New sunburst dial vrs flat blue dial

[roadie1]

Well..... I'm probably in the minority here but I stopped by my local AD today to check out the new blue sunburst dial. I can honestly say that I prefer the flat blue dial with the ceramic bezel over the sunburst dial with the ceramic bezel. I spent a considerable amount of time studying the "street yellow wording" versus the lighter painting on the sunburst dial and can't tell any difference. The sunburst dial is gorgeous but doesn't match the bezel. It clearly doesn't have the magic of the non ceramic dial.
The light reflecting off the sunburst dial is cool but loses something with the bezel.
Sorry for the sorry iPhone pics.


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[roadie1]

I'm not sure why but I can't get the pics to upload through tap talk.


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[77T]

If you have the newest version of Tapatalk you may have to add photo hosting as an in-app purchase...

[adsusanto]

Originally Posted by roadie1

Well..... I'm probably in the minority here but I stopped by my local AD today to check out the new blue sunburst dial. I can honestly say that I prefer the flat blue dial with the ceramic bezel over the sunburst dial with the ceramic bezel. I spent a considerable amount of time studying the "street yellow wording" versus the lighter painting on the sunburst dial and can't tell any difference. The sunburst dial is gorgeous but doesn't match the bezel. It clearly doesn't have the magic of the non ceramic dial.
The light reflecting off the sunburst dial is cool but loses something with the bezel.
Sorry for the sorry iPhone pics.


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Well you are not the only one (I am sure there are also a lot others who prefer the older flat blue)....I too decided to get the older version instead of the newer sunburst dial. I think it is just a matter of people preference ....either way...both are gorgeous

[Keith1]

I agree 100%. Yesterday I did a side by side comparison with both watches, and found the same results. I am really glad I got the Smurf, and didn't wait for the Sunburst!!

[viper9669]

I noticed that as well, the newer sunburst dial is not blending well with the ceramic bezel tone, imho.

[SixPak]

I recently had a choice of picking up either one and chose the flat blue TT Subc. Both are beautiful in its own right but I just flat out (pun intended) prefer the Smurf.

[captkevin]

Love the dial, but just doesn't go well with the ceramic. That's why I'm sticking with the 5 digit TT Sub.

[Bangel]

Both are good, but if I had to choose one for myself, I would pick the flat blue too.

[skprd13]

I agree the newer sunburst dial does not match up well with the insert! Comparing both dials to the ceramic dial the flat dial and insert are spot on. Where as the new dial and ceramic insert just seem a bit off. I prefer having both the insert and dial match. Just my two cents!
Aloha,
Tom

[Cru Jones]

I'm with you.

[tarmyjay]

100% agree with OP. The 116613 with the flat blue is one of my favourite watches

[Rashid.bk]

I personally prefer the flat blue also. Looks so creamy and well...blue.
However this bezel doesn't match business is a little misleading. I haven't seen it but judging from the pictures, the changing sunburst dial will eventually change to suit the bezel depending on angle and lighting. At some point I can see it complementing each other.

I do understand that on the flat blue they match regardless of angle and lighting but I think it's fair to say the chameleon sunburst has it moments where it works out to be of equal shade.. It looks amazing to me but....I think I like the flat blue more.

Ironically I find it strange that no one raises a fuss about the LVC's green dial and bezel not matching. Same thing but in green, yet every one raves.








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[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Ironically I find it strange that no one raises a fuss about the LVC's green dial and bezel not matching. Same thing but in green, yet every one raves.

fair point, but, for me, the overall look of the LVc with the brushed SS bracelet helps complete the package. only in direct sunlight when looking straight at the watch does the LVc look a little "funny", and, even then, the chameleon look is charming to me.

on the other hand, the rich yellow gold of the TT bracelet + usually non-matching ceramic bezel + sunburst blue dial is a jarring mix to my eyes. so, maybe it's the yellow gold? if the blue/blue were on a brushed SS bracelet, maybe it would look better. dunno. i just know i prefer the flat blue dial on the ceramic.

in the end, i think there's a certain segment of the rolex population that missed the old non-ceramic bezel with sunburst dial TT submariner, and rolex tried to make them happy with this new TT mix (and to get them to buy the new model).....i mean, there has to be a reason the white gold submariner remains flat blue? maybe because, aesthetically, the flat blue just looks better with the ceramic blue bezel?

