Patek Philippe

I saw one today Looks great but the dial legibility is a big issue Any thoughts? Julian PS does this issue also occur with 5970 black dial??

I never saw the 3970P Black in the flesh, so I couldn't tell you, but I saw several 5970P in the metal and I had no issues with legibility. I was stuck on the dial as flies on honey... ...  

Who cares about absolute clarity when you have a 5970P on your wrist, it’s about so much more.

I think I just have a problem with this particular colour dial combination as I really struggled to see any of the detail on the dial. M.

I just need some new glasses probably. M.

Everything is starting to creak and not work as well. 😉 M.

I find the clarity on the 5970P has never been an issue for me. I find dark dials to be the most preferable combination with white metal. The aesthetic contrast adds a clarity in itself.

I wish I had your eyes. The exact reason I couldn’t live with the 5970p is the reason you love it so much. Great hobby this. M.

I find 5070p and 5970p comparable in terms of legibility

The 5070p is fine to read the time. I think it’s a shinny black thing and my eyes. M.

it is one of the things Patek do especially well. When I look at my collection, I have some vintage pieces with a cream dial and the more modern stuff is almost exclusively white metal and black/blue dial. Its what I think a Patek should look like. But th... 

😉. M.

Reading the time is not difficult, the dial is quite bright in day light (much brighter than on images). The sub dials are a bit more difficult to read, but they are also on silver dial versions. Main problem is the small numbers/text.

This is why I am not a fan of Patek black dials. For me I loose so much of the dial detail and struggle every time I look at a black Patek dial. Could just be my eyes. M.

Iqbal ...  

My eyes look at the G can quickly tell the time and at the same time take in all the detail on the dial and make the decision yes I love how this looks for all the reasons we know. I look at the P and my brain just struggles to know what time it is and wh... 

Don’t believe if anybody tells you anything otherwise. I have tried several black dials with gold indices/ hands from several brands and they are all difficult to read the time. Best is to try for yourself.

Rolex and Omega dials are absolutely fine to read. I only seem to struggle with Patek black dials for some reason. Look through the pics below then the 5970p and you will see. M. ...  

What doesn’t help the watch in question is the amount of information given on the dial. When you have a time only it will be easier to read. But I do get your drift. ...  

To my eyes it looks too busy in a way it just doesn’t in any other colour. Maybe that’s a better way of expressing myself. And believe me I wanted this not to be the case soooooo much. M.

I will revisit this watch and have a mother assessment. I only saw the watch in reasonable light inside I would like to wear it in better light as wells seeing outside ( with a big curly guard, I would imagine) Julian PS I saw this stunner with a black di...  

personally I absolutely agree what you stated. Would be curious to know if the other people on this forum actually agree with this Patek black dial 'readability thing'? I have it too. Not that I can't appreciate them, I certainly very much like some refer... 

I’m glad I’m not the only one with funny eyes or more likely the only one who will admit the 5970p is not the easiest on the eye 😉 It took me years. M.

You seem to be quite expert in being critic of watches that you no longer seem to own. I think best policy is not to critic. If you find you can't see dial so clear, maybe you are over 50 and need glasses maybe?

But you have no idea of what I do and don’t own. With regard to your accusations of being a critic of Watches “I don’t seem to own” is concerned you are way off the mark. Over the last 30 years of collecting I have had many watches and still do that I am ... 

Being able to give a balanced view is everything and also what I heard is good about this forums. With you it seems that you feel you can express your opinions about other watches that you do not own or no longer owning. When others give critic of watches... 

So again I will say you are wrong as are your facts. With regard to the 5070 as you pick that out I do happen to think it is ugly and wrong to my eyes for lots of reasons but that does not mean I don’t think it has other qualities that makes me want to ow... 

Maybe one of the lurkers that says nothing but likes to criticise members that do??? Which is it?? M.

Yes i did join recently. This forum was recommended by a friend who said that collectors liked this forum as it was a place to discuss watches in a humble and not showy way. I stumble on you and think that maybe my friend had made mistake as you seem quit... 

But luckily not the first to thank me for my honest opinion and advise over many years and taking the time to pass on years of experience for free without any agenda or gain. I think you may be right that this forum is not for you. M.

as a new member you should avoid to be offensive. Just my opinion...

I have never personally attacked anyone in any watch community or would I dream of doing so. But I have always spoken my mind and been honest. Luckily I’ve had a positive effect on more than I’ve had a negative effect on. M.

I understand that you give what is to you an honest opinion. Do you understand that there is a difference between (your honest) opinion and what is good advise? Or is the two always the same for you. Is your honest opinion always good advise?

Relates to OP

I love my black dialled Pateks. I don’t have a huge problem with legibility of them although with my deteriorating eyesight sadly I do need to use glasses a lot of the time.

hi Julian Sorry I’m late for the post. I played with this one. These pictures are terrible, but they where just quick iPhone snaps in a store. This one is with diamond markers, but it does give you a reasonable Idea of the legibility. For reading time, it...  

In daylight readability seems Ok to me! ...  

of daylight helps a lot!

We all have specific likes and dislikes. Those specific likes and dislikes reflect who we are and are very specific to each person. I think problems arise when people assume that what works for them is some sort of fact that can be applied to others. I lo... 

But had the pleasure of handling one today... what a marvel! Spectacular piece! Love the glossy dial and would not worry about legibility. Personally think in normal lighting no issues but in a darker setting could be a little challenging on my eyes to re...