Double Red Sea-Dweller Dial Variations

The Double Red Sea-Dweller Dials

There are at least seven different variations of the DRSD dials that were sold to the public. There are dials with only a single line in red, and other dials with two lines of red without “2000.” Early Sea-Dwellers did not always have the helium escape valve — however those very early versions were limited examples not available to the public and are covered separately in the Single Red (Mark 00) and Mark 0 sections.

The initial dial’s print is in red, possibly printed over white paint, with both lines in similar size fonts. A few of these have faded and the lettering almost looks pink or white. The coronet is clearly delineated and flat, but the “O” under the spikes can be clearly visualized. Most of these dials have the “patent pending” caseback and serial numbers between 1.7 and 2.2 million.

Version I — Mark I Dial

Key Fact: The Mark I dial is the only dial found exclusively on the Patent Pending DRSD. It does not appear on any other model.

Version I — Mark I Dial, full view

Version I — red text faded to light pink

Version I — coronet detail, flat bottom

Version I — additional detail

Version II — Mark II Dial

The second version of the dial is seen in approximately 1.7 million cases. The distinguishing characteristic is the print — usually applied directly onto the dial, bright red and crisp. The font is smaller on the second line. The dial sometimes changed color from matte black to a light brown or chocolate color, known to collectors as a “tropical” or “chocolate” dial.

Version II — Mark II Dial

Version II — print detail

Version II — coronet detail

Version III

This version has been seen in a few authentic watches. The red print is very similar to Version II, but the coronet is clearly printed with a flat bottom — more like Version I. A key identifying detail: the “D” in Sea-Dweller lines up with the “R” in Submariner 2000. On Version II, the “D” in Sea-Dweller lines up with the “I” in Submariner 2000. The depth marking spacing is also different from Version II.

Version III — note alignment of “D” over “R” in second line

Version III — coronet detail. Photos: Ashton

Version IV — Most Common

The final version marketed for general production and the most common type of dial. The red print is clear but not heavy — when viewed through a loupe, it appears to be made of dots. The font of the red lettering is significantly larger on the top line. The coronet is large with clearly defined spikes, and the “O” under the coronet is quite prominent.

Version IV — general production dial

Version IV — print and coronet detail

Version IV — close-up

Mark V

A later version of the dial. The coronet is similar to the Mark II. The writing is in red. Critically, the depth markings “ft” and “m” are in italics, and the markers contain luminova rather than tritium.

Mark V — luminova markers, italic depth markings

Mark V — detail

Mark V — close-up. Photos courtesy of LondonWatchCompany.com

Mark VI

The Mark VI is a replacement luminova white Sea-Dweller dial with red paint applied over the “SEADWELLER” portion only. An interesting variant — not original production.

Mark VI — replacement luminova dial. Photo: Addict

Mark VI — detail. Photo by macfever

Mark VII

Mark VII. Photo: Addict

Mark VII — detail

Mark VII — close-up