Date window located at 4:30... yes or no?

[subtona]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

My opinion isn't strong for any placement, but the thing that I like about the 4:30 location is that it allows for the hour markers to be complete-- no chopped or missing markers. I've yet to see a dial that was improved by replacing an hour marker with a date window.

I suspect this is where it’s popularity was born, unfortunately the typical available space at this location often imposes a font size restriction resulting in a substandard date window size impacting legibility in my experience.

[zengineer]

It always struck me as a little lazy to locate it at 4:30 but use the same wheel used for a 3:00 position leaving the date cocked at 45 degrees.

If every watch made was available in date and no date versions I wouldn't own a single watch with a date window. (I know what day it is, it's one more than yesterday) I do have the date window on about half my watches, but won't buy one if it's poorly executed. And I know I'm in the minority when I say this...that rules out anything with a cyclops.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by zengineer

It always struck me as a little lazy to locate it at 4:30 but use the same wheel used for a 3:00 position leaving the date cocked at 45 degrees.

Interesting point, hadn’t occurred to me.

[astewartconst]

I like it because you get date function but it is less noticeable at 4:30 than on other watches who have it at 3 or 6


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[capote]

I generally don’t like it, although it works really well on both the BP FF and Omega’s Ploprof for some reason I can’t explain

[watchwatcher]

I'm a no.

[Reddy_Kilowatt]

As others have noted, depends on the watch. It's a lot better there than at 12:00, at least generally speaking.

[NWNL]

Since I always thought this to be associated with cheap watches I don't like it on expensive watches too... haha

It seems to common for me

[uscmatt99]

It's my least favorite spot for a date window. I like 6, 3, 12 in that order, but the only watch I've seen where I like 12 is the VC Overseas Chrono (not the latest version) though. I also like the date window placements on the German watches like the Lange 1 and Panomatic series. While those are eccentrically placed, they are outside of the hours/minutes dial. Lastly, I like where FPJ places the date windows on the newer versions of the Octa series, at 11:30, but not between the 11 and 12. Instead it's closer to the center of the dial, and I believe the placement is a nod to old pocket watch layouts.

I guess when it comes down to it, I just can't stand date windows placed between two hour indices. Lazy design, and the numbers are tilted in parallel with the hour hand at the 4:30 position.

[janice&fred]

Originally Posted by yoast

No date at all please

that would be my preference too. however as pointed out by some that want a date window, when the date wheel color matches the dial they do look more appealing to the eye.