Opinions on the maxi dial vs original?

[Ganymede]

I personally like the original Sub/SD dial. They were a little more conservative - which is more to my liking. Thoughts?

[Crazy Lugs]

Intellectually, I prefer the non-maxi dial. However, in real world, daily use, I find the maxi dial significantly more legible and I have 20/20 vision. Neither dials can hold a candle to the BB58 for ultimate legibility, though.

I guess it’s worth noting certain four-digit subs had a maxi dial equivalent dial aside from the hands.

[Kyle3130]

Have both (14060M & 124060), love both. I enjoy the green super luminova on the M and the legibility of the new Sub is excellent. My M also only has 2 lines of text (Submariner & depth rating) as opposed to the newer 4 lines. I own both because these 2 models are vastly different even though they are iterations of the same watch.

[rmlovett1]

Really like both for their respective case lines and sizes. The maxi dial fits the more muscular proportion of the newer cases. The non-maxi dial fits it’s case proportions appropriately. IMO

[gt0279a]

I feel like the matte dials of the 1665, 1680, 5513, etc. really nailed the proportions of the lume plots before applied markers became the norm.

[Avs Fan]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

I feel like the matte dials of the 1665, 1680, 5513, etc. really nailed the proportions of the lume plots before applied markers became the norm.

Agree. To me, the more recent maxi is a nod to the original design.

[1978]

I like green lume. Most legible dial of any watch I own is the 16570. Second is the Sinn EZM-1.

Side note: not sure the mini-maxi dial on the 124270 does it for me. Amazing watch in absolutely every respect. Best new Rolex in years imho, but I wish the indices were smaller? Am I over thinking this? Help!

[KermitGang]

Comparing the original Kermit to the Black Bay GMT, I find the GMT has large oceans of empty space and prefer the maxi dial.

I consider the GMT superior in most other comparisons though.

[Krash]

When Looking at it close up (1 foot away from my face), I prefer the original size.

When looking at it from 5 feet away or more (in a mirror), I definitely prefer the maxi case.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

I feel like the matte dials of the 1665, 1680, 5513, etc. really nailed the proportions of the lume plots before applied markers became the norm.

Have to agree but whether the new maxi or the older 5 series we are talking about a mm or so difference.

[russeree]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree but whether the new maxi or the older 5 series we are talking about a mm or so difference.

pi*r^2... so it makes quite a difference.

My favorite would be 5 digit dials in general.. Chromalight lume doesn't work as well as human eyes are most sensitive to green colors.

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[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

I feel like the matte dials of the 1665, 1680, 5513, etc. really nailed the proportions of the lume plots before applied markers became the norm.

Here's my Mk 1 Maxi (1978)



https://flic.kr/p/2hdTAGS

[travisb]

I think the maxi dials are perfect for the newer models and the original dials equally so on the previous generations. Just depends on the reference.

[Lesnerelli23]

I prefer the maxi. I think it takes the watch back to its roots.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

I personally like the original Sub/SD dial. They were a little more conservative - which is more to my liking. Thoughts?

It’s all about proportions. New 41mm case can’t go with a non maxi dial anymore.
The problem with the maxi case was that it’s too wide for the bracelet 20mm width. Rolex corrected that in the latest model.
Same goes for the dial, Rolex corrected that long time ago to match the coming case dimensions.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

I think the maxi dials are perfect for the newer models and the original dials equally so on the previous generations. Just depends on the reference.

Agree with you my friend

[Nickyisrael]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

I feel like the matte dials of the 1665, 1680, 5513, etc. really nailed the proportions of the lume plots before applied markers became the norm.

Spot on

[Johny]

The maxi dial on the Anniversary submariner looks really good.

[OrangeSport]

Never really warmed to the maxi dials...

Glad I opted for the 14060M when the Sub Date had already had a few pies.

[214270Explorer]

Don't care for the maxi's at all and would never own one.
Too rectangular-looking, and the lugs are fat.
Happy as can be with my 5-digit references.
YMMV and that is OK.