Why is it so hard so tell a watches age unlike a cars?

[Desibaba]

I am truly sorry for the dumb question here but please bear with me. Im the guy who has never spent over a few hundred bucks on a nice watch but im buying a submariner two tone for $13,400. How come I can see a Sub c from 1992 and its hard to tell if its used from a new one from the jeweler. Things age, collect scratches and the dial should lose its color over time. How come when I see some old ones on Ebay they still almost look brand new? Does this mean if I take care of my Rolex now at the age of 31 it will last me for the rest of my life (provided service is done regularly).

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

I am truly sorry for the dumb question here but please bear with me. Im the guy who has never spent over a few hundred bucks on a nice watch but im buying a submariner two tone for $13,400. How come I can see a Sub c from 1992 and its hard to tell if its used from a new one from the jeweler. Things age, collect scratches and the dial should lose its color over time. How come when I see some old ones on Ebay they still almost look brand new? Does this mean if I take care of my Rolex now at the age of 31 it will last me for the rest of my life (provided service is done regularly).

the changes are slight, but noticeable.
the markers, case, bezel, dial tone, lumens, bracelets, clasp etc etc

again slight changes, nothing major like a car complete redesign
but they are noticeably changed (for me anyways)


and yes, if they are well taken care of
they will last forever

[Desibaba]

Originally Posted by Kyu

the changes are slight, but noticeable.
the markers, case, bezel, dial tone, lumens, bracelets, clasp etc etc

again slight changes, nothing major like a car complete redesign
but they are noticeably changed (for me anyways)


and yes, if they are well taken care of
they will last forever

So if im buying a Submariner brand new I should ask them to make sure its a 2014 model?

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

So if im buying a Submariner brand new I should ask them to make sure its a 2014 model?

There could be 2012 or 2013 as brand new,
as they got it during that era just never sold.

But you could certainly ask for the latest current one which is random serials.
not sure if they can determine if it's a 2014 or 2013 though

if you need serial number and year reference

ROLEX

Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.

"Round Number" Serial Number List

Serial # ........................Date

20000 .............................1927
22500 .............................1928
25000 .............................1929
26500 .............................1930
28000 .............................1931
28500 .............................1932
29000 .............................1933
32000 .............................1934
35000 .............................1935
37000 .............................1936
40000 .............................1937
55000 .............................1938
71000 .............................1939
90000 .............................1940
106000 .............................1941
150000 .............................1942
230000 .............................1943
270000 .............................1944
302000 .............................1945
400000 .............................1946
529000 .............................1947
570000 .............................1948
600000 .............................1949
650000 .............................1950
700000 .............................1951
800000 .............................1952
900000 ...........................1953
10000 to 300000 .........1953 to 1957
(At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the "Roman Numeral" dating system explained above.)
350000 .............................1958
400000 ...........................1959
550000 .............................1960
700000 ...........................1961
800000 .............................1962
900000 ...........................1963
1000000 .............................1964
1200000 ...........................1965
1400000 .............................1966
1600000 ...........................1967
1850000 .............................1968
2300000 ...........................1969
2500000 .............................1970
2900000 ...........................1971
3300000 .............................1972
3750000 ...........................1973
3900000 .............................1974
4250000 ...........................1975
4500000 .............................1976
5000000 .........................1977
5400000 .............................1978
5950000 .........................1979
6400000 .............................1980
7000000 .........................1981
7350000 .............................1982
7750000 .........................1983
8100000 .............................1984
8600000 .........................1985
9000000 .............................1986
9500000 ..........................1987
(Start of the letter prefix system.)
R000001 .........................1987
L000001 .........................1989
E000001 .........................1990
X000001 .........................1991
N000001 .........................1991
C000001 .........................1992
S000001 .........................1993
W000001 .........................1994
T000001 .........................1996
U000001 .........................1997
A000001 .........................1998
P000001 .........................2000
K000001 .........................2001
Y000001 .........................2002
F000001 .........................2003
Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal)

D000001 .........................2005
Z000001 ..........................2006
M000001 ..........................2007
V000001 ..........................2008
G000001 ...................Mid 2010
Random Numbers ....Late 2010 to present
(Now features 8-digits instead of 7)

in 2011 ? towards 2012 I cant remember exact,
I bought a SubC Brand new, and it was G serial.

[mike]

One of the enduring qualities of Rolex is the lack of change for change sake. Rolex moves more in an evolutionary path rather than one that is dictated by fashion.

It somewhat explains the high value retention some references have. A watch purchased new could have been made long before it hit the AD's counter, but will still carry the same warranty as any other.

[louis redfoot]

it's by design, so you don't have to buy the same watch over and over like cars. my watch is a '98 bought new/unworn in '03. the only major difference is the clasp, and i actually like the old design more (looks like a silver brick under the sleeve)

watch vs car, there's no comparison. a watch goes with you everywhere, lasts a whole lot longer, and doesn't "age". best accessory possible. i've never serviced mine, yet it only loses about 1 minute every week.

