Random serial number?

[otherminds]

This might be a dumb question, but why do sellers make a point to list “random serial number” in their listings? Wouldn’t the watch by definition be a random serial number?

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by otherminds

This might be a dumb question, but why do sellers make a point to list “random serial number” in their listings? Wouldn’t the watch by definition be a random serial number?

You used to be able to approximate date of production based on serial number, up to nearly 10,000,000 when it was all numeric, then lettered by year after that, until they went to randomized serials (I don't know what year, but relatively recent). In the future I suspect the only way to date one will be if it has it's box and papers with it.

I personally think it's dumb, but there is a cadre of well-to-do people that immediately chuck the box and papers for everything they buy.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by otherminds

This might be a dumb question, but why do sellers make a point to list “random serial number” in their listings? Wouldn’t the watch by definition be a random serial number?

Yes, the logic of it is elusive. Every watch has it's own, separate and unique, number.

[otherminds]

Originally Posted by Oystersteel92

You used to be able to approximate date of production based on serial number, up to nearly 10,000,000 when it was all numeric, then lettered by year after that, until they went to randomized serials (I don't know what year, but relatively recent). In the future I suspect the only way to date one will be if it has it's box and papers with it.

I personally think it's dumb, but there is a cadre of well-to-do people that immediately chuck the box and papers for everything they buy.

Ahhh got it. Thanks!

[cm70]

some references have been discontinued at the time of introduction of random serials ..
for example, a 16610 RRR random is one of the last to be manufactured, without any doubt ...

[Dazthebeard]

I have a 14060M from 2011 and that also has a random serial number and engraved rehaut.

[cm70]

Originally Posted by Dazthebeard

I have a 14060M from 2011 and that also has a random serial number and engraved rehaut.

same as 16610T
but not all RRR are randoms ... e.g. a V serial is a RRR but not random

[Dazthebeard]

Originally Posted by cm70

same as 16610T
but not all RRR are randoms ... e.g. a V serial is a RRR but not random

[Swiss Mad!]

By definition a ‘serial number’ must run in series.

If it’s a random number then it’s not a serial number.

A watches number should really be referred to as its reference number now that that they are random.

Just a small point...


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[Alfa2109]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

By definition a ‘serial number’ must run in series.

If it’s a random number then it’s not a serial number.

A watches number should really be referred to as its reference number now that that they are random.

Just a small point...


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Awesome point!

[Bryan81]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

By definition a ‘serial number’ must run in series.

If it’s a random number then it’s not a serial number.

A watches number should really be referred to as its reference number now that that they are random.

Just a small point...


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Reference number means something very different. The “reference number” for all currently produced Sub Dates with black dial is 126610LN for example.


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[ancientmariner]

A number of 5 digit references were being discontinued around the time random serial numbers were introduced.
Therefore there are relatively few of these watches, so dealers mention it as some see them as more desirable as being the last ones made and few of them.

Such as
16610LV Kermit
16570 Explorer II

[Andad]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

A number of 5 digit references were being discontinued around the time random serial numbers were introduced.
Therefore there are relatively few of these watches, so dealers mention it as some see them as more desirable as being the last ones made and few of them.

Such as
16610LV Kermit
16570 Explorer II

I thought we agreed that there was no such thing as a random ‘serial’ number.

What can we call it.

Can we just call it an ID?

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Andad

I thought we agreed that there was no such thing as a random ‘serial’ number.

What can we call it.

Can we just call it an ID?

Given Webster's definition,
"Definition of serial number: a number indicating place in a series and used as a means of identification"

There is no indication that the numbers be uncoded or sequential so I disagree with the entire premise that they aren't serial numbers just because we don't have the key to identifying the order in which they were produced. Rolex has that key and chooses to keep it to themselves.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

By definition a ‘serial number’ must run in series.

If it’s a random number then it’s not a serial number.

A watches number should really be referred to as its reference number now that that they are random.

Just a small point...


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Any serial number is just a identification number in whoever's data base for whatever product the manufacture records it in and they dont have to run in numerical order .And like case serials no matter how they are made plus the movements serials all just one of a kind to that particular case and movement.

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by Bryan81

Reference number means something very different. The “reference number” for all currently produced Sub Dates with black dial is 126610LN for example.


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Fair point

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by Andad

I thought we agreed that there was no such thing as a random ‘serial’ number.

What can we call it.

Can we just call it an ID?

To me it looks like they hash the serial numbers in some way, we just don't know with what hashing algorithm. Maybe call them hashed serial numbers? ID is fine too, or maybe unique ID.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

By definition a ‘serial number’ must run in series.

If it’s a random number then it’s not a serial number.

A watches number should really be referred to as its reference number now that that they are random.

Just a small point...


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This!


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[Andad]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Given Webster's definition,
"Definition of serial number: a number indicating place in a series and used as a means of identification"

There is no indication that the numbers be uncoded or sequential so I disagree with the entire premise that they aren't serial numbers just because we don't have the key to identifying the order in which they were produced. Rolex has that key and chooses to keep it to themselves.

Good try but a fail as usual.

You must try to understand Webster’s definition of a number ie. 1, 2, 3 etc.

There are letters in the Rolex current ID’s.

Yes, Rolex has the master list but they are not serial numbers that we can relate to their dates of manufacturing.

If you can decipher the current Rolex ID’s let me know.

Until then we can call them random ID’s with a hidden key like an enigma?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Andad

Good try but a fail as usual.

You must try to understand Webster’s definition of a number ie. 1, 2, 3 etc.

There are letters in the Rolex current ID’s.

Yes, Rolex has the master list but they are not serial numbers that we can relate to their dates of manufacturing.

If you can decipher the current Rolex ID’s let me know.

Until then we can call them random ID’s with a hidden key like an enigma?

After hundreds of hours of trying to crack the new Rolex Random Case stamp code.And thanks to the thousands of members obsessions on serial stamps on a well known Rolex forum.The moderators and admin spent hundreds of hours answering questions on serials which seem to be more important than the watches.We at last have come up with a RCC machine (Rolex Code Cracker) this machine is made from 904L SS now called Oystersteel with parachrom and paraflex protection and ceramic push keys with the flat 4 type fonts, and has been fully Superlative tested with special alignment points and is now fully TRF certified.And will be on sale soon we have built in a two watch-winder into the case with room to store 10 watches in its built in humidity controlled secret draw to protect the very delicate metal against scratches.

(Rolex Code Cracker Machine.)

[DonRickles]

I would think the random numbers also enabled the use of older "in stock" parts?

Surely there has to be some internal parts/numbers, that can determine an approximate date?

[garyk]

Originally Posted by padi56

After hundreds of hours of trying to crack the new Rolex Random Case stamp code.And thanks to the thousands of members obsessions on serial stamps on a well known Rolex forum.The moderators and admin spent hundreds of hours answering questions on serials which seem to be more important than the watches.We at last have come up with a RCC machine (Rolex Code Cracker) this machine is made from 904L SS now called Oystersteel with parachrom and paraflex protection and ceramic push keys with the flat 4 type fonts, and has been fully Superlative tested with special alignment points and is now fully TRF certified.And will be on sale soon we have built in a two watch-winder into the case with room to store 10 watches in its built in humidity controlled secret draw to protect the very delicate metal against scratches.

(Rolex Code Cracker Machine.)

I have a friend who has collected great examples of these including 3 rotor diplomatic and Unterseebootwaffen versions. Very cool...