Serial Number Question

[Atty]

In my quest to find something with a bit of Everose, I found at my AD a beautiful TT DJ in Everose with a fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, and black diamond dial... new, with protective stickers still intact. My question concerns the serial number, which begins with "D." I'm aware Rolex has moved to a random mix, but to my rudimentary knowledge, D serials roughly correspond to 2005, correct? Is this serial number a random anomoly, or has this watch been sitting for a while? There is not a spec of dust on it (examined under a loupe) suggesting that it hasn't been sitting in a display case, and even the buckle was perfect, suggesting that it hasn't been tried on much, except by me of course!

The trusted AD says it's new stock and that the serial number cannot be used to determine when the watch was "born"... a case can sit for months or even years before a movement is put into it and now random numbers makes determining when the watch was born near impossible.

I'm just hesitant to buy a watch that has been sitting for a few years, though nothing other than the "D" suggests it has. Call me obsessive, I know, but I thought I would pose the question to the knowledgeable folks here!

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by Atty

In my quest to find something with a bit of Everose, I found at my AD a beautiful TT DJ in Everose with a fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, and black diamond dial... new, with protective stickers still intact. My question concerns the serial number, which begins with "D." I'm aware Rolex has moved to a random mix, but to my rudimentary knowledge, D serials roughly correspond to 2005, correct? Is this serial number a random anomoly, or has this watch been sitting for a while? There is not a spec of dust on it (examined under a loupe) suggesting that it hasn't been sitting in a display case, and even the buckle was perfect, suggesting that it hasn't been tried on much, except by me of course!

The trusted AD says it's new stock and that the serial number cannot be used to determine when the watch was "born"... a case can sit for months or even years before a movement is put into it and now random numbers makes determining when the watch was born near impossible.

I'm just hesitant to buy a watch that has been sitting for a few years, though nothing other than the "D" suggests it has. Call me obsessive, I know, but I thought I would pose the question to the knowledgeable folks here!

That would be considered New Old Stock IMO... It may not have been delivered in 2005 but it certainly was NOT delievered to the AD in the last couple of years... It has been sitting for at least a few years.

This being said the watch is still NEW in the eyes of Rolex and will come with the full 2 year warranty This would be a great bargaining tool to use to get a very good discount and I am talking in the range North of 30-35%...Factor in all the price increases over the years, the AD does not have that much into this watch

[malnik]

It would be nice if they can sell it to you at 2005 price.

[Numismatist]

This is exactly the type of watch you should be able to get a nice discount on. It's been there a while; yet it is still new. Look at our reference library, I think you'd be able to find the old MSRP on this as a starting point.

The age would not stop me form buying this one provided I could get a nice discount.

[Atty]

Well, the AD moved some, but nothing I would call spectacular. There was some back and forth and I truly felt his "higher-ups" wouldn't let him budge. He said the watch has not been sitting there all that long, though the bracelet stamp shows a September 2005 production if I read it correctly. I'm not sure when it would have reached their inventory, but it surely must have been a couple of years.

It doesn't seem that their larger (men's) rose gold watches move as fast as say SS or TT yellow. Other options were as old. At the end of the day, though, the watch was singing to me, so I bit the bullet. I'm sure it wasn't a great deal, but I'm delighted with the watch and that should be what is important. He threw in the extra link that I am sure I will need come summer and refinishing service (buffing, polishing... whatever it's called) when my watches need it.

In any event, I'm happy to say that I've added a beautiful TT DJ, rose gold, fluted bezel, black diamond dial, Jubilee bracelet to my collection. It's my first Jubilee, so I'm hoping I will like the fit.

Smart salesman that he is, my AD sent me on my way with a Panerai catalogue and a beautiful hardcover Patek Philippe book detailing their watches, movements, and various complications. Some truly stunning photographs, although my heart belongs to Rolex.

[barstoolman]

TT Rolexes are routinely discounted at around 25% and the fact that this AD owns this particular watch at a 2005 or 2006 price should really make him motivated. If not, move on..you'll find it elsewhere. Good luck!!!!!

[Kanger]

well congratulations on a new Rolex man!

[Atty]

Well, here are a couple of early shots. Excuse the lighting, dust and fingerprints as they are my own! I just can't seem to photograph the rose well.

[darthmouse]

Congrats! That is a beautiful watch.

[mmmmp]

That's a beautiful piece indeed. I saw a similar DJ in person & (as usual) it looked even more classy.If possible, please post more pix. Best, Mark.

[train-time]

Congrats!! It's a beauty

[MortgageGuy]

Yes, that is a looker, lets see some more pics. Congrats

[HL65]

Congrats! Very nice!