Rolex Dial Backs

[spoilsofwar01]

Hi I've been looking on the RWF for more info on the rears of the dials, (one example attached, please note I don't own this dial.) is it common place to find grinding marks scratches on the reverse of the dial and are the locator pins to prevent the dial from turning in the case when worn? I'm interested to learn more so any information would be greatly welcome in particularly the various makers and marks, many thanks "H"

[Richard Carver]

Yes, the technical term is butt ugly. yours actually looks suspiciously clean. Also known as mullet dials; all business up front and a party in the back. The pegs are indeed to keep the dial from rotating,

[Paul]

I've never handled a loose, later issue Sub dial ( white gold plot surrounds like the OP has shown ) and had always assumed that the plot surrounds were simply bonded to the dial surface. Seems I was wrong.

Not so easy to source pics of loose, later issue dials but a scout around the net found me a few. I see that pins were indeed used to lock the plot surrounds into place and there's a real mix of end results too. I see dials where the pins can be clearly seen (no grinding marks). other dials with neat, regular grinding marks, and some examples with clumsy, haphazard grinding marks like we see on the dial referenced by the OP.

I can't vouch for the authenticity of the dial referenced by the OP ( possibly AOK ) but I think the manufacturing process looks legit.

Here's a link to a nice dial that sold on VRF last year. A good example cos it shows a real mix of visible pins and grinding marks showing on the back view pic of this one

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20767...age/1457210451

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

are the locator pins to prevent the dial from turning in the case when worn?

The 'locator pins' are called dial 'feet'.