Why all the fuzz about serial numbers?

[Gaffel]

It seems like there is a lot of attention about serial numbers (or letters). Why are we not just talking about production year/ date of purchase for any given watch. As long as there hasn´t been any changes to the exterior or caliber the "letter" should not mean anything.... Or am I missing something here?? Is all the talk about letters to clarify the time of minor or major change to the watch? Has there in the history of Rolex been a "serial letter" that has become insanely sought of or rare??
I know the answer is out there somewhere among the brilliant minds of TRF!

[toph]

As you say the serial letter just defines the year of production. Some models were only produced with certain serial numbers etc and it can help us to date certain watches. It also help us to determine counterfiet watches or watches that have been added to with later parts etc. In my opinion It is most useful when buying rarer vintage peices

[Andad]

Bit like buying a car where the same model has been available for years without any changes being made. If you were going to buy one would you buy one that has just come off the assembly line or would you buy a 'new' one that was 4 or 5 years old and possibly due for a service?

[Luv rolex]

Iam one of those who care about serials.its all about depretiating the bands,calibers thats all.

[Gaffel]

:) I´d pick the brand new one, Eddie! But I´d rather look at production year or date of purchase in the papers than the letters on the license plate....

[Gaffel]

Sorry, double post....

[buz-lh]

It has been pointed out here and other places that serial number letters run concurrently. So you can actually have a M serial number that is newer than a V serial number. Although, since V is the newer introduction, those that care about these things will certainly want the V. I couldn't care less but my 116710 happened to be a V. If it had been an M I still would have gotten it.

[padi56]

Lets get things straight the date letter is just when the one of several other thousands upon thousand Rolex cases was stamped.The cal 3135 now in the majority of Rolex watches and clones of the 3135 have not changed since 1989 except for the introduction of the in-house hairspring in some models.So whats more important the movement or the case.Its perfectly possible to have a older made movement in a newer case and vise versa.And if you buy new from AD exactly the same warranty, and with the modern day oils no harm whatsoever if stored for a year or more.

[Gaffel]

So padi56... I take it you could agree the date of purchase and actual wear (mint, 95%, 90% etc.) would have to be the most important criteria when buying a used Rolex, and not the letter stamp on the case?

[rayt]

if you buy your watch from an AD thats the only time that rolex watch will be stamped the date its purchased, technically speaking that determines the year model of that watch.unless theres really a significant modifications of a particular model id say that serial number is not really significant.coz physically you would know like for instance the new ceramic bezels that was introduced via the gmtII that is a significant modification very obvious.Now if we are buying are watch pre owned or used from dealer or collector thats the time i would say serial nos or codes are neccessary that big time, especially if we are buying rolex without the warranty certificates or the card type certs rolex is implementing now.coz through those codes and serial nos we will find out year of production,country that rolex first distributed the watch etc.etc.those are my insights.

[Perdu]

Too much emphasis is placed on serial numbers. The only time they are important is when there is a change - SEL, SuperLuminova etc. For those who care, the better indication of the age of the watch is the bracelet stamp.

[mike]

To be honest, the only time a serial number factors in for me is in the vintage arena. Does the watch have what it should for the time period.

[vapalux]

x2 with mike

Si

[Gaffel]

Good to see my point is well received... I agree with the vintage arena argument as pointed out by several of you. Other than that - "New" used arena for any model without major new changes - serial number not important :) Any good examples where the serial number for any model has been of pivotal importance for the value even if no big changes to exterior or caliber has occurred?? Anyone?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

To be honest, the only time a serial number factors in for me is in the vintage arena. Does the watch have what it should for the time period.

Thats very true Mike vintage the proper Rolex, lets be honest about it since 1989 Rolex sports watches have changed very little.Just cannot see what the fuss is over the latest case date stamp. Watches don't go off like food,if a watch is bought new from AD same warranty applies.And no the oil will not dry out watch will run the same whether its ABC or XYZ.If model has had a large upgrade then yes, but when the model is exactly the same whats the big deal its only a case date stamp.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Gaffel

So padi56... I take it you could agree the date of purchase and actual wear (mint, 95%, 90% etc.) would have to be the most important criteria when buying a used Rolex, and not the letter stamp on the case?

Gaffel,

You are exactly on the mark. It is mostly newcomers to the Rolex brand that dwell on the latest serial letter. That, and too many people are doing nothing but internet research and see a certain serial was first seen in XXXX year, and assume that all watches with that letter are from the same year.. It just isn't so since letters are run for 2 to 3 years...at least.

For a great example, today we know that V's were first seen in the world a couple of months ago...so some list will show them as 2008 when the vast majority of them will be actually released this year and 2010, and they will very likely extend into 2011 or beyond depending on the economy. But we also know that M's were first seen in early 2008... another 2008 date. However, they will both be made during this year and next.........and it is very likely that there are still some Z's in the system for some models...

The only time a list should be used to "guess" at the age of a watch is if there is no official paperwork showing the date..