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0037ksm · 2 May 2007, 10:43 AM

Hi

I recently purchased my first Rolex (yea!!). It's a Submariner with blue dial in stainless and gold. It's beautiful watch and one I have wanted for many years and I have finally reached a point in my life where I can afford such luxuries.

My question is regarding the serial number. Mine starts with a "D". My understanding is the new ones start with a "Z". Are there any important differences between the "D" and "Z" models or is there any other reason I should insist on a newer "Z" model. After spending this much money, I need reassurance I purchased wisely.

Thanks in advance for your advice and counsel.
Gary

C.J. · 2 May 2007, 10:51 AM

First off, welcome to TRF and congratulations on a fantastic watch

As far as the D serial number, no worries. It's common for an Ad to still have that series in the case. It's still new!

OysterDavid · 2 May 2007, 11:20 AM

You'll be just fine, and consider your watch BRAND NEW!

Watches are not like fresh food, spoiling if they stay on the shelf for too long. Also keep in mind that Rolex doesn't stamp out its cases in small batches...so when the case serial number is engraved, it can be months after that before that particular casing is pulled out of stock and stuffed with a brand new movement.

There are no internal differences between the 'D' and 'Z' series, so once again, it's not like you've bought 'last years' model that will depreciate faster, or have features and benefits different from one of these two letters.

In my personal watch, my serial number according to the charts say the watch dates from 1986, but I bought it brand new in Switzerland in 1988. I have another watch with a 'U' series...the charts say 1997 but it was bought new in 1999.

Stop worrying and obsessing and enjoy wearing your new timepiece that is really BRAND NEW.

0037ksm · 2 May 2007, 11:39 AM

Thanks, guys.

I bought it from an AD so I feel OK about the condition and "newness" of the watch. But, I was looking at ebay (I know, I know) and the listings make a big deal about the "Z" series having "no holes in the case" and improved "superluminova" and "solid end bracelet pins" (or something like that). If there are significant differences between the "D" and "Z" series, I'll be pretty ticked-off at the AD for not explaining them.

C.J. · 2 May 2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0037ksm

Thanks, guys.

I bought it from an AD so I feel OK about the condition and "newness" of the watch. But, I was looking at ebay (I know, I know) and the listings make a big deal about the "Z" series having "no holes in the case" and improved "superluminova" and "solid end bracelet pins" (or something like that). If there are significant differences between the "D" and "Z" series, I'll be pretty ticked-off at the AD for not explaining them.

No significant difference, pal. Just sit back and enjoy that beauty

ashu2289 · 2 May 2007, 11:49 AM

Congratulations for being proud owner of an awesome classic Rolex.

Gaijin · 2 May 2007, 02:39 PM

Congrats! You're golden. No sweat. Welcome to the Blues Brothers! Pics!?

JJ Irani · 2 May 2007, 02:58 PM

Welcome to TRF, Gary. Congrats on getting my all time favourite watch. Now post some pics when you can!!

Cheers - JJ

bwalkerVintage · 2 May 2007, 02:58 PM

Welcome! You selected an awesome watch!!

Andad · 2 May 2007, 05:55 PM

Hi Gary and welcome to the TT blue sub club. You are now one of JJ's best mates and it is one of my favourite Rolexes.

You have asked for opinions on whether you should ask you AD for new watch or accept a D s/n.

You have mentioned that buying a new Rolex is something you have waited many years to do and this would seem to have been a special time for you.

IMO if you intended to buy a new watch (Z s/n) then you should have a Z s/n. Other threads ( check some current threads from NIck Hacko http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...197#post215197) are suggesting that new watches with older serial numbers that have been in a showcase for a while might require a service prior to use.

When I put my hard earned down for a new Rolex I expect to get the very latest S/N that was available.
If this was a highly tuned top of the range sports car you were buying would you buy one that had been sitting in a showroom for maybe +12 months or one that just rolled off the assembly line with fresh oil, battery, springs, etc.

No decision to make really.

Don't forget the PIX.

Eddie.

0037ksm · 3 May 2007, 12:35 PM

Thanks everyone for your advice and counsel and for your very warm welcome. I feel like I've been admitted into a very exclusive club and, in a very real sense, I suppose I have.

I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge and appreciation for this wonderful marque and I can't wait for that next acquisition (but not too soon!).

