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Old 17 January 2017, 06:14 AM   #1
bjw
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Does Rolex ever retire a serial number?

I've always wonder would happen if a watch case is damaged beyond repair. Since the serial number is on the case, it's only real identification for the watch. Would they then use a new case with a current reference? Has anyone run into this? Seems like once the case is gone the watch for all intends and purposes is gone as well.



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Old 17 January 2017, 06:22 AM   #2
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Every serial number is "retired", unless they start all over again as they did in the early 50's.

If you damage your case and it gets replaced, it will be replaced with a different serial number. It's not like your phone number that you get to keep.
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Old 17 January 2017, 06:45 AM   #3
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Rolex have dedicated s/n ranges for replacement case. All 4.4xx.xxx and 4.7xx.xxx are replacement cases only. If you find a watch with those s/n you know you got a replaced case.

With the new (since 2010) random s/n that may change.
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Old 17 January 2017, 08:09 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpino View Post
.

Rolex have dedicated s/n ranges for replacement case. All 4.4xx.xxx and 4.7xx.xxx are replacement cases only. If you find a watch with those s/n you know you got a replaced case.

With the new (since 2010) random s/n that may change.
Learn something new every day ... Thank You!
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Old 17 January 2017, 08:53 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpino View Post
.

Rolex have dedicated s/n ranges for replacement case. All 4.4xx.xxx and 4.7xx.xxx are replacement cases only. If you find a watch with those s/n you know you got a replaced case.

With the new (since 2010) random s/n that may change.
Didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 17 January 2017, 09:25 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpino View Post
.

Rolex have dedicated s/n ranges for replacement case. All 4.4xx.xxx and 4.7xx.xxx are replacement cases only. If you find a watch with those s/n you know you got a replaced case.

With the new (since 2010) random s/n that may change.
Good to know, thanks.
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Old 17 January 2017, 07:02 AM   #7
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Alpino great info as usual!
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Old 17 January 2017, 09:49 AM   #8
bjw
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And this is why I re-upped my pledge membership.
I knew i would get an answer before too long !


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