Where did the GMT II "Error Dial" term come from...

[Speed]

OK, I know there have been tons of threads on the Stick Font / 3186 movement hype etc. Padi /Larry have opined a fair bit on these watches.

However, I wanted to ask where the term "Error Dial" originated. Anyone know? The name implies a Rolex dial vendor had a misprint or some such thing.

I see two watches listed in the classified section using this term. A mod has nicely edited one listing calling out the seller on the use of the term.

Furthermore, two listings are asking > $7,000 USD for these watches!

[HL65]

Bill- As you know Rolex made 3 dials on that model. The bottom line though is on the 3186 GMT's-demand is there and they are selling above $7k all day long-if you can find one. When they are listed-they move quickly. Collectors are buying them and taking a chance on them being "collectible". It is what it is-regardless if anyone agrees or disagrees as the market always has final say.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by Speed

OK, I know there have been tons of threads on the Stick Font / 3186 movement hype etc. Padi /Larry have opined a fair bit on these watches.

However, I wanted to ask where the term "Error Dial" originated. Anyone know? The name implies a Rolex dial vendor had a misprint or some such thing.

I see two watches listed in the classified section using this term. A mod has nicely edited one listing calling out the seller on the use of the term.

Furthermore, two listings are asking > $7,000 USD for these watches!

Great post I too am curious, I just assumed it was all the stick font... Those prices are crazy IMO but they seem to be selling... The 3186 movement in the GMT to my knowledge was the last run of a discontinued watch thus the high $$$ but I wonder if they will keep going up or if it is all "HYPE" as one would say.

[HL65]

The stick font is not what is driving the price-it is as you stated the last run of GMT and a short one with the 3186. I have seen Roman Numeral connected on them too. I can't remember seeing unconnected RN on them but I am sure they are out there as well.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

The stick font is not what is driving the price-it is as you stated the last run of GMT and a short one with the 3186. I have seen Roman Numeral connected on them too. I can't remember seeing unconnected RN on them but I am sure they are out there as well.

Thanks for the info So what is your take on this... HYPE??? Or realistic value? I say of course it will rise as it is a discontinued watch but the prices seem CRAZY high to me... your thoughts?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Thanks for the info So what is your take on this... HYPE??? Or realistic value? I say of course it will rise as it is a discontinued watch but the prices seem CRAZY high to me... your thoughts?

I try not to think about it truly. I think that the market again is the telling indicator and only time will tell if it was a good move. I know a lot of smart people on here-who won't come out and say nor will I disclose it--who have them socked away in their safes or at the bank.

[Speed]

Thanks...Just curious about the specific "Error" phrase...I have seen the various fonts for the Roman numeral "II"

I have also seen the prices on watches like my D Series GMTII increase to ~$5,000 or so. Makes it tempting to consider selling my non "Error" dial

However, the > $7K price seems pretty silly to me...

[HL65]

I am only guessing that people are assuming that the sticks were errors and that the lines to form Roman numeral were accidentally skipped. I can't say I agree with that nor again do I pay much attention to it. I have no opinion on it either other than people will pay what they think it is worth. Also--there are not many around for sale and when they go on sale-they fly out the door real quickly--so demand is certainly there!!

[Jocke]

I guess the name of the "special dials" and the rarity come up when a grey dealer have one for sale.

[Speed]

You may be right Jocke!!!

[Kanger]

Did you see Tony's 3186 BNIB yesterday? Funny thing had my Sub sold earlier, I would have jumped on it. I called every AD in North Carolina to see if they had any 3186 left over, to no avail :( A stick or box dial, in my opinion, is nothing special really, but it's the 3186 movement that is enticing.

[renfield33]

yeah, people want the 3186 movement. as far as error dial, these guys are trying to make some cash!

[karmatp]

There is not such thing as a error dial, it is complete internet hype. I used to have a D serial that had the stick font, so they have been around for many years. For some reason people started thinkng the sticks had the 3186, which is just a minor tweak to the 3185 anyway, why that gets any hype is beyond me.

To me, it is complete internet hype and sellers trying to make a extra buck off of less informed buyers. I lose a lot of respect from sellers trying to cash in on this stuff, and it takes away from the brand for me.

I personally don't think that a classic GMT II with the 3186 is rare, my local AD sold over 100 of them, and that is one AD. The Rolex rep said he heard that as many as 40,000 of them were made, and I know if two of them in my neighborhood alone, not to mention all the forum friends that have one.

If you pay $7000 for a GMT II with the 3186, you just ate up any profit you will see for the next 60 years, it's just a complete waste of money.

[HL65]

We all know there is no error dial....However the market again has final say. Everyone has an opinion and they are all meaningless when it comes to the market price--what other buyers are having to pay. They are not easy to find and when they are posted-they sell fast for premium prices-whether anyone likes it or not. Again--the quesion was about error dial--simply one of 3 dials Rolex used on the watch. This topic gets so old anyway as of course it always ends up in this debate-which is a waste of time not money! If you want one -buy it if you can even find one-and pay what it costs. If you don't --who cares then!! Here is a prediction: In 2011 this topic will come up 25 times or more. Good night all!!!!