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BruceT · 21 July 2011, 11:56 AM

I'm looking for a vintage birth year watch (1969, yikes) and found a Rolex 1625 with the serial number 2703xxx. Depending on the resource, the watch dates to either 1969 or 1970. Is there a definitive resource?

Thanks!

toph · 21 July 2011, 12:02 PM

not really but i woudl personlly be more inclined to say 1970, but its hatrd to really know exactly

rolexpawn · 21 July 2011, 12:16 PM

The only way you can get a Rolex with a specific date is the paperwork or the case back will have the date of manufacture until 1972-1974

BruceT · 22 July 2011, 01:49 AM

Thanks!

So, if its a 1969 or 1970 Rolex, it should have the date on the case back? Thanks.

Jagatai · 22 July 2011, 02:21 AM

yes it will have the quarter of manufacture in roman numerals then the last two digits of the year in Arabic. for ex:

IV 69

means fourth quarter of 1969

rolexpawn · 22 July 2011, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceT

Thanks!

So, if its a 1969 or 1970 Rolex, it should have the date on the case back? Thanks.

Remember it is not 100% correct, the case back could have been replaced. Just be careful in matching the date and case back.

DiamondJack · 22 July 2011, 02:53 AM

This is the best website I have come across on Rolex serial numbers and which also lists a number of other sources for comparative purposes.

http://www.oysterinfo.de/en/detailin...mern/index.php

A 2.70 would be 1970 on Oysterworld data but 1969 on the others sites posted. But as I am sure you know, and as others have posted, the caseback will be stamped during this period so reasonably easy to check. Best of luck

marcello pisani · 22 July 2011, 03:16 AM

2.70 is a case produced in 1971 ( according to "confidential official tablets" ).

BruceT · 22 July 2011, 03:30 AM

Thank you!

DiamondJack · 22 July 2011, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

2.70 is a case produced in 1971 ( according to "confidential official tablets" ).

I would be interested to know where you get this "confidential" information from as my 2.76m Red Sub (1680) has a caseback stamped IV.70 which fits exactly with the Oysterworld data and many other sources.

marcello pisani · 22 July 2011, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

I would be interested to know where you get this "confidential" information from as my 2.76m Red Sub (1680) has a caseback stamped IV.70 which fits exactly with the Oysterworld data and many other sources.

I will answer you by PM .

DiamondJack · 22 July 2011, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

I will answer you by PM .

Ok thanks Marcello. Much appreciated.

LI Matt · 22 July 2011, 06:48 AM

Mine is 2.706 so I just go with "1970" as it's a nice round-decade number

pdoukas · 22 July 2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

I would be interested to know where you get this "confidential" information from as my 2.76m Red Sub (1680) has a caseback stamped IV.70 which fits exactly with the Oysterworld data and many other sources.

I'd be interested to know as well. I can't count the number of arguements I have read in here regarding dating a watch using the serial number, including myself.

I mean seriously, pulling the trigger on a birth year is a shot in the dark as it is, and now you say "official". What happens to all those folks who based their decision on unofficial and best guessed data?

I feel a storm brewing.............lol

Pete

therolexguy · 23 July 2011, 10:58 AM

This is my resourse..

http://www.vetroplastica.it/tabella-seriali-rolex.html

marcello pisani · 23 July 2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therolexguy

This is my resourse..

http://www.vetroplastica.it/tabella-seriali-rolex.html

I have given a quick look at this table ...
and I have found immediately a clear mistake : production case range for 1961
is stated from 680.000 up to 840.000 !!

I have in fact seen many 5512 with case numbers in the range of 818.000 ( that is a well known and big batch for 5512 ) ,
but these watches have backs punched " III-62 " ( that is correct and consistent to the real year of case production .. that is 1962 ! ).
an example ?
this is a 5512 I had in the past , arrived to the present days with dial in 100 % conditions and unpolished case :

this watch arrived in Italy from the States around the middle of the 90s and
was completely consistent to the time of production ( crown-insert-ecc. )
the movement is one of the very first with the "non-butterfly rotor ( in 1962 you can find both models of rotor ).

HL65 · 23 July 2011, 08:31 PM

Very nice Marcello!!!

marcello pisani · 23 July 2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Very nice Marcello!!!

thanks .. it was really perfect ( hands with the same shade of indexes ecc. )
not my favourite style anymore due to the lack of valve .. LLLOOOOLLLLL

HL65 · 23 July 2011, 08:41 PM

The valve definitely spoils!!!

marcello pisani · 23 July 2011, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

The valve definitely spoils!!!

yep, I have in fact a dependency on "valve and delivered watches" ...
will I find a cure dear Doctor ???

