Can AD order randon serial number watches?

[MoosicPa]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I don't think they can request what serial the watch has. I think the only thing that's guaranteed on a new watch is the engraving on the rehaut. I know that there have been people that purchased new watches that had D, Z and M serials. This is common especially with the all gold watches that don't exactly fly off the shelf. I saw a D serial gold DD at an AD not too long ago.

I ordered my Gold DJ (116238) three weeks ago from my AD, and it had to be shipped from Rolex Switzerland as RUSA did not have the dial I ordered in the US. When the watch arrived on Tuesday, it was a D serial number. Doesn't bother me, as long as it has the 2 year warranty, and was wrapped in the protective plastic I'm kewl.

[GradyPhilpott]

Beautiful watch.

Congratulations.

[DAVIDSW]

No. Rolex USA ships the AD's what they have in stock. The AD cannot request a specific serial.

Regards
DavidSW

[Harrya]

So the take away on all these serial number threads is that what is important is the date of initial sale on the paperwork.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Rolex don't care what serial number a watch has, and why should they? The watch isn't made better or worse from whether it has a letter or is random, the internet community has gone way too far on the whole serial number business. It was supposed to be a rough guideline, not a concrete certainty, and even then, it only really works with steel sports models. Anything else, and the system doesn't work. Having the original guarantee signed and dated by an AD is far more important, in my view, as that shows when the watch was first worn. Rolex cases don't go off sitting waiting for a movement to be placed inside them, but wear and tear begins as soon as its on someone's wrist.

My advice would be to stop worrying, hold on to your guarantee, and hope the serial number insanity has died down by the time you're ready to sell your watch. And, to answer your question more directly, no, an AD cannot specify the serial number. In Rolex's eyes, anything they send out is new, and an AD will take what they are given

Just wish the rest of TRF would think likewise but owing to the many Rolex myths on the net and now with serial and loupe hysteria when will it ever end.

Originally Posted by Harrya

So the take away on all these serial number threads is that what is important is the date of initial sale on the paperwork.

That is 100% correct the serials are just like any other serial on any other new product you buy, and you get the same warranty.

Originally Posted by Danand

Doesn't necessarily mean it is from 2008. Many of the watch lines seem to have random and non random coming from rolex at the same time. I wouldn't be concerned-your watch will still have value in ten years. Condition is more important than exact serial no anyway.

Have to agree just wish all this obsessions with serials would stop its only approximation when a case was stamped because thats all it is.You could have G,M, and other letters plus random all with the cases stamped around the same time.And just because a newer case stamp is perceived newer it don't mean always the watch is newer.Now the main bit the movement that could be weeks months or even a year plus old in any particular case.The movements are not made to order to the day month or year.With movements like the cal 3135 there must be thousands in stock plus the ones down the COSC testing etc. Only Rolex know the age of a completed watch all be know by some Internet code is a approximation when that case/clasp was stamped nothing more

[crowncollection]

I agree, they are not random at all, it's only a matter of time before the code is broken its an Algorithm their is a definite pattern behind them. We broke the enigma code in ww2, humans are smart creatures and with computers its easier these days. We will crack it in time and still be able to approximately date watches. I bet in a few years it's an iPhone app you can buy.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

I agree, they are not random at all, it's only a matter of time before the code is broken its an Algorithm their is a definite pattern behind them. We broke the enigma code in ww2, humans are smart creatures and with computers its easier these days. We will crack it in time and still be able to approximately date watches. I bet in a few years it's an iPhone app you can buy.

First got to ask why bother do you when you buy any other product ask when it was made I would doubt it.And will one particular serial letter last longer that the other millions upon millions of Rolex watches in the world today.And lets be honest its only perhaps some slow selling models like gold diamond etc are at ADs long enough to gather any dust.Myself have a few Rolex 80 plus years old and still ticking this serial stuff is only a Rolex and perhaps a Panerai thing. Most other high brands don't give a toss or care what the serial is it could be Tom Dick or Harry.Just cannot see why its so important about the approx date when a case or clasp was stamped.Now if we could date when the movement was made thats in the case then perhaps that would be just a little bit more important.Myself always buy a used watch by condition not interested in the case stamp.And if no service history have it serviced and no matter what the serial is, you should know if you know Rolex like I do.With just a little care and service no matter what the serial it will last a life time and beyond.And when buying new from AD no matter what the case stamp they all get the same warranty.

[Harrya]

To Padi56....I made the original post because I thought at the time it was important. You certainly would not but a brand new car that is one model year old and pay the same price as a current model even if they both have the same styling and features.