Serial Number - is there a value to it?

[brucethemanlee]

I have seen many pics and videos where the serial numbers has been covered or obscured.

I'm assuming the reason is to stop counterfeiters from having an actual serial number that is recognized by Rolex to put on their fake watches. Is that the reason why?

By going to random serial numbers does that matter anymore or not?

Love to hear TRF's rationale and reasoning!

[fjkyle]

curious about this too... can duplicate a random on the same style watch.

[Meme-Dweller]

Well conversely, what benefit would come from showing the number short of being superstitious and needing a pretty serial number? Calling up Rolex isn't going to help in finding if the watch is stolen/lost and the police have a limited database/time on their hands to help you. You won't be able to date the watch with the new serials.

[Speed]

Depends how much you info you want to share. Why expose a unique identifier if you don't have to?

[rollee1]

Prevent insurance fraud

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by Speed

Depends how much you info you want to share. Why expose a unique identifier if you don't have to?

Agreed... IMHO that is the answer....

Additionally it leaves the control solely in the hands of the manufacturer who is the only one that can admittedly decipher the number, in this case it serves them more that the user, this is evident the moment they eliminated the prefix and and a consecutive in older models.

The functions to manufacturers serve as security measure, traceability, as a day code (if not purposefully since there is no apparent independent code), etc. If no other reason, to trace a lot in case of a defect, theft, fraud, etc.



Maybe one of these days a clever TRF member will invent a special Rolex "enigma" type machine that will tell us if a watch was built on a monday for instance Just by tiping in the "random" code!!!!

;-)

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

I have seen many pics and videos where the serial numbers has been covered or obscured.

I'm assuming the reason is to stop counterfeiters from having an actual serial number that is recognized by Rolex to put on their fake watches. Is that the reason why?

By going to random serial numbers does that matter anymore or not?

Love to hear TRF's rationale and reasoning!

there's definitely value in a ser# but that would be a minor (but still valid) reason to cover it up.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by fjkyle

curious about this too... can duplicate a random on the same style watch.

No every case serial is unique to that particular case no matter the model reference, same for the movement serial.

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by padi56

No every case serial is unique to that particular case no matter the model reference, same for the movement serial.

Care to expand Peter? Im genuinely curious on the topic... thnx!

[Hodog16]

I always cover it or take photos where it cannot be seen. Just like with license plate numbers on the car forums.

99 percent of people who see the info won't care but why risk somebody getting the info and doing something negative with it?

Fraud and counterfeiters come to mind as main reasons why. Paranoid yes but better safe than sorry.

[GradyPhilpott]

In this day and age all personal information is subject to abuse.

Although certain personal information is public and can be found with some effort or for a price, I don't see an advantage of advertising my address, phone number, license plate number, social security number, or even the serial numbers of my personal items on the internet.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

In this day and age all personal information is subject to abuse.

Although certain personal information is public and can be found with some effort or for a price, I don't see an advantage of advertising my address, phone number, license plate number, social security number, or even the serial numbers of my personal items on the internet.

Exactly Grady and if some members on forum were more careful, then they would not get there accounts hacked, and save the Admin team having to sort it out..

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by Hodog16

I always cover it or take photos where it cannot be seen. Just like with license plate numbers on the car forums.

99 percent of people who see the info won't care but why risk somebody getting the info and doing something negative with it?

Fraud and counterfeiters come to mind as main reasons why. Paranoid yes but better safe than sorry.

It's nothing to do with fraud or counterfeit imo .if a criminal wanted to use a serial number from a rolex,they can walk into any ad and see the serial numbers I don't see why people cover the serial in pics,most don't but some do

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

there's definitely value in a ser# but that would be a minor (but still valid) reason to cover it up.

x2

[Hodog16]

Originally Posted by Luap1976

It's nothing to do with fraud or counterfeit imo .if a criminal wanted to use a serial number from a rolex,they can walk into any ad and see the serial numbers I don't see why people cover the serial in pics,most don't but some do

I have an active imagination and can just picture somebody saying hey my Sub was stolen and it's serial number ... then when the watch gets sent in for service it's registered as a stolen watch and then it can become an issue.

I bought from a trusted seller so don't have a receipt from an AD (although I do have an appraisal from one). Chances are low somebody would get away with it but why take the risk of dealing with a headache.

Counterfeiting is less likely because fake watches are usually easy to spot I agree.

All the trusted sellers cover up serials and I'm sure they have a good reason why.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by padi56

No every case serial is unique to that particular case no matter the model reference, same for the movement serial.

Very true Peter! I learned this from my AD.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by Luap1976

It's nothing to do with fraud or counterfeit imo .if a criminal wanted to use a serial number from a rolex,they can walk into any ad and see the serial numbers I don't see why people cover the serial in pics,most don't but some do

It's because photos get stolen all the time. Don't you watch "Catfish"? :-)

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

In this day and age all personal information is subject to abuse.

Although certain personal information is public and can be found with some effort or for a price, I don't see an advantage of advertising my address, phone number, license plate number, social security number, or even the serial numbers of my personal items on the internet.

I agree. I stopped giving my full SSN# even for doctor's visits. I only show last 4 and X out the rest unless legally required.

[brucethemanlee]

Thanks for everyone's great feedback and comments. Seems like not a huge deal that someone might see serial numbers but why give it and put out more information on the net if you don't have to!