Rolex Datejust 36 Dials: Champagne vs. White

[Generation]

So it's come to this; I have to ask TRF. I've been thinking for weeks about what to get for my first Rolex and have narrowed it down to a TT Datejust 36 in YG with a champagne or white dial. Which dial do you think is better (obviously, it's subjective)?

I have read countless threads on these dial colors. (Although, unfortunately, there aren't that many posts, and there is little discussion contrasting these two colors in particular, hence the new thread.)

I am not going to go over the pros and cons of each -- or even say which color I prefer -- so I don't sway the responses.

Thanks in advance!

[Colin10101]

Ooo tough choice. I really love the way the white pops on the wrist, but I don't think I could pass on the classic look of champagne. Thats the way I'd go.

[Maiden]

Champagne for me.

[RolexG1986]

Champagne 100%

[Floorguy]

Guess which one I like!

[Annan]

I've had both and preferred the white because I found it to be more legible.

[zjd168]

I would pick the white one for this DJ. Champagne for the 36 YG DD

[GFONG]

Champagne with sticks or white with Roman numerals.

[lecorsaire]

IMO champagne is the classic look whether on a TT Datejust, 18k Datejust and of course a YG Day-Date. The white dial is nice but in this config I feel it suits women more than men. I feel that champagne and black are a little bit more masculine. If SS or WG then it cannot get more elegant than a white dial.

Now you have two choices: either the 116233 with the 3135 and concealed clasp or the brand new, slightly redesigned 126233 with the 3235, Oysterclasp with easy link. I haven’t been to an AD in a while so I don’t know if they 126233s have arrived yet but if not they should be available shortly.

[NManley]

Champagne.

[floraneg]

Here is my vote.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by GFONG

Champagne with sticks or white with Roman numerals.

This

[dunajska]

They both age oh so well.....

I am seriously disappointed that even the new 36mm DJ Jubilee bracelet is no longer fully lug-to-lug...! WHY?!?!?!?!? It was a piece of art and kept me from buying the 41mm version...

Now they go and ruin the newest model.... serious mistake IMHO

...1st world frustration...

[BNA/LION]

Champagne

[jatco]

Originally Posted by RolexG1986

Champagne 100%

Originally Posted by Floorguy

Guess which one I like!

I concur...However.. it's getting harder to read and see what the hell the time is..with mediocre lighting .
(this pic is under Good lighting...)..

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

Now you have two choices: either the 116233 with the 3135 and concealed clasp or the brand new, slightly redesigned 126233 with the 3235, Oysterclasp with easy link. I haven’t been to an AD in a while so I don’t know if they 126233s have arrived yet but if not they should be available shortly.

I love the hidden clasp and perfect flow of the previous jubilee. I'd gladly forego the benefits of the new movement to get that version of the bracelet. I don't think the micro adjusts and Easylink on the new Oysterclasp is worth it.

Also, you may be able to get a little deal by offering to "settle" for the older version.

[jimcarver]

Champagne for me.

Plan to pic up a vintage one this weekend myself

[jdpny]

White is much more legible and pairs better with a variety of shirts.

[Bt122]

I prefer the white of the 2 options you laid out and slightly more modern. But. The . Champagne feels more old school if that’s what you like.

[1William]

I prefer the white dial as I find it easier to read and somewhat updated. The champagne dial is nice and could be called a classic but I also associate it with the DJ's from the 70's-80's where so many were out there. I also still see quite a few on older gentlemen. Nothing wrong with this and I guess that is why it is a classic.

[mementomori1983]

Having owned both white and champagne dial versions, would vote for champagne. Champagne just blends in better with the rest of the gold on a two-tone watch and makes for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Just IMO.

[JayB]

Champagne looks better with the yellow gold in my opinion.

[Rolex Essex]

I’ve seen a lot of dials on Datejusts and out of those two it has to be the Champaign dial.
Best leave white dial on sports models.

[jdpny]

[Generation]

Originally Posted by Annan

I've had both and preferred the white because I found it to be more legible.

Thanks for your input. I've read some of your older posts on this subject and found them helpful. Did you switch to a white one just because of legibility, or were there other reasons? Did your champagne dial have lume on the indices?

Anyone can answer these questions: Would legibility still be an issue with the above champagne dial? If so, when (e.g., dark rooms, direct sunlight) and how often (e.g., daily, rarely)?

[Khans14]

The white looks better to my eye.

[yessir69]

Champagne is very 80s glam.

[Castlesinthesky]

and another vote for champagne from me.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by Generation

Thanks for your input. I've read some of your older posts on this subject and found them helpful. Did you switch to a white one just because of legibility, or were there other reasons? Did your champagne dial have lume on the indices?

Anyone can answer these questions: Would legibility still be an issue with the above champagne dial? If so, when (e.g., dark rooms, direct sunlight) and how often (e.g., daily, rarely)?

My champagne (2008 V ). still has lume,.. when exposed to natural or other light.. for a good amount of time, but even still, it's hard to read 'lumed' or under certain circumstances.. You have to manipulate the watch to certain angles to really see what's what.. - Just my $.02c . - But it's a classic..

[LuxWatch]

I prefer the white. The champagne makes the whole thing look a little too golden for my tastes. The white is easier to read at a glance and I think gives a fresher look to a classic watch.