16710: worthy of mk1/mk2/etc. dial distinctions?

[meyers]

Just wondering why the different dial variations found throughout the 18-year run of the 16710 were never given MK1/MK2/etc. distinctions.

For example:

MK1: T<25 dial
MK2: Swiss-only dial
MK3: Swiss Made dial
MK4: "Stick" dial
MK5: "Rectangle" dial

I'm in no way implying anything to do with value here, just merely thinking about references like the 1675 and 5513 which have known Mk variations. Heck some of the newer references have been given Mk1/Mk2 distinctions based on minute differences.

Is the 16710 worthy?

[joli160]

In my opinion with the probably hundreds of thousands 16710 produced it's irrelevant as well for all later 6 digit models

[Andad]

Why not?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by joli160

In my opinion with the probably hundreds of thousands 16710 produced it's irrelevant as well for all later 6 digit models

Have to agree in the real world over the past 50 plus years there has been hundreds of tiny font variations. And IMHO all this Mk1,2.3.4,5,6 stuff only exists in internet land.But today thanks mainly to internet hype many buy the hype with these tiny font differences. Thinking perhaps they have something special and unique instead of watches made in there thousands.But we must remember all Rolex watches by some are listed as being rare,and if its on the net its must be a fact.

[Amazing]

I'd say it's worth having the research on them. I can't speak to whether it would mean anything in terms of value, but could make collecting them more fun for people.

[Dsmith1974]

What’s the rectangle dial?

[SubMarine]

I trust your technical knowledge of Rolex horology. However, concerning any aspect of watches as investments or collectibility, your opinions can safely be ignored. Look no further than your long track record of posting history where you have ridiculed every collectible/investment/polishing thread. Over time, the market has disproven you.

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree in the real world over the past 50 plus years there has been hundreds of tiny font variations. And IMHO all this Mk1,2.3.4,5,6 stuff only exists in internet land.But today thanks mainly to internet hype many buy the hype with these tiny font differences. Thinking perhaps they have something special and unique instead of watches made in there thousands.But we must remember all Rolex watches by some are listed as being rare,and if its on the net its must be a fact.

[strafer_kid]

Not sure about all the hype regarding different dials etc, but the 16710 is great watch in any guise...or dial!

[JParm]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree in the real world over the past 50 plus years there has been hundreds of tiny font variations. And IMHO all this Mk1,2.3.4,5,6 stuff only exists in internet land.But today thanks mainly to internet hype many buy the hype with these tiny font differences. Thinking perhaps they have something special and unique instead of watches made in there thousands.But we must remember all Rolex watches by some are listed as being rare,and if its on the net its must be a fact.

I tend to agree with this. Everything is very hyped on the internet; when I see someone wearing a 16710, the conversation generally revolves around "nice GMT" - not so much "nice fat font bezel insert / interesting dial connotation / what have you...but that's just me!

[Johny]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree in the real world over the past 50 plus years there has been hundreds of tiny font variations. And IMHO all this Mk1,2.3.4,5,6 stuff only exists in internet land.But today thanks mainly to internet hype many buy the hype with these tiny font differences. Thinking perhaps they have something special and unique instead of watches made in there thousands.But we must remember all Rolex watches by some are listed as being rare,and if its on the net its must be a fact.

I hope that you are not including the rare error stick rail dial Peter.

[dhknola]

I personally don't think they 'matter', but I do keep track of the 16710 variations. I think bc it was such a long run that those items matter to collectors, if only to differentiate a very interesting reference. And I am kicking myself for not getting a full kit stick dial 5 years ago.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by meyers

Just wondering why the different dial variations found throughout the 18-year run of the 16710 were never given MK1/MK2/etc. distinctions.

For example:

MK1: T<25 dial
MK2: Swiss-only dial
MK3: Swiss Made dial
MK4: "Stick" dial
MK5: "Rectangle" dial

I'm in no way implying anything to do with value here, just merely thinking about references like the 1675 and 5513 which have known Mk variations. Heck some of the newer references have been given Mk1/Mk2 distinctions based on minute differences.

Is the 16710 worthy?

Probably because too many mk's are just confusing. Plus I think the hobby made up the mk's, no?

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by meyers

Just wondering why the different dial variations found throughout the 18-year run of the 16710 were never given MK1/MK2/etc. distinctions.

