Rolex

What is it about dials? They are the soul of the watch, right? If a watch has something about its dial, then so often it is hard to resist. I know that several things appeal to me in a watch. I love to know that the watch has some historical importance. I also like to know if the watch has some interesting history. It also matters to me that the watch has something quirky about it, and I define quirky in the loosest of manners. But, I think above all of these things, a watch has to have a dial that I love to look at. After all, it is the dial that one sees so often during the day. So, although this post will be under the Rolex header as it contains a lot of Rolexes, I will also add a few non-Rolex for fun.

The bulk of my collection is Rolex, and as my wife constantly tells me, they all look the same. White metal. Black dial. Bezel. All identical. But actually, this is far from the truth. Within my Rolex collection there is actually a very wide range of dial variation. So variation is most definitely possible within Rolex.

However, it is outside my Rolexes that the range of dial variation is very pronounced. What occurred to me is that as a composite, the watches in my collection that are not Rolex have a very wide variation in dial style. 

Is it because of the need for variation, or is it simply that the Submariner-style that dominates my collection affords me the luxury of seeking very different dials across other manufacturers? I am not sure. I suspect that diversity is an important factor for me and as a result I have a wide range of dial styles. I thought it would be fun to investigate them. What am I looking for in each watch? Well, maybe that is too much to bite in one posting, but maybe what am I looking for from each dial? Of course, everyone will be different but maybe it is fun to see into my own mind and push the answers for each dial here….

Lets start with the classic Rolex. 

There is not much more classic than the 5512. To me, it represents the iconic Rolex. This one is relatively new to me…a 2013 purchase. But it is a core part of my Rolex collection for sure. I love so much about this watch. Sure, it is an iconic look, but it also carries so much more. The gilt and cream lime. The balance of the dial. Its size. So much appeals to me....

The next dial under the microscope is my Mk2 Patent Pending. Ok, the fact that were under 100 of these made, that it is a 1665 and that it has those wonderful 2-lines of red writing should explain some appeal. But actually, as the scan shows, this dial is starting to turn tropical and catches a fantastic shade of chocolate that compliments the red very well. Outside of sentimental watches, this is my favourite watch.

But just how different are these sea-beasts to the Chronographs. First is the 6239 with silver/pearl dial. It catches the light from the sun so beautifully and has such a wonderfully balanced dial. Three registers always feels well-balanced to my eye. But the pearl effect from the dial in the sun….Uhhm.

Another 6239, but this time a PN in black. A totally different personality to the 6239 in silver/pearl. It feels more sporty. It has that PN feature which does make it feel different on the wrist…even if that is only in my mind, that makes a difference.

Onto another Explorer 2, but how different is this? The 16550 Panna, with its cream dial and altogether more summer-like personality. Again, a very different Rolex dial and personality to anything that came before.

Who says that Rolex all look the same, eh?

It does so in a different way to the JLC Rouge. The shape and colour of these two dials offer options that are not present in my Rolexes. One person described the Rouge as “dandy”. I think it is certainly true that these colours offer a light-heartedness and levity that makes it great fun to wear.

 But then, JLC Reversos do offer something of a unique dial experience.....

But, I guess that if I am giving some weight to the iconic look of the Reverso, there needs to be some room in the collection for a Panerai. but which Panerai.......Uhm.....has always been the 36 for me. The chocolate feel of the dial is just stunning to my eye...

I could go on and on about the various aspects of a dial that appeal to me. Variation clearly is a big feature for me in my collection. Some days I wake up and only one watch will suit me. Other days, I am in a totally different mood and need something else on my wrist.  This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-08-26 13:56:29

And yes, the dial IS everything for me two.

Its easy to know why your DRSD is your favourite watch, but, that 5512 is simply beautiful. A classic Sub.

 

Cheers Tony

.....said that if he had to have just 2 Rolex, it would be his Tudor BC and the 6542. I was trying to do a similar thing.....if i had just two Rolex, what would they be?

Say that it would be my third keeper!

Best,

Nicolas.

.....i will bring it along to show you next time we meet

Can you forget it next time we meet?

