Panerai California Dials and the Rolex Connection

Panerai California Dials and the Rolex Connection - Bob's Watches

With a mix of Roman numerals, Arabic numbers, and geometric shapes, California dials date back to the 1940s, and can be found in Rolex and Panerai watches.

www.bobswatches.com

I've been on a Panerai post kick here lately (see here and here) so I thought I'd continue the trend by sharing this piece I wrote a while back about California dials. There's some good Rolex history in there, of course, because I always manage to bring it back to the Crown 😂

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What are your thoughts on California dials? Weird and wonderful? Or just a confusing mess? 

Let me know what you think!

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Great info as always, thanks for sharing this. And I also vote for weird and wonderful. I'm a big fan of variety and this type of dial brings another element to the mix.

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This one is one of your "Greatest Hits."

I have previously expressed some distain for these dials.  But, to have an opinion is to have to defend that opinion. It is inarguable that, especially without a date, these dials are among the most legible produced. They perform the core function of a dial. I am coming around.

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For some reason I really don't like the California dial.  Maybe I am a bit OCD or something but the different styles really bother me. I've also never liked Roman numerals.  I keep seeing more of them though so there must be a market for these dials.  

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I think you've said it all; it's a weird and wonderful confusing mess! And I love it! This world of watch is way too serious sometimes and this feature messes with your mind estheticly. My life improves with anything that takes me out of my comfort zone in a good way. 

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I love Cali dials. I need one in the collection. 😊👌

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Have to agree with all the above already said. Weird, wonderful, legible, fun, and out of my comfort zone. My favorite is the Serica by far. I think the smaller case size and overall design really draws me in and then I can’t look away from the Cali layout. 

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Love it!  Whenever a company comes out with something creative and weird, it's to be lauded!

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Agree with most of you here, I like the weirdness of a California dial. 

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Mr.Dee.Bater

Love it!  Whenever a company comes out with something creative and weird, it's to be lauded!

Yep, we definitely need more weirdness and creativity in watches! 

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I didn’t even know you could do that. I’m woefully inexperienced with Apple watches. Cool! 

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Aurelian

This one is one of your "Greatest Hits."

I have previously expressed some distain for these dials.  But, to have an opinion is to have to defend that opinion. It is inarguable that, especially without a date, these dials are among the most legible produced. They perform the core function of a dial. I am coming around.

You need to find a vintage piece with this dial style now 😀

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synaptyx

I love Cali dials. I need one in the collection. 😊👌

Me too. I’d love vintage Rolex bubble back with the original “error-proof” dial

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While I'm not the biggest fan of Cali dials, I will say that I like Panerai the most when they look like ancient cushion case Rolexes (which, of course, they kinda used to be).

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Love/Hate relationship with them. On one hand I appreciate the legibility. But on the other hand I don't appreciate the mental gymnastics of allowing the idea to be aesthetically acceptable. My mind do and don't like. Can't unmake it now.

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You keep this up, you will be to blame for a Panerai being added to the collection. 

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AllTheWatches

You keep this up, you will be to blame for a Panerai being added to the collection. 

Don't worry, I'll probably switch my attention to Vacheron guides next week 😉

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celinesimon

Don't worry, I'll probably switch my attention to Vacheron guides next week 😉

That is just salt in the wound! In early 2020, I was debating which watch to buy for a bonus, and Overseas Dual Time was readily available for $9000ish, but I bought a Batgirl instead.  Ugh.

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AllTheWatches

That is just salt in the wound! In early 2020, I was debating which watch to buy for a bonus, and Overseas Dual Time was readily available for $9000ish, but I bought a Batgirl instead.  Ugh.

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That does hurt! But, the Batgirl is gorgeous so not all is lost :)

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celinesimon

That does hurt! But, the Batgirl is gorgeous so not all is lost :)

I'll never complain about getting sports models at retail. 

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I recently found my fathers Rolex in a box of his things.  Serial # says it was made in the 1940s. He bought it in the 1960s I believe.  It's an Oyster bubbleback with the California dial.  UNfortunately the dial does not say Swiss Made so it is believed that it has been replaced but if so it was a long time ago from the looks. The rest of the watch is original.  I really like the art deco look of the dial.

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Edgard

I recently found my fathers Rolex in a box of his things.  Serial # says it was made in the 1940s. He bought it in the 1960s I believe.  It's an Oyster bubbleback with the California dial.  UNfortunately the dial does not say Swiss Made so it is believed that it has been replaced but if so it was a long time ago from the looks. The rest of the watch is original.  I really like the art deco look of the dial.

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That’s a beautiful example! Thanks for sharing