Serial Number Begining with "F"

[Tarheel]

My husband purchased a new SS Explorer from an AD tonight (I liked the Sub, but the Explorer smiled at him). When I was looking at his paperwork, I noticed the serial number begins with an "F," which, as I understand it, means the watch was manufactured around 2003 and sat around the store for years. Should I be worried that the watch is, in effect, 5 years old?

Given that Rolex states that all watches should be serviced every 5 to 7 years because oils dry up and gaskets become old, will this newly purchased watch need to go through the expensive and time consuming servicing process in the next year or so?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Tools]

no, no, no....it doesn't really mean that at all.

Now most of us WIS types would insist on the latest serial, but we are afflicted. Let's talk about yours.

The "F" serial numbers were first seen in mid-2003, and were considered the current serial until early 2005 when the "D" showed up. Then in early 2006 the "Z" began showing up.

But Rolex produces more than one serial prefix at a time.......In other words, they did not suddenly run out of F's when D's showed up in 2005 and may have had some F's being produced into 2005 easily, and possibly into 2006....Nobody really knows down to the gnats ass.

So I will say that if you buy a brand new "F" from your AD, sure it might be a couple of years old within the production system, but it is still brand new.

Now there are two schools of thought.. Some will say that the clock started when it was first produced..and some are extreme and count back when the serial first appeared. I think that is silly, they weren't all suddenly produced on one day. Personally, I would say use the conservative approach for a used watch, not a new one.. The second school of thought is the one I believe...it starts when you walk out the door with it for the first time, and you have a warranty/invoice that says so.

Modern lubricants and materials can easily go longer than the "5" years you always hear...and especially if they have been in controlled environments such as a jewelry case...

Bottom line.......You have an "F" serial watch, BNIB....start counting from when you first strapped it on your wrist.

[Andad]

I agree.
Enjoy your new Rolex.
Your husband is a very lucky man.

[Tarheel]

Many thanks for the info guys. This forum has been great -- I've learned more in the couple of weeks I've spent lurking around here than I ever could have imagined. My husband says I have become obsessed!

And I hear you about the desire for a "Z." I'm *very* pleased that the DJ I bought two weeks ago is a Z serial.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

no, no, no....it doesn't really mean that at all.

Now most of us WIS types would insist on the latest serial, but we are afflicted. Let's talk about yours.

The "F" serial numbers were first seen in mid-2003, and were considered the current serial until early 2005 when the "D" showed up. Then in early 2006 the "Z" began showing up.

But Rolex produces more than one serial prefix at a time.......In other words, they did not suddenly run out of F's when D's showed up in 2005 and may have had some F's being produced into 2005 easily, and possibly into 2006....Nobody really knows down to the gnats ass.

So I will say that if you buy a brand new "F" from your AD, sure it might be a couple of years old within the production system, but it is still brand new.

Now there are two schools of thought.. Some will say that the clock started when it was first produced..and some are extreme and count back when the serial first appeared. I think that is silly, they weren't all suddenly produced on one day. Personally, I would say use the conservative approach for a used watch, not a new one.. The second school of thought is the one I believe...it starts when you walk out the door with it for the first time, and you have a warranty/invoice that says so.

Modern lubricants and materials can easily go longer than the "5" years you always hear...and especially if they have been in controlled environments such as a jewelry case...

Bottom line.......You have an "F" serial watch, BNIB....start counting from when you first strapped it on your wrist.

Excellent reply and 100% agree its a watch not some perishable item that will explode when a new serial letter appearers.Wonder if say a Daytona at list price was found at a AD, with say a F serial number,wonder then would anybody ask for the latest serial.

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by Tools

no, no, no....it doesn't really mean that at all.

Bottom line.......You have an "F" serial watch, BNIB....start counting from when you first strapped it on your wrist.

Well said

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Please post a pic of the Explorer!

[mike]

Larry nailed it. No worries.

[Markg]

Originally Posted by padi56

Wonder if say a Daytona at list price was found at a AD, with say a F serial number,wonder then would anybody ask for the latest serial.

my AD has a Y serial daytona....
but why wouldnt i want the lastest serial?

mark

[bgriz]

Enjoy the watch.

[JJ Irani]

It's still brand new and the 2-year warranty period starts from the actual DATE of purchase.....no worries!!

Do post some pics when you can.

Thanks - JJ