Rolex serial number question

[watchitpal]

I’ve noticed my 5513 serial number has kind of rubbed away and it can’t be seen anymore. Is this a big deal? If I send it to RSC would they still service it?

I’m not sure if it was polished off or not. The other side of the case can still be semi made out

[Kingface66]

It can be a very big deal in that it would be a deal-breaker for some prospective buyers down the road. Some buyers I’ve run across simply won’t give a watch without a serial number any consideration. Even if it was just end link wear over several decades, it’s too difficult to prove that it wasn’t done for some nefarious reasons.

[watchitpal]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

It can be a very big deal in that it would be a deal-breaker for some prospective buyers down the road. Some buyers I’ve run across simply won’t give a watch without a serial number any consideration. Even if it was just end link wear over several decades, it’s too difficult to prove that it wasn’t done for some nefarious reasons.

Thank you for the info! I don’t plan on ever selling it, but what do you think about servicing with Rolex? They will know it’s genuine correct?

[Johny]

Hi OP.

Take it in to the RSC and see what their opinion is. Is the model number still readable?

[roh123]

If not readable it is an issue as you can’t know which watch it is. Usually even very worn pieces could be read with a good loupe. RSC will likely say it needs a new case.

Most buyers would stay away from a piece with non-readable serial and/or ref number.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by roh123

If not readable it is an issue as you can’t know which watch it is. Usually even very worn pieces could be read with a good loupe. RSC will likely say it needs a new case.

Most buyers would stay away from a piece with non-readable serial and/or ref number.

+1

Do not try to re-engrave the numbers.

Sometimes parts of some numbers are visible, and then from what is visible and knowing shapes of Rolex numbers, one might conclusively figure out the actual number.

[Dan S]

And protect the serial number from further damage from the end-links.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by watchitpal

I’ve noticed my 5513 serial number has kind of rubbed away and it can’t be seen anymore. Is this a big deal? If I send it to RSC would they still service it?

I’m not sure if it was polished off or not. The other side of the case can still be semi made out

Yes, they will service it. If it has the original movement inside, they may be able to cross reference and tell you what your serial should be and you can write it down someplace.

Obscured serials is common with older cases that the end links were out of adjustment on.

[Gecko10]

Have someone, knowledgeable, crack the case and look at the guts.

[Styles Bitchley]

Do you know the serial from a previous service or is it new to you?

[77T]

If you never plan on selling it, then let RSC inspect and perform the work.

The worst that would happen is they decline.


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[R.W.T.]

Sometimes ( I have done this in the past. If the numbers have not been polished off intentionally..) you can use a product from coin collecting called Nick A Date between the lugs. It will discolor the metal slightly but you may be able to find the serial number out. Just FYI. No guarantees but it has helped on occasion.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Sometimes ( I have done this in the past. If the numbers have not been polished off intentionally..) you can use a product from coin collecting called Nick A Date between the lugs. It will discolor the metal slightly but you may be able to find the serial number out. Just FYI. No guarantees but it has helped on occasion.

Thanks for sharing! Didn’t know.

[Andad]

As Larry has said Rolex will identify the watch from the movement number and you will have a service document showing the original serial number.

The chance of the movement not being in the original case is slight to non existent.

Either way you will have confirmation.

[Jackie Daytona]

Random thought. I’m surprised if serviced at RSC they don’t re-stamp them at a certain point as part of the service. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal to do with the tooling available.