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acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 12:52 AM

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

Psmith · 31 January 2010, 12:56 AM

Great pic mate

I prefer the black dial, although Rolex themselves push the white dial in advertising. I've had both in the past, but the black dial just works that bit better on my wrist. For many others, the white dial hits the spot

Cheers

spuds · 31 January 2010, 12:58 AM

Owned it.

Loved it.

& still Miss it.

sea-dweller · 31 January 2010, 01:49 AM

Nice photo, I am smitten by the black dialed Explorer II myself and am thinking of buying one...

esm · 31 January 2010, 02:25 AM

why black dial Exp II is better than white dial Exp II? it is only when you are old and your vision isnt as good..... black dials are easier to read

scl6118 · 31 January 2010, 02:27 AM

I prefer black faces on most watches!

KCCHIEF · 31 January 2010, 02:42 AM

black dial for me. i reckon rolex pushes the white dial more because it is so much different than the other sport models. appeal to a wider audience.

gmh1013 · 31 January 2010, 03:21 AM

Since most Rolexes are black faced...if I were to buy an EX2 I would get the white just
because you dont see very many ...in fact I have only seen one that I can remember.
I sat next to a guy on the SWA cattle car from Houston to Phoenix and we stuck up a conversation on his white EX2 and my pepsi GMT....at least it made a almost 3 hour flight go by a little faster

Atomant · 31 January 2010, 04:14 AM

that only means you're a good photographer.

NIce pic

tandrup · 31 January 2010, 04:17 AM

Good picture. I have to admit that I like the white dial better though... Maybe because I own one??? :-)

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 04:20 AM

Says who?

Warnsboy · 31 January 2010, 04:23 AM

Mine

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Warnsboy · 31 January 2010, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Says who?

Great Pics JJ!! I do think we're trying to compare "Black and White", "Apples and Oranges".........................They're both SWEET!!

IMO the Red 24 Hr Hand stands out on the white!!!

acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 04:48 AM

JJ, you own both black and white dialled Rolexes, don't you agree with me when it comes to legibility in low light situations?

I might also post a thread on the theme "Why the white dialled Explorer II is better than the black", because there are such cases also, and that goes more to colour than to legibility.

Here are mine:

And that picture is actually a good example on when the white offers better legibility than the black: In daylight.

Best,

A

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acce1999

JJ, you own both black and white dialled Rolexes, don't you agree with me when it comes to legibility in low light situations?

I might also post a thread on the theme "Why the white dialled Explorer II is better than the black", because there are such cases also, and that goes more to colour than to legibility.

Here are mine:

And that picture is actually a good example on when the white offers better legibility than the black: In daylight.

Best,

A

Well, having owned both colours, I've never really had a problem with reading in normal light.......but in a dark threatre, both are hopeless.

Best watch for readability in a dark movie house (from my current collection) is the TT GMT-IIC. Even the YM is hopeless in poor light.

JJ

acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, having owned both colours, I've never really had a problem with reading in normal light.......but in a dark threatre, both are hopeless.

Best watch for readability in a dark movie house (from my current collection) is the TT GMT-IIC. Even the YM is hopeless in poor light.

JJ

My experiences as well, and the only improvement I could see for the ExII would be to add maxi hands.

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acce1999

My experiences as well, and the only improvement I could see for the ExII would be to add maxi hands.

Not sure if a maxi dial on a 39 mm won't make the watch DIAL start to look a bit over-crowded?

Someone did post a few photoshop pics recently, but I wasn't overly impressed. Perhaps some of the current models should be left untouched by Rolex.

JJ

Jocke · 31 January 2010, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well, having owned both colours, I've never really had a problem with reading in normal light.......but in a dark threatre, both are hopeless.

Best watch for readability in a dark movie house (from my current collection) is the TT GMT-IIC. Even the YM is hopeless in poor light.

JJ

Of course not with one eye blocked and dyslexia you not need a light when you read.

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

Of course not with one eye blocked and dyslexia you not need a light when you read.

I see you're on and back in full swing since I'm logged on......naturally!!!

Jocke · 31 January 2010, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I see you're on and back in full swing since I'm logged on......naturally!!!

I hav sitting in the bush for 14 hours so I'm loaded.

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I hav sitting in the bush for 14 hours so I'm loaded.

You are bloody mad, ya tosser.......but I just gotta love ya!!

acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Not sure if a maxi dial on a 39 mm won't make the watch DIAL start to look a bit over-crowded?

Someone did post a few photoshop pics recently, but I wasn't overly impressed. Perhaps some of the current models should be left untouched by Rolex.

JJ

Not the dial, only the hands. Yes, the dail would be way too crowded.

JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acce1999

Not the dial, only the hands. Yes, the dail would be way too crowded.

Hmmmmmmmmm............that might start to look a bit disproportionate. A photoshop might help us to gauge how it would look.

JJ

JBat · 31 January 2010, 05:47 AM

I like both versions of the Expy, but the white really sings to me. It's such a refreshing change from the other Rolex sport models, and I love how the black hands play off the white dial. A perfect contrast.

cornerstore · 31 January 2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

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?

Best,

A

Car makers prefer using white vechicles in photos as white shows off more details and makes things appear larger than black models.Probaby Rolex uses for similar reasons.I have a white dial but think black is easier to read in many conditions.

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JJ Irani · 31 January 2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBat

I like both versions of the Expy, but the white really sings to me. It's such a refreshing change from the other Rolex sport models, and I love how the black hands play off the white dial. A perfect contrast.

A man with good taste!!

acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrick09

Car makers prefer using white vechicles in photos as white shows off more details and makes things appear larger than black models.Probaby Rolex uses for similar reasons.I have a white dial but think black is easier to read in many conditions.

