too long, don't read - illustrated version available <
here>
I used a Gossen Pilot 2 for many years. When the Pilot 2 finally became unreliable, I wanted my new light meter to have a dial too!
My first replcement for the Pilot 2 was a Sekonic Twinmate L-208. You should probably look at that one because it is one of the few modern*, small meters with a dial. However, I didn't really like it. My main objection was, the dial would often rotate if bumped, or when I put it in my pocket. Sometimes (like when taking notes) I want to see what my last reading was. (* by "modern" - I mean silicon cell)
Next I tried the Gossen Luna-Lux SBC (known outside of the USA as Lunalite). This gorgeous chunk of German tech was much more solid than the Sekonic Twinmate L-208, but also much bigger. If you want small, this is not for you. Or me, either.
I am presently using a Sekonic L-308s Flashmate. No dial, not sexy like the Gossen, but considering size, cost, accuracy, reliability, and ease of use - for me, it's the most practical. I use it for incident readings almost exclusively, and the top-facing placement of the dome is more convenient for over-the-shoulder incident readings than the front-facing domes of the Gossen meter. It is also easy to take a reading with one hand (the dial-types can be operated with one hand, but not as easily). The L-308s pictured on my webpage is shown in an optional blue rubbery sheath which makes feel nicer in the hand, but also makes it harder to slide into a shirt pocket, so you might want to skip that accessory.
Never buy any light meter untill after you have made sure batteries are commonly available. The L-208 uses a common coin-type battery, the Luna-Lux SBC uses a 9V, and the L-308s uses an AA battery. Good luck.