Daytona dial colour: the wife says... (pics)

[Mr. Superlative]

I'm fortunate enough to own a black dial 116500 Daytona. However, ever since its acquisition last year, a teeny tiny part of me has wondered if I should have waited (even!) longer for the white dial. Well today, I got my answer - somewhat unprompted - from Mrs. S.

Earlier today I was walking through the mall when I noticed a white dial 116500 in the window of a Grey dealer (obviously!) priced proudly at $26k+. I'm wearing my Black dial, so I went into the store to take a closer look at the white to compare the two side by side. I had no intention of buying the white - I never pay above RRP, and am not in a position to do so today, anyway. The SA was very helpful, and more than happy to show me the watch. He takes the white Daytona out of the window, hands it to me, and less than 30 seconds into my admiration / assessment, the wife walks in behind me. (How do they creep up so silenty?!)

Very quietly, she says "That is nice, but its nowhere near as nice as yours"
For the record - my wife is a very mellow character, rarely speaks in a firm tone. This statement, however, she said with conviction and a tone of adamance. I noted her comment, and after a few short minutes, thanked the SA and left the store - after handing the watch back, of course! :)

About two hours later we're in the car driving home, and again - completely unprompted - she says "I'm so glad you were offered the black and not the white. You waited so many years for it, the black looks so much more special, and refined. Its classier than the white" So that was purely her opinion, here is my take...

I personally don't think the White is less classy than the Black. I actually find the White a very attractive and handsome watch - no question. But, I do think the black is the better looking of the two. I'm 100% convinced of this today. The red text, those contrasting sub dials along with the ceramic bezel, the Black just oozes sophistication. Its a beautiful, refined, elegant time piece.

I compared these two prototypes (without movement) way back in 2016 shortly after their release. Today was the first time I had both watches in my hand again. I'm glad I had the opportunity to compare the two. That teeny tiny part of me that used to wonder if I had made the right choice, has totally dissolved. In all honesty, my wife and I don't always agree on such matters(!), but today, we reached the same conclusion, albeit via differing routes. I LOVE the black, very glad I got it, and of the two its definitely more "me". Has anyone else had similar experiences, please share if so...

P.S - for what its worth, I had zero legibility concerns with both colours. The White and the Black can both be red by my old eyes with equal ease.

[Clinton Ave]

I'd probably take the white if I were offered.

[jpjsavage]

You should have got a red one to save confusion.

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[nightmyth]

I've tried both at a grey dealer and the black is certainly more substantial and more wrist presence. I would say most who take a white over the black do so because they sell for higher. If it was the other way around, most would prefer the black.

[Seaswirl]

Prefer the white but to each their own.

[Nikrnic]

Not a big Daytona fan. but I did try a new black one on at my AD (pre-sold) so I get the attraction but I have to agree an SA there has a white one and I thought the black looked better.

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[C_Troy242]

I agree with you. Black all the way.

[Patton250]

Owned both and kept black. It just says Rolex more.

[ec00421]

Many owners of both white and black seem to prefer black as well (there is another thread on this topic).

I think the black is more classy, subtle and versatile while the white is more casual and relaxed.


I personally prefer the black one as well. I think the black on black looks very classy and the subtle change in the shade of silver of the sub dials that Rolex have made really completed this watch.

The white model seems to be more hyped than the black, probably because of Ben Clymer of Hodinkee and John Mayer raving about it.


But can't go wrong either way - both are great watches.

[AshCashEmAll]

Looks like I’m gonna have to get a black dial and settle this once and for all!


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[jvb.nc]

i see no way around having to eventually own both dials. i had wanted a black dial, but the white dial arrived and i wasn’t sayin no to that beauty. but they have such different personalities.

[djgallo]

Enjoy both equally.

Black is refined and sophisticated.

White is sporty and classic.

Can wear either as dress or casual.

The most fashionable and versatile watch in the Rolex line up! IMO

[037]

I'm weird. I got bored with the black since I have so many black watches. White is different. So, I ended up asking my AD for white. No regrets.

I wish everyone had the chance to see both in person and make a rational decision based on what they like, irrespective of resale value. I suspect we'd see far fewer Daytonas being flipped.

