Aesthetic
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The high-contrast white dial with black subdials gives the watch its nickname and unmistakable identity.
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Its symmetry, minimalism, and visual clarity evoke classic racing chronographs while staying bold and modern.
2. High-Performance In-House Movement
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The Rolex Caliber 4130 is a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement that is robust, reliable, and efficient.
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With only 201 components (fewer than most chronographs), it's engineered for long-term accuracy and lower maintenance.
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Offers a 72-hour power reserve, making it a practical daily or weekend watch.
3. Cerachrom Bezel for Durability and Style
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The black ceramic bezel is virtually scratch-proof and fade-resistant.
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The tachymeter scale engraved in platinum allows for precise speed measurements, linking back to its motorsport heritage.
4. Professional-Grade Build
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Crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Oystersteel, it combines the ruggedness of a sports watch with refined polish.
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100m water resistance, screw-down crown, and pushers make it reliable in daily and outdoor settings.
5. Perfect Size and Wearability
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The 40mm case hits the sweet spot. It's large enough to make a statement, yet slim and curved for excellent comfort and wrist presence.
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The Oyster bracelet with Easylink lets wearers adjust the fit on the go by 5mm, a subtle but incredibly useful detail.
6. Collector Value and Scarcity
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The Panda Daytona is extremely hard to get at retail, often commanding 2 to 3x the retail price on the secondary market.
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Rolex produces these in limited quantities per year, adding to their desirability.
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A favorite among collectors and celebrities, the Panda has cultural cachet beyond horology circles.
7. Timeless Yet Modern
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Despite its 2016 release, the Panda Daytona balances heritage-inspired design with 21st-century technology.
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It appeals to both vintage lovers and modern Rolex fans, making it a future-proof addition to any collection.
Market Value and Collectibility
The Rolex Daytona Panda is one of the most in-demand modern watches on the market. Its value reflects that.
At retail, the Rolex Daytona Panda price is around $15,000 USD. However, due to limited availability and high demand, the Rolex Panda price can soar up to $30,000 or more on the secondary market. This steep markup is driven by Rolex’s controlled production, long waiting lists, and the model’s iconic status.
Collectors prize the Panda for its timeless design, reliable movement, and rarity. Its strong resale value, celebrity following, and cross-generational appeal have made it a true investment-grade watch.
Famous Wearers and Pop Culture Impact
The Rolex Panda can be seen on the wrists of many celebrities, athletes, and collectors alike.
Notable wearers include John Mayer, a well-known Rolex enthusiast who helped spotlight the model’s appeal; Ed Sheeran, Kevin Hart, and Ellen DeGeneres, all of whom have been spotted wearing the Panda.
Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for a watch that blends timeless design, precision engineering, and lasting value, the Rolex Daytona “Panda” is hard to beat. Its bold aesthetics, in-house chronograph movement, and limited availability make it one of the most coveted modern timepieces.
At Jestik Collection, we understand the rarity and prestige of owning a watch like this. That’s why we offer carefully curated, authenticated timepieces, including the Rolex Panda, to help you secure this modern icon with confidence.
