Red Submariner Mark IV or V

[rotiprata]

Hey Guys!

This is my first foray into vintage watches and yes the first had to be a Red Submariner 1680. I am very excited about it! However the process of finding the right one proves tough with all the variation and different dials.

Currently I am torn in between Mark IV and Mark V.

I would love for your help guys, those with either Marks to weigh in on the
Red Submariner line print. I understand the Mark IV Red Submariner Line is printed over a initial white Submariner Line, whereby the Mark V is a directly printed on the dial. I have seen some samples where those Mark IV and below had the red paint fade off the submariner wording, making it almost white.
From a durability stand point, is it wise to get the Mark V since it's printed directly and how desirable are the Mark IV to you guys! Would love any additional opinions as well! :)

Cheers guys

[mbc]

I have a Mark IV, but over time have come to like the Mark V slightly better, more for the crown and the typeface of the "ROLEX". But honestly, i would focus much, much more on the condition of the dial and watch vs. whether its a IV or V.

My .02

[swaini3]

It does not make a difference. Just go with the better condition.

[athom]

The only interesting thing is either you take a meter first mkI/II/III or feet first mkIV/V/VI.

If you decided for feet first then only the condition is important (everything genuine and fitting timewise obviously)...

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by swaini3

It does not make a difference. Just go with the better condition.

As above!

[btinl]

I prefer the appearance of the red print on top of white on the Mark IV.

[Dan S]

There is way too much emphasis on these silly minutiae. Junk like this, promoted by dealers and bloggers is just an effort to make everything sound special. The only point in paying attention to these details is to confirm that the watch is correct, otherwise it doesn't matter. Find a watch that floats your boat, and enjoy it.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dan S

There is way too much emphasis on these silly minutiae. Junk like this, promoted by dealers and bloggers is just an effort to make everything sound special. The only point in paying attention to these details is to confirm that the watch is correct, otherwise it doesn't matter. Find a watch that floats your boat, and enjoy it.

x100. I'll go even further and say even meters-first vs. feet-first is irrelevant, although I realize the OP's examples are both feet-first.

Just get the best condition example you can find (and afford). Same goes for any watch.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

There is way too much emphasis on these silly minutiae.

Originally Posted by swish77

x100. I'll go even further and say even meters-first vs. feet-first is irrelevant

But what else would we nerd out about?

[subx]

MKIV for me , love those open 6s

one thing to take into consideration @rotiprata :
MKV have later serial numbers and some late serial numbers get close to black dial territory = closer to possible dial swaps...

FYI