Rolex "art dials": Airplane, Racecar, RMS Mary, soccer players. Any others?

[powerfunk]

I find Rolex's exotic "art dials" pretty interesting. I'm not including the many cloisonne enamel dials Rolex made; those are beautiful but those are a different thing. These seem to be printed drawings. Has anyone seen any drawing/art dials other than these 4?


1954 World Cup dial:


RMS Queen Mary:


Airplane:


Racecar:

[offrdmania]

If I recall, they were aftermarket dials from the 80s when Bubblebacks were all the rage. Just look at the airplane. That isnt a plane from the 40s, its a plane from the late 70s or 80s. The world cup dial is "commemorating" and not original to 1954.
Its the same how you can find pot leaves, JFK, Mickey Mouse and Snoopy on 6694 dials all over eBay today. Aftermarket.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If I recall, they were aftermarket dials from the 80s when Bubblebacks were all the rage. Just look at the airplane. That isnt a plane from the 40s, its a plane from the late 70s or 80s.

I agree.

I question if the advertising dials from the 70's and 80's were factory done as well. Even the Tiffany signed dials.

I am unaware of anyone showing receipt work or advertising stating that Rolex had done the work. I think the appliques were commissioned by or done by the jewelers that sold the Rolex watches. (I know that's not a popular theory.)

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The world cup dial is "commemorating" and not original to 1954.

What makes you say that?

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Its the same how you can find pot leaves, JFK, Mickey Mouse and Snoopy on 6694 dials all over eBay today. Aftermarket.

I'm well aware of those. There many unknown Rolex-made logo dials, too. You have to consider a lot of things to tell between the two: quality of the printing, consistency of style, if the dial looks like it came blank at the bottom (no chronometer/precision text). I'll grant you the airplane one is sketchy but I'd be surprised if the soccer one is aftermarket personally.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I think the appliques were commissioned by or done by the jewelers that sold the Rolex watches. (I know that's not a popular theory.)

The fact that Rolex made branded dials for companies/organizations is not in doubt. There is advertising from the 1950's specifically touting this option, and how they're great awards for workers etc.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

What makes you say that?

It says it in the picture.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

The fact that Rolex made branded dials for companies/organizations is not in doubt. There is advertising from the 1950's specifically touting this option, and how they're great awards for workers etc.

The quality is too low to be a factory done dial. They look like paper

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

It says it in the picture.

I wrote that on the picture because I thought it looked better than the "hosted by Photobucket" logo. Switzerland hosted the World Cup in 1954 so it makes sense.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

There is advertising from the 1950's specifically touting this option, and how they're great awards for workers etc.

Can you post a photo of the advertising from Rolex?
I have never seen this, on line or in reference books.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Can you post a photo of the advertising from Rolex?
I have never seen this, on line or in reference books.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Those are printed on a factory dial and engraved in the case. The dials above look like replaced paper dials adhered to the movement. Has anyone opened up one of these watches and actually looked at the dial?
I still think these are from the height of the bubble back craze in the 80s.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I still think these are from the height of the bubble back craze in the 80s.

Yeah you're likely right about the plane/ship/racecar. The soccer one really doesn't seem aftermarket to me though. Also that's a particular model they seemed to use for a lot of exotic dials.