POINTLESS "security/upgraded" features ??

[Rolexman28]

A question came up in this forum about AD's and picture taking in the store. It got me thinking about a feature Rolex introduced a few years ago. I do not like the fact that these watches post D serial number can be seen on the inside of the bezel under the crystal and can be photographed (ex in pictures below, not mine of course LOL). IMHO one of the perks of buying a rolex is the impervious record keeping of Rolex. I know its not the end of the world but I would rather only Rolex, my seller and I to know the serial numbers of my rolexes.

Most, if not all the trusted sellers on this Forum always censor out the serial numbers of the pictures of the watches they are selling for a reason. I would agree with AD's not letting anyone take pictures of this either. I understand Rolex is always improving and adding security features to their watches but this particular feature is the one that I don't get because it puts an intimate detail of your watch in the open. Does anyone feel the same or has an opinion about another "pointless" Rolex "security features/upgrades". Don't get me wrong I still LOVE rolex!!!

[Rolexman28]

pic of example of what Im talking about for those who do not know

[Mickey®]

I bet Rolex's "keeping of the records" is not as good as you think.
I never thought of this as a security feature...
I might have cared for a minute years ago but could care less if my serial number shows...there are 10's of thousands out there that serial number is known. Who really cares is my IMHO.

[Chrisbuxton]

What happened to being able to phone Rolex up to check if the serial on a watch you were about to buy had been reported lost or stolen?

[Tools]

Not everybody is paranoid about a serial number.. It's just a number that most on-line shops post so you know what watch you will be getting, and I feel it is very unlikely that anybody would comb through pictures on a forum to come up with a number for any nefarious purpose..

Still, I always block mine out somewhat and recommend that others do to, if, for no other reason, to keep the many, many posts and reports to the staff that "Omigod, a serial number is showing".. from overriding the initial point of the thread..

[Gator08]

If you were to sell a watch, or buy used, you or the seller would know the serial number. People are too paranoid. Yes I understand that it COULD be reported stolen, but I doubt that happens often.

[SaddleSC]

I don't think the purpose of moving the serial # to the rehaut was to increase security. I always assumed that it was simply a way of making the serial # easier to verify because you no longer need to remove the bracelet and risk butchering the lugs in the process.

I think Rolex puts the serial # there for convenience, not security.

[MAWhite]

Originally Posted by Tools

Not everybody is paranoid about a serial number..

Still, I always block mine out somewhat and recommend that others do to, if, for no other reason, to keep the many, many posts and reports to the staff that "Omigod, a serial number is showing".. from overriding the initial point of the thread..

BINGO

[ecsub44]

"Impervious record keeping"...is news to me.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I don't think the purpose of moving the serial # to the rehaut was to increase security. I always assumed that it was simply a way of making the serial # easier to verify because you no longer need to remove the bracelet and risk butchering the lugs in the process.

I think Rolex puts the serial # there for convenience, not security.

I love both my M serials ...on Lugs and Rehaut!!!!!!

[joe100]

I like the external serial number, makes it easier to access on the fly

[perpetualman88]

Originally Posted by Tools

and I feel it is very unlikely that anybody would comb through pictures on a forum to come up with a number for any nefarious purpose..

counterfeiters like to use real numbers on their fake watches lets not help them out

[Tools]

Originally Posted by perpetualman88

counterfeiters like to use real numbers on their fake watches lets not help them out

There has been no proof that any number has ever been hijacked from a forum for use by counterfeiters...

[Ebruner]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I think Rolex puts the serial # there for convenience, not security.

Right there!!!

-Eddie

[Ebruner]

Originally Posted by Chrisbuxton

What happened to being able to phone Rolex up to check if the serial on a watch you were about to buy had been reported lost or stolen?

That was never the case.

-Eddie

[HRV]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I don't think the purpose of moving the serial # to the rehaut was to increase security. I always assumed that it was simply a way of making the serial # easier to verify because you no longer need to remove the bracelet and risk butchering the lugs in the process.

I think Rolex puts the serial # there for convenience, not security.

X2
And it looks good
I know some don't like the engraved rehaut, but I like it

[youngr]

Surely it woundnt be to hard for anyone to just pick a letter them some numbers and it turns out to be someone's serial number. Rolex has produced millions of watches so won't be to hard.

Rich

[Gaijin]

My F TOG DJ has the engraved serial number on it. Though I agree that I do believe the serial number engraved began with Ds.

[Singslinger]

It doesn't bother me in the slightest. As someone before me said, it's much more convenient to have a visible serial number, so I'm grateful for the feature.

I also think Rolex WIS are too overly concerned with serial numbers - I'm pretty sure that the same obsessing over serial numbers isn't present with other watch brands like Omega, Breitling AP etc.

[4therightcause]

IMO it really has nothing to do with counterfeiters. Counterfeiters could easily get the #'s if that is what they wanted. I think the not showing the serial #'s really has more to do with grey market dealers not wanting Rolex to know the serial # and then be able to look up and find the AD they are getting them from.

[kymwatchlog]

even Omega's serial no are more discreet (on the lug) imo.

gone are the days where the serials is between the lugs.

but to think abt it, there aren't many places they can engrave those string of numbers :)

[Grey.Coupe]

Serial number confidentiality. Privacy?

Gone but not forgotten.

[withthesword]

i would agree that not everyone is paranoid about their serial numbers. in fact, now that the random number generator is being used and only Rolex has records of what watch is what from when, it makes hiding serial numbers that much more pointless.

as for the aesthetics of it, i actually find that i like the engraved rehaut. on a really sunny day in my car, i can see the letters reflected onto surfaces. it's pretty slick.

[masterserg]

Rolex doesn't keep any records except when you send the watch for servicing.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Rolexman28

Does anyone feel the same or has an opinion about another "pointless" Rolex "security features/upgrades".

No, never stopped to think about it.

[floater156]

You don't need a camera, you can just memorize the serial number in an AD if that is your goal.