Pie pan dials — you either love them or you hate them. Just whisper the idea of a pie pan dial in our office and a contentious debate is bound to erupt between our staff, but we hope this article can bring us together. The pie pan dial lovers, that is.
It’s not a widespread trend — and obviously not a popular one, either. But for those of us who find this old-school dial even the slightest bit charming, this article is fun. Here we’ve rounded up a few vintage Rolex watches and modern designs featuring this unique dial over the years. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Rolex Datejust Silver Pie Pan 1601
The silver pie pan dial on this two tone Datejust is just as understated and classy as the watch itself. This vintage reference dating from 1969/1970 is an all-around stand out piece, outfitted with a dressy Jubilee bracelet and 18k gold fluted bezel — giving this typically understated watch a much more elevated feel. The pie pan dial quite literally does the same, giving the face some added dimension and further accentuating the gold hands and matching hour markers.
Rolex President Slate Pie Pan 1803
This vintage President from the late 1970’s is oozing with the flair of the era. The entirely yellow gold timepiece — with a matching President bracelet, of course — feels just as regal as its name implies. But while you typically know what to expect from this iconic watch, we love that this one has a few stylish twists — everything from the gold inlay on the day and date to that knockout slate-gray pie pan dial with a black chapter ring. It is no wonder why the Rolex President is the modern symbol of success.
Rolex President Tiffany & Co. Pie Pan
There have been a lot of luxury collaborations over the years, but this Tiffany & Co. and Rolex design featuring a shimmering champagne pie pan dial is one for the books. Down at the bottom you’ll notice the Rolex Tiffany dials positioned right above 6-o’clock, and circling up and around the dial you’ll notice those old-school Tritium markers alongside vintage hands. That pie pan dial almost totally steals the show from that 18k yellow gold case with a fluted bezel and the matching President band.