Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 Dial color variations

[101031-28]

As the title says, are there color differences between the MKI and MKII? Sorry if this has been discussed already, could not find a thread on it. Thanks!

[Manamana]

No difference.

[padi56]

No difference as far as I know and all this Mk stuff only exists in internet land, but dials are made in 3 different factories now all owned by Rolex. So there have always been and always will be tiny variations of fonts even colour on most all Rolex dials, much like its been over the past 40 plus years.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by padi56

No difference as far as I know and all this Mk stuff only exists in internet land, but dials are made in 3 different factories now all owned by Rolex. So there have always been and always will be tiny variations of fonts even colour on most all Rolex dials, much like its been over the past 40 plus years.

there is genuine market price difference between the mk 1 and mk 2 SD43.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by padi56

No difference as far as I know and all this Mk stuff only exists in internet land, but dials are made in 3 different factories now all owned by Rolex. So there have always been and always will be tiny variations of fonts even colour on most all Rolex dials, much like its been over the past 40 plus years.

You're right that there will always be variations in different dials, bezels, etc. perhaps too many to count and perhaps almost too insignificant to designate numbered variations.

However, when you have (for example) 3 distinct color variations like in the case of the 126710BLRO it's absurd to say "this mk stuff" only exists in internet land. There are clearly three obvious variations. In general you're wrong to advise people that these differences might make no difference whatsoever in value, and certainly in preference.

Let's say I want to shell out $9400 on a BLRO or even worse (and more likely) $20k (current market value), I read your post saying this MK stuff doesn't actually exist. So I buy the first one that pops up and find out later there's a different color I would have preferred.

Perhaps it's not a big deal to you, but you should stop acting like these nuances don't exist cause it doesn't conform to how you think everyone else should enjoy and view this hobby.

Additionally, you talk about these small details being non-existent, just hype or internet fantasy, while in reality there are real value differences in some cases, people looking to buy and sell watches stand to lose a lot of money because of your advice.

[padi56]

Try asking Rolex for a Mk1 MK2 or any other Mk dial or bezel, as these are just internet terms used in general by sellers hopefully to charge more money to buyers.

[101031-28]

Thank you for your replies. I was under the impression that later models have more of a satin vs the more matte grey of the first iterations.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by padi56

Try asking Rolex for a Mk1 MK2 or any other Mk dial or bezel, as these are just internet terms used in general by sellers hopefully to charge more money to buyers.

Try asking Rolex to buy a watch, any watch

But no one here is asking Rolex. There's a huge difference to the WIS, experts, general enthusiasts and even casual hobbyists here on the forum than there is at Rolex. It's just a job to 90% of them.

You know the endless list of stupid things SAs have said at Rolex. I had one SA at a boutique tell me the white gold BLRO was a limited edition watch

The "mk stuff" are terms that identify actual and identifiable differences in watches. In some cases there's increased value and rarity and in others there's not. You're right sellers will always try to find ways to charge more for certain details, but they pay more too. The market can be manipulated but there's also something organic about the way certain items become more valuable than others.

To state as the gospel that there's no actual difference in value is absurd and irresponsible, especially as a senior moderator and seriously looked up to member.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by padi56

Try asking Rolex for a Mk1 MK2 or any other Mk dial or bezel, as these are just internet terms used in general by sellers hopefully to charge more money to buyers.

You know Rolex will never acknowledge the small differences. Grey dealers use this term, though. DavidSW advertise SD43 mk1 and charges a grand extra, like other dealers on C24 and elsewhere.

[HK_Expat]

I have a SD43 MK II(only for reference here on TRF)and to me it makes no difference. Paid retail at an AD in 2020 and i am happy.
That being said……..if the “cartel” decides that on the same watch dial, the one without the crown in the middle of SWISS MADE is more valuable, or a flat S, hooked 1, error sticks, rotted out dials they call tropical, spider or sunshine or whatever and they have stock sitting around, the “machine” starts and creates artificial rarity or exclusivity….and boom, inflated prices and keep it pushing on these types of forums and people buy in and pay more…..so be it, it is what it is. These are not Mona Lisa’s we are talking about….a mass produced watch….thats it.
However if you believe that is important and buy it…..you can be sure there is someone else out there like you willing to pay more….the circle of life…not me tho, look at my profile pic….do i look crazy??
No rational to this but it does exist, as evidence in the for sale section here and everyone is trying to cash in.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Thank you for your replies. I was under the impression that later models have more of a satin vs the more matte grey of the first iterations.

where did you learn that? i have the first iteration(mk1) SD43 and certainly has a matte black dial.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by rambo99

where did you learn that? i have the first iteration(mk1) SD43 and certainly has a matte black dial.

