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Old 11 July 2020, 05:23 AM   #1
vh2k
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Would you agree that the Datejust has the PERFECT classic Rolex dial?

Rolex has so many dial variations... it's truly mind boggling. Different colors, index markers, numerals, etc.

I've read some discussion and debate about how much text Rolex tends to put on the dial. Some models have line after line after line of text: Oyster this, Chronometer that, Perpetual something, Certified, etc. Some coveted models have two lines of text; some have four, etc.

So, I'm going to express my perspective and ask a bunch of multi-facted questions to encourage a discussion about dials and the lines of text.

I'll say this... I believe the Datejust has the perfect classic Rolex dial. It has a timeless look that can pass as sporty and dressy -- depending on the occasion. When you see it, you instantly think class, luxury, Rolex. Would you agree? I also think Rolex could get by with having a version of the dial that doesn't have all those lines of text.

That being said, here are some topics to encourage discussion:

1. Does Rolex put too many lines of text on the dial? Is it really necessary to put all that stuff? Does it absolutely need to say "Oyster Perpetual Date" AND "Superlative Chronometer" AND "Officially Certified" etc.? Or is it just tradition and consistency?

2. Do you think it would be classier, better, whatever if Rolex offered dial variations with less or minimal text? See mock up below.

3. Would you consider a model if the dial were offered with reduced text? You could choose the classic dial with all the lines on it or a simplified minimalist dial.

4. Would you say Rolex is too conservative or not daring enough with its dial options?

There are a lot of thoughtful loyalists here who I'm sure have given this issue quite a bit of consideration. No right or wrong answers -- just opinions and personal preference.
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Old 11 July 2020, 05:58 AM   #2
Xenon
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It was perfect in 1967 and it is perfect in 2020
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Old 11 July 2020, 06:00 AM   #3
kwcsports
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I agree, love the DJ dials.
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Old 11 July 2020, 06:13 AM   #4
JRell
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Yep datejust as most recognized, closely followed by sub. The rest are arguable of the order (day date, Daytona, GMT). But datejust/sub are most iconic.
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Old 11 July 2020, 07:17 AM   #5
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Perfect if you want a dial that's difficult to read in low light situations, then yes. All the lumes are too skinny.
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Old 11 July 2020, 09:36 AM   #6
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Explorer 1, Submariner, and OP are best dials in the Rolex line for my taste.

I would absolutely prefer a 2 liner if ever offered on a ceramic nd sub. Chances of it happening...slightly more than zero.
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Old 11 July 2020, 10:23 AM   #7
K3ndr1c
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All sorts and kinds

It doesn’t get any better then the date just. Imo. Started at 23 collecting and enjoying watches ever since and never looked back . Now I’m 29 with 6 watches. I started with the two tone jubilee 36mm then the date just 2 with the blue dial then, the 41mm Wimbledon and lastly the 36mm with the silver dial.
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Old 11 July 2020, 11:03 AM   #8
Generation
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1. Does Rolex put too many lines of text on the dial?
I don't think so. I think it's part of the classic look of Rolex. If they got rid of the lines of text, I would need to rethink whether Rolex is the brand for me. When I think of Rolex, I think of the lines of text on the dial.

2. Do you think it would be classier, better, whatever if Rolex offered dial variations with less or minimal text?
I think it would be less classy and less distinctive. So, yes, worse.

3. Would you consider a model if the dial were offered with reduced text? You could choose the classic dial with all the lines on it or a simplified minimalist dial.
Well, they do make a diamond dial DJ with less text (see Attachment 1). Not sure if it fits the bill for you, as the dial has a subdued "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX..." branding covering the entire dial. I wouldn't want it because it doesn't have that classic Rolex look.

4. Would you say Rolex is too conservative or not daring enough with its dial options?
I think their conservatism when it comes to watch design is a good thing. Rolex has built an extremely popular brand by not messing with their formula too much. Rolex offers a decent amount of choices, and I believe there is at least one Rolex design for every type of buyer. See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overchoice and Attachment 2.
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Old 11 July 2020, 11:32 AM   #9
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I completely agree with you but I’m totally biased because I bought one just yesterday, lol!! Seriously though, I have sports models too and they are just as awesome in their own right. That being said it would be nice if the SS sub had another alternative dial color other than green, or something different on the SS GMT too would drive the market wild!!
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Old 11 July 2020, 11:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
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It was perfect in 1967 and it is perfect in 2020
Looking at this side-by-side comparison really shows how much nicer the classic DJ case profile is. Glad they went back to those more elegant and aesthetically pleasing lines with the 1262XX!
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Old 12 July 2020, 03:19 AM   #11
vh2k
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Quote:
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1. Does Rolex put too many lines of text on the dial?

