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Old 20 October 2018, 02:50 AM   #1
Sparkle
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16570 Legibilty: Black or Polar Dial?

In various lighting conditions. Input requested. Thanks.
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Old 20 October 2018, 03:03 AM   #2
withthesword
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I've had both, and their visibility is dependent on lighting conditions.

During a sunny afternoon, the contrast between the black dial and the white gold surrounds markers and hands is really sharp and extremely legible.

During the evening when you're on your couch in your dimly lit living room watching Netflix, the contrast of dark surrounds and black hands on a white dial is a treat.

I've since sold my white dial in favour of the more versatile black dial. I still love the white dial, but for every day use the black dial is a winner in my books.

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Old 20 October 2018, 04:28 AM   #3
Michigan_State
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I‘ve also had both and will say that the all steel/white gold front of the black dial can make it difficult to read it at times (and spot the 24h hand). I held on to the white one, dresses up and down and seems easy to read at all times (IMO).
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Old 20 October 2018, 06:03 AM   #4
dbhak22
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I haven't owned a black dial 16570 but do have a 16710 which I would say is just as comparable. That being said, regardless of lighting I feel the white dial has less reflection/gloss and therefore makes it easier to read:



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Old 20 October 2018, 07:35 AM   #5
sillo
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I'd definitely say polar when compared to my GMT or Sub.
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:03 AM   #6
R!$
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Polar
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:22 AM   #7
kcmo
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White
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:36 AM   #8
Harry-57
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The 42mm Polar dial is the most legible dial I've ever had on my wrist, coupled with the black contrasting hand and lume borders. In low light or shadow, the white face with the blue lume is not only easily legible but beautiful. Sometimes the whole dial glows blue. I haven't owned a black dial Explorer so can't compare.
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Old 20 October 2018, 10:35 AM   #9
auto4me
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I own both 42mm versions and the white dial rules.
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Old 20 October 2018, 10:54 AM   #10
JR16
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Polar is much more legible IMO


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Old 20 October 2018, 11:01 AM   #11
doubleclass
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The 42mm Polar dial is more legible
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Old 20 October 2018, 11:03 AM   #12
sickened1
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Another vote for Polar.
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Old 20 October 2018, 11:46 AM   #13
GMT Aviator
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A member here has had a tonne of Rolex over the years and is an Explorer (Polar) for real.

I seem to remember reading that he felt a black dial Explorer was far more legible in real polar conditions than the white dial.

Food for thought.
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Old 20 October 2018, 11:57 AM   #14
Tobias
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I'd say the white dial is the most legible of the two; the black-coated gold markers against white is pretty stark.

From a recent post on Rolex's Instagram account:
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Old 20 October 2018, 12:06 PM   #15
Vinyasa
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Have worn both black and polar. Sold the black model and kept the polar because of the better clarity (IMO) in various conditions.
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Old 20 October 2018, 02:09 PM   #16
hdrazor251
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Polar. No contest.
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Old 20 October 2018, 03:00 PM   #17
BVLDARI
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Polar has one of the most legible dials bar none.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:07 PM   #18
Onequik135i
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Polar, I should know I wear mine several times a week and is clearly the most legible.
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Old 21 October 2018, 01:07 AM   #19
adawil2002
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White dials are much more legible on Explorer IIs and Daytonas.
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