Question about the D-Blue dial. 126660

[Steven79]

Hi friends, so I was fortunate to pick up a new 126660. Loving the watch so much!

My wonderful AD sales associate said the James Cameron dial is very unique and apparently isn't easy to make. She also mentioned how there is only one person (a lady) who makes the D-Blue dial by hand using some powder, heat, etc.. and that they throw away many imperfect dials before getting one that passes quality control. It seems the technique use to achieve the dials fade perfectly halfway is not easy.

Does anyone know any information or have some links to videos or articles about the uniqueness of the dial? I'm really interested in learning about how the dial color was made.

Thanks!

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[carl123]

Great question, I would love to know also ,having recently purchased one.I have noticed some variation in the blue fading depth to black. I think that adds to the character of the watch, it may just be the light of course but either way it's stunning and I love it!

[capital]

I didn't know about that. Interested too!

[garyk]

Originally Posted by capital

I didn't know about that. Interested too!

I have had my 116660 D Blue since 2015 and didn't know anything about this. When I bought mine, Rolex sent me a nice book about James Cameron and how the watch came to be, the deepest dive in the world, etc but I don't remember anything specific about the dial. I know its one of my most favorite watches ever...

[harvey]

mmmhm years ago I heard similar nonsense how the green gv crystals were difficult to make...and due to so many imperfections, only a small number will be made and sold.

why would Rolex ever let it slip that some part of their manufacturing process was poor?


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[ltmgeller]

That sounds very interesting and I'd love to learn more if anyone has some more info.

[Dirt]

Who ever she is, she's getting better at it.
It appears as though it's like a spray painting process that's utilised and there is some variation between them when examined closely.
A long while back there was the odd dial that had some inconsistent paint splattering which would require the dial to be replaced by Rolex on request by the owner.
No such occurances since then

[kiki9999]

To be honest, I never believed this "not easy to make" dials fairy tale. Not only from Rolex but also from some highly respected brands.
Never use it to persuade yourself to accept a watch with imperfections. If you can't stand it, return it and get your money back.

[911991]

Just got mine on Monday, and yes the dial is mesmerizing to look at, from your description sounds like a power coating process which is an extremely tough finish and probably not easy to replicate, I would imagine that they have a formula they use for the dial as to the precise amount of powder in each color that is used and a template or stencil to ensure exact placement for consistency. I would love to see a video or article that explains the process...

[antelope]

I am an owner and did not know this as well. Someone posted something earlier about the hands which they did lengthen for the latest model(2018) but what I did learn is that the hands are slightly bent to conform with the big dial. Apparently that gives it a flawless look and prevent from looking black. Would love to learn more about the dial. https://www.watchtime.com/featured/r...nds-on-review/

[Rashid.bk]

A big congrats on the D-Blue, it's my favorite watch.


Now for the story from the "AD" ...hmmm, the one lady story again....same thing we heard about the BLRO bezels and that's what makes them so hard to produce, so special.
All I'm going to say is that this one person story just doesn't sound legitimate for a multi billion dollar company. I could discuss through a few reasons why that isn't logical and sounds like something they tell children around the camp fire, in this case wide eyed Rolex fans.

So there's one lady making BLRO bezels, one lady making LVc dials, one person making the malachite dials and now one making the D-Blue dial....this company runs a business where they train and certify one person at a time to make one of the most crucial elements of a reference....sounds fishy....