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View Poll Results: White Dial or Black Dial?
White Dial 29 60.42%
Black Dial 19 39.58%
Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll

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Old Today, 02:01 AM   #1
bmwsubmariner
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116500 White vs Black

I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.
  • I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
  • White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
  • White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
  • I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
  • Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
  • I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.
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Old Today, 02:06 AM   #2
Roger Lococco
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I really think that the white dial is the right choice here. An all time classic.


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116500 Daytona White Dial
126710BLNR GMT II
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Old Today, 02:17 AM   #3
rlx123
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I have both and the black dial just sits in the safe.


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Old Today, 02:34 AM   #4
Roddypeepa
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116500 White vs Black

What else do you own? That might make a difference.

White is so obviously a Daytona could be more obvious to everyone else. Maybe that appeals. Maybe it doesn’t?

I think when the time comes - once I’ve gathered the funds - I will be getting a white. I think it’s slightly more legible and long term as an inheritance I think white will prove to be the best bet. Nice to know my son could liquidate it easily if he needs to in time.

Lot of hope around the Daytona but I think most of it is justified. Built like a tank and one of the best chrono movements ever made.


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Old Today, 02:48 AM   #5
alex.cicollo
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Most of my steel watches have black dials - white makes for a bit of diversity in my collection.
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Old Today, 03:07 AM   #6
bmwsubmariner
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Lococco View Post
I really think that the white dial is the right choice here. An all time classic.


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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlx123 View Post
I have both and the black dial just sits in the safe.


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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roddypeepa View Post
What else do you own? That might make a difference.

White is so obviously a Daytona could be more obvious to everyone else. Maybe that appeals. Maybe it doesn’t?

I think when the time comes - once I’ve gathered the funds - I will be getting a white. I think it’s slightly more legible and long term as an inheritance I think white will prove to be the best bet. Nice to know my son could liquidate it easily if he needs to in time.

Lot of hope around the Daytona but I think most of it is justified. Built like a tank and one of the best chrono movements ever made.


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116600 SD4K - likely going to trade/sell this. Either now for the Daytona or eventually for a GMT. I'd like to have the Daytona and a GMT (either 16710 with any bezel or 116710 BLNR)
Omega SMP Quartz - Blue Dial - sentimental piece
Omega SMP Coax - Black Dial - sentimental piece.

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex.cicollo View Post
Most of my steel watches have black dials - white makes for a bit of diversity in my collection.
Thanks everyone! Few pics of the white dial I tried (incoming soon below). I go back and forth if it works with my skin tone. I think some of it is that I've only had black/blue dial watches. So going to white is totally new. I'm pretty boring in the regard.
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Old Today, 03:09 AM   #7
bmwsubmariner
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Old Today, 03:13 AM   #8
Spoonage
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I had the choice black or white... I went white.
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Old Today, 04:38 AM   #9
Roddypeepa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner View Post
116600 SD4K - likely going to trade/sell this. Either now for the Daytona or eventually for a GMT. I'd like to have the Daytona and a GMT (either 16710 with any bezel or 116710 BLNR)
Omega SMP Quartz - Blue Dial - sentimental piece
Omega SMP Coax - Black Dial - sentimental piece.



Thanks everyone! Few pics of the white dial I tried (incoming soon below). I go back and forth if it works with my skin tone. I think some of it is that I've only had black/blue dial watches. So going to white is totally new. I'm pretty boring in the regard.

In that case definitely white. Would make a nice contrast to your black and blue seamasters.


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Old Today, 04:57 AM   #10
4 Aussies
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The two most popular Rolex watches are the Sub and GMT, dial color black. I took myself out of the masses and bought white. I'm also on my AD's shortlist for black, which I like as well, both are winners, but a white dial Rolex is different and stands out, contrast is King for me!!
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Old Today, 05:23 AM   #11
Captkerosene
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I bought a black and then replaced it with a white. Black shiny chrome looked cheap to me and couldn't read the sub dials. (Just got new glasses.) Love the watch but I'm already looking at WG/blue dial and YG/Newman to complement it. Maybe put the Panda on a strap for more casual wear ... lots of polish for a sports watch.
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Old Today, 05:46 AM   #12
mpkRolex
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner View Post
I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.
  • I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
  • White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
  • White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
  • I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
  • Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
  • I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.

I think you have answered your own question


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Old Today, 06:02 AM   #13
EL Diablo
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I have both and wear the black 99% over the white.
I just gravitate to it more.
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Old Today, 06:33 AM   #14
prnceofpersia23
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Love my black dial. Works with absolutely everything.

Unfortunately it’s too similar to the sea of black dial, oyster bracelet sports Rolex. The white dial is a great contrast as part of a collection.
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Old Today, 06:37 AM   #15
inadeje
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner View Post
I've finally made up my mind to get a 116500 vs other Daytona's I was considering. My local AD had a white 116500 and 126500 that I was able to try on and I'm set on the 116500.

I know dial color has been discussed many times, but I cannot decide.

Many say 116500 looks best in the white dial. Can anyone that has had the option of choosing either from an AD or gray market comment which they would choose? Giving some of my thoughts below.
  • I have small wrists, many say the white dial will look smaller than black, which is an advantage to me
  • White dial has the advantage of contrast with the black bezel and sub dials
  • White dial is slightly more legible. Black dial you truly have no idea what time it is.
  • I think black dial looks good all the time. White dial can look great in certain lighting (better than black), specifically in standalone photos off wrist, but in other photos I really don't think it looks as good.
  • Black dial goes with more occasions. I think white dial pulls off sporty better. I think black could go with sporty or formal.
  • I'm a conservative dressing individual. I don't like drawing attention to myself. While I know a Daytona may get noticed, I think white is probably more obvious than black?

Keeping the obvious $3-4k price difference out of this too.

I'm asking all of this as I'm genuinely curious before I make a big move to get one. I was always set on the black dial, but now am considering white too.

Appreciate all of the input.
OP You seem to be inclined towards a white bias based upon your post. Go with what sings to you. The white seems to.
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