Written by BJSOnline

Page 3
 
The Dials on the Rolex "Double Red" Sea-Dweller.

Mark I

Big Seadweller/Submariner

Circa 1967

Known as the Big Double Red Sea Dweller dial. The rare MK1 dial is where the font is the same size on the two lines of Red Writing.

Only 114 of these dials with Patent Pending case backs were produced and only a few exist today and are known as the Patent Pending Double Red Sea-Dwellers.

The two line of Red Writing in this version fade to a beautiful WhitishPpink shade. This is because the printing on the dial is first White on Black and then Red on White, so as to highlight the Red Writing, but in these dials the Red paint used reacted with the White paint and turned Whitish Pink.
Mark II

"2000ft=610m" Small Font

Circa 1967-70

Know as the "Smudge" Crown dial due to the fact that printing of the Rolex Crown actually looks a mess.

In these dials the font size 2000 is larger than the font size of SUBMARINER and the depth rating 2000ft = 610m is smaller than the Mk1V dial.

Mark III

"2000ft=610m" Small Font

Circa 1971-73

A much improved and perfect Rolex Crown printing and very slight differences in the font and position.

For example in the the 1st R in the Word SUBMARINER is under the hyphen. In the "Clear" Rolex Crown dial the "A" in the word SUBMARINER is under the hyphen.

In the "Smudge" Rolex Crown dial you will always find that the "W" in Dweller will always be touching the "D", where as in the MK111 version there will be a slight space.

Also the Red Writing printing is Red on Black.

Mark IV

"2000ft=610m" Large Font

 Circa 1974-1977

Last tritium version of the Double Red Sea Dweller Dials and one immediately notices several differences to the MK111 Version:-

-a larger and wider printing of the Rolex Crown

-SUBMARINER and 2000 printed in the same font size.

-depth rating 2000ft=610m has a larger font then the MK11 version.

-the Red Writing printing is White on Black, and then Red on White.

Mark V

Luminova

 Circa 2000-2005

Rolex Service Luminova Replacement Dial.

 

As can be seen on the 5 close up scans of the dials, the Rolex Crown and fonts used are cleary different.

Personal Conclusion.

The Rolex Sea-Dweller has a very exciting development history, a cult status in its lifetime, and a great future. The dials are very pleasing to the eye, the case has "Comex" collaboration written all over it, and its place in a book of "Historic Timepieces" is assured.

TheSea-Dweller is also comfortable to wear once one gets over the initial shock of its size and weight. It does not look out of place whether one is wearing jeans or a suit. And...its keeps near perfect time.

Update on the Double Red Sea Dweller (November 2005).

Well what a difference a few years make. Collectors with the help of more informed information have finally understood the Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller, and it is now a "Must Have" in a Rolex Sport Collection.

At the time of writing it is now one of the most sought after Rolex Divers watch and near to reaching Daytona heights and status. I think the demand for this "All Rounder" (Its a cricket phrase) will only get stronger.

©BJSOnline.com, 2002.