RWC 1938a Cali Dial Goodness!!!!

[mfer]

Well, I've been wanting a Cali dial every since I saw it, but the only one I found I like was a Pam 249, but alas it was 47mm and too big for me. And I talked about stumbling across this watch in the following thread. I never knew this watch existed, just saw it on TZ and got it...
Can't Wait!!!! New Watch in the Mail!!!!!!!

Then I was getting it shipped and had quite a scare!!!!!! Again, you can read here if you like....
USPS Says "Delivered" but.....
Thanks for all the advice from the people in this thread!!!

I had some pics in that post, but my camera ran out of memory!!!!


I got a couple extra straps with it. One is a nice after market 26mm x 26mm Landa ammo strap, but alas it is too big for me. I had to strap on the OEM strap. I'm wondering if I can get the ammo shortened? No clue, I'm happy anyway.

So here they are. These are some quick pics. Sorry I couldn't do better, but it is raining here so I can't go outside. I was standing by the patio door! Hope you guys enjoy.

In the box...


Watch and straps (why can't the ammo fit me )


Back of the watch...


Little angled shot...


Sapphire Doomed Goodness...


The classic wrist shot...



California Dreaming!!!!!!

[David1971]

Congrats, very nice purchase!

Love that dial and strap!

Why is the dial called "California Dial"? And whats the history behind it?

-David

[mfer]

Well, that information seems hard to come by. Here is a post from another forum. Below I have stripped out Asimut's conclusion:

"Many conflicting information regarding the California dial but one fact is in consensus : Rolex was the first to come out with this dial, mostly to be found on the Bubblebacks. Rolex even filed a patent for this design at a later stage (in 1941).

The story I personally believe in is that these Rolex Bubblebacks became popular again in the 1980's and it was a California based dial restoring company that specialized in this (the Kirk Rich company) hence the name – California dial. Other versions claim that Rolex created this dial for it's various distributors and that it became a fashion icon of high demand in California in the 30's-40's – hence the name.

As for the Panerai connection, the story is not a 100% clear, but we know that Panerai was initially supplied by Rolex with case and movement (3646 case and Rolex cal. 618 movement). It is likely that the watches were delivered with the 'Cali' dial (a blank non branded dial). Panerai, being a company that actually specialized in luminescence and naval equipment produced the famous 3-6-9-12 sandwich dials (using radium filled glass tubes) and fitted them in replacement of the original Cali dials. After the 1943 armistice in Italy it is known that Rolex were supplying both sides . The 3646 watches delivered to the German forces were known as 'Kampfschwimmers' and many of them had California dials…."

Full Discussion by Asimut

[David1971]

Very interesting post!

Thanks for the info!

-David

[Thani]

cool thing to replace with a PAM 249

[Terry Newton]

I think it is a sharp looking watch. Congratulations. I know you were worried about the shipping and I am glad it was nothing to worry about. Enjoy that great looking timepiece.

Terry Newton

[fikko]

Cali dial is a very interesting one. Very nice watch. I though Tudor has some on cali dial?

[Scarface]

Beautiful simplicity

[mfer]

Originally Posted by fikko

Cali dial is a very interesting one. Very nice watch. I though Tudor has some on cali dial?

They do, but they are 35mm. I really, really want a 42 or 40 mm Cali dial, but I cannot find one at all!!!!!! If anyone knows of their existence, let me know. I'm pushing the limit with 45mm on this one, but it is ok. I can just stare at the simplistic face for hours it seems.