The 126500LN black dial is the reverse Panda, sometimes called the Godzilla. Same new-gen case and bezel as the white version, same 4131 movement, but the black dial with silver subdial rings reads much darker and more aggressive. It is the stealthier of the two current Daytonas.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Factory | VS Factory |
| Reference | 126500LN (Daytona, black dial) |
| Movement | DD4131 automatic chronograph, fully functional, 1:1 architecture |
| Case dimensions | 40mm diameter |
| Material | 904L Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Black Cerachrom ceramic with stainless steel edge ring |
| Dial | Glossy black with silver-outlined subdials, Chromalight markers |
| Bracelet | Oyster, Oysterlock clasp with 5mm Easylink |
The dial. Glossy black with silver subdial rings. This is the reverse of the Panda. Instead of white with black subdials, it is black with silver-ringed subdials. The effect is darker and more aggressive. The black dial absorbs light where the Panda reflects it, so the watch reads smaller and meaner on the wrist. The silver rings are the one point of contrast. Markers filled with Chromalight, blue glow at night. The narrower subdial rings mark it as the 126500 generation.
The 126500 updates. Same as the white version. The steel ring around the ceramic bezel is the visible change from the 116500, protecting the ceramic edge and giving the watch a more layered profile. The dial layout got slightly cleaner.
The bezel. Black Cerachrom ceramic with the tachymeter scale in platinum PVD fill. The platinum keeps the numerals bright and prevents fading. The steel edge ring is the new-gen signature.
The movement. DD4131, the VSF 4131 chronograph clone. Column wheel and vertical clutch, so the chronograph runs properly and the pushers feel smooth. It matches the thinness of the genuine, keeping the case profile correct. The chronograph functions, it is not a decoration.
The steel. All 904L, case and Oyster bracelet. Polished center links, same weight and corrosion resistance as genuine.
The bracelet. Oyster with the Oysterlock clasp and the 5mm Easylink extension.
The takeaway. The black dial Daytona is the pick if the white Panda feels too loud or too common. It is the same watch with a completely different attitude. The Godzilla reads stealthy and aggressive where the Panda reads clean and bright. Same new-gen upgrades, same 4131 movement. If you want the current Daytona but prefer to fly under the radar, the black dial is the better fit.