Random Serial#

[rolexlovegmt]

Can some one explain what a random serial number means? And if it's not random, what does that mean? Thanx.

[Baco Noir]

Rolex use to have a alpha numeric sequence that defined the date of production. So a Z serial number would designate a particular production year. If it sat in a dealer showroom for several years without selling a knowledgable buyer might worry that it would require service sooner because of the oils/gaskets drying out while waiting to be sold. Now, Rolex uses a random series of letters and numbers for their serial numbers so the date of production is only known to them.


Sent from my iPad (so I blame autocorrect for the spellin' errs)

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rolexlovegmt

Can some one explain what a random serial number means? And if it's not random, what does that mean? Thanx.

Random serials are just that random now a mixture of letter numbers but a total now of 8 digits.Rolex first started the single letter plus 6 numbers in 1987,but Rolex over the years made countless millions of watches that they simply ran out of single letter number combination.So the latter part of 2010 the random serial started to appear at the ADs mixture letters number but 8 digits.Then a little later in 2010 something strange happened single letter G plus 6 numbers started to show up at the ADs.And both these serials are still current today,no internet chart can tell 100% when any Rolex was made.As Rolex themselves have never issued or made this information public.The charts were compiled by information gathered from the various sources like net forum.But these charts only give a approx date when the case/clasp was stamped and not when a watch was 100% made, and only work best with the faster selling watches like say SS sports.

[Mak2013]

its meaningless and pointless and you should not pay attention to it AT ALL.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by Mak2013

its meaningless and pointless and you should not pay attention to it AT ALL.

I disagree. The date of manufacture and service history of any mechanical item is very important.

When buying new, it hardly matters, but on the second hand market it certainly does.

[JRolex]

Originally Posted by Mak2013

its meaningless and pointless and you should not pay attention to it AT ALL.

Eh, different strokes for different folks.

I know my first watch was a DateJust that had a serial number "made" - and sold - in the same year I was born. I guess it just added to the nostalgia.

[THC]

ha, my serial begins with Z, thanks Roger... 2007 I think...