Rolex 1665 · Dial Reference · Double Red Sea-Dweller
DRSD Mark III and the Red Sub Dials
The story of the last dials of the Red Sub and the Mark III for the Sea-Dweller — and the crucial shared DNA that connects them.
The “Close 6s” Dials & the Mark III Link
The latest version — of which I do not have a copy — are similar to the ones above. These dials involve the “close 6s” dials. The “close 6s” are the later dials for the Red Sub and were made in the early 1970s, around the 3-million serial range.
What is interesting is that they have the same characteristics of the Mark III dials for the Double Red Sea-Dweller. By that I mean the coronets have the same shape, and the printing of red is applied directly to the dial — a change from previous Sub dials, which had a coat of white paint with a coat of red paint over it.
Above: A correct “close 6s” dial. Note the shape of the coronet — compare it to the Mark III DRSD dial below. They are the same. Also note the word “Submariner” printed directly on the dial, just like the DRSD Mark III. Lastly, observe the close 6s in the depth ratings.
The newer fake dials also feature “close 6s,” and the only way to distinguish them is by the shape of the coronet. The spikes of the coronet on the fake dials are noticeably longer than those on the correct dial above.
Above: A correct Mark III DRSD dial by Aston, shown for direct comparison with the “close 6s” Red Sub dial above.
In Conclusion
- There is a direct link between the correct “close 6s” dial and the Mark III DRSD dials. Both were produced by the same manufacturer at approximately the same time — the early 1970s — with serial numbers in the 3-million range.
- A new batch of higher-quality fakes exists for both the DRSD and Red Sub. They require a higher skill level to identify. Hopefully this article will help collectors make the distinction.
- There is a new batch of fake “close 6s” Red Sub dials that are very close to the real thing — the only tell is a coronet that is slightly off.