15 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 13, 2012
I am ready to make my purchase that I have been patiently waiting for the past 6 months. I am trying to decide between the Portuguese white dial with blue strap and blue numbers or the black dial with black strap. I have been leaning towards the white dial with blue numbers and blue strap however the concern I have is my wife prefers the black dial. I fully understand that this is my decision but as most of us can hopefully understand that a happy wife is a big deal in my house as well. She like the other model but thinks the black is more stunning in her mind. My wife does not know anything about watches and is only going on her opinion. I have to wear a suit everyday for work but I am a total jeans guy on the weekends. I want this watch to be versatile enough to wear in both situations. I am curious if anyone has any advice on this matter and can help my make this decision. I am a little concerned the black dial with black strap might be too dressy for casual jeans but maybe I am wrong. It appears most people prefer the blue hands/blue dial but I don't know if the all black dial is close second or not even close to the blue hands/blue strap. Thanks in advance everyone! I sincerely appreciate it.
1,630 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 16, 2002
Either will be a great purchase but with no lume on the 5001 why make life difficult to read it in dim light situations? My recommendation is go for the white dial version with blue hands purely for easy visibility. Personally I have the gilt hands and numbers version. Enjoy it and post the photos when you've done the deal.
955 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 2, 2012London,
United Kingdom
Lindy, to slightly confuse matters - you could also get a brown strap on the black dial which softens the more dressy nature of the black dial.
But it sounds to me that since you're a 'total jeans guy' and the white dial is the one you're 'leaning' towards- you should go with your hunch. It is you that will be looking at the watch all day and the last thing you want on the back of your mind is some inkling of 'regret/remorse' because you didn't follow your own convictions.
I'm all about a happy household as well, but it's not like she DOESN'T like this one. When she says the other one is more 'stunning' think of it as really meaning more 'dressy' (which it is)... but that's just not 'you'.
5,439 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 22, 2006
I presume it is out of the question to get both ! So moving on.
Michael is right - go with your hunch and a super side effect will with your happiness propagate to a happy household. Different colored straps can help too.
I have a colleague with the black dial and he does often comment that reading the time with the wrong lightning in the room - even in daylight is non optimal. Apart from when it's dark - no concerns with the other version.
Good luck and be sure to share with us your decision.
4,759 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 18, 2006
A while ago Norbert and I got our two Portuguese Automatics together for a photoshoot, check out that post here: Black and white Portuguese Automatics
The white is mine and I am very happy with my choice. During summer, I wear it on a tan brown strap and during winter on the original dark blue strap. Legibility of the white dial watch is perfect!
3,771 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
I would say, your wife is right! I have the black dial Vintage Collection Portuguese, that is not a 5001 but it looks classy all the way. Wearing with jeans is no problem at all. The black one looks a bit smaller, that may be a bonus. Indeed, readability may be less in a room with a dark ceiling, but that doesn't bother me that much, when in a room with a white ceiling it is sooo stunning. I once wore it in a darkened hall with a bright blue lit ceiling: unforgettable. I would go for the black one. And if I would have to go for the white dial version I would take the rose gold 5001, the most beautiful of the available 5001. Good luck!
Kind regards, Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)
Cheers Greg Chalk

Cvanwhite at aol dot com
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 13:47
But it sounds to me that since you're a 'total jeans guy' and the white dial is the one you're 'leaning' towards- you should go with your hunch. It is you that will be looking at the watch all day and the last thing you want on the back of your mind is some inkling of 'regret/remorse' because you didn't follow your own convictions.
I'm all about a happy household as well, but it's not like she DOESN'T like this one. When she says the other one is more 'stunning' think of it as really meaning more 'dressy' (which it is)... but that's just not 'you'.
Good luck and do post pix,
Thang
iwcforummer@outlook.com
Last edited: 21 April, 2013 - 08:55
Michael is right - go with your hunch and a super side effect will with your happiness propagate to a happy household. Different colored straps can help too.
I have a colleague with the black dial and he does often comment that reading the time with the wrong lightning in the room - even in daylight is non optimal. Apart from when it's dark - no concerns with the other version.
Good luck and be sure to share with us your decision.
Andrew
andrew.thomas1@mac.com
The white is mine and I am very happy with my choice. During summer, I wear it on a tan brown strap and during winter on the original dark blue strap. Legibility of the white dial watch is perfect!
Kind regards,
Clemens
Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59
Kind regards,
Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)