The panda dial emerged as a prominent design in the 1960s amidst a surge in popularity for chronographs. This period saw various watchmakers adopting the style, enhancing the legibility of the dials through the stark contrast between the main dial and sub-dials. The design quickly became a staple in racing watches, where quick, easy readability is crucial. Notably, the Rolex Daytona, introduced in the late 1960s, is one of the most iconic examples of this style, often associated with actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, which further cemented its legendary status. The term “panda dial” itself is informal, coined by enthusiasts because of the resemblance to the facial features of a panda. It’s important to note that while the classic panda dial features black sub-dials on a white background, variations exist, such as the “reverse panda” which inverts this color scheme. |