[RRGHOST1]

I had the flat blue TT and loved it. I don't know why Rolex changed to the older version blue dial, looks odd with the flat blue bezel.

[1kw]

I could not disagree more, the sunburst dial to me is much nicer looking and rolex must agree or they would not have gone back to it. If your happy with the smurf I am happy for you. The bezel/dial match is fine. The dial only appears lighter then the bezel when it is "sunburst mode" ie with light beaming on it , kind of sparkling at you like a diamond :D

[Baselman]

Flat deep blue ;)

[HauteHorlogerie]

Originally Posted by Baselman

Flat deep blue ;)

Nice.

[NKflyer]

I like the new sunburst better on the two-tone 116613 although it is a little bit of a detractor that the ceramic bezel doesn't match. The dial-bezel mismatch is less obvious on the green LV-C because that dial looks much darker, almost black, at many angles like the old 16610LV. I still prefer the old flat blue dial on the WG 116619 though.

[Cc1966]

Both look very nice; however, that mismatch of the bezel is perplexing as to Rolex's design idea.

[AK797]

I have to agree, went to the ADs fully expecting to fall in love with the new sunburst TT but I did find the dial didn't quite match the darker bezel, and instead to my surprise I actually preferred the YM blue.

[jenniferjanef]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

I like the new sunburst better on the two-tone 116613 although it is a little bit of a detractor that the ceramic bezel doesn't match. The dial-bezel mismatch is less obvious on the green LV-C because that dial looks much darker, almost black, at many angles like the old 16610LV. I still prefer the old flat blue dial on the WG 116619 though.

Was informed by the manager of the local Rolex boutique that the sunburst blue dial is exclusively for the 116613 ... 116618 and 116619 will only be available with the flat blue...

HAGWE .. jen

[roadie1]

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[roadie1]

Above are the pics I took. My watch, on the left is of course not new and has finger print smudges all over. I studied the sunburst dial in several lighting conditions and it never matched the bezel. Almost seemed like an aftermarket add on. Sorry for those that love the new dial. If you see it in the flesh against the flat blue, you may not be so impressed.
I love the older sunburst with then older insert. Some things can't be remade. Such as the red sub, Paul Neman Daytona etc. A classic is a classic.


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[ben67]

Originally Posted by jenniferjanef

Was informed by the manager of the local Rolex boutique that the sunburst blue dial is exclusively for the 116613 ... 116618 and 116619 will only be available with the flat blue...

HAGWE .. jen

Only the White Gold (Smurf) retains the flat blue. "All" new TT and Yellow Gold subs are now only made with the sunburst dial and darker shade bezel according to two AD's.

Ben

[Mr. K]

prefer the sunburst dial. To me it is near perfection. But everyone has a preference. Just buy/wear what you like. That is what it is all about.

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

prefer the sunburst dial. To me it is near perfection. But everyone has a preference. Just buy/wear what you like. That is what it is all about.

Same here and I am glad we had a choice.

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by ben67

Only the White Gold (Smurf) retains the flat blue. "All" new TT and Yellow Gold subs are now only made with the sunburst dial and darker shade bezel according to two AD's.

Ben

This is true, but a lot of AD's still have the smurf in their unsold stock. Also, all the diamond dials are now discontinued. The only blue color for the diamond dial is the smurf.

[up2nogood]

Agree with OP on this one.

[Psmith]

I prefer the 'Smurf' blue - imho it's a more contemporary look and better matches the bezel insert