Band etched serial number

[springer]

I've noticed on a couple bands lately, both on 93150 Submariner bands, that the watch serial number was etched on the inside of the clasp. One of the bands was a service replacement band and the other was too long ago for me to remember if it was a service band.

Is this etching just done by the Rolex service centers or do some of the other watchmakers do it also. I've heard that the RSC's have been known to etch serial numbers on the bands, but I am uncertain if other watchmakers follow this practice. Have others here noticed this on any of their bands?

[Ebruner]

RSC does this. I have had several watches serviced by several other repair shops without any such etching. Some may, but I would say they would have to be rather large to need such a system to keep up with bracelets.

-Eddie

[springer]

Originally Posted by Ebruner

RSC does this. I have had several watches serviced by several other repair shops without any such etching. Some may, but I would say they would have to be rather large to need such a system to keep up with bracelets.

-Eddie

Thanks Eddie, that is what I thought also. I've owned many Rolexes thru the years and have only noticed it twice, and one of them was a RSC replacement band.

[CaveDiver]

Rolex did leave me a parting gift. They engraved the watch’s serial number on the inside of the clasp of the new bracelet. They engrave the watch’s serial number on the bracelet as standard practice for all the watches that come in for servicing. They do this so they can keep track of which bracelet goes with what watch. When they service a watch, the bracelet gets separated from the watch and does not come back together until the end. A different group services the bracelets.

I have asked a few watchmakers and they said they do not do this, however that is not to say there is not some out there that do.

[springer]

So, if you're buying a used Submariner and the seller tells you that he had his watch serviced at the RSC and when you check the band for a serial number it's not there, what do you tell the seller - especially if he no longer has the service papers?

[CaveDiver]

Originally Posted by springer

So, if you're buying a used Submariner and the seller tells you that he had his watch serviced at the RSC and when you check the band for a serial number it's not there, what do you tell the seller - especially if he no longer has the service papers?

Dallas RSC for sure has this practice. Not sure how long they have been tracking bracelets this way so it is still possible they serviced a watch that does not have the bracelet marked. Wouldn’t the inside of the case back be a better determination if RSC serviced? If the claim is recent service, a call to Rolex claiming ignorance stating “I can’t remember how long ago I got my watch serviced” and provide the SN to them and see what they say. Rolex claims they changed their computer system sometime after 95 and cannot track anything before the computer change (that is their story anyway). Also, it seems many folks don’t have a clue if RSC or independent serviced their watch as they might have taken it into a jewelry shop and did not ask questions.. However, don’t take anything for granted.