serial numbers dont mean much

[shirtguy]

went to torneau in nyc and saw a bunch of gold watches that had the serial beginning with a d. now a store as big as them should have all new watches. so it seems to me that as long as the warranty is legit serial numbers dont mean a thing.

[petesjag]

serial numbers now are random as I understand..
I bought a new Daytona fresh from the factory and it has an O serial.....

[smallcandle]

They may not mean much to you, but I refer to them to get a rough idea as to the age of a watch.

[Numismatist]

They can assist in knowing how close you are to a service interval. Also, given that the market responds to them, they can also get you a better price for a newer one.

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by shirtguy

went to torneau in nyc and saw a bunch of gold watches that had the serial beginning with a d. now a store as big as them should have all new watches. so it seems to me that as long as the warranty is legit serial numbers dont mean a thing.

It could be random serial...There are Z and D and O and G letters...

[padi56]

Originally Posted by smallcandle

They may not mean much to you, but I refer to them to get a rough idea as to the age of a watch.

Its only a rough indication when a case was stamped, now when the movement was made in the case, well only Rolex know that.

[snowbird]

Even before random serials, new gold watches could easily have serial numbers a series or more earlier than steel watches due to the lower volume sold.

[poffe]

Whats the deal with people showing their serial no in auctions etc.? Kind of new to this and always gotten the impression that you should in no way show the full serial no.

I have found a watch im interested in, but in the product pictures he clearly shows the number aswell as writing it in the description.

[JPA]

I bought a GMT II a few years ago from a collector. So it was basically brand new but had aged for a few years in this guys safe.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Even before random serials, new gold watches could easily have serial numbers a series or more earlier than steel watches due to the lower volume sold.

Good post - correct answer IMO.

[kaiserphoenix]

My Submariner C bought last week had a U serial!??

But I kind of disagree that it doesnt matter. For me I like it when there are lucky numbers such as 8, 6, or ending in 168. Those are numbers in China that brings you fortune, kind of superstitious :)

[Andad]

A U serial sub c is a random number.

A D series gold Rolex watch would more likely be older stock begging for a big discount sale.

[travisb]

To some it means nothing but even though it is brand new, if it is a true D serial that would put the production of that watch at about 5 years old.
I personally prefer the newest when I buy.
So it may be new and unworn but if I'm spending that kind of money, I like to know it's as fresh as can be.

[Rolex116520]

Serial is an unique number to identify a particular watch , it will also give you some indication of when the case was made . From there it is the date on the warranty that has any value .
Some will try to turn a "later" serial number into a commercial advantage others like myself will appreciate the watch how it was treated and if the service intervals have been respected .
I own a late F 116520 ( fat hands )bought in Jan 2005 , meaning that the actual watch has not been altered by Rolex since except for the engraved rehaut and bracelet and 3K RRP .
Most people buy a Rolex with the idea to keep it forever and even hand it down to their next of kin . So what is the difference to have an identical Rolex with an earlier or later serial ?
I believe that for some vintage models particular cases within a serial number range can make a big difference in commercial value , still the watch would have to have its original dial and be in good condition to be worth the difference .

[Gundam]

Originally Posted by poffe

Whats the deal with people showing their serial no in auctions etc.? Kind of new to this and always gotten the impression that you should in no way show the full serial no.

I have found a watch im interested in, but in the product pictures he clearly shows the number aswell as writing it in the description.

Paranoia, in my view. And funnily enough, one never seems to see people hide the serial numbers on other brands. It really doesn't matter. If a counterfeiter wants to hijack a legitimate Rolex serial number, they only need to pop down to their local AD, peer closely at the window, or go in and ask to examine & try on, and making a mental note of it.

[Andad]

Good post.

It's not rocket science is it?

Welcometo the Forum.