Tell me about the green circle behind the case

[DaveInLA]

I've noticed that most Rolexes have a large green circle patch/sticker on the back of the case (lies between wrist and back of case) that has the model number printed on it. However, after searching through supposedly reputable online retailers/auctioners, many of these watches, used and new, don't have that green circle. Does that automatically guarantee that the watch is either a (bad) replica or used? I do understand that the green circle does not guarantee authenticity.

Also, what is that green circle for? Does it absorb moisture? Does it provide friction to prevent the watch from sliding around your wrist? Thanks for helping a Rolex newbie. :)

[SKSeoul81]

The circle on the back shows the reference number of the watch and its supposed to be a authenticity sticker, so you know its the real deal. However, nowadays many fakes come with this sticker as well. Besides that, the sticker doesn't really have a purpose, many take it off at purchase as it is said it may damage the back (corrosion).

[jasonbellevue]

Hi Dave, welcome to TRF!

Check out the Rolex FAQ found here - http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478 , it will help you with the most commonly asked questions about your Rolex.

[DaveInLA]

Originally Posted by SKSeoul81

Besides that, the sticker doesn't really have a purpose, many take it off at purchase as it is said it may damage the back (corrosion).

Interesting... but it would surprise me if that sticker causes more corrosion than the sweat on our wrists. Thanks for the info!

[SKSeoul81]

After a while the thin plastic layer in the sticker starts to come off and the paper absorbs the moisture.

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, Man!!! Hope you enjoy your stay here.

[DaveInLA]

I went to a couple ADs today to look at some watches... and noticed that none of the watches had the green stickers. Someone told me that they take them off when they hit the store; someone else told me that newer watches don't come with those anymore. I'm skeptical of both answers, but they are reputable ADs...

[mike]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

I went to a couple ADs today to look at some watches... and noticed that none of the watches had the green stickers. Someone told me that they take them off when they hit the store; someone else told me that newer watches don't come with those anymore. I'm skeptical of both answers, but they are reputable ADs...

They're right. Older versions had the hologram,



While newer references do not,

[spoon1]

My new M series daytona didnt come with the green sticker now. The AD said the new ones wont have them. Instead they have a small square barcode on the side of the case which you can peel off.

[Mrdi]

Stickers are old technology.
The new watches come with a Rolex credit card,
this enables you to immediately charge more Rolex to your account.
If you are a Millenial, you deserve it!

Mrdi

[Tools]

If you have one with the hologram sticker intact, it's nice to take it off carefully and stick it on your original warranty paperwork..

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

Interesting... but it would surprise me if that sticker causes more corrosion than the sweat on our wrists. Thanks for the info!

Problem is that if sweat - or especially salt water - collects UNDER the sticker, as stated it can (in rare cases) cause steel pitting (i.e.: corrosion, showing as microscopic holes in the steel).

Also, the sticker is a nice place for bacteria growth. Therefore, it's advisable to take the green sticker off.

Due to the above issues, probably this is why Rolex chose to omit the green sticker.

As Mike stated, the current stickers are of the clear, easy peel-off type. Most of them would sport the model reference number of the Rolex watch in question, but the most recent clear caseback stickers don't have ANY numbers on them anymore.

My M-series SD (March 2008):


My M-series SS Daytona (September 2007):


As you can see from the pics, the clear caseback stickers come with either a RED or GREEN marked area.

[colemanitis]

Mine fell off...

[BigHat]

As for the green sticker -- good riddance.

Cannot understand why anyone would keep that funky thing next to their skin.

Was there ever any intention by Rolex to have these stay on the watch after it left the AD?

Still amazes me that people retain these on their watches until they fall off as funk and then try to find another one to replace it.

[nylawbiz]

The sticker is still on my TT DJ after 2-1/2 years, and doesn't seen to be bothering anything. My brand new GMTIIc came with a blank sticker, albeit a green stripe, as did the Air King I also purchased (for my wife). These new watches are M series.

BTW, I just love the GMT IIc, its been on my wrist since I picked it up on Tuesday, I only have taken off for the shower and the pool. I feel terrible about my abandonment of the poor DJ. Same goes for my wife, she has left her ladies's TT DJ all alone, having this new love affair with the Air King.