[Oyster Al]

Hey Desi........how generous and nice are the guys on this forum with their time and
Knowledge!!!

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

I am truly sorry for the dumb question here but please bear with me. Im the guy who has never spent over a few hundred bucks on a nice watch but im buying a submariner two tone for $13,400. How come I can see a Sub c from 1992 and its hard to tell if its used from a new one from the jeweler. Things age, collect scratches and the dial should lose its color over time. How come when I see some old ones on Ebay they still almost look brand new? Does this mean if I take care of my Rolex now at the age of 31 it will last me for the rest of my life (provided service is done regularly).

When a watch is serviced by RSC it is polished as part of the service (unless you request it not be polished). Essentially it comes back looking brand new again. Of course, because polishing takes a small amount of metal away, eventually a watch can become over-polished where it begins to lose it's sharp edges and the lugs begin to narrow, etc.

As for fading, dials can take a long time to fade, depending on use, like how much UV exposure it gets. The new ceramic bezels are not supposed to fade like the old aluminum ones (look at some old Pepsi and Coke GMTs). The current lume used by Rolex does not function the same was as the old tritium and will probably not turn as quickly, but even tritium takes decades to turn color. BTW, collectors love the patina of the faded dials on the GMT and lume on the vintage pieces.

While Rolex revises it's models only once in great while, as has been mentioned they do occasionally makes small changes along the way. So you will note some differences in Subs depending on when it was produced - things like lug holes, solid end links, font changes on the dial, change in lume material, etc.

But yes, if properly taken care of your watch will last a lifetime.

[tedscott3]

I agree about old watches looking new due to polishing. You need to be careful of a watch that is scratch free, but has been polished to a point where the case is altered too much.

[ltmgeller]

Night and day. BLNR yea!

[louis redfoot]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

I agree about old watches looking new due to polishing. You need to be careful of a watch that is scratch free, but has been polished to a point where the case is altered too much.

philosophically, i don't want my watch looking brand new... it's nice to have one with some wear, knowing that you've had it for a while. as long as it's not completely trashed up

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

I am truly sorry for the dumb question here but please bear with me. Im the guy who has never spent over a few hundred bucks on a nice watch but im buying a submariner two tone for $13,400. How come I can see a Sub c from 1992 and its hard to tell if its used from a new one from the jeweler. Things age, collect scratches and the dial should lose its color over time. How come when I see some old ones on Ebay they still almost look brand new? Does this mean if I take care of my Rolex now at the age of 31 it will last me for the rest of my life (provided service is done regularly).

Once you know what to look for, it's easy. For example, they didn't make a Sub c back in 1992, and so you couldn't have seen one.

As to e-bay, there are some folks there who are less than honest. You are looking at a photo that may or may not be what you end up with after the purchase.. Learn all you can and you will be able to know about when a watch as made.

[Desibaba]

So how often do you send your watch in for service if its your "Daily Driver" ?

[mike]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

So how often do you send your watch in for service if its your "Daily Driver" ?

You'll get a couple schools of thought on this.

Some adhere to a schedule that says 5 to 7 years while others will say "if it's working don't mess with it". Indeed many watches will go a long time between service, but consider the wear and tear on parts that come service time add to the cost.

If a diver or one that sees a lot of exposure to water having it pressure checked every couple years is a good idea. Likewise a watch used in harsh conditions might benefit from a bit more frequent service.

[Onikage]

If you stick around on here long enough, and read through a lot of past threads you'll learn what the differences are over the years. Even to the point where you know the age of a watch (roughly) just by looking at it.
In answer to your question, yes they'll look like new forever if you look after them. Servicing? I've never had any of mine serviced, because I look after them is my excuse lol.

[osamu]

Originally Posted by louis redfoot

watch vs car, there's no comparison. a watch goes with you everywhere, lasts a whole lot longer, and doesn't "age".

I change my watch's oil every 3000-miles walked with some good ol' pennzoil 5W30.

When will rolex come out with a combustion engine movement?

[zama]

Watches despite worn daily rarely cop the physical abuse cars do, the fact modern day cars can run almost trouble free for 200,000kms shows the incredible engineering. but the wear and tear of travelling high and low speeds, hot and cold, breaking, etc knocks them around. Watches tend to hang out on your wrist and not get beaten up (you will find some links of real beater watches) but that is rare unless doing heavy physical work and besides most look after a Rolex. Polishing turns them close to new. Some on the forum still like new, as there are always some innovations, and to be the first owner, AD experience etc, most don't care, i have new and old and like both equally.

[Desibaba]

So basically if I buy one and take decent care of it it should last me forever provided I get the service done every 5 years or so.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

So basically if I buy one and take decent care of it it should last me forever provided I get the service done every 5 years or so.

5 years would be on the early side of servicing. 10 years or if there is a problem is generally more than enough. As stated previously if you are diving better 5 years to ensure integrity of the gaskets, or just get is pressure tested.

