"Chapter ring" index

Reference to the minute indexes of certain vintage Rolex watches, mainly the Submariner and GMT Master models with lacquered dials. The minute indexes are positioned between two circles, inner and outer, creating the impression of a circular railway track. In English, the term chapter ring is commonly used (literally "ring of divisions").

This distinction is important because while "Chemin de fer" is the expression used in French, it should not be confused with the English term Rail Dial, which specifically refers to dials produced by the dial maker "Stern" for references 1655 Explorer II and 1665 Sea Dweller.

It’s worth noting that watches featuring gilt "Chemin de fer" / "Chapter ring" dials are among the most sought-after pieces by collectors. Some of the most coveted models include the Submariner 6536, 6538, 5508, 5510, 5513, 5512; the GMT-Master 6542, 1675; and the Rolex Explorer 1016, 5500, and 5504.