Birth Year Question

[RMC12]

This might be a daft question but do you consider a 'Birth Year' watch to be the year that the watch was assembled according to the serial numbers or the year that is written on the guarantee i.e. the year first purchased. Or can the answer be either??

As I have stated in an earlier thread it is very hard to find a Rolex manufactured in 1976. I would assume there is more chance finding one made earlier and sold in 1976 but does this mean it is not technically a birth year watch.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[watchwatcher]

I don't think there are any hard and fast rules here...it would be up to the buyer. Either would work for me (if I was into that sort of thing and I'm not), but I can see that it wouldn't suit some of our members.

[opaline460]

For example G it could be made from 2011 till 2014.....

[enginerd]

Originally Posted by opaline460

For example G it could be made from 2011 till 2014.....

But how many 4 year olds are THAT picky?

I was born in March of '82. I guess that means I was "made" around June of '81. Hmm, do I buy an '81 or '82 for a BY watch?

Luckily I've never been sold so I don't have to worry about a 3rd option.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by RMC12

This might be a daft question but do you consider a 'Birth Year' watch to be the year that the watch was assembled according to the serial numbers or the year that is written on the guarantee i.e. the year first purchased. Or can the answer be either??

. . . .

It's not possible to "know" exactly when a watch was made. The serial number charts are only a guide to get you to within a 2 to 4 year range.

I will say that again, serial number charts are NOT accurate to more than a couple of years. They give you a starting point if you are researching, they are not absolute, regardless of the absolute statements made by Forum members. (and some on-line watch dating sites are notoriously bad)

If you have original paperwork, it is more definitive than any chart guesses and would be used as a data-point when developing a chart.

[REDiesel]

Ideally a Birth Year watch was assembled when you were conceived and sold on your Birthday. Hopefully with corresponding paperwork.

Honestly, I'd settle for within a year.

[BH13GMT]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

Ideally a Birth Year watch was assembled when you were conceived and sold on your Birthday. Hopefully with corresponding paperwork.

Honestly, I'd settle for within a year.

and video 8 footage of the first bit!!!

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's not possible to "know" exactly when a watch was made. The serial number charts are only a guide to get you to within a 2 to 4 year range.



I will say that again, serial number charts are NOT accurate to more than a couple of years. They give you a starting point if you are researching, they are not absolute, regardless of the absolute statements made by Forum members. (and some on-line watch dating sites are notoriously bad)



If you have original paperwork, it is more definitive than any chart guesses and would be used as a data-point when developing a chart.

Thanks for your response. That's what I thought, although there are some instances when you have a pretty good idea the watch had stopped being in production yet the guarantee is dated after that date i.e. New old stock. I was basically after people's opinions as to whether these can be considered birth year watches.

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by BH13GMT

and video 8 footage of the first bit!!!

Haha. Not sure anyone wants to see that! Least of all me!!!!!!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by RMC12

Thanks for your response. That's what I thought, although there are some instances when you have a pretty good idea the watch had stopped being in production yet the guarantee is dated after that date i.e. New old stock. I was basically after people's opinions as to whether these can be considered birth year watches.

You do the research and choose one that you are comfortable with, that fits your personal criteria, and call it good.

[landroverking]

I think birth year watch is the year it was introduced. At least for me.

[ABChop]

My red sub case back is stamped III69, so 3rd quarter of 69
I was born in Dec 69
Called it close enough ; )

[Old Expat Beast]

Warranty papers with your exact birth date would be the ultimate, IMO.

[SoonerTA]

^ Agreed!

[rootbeer7]

I knew my Rootbeer was around my birth year, which helped my decision, but paperwork confirms that it was sold 2 days after my birth in 1972!!!!!

[locutus49]

Correct, as usual.

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Warranty papers with your exact birth date would be the ultimate, IMO.

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by ABChop

My red sub case back is stamped III69, so 3rd quarter of 69
I was born in Dec 69
Called it close enough ; )

I would call that pretty damn close! 👍

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Warranty papers with your exact birth date would be the ultimate, IMO.

Agreed. I would absolutely delighted to find that. Pretty unlikely though I would imagine.

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I knew my Rootbeer was around my birth year, which helped my decision, but paperwork confirms that it was sold 2 days after my birth in 1972!!!!!

That's amazing. Congrats on a great find!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Tools

You do the research and choose one that you are comfortable with, that fits your personal criteria, and call it good.

Agree, as long as you believe this is a BY watch you are golden.

[bdex75]

I have asked myself this many times. My wife has a K serial date 26mm. My daughter was born in 2003. My wife never wears her watch. We have talked about getting it serviced and putting it back in the boxes and keeping for my daughter. But I wonder if that date is "too far off" her birth year.


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