HL65 · 23 July 2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

yep, I have in fact a dependency on "valve and delivered watches" ...
will I find a cure dear Doctor ???

It is never ending my friend!!

therolexguy · 25 July 2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

I have given a quick look at this table ...
and I have found immediately a clear mistake : production case range for 1961
is stated from 680.000 up to 840.000 !!

I have in fact seen many 5512 with case numbers in the range of 818.000 ( that is a well known and big batch for 5512 ) ,
but these watches have backs punched " III-62 " ( that is correct and consistent to the real year of case production .. that is 1962 ! ).
an example ?
this is a 5512 I had in the past , arrived to the present days with dial in 100 % conditions and unpolished case :
this watch arrived in Italy from the States around the middle of the 90s and
was completely consistent to the time of production ( crown-insert-ecc. )
the movement is one of the very first with the "non-butterfly rotor ( in 1962 you can find both models of rotor ).

I'm sorry for all of your thumbs down. I've looked at a lot of serial number charts over the years, as you know they're mostly an estimate and I have yet to find one that's perfect. One of the reasons I like this forum is people can post info and discuss things. I'm sorry my chart wasn't up you par for you, it was one I found and thought the ranges seemed more specific than many others.

springer · 25 July 2011, 11:01 AM

I'm starting to see a lot of "hair splitting" here regarding serial numbers, which I see quite often on another forum. As everyone knows, many factors enter into the "production" date of a Rolex. The case and caseback were not made in conjunction with each other so the dates will vary between a case number and caseback number.

The serial number from the original post is an accepted 1969 serial number, but we all know the serial number data is based on the best information available and not science. A Rolex with a circa 1970 serial number could have a caseback that does not match the production year of the case which is not unusual at all.

If I wanted a 1969, birth-year Rolex, I would find a case with a serial number that was within a year or two of the accepted serial number range for the watch, and concentrate on a correctly dated caseback.

To the original poster, Bruce T, good luck in your search.

CaveDiver · 25 July 2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

this watch arrived in Italy from the States around the middle of the 90s and
was completely consistent to the time of production ( crown-insert-ecc. )
the movement is one of the very first with the "non-butterfly rotor ( in 1962 you can find both models of rotor ).

Hi Marcello,
On the butterfly rotor: I remember reading someplace (someone (expert)) stating that “all” 1560 cals came with the butterfly. I had my suspects on this. Can you please provide information on the transition and your experience with examples of virgin watches?
Thanks a bunch
Oh, nice watch too

BruceT · 25 July 2011, 11:22 AM

Springer and others - thank you for your thoughtful comments.

I asked the seller (who appears to be super responsive and honest) to open the caseback to look for the number but the case back is screwed on too tightly. Need to decide whether to take the jump without that info - the watch is great but I'd be a bit bummed out to later learn that it's a 1970 or 1971.

I've attached a few pics of the watch I'm considering. Any comments?

toph · 25 July 2011, 11:28 AM

you forgot pictures;)
Emm i have a 65 serial GMT with a 64 caseback. if its close its close and it could be exact. if something is say 69 0r 70. some will say it s 69 some will say its 70

CaveDiver · 25 July 2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

2.70 is a case produced in 1971 ( according to "confidential official tablets" ).

I hope these confidential tablets are not written in stone:
In the family since ~72

Andad · 25 July 2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

I would be interested to know where you get this "confidential" information from as my 2.76m Red Sub (1680) has a caseback stamped IV.70 which fits exactly with the Oysterworld data and many other sources.

Hi DJ
My 27670** DJ is stamped as shown.

Christiaan · 25 July 2011, 12:09 PM

Does the case back stamp continue on all models until 1974? I'm also looking for a birth year piece and would love to "ensure" that I get a 1974.

cruvon · 25 July 2011, 12:20 PM

Hi, so a serial 381xxx on my 1680 red would be which quarter considering the last batch of reds were 1973? I know it might be on the inside of the caseback but can't take it off yet since is already recently serviced.

21 July 2011, 11:56 AM	#1
BruceT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 11	Serial Number Question - Help I'm looking for a vintage birth year watch (1969, yikes) and found a Rolex 1625 with the serial number 2703xxx. Depending on the resource, the watch dates to either 1969 or 1970. Is there a definitive resource? Thanks!

