Dial Color for . . . everything?

[alettiere]

I have been considering buying a Rolex Sub for the last few years now. I'm 28 and have developed a belief that every man should own at least one true quality timepiece.

While I definitely don't have the finances to start a collection like the amazing ones I've seen posted, my goal is to own a sub before I'm 30 as my reward for working hard. It will be my one and only, which will last my lifetime and hopefully the lifetime of whomever I pass it down to.

Now, there's a little bit of controversy over the dial issue which I may possibly be blowing out of proportion. With the non-Rolex watches I usually wear now, I alternate based on my clothes. If I'm wearing browns, for example, it's a blue dial. If I'm wearing black, it's a black dial. Which raises the question: If you were going to own one Rolex and one Rolex only - that you intent to wear as your universal time piece of choice, what works? Or better yet, does it even matter?

Some people have told me that with stainless steel, a dial isn't considered a significant "color clash" in contrast to say . . . shoes. So, essentially, even with a black, I'd be able to get away with it.

What do you guys think?

[Daddybear]

If you only want ONE I'd go with black...

It's the most classic. If you are worried about matching colors with your wardrobe...a black dial goes with pretty much anything and everything.

-db

[Shadi]

Originally Posted by Daddybear

If you only want ONE I'd go with black...

It's the most classic. If you are worried about matching colors with your wardrobe...a black dial goes with pretty much anything and everything.

-db

I fully agree

[The GMT Master]

Welcome to the forum

If I'm honest, it's not something I'd considered before. I don't think you can go far wrong with a black or white dialed steel Rolex in terms of versatility - I've certainly not come across anything that doesn't look great with my black dialed Datejust on my wrist

Cheers,

Chris

[Dr.Brian]

The black dial stainless Sub has been a classic for 50 years and it's good for another 50. You can take it anywhere, but unless you're a spy, please look elsewhere for black tie events. If you're only going to have one watch, and you have the funds, get a Day Date. A new Sub will set you back well more than $7000 (possibly over 8 if the price goes up this fall) but a mint pre owned DD can be had for only about $15k. It's something to really consider.

[rfknauss]

I would recommend a SS Sub with black dial ....... goes with anything!
And welcome to TRF!

[NMS75]

black!

m

[GoldenBear]

A SS Sub goes with everything...from jeans to a tux.

[fc3s2k]

sub 14060M fits with everything

[NMS75]

Originally Posted by fc3s2k

sub 14060M fits with everything

I could not agree more (even for black tie events!)

M

[cdnwatchguy]

Originally Posted by nms75

i could not agree more (even for black tie events!)

M

+1

[kcmo]

I also think that a SS Sub pretty much goes with everything so don't worry about that! Personally, my favorite dial color is WHITE. I've always gravitated towards white dials. Just love the clean, crisp look.

[dddrees]

I would go with the SS Sub Black Dial as well.

[orangedial]

SS Sub black dial is all you need based on your requirement. It is a one-for-all solution :)

[Subdialler]

SS Submariner or Sea Dweller. Can't imagine you would need anything else!

[zillap]

Originally Posted by alettiere

I have been considering buying a Rolex Sub for the last few years now. I'm 28 and have developed a belief that every man should own at least one true quality timepiece.

While I definitely don't have the finances to start a collection like the amazing ones I've seen posted, my goal is to own a sub before I'm 30 as my reward for working hard. It will be my one and only, which will last my lifetime and hopefully the lifetime of whomever I pass it down to.

Now, there's a little bit of controversy over the dial issue which I may possibly be blowing out of proportion. With the non-Rolex watches I usually wear now, I alternate based on my clothes. If I'm wearing browns, for example, it's a blue dial. If I'm wearing black, it's a black dial. Which raises the question: If you were going to own one Rolex and one Rolex only - that you intent to wear as your universal time piece of choice, what works? Or better yet, does it even matter?

Some people have told me that with stainless steel, a dial isn't considered a significant "color clash" in contrast to say . . . shoes. So, essentially, even with a black, I'd be able to get away with it.

