Friendly reminder to check your watch case

[Tombstone]

I was cleaning my SD today; I noticed after I removed the band from the case and lugs that the band has been rubbing on my serial number, there is a fine line going across the serial number which in time will make the serial number not legible.

Being somewhat annoyed by this I began breaking down all my Rolex watches I had at the house. I have a grey/ some what black TOG from 2004 it has the same issue.

As far as I can see there are several possible issues with a non-legible serial number. If the watch gets lost or stolen there is no way of getting it back or proving that this watch is mine. Second I wonder what the RSCs will do without a serial number if they will even service a watch they can’t track. The new RCB will have the serial number at the six hour marker most of my current Rolex watches do not have this feature.

Has anyone else had this issue with any of their Rolex watches? I will post a photo later today after I have had some sleep; I guess this has bothered me all day.

[Gedanken]

MY DJ and SD's serial and model numbers are fine, but when I picked up my Tudor 79170, the numbers had been rubbed off to the point of illegibility.

I'm a bit surprised that it would have happened on your SD, though - the SEL ought to sit firmly enough for that not to happen.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Hmm.

That issue is quite typical and often seen on OLD Rolex watches with NON sel bracelets, but normally a SEL bracelet would not let the end piece move enough to be able to cause any wear on the serial number.

[f16570]

I do not have the tools to remove my strap, but when I get them I will check on this.
It does as stated make you wonder about the service/stolen issue.

f

[DSJ]

Another advantage of the rehaut engraving.

[abigsecret]

RSC uses microscopes to read these serial numbers, and most of the time they can still read it
under 50X magnification, even though it looks like its completely worn off.

[marshallr47]

Here is a question. Can the serial # be found anywhere inside the watch, like on the movement somewhere? I know on the CRBs it's a non-issue.

[abigsecret]

No Ron, the movements have their own serial # unrelated to the serial # of the case.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

Here is a question. Can the serial # be found anywhere inside the watch, like on the movement somewhere? I know on the CRBs it's a non-issue.

Good question, Ron. I know for a fact that OMEGA stamp their serial nos. on the movement too.

JJ

[robrtx]

Ok, if you check and find that this is indeed a problem..........

What is the solution?

[marshallr47]

Ok. Thanks Mireyna. I wasn't sure.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by robrtx

Ok, if you check and find that this is indeed a problem..........

What is the solution?

There really is not a solution to the problem.. If you keep the proper paperwork with the watch, it will make it easy, or ensure you have it documented someplace.

Rolex does not need a serial number to be able to tell if the watch is authentic. It is also clear if the number has been intentionally removed rather than worn off by the bracelet end pieces..

The new rehaut will eliminate this issue for future generations..

[Paulie]

Could worn spring bars be the cause?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Paulie

Could worn spring bars be the cause?

Yes..

Absolutely..

[Tombstone]

Thanks for all of the input, I am going to the ADs in the next day or two to have them look at my SD as well. The watch is a 14 months old. I will request they look at the spring bars as well. Mireyna what you said about Rolex using a microscope to view the serial number is very logical, this possibility never crossed my mind, thanks for your insight.

Bo with the SEL not rubbing on the case I wonder if I damaged the bracelet some how to cause this? I do not see any damage on the bracelet. I don't have any major dings on the watch just some scratches from daily use. I have to do some family functions today so I hope to post photos later tonight. I just want to show everyone the case damage to get the info out. I don’t think photos of the bracelet would show anything. Thanks again everyone for your help you are all very kind for helping me and I truly appreciate your wisdom on this problem.

[Paulie]

Is spring bar replacement part of the normal service when sent to an RSC? Or something that should be more regularly replaced? If the latter, then it's an excuse to order some bars and tools.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Paulie

Is spring bar replacement part of the normal service when sent to an RSC? Or something that should be more regularly replaced? If the latter, then it's an excuse to order some bars and tools.

They're replaced if worn...

They are often overlooked by most enthusiasts... It's also important that you have the right size too...

You should consider the springbars as an expendible part of your watch maintenance...like replacing tires on your car...

When worn a bit, they allow the bracelet end to pull away from the case and begin to erode the side of the case.

Here is one of Jockes great photos that shows some extremely worn springbars..

[abigsecret]

Just be careful when you do this yourself or a non-ARW (authorised Rolex watchmaker), because if you use the spring bars that are meant for through holes in the case, on a case with sunken holes, there is no way in the world to ever remove your bracelet, except by breaking the end pieces!

[Stratton]

The spring bars could have become bent from wearing the bracelet too tight causing the end pieces to come in contact with the s/n further down the side of the case. If this is not the case I would take it back to your AD and ask for a new watch under warranty.

[Transient]

Very interesting and informative post guys. Thanks...