Attachment 111726

Those are good arguments on the advertising. And I agree. Perhaps that is why I find the white dialled Explorer to look so good in ads.

I like the strap on your Explorer! Do you have more pictures?

Best,

A

Warnsboy · 31 January 2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Not sure if a maxi dial on a 39 mm won't make the watch DIAL start to look a bit over-crowded?

Someone did post a few photoshop pics recently, but I wasn't overly impressed. Perhaps some of the current models should be left untouched by Rolex.

JJ

JJ: Respectfuly, I was under the assumption that the ExpII was among the largest Bezel and Dials of the sport models. I saved a chart posted gy Space-Dweller from "The ExplorerII Enigma" thats attached. Is the chart inaccurate?

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Originally Posted by Space-Dweller

acce1999 · 31 January 2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

JJ: Respectfuly, I was under the assumption that the ExpII was among the largest Bezel and Dials of the sport models. I saved a chart posted gy Space-Dweller from "The ExplorerII Enigma" thats attached. Is the chart inaccurate?

Attachment 111738
Originally Posted by Space-Dweller

I am afraid that there is a lot that is faulty in that chart. The Explorer II has a diameter of 39.0 mm, and a thickness of 12.0 mm. I've measured it with caliper. Not only that: The Explorer is 35.0 mm (caliper again), the Daytona is 38.55 mm (if I remember correctly) (caliper again), the sub 16610 is not 13.0 mm thick... the 16710 is 12.0 mm thick, not 12.45. There are more errors than correct data in that chart, I'm afraid.

I've done my measurements with two types of calipers.

The cases of the 16710 and 16570 are identical, with one exception: The bezel, so they MUST have the same thickness and length... The bezel on the GMT is 40 mm, as is the bezel on the 16610.

That chart causes confusion. I would guess that it is i compilation done by a magazine from several measurements not done by the same person, and perhaps via poor conversion to the metric system.

Best,

A

Atomant · 31 January 2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBat

I like both versions of the Expy, but the white really sings to me. It's such a refreshing change from the other Rolex sport models, and I love how the black hands play off the white dial. A perfect contrast.

I would have to agree with you when I buckle on the white exp for the first time, it's almost like breathtaking.

31 January 2010, 12:52 AM	#1
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	Why the black dialled Explorer II is better than the white ---> 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

31 January 2010, 12:56 AM	#2
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Great pic mate I prefer the black dial, although Rolex themselves push the white dial in advertising. I've had both in the past, but the black dial just works that bit better on my wrist. For many others, the white dial hits the spot Cheers __________________

31 January 2010, 12:58 AM	#3
spuds "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Dan Location: Essex, UK Watch: West Ham! COYI!! Posts: 7,941	Owned it. Loved it. & still Miss it. __________________ Onwards & Upwards Rodders...... Onwards & Upwards. Life is not about how fast you can run or how high you can climb........... It's about how well you can bounce!! TRF HALL OF FAME JANUARY 2010

31 January 2010, 01:49 AM	#4
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Nice photo, I am smitten by the black dialed Explorer II myself and am thinking of buying one... __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

31 January 2010, 02:27 AM	#6
scl6118 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Shawn Location: United States Watch: SS GMT IIC Posts: 1,624	I prefer black faces on most watches! __________________ Current: SS GMT IIC Former: Panerai 114 Former: Breitling Hercules :

31 January 2010, 02:25 AM	#5
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	why black dial Exp II is better than white dial Exp II? it is only when you are old and your vision isnt as good..... black dials are easier to read

31 January 2010, 02:42 AM	#7
KCCHIEF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: Jeff Location: Kansas City, MO Watch: Daytona & Sub Date Posts: 256	black dial for me. i reckon rolex pushes the white dial more because it is so much different than the other sport models. appeal to a wider audience. __________________ Johnny Bench called SS Daytona w/ White Dial (116520) SS Submariner Date (116610LN)

31 January 2010, 03:21 AM	#8
gmh1013 Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: greg Location: Tempe AZ Watch: GMT Posts: 5,703	Since most Rolexes are black faced...if I were to buy an EX2 I would get the white just because you dont see very many ...in fact I have only seen one that I can remember. I sat next to a guy on the SWA cattle car from Houston to Phoenix and we stuck up a conversation on his white EX2 and my pepsi GMT....at least it made a almost 3 hour flight go by a little faster

31 January 2010, 04:14 AM	#9
Atomant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fernwood Posts: 3,455	that only means you're a good photographer. NIce pic __________________ 116613LN 16600SD 16610LV 116710 16710 16570 Speedy 3570.50 PAM25 Oris TT1 and a bunch of G-Shocks. Flipped: Daytona 116520 Seamaster 2231.80

31 January 2010, 04:17 AM	#10
tandrup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Watch: 14060M Posts: 921	Good picture. I have to admit that I like the white dial better though... Maybe because I own one??? :-) __________________ Regards, Lars 14060M, 16570 White, 116200 Tuxedo Dial Georg Jensen 2347

31 January 2010, 04:20 AM	#11
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Says who? __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

31 January 2010, 04:23 AM	#12
Warnsboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Midwest-USA Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,942	Mine

31 January 2010, 04:48 AM	#14
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	JJ, you own both black and white dialled Rolexes, don't you agree with me when it comes to legibility in low light situations? I might also post a thread on the theme "Why the white dialled Explorer II is better than the black", because there are such cases also, and that goes more to colour than to legibility. Here are mine: And that picture is actually a good example on when the white offers better legibility than the black: In daylight. Best, A

31 January 2010, 05:47 AM	#24
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	I like both versions of the Expy, but the white really sings to me. It's such a refreshing change from the other Rolex sport models, and I love how the black hands play off the white dial. A perfect contrast.

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