21 July 2011, 12:02 PM	#2
toph "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: ChrisTOPHer Location: Sydney Watch: Rolex, Brellum, Posts: 12,601	not really but i woudl personlly be more inclined to say 1970, but its hatrd to really know exactly __________________ "Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Member No.# 11795

22 July 2011, 01:49 AM	#4
BruceT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 11	Serial Numbers Thanks! So, if its a 1969 or 1970 Rolex, it should have the date on the case back? Thanks.

22 July 2011, 03:30 AM	#9
BruceT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 11	Thanks! Thank you!

22 July 2011, 06:48 AM	#13
LI Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 298	Mine is 2.706 so I just go with "1970" as it's a nice round-decade number __________________ I don't wear a Rolex for other people, I wear it for me. "We're going to hell anyway, let's travel first class" -- Kaiser Chiefs

21 July 2011, 12:16 PM	#3
rolexpawn Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Chester Location: Bolton UK Watch: my Rolex(s) Posts: 479	The only way you can get a Rolex with a specific date is the paperwork or the case back will have the date of manufacture until 1972-1974

22 July 2011, 02:21 AM	#5
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	yes it will have the quarter of manufacture in roman numerals then the last two digits of the year in Arabic. for ex: IV 69 means fourth quarter of 1969

22 July 2011, 02:53 AM	#7
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	This is the best website I have come across on Rolex serial numbers and which also lists a number of other sources for comparative purposes. http://www.oysterinfo.de/en/detailin...mern/index.php A 2.70 would be 1970 on Oysterworld data but 1969 on the others sites posted. But as I am sure you know, and as others have posted, the caseback will be stamped during this period so reasonably easy to check. Best of luck

22 July 2011, 03:16 AM	#8
marcello pisani "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: italy Posts: 991	2.70 is a case produced in 1971 ( according to "confidential official tablets" ).

23 July 2011, 10:58 AM	#15
therolexguy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Todd Location: US Posts: 3,528	This is my resourse.. http://www.vetroplastica.it/tabella-seriali-rolex.html

23 July 2011, 08:31 PM	#17
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	Very nice Marcello!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

23 July 2011, 08:41 PM	#19
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	The valve definitely spoils!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

25 July 2011, 11:01 AM	#23
springer 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,319	I'm starting to see a lot of "hair splitting" here regarding serial numbers, which I see quite often on another forum. As everyone knows, many factors enter into the "production" date of a Rolex. The case and caseback were not made in conjunction with each other so the dates will vary between a case number and caseback number. The serial number from the original post is an accepted 1969 serial number, but we all know the serial number data is based on the best information available and not science. A Rolex with a circa 1970 serial number could have a caseback that does not match the production year of the case which is not unusual at all. If I wanted a 1969, birth-year Rolex, I would find a case with a serial number that was within a year or two of the accepted serial number range for the watch, and concentrate on a correctly dated caseback. To the original poster, Bruce T, good luck in your search. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

25 July 2011, 11:22 AM	#25
BruceT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 11	Thanks Springer and others - thank you for your thoughtful comments. I asked the seller (who appears to be super responsive and honest) to open the caseback to look for the number but the case back is screwed on too tightly. Need to decide whether to take the jump without that info - the watch is great but I'd be a bit bummed out to later learn that it's a 1970 or 1971. I've attached a few pics of the watch I'm considering. Any comments?

25 July 2011, 11:28 AM	#26
toph "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: ChrisTOPHer Location: Sydney Watch: Rolex, Brellum, Posts: 12,601	you forgot pictures;) Emm i have a 65 serial GMT with a 64 caseback. if its close its close and it could be exact. if something is say 69 0r 70. some will say it s 69 some will say its 70 __________________ "Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Member No.# 11795

25 July 2011, 12:09 PM	#29
Christiaan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Christiaan Location: Fort Mill, SC Watch: 67' Breitling Navi Posts: 1,617	Does the case back stamp continue on all models until 1974? I'm also looking for a birth year piece and would love to "ensure" that I get a 1974. __________________ "Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities" Frank Lloyd Wright. "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been and there you will long to return." DaVinci

25 July 2011, 12:20 PM	#30
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Hi, so a serial 381xxx on my 1680 red would be which quarter considering the last batch of reds were 1973? I know it might be on the inside of the caseback but can't take it off yet since is already recently serviced.

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