[subtona]

Never a question for me in the least. Always favored the black dial with the ceramic bezel.

If the white dial had a steel colored ceramic bezel that would be cool. Until then, no comparison for me, black all the way.

Well done.

[glamorama]

Agree black looks better, for me it is the silver sub dials against black that looks great. Same with previous version.

The white is more sporty, reminds of checkered flag of racing finish. Totally different look than previous version.

Many people seem to have as main argument for selecting white since they have so many black dial watches. For that purpose you also have Exp polar.

[Masteryacht]

Black was my choice.

[Rolexfellow]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

I'm fortunate enough to own a black dial 116500 Daytona. However, ever since its acquisition last year, a teeny tiny part of me has wondered if I should have waited (even!) longer for the white dial. Well today, I got my answer - somewhat unprompted - from Mrs. S.

Earlier today I was walking through the mall when I noticed a white dial 116500 in the window of a Grey dealer (obviously!) priced proudly at $26k+. I'm wearing my Black dial, so I went into the store to take a closer look at the white to compare the two side by side. I had no intention of buying the white - I never pay above RRP, and am not in a position to do so today, anyway. The SA was very helpful, and more than happy to show me the watch. He takes the white Daytona out of the window, hands it to me, and less than 30 seconds into my admiration / assessment, the wife walks in behind me. (How do they creep up so silenty?!)

Very quietly, she says "That is nice, but its nowhere near as nice as yours"
For the record - my wife is a very mellow character, rarely speaks in a firm tone. This statement, however, she said with conviction and a tone of adamance. I noted her comment, and after a few short minutes, thanked the SA and left the store - after handing the watch back, of course! :)

About two hours later we're in the car driving home, and again - completely unprompted - she says "I'm so glad you were offered the black and not the white. You waited so many years for it, the black looks so much more special, and refined. Its classier than the white" So that was purely her opinion, here is my take...

I personally don't think the White is less classy than the Black. I actually find the White a very attractive and handsome watch - no question. But, I do think the black is the better looking of the two. I'm 100% convinced of this today. The red text, those contrasting sub dials along with the ceramic bezel, the Black just oozes sophistication. Its a beautiful, refined, elegant time piece.

I compared these two prototypes (without movement) way back in 2016 shortly after their release. Today was the first time I had both watches in my hand again. I'm glad I had the opportunity to compare the two. That teeny tiny part of me that used to wonder if I had made the right choice, has totally dissolved. In all honesty, my wife and I don't always agree on such matters(!), but today, we reached the same conclusion, albeit via differing routes. I LOVE the black, very glad I got it, and of the two its definitely more "me". Has anyone else had similar experiences, please share if so...

P.S - for what its worth, I had zero legibility concerns with both colours. The White and the Black can both be red by my old eyes with equal ease.

Nah..the white dial is the way.

[Rolexfellow]

The white has that look of the vintage as well as the new...The black dial is rather boring. While both are hard to read, the black dial is ridiculously hard to read.

The white dial wins hands down.

Those that vote for the black dial were only offered the black dial so they are coming to terms with it. I understand that.

[HogwldFLTR]

I bought the black for a good price and always had an eye for the white. I'm not certain if I'd have bonded with either. I know it's expected of me but the Pt one is in my eye the most attractive of the bunch.

[envuks]

Personally, I’ve felt this way since the 500 was released. Black dial for the win!


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[logo]

Funny thread. I was having the same discussion yesterday and she also felt the black looked more classy.

[georgekart]

I initially didn't like black at all, I only liked the white dial. Black felt too monotone to me with black bezel and dial making the watch essentially fully black. Lately I started liking black more. I still think overall I prefer the white dial, but I can see the appeal of the black dial now. In my personal opinion, the black dial is more elegant, while the white dial is more sexy. Neither of those is inherently better than the other, it comes down to personal preference. Maybe one day I'll prefer the elegance of the black dial over the sexiness of the white one, but for now I feel like the white is at most 10% less elegant, yet at the very least 50% more sexy, so I prefer it.

