Interesting finding (No serial number between lugs)

Sep 04, 2020,09:02 AM
 

Is it true that Rolex does not engrave serial numbers between the inside of the lugs of newer models (6pm position), and only shows the serial number via the rehaut ring?


I bought my airking via the grey market, and the serial number and receipts were given, which match the rehaut rings serial number. Yes I paid much higher than retail for this.

Opening up the bracelet, the bracelet shows the bracelet reference number of 71200 and some Rolex coronet. 

Between the 12 O’clock lugs are written ORIG. ROLEX DESIGN (Model Reference Number). Between the 6 O’clock lugs are: Stainless Steel

I’ve read this somewhere online, and was curious, and opened my airking to see the same findings. Here are the pictures:






Being a watch nut myself, I am into details and will be mortified if mine is a fake. I will get it checked at the Rolex service centre shortly.

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Comments: view entire thread

 

I went to my wife to check

 
 By: Cookies : September 4th, 2020-09:31
Thanks Overwound. I went to dismantle the bracelet for my wife’s DJ which she bought this year. ...  
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rehaut between lugs

 
 By: aston.db4 : September 4th, 2020-10:21
The modern Rolex serial number system on the rehaut ring is much better than the old style between the lugs. I had an old Explorer 2 that came with a "dated" oyster bracelet with hollow end link pieces that scratched away a couple of serial numbers. Lucki... 
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no wonder they moved it

 
 By: Cookies : September 4th, 2020-11:13
yes thankfully u had the papers to prove the authenticity. I will bring this piece to the Service Centre as soon as possible to allay my fear, and get the waterproofing refreshed. have a great weekend!
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Thanks buddy

 
 By: Cookies : September 4th, 2020-09:49
it is true then, based on what I am reading from other owners experiences too. They've stopped engraving the serial numbers between the lugs since 2015 I've read. Did that alarm you at first? I was quite alarmed and had cold sweat when I first saw it. Now... 
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The same

 
 By: Weems@8 : September 4th, 2020-10:48
I want my watches from AD’s. Grey market is risky. Honestly, i can not without the risk. That’s because it gives me a rush. Bought my Baume and Mercier Classima at an AD. My Omega Seamaster, grey market.
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Just got the call from the AD, it is ready for pickup

 
 By: Cookies : December 3rd, 2020-22:03
They serviced it via the Rolex service centre in Sydney. Phew it is a genuine piece.
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Important post

 
 By: Weems@8 : September 4th, 2020-10:43
I hope for you in the grounds of my heart that you hold a real Rolex in your hands. Be a watch guy or nut is a way of life, i think in my situation, escape is not possible, resistance is futile. So, there we are.
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Thanks for the heartfelt post

 
 By: Cookies : September 4th, 2020-10:57
I'm calling up the Rolex service centre first thing on Monday when they open to book an appointment to get the waterproofing checked. That way I will "kill 2 birds with 1 stone", replacing gaskets and authenticating it at the same time. Will update again ... 
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The subject Rolex

 
 By: Weems@8 : September 4th, 2020-11:21
Rolex is difficult to buy at an AD, easy at the grey market. My watch deliverer have priced his Rolexes at high prices, and he get his stock from everywhere. Honestly he note were he got his watches from. I am always a bit secure, but i do not trust the c... 
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Sorry to hear this...

 
 By: Lankysudanese : September 4th, 2020-12:31
...but you are absolutely correct, regarding your final statement about how the current manufactured supply/demand mismatch has led to understocked ADs and serious collectors having to turn to the gray market.
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Yes

 
 By: Cookies : September 4th, 2020-12:46
Moral of the story is to check and check and check, and all gray market pieces should have a final check by the Service Centre. Thankfully I know the gray market seller very well. I trust him. It’s just the little me inside who wants the 100% stamp which ... 
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My difficulties

 
 By: Weems@8 : September 4th, 2020-12:57
about watches and stores. One thing i have the feeling of incomplete. This happen if i have no genuine medal at my watch. I always desire a genuine medal, but when i bought a watch, i forget to ask the seller for the genuine medal. The thing is, i bought ... 
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Pardon for my ignorance...

