Rolex Dial marks Short FT

[David cote]

Anyone notice the dial variation’s on five digit references on V,M,Z and even F serial number watches?

I think it also permeates into ceramic 6 digit watches, I’ve noticed the Short FT and flat S also, on Subs and Sub dates,I know other people here have noticed and talked about them.

Now I know Tools will say a SD is a Sea Dweller and a Sub is a Sub. But these variations make huge differences!

I am sure there must be two different departments marking dials at the big house In Geneva, I mean there has to be! And I think these are variant and could be collectible in the foreseeable future or maybe just classics. Either way I enjoyed that flashy F in the acronym feet.










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[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by David cote

... there must be two different departments marking dials ...

There were, but not any longer.

I have a Flat S D-Series Sub Date. I will never part with it.

[18078pres]

Much to do about nothing comes to mind. I think Rolex feels the same way. Dials are applied using a rubber ballon type object dipped in a engraved die then pressed on to the dial. Some dies are different is small ways, and the ballon is pressed by a person so thickness will vary.

[padi56]

Look all the dials are made in 3 different factories now all own by Rolex, there has always, and always will be tiny variations of most all dials especially high volume sellers.But most of the tiny differences are mainly noted by the loupe madness WIS, a small proportion of sales compared to the general buying public.Plus the mainsprings are outsourced made by Schwab-Feller AG,the movement synthetic ruby bearings and cap jewel bearings,crystals,spring-bars,all screws movement and bracelet screws outsourced, and a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models.

[David cote]

Originally Posted by padi56

Look all the dials are made in 3 different factories now all own by Rolex, there has always, and always will be tiny variations of most all dials especially high volume sellers.But most of the tiny differences are mainly noted by the loupe madness WIS, a small proportion of sales compared to the general buying public.Plus the mainsprings are outsourced made by Schwab-Feller AG,the movement synthetic ruby bearings and cap jewel bearings,crystals,spring-bars,all screws movement and bracelet screws outsourced, and a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models.

Thank you Peter!

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by padi56

Look all the dials are made in 3 different factories now all own by Rolex, there has always, and always will be tiny variations of most all dials especially high volume sellers.But most of the tiny differences are mainly noted by the loupe madness WIS, a small proportion of sales compared to the general buying public.Plus the mainsprings are outsourced made by Schwab-Feller AG,the movement synthetic ruby bearings and cap jewel bearings,crystals,spring-bars,all screws movement and bracelet screws outsourced, and a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models.

That’s great and all, but why would the dial “artwork” vary regardless of vendor? Rolex SA created the dial artwork and distributed to various vendors for production. One would think the dials produced would be consistent across vendors regardless, and that any variation of the design is a direct (intentional) result of revised artwork from Rolex. I can’t see these variations over the years simply due to differences in product sourcing. Not for a company as exacting as Rolex.