Tudor BBGMT Opaline vs. Black? Is legibility an issue?

[Guppydriver]

I’ve decided I just don’t wear my two Rolex with GMT complications (226570 polar and 126710 blnr) aggressively enough when I travel to (perceived) crime laden destinations.

I love wearing a jumping hour GMT though whilst traveling and have decided to purchase a Tudor BBGMT (thickness, rivets, date wheel and all).

I am honestly torn between the two dial colors. Ya ya, I know… buy what you like most.

Honestly though … here is my issue. I usually prefer white dials. But in photos , I find the black far more legible. Legibility is important to me.

If I was 25, I’d probably go with the Opaline. However at 52, I just don’t see as well as I used to. I think the black dial date is much easier for me to read. (although maybe not as aesthetically pleasing with not being color matched to the dial).

Some of these photos give me pause on purchasing the Opaline. Anyone (preferably in my age demographic or with less than perfect vision) have an opinion on the Opaline legibility that could offer some advice ??








*first photo courtesy of Hodinke.


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[Meyrin]

If legibility is the main issue (it is for me, with any watch!) then I´d definitely go for the black dial. I would have problems with the white dial, nice as it looks. In low light conditions the white dial will be problematic, imo. Perfect legibility in most conditions is just one reason I cherish my old black dial Sub! I need reading glasses, but can read the dial perfectly without...

[Dave O]

I have had both. The black is a bit more legible. However, I sold the black as the white just looks so much better in so many ways.

You mentioned the faux rivets etc. As an fyi you can put an OEM 5 link bracelet on it with the T fit clasp. See the link to a thread of mine below for more info.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=951319

[Zach69SS]

Link or part number for the bracelet?

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Zach69SS

Link or part number for the bracelet?

Everything you need is in the thread above.

[vesnyder]

I have the BB GMT with the opaline dial and if legibility is paramount you should go with the black dial. Aesthetically (to me at least), the opaline is much more attractive and I would not trade it for the black dial Tudor as I have several Rolex GMT's with the black dial and would like something different. The problem is not so much legibility as it is confusing the GMT hand with the minute hand. I've always thought if they could make the minute hand a but wider to differentiate it from the GMT hand that would help. 90% of the time I have no problem - and for all I know the black dial presents the same issue.

[Guppydriver]

The interesting part is my white dial 226570 is the most legible watch I own (being 42mm doesn’t hurt).

I have two white dial watches with one on the way. (300m Tokyo, the aforementioned Exp II, and the 3861 Speedy.

Maybe I should just go black. Ugh.

My two white dials for the heck of it :



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[Guppydriver]

Of course, if Tudor drops a Pelly GMT tomorrow as some have rumored, it may make this thread instantly obsolete. (Although I do love a 24 hour bezel). ��

[Easy E]

I prefer white dials to black in general. I have owned both of these pieces. The black is the more legible piece, its also a bit plain (to me).

[derekhayden]

For my eyes its the date that's more the issue. I own the black dial GMT but will echo the previous poster that as my eyes begin to fade I miss my Polar 216570. Was the easiest watch for me to tell both time and date while staying under the radar. That being said I have never seen the Opaline in the flesh so if the surrounds in person echoed the 216570 I think I would be OK.

[Stupot]

Your post OP sums it up, you got it spot on. And others have rightly echoed your sentiments.

White looks nicer, but more difficult to read.

Black slightly blander but very legible.

For reference, I have black GMT, Opaline Chrono and deteriorating eyesight, lol!

And the reason your Polar is ok is the black outline on the hands, I am sure the Tudor has silver hands, although I could be wrong, which blend into the background in certain light, certainly the case on the Chrono. I’d make that the deciding factor.

[cdmorenot]

Your concerns are the exact reason why I purchased a 5 digit Explorer and forgot that crime even exists! I wear that thing everywhere without a care.

Good luck with your decision! On those two, I prefer black.

[Dan Pierce]

I've never seen the white dial in person and only know the original, which is extremely easy to read. But it's nice to have the options.
dP

[CH69]

Would wearing a Tudor really be safer than wearing a Rolex in the perceived crime laden locations? I ask just because they look similar to a lot of people who are maybe less so into watches and still think the Tudor GMT is a Rolex GMT since that is a more popular brand, and so would this really make you less likely to be a target (perceived)? Not offence intended, just food for thought.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by CH69

Would wearing a Tudor really be safer than wearing a Rolex in the perceived crime laden locations? I ask just because they look similar to a lot of people who are maybe less so into watches and still think the Tudor GMT is a Rolex GMT since that is a more popular brand, and so would this really make you less likely to be a target (perceived)? Not offence intended, just food for thought.

Hell people have assumed my SKX was a Datejust from catching a glimpse of the Jubilee...

As for OP, the black dial will be more visible but it may be worth waiting to see if these (admittedly weak) rumors about a Pelagos GMT tomorrow come true because the Pelagos is by far the most legible watch in the Rolex and Tudor catalogues.

[1William]

I own both and like both. Legibility is not an issue that would sway me one way or another as both are good to me and I am in my 60's. I consistently wear my black dial on an OEM Strap and it gives it a real retro look. The Opaline, I wear on an OEM five link and think it looks great. If it is one or the other, I would go Opaline but I do have a Rolex BLRO on Jubilee to fill the gape should I want.

[samson66]

I've tried the white on and yeah to me legibility was an issue I noticed. It's not terrible but it's nowhere near as good as the black. If it's a concern to you I'd suggest the black dial.

[watchwatcher]

I don't have an opaline, but I do have the panda chrono, and legibility can be an issue at times...and since you have such a lovely collection of white dials, I would think the black would be a better choice.

Or the new GMT FXD, of course.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by CH69

Would wearing a Tudor really be safer than wearing a Rolex in the perceived crime laden locations? I ask just because they look similar to a lot of people who are maybe less so into watches and still think the Tudor GMT is a Rolex GMT since that is a more popular brand, and so would this really make you less likely to be a target (perceived)? Not offence intended, just food for thought.

None taken, it’s a fair point.

My experience (what I’ve read) has been that those watch thugs really know their stuff. They target Rolex and high horology brands almost exclusively.

It’s not just the safety aspect, it’s the thought of being out 3k as opposed to 15k if I were to have a watch lifted. I know I could just get insurance through the Dink, but I don’t want to be dealing with international police reports when I’m on a layover of 24 hours for work.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by 1William

I own both and like both. Legibility is not an issue that would sway me one way or another as both are good to me and I am in my 60's. I consistently wear my black dial on an OEM Strap and it gives it a real retro look. The Opaline, I wear on an OEM five link and think it looks great. If it is one or the other, I would go Opaline but I do have a Rolex BLRO on Jubilee to fill the gape should I want.

Thanks for your post William.

I appreciate the advice that it’s not an issue. The irony is the awesome pics you posted clearly paint a legibility difference between the two. The black seems much easier to distinguish at a quick glance,

[LuxLemon]

And the Pelagos gmt is confirmed

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

None taken, it’s a fair point.

My experience (what I’ve read) has been that those watch thugs really know their stuff. They target Rolex and high horology brands almost exclusively.

It’s not just the safety aspect, it’s the thought of being out 3k as opposed to 15k if I were to have a watch lifted. I know I could just get insurance through the Dink, but I don’t want to be dealing with international police reports when I’m on a layover of 24 hours for work.

Honestly. And with respect. Do you think you are going to be cased for your watch and the thief is going to make sure to get a good look and then say - "nah, just a Tudor."

Not saying it would or wouldn't happen, but either way if safety is on your mind, I might re-think that.

JMHO

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by LuxLemon

And the Pelagos gmt is confirmed

This is the obvious choice for OP. No watch from Rolex or Tudor can match the Pelagos (except the Pelagos 39) for visibility. Maybe only an oil-filled Sinn can do better.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by CH69

Would wearing a Tudor really be safer than wearing a Rolex in the perceived crime laden locations? I ask just because they look similar to a lot of people who are maybe less so into watches and still think the Tudor GMT is a Rolex GMT since that is a more popular brand, and so would this really make you less likely to be a target (perceived)? Not offence intended, just food for thought.

I think that's a fair point. Wearing my BB GMT on a Tudor 5-Link could presumably temp or fool some people w/ nefarious intent.

While traveling an MN Original tones down the flash a bit and gives the watch a less than identifiable appearance. Not to mention the added comfort & durability while on the road.
dP

[TheDon2000]

I have the BB Opaline and love it. The Opaline has the perfect shade of "is it white? is it cream?".

I had the black dial on my wrist and the opaline in my hand and in person the black BB dial looked grainy (texture) and in super direct light pales a little bit like a Sea-Dweller matte dial. I loved the opaline just a little more.

You cannot go wrong. And to answer your question, I find the opaline GMT to be the most legible watch I own; the contrast of markers to dial pops out at me from a mile away; the bigger legibility concern is the domed crystal edges tend to make at least half the rehaut with the under-water wave effect.

[winst]

If you want great legibility go for BB Pro.