I’ve always avoided Roman numerals, but.

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16th May 2019, 12:51
colin t

I’ve always avoided Roman numerals, but.

I have a nice Datejust, the 16220 with standard ‘champagne’ dial, machine turned bezel and jubilee bracelet. I’m now not wearing it (with the rare exception of black tie dinners) as I’m finding the whole look a little fussy, almost glitzy. (I’m sorry, I know it’s a classic, and I’m an unappreciative luddite).

I started to look at what alternatives existed that were more plain, i.e. plain bezel, oyster bracelet, and with some alarm I’m drawn to something that I would have never before considered - it has applied Roman numerals.

It is a version of the 16200, pictured below.

Conscious that my old university has now shifted from a position of “please make a donation” to “please remember us in your will”, could my apparent shift into a new demographic classification also explain why a DJ with large Roman numerals is suddenly appealing?

It’s rare that I turn to the forum with a ‘help me decide’ post (I think, I couldn’t be bothered to check), but am I demonstrating signs of ensuing bad-taste-syndrome??

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...00666213c1.jpg
16th May 2019, 13:02
ColDaspin

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin t

I have a nice Datejust, the 16220 with standard ‘champagne’ dial, machine turned bezel and jubilee bracelet. I’m now not wearing it (with the rare exception of black tie dinners) as I’m finding the whole look a little fussy, almost glitzy. (I’m sorry, I know it’s a classic, and I’m an unappreciative luddite).

I started to look at what alternatives existed that were more plain, i.e. plain bezel, oyster bracelet, and with some alarm I’m drawn to something that I would have never before considered - it has applied Roman numerals.

It is a version of the 16200, pictured below.

Conscious that my old university has now shifted from a position of “please make a donation” to “please remember us in your will”, could my apparent shift into a new demographic classification also explain why a DJ with large Roman numerals is suddenly appealing?

It’s rare that I turn to the forum with a ‘help me decide’ post (I think, I couldn’t be bothered to check), but am I demonstrating signs of ensuing bad-taste-syndrome??

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...00666213c1.jpg

Roman numeral DJs aren't really my thing but, more importantly imo, legibility on these dark blue Rolex dials is pretty poor.
16th May 2019, 13:05
beechcustom

I never considered romans.... until I saw them in the flesh. Having seen it, white dial with romans is now my favorite DJ (in 36 obviously).
16th May 2019, 13:07
pacchi

I am with you....

….never liked Roman numerals on a dial. Whatever brand. Do not like the cyclops neither, but that was not your question.
so your instinct must prevail!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEpoRxisWuQ
16th May 2019, 13:35
Mick P

From the tone of your thread you appear to want a dress watch for a formal black tie evening.

The reality of life is that you could wear the 16200 and no one would notice. However if the evening is really formal in the old school sense and you want to act the part, then that particular watch is a no no.

I attend about 3 or 4 very formal events a year and most of the men are old school and dress really formal, even possibly harking back to the days of their Grandfathers.

The "rules" are

A pocket watch either on a chain or in your pocket is the preferred option as wearing a wrist watch is a bit infra dig.

If you must wear a wrist watch, it should be smallish, say 34mm dia, gold with a black shiny strap. It should be hours and minutes hands only with the minimum of markings on the dial.

I have an old JLC that matches the above but about 75% of the men wear a watch and chain. Just to emphasis how formal it is, Gentlemen are expected never to unbutton their jackets.
16th May 2019, 13:44
Owl1

First time I saw a Buckley dial Rolex oyster quartz , it changed my mind on roman numerals :coolskull:
16th May 2019, 14:00
RAJEN

He is NOT looking for a dress watch. No need to reiterate 18-1900s concept of a 'dress watch'.
World has moved on even if some are still stuck in 1800s.
OP, not many are fond of Roman numerals but I don't mind them in the watch you mentioned.
It is not a sign of bad taste at all. You just need to be reasonably sure that you are not soon going to be bored of the look.
16th May 2019, 14:03
Mick P

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAJEN

He is NOT looking for a dress watch. No need to reiterate 18-1900s concept of a 'dress watch'.
World has moved on even if some are still stuck in 1800s.
OP, not many are fond of Roman numerals but I don't mind them in the watch you mentioned.
It is not a sign of bad taste at all. You just need to be reasonably sure that you are not soon going to be bored of the look.