LOOOOL!

Best,

Nicolas.

Next time we meet, I am aiming for something unusual involving that watch

thanks for sharing with us what you feel for each of your watches.

Concerning the "PN aspect", it's not only in your mind.

It's a completely different dial and if you show it to people not interested in watches, most of them will prefer it to the regular version. 

It does have a magic in it.

.....it does have something extra.

...and prefer the standard version of the dial. This message has been edited by gensiulia on 2013-08-26 13:31:23

What a great range of shapes and sizes Joe! Stunning collection.....and then I remembered the Red Exp, 666, 666 Cx, 5508 ;-)

R

I feel a broader tour coming later in September though.....

At first thought, we could say that it is even the most important part of watches belonging to some brands. Rolex, in particular.

Some examples as red wirtings, underlines, double swiss, exclamation dot, or military ( U.A.E, to mention only one, or Oman ), are certainly speaking loud.

But I would not go to this extreme.

I would pay more attention to a nicely patined dial, in superb condition. And here, Rolex is not alone, and your examples are significative.

I would mention here, the Patek 5110, which is sublime, the Langematik Anniversary, an example of sensuality, and some modern skeletons, such as the Reverso Pt Nr 2 Skeleton Tourbillon.

A special mention to this one, too:

 

You are right, the dial is the soul of a Watch, a capital part of its charm.

One thing is funny, and I come back to my first and initial thought: The dial is sometimes the most important part of a Watch, depending on the brand.

Rolex is clearly one of these brands, when, at the opposite, we'll pay an equal attention to other parts such as the case, and the movement ( See Patek, Lange, Vacheron, JLC, AP, for example, Horological brands, to make it short ).

Nice topic, my friend, superb collection as well!

Best,

Nicolas

 

great post Mr. Baron... and nice watches too.

Your taste is impeccable!

Each and every one of these watches are dream watches, my friend!

And the dial is a big part of that reason.

There are many vintage Rolexes - but to me, you have gathered creme de la cream!

Best in class!

I wish to I had your patience...

Me, I too often find myself jumping old and worn-down dials.

Like this one...

 

  

Best

Blomman

I wished I had your ability to find them!!

Wow , I love your Patek and JLC collection.

I own two rolexes , five Piagets , one Audemars Piquet and two Patek Philippe. I think Piaget , Audemars Piquet and Patek Philippe have more exclusivity than rolexes.

....I am not sure I would agree with that. Exclusivity is an unusual term. 

No message body

.....it is a fun hobby indeed

Thank you for sharing! Was an absolute pleasure to read

....many thanks

While dial types are very personal some have universal appeal.  I think the submariner is one of those dials with universal appeal and recognition.  Of course the subtleties of a gilt dial vs a standard dial is lost but the appeal none the less is very broad.  I think some dials are more polarizing but the sub hits the spot across socioeconomic groups as well as nationality and age groups.  I guess I may be stretching it a little to encompass Rolex as an aspirational brand but none the less very broad appeal.

Thoughts.

Bill

.....the Sub has become iconic. It represents something more than just a watch. When you say it has appeal across socioeconomic groups, to my mind it is this iconic "draw" that is creating that appeal...it represents something. 

... it just today, as my daily work makes me read this, my favorite Forum, just from time to time during the last two weeks. (I wish everything will return to normal soon!).

Your comments makes me think a lot about this matter. I completely agree with you: the dial is the face and soul of a watch, and specially in vintage ones, the sequels of Time make for a special personality and charme.

It is the first thing we see in a watch, and often the part which moves us to buy them for our collection. As a matter of fact, several watches I presently own was a matter of falling in love with its dial.

Not to say that dials are not important in brand new timepieces. You well point a case with the Rouge Reverso, and its charming and cool dial. I also own one and love it!

Thank you for sharing with us your thoughts, and making me think about this so interesting matter.
Best cordial regards, Abel.

....It is indeed a fascinating subject. For sure, I think i would have difficulty owning any watch if its dial was unattractive to me. Occasionally, a watch will have such a history that I think the dial is not THE most important factor, but that is the exception rather than the rule.