I will post a picture as soon as I dig the digital camera out from the back of the closet and figure out how to get a pic online.
Warm regards to all
Gary

2 May 2007, 10:43 AM	#1
0037ksm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 98	Question from a Rolex newbie Hi I recently purchased my first Rolex (yea!!). It's a Submariner with blue dial in stainless and gold. It's beautiful watch and one I have wanted for many years and I have finally reached a point in my life where I can afford such luxuries. My question is regarding the serial number. Mine starts with a "D". My understanding is the new ones start with a "Z". Are there any important differences between the "D" and "Z" models or is there any other reason I should insist on a newer "Z" model. After spending this much money, I need reassurance I purchased wisely. Thanks in advance for your advice and counsel. Gary

2 May 2007, 11:49 AM	#6
ashu2289 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Ashutosh Location: Rochester NY Watch: Daytonas,SD Posts: 2,342	Congratulations for being proud owner of an awesome classic Rolex. __________________ Everything becomes nothing after ROLEX 116520 SS Daytona White Dial 116520 SS Daytona Black Dial 116523 18K&SS Daytona Slate Dial 16600 Sea-Dweller 16710 GMT Master II Pepsi Bezel 16613 18K&SS Submariner Blue Dial 116660 Deepsea Sea-Dweller

2 May 2007, 02:58 PM	#8
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Welcome to TRF, Gary. Congrats on getting my all time favourite watch. Now post some pics when you can!! Cheers - JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

2 May 2007, 05:55 PM	#10
Andad 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,697	Hi Gary and welcome to the TT blue sub club. You are now one of JJ's best mates and it is one of my favourite Rolexes. You have asked for opinions on whether you should ask you AD for new watch or accept a D s/n. You have mentioned that buying a new Rolex is something you have waited many years to do and this would seem to have been a special time for you. IMO if you intended to buy a new watch (Z s/n) then you should have a Z s/n. Other threads ( check some current threads from NIck Hacko http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...197#post215197) are suggesting that new watches with older serial numbers that have been in a showcase for a while might require a service prior to use. When I put my hard earned down for a new Rolex I expect to get the very latest S/N that was available. If this was a highly tuned top of the range sports car you were buying would you buy one that had been sitting in a showroom for maybe +12 months or one that just rolled off the assembly line with fresh oil, battery, springs, etc. No decision to make really. Don't forget the PIX. Eddie. __________________ E

2 May 2007, 10:51 AM	#2
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	First off, welcome to TRF and congratulations on a fantastic watch As far as the D serial number, no worries. It's common for an Ad to still have that series in the case. It's still new!

2 May 2007, 11:20 AM	#3
OysterDavid Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: S F Bay Area Posts: 621	You'll be just fine, and consider your watch BRAND NEW! Watches are not like fresh food, spoiling if they stay on the shelf for too long. Also keep in mind that Rolex doesn't stamp out its cases in small batches...so when the case serial number is engraved, it can be months after that before that particular casing is pulled out of stock and stuffed with a brand new movement. There are no internal differences between the 'D' and 'Z' series, so once again, it's not like you've bought 'last years' model that will depreciate faster, or have features and benefits different from one of these two letters. In my personal watch, my serial number according to the charts say the watch dates from 1986, but I bought it brand new in Switzerland in 1988. I have another watch with a 'U' series...the charts say 1997 but it was bought new in 1999. Stop worrying and obsessing and enjoy wearing your new timepiece that is really BRAND NEW.

2 May 2007, 11:39 AM	#4
0037ksm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 98	Thanks, guys. I bought it from an AD so I feel OK about the condition and "newness" of the watch. But, I was looking at ebay (I know, I know) and the listings make a big deal about the "Z" series having "no holes in the case" and improved "superluminova" and "solid end bracelet pins" (or something like that). If there are significant differences between the "D" and "Z" series, I'll be pretty ticked-off at the AD for not explaining them.

2 May 2007, 02:39 PM	#7
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,173	Congrats! You're golden. No sweat. Welcome to the Blues Brothers! Pics!?

2 May 2007, 02:58 PM	#9
bwalkerVintage Banned Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Brendan Location: Cougar Country Posts: 825	Welcome! You selected an awesome watch!!

3 May 2007, 12:35 PM	#11
0037ksm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 98	Thanks everyone for your advice and counsel and for your very warm welcome. I feel like I've been admitted into a very exclusive club and, in a very real sense, I suppose I have. I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge and appreciation for this wonderful marque and I can't wait for that next acquisition (but not too soon!). I will post a picture as soon as I dig the digital camera out from the back of the closet and figure out how to get a pic online. Warm regards to all Gary

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