Rob
1846
Either of course if put in that situation but...
I would go for black. Aside from being a black dial fan, I do think that enamel dials are more fragile. I realize that repeaters are not meant to be worn while kayaking etc but there is something about a watch which screams fragile if installed with enamel dial and that alone diminishes the appeal, for me at least.
Having seen both in the metal only solidified my choice for black. Good luck in choosing!!! 
Patek 5078P...White enamal dial or Black lacquer dial?
Hi buddies, If you can buy a 5078P, which dial would you choose? As I did not see the black dial version personally...any one could give us his comment? Also, I remember Jerome has seen both versions, could you give us your valuable opinion? Thx a lot. Ad...
Sure
Hi Addi, At least that's one question I ask myself endlessly without so far needing to answer! I know that I would order my 3939P with the white enamel dial (my 3939R too). I would not go black on this one! Regarding your question I keep looking at the tw...
My recent experience ......
mr. Addi, honestly, my choice would have to be Enamel without any doubts. Black lacquered dial may be rare, as less people may choose to order 5078 with this style dial, i think enamel dial is safer, due to time, age and oxidisation. Enamel as we know can...
I would choose a lacquer dial Only because....
I don't have to worry about the enamel dial being crack during servicing or shock. But the white dial looks alot nicer than the black one....sigh, no perfection. Same as Jerome, I think 3939P, G, or R is my ultimate fav MR. It is manual wind and so sublim...
you are right.....
a minute repeater should not have too many complications as the would be no room for the chimes and gongs to reverberate. the metal also plays a determining role as to the clarity of the chimes and gongs. platinum is the worst metal for a minute repeater ...
5078P vs 5079J
I am the proud owner of both of these fantastic minute repeaters and feel enamel is classic while lacquer is the new guy in town. So I go for enamel no question. Sound wise the 5079J has the Cathedral Sound a real pleasure and different from other repeate...
Thanks to all your comments...
particularly the analysis from Jerome and tic-toc... Hope I can get this important watch some day! Thanks.
I chose white...
...for the classic looks and because each dial is unique....the translucent effect of enamel is impossible to see in photographs...beautiful. Tim...
Agree, Tim
These small imperfections which are shown, not to say enhanced ,by a big macro make the charm of the enamel. Very difficult tp ut in words ( or in pics ), indeed. This 5078P is an enchantment! Huge congrats. Best, Nicolas
Either of course if put in that situation but...
I would go for black. Aside from being a black dial fan, I do think that enamel dials are more fragile. I realize that repeaters are not meant to be worn while kayaking etc but there is something about a watch which screams fragile if installed with ename...