Not loving the Maxi dial…

[Ganymede]

I wore my original Sea-Dweller 16600 to work today. I couldn’t help but notice the fact that I really prefer the original dial with the smaller hour markings.

Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

Will Rolex ever revert to the original dial?

[cerendigit]

I have a problem with the maxi cases actually. I kinda like the maxi dials.

This means I have to stick with the traditional ~40mm oyster case design of the daydate, milguass, explorer, etc. the moden subs and gmts feel too big for me.

[siempreko]

For me, it is not an “either, or”. I love both the older dial, and the maxi dial. I am the same with the cases. I like both. Yes, they are different, but I enjoy the feel of them in unique ways.

[Yas.2k]

Feel exact the same. I have the Kermit but do sometimes think I would prefer just a black sub

[Gerry62]

Not only dial but also lugs, dimensions.
ref. 16600 it's my favorite ever

[gt0279a]

Agree that the 16600 and also the 14060 benefited from a slightly smaller dial which made the applied markers work very well compared to the 16010 or 16750.

There is no denying the six digit models added some nice features such as ceramic, glidelock, etc. but sacrificed the classic proportions, chamfers, lug holes, etc.

[3HandsNoDate]

Love the maxi dial, personally.

[Cru Jones]

Well, the original dial didn’t have white gold surrounds, so the markers appeared larger.

What you like is the 80s/90s style.

[Jackie Daytona]

The 16600 is just perfect. I agree the older smaller dials were much nicer overall.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Me too. Huge fan of the maxi dials. Even more of a fan of the maxi dial without gilt around the hour dots. I didn't understand what a maxi dial was when I bought my old Seadweller, but I thought the dots looked kinda small relative to my 5512. When the new SD (I can't recall its sobriquet) came out I liked it instantly.

Also, I am gobsmacked in admiration of Rolex designers who adjusted the proportions of every component to increase the case size two or three millimeters. I tried to understand how to do that by dividing the increased size by 2 because each half is symmetrical (except the darn cyclops). The adjustments made to sizes of components and their locations had to be in fractions of a millimeter. Not micron small, but darn small to measure and yet easy for our eyes to see if anything was off. WISs know Rolex dials as well as people know faces--anything off and it's a different person altogether!

Not to disparage another brand, but I am less impressed by the proportions of dials in many increasingly popular sports models featuring large hour dots and pilot hands. Fractions of millimeters change the expression of a watch dial from competent to cursory. Kudos to Rolex.

Originally Posted by 3HandsNoDate

Love the maxi dial, personally.

[Tricolore66]

Agree. No cyclops, perfect proportions, just enough more wrist presence that a Sub. When I wear mine I always think if I had to get down to one watch it would have to be the 16600. Definitely a special Rolex.

Originally Posted by Dontknow

The 16600 is just perfect. I agree the older smaller dials were much nicer overall.

[TunaTuna]

Will Rolex take a step backwards? No

[fania123]

For me it gets no better.

[htc8p]

i do love the maxi dial. so much easier to read

[Ricky Rolex]

Much prefer the maxi dial.

Clarity.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

I really prefer the original dial with the smaller hour markings.

How far back in time do we go to find the original dial?

Here's a Mk 1 Maxi dial 5513 from 1978. Maxi markers, and the original "low-fat" Oyster case. Perfect!

[OrangeSport]

Tend to agree

One of the reasons I bought my 14060M was that, as well as being better balanced without a date, the other Subs had migrated over...

[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by fania123

For me it gets no better.

Exactly !

[RolexSimon]

Just step up to the DSSD JC. Love that dial.

[Duckman25]

Why is it me when I look at how boring the design is?

[7enderbender]

Totally agree.