The DRSD has gained in popularity and become an iconic watch for Rolex collectors. These are the guidelines used when considering a DRSD purchase — applies to regular production examples only, not prototypes.

Dial

First things first. The dial must be mint and match the age and serial of the watch. Check for peeling especially around the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions — Mark IV dials often had chips in these areas from being stuck to the case.

While a small imperfection is not a deal killer, it is preferred to have the most perfect dial possible. Some tolerance for imperfections is acceptable on a Mark I or Mark II, given their rarity. Whether yellowing or patina is present is a personal preference — for some collectors patina is highly desirable, for others the whitest markers win. Your call.

Serial

Always cross-check the dial version with the serial number. The ranges below are guidelines only — Rolex collecting has no hard rules, and there is always overlap at the edges.

Caseback

Most DRSDs carry a caseback with “ROLEX” written across the back, including the patent pending models. A small number of transitional examples — usually in the 5.1–5.2 million range — will have “ROLEX” written around the caseback.

Movement

Always a calibre 1575. The bridges will read as 1570 — the 1575 is a 1570 movement with a date module added. Any movement other than a 1575 family is immediately suspect.

Case

There are two main case profiles associated with the DRSD. Condition matters — thick lugs and crown guards are what you want to see. Many of these watches have been used, so some wear is expected, particularly where the serial and model numbers rub against the bracelet and at the bottom of the case.

• Thick lugs and crown guards are ideal — sharp edges are a bonus
• Unpolished case with original sharp edges preferred but not required
• Pointed and pin-point lugs are not desirable — indicates excessive polishing
• Some wear around serial and model number areas is expected and acceptable
• Even a previously polished case should retain reasonable lug thickness

Crystal

Superdome throughout the full production run. An original superdome crystal is a genuine bonus — they can still be found, and seeing one in place adds to the overall presentation of the watch. Not a deal-breaker if replaced, but always worth noting.

Crown & Tube

Early examples carried a tube without the external rubber ring, and a crown without dots. This is a bonus to have, but not a requirement. A properly functioning, waterproof watch in good working condition and recently serviced is always more important than period-correct crown originality.

Bracelet

Collectability & Pricing

The DRSD continues to gain in popularity and remains a must-have for serious collectors. Pricing is a moving target — it changes daily based on market conditions, rarity, and condition. Box and original papers can add between 20–50% to the value of any example.

The desirability ranking below reflects the collector consensus for regular production examples:

1. Early 1665 — Mark 0, Mark I, with or without HEV valve
2. PPDRSD — Mark I (Patent Pending)
3. PPDRSD — Mark II (Patent Pending)
4. Mark II — Chocolate / tropical dial
5. Mark II — Standard
6. Mark III — Less commonly seen than even the Mark II
7. Mark IV — Standard production
8. Mark IV Transitional — Curved caseback examples
9. Mark V and Mark VI — To complete the full set

Pricing follows rarity and desirability. Within any tier, condition is the dominant variable — an unpolished example with original dial and box/papers will always command a significant premium over a polished, serviced example with a replacement dial.

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