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Input Needed: Rolex & Speedmaster Owners - Legibility Comparison

  1. ras47 Apr 12, 2017

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    I'm on the hunt for my first Speedmaster. I'm no Omega virgin as I've owned Seamasters for a decade. But the Speedy didn't interest me as I was a big beefy dive watch guy. I recently got my hands on the Rolex I've coveted since 1980 - the GMT Master II "Pepsi". It surprised me how small the watch is overall vs. the Seamaster Planet Ocean I had been wearing for the last five years. But I love it. I'm over my fear of 40mm watches as the Rolex is very legible indeed, and it doesn't dominate my wrist like the Seamaster did.

    So now the Speedmaster has really caught my eye. I have not yet gotten to an AD to check them out in person and I'm not going to buy from an AD. I'll get one from a trusted seller right here. But the question I have, for folks that own both Rolex watches (preferably 40mm models) and Omega Speedmasters -

    How is the legibility of the dial on your Speedmaster compared to your Rolex?
     
  2. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Apr 12, 2017

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  3. Morrisdog Apr 12, 2017

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    Speedie pro has got to be one of the most legible watches out there.!!

    How does it compare with a Rolex sports model.. I personally think it's better mainly because the acrylic reflects less than the sapphire crystals without any AR coating. The white hands on a black background also help but this is no different to any sports Rolex. So though the plastic can scratch it is more legible in my opinion.
     
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  4. MaiLollo Apr 12, 2017

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    Very legible, white hands on the black dial are great, plus the hesalite does not reflect light as much as a sapphire glass (especially since Rolex does not do AR coating)
     
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  5. McJamesT Apr 12, 2017

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    The Speedy is easier to read in a variety of light. I was actually surprised when I got comfortable with my Speedy how easy it is to read, especially on a sunny day in the car.
     
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  6. jimmyd13 Apr 12, 2017

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    The comparison is a bit appley-orangey.

    Divers are designed to be incredibly easy to read: big, clean dials; oversized hands (or cathedral, sword or similar); arabic numerals .. and so on. The Speedmasters are designed to show more information, while retaining as much legibility as possible.

    Give me two minutes and I'll grab a photo of the two side by side ...
     
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  7. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Apr 12, 2017

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  8. jimmyd13 Apr 12, 2017

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    Here you go ...

    IMG_20170412_1430318[1].jpg

    Thinking about your original post, though, I've always thought that 38-40 (maybe 42)mm is perfect for a round watch. What I find off-putting about so many modern offerings isn't the diameter, it's the height. The original Speedmaster isn't a tall watch .... it's got about the most perfect proportions I can think of.

    (That said, I've just put that Rolex on my wrist).
     
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  9. Nobel Prize Spell Master! Apr 12, 2017

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    The classic speedy is very legible, if you compare it to a sub or explorer its just about the same although the chrono makes the dial bussier so its not the at a glance effect. If you compare it to a Daytona the Speedy is simply a miracle of design. It is the most legible Chrono i have ever owned.
     
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  10. Bushido Apr 12, 2017

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    I agree with the others that the Speedy is very legible. GMTs and Subs have good legibility too. The six digit references with maxi cases also make those Rolex wear very similar to the Pro in my opinion in spite of the 40 vs 42mm diameters.

    IMG_20170314_134134.jpg IMG_20170314_134229.jpg
     
  11. WatchVaultNYC Apr 12, 2017

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    depends on the Rolex
     
  12. JSal16 Apr 12, 2017

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    A time/date watch will always be a bit cleaner/more legible than a two or three register chrono IMO.
     
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  13. blufinz52 Hears dead people, not watch rotors. Apr 12, 2017

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    I have a SubC and a Speedmaster. I would give the edge to the Speedy for legibility. JMO
     
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  14. ras47 Apr 12, 2017

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    Excellent! I have a GMT2 which is the same size as your Sub. This is exactly the kind of first hand testimony I was hoping for. Thanks!
     
  15. ras47 Apr 12, 2017

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    From those excellent pictures - thank you very much - it appears the Speedy dial is ever so slightly larger than the Rolex dial. Less bezel, more face.
     
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