 
 By: W72 : September 4th, 2020-16:39
what are you referring to as “the genuine medal” of a watch? Do you mean the watch tag? which might come with certain watch brand (e.g. Rolex) but not for other brands.
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could not find the right word

 
 By: Weems@8 : September 4th, 2020-21:05
so i guess. I mean, that plastic coin with a tow on it.
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I called the service centre today

 
 By: Cookies : September 6th, 2020-22:16
They basically stopped doing authentification services 10 years ago. The only way I could bypass that is to send the watch in for a full service, which I will do so once it opens in a week. Things are not as straightforward in Australia compared to Singap... 
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Too bad. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : September 6th, 2020-23:06
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Ok, servicing is done

 
 By: Cookies : December 3rd, 2020-22:03
It is ready for collection and is an authentic piece. Praise the lord it is genuine.
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I would bet it is. What do we bet? ;)

 
 By: amanico : December 3rd, 2020-23:42
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Wish i could get you a coffee

 
 By: Cookies : December 4th, 2020-00:59
Thanks Nico. I’m going with my watch buddy to collect it on Monday.
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Let us know! I want my coffee. :)))

 
 By: amanico : December 4th, 2020-01:22
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Here it is

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-01:04
...  
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Great to read finally

 
 By: Weems@8 : December 7th, 2020-01:48
your Rolex is a real Rolex. The fear buying a fake is a point that holds me for buying.
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Yes it is

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-02:11
I saw some steel Oyster perpetuals at the AD, and also the Tudor Royale. The Tudor Royale has a very sturdy construction..beautiful!
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Your next watch

 
 By: Weems@8 : December 7th, 2020-02:34
A Tudor Royale. Sorry, i have nothing with that brand. But if you enjoy it, go on.
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No no not that

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-02:36
My next watch is a Lange. I just bought a Tudor BB58 and it is coming in 3 weeks.
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O my

 
 By: Weems@8 : December 7th, 2020-03:14
Also not my watch. But if you dream of a Lange, go on. I think i am in a different watch league. GP, Omega, Bvlgari, Vacheron Constantin, and even Breitling to call more my way of watches.
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I like those too

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-06:05
Omegas are great, esp the mechanism. I long for a Seamaster ceramic. Breitlings are macho, and no frills. I want a Chronomat, but funds are limited. VC - honestly I never held or seen a VC in the flesh. I must visit the boutique. I miss GG and the retrogr... 
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My funds are limited

 
 By: Weems@8 : December 7th, 2020-10:48
Yes, i know that. Our friends here buy the next expensive watch to another like it are eggs in the supermarket. So i decided to buy 1 luxury watch each year.
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I’m struggling

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-14:56
I know exactly the feeling. Economy is so bad now, and funds are limited. It’s good to hope for the best tmr. I never told many this but I save $500 a week for watches if I really like it. I do part time work in landscaping to cover this expense.
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Yes it is. Things add up

 
 By: Cookies : December 8th, 2020-00:29
Landscaping is hard work but a kind of second trade I am trained in. When the car breaks down, I will walk. If I cannot walk, I will crawl. Gotta keep moving.
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Hope

 
 By: Weems@8 : December 8th, 2020-02:47
I hope the situation wil be better for you in the future. Saving 500 a week to have on a point enough to buy a luxury watch is good saving. If you chose right, and you show us your Rolex, it is an investment. Working landscaping, maybe searching for raw g... 
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And... Verdict? :))))

 
 By: amanico : December 7th, 2020-01:58
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It’s the real deal

 
 By: Cookies : December 7th, 2020-02:10
Got a free Rolex pouch today too from the AD. After that, I was at the Lange boutique admiring some 1815 up/down and Lange 1 moonphase...they were jaw droppingly gorgeous.
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Aaah, ok, I am waiting for my coffee, now. :)))

 
 By: amanico : December 7th, 2020-02:57
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Rolex with serial number at 12

 
 By: dinolannie0 : December 4th, 2022-10:29
Hi I have a Rolex with the serial number at the 12 pm lug and says stainless steel at the 6 pm lug. I wondered if it was a fake. How did you get on at the authorised dealer? Did they confirm authenticity? Thanks Dave
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