What is everyone’s opinion on the presence of text on the dial of a watch? Attractive or a nuisance?

Here’re three pieces from my collection that take the cake:

(I’d be interested in seeing one that tops the 9 lines - including the logos and the 6 o’clock reference numbers - of the King Seiko Special below)

 

ROLEX
OYSTER
PERPETUAL
DATE
CARTIER
SUBMARINER
660FT = 200M
SUPERLATIVE
CHRONOMETER
OFFICIALLY
CERTIFIED
SWISS - T < 25

...yeah, not a fan of essays on watches... there's a reason why I prefer the non-professional text premoon speedys

 

rumors say that the next version will have the warranty terms too.

 

Ahhh vintage

 

Sterile Dials

 

I may be the minority here, but i quite like essays on the dial unless of course it is a dressy classic time-only watch.

 

I love the text on my Omega Seamaster professional. It was one of the things that drew me to it

 

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...

 

Logo, brand name, model name, and Swiss made is all I need.

 

I seriously considered a Pelagos LHD, but the dial text is out of control! It seriously spoils the dial for me.

 

Too much (subjective term, I know) text in either top or bottom of the dial will unbalance the look for me. The Tudors above are the best cases in point one could ask for. Compared to the ETA Pelagos, these are eye sores

I really dislike sterile dials as well. Gives a too utilitarian look for me, like a set of kitchen scales devoid of character.

Not much less text than this for me:

 

Text can really accent the personality of a watch. Obviously Rolex does it well, here are some others. I think RGM nailed the text on 801 Corps Of Engineers. The 455 is good too. In the case of the Bulova (they literally got renamed: Devil Divers). Text is such a huge discussion point on the Polerouter and while I love the watch, perhaps Timex tried a little too hard to stay out of hot water with the FTC on American Documents.

 

Less is more?I don't know, I like both options.

 

One problem I have with sterile dials is non-WIS people coming up to me and asking what am I wearing.

Ok, that is a lie. I love it when a watch, no matter the brand, acts as an icebreaker.

 

Those essays are lovely. Reading dial text fills those unexpected quiet moments that come upon you during the day.

I agree. That RGM field watch is a stunner! Also, I never really thought that dial text could influence a watch’s moniker (i.e. Devil Diver).

May I ask why text is a talking point with Polerouters?

 

Notwithstanding my sentiments above, I find dial text on dress watches obnoxious. Plus, in the case of your piece, there is really not much else to be said

(Watch below belongs to a friend)

 

All about fonts, print period and alignment. Huge.