[Desibaba]

Originally Posted by Muzz

5 years would be on the early side of servicing. 10 years or if there is a problem is generally more than enough. As stated previously if you are diving better 5 years to ensure integrity of the gaskets, or just get is pressure tested.

Someone told me the check to see if its waterproof and pressure should be done yearly and its free at Authorized Rolex Dealers. Any truth to this?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

So if im buying a Submariner brand new I should ask them to make sure its a 2014 model?

There is no such thing as a 2014 model,at the moment we have a single letter G plus 6 numbers, and the so called random serials.Now the random serial have a total of 8 digits,now both random and single letter G serials started the latter part of 2010 till present time.And no matter the case stamp when buying new from any AD they all have a two year warranty.And any Rolex watch if properly routine serviced will last 50 plus years or more.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Kyu

There could be 2012 or 2013 as brand new,
as they got it during that era just never sold.

But you could certainly ask for the latest current one which is random serials.
not sure if they can determine if it's a 2014 or 2013 though

if you need serial number and year reference

ROLEX

Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.

"Round Number" Serial Number List

Serial # ........................Date

20000 .............................1927
22500 .............................1928
25000 .............................1929
26500 .............................1930
28000 .............................1931
28500 .............................1932
29000 .............................1933
32000 .............................1934
35000 .............................1935
37000 .............................1936
40000 .............................1937
55000 .............................1938
71000 .............................1939
90000 .............................1940
106000 .............................1941
150000 .............................1942
230000 .............................1943
270000 .............................1944
302000 .............................1945
400000 .............................1946
529000 .............................1947
570000 .............................1948
600000 .............................1949
650000 .............................1950
700000 .............................1951
800000 .............................1952
900000 ...........................1953
10000 to 300000 .........1953 to 1957
(At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the "Roman Numeral" dating system explained above.)
350000 .............................1958
400000 ...........................1959
550000 .............................1960
700000 ...........................1961
800000 .............................1962
900000 ...........................1963
1000000 .............................1964
1200000 ...........................1965
1400000 .............................1966
1600000 ...........................1967
1850000 .............................1968
2300000 ...........................1969
2500000 .............................1970
2900000 ...........................1971
3300000 .............................1972
3750000 ...........................1973
3900000 .............................1974
4250000 ...........................1975
4500000 .............................1976
5000000 .........................1977
5400000 .............................1978
5950000 .........................1979
6400000 .............................1980
7000000 .........................1981
7350000 .............................1982
7750000 .........................1983
8100000 .............................1984
8600000 .........................1985
9000000 .............................1986
9500000 ..........................1987
(Start of the letter prefix system.)
R000001 .........................1987
L000001 .........................1989
E000001 .........................1990
X000001 .........................1991
N000001 .........................1991
C000001 .........................1992
S000001 .........................1993
W000001 .........................1994
T000001 .........................1996
U000001 .........................1997
A000001 .........................1998
P000001 .........................2000
K000001 .........................2001
Y000001 .........................2002
F000001 .........................2003
Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal)

D000001 .........................2005
Z000001 ..........................2006
M000001 ..........................2007
V000001 ..........................2008
G000001 ...................Mid 2010
Random Numbers ....Late 2010 to present
(Now features 8-digits instead of 7)

in 2011 ? towards 2012 I cant remember exact,
I bought a SubC Brand new, and it was G serial.

None of these charts are a 100% date of watch manufacture what they will tell is a appox date what the case or clasp was stamped between X&Y years nothing more, especially with watches with a letter serial from 1987 on.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

Someone told me the check to see if its waterproof and pressure should be done yearly and its free at Authorized Rolex Dealers. Any truth to this?

If they have the capability I am sure they would do it for free. Especially if you purchased the watch at an AD with the required equipment.

[Rolexpharm]

Yes if you take care of your timepiece it will last a lifetime. They look the same because Rolex makes subtle changes to the watch that some are not blatantly apparent. So some of the models will look exactly like the ones from the 80s

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

Someone told me the check to see if its waterproof and pressure should be done yearly and its free at Authorized Rolex Dealers. Any truth to this?

This is certainly way off topic

I don't know any Authorized Rolex Dealers who will routinely do a pressure test for free..

[skprd13]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

So basically if I buy one and take decent care of it it should last me forever provided I get the service done every 5 years or so.

Desibaba,
Yes you will be able to pass your watch down to your kids. And if taken care of will more than likely look almost new with the occasional war scratches! I wear my watches without much concern, however if I am climbing up a form to check to see if the guys installed the rebar correctly I will take my watch off and put it in my pocket. Otherwise I wear my watch on the jobsite without much concern. After all I bought my watch to wear. Enjoy your watch the way it should be enjoyed, not stuck in a safe kept away from the light of day. That is unless you have multiple watches and just want them in a secure place between periods of wear.
Tom

[joe100]

It'll last as long as you take care of it. I've worn watches from WW2 and they work just fine. Service very 5-7 years and pressure test annually