Unusual typeface (font) for the Rolex GMT date?

[InternetUser]

This post is about the Rolex GMT watches. I've noticed that the typeface (font) used for displaying the date is rather unusual. It looks similar to the 'Comic Sans' font on the Windows systems. Some of the digits, such as 6 and 9 look like they were scrawled by an amateur artist.

It's strange that an ultra-expensive brand would use such an unusual typeface in their watches! Is there any story behind the typeface? However, the typeface for 'Submariner' and Sea Dweller' look proper.

Is it likely that these were replica watches? Where can I see pictures of the true Rolex GMT date typeface?

[InternetUser]

I did a Google search for the Rolex GMT images. It seems that those watches were probably the real thing. It'd still be great if anyone posts images of the GMT and the Submariner watches.
Thanks.

[InternetUser]

I've attached an image (GMT_Date_TypeFace.jpg) below.

Note the digit '6' in the date section of the picture!

I've to confess that I haven't seem many Rolex watches in these parts, and I don't own a Rolex either. However, I plan to own a Rolex Submariner someday. I was doubtful whether the Rolex that I'd seen was the real thing, that's the reason I've been researching on the internet.

I still don't know whether the watch in the image is real or a copy. It'd be great if anyone here could confirm whether the real watch has this type of digits!

[Lol-x]

Hi and welcome.
The typeface of the open 6 and 9 is well known and real, they appear on vintage models.
The watch in your photo would be either a 1675 (slow set date) or 16750 (quick set date). Although I have had both I prefer the former.
I hope this helps a little.

[mike]

Very real. The "opens" as they're reffered to was the norm on vintage pieces. If memory serves that typeface was used well into the 80s depending on reference.

Here's a gilt dial 1675,

[Tools]

I love the look of the open 6's & 9's.

And I dearly love the open tritium and weathered dial font on a vintage GMT.