Explorer 39mm and random serial number anomaly

[SPG8]

Given the Explorer 1 39mm was released in 2010 and that seems to be the first year of random serial numbers, why have I recently seen brand new 39mm Explorers in authorised Rolex retail outlets with "G" serial numbers as well as rather long mixed alpha/numeric serial numbers?

In one case the dealer's inventory showed a G watch was delivered by Rolex 2 weeks prior!

Could it be that random numbers lead to such an anomaly? Or, could Rolex have simply used a production process whereby cases were ready for watch assembly and thus serial numbers take time to move through the system? But 2 years is a long time!

I suppose in some years time in the used watch market the resale of 2010+ Rolex watches will rely less on actual year of manufacture for pricing and more on simple condition etc..

Any views?

[MatthewInSeattle]

Another Serial # thread...

As best as anyone has been able to figure out, the G serial series started in 2009, and the Random serials started in 2010.

Now, that doesn't mean that G serials stopped in 2010. There are new Subs, YMs, and DJI's with G serials, as well as Random ones. I get new watches in my shop every day that have both G and Random serials.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SPG8

Given the Explorer 1 39mm was released in 2010 and that seems to be the first year of random serial numbers, why have I recently seen brand new 39mm Explorers in authorised Rolex retail outlets with "G" serial numbers as well as rather long mixed alpha/numeric serial numbers?
. . .
Any views?

Rolex has never intentionally released serials by year, even though there has been much fanfare in guessing the next "years" prefix over the past couple of decades.. There has always been more than one serial prefix in production at a time, and likely as many as 3 or more... Internet charts that say otherwise are simplifying an unknown..

As to the G release, they were first seen in 2010 after the Randoms were seen, (there were no new prefixes reported seen in 2009), so likely G's were put into production at the same time and still a current prefix for those who like prefix only serials..

[77T]

I think it went like this...

Hans: Hey who moved all my G cases?
Franz: We got these mixed up cases.
Hans: OK use them while I look for the G cases.

a month later...

Franz: Hey, Hans I found those G cases.
Hans: Good, use them...those TRF'ers will wig out...

[Bulldurham08]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think it went like this...

Hans: Hey who moved all my G cases?
Franz: We got these mixed up cases.
Hans: OK use them while I look for the G cases.

a month later...

Franz: Hey, Hans I found those G cases.
Hans: Good, use them...those TRF'ers will wig out...

LULZ!

You're probably 100% correct hahaha

[Boothroyd]

I have one of the first 214270's shipped to mid-US and it's a "V". Random means truly random, perhaps!

[77T]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I have one of the first 214270's shipped to mid-US and it's a "V". Random means truly random, perhaps!

Paid has a decoder machine for you...apparently there is a pattern to this "random-mess".

There, I said it, yes...it's a mess.

[HRV]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think it went like this...

Hans: Hey who moved all my G cases?
Franz: We got these mixed up cases.
Hans: OK use them while I look for the G cases.

a month later...

Franz: Hey, Hans I found those G cases.
Hans: Good, use them...those TRF'ers will wig out...

[zapokee]

I just bought an new 39 mm Explorer in Tokyo, and it's a G serial number.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think it went like this...

Hans: Hey who moved all my G cases?
Franz: We got these mixed up cases.
Hans: OK use them while I look for the G cases.

a month later...

Franz: Hey, Hans I found those G cases.
Hans: Good, use them...those TRF'ers will wig out...

Love this

[BogartB]

my new datejust2 also has a "G" serial number

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 77T

Paid has a decoder machine for you...apparently there is a pattern to this "random-mess".

There, I said it, yes...it's a mess.

Myself can never understand this fixation with Rolex serial case stamps I wish they would bring back the years before the Internet.Them perhaps we could get back to more important questions other than case serial stamps.Even the first 114060 ceramic Sub was reported on forum as a G serial.And so was the new Skydweller a G serial,now both these watches were only released at Basel this year.But there are many many on forum that would call these watches old stock by some bloody Internet chart based on per supposition when it was made.And now members in there signature against there watches are stating random serial god knows why they think that's important as just the watch will do.Plus the factor that some dealers are portraying the so called random serial and other serials as something special and some asking a higher price.Its just a serial except for one extra digit much like the millions of other serials over the decades.And no matter the bloody case stamp with just with a little care all Rolex watches are good for 50 plus years.Surely the watch that last that long is more bloody important that any bloody case stamp.

And will add the and random serial number anomaly is in many forum members and the original posters head.Thats driven by miss-information and Internet brain washing and thinking that all the Internet serial codes are written in stone and must be obeyed to the exact letter and exact year of watch production which is complete bullsh#te.Rant over.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by padi56

Myself can never understand this fixation with Rolex serial case stamps I wish they would bring back the years before the Internet.Them perhaps we could get back to more important questions other than case serial stamps.Even the first 114060 ceramic Sub was reported on forum as a G serial.And so was the new Skydweller a G serial,now both these watches were only released at Basel this year.But there are many many on forum that would call these watches old stock by some bloody Internet chart based on per supposition when it was made.And now members in there signature against there watches are stating random serial god knows why they think that's important as just the watch will do.Plus the factor that some dealers are portraying the so called random serial and other serials as something special and some asking a higher price.Its just a serial except for one extra digit much like the millions of other serials over the decades.And no matter the bloody case stamp with just with a little care all Rolex watches are good for 50 plus years.Surely the watch that last that long is more bloody important that any bloody case stamp.

And will add the and random serial number anomaly is in many forum members and the original posters head.Thats driven by miss-information and Internet brain washing and thinking that all the Internet serial codes are written in stone and must be obeyed to the exact letter and exact year of watch production which is complete bullsh#te.Rant over.

Yep, I was gonna say sky dweller comes with G serial too. I guess it was made in 2010 XD

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tom2517

Yep, I was gonna say sky dweller comes with G serial too. I guess it was made in 2010 XD

How the hell was it made in 2010 the watch was not released till Basel 2012 you guys.

[Cru Jones]

i KNEW peter/padi would have a field day with this thread.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think it went like this...

Hans: Hey who moved all my G cases?
Franz: We got these mixed up cases.
Hans: OK use them while I look for the G cases.

a month later...

Franz: Hey, Hans I found those G cases.
Hans: Good, use them...those TRF'ers will wig out...

Originally Posted by padi56

How the hell was it made in 2010 the watch was not released till Basel 2012 you guys.

I think he was being sarcastic.

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

i KNEW peter/padi would have a field day with this thread.

I love these threads just so I can read Padi's response. Keep 'em coming guys...
Personally, I'm sourcing a 16600 random serial as we speak. It has the parachrom blue hairspring and new glide lock clasp. My ad said any day now.

[Shimke]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I just bought an new 39 mm Explorer in Tokyo, and it's a G serial number.

Congrats! Which shop, if I may ask?

Btw, I live in Tokyo and I understand there are a couple other chaps here in Japan. We should try and do a GTG!

Cheers!

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I just bought an new 39 mm Explorer in Tokyo, and it's a G serial number.

Another Japan member! Yea!

[SPG8]

Thanks everyone who posted. That all makes good sense. The rule is, there are no rules!

It was my first post and answered an important question to me before I make a purchase.

The Explorer 1 is a model I've been very keen to own for many years. Until now had been elusive to me here "down under" - for the past 10 years stock has been incredibly rare and any used version has commanded big premiums. I really admire its beautiful simplicity

So, like Zapokee I intend to buy now.