I don't think so. I think it's part of the classic look of Rolex. If they got rid of the lines of text, I would need to rethink whether Rolex is the brand for me. When I think of Rolex, I think of the lines of text on the dial.

2. Do you think it would be classier, better, whatever if Rolex offered dial variations with less or minimal text?

I think it would be less classy and less distinctive. So, yes, worse.

3. Would you consider a model if the dial were offered with reduced text? You could choose the classic dial with all the lines on it or a simplified minimalist dial.

I wouldn't want it because it doesn't have that classic Rolex look.
Interesting that you feel so strongly in support of all the classic text. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful perspective.
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Old 12 July 2020, 04:49 AM   #12
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Over the years, Day-Dates have had the most beautiful, iconic and widest array of dials..........
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Old 12 July 2020, 05:10 AM   #13
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I agree, love the DJ dials.
same here
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Old 12 July 2020, 05:14 AM   #14
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Functionality and aesthetics are different things.

Rolex dial options typically fit the typical buyer personae and use for the watch.

Imop, the Dj simply has the most options because it has to tick the most boxes and it’s an old model. So people feel comfy identifying it as the Rolex of Rolex dials.
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Old 12 July 2020, 05:16 AM   #15
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I tend to think less is more



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Old 12 July 2020, 05:23 AM   #16
LOWERCASE GUY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K3ndr1c View Post
It doesn’t get any better then the date just. Imo. Started at 23 collecting and enjoying watches ever since and never looked back . Now I’m 29 with 6 watches. I started with the two tone jubilee 36mm then the date just 2 with the blue dial then, the 41mm Wimbledon and lastly the 36mm with the silver dial.
Sweet DJ collection
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Old 12 July 2020, 05:24 AM   #17
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I tend to think less is more



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That Panerai looks really nice with the blue dial and brown leather strap.
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Old 12 July 2020, 05:29 AM   #18
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That Panerai looks really nice with the blue dial and brown leather strap.
Thank you brother

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Old 12 July 2020, 07:26 AM   #19
Robf52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Generation View Post
1. Does Rolex put too many lines of text on the dial?
I don't think so. I think it's part of the classic look of Rolex. If they got rid of the lines of text, I would need to rethink whether Rolex is the brand for me. When I think of Rolex, I think of the lines of text on the dial.

2. Do you think it would be classier, better, whatever if Rolex offered dial variations with less or minimal text?
I think it would be less classy and less distinctive. So, yes, worse.

3. Would you consider a model if the dial were offered with reduced text? You could choose the classic dial with all the lines on it or a simplified minimalist dial.
Well, they do make a diamond dial DJ with less text (see Attachment 1). Not sure if it fits the bill for you, as the dial has a subdued "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX..." branding covering the entire dial. I wouldn't want it because it doesn't have that classic Rolex look.

4. Would you say Rolex is too conservative or not daring enough with its dial options?
I think their conservatism when it comes to watch design is a good thing. Rolex has built an extremely popular brand by not messing with their formula too much. Rolex offers a decent amount of choices, and I believe there is at least one Rolex design for every type of buyer. See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overchoice and Attachment 2.
I love Rolex and believe their philosophy of design change evolution, not revolution, has been part of their tradition and success.
I do wish they would step out of their box, however, and add/allow some choices. I would love to see some splashes of color, for instance a red date wheel or some red text on the dial (SD43 comes to mind).
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Old 12 July 2020, 07:39 AM   #20
Xenon
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The Datejust 36mm is evolutionary not revolutionary just like a Porsche 911
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Old 12 July 2020, 07:57 AM   #21
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I really appreciate design, and most often I lean towards "less is more", however I like the design of Rolex dials and their text (aside from the Daytona).

I think they are very well designed, and while they would look cleaner with less they would lose their character and traditional look. The text also balances the dial well. Wide open dials tend to look odd.
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Old 12 July 2020, 06:36 PM   #22
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i do agree

all the way i agree
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Old 12 July 2020, 06:56 PM   #23
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Over the years, Day-Dates have had the most beautiful, iconic and widest array of dials..........
I agree with this too. The Day-Dates are just it for me.
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Old 12 July 2020, 07:06 PM   #24
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I tend to think less is more

Very nice
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Old 12 July 2020, 07:28 PM   #25
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I would agree. DJs are a timeless classic. There’s a reason why the dial styling hasn’t had any radical changes.


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Old 12 July 2020, 09:17 PM   #26
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Very nice


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