He said "I’m now not wearing it (with the rare exception of black tie dinners) "

That implies he is looking for something formal, at least that is how I understood it.
16th May 2019, 14:08
km9

The watch that you've shown is a fine looking piece and it's true that our taste changes as we grow older.
Nothing wrong with that.
Me personally, I prefer the Roman numerals on the watches that are not round ( oval, rectangular and square) but yet to own one.

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
16th May 2019, 14:28
colin t

Thanks Mick, Raj. My mention of infrequent formal dinners was more to illustrate that my current 16220 DJ is rarely worn / under utilised than to request advice on a watch for formal occasions. I didn’t mean to divert anyone off on a tangent.

But whilst we are on said tangent, I feel I am adequately equipped with this Omega for those occasions. Not quite compliant with your spec. Mick, but close enough. And I am far from the most sartorially criminal when I wear it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...af2a7f1072.jpg
16th May 2019, 14:30
ColDaspin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick P

From the tone of your thread you appear to want a dress watch for a formal black tie evening.

The reality of life is that you could wear the 16200 and no one would notice. However if the evening is really formal in the old school sense and you want to act the part, then that particular watch is a no no.

I attend about 3 or 4 very formal events a year and most of the men are old school and dress really formal, even possibly harking back to the days of their Grandfathers.

The "rules" are

A pocket watch either on a chain or in your pocket is the preferred option as wearing a wrist watch is a bit infra dig.

If you must wear a wrist watch, it should be smallish, say 34mm dia, gold with a black shiny strap. It should be hours and minutes hands only with the minimum of markings on the dial.

I have an old JLC that matches the above but about 75% of the men wear a watch and chain. Just to emphasis how formal it is, Gentlemen are expected never to unbutton their jackets.

I'm not sure I've been to a Black Tie fancy dress party since my university days when we'd all pretend for an hour or two it was actually important which way round the port was passed etc. All great fun as long as it's not taken seriously but if someone genuinely thinks it's infra dig to wear a wrist watch then they need a good slap.
16th May 2019, 22:15
Jlynch1984

Quote:

Originally Posted by beechcustom

I never considered romans.... until I saw them in the flesh. Having seen it, white dial with romans is now my favorite DJ (in 36 obviously).

Like this? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...da853da885.jpg

My daily wearer

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
16th May 2019, 22:23
MartynJC (UK)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlynch1984

Like this? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...da853da885.jpg

My daily wearer

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

i have to say I MUCH prefer the cream dial than blue - especially for legibility. Which becomes more important when you get past the halfway mark in life.

Martyn.
16th May 2019, 22:25
beechcustom

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlynch1984

Like this?

My daily wearer

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly that :love7:
16th May 2019, 22:37
gary1064

Or this? Different "font" to the numerals...

https://live.staticflickr.com/1823/4...5597e93b_c.jpg
17th May 2019, 10:26
OldHooky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick P

The "rules" are

A pocket watch either on a chain or in your pocket is the preferred option as wearing a wrist watch is a bit infra dig.

If you must wear a wrist watch, it should be smallish, say 34mm dia, gold with a black shiny strap. It should be hours and minutes hands only with the minimum of markings on the dial.

I have an old JLC that matches the above but about 75% of the men wear a watch and chain. Just to emphasis how formal it is, Gentlemen are expected never to unbutton their jackets.

Sounds like a night out with the ERG.
17th May 2019, 11:06
Kingstepper

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary1064

Or this? Different "font" to the numerals...

https://live.staticflickr.com/1823/4...5597e93b_c.jpg

Prefer this one, far neater IMO.

Date font horrible though, why so wide?
17th May 2019, 11:14
Craizeehair

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary1064

Or this? Different "font" to the numerals...

https://live.staticflickr.com/1823/4...5597e93b_c.jpg

Not my usual, but I think that is rather nice

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
17th May 2019, 11:36
gary1064

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingstepper

Date font horrible though, why so wide?

I think that's just a distortion due to the cyclops/picture taken at an angle, when viewed straight on the font isn't that wide.
17th May 2019, 12:16
stefmcd

No, your choice of dial is very appealing there. I've found myself rather taken by the Wimbledon dial. I'm usually a fan of plain indices but sometimes a change seems welcome.