Rolex case engravings on modern watches

[brandobot]

Today I was swapping the oysterflex straps on my 116655 yachtmaster and noticed the 116655 the model number was engraved on the case in the 6 o clock position.

If my memory is correct, older Rolexs had the serial number at the 6 o clock. When did Rolex decide to change the location of the engravings?

[dob1]

I believe it was around 2006, but the introduction may have happened earlier for some models. There was a period when watches had serial numbers on both, the rehaut as well as at 6 o'clock between the lugs. New watches only have the serial number engraved on the rehaut.