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Old 9 May 2017, 03:48 AM   #1
saskmh
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Rolex 16760 Fat Lady Dial Variations

I have a particular fondness for the lesser common versions of watch models and am a research-aholic. So, having a Fat Lady that I've obtained form its original owner in my collection has led me into hours upon hours of research and compiling information about this obscure reference.

I have read "Orchi's" thread about the 16760 dial variations many times and feel that there is another variation that he didn't cover.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=76416

Mk1 Dial "No date" (1983/84)
Very rare first year production with "OYSTER PERPETUAL" estimated 8.3-8.4m serial number range. Notice the rounded "G" on "GMT MASTER II" and the tall coronet. Also, the "I" in "SWISS" does not line up directly above the 31min mark.
The following are 8.4m serial dials:



Mk2 Dial approx 8.4m to 9.43m (1984/85-1986)
This dial variation includes "OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE" and tall coronet. Notice that the rounded "G" in "GMT MASTER II" Also, the "I" in "SWISS" does not line up directly above the 31min mark.
The following is a model from 1985:


9.42m serial (1986) (sorry about the rotation, I can't seem to get it straight):


Mk3 Dial Approx 9.46m to R serial (late 1986 to 1988/89)
Somewhere between the 9.42m and 9.46m serial ranges the dial seems to have changed to a shorter crown and a and different font on the "G" in "GMT MASTER II". This dial variation is very similar (possibly identical) to the dial in the first generation tritium dial of the 16710. Note also, the "I" in "SWISS" now lines up directly above the 31min mark.
The following is a 9.46m serial (1986):


1987 model:


As I continue my findings I will attempt to close in the serial ranges where the changes appear to occur.

As for the possible MK 4 dial (the one Orchi refers to as the MK3) where the SCOC fonts are serif fonts, I have not seen definite evidence to support this variation but I won't rule it out yet as a possible fourth variation.

Thanks
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Old 9 May 2017, 04:10 AM   #2
triethylborane
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Any idea which mk or variation is featured on the service dials?
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Old 9 May 2017, 04:27 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by triethylborane View Post
Any idea which mk or variation is featured on the service dials?
Well the luminova service dials are a beast of their own and pretty clear being marked "SWISS MADE" . I have also seen a version where the "SWISS-T<25" is lined up slightly different. I haven't researched this variation yet and am not sure if this was a repainted dial or a service dial or something else.
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Old 9 May 2017, 04:38 AM   #4
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Awesome research, thanks for doing that. Love to see all the little details up close like that.
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Old 9 May 2017, 05:05 AM   #5
JustinRolex
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Love a fat lady! Good post
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Old 9 May 2017, 09:49 AM   #6
lee fowler
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Here is mine from 1985. One owner and unpolished full set.
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Old 9 May 2017, 11:47 AM   #7
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Gotta love the fat lady.
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Old 10 May 2017, 12:42 AM   #8
triethylborane
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saskmh View Post
Well the luminova service dials are a beast of their own and pretty clear being marked "SWISS MADE" . I have also seen a version where the "SWISS-T<25" is lined up slightly different. I haven't researched this variation yet and am not sure if this was a repainted dial or a service dial or something else.
I'm in the market for a 16760 so I definitely appreciate the info.
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Old 10 May 2017, 12:42 AM   #9
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Here is mine from 1985. One owner and unpolished full set.


Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. I have been looking for one for the last year. So hard to find in good condition with nice patina.
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Old 10 May 2017, 10:33 AM   #10
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My Fat Lady is a late serial (9.6 mil) and has the "I" in Swiss lined up with the 31 second mark, so a MK III dial. Cool stuff here.This dial is virtually identical to my U serial 16710. I have been looking at both to find differences, but have yet to discern them. Thanks for your detailed post and for sharing this with us
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Old 10 May 2017, 11:43 AM   #11
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Here is one I didn't see posted in this thread - the one on the left in the photo below. My belief is that it is one of the first "OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE" signed dials.
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Old 10 May 2017, 12:28 PM   #12
saskmh
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Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
Here is one I didn't see posted in this thread - the one on the left in the photo below. My belief is that it is one of the first "OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE" signed dials.
I am not in front of my computer at the moment but from my phone I don't see any difference between that one and a MK2 dial. Which I agree would be the first "date" dial variation.

Also, The more I research the more I think that there may be a bit of an overlap in years where both the MK2 and MK3 dials were used. Particularly around 1985/86
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Old 10 May 2017, 12:46 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saskmh View Post
I am not in front of my computer at the moment but from my phone I don't see any difference between that one and a MK2 dial. Which I agree would be the first "date" dial variation.

Also, The more I research the more I think that there may be a bit of an overlap in years where both the MK2 and MK3 dials were used. Particularly around 1985/86
Yes I think you could be right as mine seems to fall into that category.
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Old 10 May 2017, 01:02 PM   #14
springer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saskmh View Post
I am not in front of my computer at the moment but from my phone I don't see any difference between that one and a MK2 dial. Which I agree would be the first "date" dial variation.

Also, The more I research the more I think that there may be a bit of an overlap in years where both the MK2 and MK3 dials were used. Particularly around 1985/86
My photo is not the same as the one referred to by you as Mark II.
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:03 AM   #15
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Quote:
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Yes I think you could be right as mine seems to fall into that category.
Lee, what serial number is yours?
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:09 AM   #16
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It is 846**** from 1985.
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:11 AM   #17
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Very nice guys! The manager of my AD wears one and its also a real beauty
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:14 AM   #18
Spyder555
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As relates to the bezel inserts, it appears the later versions, 85, 86 (9.42 and 9.46 serial) you have shown, both have the thicker serif font inserts. Do you think this is accurate?
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:16 AM   #19
lee fowler
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As relates to the bezel inserts, it appears the later versions, 85, 86 (9.42 and 9.46 serial) you have shown, both have the thicker serif font inserts. Do you think this is accurate?
Yes I think that is correct.
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Old 11 May 2017, 03:19 AM   #20
Spyder555
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Thanks Lee. Here is my 9.6 Serial (Late Run)
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Old 20 May 2017, 07:07 AM   #21
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Also love the fat lady. Here´s mine from 1984. No date version. I am pretty sure, that it has never been polished, maybe never been worn...... :-))











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Old 20 May 2017, 08:04 AM   #22
sjg22
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I now know I have a Mk. III dial - love my Fat Lady. My daily wearer and my inseparable companion!

Thanks very much for the info!
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Old 21 May 2017, 10:27 AM   #23
Nikita70
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Also love the fat lady. Here´s mine from 1984. No date version. I am pretty sure, that it has never been polished, maybe never been worn...... :-))













Absolutely gorgeous. If it were mine I would have to wear it. I want a jubilee for mine, it looks great on it.
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Old 21 May 2017, 11:57 AM   #24
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Wow!!! Simply, Wow!!!
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Old 21 May 2017, 02:29 PM   #25
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I love those fat ladies.Mine is an 837xxxx serial. Sadly, my dial is of a later period. I gotta source a period correct dial.
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Old 26 May 2018, 09:10 AM   #26
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Amazing
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Old 2 June 2018, 07:50 PM   #27
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will the non-date dial fit for 8.5 serial?

Advice sought please
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Old 3 June 2018, 01:41 AM   #28
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8.5 would be too late for a “no date” dial
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Old 1 September 2018, 11:53 PM   #29
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Hi, bought mine new in 1985 when 24 years old and have worn it every day since!
Serial No 8405XXX.
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Old 2 September 2018, 02:27 AM   #30
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Hi, bought mine new in 1985 when 24 years old and have worn it every day since!
Serial No 8405XXX.
Congrats on keeping it for so long! Great watch!
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