After Rolex launched the latest version of the stainless steel Daytona, there has been more than two years. Rolex changed the look of the steel Daytona of the new edition due to its new bezel. Comparing with the Rolex Daytona 116500 and Daytona 116520, here we are exploring whether the ceramic or the steel bezel is the better option for the well-known chronograph.
On a whole, there have been three generations of the fake Rolex Daytona. The first generation, produced from the 1960s until the 1980s, were manual-wound Daytona watches with four-digit reference numbers. Both metal bezels and acrylic bezels were offered within this generation. For example, the Daytona ref. 6239 featured an engraved metal bezel while a black acrylic bezel inserted for its counterpart the Daytona ref. 6241.
In 1988, Rolex released the second generation of the Daytona, the company’s signature chronograph collection ran on automatic calibers based on the celebrated Zenith El Primero movement at that time. Regarding design, the new automatic Daytona watches only came fitted with metal bezels, whether in steel or gold.
At last, the third generation of the Daytona made its first appearance in 2000, powered by an in-house Rolex automatic chronograph movement for the first time. Like the previous generation, the new batch of Daytona chronographs came equipped with metal bezels until 2011. Rolex presented the first Daytona (an Everose model) with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel in that year. From then on, Rolex has matched the high-tech ceramic bezel with most of the different metal options available within the Daytona lineup. The steel Daytona was the last edition to be upgraded and the two-tone Daytona remains the only version without the option of a ceramic bezel.
It would be an understatement that the stainless steel Daytona ref. 116500LN with the black Cerachrom ceramic bezel was announced with great enthusiasm in 2019. It was the hottest watch of the year and continues to be one of the most highly coveted modern Rolex replica watches that are difficult to get. Nevertheless, as its introduction, there came a little bit of sadness since it was the end signature of the 16-year production of the stainless steel Daytona ref. 116520, which was one of the most popular sumptuous chronographs of its era. 
While there are many similarities between the Daytona 116500 and the Daytona 116520, from the steel 40 mm Oyster case with the screw-down Chrono pushers and winding crown, the steel Oyster bracelet, the choice of a black or white dial, and the in-house Caliber 4130 movement, the different bezel makes a big difference regarding design.
Among these two pieces, the Daytona 116520 is the more casual looking and sportier chronograph watch. The monochromatic look of the matching steel case, steel bezel, and steel bracelet is a classic combo. Even if it was significantly a luxury watch, the Daytona ref. 116520 could surely qualify as a daily watch that is simple, practical, and comfortable for daily wear.
On the other side, the black ceramic bezel lends a formal touch to the Daytona 116500, just like throwing on a blazer over a t-shirt to dress it up. Though ceramic is a modern addition to luxury replica watches, the Daytona ref. 116500LN flaunts a retro vibe (especially with the white Panda dial) has some similarities to vintage Daytona watches with black acrylic bezels.
A great advantage of Cerachrom is that it’s scratch (and fade) resistant unlike a metal bezel, which can accumulate plenty of scratches over the years. But it is quite expensive to replace if the Cerachrom bezel is damaged since a drop or a hard knock and so on.
In a word, both steel Daytona chronograph models are looking wonderful. If you like a timepiece with more casual the stop-production edition Daytona 116520 is a good option. While if you want to wear a vintage-inspired chronograph watch, the newer Daytona 116500LN maybe a better choice for you.
