serial number order

[yoda888]

I did a search but couldn't find my answers here or on the interwebs. I suspect it's because the words I was using are far too common.

If I have 2 watches with say Z serial numbers. The first one is z609001 and one is z990001, is it safe to assume the z99 watch is "newer" and built later in z-series?

i assume it is, but wanted to check that it was in order and not random. Eg, Z999 could be the first watch and z000001 could be the last watch if it's random.

Also can there be duplicate SNs for different watches? So say an Exp2 has z123456, would an Exp1 also have z123456? Or is the SN exclusive and not used again in other rolex models?

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by yoda888

If I have 2 watches with say Z serial numbers. The first one is z609001 and one is z990001, is it safe to assume the z99 watch is "newer" and built later in z-series?

No

Originally Posted by yoda888

Also can there be duplicate SNs for different watches? So say an Exp2 has z123456, would an Exp1 also have z123456

No

[77T]

There is another variable you didn’t mention - that is, model.

In the old s/n system, with a difference of 300+ thousand between s/n’s as you posed, IF the two watches were the same Ref. (Like Sub Dates) then you might infer a Z9xx would have been produced some time after the Z6xx.

But with Rolex, there is no guarantee of any dating by s/n.

The various websites showing s/n’s by year are a reflection of self-reported, or observed sales listings with dated guarantee docs. They are directionally correct but not precise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Old Expat Beast]

I've noticed that serials that straddle certain dial changes, for example A serial watches having both SWISS and SWISS MADE dials, do suggest that serial numbers follow production dates. Early A serials have SWISS, and mid to late A serials have SWISS MADE. I've seen this with other serials/changes, too, so assume the higher the serial number, the later the production date.

This was certainly true back in the days of date-stamped caseback interiors, anyway.

Second question: Serials are unique to one watch only.

[Inthesticks]

Probably not a good idea to post your full SN

[padi56]

Originally Posted by yoda888

I did a search but couldn't find my answers here or on the interwebs. I suspect it's because the words I was using are far too common.

If I have 2 watches with say Z serial numbers. The first one is z609001 and one is z990001, is it safe to assume the z99 watch is "newer" and built later in z-series?

i assume it is, but wanted to check that it was in order and not random. Eg, Z999 could be the first watch and z000001 could be the last watch if it's random.

Also can there be duplicate SNs for different watches? So say an Exp2 has z123456, would an Exp1 also have z123456? Or is the SN exclusive and not used again in other rolex models?

All the single letter serials are only a approx indication when the case or clasp was stamped and not always when it was made.And all case serials are unique whether the new 8 digit random or the single letter 6 number serials.

[yoda888]

Oh not real SNs. I just made them up to be 6 digits.

But I am looking at 2 watches that are about 300k apart in the SNs. But based on responses, it seems the SNs are assigned randomly. So no way to tell if the 9 SN was in fact produced later.

[rmagoo57]

Thought the clasp code would narrow down production order/date but apparently not!
I currently have two G serial 14060M's. The G27... has a CX5 and the G40... has a CX4 clasp code. The G27... has a card dated 15 Oct 2011 and the G40... is dated 20 Sep 2011.
Which one is "newer"???