Serial numbers

[legend9999]

At the risk of embarrassing myself with this question... How do u tell the age of a rolex by the serial number?

Thanks happy new year also

[Ray T]

http://oysterworld.de/production-dates.html

[77T]

That data is not the age of the watch, just a list of "first sightings". Many cases are stamped and could be years before made into finished watch.

And if it's Random, then no way to tell.

[legend9999]

Thanks Raymond very useful link!

[legend9999]

Originally Posted by 77T

That data is not the age of the watch, just a list of "first sightings". Many cases are stamped and could be years before made into finished watch.

And if it's Random, then no way to tell.

I see. Thanks a lot, very useful reply!

[joe100]

It's possible a case was stamped in 1983, not made into a watch until 1985, not sold until 1987. The bracelets are the same. The date code and case serial number may be years off either way.