What do you guys think?

If i had one if would for sure be a black dial one.

[mjrennie]

blue is the colour. i know the black dial has the longevity appeal, but i reckon you will wind up trading up for a tt blue dial at some point. so start there. it's iconic too, imho.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by mjrennie

blue is the colour. i know the black dial has the longevity appeal, but i reckon you will wind up trading up for a tt blue dial at some point. so start there. it's iconic too, imho.

Rolex blue or Man City blue?

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by alettiere

I have been considering buying a Rolex Sub for the last few years now. I'm 28 and have developed a belief that every man should own at least one true quality timepiece.

While I definitely don't have the finances to start a collection like the amazing ones I've seen posted, my goal is to own a sub before I'm 30 as my reward for working hard. It will be my one and only, which will last my lifetime and hopefully the lifetime of whomever I pass it down to.

Now, there's a little bit of controversy over the dial issue which I may possibly be blowing out of proportion. With the non-Rolex watches I usually wear now, I alternate based on my clothes. If I'm wearing browns, for example, it's a blue dial. If I'm wearing black, it's a black dial. Which raises the question: If you were going to own one Rolex and one Rolex only - that you intent to wear as your universal time piece of choice, what works? Or better yet, does it even matter?

Some people have told me that with stainless steel, a dial isn't considered a significant "color clash" in contrast to say . . . shoes. So, essentially, even with a black, I'd be able to get away with it.

What do you guys think?

Black or White for neutrality.

Its' simple, but the Explorer goes with anything better than EVERYTHING better than any other ROLEX made in my opinion.

[ingoodtime]

Well, if you decide on SS, what about a black GMTIIC? The black dial and black bezel has understated elegance and the dual time zone is great. This way, you can have a watch with a supercase and ceramic bezel at a reasonable price. And, you cna find some great preowned deals right here on TRF.

Whatever you decide, welcome to TRF and bets of luck with your purchase.

Here is a pic or two og the GMTIIC

[BarkMaster]

From a fashion prespective, the watch should match your other wardrobe hardware... such as belt buckle, pen clip, etc. If on a leather strap, the leather should match your belt and shoes.

The watch you are thinking of is fine for most occasions. It's not a dress watch and generally speaking no watch is appropriate for a true "black tie" event. (save the flames)

[Bigboss]

SS Black Submariner 16610 (non ceramic)

It's a classic.

Cheers
Walter

[Art 1]

Black.

[Dan Pierce]

Black does go with everything, especially if you're colorblind like me.
But I'm partial to silver dials too.
dP

[Family Man]

Welcome to the forum.

I've been thinking about dial colour myself. I am hoping to be able to purchase a DJ soon.

I tried on a few at my local AD yesterday.

I think black looks best.

If I was buying a Sub it would have to be black.

Hope this helps.

[esm]

SS Sports - black IMO
SS DJ (or dressy) - silver or white IMO

[acce1999]

White goes with everything especially in the DJ 116200 version.

But, this is not what I did when I was in your situation. I picked the Explorer I, and used it daily for more than ten years. I still have more black dialled watches than white, but white is my preference :-)

Go get yourself a Submariner. That is the watch you want, and it will go nicely with everything you wear!

Best,

A

[nauticajoe]

If I can only have one, it would be ss w/ a black dial.

Good Luck!

[Dan2010]

I don't understand where the idea of a Sub doesn't go with a black tie. One, it's a Rolex and two, it's black and stainless steel so it matches just fine. Now if your saying because it's a dive watch, well I can kinda see for that reason for other dive watches but again, the Sub IS a Rolex. Maybe I think too highly of my Sub C.

[Paracentesis]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

I don't understand where the idea of a Sub doesn't go with a black tie.

It doesn't go with black tie (tuxedo) at all. This myth has been propagated by James Bond wannabes. No watch at all, or a Patek Calatrava.

To the OP: Black or white. Avoid two-tone watches.