There can't be random serial numbers

[hsfrank]

Having received my new Daytona with a so called " random serial number ", it got me to thinking. aside from the fact that random serial number is an oxymoron, the fact that the manufacturer places a number at all means it can't be random. They place it there for a reason. Maybe it is to indicate the date of manufacture or the place or the intended country destination. Whatever his purpose it should be easily decoded. If it isn't, then his purpose is defeated. If it didn't need to be easily decoded why put it visible ? Granted in this era of computers and databases, it is easy to search and find a non sequential series of numbers and letters. However, would it not be easier to devise a code that is not readily decoded and known only to those with a need to know? Your thoughts.

[chicfarmer1]

Other than date of purchase, that's about as much "decoding" as an average consumer will invest. If Rolex places numbers for inventory information, or other uses, I guess it's just not a compelling "need to know" for many if not most buyers.

What exactly is the information you wish you knew that you don't?

[capote]

Well of course they serve a purpose for Rolex. As you say a random serial number doesn't make any sense. You just need to break the code.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

Having received my new Daytona with a so called " random serial number ", it got me to thinking. aside from the fact that random serial number is an oxymoron, the fact that the manufacturer places a number at all means it can't be random. They place it there for a reason. Maybe it is to indicate the date of manufacture or the place or the intended country destination. Whatever his purpose it should be easily decoded. If it isn't, then his purpose is defeated. If it didn't need to be easily decoded why put it visible ? Granted in this era of computers and databases, it is easy to search and find a non sequential series of numbers and letters. However, would it not be easier to devise a code that is not readily decoded and known only to those with a need to know? Your thoughts.

Look upon it like this: It is an identification of your unique watch, and the identification as such only needs to be unique (and can be randomly generated - or like earlier follow a serial pattern).

If you have that id number, and access to the Rolex product database in Geneva, all the information that Rolex finds necessary to store will be there - but NOT decoded in to the identifier as such.

A lot of companies do this (and in many cases there are good reasons). No info in the identifier. All the info stored in a database. And the database can be securely locked away and only available to few people.

I'd be surprised if there is a "code" to crack when it comes to the new serial numbers. The only thing I am curious about is if Rolex are using both numbers and letters on all positions in the identifier. (We should stop talking about serial number...)

Best,

A

[Speed]

Yup. I've decoded your random serial number today...

Its secret message: " Quit thinking so much about this crap!"

[dysondiver]

its not a conspirency theory if the people out there really are after you .... i think.
who cares , match the number to the papers , you have the dates , no paper , no odds , maybe they will be like pp and do an extract from the archives service.

[hsfrank]

To respond
1. I do not need to know anything about my watch from the identifier. That the number or code is unique is sufficient for my purposes which are to report to my insurance company and the police if there is a loss.
2. I like the term identifier coined by acce1999. It is preferable to serial number now.

[Darlinboy]

You must save up and send away for the secret Rolex Diamond Decoder Ring. It will decode the serial numbers for approximately five years, after which you have to send it to RSC for a "service".

Be warned!

They will polish it and replace any aftermarket parts.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by acce1999

Look upon it like this: It is an identification of your unique watch, and the identification as such only needs to be unique (and can be randomly generated - or like earlier follow a serial pattern).

If you have that id number, and access to the Rolex product database in Geneva, all the information that Rolex finds necessary to store will be there - but NOT decoded in to the identifier as such.

A lot of companies do this (and in many cases there are good reasons). No info in the identifier. All the info stored in a database. And the database can be securely locked away and only available to few people.

I'd be surprised if there is a "code" to crack when it comes to the new serial numbers. The only thing I am curious about is if Rolex are using both numbers and letters on all positions in the identifier. (We should stop talking about serial number...)

Best,

A

[Speed]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

To respond
1. I do not need to know anything about my watch from the identifier. That the number or code is unique is sufficient for my purposes which are to report to my insurance company and the police if there is a loss.
2. I like the term identifier coined by acce1999. It is preferable to serial number now.

So let it be written. So let it be done.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

Having received my new Daytona with a so called " random serial number ", it got me to thinking. aside from the fact that random serial number is an oxymoron, the fact that the manufacturer places a number at all means it can't be random. They place it there for a reason. Maybe it is to indicate the date of manufacture or the place or the intended country destination. Whatever his purpose it should be easily decoded. If it isn't, then his purpose is defeated. If it didn't need to be easily decoded why put it visible ? Granted in this era of computers and databases, it is easy to search and find a non sequential series of numbers and letters. However, would it not be easier to devise a code that is not readily decoded and known only to those with a need to know? Your thoughts.

Old subject. Give it up.

