SD43 Mark 1 vs Mark 2 Dials

[Gebbeth]

When the the SD43 first came out in 2018 as part of the Sea Dweller anniversary model, the 1st year's production batch has a slightly different dial. There was no crown between the "Swiss" and "Made" and the font used on the dial text was slightly different.

As things go, very minor changes.

However, does the differences between the Mark 1 and Mark 2 dials equate to a difference in value? Or the possibility of different values 10-15 years down the line.

I only ask as Rolex collectors seem to go bonkers over small differences in versions, and wondering if this falls under the same umbrella.

[brandrea]

The SeaDweller 126600 was introduced in the spring of 2017.

You are correct about the dial markings on the first generation. As to value, vintage collectors have obsessed over these tiny details so maybe in 25 or 30 years we will know

What would make people go nuts, is if they decided to drop the red text.

[samson66]

Yes it makes a difference, but so far not a huge one

The MK1 is known as the "true anniversary" Sea Dweller since it was only produced (roughly) for the first year.

[Willyjo]

MKI commends about 20% premium over MKII

Collectors care

Check C24


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[Mifune]

it's a production piece... NO DIFFERENCE in valuation except by the few who are into overwhelming minutia.

[alphadweller]

First and foremost, the mk1 is an anniversary edition with few units produced only in 2017, compared to the mk2 in 2018-2022 with at least five times as many units made and counting.

Also, the mk1 saw the arrival of the first SD with 43mm (a departure from classic 40mm SDs), first SD with a cyclops (couldn't be done before), first pro with 3235, only pro with the 3235 and without the crown at 6. "Stick dial" or different font for number 1 (sans serif) in I,220m vs. 1,220m.

It's quite a unique piece from a collector's perspective and we all know how nerdy collectors can be with such minute details, e.g. flat 4 Kermit. Indeed, people remember the first, the last and the little oddities.

Back in January 2022, DavidSW was charging $3.3K more for a 2018 mk1 over a 2019 mk2, both in "excellent condition".

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...3#post11920793

[APPRF]

Mk2 dial a crown was added to show that the new movement 3235 is in the watch, although the Mk1 already had the updated movement 3235. The font is different, and also the depth in Mk1 was a stick I200 vs 1200 in Mk2 . The anniversary dial was stopped after one year, and we do have Mk1 dial cards dated 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 so far. The rarest Mk1 dial will be 2020 card or above if there are any. All Mk1 dials were produced in 2017 regardless of the date on card.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

When the the SD43 first came out in 2018 as part of the Sea Dweller anniversary model, the 1st year's production batch has a slightly different dial. There was no crown between the "Swiss" and "Made" and the font used on the dial text was slightly different.

As things go, very minor changes.

However, does the differences between the Mark 1 and Mark 2 dials equate to a difference in value? Or the possibility of different values 10-15 years down the line.

I only ask as Rolex collectors seem to go bonkers over small differences in versions, and wondering if this falls under the same umbrella.

Do you own one?

[joli160]

It’s a nice sellers argument to gain some extra profit.

After a few decades we will know if this Mk1 Mk2 story did hold up, I guess not

[Manamana]

If the flat 4 held up, I would imagine the Mk1 will hold up.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Mifune

it's a production piece... NO DIFFERENCE in valuation except by the few who are into overwhelming minutia.

Have to agree there 100% but today once the sellers zoom into these tiny miniscule details and the hype starts prices go up to those willing to pay.

[Ten Ten & 32]

Not just the dial differences.

Original 2017 models had different box & white hang tag

An old post about it

SD43 Mk1 v Mk2 differences for the obsessive - like me!
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Ten Ten & 32

Not just the dial differences.

Original 2017 models had different box & white hang tag

An old post about it

SD43 Mk1 v Mk2 differences for the obsessive - like me!
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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Box size, and box size mentioned on white tag doesn't matter. The box doesn't come with the watch, the tag does. Some ADs don't match the box with the size mentioned in the tag. Some SD43 Mk1 dials from late 2017 and all SD43 Mk1 dials from 2018 upwards will come with a medium box and tag, and some with large box and medium size tag. Box and tag don't matter in distinguishing Mk1 from Mk2. A lot of ADs keep the white tag. A white tag can be printed easily with any information you want, and original small Rolex boxes can be found all over the net.

[samson66]

This thread needs pictures.

My MK1 in year 5 of my ownership



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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Thus thread needs pictures.

My MK1 in year 5 of my ownership



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[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Love the story behind yours. I still can't believe you got the same SD43 back after selling it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Love the story behind yours. I still can't believe you got the same SD43 back after selling it.

Thank you buddy

Yes, that was pretty crazy ... I never expected it to make its way back to me. @jets is a man of his word

20220322_161900.jpg

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[jets]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

When the the SD43 first came out in 2018 as part of the Sea Dweller anniversary model, the 1st year's production batch has a slightly different dial. There was no crown between the "Swiss" and "Made" and the font used on the dial text was slightly different.

As things go, very minor changes.

However, does the differences between the Mark 1 and Mark 2 dials equate to a difference in value? Or the possibility of different values 10-15 years down the line.

I only ask as Rolex collectors seem to go bonkers over small differences in versions, and wondering if this falls under the same umbrella.

