Rolex Dive Watches - Matte or Glossy Dial?

[MJ EXPLORER]

I have a stong preference for matte black dials on Rolex dive watches. I love Sea-Dwellers and Deepseas in large part because of the amazing matte black dials. Conversely, my brother loves a glossy black dial. His daily is a Submariner.

Which do you prefer between matte and glossy dials? Do you have a stong preference?

[MJ EXPLORER]

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[kieselguhr]

I can go either way.

Slight lean towards modern gloss black dial

[nyc2la]

Matte’s where it’s at. A father / son duo here. Same, but different.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I have a stong preference for matte black dials on Rolex dive watches. I love Sea-Dwellers and Deepseas in large part because of the amazing matte black dials. Conversely, my brother loves a glossy black dial. His daily is a Submariner.

Which do you prefer between matte and glossy dials? Do you have a stong preference?

Don't mind either way but doubt if 90% of all dive type watches today ever see water except for dip in pool or shower. My favourite dive watch my own working tool 16600SD that has spent well over 600 hours underwater doing what it was designed for.

[Little machines]

Love the Sea dweller best tool watch and still a diverse watch to wear for any occasion! The balance of case ,dial and true functionality works for me !!

[lord91]

Glossy 1oo%

[Neil McCauley]

Much prefer matte dials, personally - when i see a modern watch with a matte dial it always grabs my attention. I love a bit of texture there

[S.Explorer]

Matte without white gold surrounds on the hour markers gives more of a tool watch vibe, which I really like.

But glossy with the white gold surrounds on the hour markers is dressier.

[brandrea]

I like both, but maybe I lean slightly toward gloss dials a touch.

I really like what they did with the SD43 dial. It goes from matt to glossy to almost a vintage brown depending on the light

[Harry-57]

I like them both.

[travisb]

I appreciate both. Depends on the reference but I probably lean more towards gloss black.

[PenDelicate]

Strong: gloss.

It's a deeper black.

Depth is key for me.

[shalashaska]

Lacquered dial with white gold indices - peak contrast, legibility and clarity.


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[Old Expat Beast]

I like the later Submariner 5513 glossy dials (mid to late 1980s) with WG surrounds, and domed acrylic crystal. That was a cool combo.

[Lightsped]

Enjoy both, but lean towards matte. You owe it to yourself to check out the Pelagos as it has an awesome matte black dial (also available in matt blue).

[1William]

Either/Both, I like them all.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Matte’s where it’s at. A father / son duo here. Same, but different.

Amazing combo Stephen! How in the world do you decide between these two? I think the SD4K is the best modern Rolex. When I first got into watches years ago I didn't understand the love for the SD4K. Perfect proportions and incredibly balanced! And of course Sea-Dwellers are much more unique. Well done!

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by padi56

Don't mind either way but doubt if 90% of all dive type watches today ever see water except for dip in pool or shower. My favourite dive watch my own working tool 16600SD that has spent well over 600 hours underwater doing what it was designed for.

Amazing Peter! Do you dive at the "pool of the white hazels?"

[Apdl]

The current SD43 Dial should be in the Sub, I don't mind the gloss dial but I really like the matte dial in the SD43

[slus]

100% matte over here. I really want a 124060 currently to replace my Pelagos, the size, shape and price all seems right, but the temptation to pay too much for a SD4K for the matte dial is very strong.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by padi56

Don't mind either way but doubt if 90% of all dive type watches today ever see water except for dip in pool or shower. My favourite dive watch my own working tool 16600SD that has spent well over 600 hours underwater doing what it was designed for.

Congratulations?

What does that have to do with anything that was asked?

[cdmorenot]

I'm a fan of shiny things so I'm going to go glossy here!

I do have a big appreciation for matte dials on certain watches though such as the SD.

[worldofoyster]

i like them both

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I can go either way.

Slight lean towards modern gloss black dial

Same here.

The main thing I don't like about most matte dials is that they can look a little washed out and grey in direct bright sunlight. A gloss black dial tends to stay deep black.

[1259]

Prefer matte for black bezels.

[slide13]

I like both and depends a lot on context.

With a modern Rolex with applied white gold markers I think the glossy black is a nice classy look that is super versatile. Love my Sub 126610 as it is and wouldn't change it.

I love a good matte black dial like the older vintage watches with the painted on markers or like modern Pelagos with their applied but non-metal surround markers. My black FXD is a perfect modern matte dial tool watch.

I don't love the matte dial with applied white gold markers and hands though. It's still nice, but for my taste it moves it a little towards the tool watch side of things without going all the way there so it sits in neither camp cleanly. For some though maybe it's the perfect compromise :)

[TikTok]

Matt every time.

[StackLexus17]

Glossy

[doublevalley]

Matte