etching on sea dweller crystal

[jhphilip]

I bought a used sea dweller from a very reputable non-ad watch dealer that sells second hand rolex's. My question is, in 2002 did they have the hologram etched in the crystal of the sea dweller?

[C.J.]

I don't know, my 16610 Sub is a late F series bought new by the original owner in 04 and it has it. Now, my friend, Brian has an early F series 14060M and he doesn't have the etching, I'm only guessing that somewhere around 03ish is when they began, but again, I'm realy not sure. JJ, Padi or Mike should be along soon, I'm sure they will know

[mike]

I think that might be a bit early. I was thinking sometime in 03 for the etching.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by jhphilip

I bought a used sea dweller from a very reputable non-ad watch dealer that sells second hand rolex's. My question is, in 2002 did they have the hologram etched in the crystal of the sea dweller?

Mike is right. The etching started in 2003, mainly with the Y-series. Some of the very late K-series did have the etching, but it was just a matter of luck then.

With the Y, F, D and now the very recent (and current) Z - will all have the etching.



JJ

[s7horton]

Well, that's mostly true. Not all of the Y series had the etching. My Y8XXX series sub never had one until it went in for replacement of the crystal. In which case it came back with an "S" in the coronet. I believe starting with the Y9XXXX serial numbers the etching was present. Atleast as far as the sub is concerned.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by s7horton

Well, that's mostly true. Not all of the Y series had the etching. My Y8XXX series sub never had one until it went in for replacement of the crystal. In which case it came back with an "S" in the coronet. I believe starting with the Y9XXXX serial numbers the etching was present. Atleast as far as the sub is concerned.

You could be right. My wife's YM is a Y-8xxxxx, but has the etching.

JJ