What time is it? Watches and horology

The white dial is the more popular choice and it commands a bit more of a premium as a result, but I think the black dial is more versatile and helps the watch wear smaller visually.

If you're looking for the maxi-style (42mm case) there are 2 types - the older 216570 and the newer 226750. There will be loads of older 216570's (and the even older smaller 16570's) that are unpolished out there - they only stopped making it a year or two ago - so i wouldn't worry too much about that deciding which model you want.

I thought you were looking at the newer style ones. If you are then, if you want a white dial, i think the 226570 is better on pretty much every objective measure apart from the movement scarcity point below (which i don't think matters much). However, if you're going for black dial, there's actually a bit more of a decision for you about which model to go for:

226570 (current version) - has the newer 3285 movement with longer 70h power reserve (but some say it's not quite as reliable as the 216570 movement, but to be honest am sure it's still awesome) and a slightly more refined case - they've trimmed the lugs and given it a more strap friendly lug width (22mm instead of 21),. Bracelet has less of a taper as well, so it's a bit more chonk. Anti reflective coating on underside of the sapphire (which isn't on the 216570, but to be honest, doesn't really affect legibility). Dial is also lacquer rather than matt. Apparently the lume might last longer too, but i take that with a pinch of salt.

All things being equal, a solid upgrade.

BUT
216570 black dial has these things to consider:

1. "floating" ghost hands - which is a throwback to an earlier Exp reference. It's the only modern Rolex watch to have these, and they do help "unRolly" the dial and make it less flashy. You either like 'em or you don't, but the definitely do affect the watch's aesthetic.

2. 3187 movement - the 216570 is the only model to ever have this movement, it was made specifically for this case size (the new movement also fits into smaller GMT case etc). So some are saying that this may make it an investor piece in the future. I don't really buy that (they made it for 10 years), but Rolex collectors get excited about the shape of a single bezel number, so what do i know.

3. The 5 year warranties will be coming to an end/expired these models and they're cheaper than the 226570.

Oodles of all choices on Chrono24 - prices of both have fallen recently so not a bad time to buy grey...

I've got the 216570 and it's been annoyingly great.

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