Why did Rolex randomize serials?

[sennheiserz]

I've been thinking a bit about this lately, and just made up the following two reasons, anyone know the real reasons?

1. They can make more watches at once and then sell them over time. With successive serial numbers there was a production timeline associated. With random numbers we don't really know if the 2015 Submariner isn't just something made in 2013. The only reason I doubt this is the case is because Rolex being Rolex wouldn't just let a bunch of watches age for no reason. They would have more issues and have to do another round of testing before sale.

2. Mess with collectors. In the future, it will be very hard to date a particular watch or feature from the post-randomized era. This makes the market less stable and encourages new purchases, which they obviously need. This is the reason I feel is the most likely.

Am I totally off base here?