For example:

MK1: T<25 dial
MK2: Swiss-only dial
MK3: Swiss Made dial
MK4: "Stick" dial
MK5: "Rectangle" dial

I'm in no way implying anything to do with value here, just merely thinking about references like the 1675 and 5513 which have known Mk variations. Heck some of the newer references have been given Mk1/Mk2 distinctions based on minute differences.

Is the 16710 worthy?

If you wanted to do this for the 16710 you would literally have MK1 thru like MK9. It would be pointless for a mass produced watch with an almost 19 year production run.

[The Libertine]

Nah.... the 16710 reference speaks for itself....

[THC]

Well, by this chart, I now have an MK 1 dial..

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by joli160

In my opinion with the probably hundreds of thousands 16710 produced it's irrelevant as well for all later 6 digit models

Well the fora have established MK1 and MK2 for the 6-digit 126710 BLRO based on color variation, which I think is more relevant than font differences.

For vintage watches, like the 1675, I think the various MKs are useful for collectors, because it can help one determine if a watch appears period correct for its serial number... of course anything can be replaced (as detailed in a recent Hodinkee article), but still it is a useful initial check on authenticity.

[Onikage]

I think we have enough with stick dial, box II and 3186 to go on with.
The sticks and later box II are significant only because they are late in the line and accompany modern features like SELs, semi maxi lume with thinner WG surrounds and sometimes the newer movement used in the revamped 6 digit.
Interestingly the box dial doesn't seem to have created the same stir as those 'error sticks'. I also love me some error sticks. Only because my GMT was my first and I had a choice of about 4 similarly (low) priced when I came to buy it and didn't even notice the sticks being completely unaware of them. Alas I didn't get the new movement though. Bummer.

[meyers]

Originally Posted by ronricks

If you wanted to do this for the 16710 you would literally have MK1 thru like MK9.

Indulge me: what are the four that I missed?

[meyers]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

Well the fora have established MK1 and MK2 for the 6-digit 126710 BLRO based on color variation, which I think is more relevant than font differences.

Arguably, the dial differences are more perceptible than the bezel colors (which some folks still believe to be a myth).

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

For vintage watches, like the 1675, I think the various MKs are useful for collectors, because it can help one determine if a watch appears period correct for its serial number

Perhaps not now, but in time would the same logic not be applicable to the 16710

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by meyers

Indulge me: what are the four that I missed?

Because Rolex is always making small font changes. It doesn’t just apply to the ‘Swiss made’ or ‘swiss’ or tritium dials or ‘error’ dials or stick dial or whatever other things people can make up. You have the font spacing in GMT-Master being:

GMT - Master
GMT- Master
GMT -Master

You of course need a loop to see these and they don’t make the watch anymore valuable or rare on an almost 19 year mass produced watch. Dials all weren’t pressed in the same location during this period. There are tiny minute differences that don’t mean anything. A co-worker of mine got the so called ‘error’ dial from the RSC at Dallas as a replacement when he had it serviced. That alone tells us these dials aren’t really ‘error’ dials it is just internet fantasy and hype.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by meyers

Indulge me: what are the four that I missed?

Usually each time dial text changes it's considered a new iteration so there's probably a bunch more in there as production went on. I actually went through (with the help of some other forum members) and did this for the 16700 earlier this year.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...&postcount=245

[Andad]

Which one do I have?

[meyers]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Usually each time dial text changes it's considered a new iteration so there's probably a bunch more in there as production went on. I actually went through (with the help of some other forum members) and did this for the 16700 earlier this year.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...&postcount=245

Thanks for sharing this! Great job on that post

[Nikrnic]

Another funny dial hype to me is the rare (not) so called stick or error dial which was no error and not a rare dial at all which was also used as service dials. Good hype for sellers..

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[BigAppleBill]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

What’s the rectangle dial?

This:

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Which one do I have?

Sticks

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Robtayham]

It does help to subdivide a mass produced watch into smaller ‘one of hundred’ subgroups. That creates an air of exclusiveness, and helps justify a market value premium.

Maybe those distinctions hold up over time, maybe they don’t. Time will tell.

[SubMarine]

Stick dial = service dial.

[1665fan]

I am getting a mark1 coke full set next week can’t wait!

[Bybybmw]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

This:

Thanks for that post. For a neophyte like myself, it's challenging trying to figure out all the idiosyncrasies.