14270 Explorer - dial variations

[frackas]

I haven’t seen this discussed anywhere, but it seems like the 14270 came with two different font variations on the dial. Both with regards to the 9 and 6 numerals, the letter fonts and the coronet. As you can see from the photos, the 14270 on the top has a more curved 9 and 6 as well as a slightly different font on the “ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL” than seen in the on the bottom.

As far as I can tell, the curved numeral dial came first. The straighter numeral dial starts showing up around 1997 and always seems to come with the thicker letter font. From then on they coexist up until the 114270 is introduced.

The 114270 dials also vary between curved and straight numerals but seem to be more consistent with regards to the letter fonts. I would love to hear if anyone has any information on these dial variations. They don’t seem random, but maybe the outcome of two different production facilities or something.

The difference is not major, but I think I prefer the straighter numerals and the thicker, slightly classier font:)
Photos from hqmilton: