Rail Dial

[jw72]

Hello,
Still searching for vintage Sea Dweller. I found a 1978 and the seller said it is very special because it has a "Rail Dial”. I understand the dial was only made a few years, 77-79. I look at other dials the same years the C’s do not line up like the ones the seller has.
my question:Is a Rail Dial really worth more? Why do most of the 78 and 79 models for sale is see lack the Rail Dial?
Thank you,
JW
I added a description if the Rail Dial: Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665, Between 1977 and 1979, the ref. 1665 could be found with a unique characteristic that involved the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ and ‘Officially Certified’ lines of text that appear above the six o’clock hour marker.

You will notice that the ‘C’ in both ‘Chronometer’ and ‘Certified’ line up almost perfectly. Take a look at the Tritium dial below for comparison and you’ll notice they’re not in line at all. They are almost parallel on this dial (kind of like the rails on a train track), hence the ‘Rail Dial’ nickname.
Here are all the differences between the rail and regular dial in case anyone wanted to know.


1. The "C" of Chronometer lines up with the "C" of Certified of the line below.

2. Secondly the font of the depth markings are always in italics

3. The hour markers (tritium dots) are closer to the minute track than the regular dial

4. The only version of the SD dials where is marked "T SWISS T <25", including COMEX 1665

5. Longer minute markers.

6. Serial 5.7mil to 6.2 mil.

Information found on doubleredseadweller.com

[swaini3]

Yes, rail dials are more expensive / collectable. Years and serial numbers are not concrete and there are overlaps. Also note the dials are made by different suppliers, hence the slight differences. Point no. 2 is on other dials as well.
Buy "condition" and what you like.

[Dan S]

It is of course useful to categorize and identify dial variations for historical reasons and to help identify watches that have original parts. And perhaps it is logical that a dial variation that is visually different and interesting would sell for a premium, like a Maxi dial, a dial with a red depth rating, or a 1675 radial dial, However, I would personally have a hard time paying a premium for a dial variation that has absolutely nothing special about it.

[baumare]

While I appreciate the Rail Dial on the Explorer 16550, the rail writing on the 1665 doesn't have the same effect on me.
With that said, if the condition of the watch are good and you like the price, why not, still an "uncommon" version of the already beautiful 1665...

[Haywood_Milton]

The rail dial version of the Great White 1665 may enjoy something of a halo-effect from the famous dial fitted to most of the Comex 1665s :



The large "comex" graphic is not the only point of difference between the civilian and Comex dials, though....



Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

The rail dial version of the Great White 1665 may enjoy something of a halo-effect from the famous dial fitted to most of the Comex 1665s :



The large "comex" graphic is not the only point of difference between the civilian and Comex dials, though....



Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Beautiful, both with 600 m!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It is of course useful to categorize and identify dial variations for historical reasons and to help identify watches that have original parts. And perhaps it is logical that a dial variation that is visually different and interesting would sell for a premium, like a Maxi dial, a dial with a red depth rating, or a 1675 radial dial, However, I would personally have a hard time paying a premium for a dial variation that has absolutely nothing special about it.

Well said, Dan. I find rail dials one of the most over-hyped details on any vintage Rolex dial (next to meters first), and I'd never pay a premium for one, unless the rest of the watch was so excellent I couldn't pass it up.

OP, how 'bout some photos of the SD you're considering?

[jw72]

Thank you all, those Comex dials are amazing. I think I am going to go for one, not pay up but interesting. For those who can not afford double red on the dial, me.

[ILuvSubs]

I personally like the uniqueness of the Rail Dial, its connection with the Comex 1665s (as well as its comparative affordability!) and how it had a relatively short production run. I also like the symmetry of how the SCOC lines up, which means you can always pick a Rail Dial out from other Great Whites at first glance. Different strokes for different folks.

If you think the Rail Dial appears over-priced compared to a standard Great White, you should check out the price of the Mark 0 1665 Great White that is listed on Tropical Watch at the moment (!).