Serial Range: 516xxx-596xxx, 901xxx

This dial, along with the other chapter ring variations, are the first of the 1016 dials with the “superlative chronometer / officially certified” or ‘SCOC’ text that is seen on all 1016’s except for the transitional OCC dial. The SCOC designated the movement to the newer 15xx base calibre for Rolex that came with the microstella adjustment.

While designated the ‘Type 1,’ all three types of 1016 chapter ring SCOC dials appear to start at the 516xxx serial range, which is the same as that of the OCC dials. Unlike the other two chapter ring SCOC dials, however, this dial is almost exclusively seen in the 516-596xxx range. There are several underline dials known in the 901xxx range, but these dials generally do not have exclamations marks, whereas Type 2 and 3 dials do.

The Tell: When differentiating these dials, look at the crowns. They are all fairly different. The Type 1 has a short and simple crown with a simple base. The Type 2 is very ‘stringy’ with a wide base that juts out to the sides. The Type 3 is tall and cartoonish with large pearls at the top. All these dials were made with the intention of having radium lume and therefore are designated “swiss” at the bottom, unlike the later “T<25” designation for tritium.

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Picture Credit: Ancienne Vintage Watches, HQ Milton