The Marks of Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 Red Writing - Blog

 

Based on my experience, the Submariner 1680 Red Writing was produced in six different versions of the dial.

The graphics of the dial despite being made with the same cliché can vary in sharpness and thickness depending on the state of wear of the clichè and the mold.

So, the thickness of the writing is a parameter not to be kept in mind to evaluating the Marks.

Important instead focus on the Fonts.

We learn to recognize them.

Pre-Series MK0

 

As can be seen in the photos, the Pre-Series Mk0 was produced in two different Meter First versions, with and without circle ring , both without minute graduation. The first shows the word Swiss Made, the second one Swiss-T <25. Looking closely, you can notice that the writing "Submariner" is written from a white base covered with red paint. The 6 of the depth is open in the version with hoops and closed in the second version. The writings are graceful. Note the F of the depth, which is long and covers the upper part of the T.

So, in summary the characteristics of the MK0 dial are:

  • Absence of the minute graduation
  • Meter First
  • Over White
  • F curves above the T
  • Graceful Font
  • Serial numbers 1,2 -1,9 million from 1965 to 1968

 

MK1

 

From Mk1 all dials have the minute graduation and the wording Swiss -T <25.

Characteristics of Mk I :

  • Meters First
  • Over White
  • Closed 6
  • F curves above the T
  • Graceful font
  • Serial numbers about 2.07 - 2,2 million, year 1969

MK2

 

The Mark II and Mark III dials can be found either black or turned brown. The brown dials were the result of a manufacturing defect to bring the metal base of the dial to oxidize. The oxidation then moved to the black paint that turned so brown.

The main characteristic that distinguishes an Mk2 from an Mk3 is the F shape of the First writing.

Characteristics of MK2:

  • Meter First
  • Over white
  • Open 6
  • Long curves F above the T
  • Thin Font
  • Serial numbers from 2,2 to 2,45 million, year 1970

MK3

The MarK 3 is the first to present the Submariner WRITING printed directly on the dial in red, without any base, a common feature also in MK5 and MK6.

Caratteristiche del MK III:

  • Meters First
  • Submariner Writing directly printed in Red
  • Open 6
  • Short F
  • Thin graceful font
  • Serial Numbers from about 2,2 to 2,45 million, year 1970

MK4

The MK4 marks the transition from the Meter First to Feet First.

Characteristics of Mk4:

  • Feet First
  • Over white
  • Open 6
  • Thicker Font of the Submariner writing
  • Serial Numbers about 2.45 to 3 million, years 1971/72

 

MK5

 

Characteristics of Mk IV:

  • Feet First
  • Submariner Writing directly printed in Red
  • Slightly Open 6 very graceful
  • Thin graceful font
  • Serial Numbers about from 2 to 3 million, years from 1971 to 1973

 

MK6

 

The Mk6 is immediately distinguished from the others by the presence of the closed 6 and the open Rolex crown fan-shaped with accentuated oval base.

Characteristics of Mk VI:

  • Feet First
  • Submariner Writing directly printed in Red
  • Closed 6
  • No graceful Font
  • S of "Superlative" very round and not crushed
  • Serial Numbers from 3,5 million circa  to 4 million circa, from 1973 to 1975

 

Font Comparison

 

Comparison of Rolex crowns

 

Graphic Comparison Font - Crowns

 

Thanks to Virginia Giansoldati for her collaboration.

Stefano Mazzariol

30/11/2018