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

[Boadicea]

Originally Posted by acce1999

I must say that the highly polished white gold hands and indicies of the black version are hard to beat

This is the exact reason I prefer the black face. I like the unpainted wg hands and markers better. To paint them is to rip them of their appeal (although i do understand the practical value). I really wish the 24hr hand was also raw.

I have the same opinion on the GMT2, the only ones I like are the yg models with unpainted 24hr hands.

[wgs]

Originally Posted by 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

You take the best Explorer II photos on the forum!

After reading a lot of the responses, I have to say ... I love both dial colors but IMO the second timezone (red) hand is a better contrast on the black dial ... and I believe the orange hand will also be a better contrast on the black dial if the pictures we have seen for the "new" Explorer II in 2011 are real.

With that being said, the white dial Explorer II may be the cleanest looking sport model in the Rolex line-up ... which is why I am still undecided on which dial color to go with.

to the Explorer II, which seems to have the most loyal following on the forum!!!

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by wgs

You take the best Explorer II photos on the forum!

Thanks!