5712/1A dial variation (not color)

[Acquisition40]

Hello everyone,

I've been a long time reader of the forum, and I've always found it helpful, interesting, and fun. Here's my first post, since I couldn't find any other information regarding this:

Dial variation between the 3712A and the 5712A has been discussed as well as the dial color difference between the earlier vs later versions of the 5712A. However, I was wondering if there have been further changes as of late.

For instance, I found that the hour markers on the 5 and 7 positions have become bolder dots rather than the standard minute dots (as shown on Patek's website and on actual current production models).

I think it's actually a subtle and helpful improvement to improve legibility (not that legibility was ever an issue to begin with).

Anyone else notice this; any idea when this change began to happen; and any other subtle changes?

S

[Helmi]

I searched the photos on the Instagram of the 5712 and I could only find the following 2 photos showing very tiny difference in size of the 5 and 7 o'clock dots.

[ts3]

Had not noticed this before. The 360 movie on the Patek website still shows the old version w uniform small dots, the other photos the new version.

Introducing these Calatrava style bold dots at certain hour markers makes a busy dial just a little more busy. No big deal either way.

[Ichiran]

Great first post, S!

[gilluminati204]

Absolutely love that they made them bolder. It makes a huge difference. Thanks for sharing.

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[Busyboy]

Good observations


Welcome

[AK797]

Nice spot, def helps.

[Acquisition40]

Thanks! It's fascinating for two reasons.

1. There must be someone within the company (maybe Thierry Stern himself?) who reviews current models and thinks about making small improvement now and then. This seems like a more recent change, perhaps in the past year or two. It's SUCH a small detail, yet a very definitive change.

2. Also, following the point above, albeit just two dots changing, there must've been some sort of review and approval process followed by changes in how the dials are produced, even if it's just replacing or reprogramming one or two tools in the dial manufacturing process.

I do wonder if Patek thinks about certain repercussions about dial variants in terms of how it might affect past/current/future 5712 owners depending on changes. Certain people seem to care about 5230's "Hong Kong" change to "Beijing", and there's definitely a lot of conversation revolving dial variants within the Rolex community (i.e. 1680, SD43, etc.).

The thing is, while there are purely cosmetic or production reasons for some changes, this seems to be more so a pragmatic change... a change that didn't need to happen, but still did with the intention of improving readability!

S

[tp.]

Seems like the dot changed took place sometime this year maybe to justify the price hike back in June

[JR16]

Nice pickup!
I got mine one year ago and can confirm dial is the “old” one (uniform minute dots).


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[Passionata]

great find