The Rodney's dial is butler silver with each quadrant brushed differently so that at different angles two opposite quadrants will appear to be a shade darker. That said, JimH's example sure does look like it has a checkerboard finish.
My 18 year old 'ever so hip' son loves my Rodney on its 10K yellow gold filled expandable bracelet. He wears it often - as do I; always gets comments. The best $87 I've spent on a vintage watch!
Shugart (2009) also lists a rectangular dial Rodney, c1941 in either 14K coral or yellow gold.
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