Rolex

Red Sub, Sea Dweller Triple 6, and TRansitionnal GMT 16750...

Three different models, but 3 Maxi Dials...

3 maxi looks, with these big round indexes, and a wonderful patina instead of the more modern small circled Luminova indexes...





Now the question:

Till a very recent period, the small circled indexes seemed to be the Rule, as we see them on the Sub 16610, SD 16 600, Explo II 16570, and GMT 16710...

Are the Maxi Dials coming back very strongly?

In 1997, the 1st Exception to the Rule, with the Yacht Master ( 1992 for the YG version, 1997 for the Platinum Y.M )...



Then, in 2003, Rolex Releases the Green Sub, for the 50th Anniversary of this Watch...



In 2007, Rolex presents the new version of the GMT, with the Ceramic Bezel, and once again...Maxi Dial!



And now, this year, the New Deep Sea, replacing the Sea Dweller, with, once again..A Maxi Dial...

So, the question is here, and it seems that nowadays, the small circled indexes are to become classics, as the Explorer II is the only one to stay with them...For how long???



What do you think?

Are you pleased with, or are you sad to see these small circled index disappear slowly, but certainly???

Best.

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-11-02 02:10:34 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2008-11-03 04:05:15

That s why I prefer the 60's - 70's vintage oysters
The only exception for me is the 16600.
I love its sobriety :

As I wonder if I won't add a 666 with circled indexes...

I found one with a superb patina, and I'm just wondering what to do...

Maybe a Future Classic?

Best.

Nicolas

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IIRC what has been reported a couple of years ago on the VRF by someone w/ ties to Rolex Geneva is that Rolex did a (5 year?) study on dial and hand readability, case sizes, bracelets and clasps and the results from this study concluded that people were getting larger, there wasn't enough luminova surface area on the dials or hands, and the bracelets and clasps were long overdue for improvements.  What we are seeing with the introduction of so many new and/or revised models is in response to those conclusions.

Yes we are going back to maxi´s but we will still have the surrounds so long

we use Luminova.

I´m not really shure about the white dialed ExplorerII, not nice IMHO.

Jocke

But if you work from the Yacht Master Dial,  you may get a nicer outcome, indeed...

I'm quite sure that Rolex will present us in the years to come a new version of the Explo II...

And if they don't, the Explo II will be an exception in the Rolex Family, which is not bad either!

Best, my friend!

Nicolas

and while we are at it, why not through in a matte dial too!  I have seen a few service dial 1680's that look sweet.

~Scott

With a Black Matt dial, yep, it would work very well!

You will visually have the feeling that you have painted indexes!

Thanks for your input!!!

Nicolas

My preference would be a matte dial, maxi markers and no surrounds.  Sorry for the confusion!

~Scott

And I will certainly fall in love! LOL

Best.

Nicolas

one was just recently sold to another unknown collector,  I will see if I can find some pics!

~Scott 

And the outcome is perfect, maybe too much, I mean..Too clean...

Best.

Nicolas

The maxi without any WG surrounds will make the watch look more classy. However, I don't think that Rolex will make this happen again.

Cheers

I think that Rolex won't make again the plain painted indexes...

So, these plain painted indexes, and the small circled indexes are now part of the Past...

One is already a Classic, and te 2d is to become a classic...

As you I prefer the big painted indexes, without surround.

Best, and thanks for your input!

Nicolas