This early Red Submariner with meters first dial is from the second version of these early Red Submariners. The red printing is applied over the original white 'Submariner' with open '6's and thin long 'f' (ft). The case back is stamped 1.69 indicating manufacture in the first part of 1969. Like with other early known meter first dials, the finish of the matte black has begun to turn brown with aging. These early meters first dials are very rare and can only be found in the very early year of production. Rolex switched the depth rating to feet first only a year or so later. The present watch is a very good looking example where the aging to the lumes and hands is consistent and the bezel insert too has faded to a nice brown colour.