Is serial number security that necessary??

[kelly23]

Hi, just a newbie observation here but I noticed everyone blanks out their serial numbers when listing their watches... Is it possible for an average Joe to trace a Rolex's serial number? Are they accessable to the general public? I would hope not 'cause that the first place I would look if I wanted to boost a real rolex.

I mean when you sell a car you rarely blank out its registration plates and I would think that they would be more traceable. And if you showed your watches serial number in the listing a purchaser would feel more secure that the seller is not just posting someone else's pics.

Or is it just that Rolex people are more sensitive when it comes to privacy?

Any thoughts, or is it just something someone started then others followed because...

Kel

[sakuraba]

It's the sellers worrying about Rolex tracing back their inventory.

Technically you shouldn't be able to buy BNIB from anyone except an AD.

[kelly23]

Right... So it's the non AD dealer protecting the AD from Rolex tracing their deals?
I just noticed everyone does it, even after changing hands 2,3,4X...

[Numismatist]

Some say it's so that the fake-makers can't produce an accurate copy down to the serial number. Who really knows?

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by kelly23

Right... So it's the non AD dealer protecting the AD from Rolex tracing their deals?
I just noticed everyone does it, even after changing hands 2,3,4X...

Yeah, I don't think it's that big of a deal. But if someone said to me what's the serial number of your Rolex I would not tell them, just because it's nobody’s business except for Rolex and the watch owner.

[Mr. Bond]

Not really a concern IMO.

[tifosi]

I just do it cause everyone else does. I don't care if anyone sees my vehicles VIN number. Dunno why my watch serial matters.

[rmfnla]

I think the concern is someone reporting it as stolen and saying they "think they know who might have it." Then it's up to you to prove you bought it legit.

Lots of Rolex owners out there don't keep their original paperwork, so such proof can be difficult.

[antivenin]

Went to the big "T" this weekend, and even though they didn't give me the time of day, I could clearly see all the serial numbers very clearly in the display case. Anyone with a good memory could copy those numbers. Or forget having a good memory, all you have to do is call someone on the phone and just read the numbers to them while you browse.

[rmfnla]

I suspect claiming that a Rolex dealer has your stolen watch might not work out so well...

[DadsWatch72]

I think it is on a "need to know basis"..........and you don't need to know unless your buying the watch.

[tulsaokusa]

If 1000's of fake rolex's were produced with your s/n how would you feel?

Protect you s/n... just in case.

[PeteNYC13]

It's the similar reason to why you blur license plate numbers. sure, most people have no way to look it up or use it for bad intentions...but, it's the freakin internet!!!!!!

Why risk anything that may cause trouble down the road. I can think of the ten reasons listed for blocking your Serial # but I can't think of one good reason why anyone would need to know it.

-Pete

[fc3s2k]

Originally Posted by PeteNYC13

It's the similar reason to why you blur license plate numbers. sure, most people have no way to look it up or use it for bad intentions...but, it's the freakin internet!!!!!!

Why risk anything that may cause trouble down the road. I can think of the ten reasons listed for blocking your Serial # but I can't think of one good reason why anyone would need to know it.

-Pete

ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!

[SLS]

I just feel safer knowing that the serial numbers on my watches are not public information. It's not the honest people I am worried about!
Scott

[kelly23]

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

If 1000's of fake rolex's were produced with your s/n how would you feel?

Protect you s/n... just in case.

Thanks. That reason alone is worth hiding it, those fakes are pretty good these days.... with many of them I wouldn't be able to tell.

[calibre1]

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

If 1000's of fake rolex's were produced with your s/n how would you feel?

Protect you s/n... just in case.

I agree with that. But with Rolex using random serials now, it may not really matter because the fake can just carry any random alpha-numeric combination(s).

[Roxas]

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

If 1000's of fake rolex's were produced with your s/n how would you feel?

Protect you s/n... just in case.

Is it easier for the copier to go to an AD, try watches and remember the serial numbers?

[tulsaokusa]

Originally Posted by Roxas

Is it easier for the copier to go to an AD, try watches and remember the serial numbers?

Easier perhaps, but why risk it?

[Flyjet601]

if serial numbers were that important......why did they engrave them on the inner ring where anyone who is of questionable character can walk into any AD or anyone who sells Rolex, and with a loupe see the serial number and walk out of the store.
I think sometimes people think too much.......

[Roxas]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

if serial numbers were that important......why did they engrave them on the inner ring where anyone who is of questionable character can walk into any AD or anyone who sells Rolex, and with a loupe see the serial number and walk out of the store.
I think sometimes people think too much.......

I think so.

[alexxelor]

Originally Posted by Roxas

I think so.