Rolex OP 36 White vs Black

If you had a choice what would you choose, black or white?

https://atelierdegriff.com/wp-conten...dialsplash.jpg


https://atelierdegriff.com/wp-conten...36mmwristy.jpg

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Just to be clear those are not my images.

Both are really nice. As I have more black dial watches, I would opt for the white.

My friend went in for the 36 in white but decided he hated the double batons and got the 34mm. He has quite a slim wrist so can pull it off with ease but if I were you I'd would try on the 34 and the 39 and see which size/baton layout you prefer.

For me it would be white. Jubilee, Romans and fluted.
I have given this some thought....

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Originally Posted by Robsmck

For me it would be white. Jubilee, Romans and fluted.
I have given this some thought....

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I think you want a DJ, not an OP! [emoji106]

White, it's more versatile. Or a Grand Seiko, that's what I chose!

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Originally Posted by henk

At the end of the day it is irrelevant what other folk think. Go for the one that you like best.

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I am having a hard time choosing as I really like them both!


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Originally Posted by wileeeeeey

My friend went in for the 36 in white but decided he hated the double batons and got the 34mm. He has quite a slim wrist so can pull it off with ease but if I were you I'd would try on the 34 and the 39 and see which size/baton layout you prefer.

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I tried on the 34mm and I found it too small. I also tried on the 39mm and prefer the proportions of the 36mm.


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I'd go with the 39 personally but for colours go with the white it has so much more versatility & you can further change its looks when putting it on rubber.


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Black for clarity of reading the time.

Obviously I'd need to try them both but my initial thoughts are that I prefer the white but as an only watch I'd go black (I already have a black dial Rolex). 36 all day long.

I think the white is exceptional.

Black for me, I just prefer black dialled watches. In the photo, the white looks more legible but think that would be the other way round day to day.

I do like the 36 super case proportions, think the 39 would be too big, if the 214270 Explorer is anything to go by.

Memo to Rolex: Let's see a super case 36 Explorer please !

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Originally Posted by Robsmck

For me it would be white. Jubilee, Romans and fluted.
I have given this some thought....

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Blue...everything else is correct

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Originally Posted by Dave+63

I think you want a DJ, not an OP! [emoji106]

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Good point, well presented, for those not paying attention at the back [emoji32][emoji32]

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Originally Posted by Speedyexplorer

Blue...everything else is correct

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I think the quality of this screenshot is going to be poor but this is what I'd go for if I was the OP.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/dateju...6200-0004.htmlhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9c382cde47.jpg

Black one for me

I think a white dial works on the Explorer II, but I'd always go black on the Datejust

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Originally Posted by mark.wilo13

I tried on the 34mm and I found it too small. I also tried on the 39mm and prefer the proportions of the 36mm.

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Here's a couple of not very good pictures that may help, of the black 36 and the white 39.

I actually prefer the proportions of the 39 but find it a touch large - not ridiculously so but it doesn't sit perfectly. The 36 fits ok, but the dial looks a little crowded due to the large lumed batons, and there's something about the bulked out case shape that I don't like as much as on classic older models. It's worth noting that the 'black' is in fact a sunburst creating grey highlights, so not quite like the photo at the start of the thread - unlike something like the GS black which is just deep, deep black. I find black dial watches seem to come alive at night, while the white dial looks crisp and fresh in the day and feels modern. A champagne dial is an all-rounder. I came away from trying these watches with the feeling that my older style 16000 DJ worked better than either, the classic case shape has never been beaten. I also found to my surprise that on my wrist, a 40mm GS (quartz - nice and thin) was a better fit than a 39mm OP - the Rolex case is quite flat, making it more likely to overhang, while the GS curves and hugs the wrist.

https://i.imgur.com/mvMUZIl.jpg

Here fwiw are some links I collated when weighing up black vs white on the OP39.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-o...ual-39-114300/

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...nd-black-dials

https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands...e-black-dials/

https://suavewatches.wordpress.com/2...-modern-rolex/

https://www.fashionbeans.com/article...rpetual-guide/

https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex...-review-price/

http://centreseconds.com/rolex-oyste...ck-white-dial/

http://bezelandbarrel.com/the-rolex-...selworld-2018/

https://atelierdegriff.com/2018/10/2...ck-white-dial/
https://atelierdegriff.com/2018/06/0...vs-explorer-i/

Worth noting that nearly all of them, sometimes to their own surprise, pick the white in the flesh.

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Originally Posted by wileeeeeey

I think the quality of this screenshot is going to be poor but this is what I'd go for if I was the OP.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/dateju...6200-0004.htmlhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9c382cde47.jpg

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But that’s over a grand more for a date and a cyclops!

I think I’d go with the white one OP.

