significance of y,m,z serial number in sub.

[5512dude]

what is the signifcance in the serial number of late model submariner? I see most of the sellers mentioning them. what makes one more desireable than another? :thinking

[MonBK]

None.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 5512dude

what is the signifcance in the serial number of late model submariner? I see most of the sellers mentioning them. what makes one more desireable than another? :thinking

Short answer no only fools IMO would pay anthing extra just because of a letter approximation when any bare case was stamped.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by padi56

Short answer no only fools IMO would pay anthing extra just because of a approximation what a bare case was stamped.

My answer was shorter.

[hsfrank]

Originally Posted by MonBK

My answer was shorter.

While it is true that there is no actual significance to the serial number, it does represent an approximate production time. With age comes wear, no matter how slight. One would expect higher servicing cost with an older watch than a more recent one. That being said Rolex watches do afford a long life with few repairs if cared for properly. ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL I would choose the more recent vintage, given the choice.

[TopNotchChach]

no love for random? haahaaha

who cares about a serial.

[karmatp]

Nothing with serial numbers makes them more desirable it just gives you a idea when it was produced. Basically the seller is telling you generally how old the watch is.

[wdalew5]

When they say a bare case is stamped,what exactly are they talking about? How long into the watch making process is a case stamped?at the end when ready to ship the watch or in the beginning? I too, am confused on the serial numbers.

[RJC]

Originally Posted by MonBK

My answer was shorter.

[MortgageGuy]

Approximate age of the watch.......I stress approximate as there seems to be a lot of talk again of Serial # prefixes... This will soon be a thing of the past once everything is a "random" serial from Rolex

[TimeToGo]

Y-serial was the last case with holes, if that makes a difference to some....

[thesharkfactor]

as above, it doesn't matter. all it tells is approximately when the case was stamped. im sure if you hunted around some AD's you would find some brand new watches with old serials, old stock. when sold though, the watch is still brand new but with an old serial number..

another potential reason for declaring the prefix.. an M or a V is likely to have an engraved rehaut, and/or a serial letter gives an indication to a WIS what year the watch is and therefore and indication of what features it may have.. for example, if someone advertises a V no-date sub, i would know it would have an engraved rehaut and COSC dial... whereby an older serial may not..

[Numismatist]

The endless debate...

I say it matters and I'm not afraid to say that!

Given that the market accepts that as a factor, then you must consider it if you intend to resell it.

It also could indicate that it is closer or farther away from a service interval (thereby affecting the price potentially).

It could also indicate that it's been in a dealer case a long time and potentially handled more.

If you intend to buy it and keep it for life, then it doesn't really matter; some say if you are NOT this type, then you don't really understand the meaning of Rolex ownership - I say not.

Personally, I think it matters.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by 5512dude

what is the signifcance in the serial number of late model submariner? I see most of the sellers mentioning them. what makes one more desireable than another? :thinking

Ahem..... getting back on track sort of....

Sellers are giving information that many buyers ask... Some buyers feel that knowing the serial prefix gives them a comfort feeling and a belief that they now "know" something about the watch that they might not otherwise know..

One serial is not necessarily more desirable than another, although it is possible that you may want a particular attribute that is known to be on some serials, and not on others such as the lug holes mentioned, or possible the etched rehaut that appeared after certain serial releases..

It is only important if it is important to you...

As always though, the condition of the watch is the most important thing you can look for, not a serial number. Do not buy in the mistaken belief than one serial may get you a "better" watch than another.... this is seldom the case...

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

The endless debate...

I say it matters and I'm not afraid to say that!

Given that the market accepts that as a factor, then you must consider it if you intend to resell it.

It also could indicate that it is closer or farther away from a service interval (thereby affecting the price potentially).

It could also indicate that it's been in a dealer case a long time and potentially handled more.

If you intend to buy it and keep it for life, then it doesn't really matter; some say if you are NOT this type, then you don't really understand the meaning of Rolex ownership - I say not.

Personally, I think it matters.

I think you have half of it right Chris....
What really matters, above all, is Condition first and sale date second!
A case stamp, is an approximation, and nothing more.

For the OP, the only difference in any of those serial designations is a possible font change + rehaut engraving, and the Y serial will have lug holes and no engraving..

[mcurtisal]

As everyone said, it let's the buyer know approximately the age of the watch. It is deceiving though because I just bought a new D serial sub last week even though this series was produced around 2007. I could care less because it was a hard to find model and the warranty is stamped 4/2011.

[Numismatist]

Let's forget the case stamp for a moment because that confuses the issue (is it manufacture date, or case stamp date, etc.)...I'd really like to know the age of my watch.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by wdalew5

When they say a bare case is stamped,what exactly are they talking about? How long into the watch making process is a case stamped?at the end when ready to ship the watch or in the beginning? I too, am confused on the serial numbers.

All these Internet codes could ever tell you was when a case/clasp was stamped sometime between X&Y years.And this don't mean always when a completed watch was made and shipped for sale.Now the movement in the case well only Rolex knows how old that is.Now take the cal 3135 they are not made to the day, week, or year.Rolex produces around 500000 cal 3135 a year,they are not made to order for any particular case, and they must have quite a large stock.So in any particular case whether the case letter is Tom,Dick or Harry the movement inside could be older or newer made or visa versa.Just because its got the latest case letter its just perceived newer,and no matter what the serial is when bought new they all get the same two year warranty.Everyone seems to be worried about these new random codes as they cannot date the watches.But if there is no change to that model who cares about a approximation when it may of been made.With the S.Steel models most are not in the ADs long enough to gather dust, and watches are not perishable and go off, with modern day oils not a problem to be years old.IMHO far to much is read into these Internet codes when you go and buy most other goods you don't ask when they are made.And in general Rolex watches with just a little care will outlast there owners anyway. Even watches bought new and at AD for years which in reality are very low, perhaps some gold diamond type watches could be a year or so old..