Patent Pending DRSD · Mark I Variation
The “Shift” Dial
of the Patent Pending Mark I
Discovery
An Unexplained Variation
Every once in a while in vintage Rolex collecting, there are things that are different and somewhat hard to explain. But this is in part what makes collecting vintage Rolex so rewarding — the discovery and the learning.
Recently a PPDRSD (Patent Pending Double Red Sea-Dweller) was presented with all the hallmarks of a correct example. The serial falls within range at 2.11 million. The case and caseback carry all the correct characteristics. The dial appears to be a correct Mark I at first glance — and it has all the right details:
Coronet
Correct Mark I coronet — flat bottom, standard proportions
Lettering
Correct in style, font, and character
Print Characteristics
All the expected imperfections of a genuine Mark I dial are present
Serial
2.11 million — squarely within the correct PPDRSD range
But the red and white paint is slightly off. This variation has never been seen before. The dial and watch are correct — but the misalignment of the red and white lettering layers cannot be explained by normal production variation.
The Variation
The Shift — Close-Up Comparison
Below is a close-up of the “Shift” variation dial, followed by a standard PPDRSD Mark I for direct comparison. When both images are superimposed with the red lettering perfectly aligned, the white lettering on the variation dial is clearly offset — shifted — from its expected position.
Note: the superimposed comparison photos are taken at slightly different angles and focus, so it is not a perfect match — but the shift of the white lettering layer is clearly visible.
The “Shift” variation dial — close-up of the misaligned lettering. Photos by KY.
Standard PPDRSD Mark I dial — for comparison
Both dials superimposed — red lettering aligned. The white lettering shift is clearly visible on the variation dial.
Shift dial — additional detail
The Complete Watch
A 2.11 Million PPDRSD
The rest of the watch presents as a fully correct Patent Pending Double Red Sea-Dweller in all respects. Case, caseback, crown, and bracelet are all consistent with the known characteristics of the PPDRSD at this serial range.
The complete watch — 2.11 million PPDRSD
Case detail
Caseback
Dial — full view