Identifying production year with clasp code

[FlyinM3]

I have never tried to determine the production year of a piece I own until now. I'm trying to determine it without removing the bracelet to check the case serial number, but through the clasp code. I know this method may not be as accurate since it tells the production date of the clasp itself, but all I need is a ballpark date. The code reads "S6", therefore is it safe to assume this falls somewhere in the 1994 timeframe?

I'm having problems trying to upload a pic, but it's a 16628 YM YG with outer lugholes for the pushpins.

[tfduff723]

Assuming the bracelet is original to the watch the production date on the clasp should match the watch serial. More or less...

You can find a guide to clasp production codes on this site.

http://oysterworld.de/

[FlyinM3]

Yes, I'm pretty sure the bracelet is the original. I did not see any codes ending with a S which would denote a service bracelet replacement.

[Keith1]

I have read on here (from Padi56?) that the case, and bracelet years can be way off. They are both produced and stamped is mass production, stored, and then assembled at another time down the road when needed.

[Tools]

Since the Yachtmaster YG only came out in 1992, your guess of around '94 for the bracelet is probably a good one and it is likely original.. Those bracelets are simply too expensive to replace on such a young watch.

We have all the codes you need in our Reference Library.. You don't need to go anyplace else..

[Old Expat Beast]

The only bracelet clasps that don't seem to be year-coded (from 1976 onwards) are the integrated Oysterquartz bracelets. Mine, and many others that I have seen, are stamped GC.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tfduff723

Assuming the bracelet is original to the watch the production date on the clasp should match the watch serial. More or less...

You can find a guide to clasp production codes on this site.

http://oysterworld.de/

Not in all cases Rolex makes thousands of clasps and watch heads and all Internet codes are just a approx date between X&Y years when the case/clasp was stamped.Now this is not always a indication when a completed watch was assembled and shipped from factory for sale.Now these charts work best with the SS fast selling models, now with slow sellers like TT or gold metal, diamond watches these charts don't always apply.

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I have read on here (from Padi56?) that the case, and bracelet years can be way off. They are both produced and stamped is mass production, stored, and then assembled at another time down the road when needed.

The years match on both the case and bracelet for all 4 of my old style tuna can clasp Rolex watches. I was basing my statement on personal experience.

[IJP]

I know this is an older thread but I figured if started a new one I'd be told to search the existing threads!

Anyhow, I have a day-date yellow gold with a serial number from 1991 and a clasp code from 1993. It appears to be all original (consistent patina, no "s" mark on clasp, etc.).

I am guessing it left the factory and was put into the stream of commerce in 1993 and is therefore a 1993.

Is that reasonable or going against "Rolex dating convention" in that even if it didn't leave factory until 2 years after the case was made it's considered to be of the date the case was stamped?

Thanks.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by IJP

I know this is an older thread but I figured if started a new one I'd be told to search the existing threads!

Anyhow, I have a day-date yellow gold with a serial number from 1991 and a clasp code from 1993. It appears to be all original (consistent patina, no "s" mark on clasp, etc.).

I am guessing it left the factory and was put into the stream of commerce in 1993 and is therefore a 1993.

Is that reasonable or going against "Rolex dating convention" in that even if it didn't leave factory until 2 years after the case was made it's considered to be of the date the case was stamped?

Thanks.

What is the serial number (letter and first two or three numbers)?

[IJP]

Sorry for delay just saw this. Not wearing watch now but believe first 2 are "X3 . . ."

Many thanks

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by IJP

Sorry for delay just saw this. Not wearing watch now but believe first 2 are "X3 . . ."

Many thanks

That is 1991 production date...what is clasp code?

[polarinda]

I have seen one x series 14060 case on a S code clasp.

1991 case vs 1994 clasp.

I passed.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by IJP

Sorry for delay just saw this. Not wearing watch now but believe first 2 are "X3 . . ."

Many thanks

People who try to assign an "absolute" year to serials and codes are just flat out wrong.

X serials were "first seen" in mid 1991 and extended easily into 1993. (It would have been impossible for Rolex to have suddenly built all X serials at once and all letter prefixes overlapped several years)

The clues are all right there and it is most likely that the watch came out of the factory in 1993, as you surmised.

[polarinda]

Originally Posted by polarinda

I have seen one x series 14060 case on a S code clasp.

1991 case vs 1994 clasp.

I passed.

Ok..i have now officially seen two 14060 x series with S code clasps in a span of 2 days. Coincedence or was it rolex's way of matching them in the 90s? 2 samples with exact mismatched cases n clasps?


Mystery.