Sorry meant to say matte black.

[strafer_kid]

Presumably any variation if there was one, would be virtually minimal and unnoticeable?

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

You know Rolex will never acknowledge the small differences. Grey dealers use this term, though. DavidSW advertise SD43 mk1 and charges a grand extra, like other dealers on C24 and elsewhere.

Wowzers ! DavidSW will actually charge you 3 grand more for a used mk1, advertised at $18,975, in spite of being 3 years and 2 months older than a used mk2 (at $15,975).

https://davidsw.com/shop/watch/rolex...ler-mark-i-45/

https://davidsw.com/shop/watch/rolex...eadweller-102/

[Galion]

I had the chance to get a MKI at MKII price, I went with the newer watch

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Galion

I had the chance to get a MKI at MKII price, I went with the newer watch

Any reason in particular? Preference for the longer warranty I presume?

[cts]

Newer with crown better than older without…. The crown signifies 70+ hr reserve.

[waterman1]

I believe they both have the same power reserve. I don’t think there is anything different about the mk1 and mk2 but slight aesthetics. Thickness of font, that crown, maybe more bold writing on dial in one area. There are several threads about this so sorry if redundant info.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by cts

Newer with crown better than older without…. The crown signifies 70+ hr reserve.

They both have 70 hour power reserves. The movement is the same in both.

[TswaneNguni]

Used watch dealer la-la land terms,to squeeze more money out of the gullible .

[brandrea]

I’ve never noticed a color variation on the SD43. Stick vs Crown at 6 o’clock yes.

[jets]

Same aside from the 6 o'clock crown.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Thank you for your replies. I was under the impression that later models have more of a satin vs the more matte grey of the first iterations.

Nah.
It's just the light conditions at the time giving a different appearance. They're all the same.
When the 116600 first came out there was some conjecture around it, but I think that's been resolved to conclude there was no difference there either

The only MK I and MK II differences on the 126600 are slight, with the Coronet at the bottom of the dial on all the later ones. The dial of the very earlier ones didn't have the Coronet.
That's the only differentiating factor between MKI and MKII dials on the 126600

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Any reason in particular? Preference for the longer warranty I presume?

Assuming the factory warranty was in place for both examples.
The longer warranty would be a distinct advantage with the movement.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Galion

I had the chance to get a MKI at MKII price, I went with the newer watch

Yep me too. Just wanted the newer watch nothing to do with warranty for me.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve never noticed a color variation on the SD43. Stick vs Crown at 6 o’clock yes.

Originally Posted by Dirt

Nah.
It's just the light conditions at the time giving a different appearance. They're all the same.
When the 116600 first came out there was some conjecture around it, but I think that's been resolved to conclude there was no difference there either

The only MK I and MK II differences on the 126600 are slight, with the Coronet at the bottom of the dial on all the later ones. The dial of the very earlier ones didn't have the Coronet.
That's the only differentiating factor between MKI and MKII dials on the 126600

Thank you

[garyk]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

As the title says, are there color differences between the MKI and MKII? Sorry if this has been discussed already, could not find a thread on it. Thanks!

I have the original a 116 version. I have no idea about a MK l or ll…

[Gab27]

If you really want to get into the weeds, there is some dial variation within each in the sense that the tint on the lume varies, although this appears to be more of a lot-to-lot variation, and these differences are likely further increased by UV exposure over time. It's extremely subtle, so it's close to being irrelevant, but splitting hairs seems to be our bread and butter.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Assuming the factory warranty was in place for both examples.
The longer warranty would be a distinct advantage with the movement.

Movement is the same. But yeah you have at least a 1-2 year advantage on the warranty.