Serial Range: 15xxxxx-17xxxxx (estimated)

This newly identified dial variant may represent the transition between gilt and matte series as it shares printing cliches with the Type 2 and 4 gilt dials but is a matte dial. As it is newly identified, there is limited information about it beyond the dial’s characteristics, which are described below. Notably, a similar “transitional” Mark 0 dial is seen for the 1675, where an early matte dial uses a gilt dial cliche.

I have only confirmed one example of this dial and am on the hunt for more. Multiple dealers have told me that they have handled examples, but I have yet to see pictures of another. If you have a Mark 0 or have seen one, please let me know!

The Tell: Here are macros of the dial followed by comparisons and mash-ups of this Mark 0 dial with the Type 2 gilt dial, which shares the same Rolex and SCOC font. Since it uses the same cliche, the easiest way to distinguish this from other dials is the very ‘stringy’ coronet, which has a wide base that juts out to the sides. Like some of the early Mark 1 frog foots, the lume is thickly applied and has a “band-aid” texture (which you can see in the macro below) and the handset is flat.

Picture Credit: Michael Morgan