Serial Number Discretion and Redaction?

[Tha Baron]

I always thought the purpose of blurring the SN was twofold: 1) to ensure your watch wasn't ghosted and SN used elsewhere for illicit purposes and 2) to protect the source of the watch if was purchased outside of an AD or on Gray market.

I've been noticing that some people only redact or blur out 3-4 digits of the random Rolex serial number. Wouldn't it make more sense to blur out the whole thing if you are already going to the trouble?

Specifically for reason #2, I bet Rolex can easily track down the original AD for any watch with just 2 or 3 digits of the serial number... That is, Rolex doesn't need the whole SN to cross reference a Sea-Dweller with "38X****".

Is there something else I am missing?

[m j b]

Me personally, I think it's gotten out of hand, not unlike the hiding of license plates on cars for sale. That said, I do typically blur part of the number not for the reasons listed but because I'm concerned that my potential buyer may have those concerns, and so I just play it safe.

If that makes sense.

[037]

Some blur partial numbers to show that the number on the watch matches the warranty card. If there's no card then some blur partial numbers to show that the watch has a random number (late 2010 and newer) versus a sequential number (mid 2010 and older).

Rolex could track partial numbers if they so choose. Whether they do or not is another question entirely.

[77T]

^^^
This

[Daveclock]

I've PM'd a few who have posted super clear full serial number pictures, for safety.
And one where the moderators got to it first!
Something everyone should be aware of today.

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by 037

Some blur partial numbers to show that the number on the watch matches the warranty card. If there's no card then some blur partial numbers to show that the watch has a random number (late 2010 and newer) versus a sequential number (mid 2010 and older).

Rolex could track partial numbers if they so choose. Whether they do or not is another question entirely.

[tyler1980]

i dont blur mine, i use to. People steal my pics all the time anyway to sell watches they probably dont have. Somone lifted my 5990 pic the other day and listed it on IG for sale... Rude

[Tools]

The only reason to blur or not show a portion of a serial number, is to keep from getting all of the "your serial is showing" posts and messages.

There isn't a single verifiable case of a specific "stolen serial number" used for some nefarious purpose.

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by Tools

The only reason to blur or not show a portion of a serial number, is to keep from getting all of the "your serial is showing" posts and messages.

There isn't a single verifiable case of a specific "stolen serial number" used for some nefarious purpose.

Couldn’t I falsely insure a Rolex by getting an appraisal for it by using pics found online that show the SN? Then dial up a fake police report? One thing I thought helped validate you actually owned the real Rolex was the SN.

[blue lion]

I totally get being private with one's personal info.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Tha Baron

Couldn’t I falsely insure a Rolex by getting an appraisal for it by using pics found online that show the SN? Then dial up a fake police report? One thing I thought helped validate you actually owned the real Rolex was the SN.

Is that what you intend to do?


Right, nobody else either.

[TimingIsEverything]

Originally Posted by Tha Baron

Couldn’t I falsely insure a Rolex by getting an appraisal for it by using pics found online that show the SN? Then dial up a fake police report? One thing I thought helped validate you actually owned the real Rolex was the SN.

You can do that with a made-up serial number anyway, so I don’t really think it matters in the least bit. If the watch is stolen or lost, the serial number is gone anyway. My insurance company never requests the serial number of my watches, just the appraisal which never has it listed.

[PatronMTL]

Like tape over your laptop camera.... Better safe than sorry

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by PatronMTL

Like tape over your laptop camera.... Better safe than sorry

I cover my laptop camera with my Rolex, of course with the serial number hidden.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by PatronMTL

Like tape over your laptop camera.... Better safe than sorry

tin foil hats are a good option too. You never know

[Brew]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

tin foil hats are a good option too. You never know

How do you get the foil to cover the serial number?

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by Tools

Is that what you intend to do?


Right, nobody else either.

Of course not. But isn’t it possible? If not, then why does my insurance company require the SN? To assist in possible recovery? Or is that they could invalidate the the potential claim by proving the watch a fake.

I’m going to bet it’s been attempted somewhere... it’s a weird world we are living in.