Serial number query

[Hound]

Just wondering whether random serial numbers could contain 7 numbers and just one letter. Has anyone got an example of this?


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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Hound

Just wondering whether random serial numbers could contain 7 numbers and just one letter. Has anyone got an example of this?


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That’s what random means. Yes, it could have just one letter, or 2 or 3, etc. There is no rhyme or reason, except that modern random serial numbers do contain 8 characters.

Kat


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[77T]

Even with a random sequence for serial numbers Rolex could have "ground rules" - something like the presence of a certain amount of alpha characters. Or even a rule to never use an "O", for example, nor a zero for risk of confusion. (Just examples, not anything that I suggest is true)

The s/n would still be randomly selected within such ground rules.

But no - I haven't seen an all numeric s/n with just one alpha character. It's certainly possible.


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[Alpino]

.

I have one with s/n like that , nnnXnnnn , a Submariner 114060 from 2020.

[SubDate]

Yes my Sub Date bought in 2022 has only 1 alpha

[brandrea]

They’re out there and they’re “rare”

[RichM]

My Exp2 is Qnnnnnnn from 2018

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 77T

Even with a random sequence for serial numbers Rolex could have "ground rules" - something like the presence of a certain amount of alpha characters. Or even a rule to never use an "O", for example, nor a zero for risk of confusion. (Just examples, not anything that I suggest is true)

The s/n would still be randomly selected within such ground rules.

But no - I haven't seen an all numeric s/n with just one alpha character. It's certainly possible.


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Random means “no ground rules”…….

Kat


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[Alpino]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Random means “no ground rules”…….

Kat

That's not true ... at least one rule is evident, not twice the same s/n for 2 different watches. They may have defined other rules.

[77T]

I get your point Kat, but I would say there are no true random s/n's because Rolex uses a base10 + English Alphabet. Their algorithm and generator is seeded and that in itself induces non-randomness. I would call them "alphanumeric non sequential integers" (as in a thing complete in itself)

Try 64byte aes-256-cbc if you want to get closer to random s/n:
FLNjraTMvtV8j7tgv7bAjvQEcUSuf9FDSr9M3icLzS+8HAO6+g Xi3F+edzESQ+cfpmW/flpPB9UEXf77Ph0TPSD+7qVSplkff4pMMbAwGPY=




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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Alpino

That's not true ... at least one rule is evident, not twice the same s/n for 2 different watches. They may have defined other rules.

You are stating the obvious. Of course a serial number is going to be individual. But, you are correct, in that there is one ground rule. All modern Rolexes contain exactly 8 alpha and numeric characters.

Kat


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[Hound]

Thanks all. You know when you get a watch through a trade and several months later the little voice in your head starts casting doubt over authenticity. The replies have reassured me.


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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 77T

I get your point Kat, but I would say there are no true random s/n's because Rolex uses a base10 + English Alphabet. Their algorithm and generator is seeded and that in itself induces non-randomness. I would call them "alphanumeric non sequential integers" (as in a thing complete in itself)

Try 64byte aes-256-cbc if you want to get closer to random s/n:
FLNjraTMvtV8j7tgv7bAjvQEcUSuf9FDSr9M3icLzS+8HAO6+g Xi3F+edzESQ+cfpmW/flpPB9UEXf77Ph0TPSD+7qVSplkff4pMMbAwGPY=




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Sure! That’s what I meant to say…..

Kat


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[77T]

It doesn't exactly trip off the tongue.


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[Andad]

Originally Posted by Hound

Just wondering whether random serial numbers could contain 7 numbers and just one letter. Has anyone got an example of this?


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And a random id can’t be a serial number.

[SS Oyster]

My Exp II 226570 Polar is nUnnnnnn
My Daytona 116500 Panda is nnMnnnnn
My Daytona 116518 PN is nnnnnnPn


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[georgekart]

I just checked. I used to own a DJ41 that had a nnnLnnnn. I also own a GMT Master II that's Lnnnnnnn. Where Ls stand for letters and ns stand for numbers. And yes, the GMT is a random serial bought new at an AD in 2017, not a pre random serial because it has 8 characters, not 7. And the letter it starts with was never used in pre random serials anyway. Now whether anyone has seen one with NO letters is interesting.