Explorer 1016 dials

[gsg]

Is it normal to see a degree of print variation, font size, font thickness, coronet shapes, etc. across same model dials? below are dial close ups of three sample Explorers barely two years apart in production. See the difference?

Watch 1: Explorer R series c.1988:




Watch 2: Explorer L series c.1989:



Watch 3: Explorer L series c.1989:

[gsg]

I thought this might have been an interesting topic to discuss. Given the lack of responses, it seems as if it is expected then to see some degree of variation in print across watches of the same model? Was Rolex outsourcing dials from different manufacturers back in the day, or different production sites, hence the variation?

[U5512]

Absolutely, it's expected to have variations (thick/thin fonts, serifs, etc.,) in dial printing. For Subs, GMTs, and Explorers there are MkI, MKII, MKIII, dials, etc,.