Strap Guide: Rolex Daytona 116500LN

Strap Guide written by @timeonlywatch.id Thank you, P!

Introduction

Since its inception in 2016, the white dial Rolex Daytona 116500, as it’s dubbed the Panda Daytona, probably is one of the few watches that doesn’t require an introduction. It’s popularity has made it the hype watch for many reasons. Some good reasons and plenty of bad ones (waitlist, secondary market premium, etc.).
As a previous owner of 116520 (the watch that the 116500 superseded), the decision to acquire the Panda Daytona might seem to be a nonsensical for the premium that it possess just for a dial and bezel change. But following that leap of faith, I can easily say that the hype is real!
The Panda Daytona could be the perfect one watch collection, I know there’s no such thing is “perfect” in watch collecting world (also there’s no such thing is one watch collection, we need more!). It is sporty and classy, yet built like a tank. You can effortlessly wear it around the pool or in the ballroom.
Though it’s simply looks glorious with the oyster bracelet it comes with, by just looking at it you should know that it is also a strap monster. The white and black colour combination could easily go with any colour, and these are my pick:

Olive Green Sailcloth Signature

The Panda Daytona is not the only one thing that’s hype here, I believe Delugs’ Sailcloth Signature strap also falls into that category. I was so lucky to be able to get one for review, especially in the very sought-after olive green colour. It looks and feels so elegant even though it’s made from FKM rubber, believe it or not. You will notice the handcrafted feel of this strap as soon as you get the hold of it. With the olive green sailcloth strap pairing, no doubt the Panda Daytona looks more sporty and utilitarian. But I’d also say that it look right at home in a more dressy surrounding.

Orange Alcantara Signature

When I hear the word “alcantara”, my mind always relate it with sports or super car interior lining. So this is me going adventurous with the Panda by choosing the orange Alcantara Signature strap as it looks pretty similar with McLaren’s papaya orange colour. It turns out to be as I expect it to as it dresses down the Panda very well and makes it look so fresh and perfect with a jeans and t-shirt combo – how I dress 90% of the time.

Baby Blue Mosaic Rubber CTS

I strongly believe that the Rubber CTS Straps is the line that put Delugs on the map as one of the most innovative watch straps company in the world. As a watch enthusiast with small wrist, the excess length of a normal-length straps sometimes can be annoying. The CTS straps solves it all as it is cut-to-size so the strap length can be tailored for your wrist size, no matter how large or small they are. As an avid CTS Straps wearer (even my Garmin lives on one), the Panda Daytona also gets to experience the CTS straps from time to time. I chose the Baby Blue Mosaic CTS straps as I want to figure out why the baby blue colour from Delugs is so popular. I figured it out why as soon as I put it on, the Panda Daytona looks so fine with the baby blue colour. It’s summer ready and I wouldn’t have any concern to wear them near water.

Matte Grey Storm Alligator Signature

The keyword is “matte”. It contrasts really well with the glossy ceramic bezel and polished lugs. On top of the first class alligator skin quality that Delugs work with, the signature strap profile really adds class to the Panda Daytona appearance. It’s supple but also durable, and I believe it would last you a very long time especially if you wear it on spring deployant clasp that Delugs offer.