Long term probably will make a difference. Early on even 5 years after 5-digit LV was released most people couldn't give two shits for that watch. Now it's Y serial flat 4 fever.

[jets]

Originally Posted by samson66

Love the story behind yours. I still can't believe you got the same SD43 back after selling it.

Me neither

[Jakey]

Originally Posted by Ten Ten & 32

Not just the dial differences.

Original 2017 models had different box

The sticker on the outer white box of my Mk1 states 'Deepsea Anniversary'. Guess that was an error?? I received mine shortly after the launch.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Jakey

The sticker on the outer white box of my Mk1 states 'Deepsea Anniversary'. Guess that was an error?? I received mine shortly after the launch.

Like I said the watches don't come with boxes. Some ADs just give any box, and some if you ask them to give you a smaller or bigger box they will do that.

[Ten Ten & 32]

Originally Posted by Manamana

Box size, and box size mentioned on white tag doesn't matter. The box doesn't come with the watch, the tag does. Some ADs don't match the box with the size mentioned in the tag. Some SD43 Mk1 dials from late 2017 and all SD43 Mk1 dials from 2018 upwards will come with a medium box and tag, and some with large box and medium size tag. Box and tag don't matter in distinguishing Mk1 from Mk2. A lot of ADs keep the white tag. A white tag can be printed easily with any information you want, and original small Rolex boxes can be found all over the net.

The 2017 tags were printed with ‘S’ which denotes a small box.

2018 onward tags printed with ‘M’ for medium box.

Regardless of whether the AD gives a small or medium box, doesn’t change the fact there is a difference between the accessories issued with the first edition watches with no crown & later models issued with crown at 6.

In 20 years if someone is trying to sell a watch as a first generation but the tag has an ‘M’ notation then it’s probably had a dial swap.

Info like that is invaluable to protect future collectors.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ten Ten & 32

The 2017 tags were printed with ‘S’ which denotes a small box.

2018 onward tags printed with ‘M’ for medium box.

Regardless of whether the AD gives a small or medium box, doesn’t change the fact there is a difference between the accessories issued with the first edition watches with no crown & later models issued with crown at 6.

In 20 years if someone is trying to sell a watch as a first generation but the tag has an ‘M’ notation then it’s probably had a dial swap.

Info like that is invaluable to protect future collectors.


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Yep thats what mine is. Purchased May 4. 2017.

20200620_114717.jpg

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jets

Me neither

Don’t worry Mario, our deal is still in tact

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Ten Ten & 32

The 2017 tags were printed with ‘S’ which denotes a small box.

2018 onward tags printed with ‘M’ for medium box.

Regardless of whether the AD gives a small or medium box, doesn’t change the fact there is a difference between the accessories issued with the first edition watches with no crown & later models issued with crown at 6.

In 20 years if someone is trying to sell a watch as a first generation but the tag has an ‘M’ notation then it’s probably had a dial swap.

Info like that is invaluable to protect future collectors.


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There were SD43 without a crown at 6 (Mk1) issued with white tags printed with M white tags and sold with 2018 to 2020 cards. The tags have nothing to do with the Mk1 dial. Also it's very easy to forge the white tags and card. Any forgery or fake Mk1 dial will come with a fake 2017 card and white tag that has S printed on it, because any forger will be stupid if he puts any other year on card. A buyer will be safer buying a 2018 upwards card than a 2017 card. The main thing is checking the dial to be perfectly sure. Also there is still no big difference in price between Mk1 and Mk2 for forgers to go through all that hassle now, so anyone who bought from grey so far is safe. We are talking 10 years ahead if any.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Manamana

There were SD43 without a crown at 6 (Mk1) issued with white tags printed with M white tags and sold with 2018 to 2020 cards. The tags have nothing to do with the Mk1 dial. Also it's very easy to forge the white tags and card. Any forgery or fake Mk1 dial will come with a fake 2017 card and white tag that has S printed on it, because any forger will be stupid if he puts any other year on card. You will be safer buying a 2018 upwards card than a 2017 card. The main thing is checking the dial to be perfectly sure.

I’m not sure what you’re saying here. Mine was bought at the Rolex boutique in Toronto.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m not sure what you’re saying here. Mine was bought at the Rolex boutique in Toronto.

Not talking about your watch bro. Read what I wrote carefully, I'm saying even if a Mk1 dial has a white tag with M size box it's legit, it doesn't have to have an S white tag. I'm sure your watch is legit.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Jakey

The sticker on the outer white box of my Mk1 states 'Deepsea Anniversary'. Guess that was an error?? I received mine shortly after the launch.

Wow.
How interesting is that?
I wonder how that ever came about

As a longtime Rolex collector, I would be rather inclined to hang onto that watch, box and eveverything else that goes with it, just because of the outright novelty factor

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Manamana

Not talking about your watch bro. Read what I wrote carefully, I'm saying even if a Mk1 dial has a white tag with M size box it's legit, it doesn't have to have an S white tag. I'm sure your watch is legit.

I read it your post a few times ... thats why I thought it was worth the ask

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[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Manamana

Like I said the watches don't come with boxes. Some ADs just give any box, and some if you ask them to give you a smaller or bigger box they will do that.

Point taken.
However, there has never been any DEEPSEA ANIVERSARY watch.
So the curiosity factor is in how it came to be that a sticker like that ever came to be on it in the first instance