[brucethemanlee]

They’re both stunning

I wanted white and got white

Then the hunger pains for black led me to buy black too

I love the black but at the end of day it’s white for me :)

But like I said they’re both stunning


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[HMHM]

The main reason why people prefer the white dial is due to the fact that Paul Newman wore a white dial Daytona. If back in the 80s-90s had PN worn a black dial Daytona the roles would be reversed.

Don’t get me wrong. Both are great.

[Kiddodoc]

I own both and agree with your wife. The black is sexy and stealthy while the white is bright fun and sporty.

[enjoythemusic]

Congrats! That's why they offer different dials. Plus everyone's eyes can be a bit different. In the end what really matters is that you... enjoy your time.

[chro.nic]

I think what your wife really meant was:

"Don't even think about buying another watch!!!!"

LoL, Seriously though, I think I'd prefer the black as well, but I can't say for sure, have never seen either!!

[time_and_cars]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

I'm fortunate enough to own a black dial 116500 Daytona. However, ever since its acquisition last year, a teeny tiny part of me has wondered if I should have waited (even!) longer for the white dial. Well today, I got my answer - somewhat unprompted - from Mrs. S.

Earlier today I was walking through the mall when I noticed a white dial 116500 in the window of a Grey dealer (obviously!) priced proudly at $26k+. I'm wearing my Black dial, so I went into the store to take a closer look at the white to compare the two side by side. I had no intention of buying the white - I never pay above RRP, and am not in a position to do so today, anyway. The SA was very helpful, and more than happy to show me the watch. He takes the white Daytona out of the window, hands it to me, and less than 30 seconds into my admiration / assessment, the wife walks in behind me. (How do they creep up so silenty?!)

Very quietly, she says "That is nice, but its nowhere near as nice as yours"
For the record - my wife is a very mellow character, rarely speaks in a firm tone. This statement, however, she said with conviction and a tone of adamance. I noted her comment, and after a few short minutes, thanked the SA and left the store - after handing the watch back, of course! :)

About two hours later we're in the car driving home, and again - completely unprompted - she says "I'm so glad you were offered the black and not the white. You waited so many years for it, the black looks so much more special, and refined. Its classier than the white" So that was purely her opinion, here is my take...

I personally don't think the White is less classy than the Black. I actually find the White a very attractive and handsome watch - no question. But, I do think the black is the better looking of the two. I'm 100% convinced of this today. The red text, those contrasting sub dials along with the ceramic bezel, the Black just oozes sophistication. Its a beautiful, refined, elegant time piece.

I compared these two prototypes (without movement) way back in 2016 shortly after their release. Today was the first time I had both watches in my hand again. I'm glad I had the opportunity to compare the two. That teeny tiny part of me that used to wonder if I had made the right choice, has totally dissolved. In all honesty, my wife and I don't always agree on such matters(!), but today, we reached the same conclusion, albeit via differing routes. I LOVE the black, very glad I got it, and of the two its definitely more "me". Has anyone else had similar experiences, please share if so...

P.S - for what its worth, I had zero legibility concerns with both colours. The White and the Black can both be red by my old eyes with equal ease.

I just pick up my 116500Ln 3 days ago, black dial... And I have to say by far the black is the most beautiful watch... The black dial is classy and sporty and also looks bigger

[ganiccus]

Originally Posted by chro.nic

I think what your wife really meant was:

"Don't even think about buying another watch!!!!"

LoL, Seriously though, I think I'd prefer the black as well, but I can't say for sure, have never seen either!!

Yeah pretty much, OP doesn't even realize that his wife is playing him so he doesn't get buyer's regrets or that he does a trade plus cash for the white dial.

[s14roller]

Had a similar opportunity recently to have both in the flesh. I own a black and have white on order. A good friend of mine got a white. While both are nice, I felt the black looked a bit nicer (and the pics in this thread help confirm that for me). I can certainly appreciate the white dial with the black sub-rings, it just seems a bit more low-key/dressier and the black seems sharper/cooler. My opinion is similar to what has been said above, scarcity aside, I think the black is preferable. White is still a very nice piece, and I forward to receiving mine, but we would all be in denial if we dismissed the "want what we can't have" notion.