Why the black dialled Explorer II is better than the white --->

[acce1999]

At least when it comes to legibility.

This is what Rolex says on their web site under a picture of the white ExII:

"... where the sun is but a hazy, dusky light 24 hours a day ..."

I have been given good opportunities to try out the hazy, dusky light with both my white and black Ex II on the wrist, and I must say that the highly polished white gold hands and indicies of the black version are hard to beat when it comes to legibility. The polished hands reflects the smallest amount of light, whilst the all black hands reflects nothing.

Of course the white dial with its black hands is superiour when it comes to legibility in strong (sun and snow) daylight... but the black version is pretty legible as well, and that is the watch I am bringing when going polar exploring during the long dark winter.

So, why is Rolex not advertising the black dial?

Here is what I am talking about, reflected light increases legibility (and obviously a non-reflective coating on the crystal would offer even better legibility):



Best,

A