[GradyPhilpott]

If you find this subject interesting, you might be interested in this site.

http://watchmakingblog.com/rolex-serial-registry/

[Andad]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

Having received my new Daytona with a so called " random serial number ", it got me to thinking. aside from the fact that random serial number is an oxymoron, the fact that the manufacturer places a number at all means it can't be random. They place it there for a reason. Maybe it is to indicate the date of manufacture or the place or the intended country destination. Whatever his purpose it should be easily decoded. If it isn't, then his purpose is defeated. If it didn't need to be easily decoded why put it visible ? Granted in this era of computers and databases, it is easy to search and find a non sequential series of numbers and letters. However, would it not be easier to devise a code that is not readily decoded and known only to those with a need to know? Your thoughts.

You sure have nailed this one down. Again.

[dpkong]

could it be possible that Rolex Geneva has resurrected the Enigma machine, modified it to beat at 28,800bph and is now using it to encrypt the new serial numbers, err.. identifiers??

[pawnshopkiller]

Why give this guy a hard time? Nothing better to do? thought so.

[TopNotchChach]

Its just a number.
My sub c is a random serial, and i bought last august. Super early, not many had them, since they were barely coming out.

[The Archer]

Things that make you go "Hmmm..."

[tulsaokusa]

RUI - Random Unique Identifier

The serial killer.

[Gagebuilder]

Originally Posted by LTM

Really? Who cares??? This is THE most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of....this is borderline insanity.

Obviously Herbert does!!

Can I get you a Bourbon??

[watchf]

Why not? They could just generate a random number and have that number recorded in a separate database linked to what model, when it was assembled, which country it was exported to etc etc. If that is the case then there is no code to break as the only way to 'break the code' would be to obtain that database with the recorded info aligning to the random serial number.

[dpkong]

How would a random number generator be truly random and not generate the same number twice?

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by jason.mobi

RUI - Random Unique Identifier

The serial killer.

An identifier must per definition be unique, otherwise it can not do it's job; to identify. And eventhough it do not appear to be serial (in order) it can be a serial number to the user (Rolex), since they know whats behind the identifier.

Best,

A

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by dpkong

How would a random number generator be truly random and not generate the same number twice?

There are quite a few people that argue that there are no such thing as randomness in the nature, both from a scientific and a religious perspective. Pseudo-random is a more proper description.

It is not complicated to generate a number that can be considered both random and unique. It is done all the time in the world of computers.

And in Rolex case, it is fair to assume that they have the records of the used numbers already...

Do search on google and learn more.

Best,

A

[acce1999]

+1

[padi56]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

Having received my new Daytona with a so called " random serial number ", it got me to thinking. aside from the fact that random serial number is an oxymoron, the fact that the manufacturer places a number at all means it can't be random. They place it there for a reason. Maybe it is to indicate the date of manufacture or the place or the intended country destination. Whatever his purpose it should be easily decoded. If it isn't, then his purpose is defeated. If it didn't need to be easily decoded why put it visible ? Granted in this era of computers and databases, it is easy to search and find a non sequential series of numbers and letters. However, would it not be easier to devise a code that is not readily decoded and known only to those with a need to know? Your thoughts.

Have you or the rest of the TRF members ever decoded your serial on your TV or computer or any other thing you have in your household with a serial number.And did you ask them when it was made before you bought it and visit many sites in hot pursuit to find by some code when it was or not made?.This whole obsession with a simple case stamp on Rolex watches,all they could ever tell you was when a case was stamped nothing more.Now all these codes you see on the net are not from Rolex themselves but are based on sales,or whenever a new number letter turns up its all a approximation.And in general all these Internet codes are only applicable to the faster selling mainly S.Steel models.And with watches like say gold or slow sellers one case stamp could be newer or older or visa versa in that model.Now if we could date when the movement was made thats in the case well IMHO thats would be far more important, over a approximation when a case or clasp was stamped.And watches are not perishable they have no sell by date, and can be safely stored for many years with today modern day oils.And if no change to that particular model cannot see what difference any case stamp is, as they all get the same two year warranty.And the warranty and service time starts from when you leave the AD and strap watch on the wrist.

[hsfrank]

We do value the latest versus an earlier version of the same thing. Most of us would buy a 2012 model car vs a 2011 car (given that the 2012 had only a few if any cosmetic changes). Most of us would buy the food that has a sell by date further in the future even if the other product was still current. And if the are those who value a more current dated model Rolex than why criticize their choice? My original intent of the post was only to offer the suggestion ( and reasoning) why the serial number may not infect be random. To those of you who could not refrain from wisecracking, I will refrain from comment. Your posts speak for themselves. To those of you who profess to be unconcerned with identifiers, are you suggesting that a BNIB 2003 manufactured model is worth,will sell,and will be bought at the same price as a 2011 BNIB manufactured model ( all other things being equal )?

[Andad]

Well I don't think that was what you said in your first post - but I am not sure?

[EchoBlueUK]

They are random.. They will me logged with Rolex so they will know the watches history/age etc. There is nothing to decode. Stop reading into this. It is pointless.