The elusive white vs black dial Daytona debate....

[mile2424]

Even before the extreme hype, I think the first watch I asked my AD for was the 116500 white dial. Just loved the contrast and look of the bright white dial and black accents. As I have started to collect more, I seem to gravitate towards unique or "dynamic" dials. Sunburst dials, motif dials etc. The black dial doesn't seem to be loved as much, but after seeing both in person, it's an interesting debate. The black dial might seem more subdued in pictures or from a distance, but the way the light dances around the silver subdials and CD type finish (11 series, think this is one for the 12 series and maybe just the polished silver surrounds of the sub dials), it's really takes on more movement and plays in different lighting scenarios. The white dial has a refreshing look from afar, but is a bit stagnant in person or under different lighting scenarios. I guess this makes it more sporty. Maybe it's just me, and maybe I haven't spent enough time with the white dial to really try it out, but it was a bit underwhelming for me in the flesh.

From what I have seen, I think I prefer the 11 series in white and the black in 12. I have not seen a 12 series in person yet. But maybe it's the opposite, if the 12 series black dial loses the finish on the subdials, maybe that dynamic effect will be gone. And maybe the white dial gains the stainless bezel surround which will help it become a bit more dynamic.

Thoughts?

[inadeje]

Have both black and white 11 series but prefer this over both.

[painexpert]

I prefer the black dial on the Daytona. On my Explorer II 216570 I prefer the polar dial. Go figure?

[Milkshake]

I like the vintage white Newman Daytona, otherwise I’m just not a Daytona person, not even the Le Mans.

[BraveBold]

Black dial for me, 116 preferred. Perfect watch.

[Roger Lococco]

White 11
Black 12


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[rrags]

Originally Posted by bravebold

black dial for me, 116 preferred. Perfect watch.

+1

[EEpro]

12 white and 11 black for me. Have owned 11 white twice in the past.

Most people I've asked side by side in real life prefer the black to white. You may be right about the 12 black subdials though. I think that's a downgrade.

The bezel ring on the white 12 makes the twinkle of the bezel numerals more noticeable. The color white is just a tad creamier on the 12 which I love.

[kieselguhr]

I like the black dial between those 2. Even better now with the bezel outline for the updated 12 series

[Kingranch]

Original.

Leave it at that.

[dnd2984]

I have both, the black feels more special and I can’t explain why. My white dial is a 116500 and black is 126500.

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[Mr. Superlative]

116500.
Black.

[ml91]

Would take any speedmaster for 80% cheaper

[ArtNouveau]

I’ve had four SS Daytonas starting with a white dial 16520. Then I had both dials of 116520 and now a black 116500. To me the black dial is more elegant perhaps? As the OP mentioned there’s lots of light reflecting, blingy but still can be worn for anything. BTW, I’m not asking for a 12 series, not different enough for me.

[996marty]

For me I’d say the black one

[joli160]

If I could pick the new Daytona it would be with the white dial

[Giangos]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

White 11
Black 12


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Yes I agree with this


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[1William]

In pictures it is the white dial in real life the black dial is the one for me.

[travisb]

I've always preferred the black dial on any generation of the Daytona.