Why so private on serial numbers?

[Shermstead]

What is the reason that people don't list the full serial number of a watch, especially when selling?

Are they fearful of counterfeiting?

[moviefreak]

Yup... they do not want a real serial used on a fake watch...

[Danand]

Yes. Also you never know if someone might try to report it as stolen or some such crap. Better safe than sorry.

[HKtoter]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Yup... they do not want a real serial used on a fake watch...

Originally Posted by Danand

Yes. Also you never know if someone might try to report it as stolen or some such crap. Better safe than sorry.

Agreed

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Yup... they do not want a real serial used on a fake watch...

Originally Posted by Danand

Yes. Also you never know if someone might try to report it as stolen or some such crap. Better safe than sorry.

Yep, Yep.

[mfer]

Yeah, if you tick off someone they could report your watch stolen. Have fun with that. Best to cover it up.

[MrCowboy99]

Originally Posted by mfer

yeah, if you tick off someone they could report your watch stolen. Have fun with that. Best to cover it up.

x2

[HRHaldermn]

The same reason most of all us are very reluctant to give out our ss#. Most people wouldn't do anything with them, but it's that 1 out of 1000 you need to be concerned with. As stated, you absolutely do not want somebody taking the serial number from your precious timepiece and stamping it on a fake. Counterfeit products are getting so good that proper serial numbers are sometimes the only real line of defense left.

[StarSovereign]

Interesting...

[JUSTROLEXES]

Originally Posted by Shermstead

What is the reason that people don't list the full serial number of a watch, especially when selling?

Are they fearful of counterfeiting?

To protect the AD where the watch came from and to protect the privacy of the potential buyer

[Zirotti]

they still put real serial numbers on replicas. Blurring serial numbers on watches is like when the guys on the car forums blur their license plates in pictures.

Someone just can't report a watch stolen without proof of ownership.

[Jan Davis]

I have seen infinite number of photos showing complete serial numbers on Rolex watches. It is another tool to determine the exact year it was sold when you have the complete serial number.

[S52]

Yeah its not like counterfiters need a number to make a fake... they know the format...

Here: F982169

I just made up a serial number following the format, Im sure that watch is out there somewhere...

So I think its more to protect the watch from reported stolen, and prevent others from stealing pics and trying to sell a persons watch with a good serial and pics as a scam...

I know that has happened before on car forums I frequent where a scammer will use good pics from a sale that happened before or pics a member posted...

[cody p]

Cause wouldn't it suck to have a fake(s) out there with your serial number on it.

[usbzoso]

what happens if someone reports your watch as stolen?

[Roxas]

I don't think it is an issue. If somebody really wants a serial number they can walk to a Rolex AD, try a watch and remember the number.

Regarding reporting as stolen, I believe the reporter need some proof. I imagine if I try a watch at an AD and I report it as stolen with no proof, I think who will be in trouble would be me not the AD.

[Rolex116520]

I think hiding the serial on a modern rolex watch is pretty much pointless if you do it to keep it from being used by counterfeiters .
However for certain rare vintage models the serial becomes more important and yes these could be used , and I believe have been used , by counterfeiters specializing in these very rare models . This goes for batch / production numbers on Comex and Milsubs case backs

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Zirotti

they still put real serial numbers on replicas. Blurring serial numbers on watches is like when the guys on the car forums blur their license plates in pictures.

Someone just can't report a watch stolen without proof of ownership.

If it is stolen and you don't have it, how do you prove you don't own it anymore? Now, I could mind you, but there are plenty of people who aren't as organized as me with all receipts filed, insurance, appraisals, etc.

There are plenty of poeple out there that just have a watch they bought from a Pawn store, with no box, no papers, but just a serial number. I'm fairly certain many of those people didn't keep their receipts. Why risk it?

[Roxas]

Originally Posted by mfer

If it is stolen and you don't have it, how do you prove you don't own it anymore?

That is the issue of the reporter. They need to find an evidence like receipt or a witness. I don't think that anybody will do a false report to the police. It isn't worth the trouble.

[Speed]

It's so easy to mask. Why take chances?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Speed

It's so easy to mask. Why take chances?

Exactly!!

[Casey VP-26]

Also, some watches are bought for resale and not having the exact number of the watch bought and sold keeps that exact transaction private.

[Flyjet601]

I think the majority of people who buy a Rolex dont even know it has a serial number

As stated above, anyone can make up a fake number. Check any of the websites around and there is all they need to know about production year etc.....
Even if you walk into an RSC with a serial number looking for info.......without the watch, they wont help you......

As far as stolen, you need proof of ownership first.........if someone doesn't keep the receipt on a $5K-10k watch.....shame on them.
I better go check... i thing someone just stole my Ferrari Enzo

[Speed]

I think folks shopping for Rolexes on the web are pretty keen - rightly or wrongly - on series, serial numbers etc.