A little conundrum with a GMT Master serial number

[EdipisReks]

In another thread, I asked about getting original parts for my father's late 60s GMT Master, which had been serviced by Rolex several times over the years, and thus has service parts on it. In that thread, I promised to take pictures of the box and packaging, which is pretty complete. Here is that picture. I have the original bill of sale in a folder of papers in a safe-deposit box, and I figure I should probably put the box and the rest in there, along with it.

Anyway, as I was looking at the papers, I decided to run the serial number, listed on both the Chronometer paper, and the signed Warranty, through an online database. To my surprise, it came up as 1966. I took the bracelet off the watch, and verified the serial that is on the case. The Chronometer paper is stamped 20 Dec 1968. Would Rolex really have had a 1966 case that they put a movement in in 1968? if that is the case, is this watch considered a 1966, or a 1968?

A little bit confusing.

[lee fowler]

A 1.9 million serial is around 1968, I think the database you have been using is incorrect have a look here,

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=350245

Lee

[EdipisReks]

That makes a lot more sense! It was the Bob's Watches database that I used. Thank you!

[springer]

As Lee noted, 1.9 serial numbers normally fall within the range of a 68 caseback stamping. Additionally, based on my experience, during the 1960s and continuing through the 1970s, you'll observe that most Rolex were sold two to four years from the caseback stampings. Your watch appears to have been COSC certified in 1968 and sold during 1970.

I believe many of the serial number dating charts were based on data collected from when these watches were sold instead of production dates.

[EdipisReks]

Thanks!

[R-H]

I found the same problem several months ago when trying to find information on a 5513, all the data lists I was looking at showed my 1.7m as a 1964, turned out to be a 1967, after reading your post I checked 6 websites on line, only one I found with the right information, the others had both your and my numbers listed as a 64. I found the plug in calculator on Bob's site lists that number range as a 1964 but if you look at their watches for sale they have the correct year to serial #, that means they must use the site below to get their information from.

http://www.lunaroyster.com/rolex-and...erial-numbers/

[Old Expat Beast]

Bob's Watches strikes again

Seems that nine out of ten threads here with serial-number confusion involves that website.

[EdipisReks]

I have a new Rolex resource, now, though!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by EdipisReks

I have a new Rolex resource, now, though!

We have another list here in the reference section: www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362

The most detailed list is on the Vintage Rolex Forum (VRF), though. Click on Rolex Serial Number project at the top of their home page.

[EdipisReks]

Thanks! I just found out that my 1603 was from 1972, not 1970 like I thought. Guess where I got the original date from...

[joe100]

Originally Posted by EdipisReks

Thanks! I just found out that my 1603 was from 1972, not 1970 like I thought. Guess where I got the original date from...

Yeah but the case could have been made in 1970, movement in 1971, case back 6months later... Etc etc. don't sweat the dates. None of the charts are very accurate, and besides, the parts are all made at different times.

[Old Expat Beast]

To me the date the watch was sold is more interesting/important than when the various parts were made and/or put together. Knowing how long the watch has been out in the world, especially if it's a birth-year watch, is nice. That's why I appreciate warranty papers for vintage.

[EdipisReks]

Well, I definitely know when my dad bought the GMT Master!

[joe100]

Originally Posted by EdipisReks

Well, I definitely know when my dad bought the GMT Master!

That's all that matters