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Originally Posted by Dave+63

But that’s over a grand more for a date and a cyclops!

I think I’d go with the white one OP.

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Easy link, date, and no double batons. No discounts on the OP39 but might get something on the datejust. Got to be worth it.

Agree 116200 black baton dial...

I was also looking at the OP range started out on the 39 really liked it, yet when it came to pulling the trigger I tried all 3 on in the same shop 39, 34 and 36 and in the end 36 was just perfect IMO. Of the choice of those two colours I’d go white with out a doubt for me I went with the Steel dial and absolutely love it as a daily wearer.

https://i.imgur.com/JUO9u17.jpg


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I would probably go for the white one, but they're both nice. It depends on what's already in the collection.

White for me would be perfect daily wearer in 36. Although the oystersteel is very nice too!


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They're both nice. The white dial looks less cramped than the black and I would go with white on that basis. The black might work better in 39mm.

I think the white dial has the edge so far. Hopefully I will be able to try both of them on within the week before pulling the trigger.

Update to follow.




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White... because if you choose the black what you really should be buying is the older explorer.. (modern bracelet and 14270/114270 notwithstanding)..


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I chose black. It's become my daily wear.

https://i.imgur.com/deTbYfk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/k7DZTLr.jpg

White dial for me, it’s just about perfect.

I prefer the black, it's more striking, but as already said it depends on what else is in the collection.

However I don't like the 5 minute numerals on the minute track, so I wouldn't have either! Funny how the smallest detail can be a show stopper.

To conclude I bought the white dial:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e2a4f42d43.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...94a9304e3e.jpg


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Looks good. Wear it in good health!

I tried to ask Fraser Hart in Kingston to order me an easylink but they were not playing ball. Any forum member with an Explorer able to order one for me at their local AD. Send me a PM if you can help. My skinny wrist swells up in the heat so the extra 5mm adjustability would be nice.

Awesome, enjoy it I find the size is perfect for everyday wear.


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Originally Posted by Itsguy

Here's a couple of not very good pictures that may help, of the black 36 and the white 39.

I actually prefer the proportions of the 39 but find it a touch large - not ridiculously so but it doesn't sit perfectly. The 36 fits ok, but the dial looks a little crowded due to the large lumed batons, and there's something about the bulked out case shape that I don't like as much as on classic older models. It's worth noting that the 'black' is in fact a sunburst creating grey highlights, so not quite like the photo at the start of the thread - unlike something like the GS black which is just deep, deep black. I find black dial watches seem to come alive at night, while the white dial looks crisp and fresh in the day and feels modern. A champagne dial is an all-rounder. I came away from trying these watches with the feeling that my older style 16000 DJ worked better than either, the classic case shape has never been beaten. I also found to my surprise that on my wrist, a 40mm GS (quartz - nice and thin) was a better fit than a 39mm OP - the Rolex case is quite flat, making it more likely to overhang, while the GS curves and hugs the wrist.

https://i.imgur.com/mvMUZIl.jpg

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My thoughts too. Why take a circular dial and try to slap it in a rectangular case? I understand (but don't like) Rolex doing it to the Submariners as a cheap way of catering to the fad for larger watches but why attempt to bulk up their 34mm and 36mm cases when their very design and elegance lies in their being smaller and more refined?

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Originally Posted by woodacre1983

I was also looking at the OP range started out on the 39 really liked it, yet when it came to pulling the trigger I tried all 3 on in the same shop 39, 34 and 36 and in the end 36 was just perfect IMO. Of the choice of those two colours I’d go white with out a doubt for me I went with the Steel dial and absolutely love it as a daily wearer.

https://i.imgur.com/JUO9u17.jpg


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That is lovely, really like the steel dial! I do have a bias as my only Rolex is a Grey dial 15200 (34mm and Single Baton).

https://live.staticflickr.com/4392/3...ae950bab_z.jpg
Rolex 15200 by Robert Seymour, on Flickr

I tried both the white and black 36mm.

The white looks stunning and due to the dial colour actually looks slightly larger. The white is a softer white as opposed to the usual Rolex white dials. It changes from white to beige to silver depending on lighting.

I went for white, will try to get some pictures up.

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Originally Posted by GMT2

I tried both the white and black 36mm.

The white looks stunning and due to the dial colour actually looks slightly larger. The white is a softer white as opposed to the usual Rolex white dials. It changes from white to beige to silver depending on lighting.

I went for white, will try to get some pictures up.

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Great choice, congrats. Can't wait to see pics!

Great choice OP, personally love the looks of the white and really subtle overall look that can be so versatile with different straps! 👌🏽

I would prefer black, out off all my watches the white Exp II was the first watch I wanted but is is the one I wear the least

Great choice OP, the white is stunning and changes according to the lighting