Why block out the serial#?

[Rolex33020]

Curious as to why people block this out.
Thanks

[sleddog]

Purely security..... Same as you don't hand out your Tax file number to just anyone!

[blue lion]

No reason to give out any extra info. Same reason I shred anything with my name and address on it.

[Danny83]

I thought it was so others cant report the serial number and get insurance for something that is not theres.

[locutus49]

Someone with ill intentions could use a pretext (and the SN) to obtain your name/address from Rolex HQs (yes, it has been done with other companies, and these guys are skilled at social engineering (or whatever it is called)). Better safe than sorry.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Rolex33020

Curious as to why people block this out.
Thanks

Just can't be too careful in this day and age; better safe than sorry.

[AJMarcus]

I don't think Rolex HEADQUARTERS keeps a list of everyone who buys a Rolex. Only if you get it serviced. Regarding the serial number it does seem odd why one would conceal the number if you think about it. It's not like anyone can steal the serial number and put it on their fake watch and make it real. Most sellers conceal the number because it seems like the logical thing to do. But if you think about it IMO it's really not necessary from a security stand point. Or is it? I'm sure someone will come along and educate me.

[Tools]

It's a feel good thing.

Yes, it is very unlikely that anybody would pick your number to use on a counterfeit-you can pull one out of a hat more easily.

No, nobody can just report a serial number for insurance purposes or list it as stolen-you actually need proof of these actions.

Yes, if you do list it on a Forum you will have to put up with the hundreds of posts telling you to block out the last numbers..

Still, it is personal information and most of the time you should safeguard such things.. better safe than sorry.

[ndsleep612]

why not give out your SSN to strangers? same thing.

[Rolex33020]

The serial number on a 40 year old sub is nothing like a SSN. Not the same thing.


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[zion_rasta]

So that it does not get used with fake watches.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by ndsleep612

why not give out your SSN to strangers? same thing.

I don't think it's the same thing as your SSN.

[ndsleep612]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

I don't think it's the same thing as your SSN.

Fraudsters use Rolex serial numbers to clone Grade-AAA fakes. Identity thieves use SSN to "fake" their victims' credit history.

[dbluevette]

Originally Posted by ndsleep612

Fraudsters use Rolex serial numbers to clone Grade-AAA fakes. Identity thieves use SSN to "fake" their victims' credit history.

Doesnt make sense. I can google houndreds of rolex serial numbers.

[Sublover2166]

I am sure trusted sellers on the forum do not want someone from Rolex tracing the serial number of a BNIB watch back to the A.D. from which it originated. Common sense.

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by ndsleep612

why not give out your SSN to strangers? same thing.

Ahm, no, it's not even close.

[porschedude]

Just for personal security and piece of mind, not a good idea to have those numbers out for the world to obtain!

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by sublover2166

i am sure trusted sellers on the forum do not want someone from rolex tracing the serial number of a bnib watch back to the a.d. From which it originated. Common sense.

^^This^^ Plus prevents false insurance claims. In addition, the buyer / owner can be traced in many instances. Simply an unwise risk as well as frivolous / unnecessary exposure.

[onions]

Hi all,
Would appreciate your thoughts...
Just enquired with a seller on eBay who is selling a 1963/64 GMT and in order to ascertain the production year/quarter, asked him for photos of the inner case back. He refused, so I asked him for the first 4 digits of the serial number.

His response was that "serious collectors won't provide a forth serial number"...

Now, I certainly wouldn't qualify as a 'serious collector' but couldn't see the harm in providing this detail to someone, particularly to a specific inquiry from a potential buyer.

But would like to hear from the 'serious collectors' here as to your thoughts on this response please,

cheers,

Ian


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[MonBK]

Originally Posted by onions

Hi all,
Would appreciate your thoughts...
Just enquired with a seller on eBay who is selling a 1963/64 GMT and in order to ascertain the production year/quarter, asked him for photos of the inner case back. He refused, so I asked him for the first 4 digits of the serial number.

His response was that "serious collectors won't provide a forth serial number"...

Now, I certainly wouldn't qualify as a 'serious collector' but couldn't see the harm in providing this detail to someone, particularly to a specific inquiry from a potential buyer.

But would like to hear from the 'serious collectors' here as to your thoughts on this response please,

cheers,

Ian


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Easy question to answer: DO NOT BID

[onions]

Thanks Mon, yep you got that right mate. Shame as it looked like a nice example, but hey, perhaps had something to hide....and might have dodged a bullet...


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[Muzz]

I specifically ask for no 4s in my serial #s so not getting a serial is an absolute deal breaker for me. 88 or 888 gets the Amex immediately. I care more about that than the watch (if it is modern)

[Anthon]

Is there actually any evidence, story or anecdote from some North Korean hacker, or pimply teenager in Vermont using your Sub's serial number to claim insurance money?

It's funny since most of us supply multiple credit card numbers daily over the internet, phone, in shops...

[HL65]

Originally Posted by ndsleep612

why not give out your SSN to strangers? same thing.

Not even close...Sorry.

[GolfPunk]

Someone could report your watch as lost/stolen to the police and then Rolex, in the hope that when it goes in for service to RSC, it flags up and Rolex send your legit watch to the fraudster thinking it's been stolen and is actually the fraudsters watch

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by onions

Hi all,
Would appreciate your thoughts...
Just enquired with a seller on eBay who is selling a 1963/64 GMT and in order to ascertain the production year/quarter, asked him for photos of the inner case back. He refused, so I asked him for the first 4 digits of the serial number.

His response was that "serious collectors won't provide a forth serial number"...

Now, I certainly wouldn't qualify as a 'serious collector' but couldn't see the harm in providing this detail to someone, particularly to a specific inquiry from a potential buyer.

But would like to hear from the 'serious collectors' here as to your thoughts on this response please,

cheers,

Ian


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I would not consider buying from this person. All the trusted sellers have given me this information when I was serious. Even Bob's watches did this.

[Anthon]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Someone could report your watch as lost/stolen to the police and then Rolex, in the hope that when it goes in for service to RSC, it flags up and Rolex send your legit watch to the fraudster thinking it's been stolen and is actually the fraudsters watch

In which case I casually walk to my AD with my passport, drivers license, credit card, warranty card and sales slip to claim a brand new watch from Rolex, since it would be their mistake that my watch is in the hands of a criminal.

[Progman2000]

Originally Posted by ndsleep612

why not give out your SSN to strangers? same thing.

Ridiculous statement, not even close to the same thing...

[TimeToGo]

Nothing like reviving a 7 month old thread...

[anothernewphone]

Some of these posts are so ill-informed and simply fear-mongering. Rolex does not have a record of your name and address associated with a watch's serial number. There is literally next to no recourse if someone obtains your serial number. Why would such information be listed on the rehaut if it was akin to someone's SSN?