Their role is, for example, to identify the maker of the object, guarantee the standard of fineness of the precious metals used and attest that the duties owed to the assay office for control of the objects have been paid. A single item can therefore be stamped with several hallmarks. Two hallmarks are obligatory in France: the. I have been told personally and via the Internet that the Serial numbers on the rear of a Cartier wrist watch gives no particular information, it is used by Cartier to ID a watch, it's ownership and respective service history. It will not give specific information regarding the year of manufacture, the model etc.

ABOVE: Around 2005, Rolex started engraving the Case's Serial Number into the inside edge of the case (at the 6 o'clock position, under the crystal and below the bezel), also known as the rehaut, as shown in these images, which were taken at BASELWORLD 2005, in Switzerland in early April. BELOW: A close-up view of the same watch, you can clearly see the Serial Number 'F982176', engraved into the case at the 6 o'clock position, with 'ROLEX' engraved repetitiously around the dial in a circular fashion. In 1927, Rolex began issuing every Rolex Oyster case a unique serial number to distinguish them from one another. This numbering system was originally believed to have started at 20,000, however earlier numbers have surfaced shooting holes in this theory. Around 1953, the numbers reached the 999,999 mark, at which time Rolex decided against adding a 7 th digit, thus continuing into the 'millions'--Instead, they started the sequence over.

While it was originally believed that this resequence started over at 100,000, or even 20,000, but evidence suggests that it actually restarted at 10,000 or possibly lower. Around this same time, Rolex had initiated another dating system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. Dying To Win Robert Pape Pdf Creator.

The Roman numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced. Therefore, the code 'III 53' would represent the 3 rd quarter (i.e. July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around 1970. Please note, some examples (primarily from around 1959), did feature the Roman Numeral and a 4-digit year (i.e. In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7 th digit and continued into the 'millions' until mid 1987, when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g.

The system started with the letter 'R', whcih was then subsequently followed by L-E-X. Thus spelling out the word 'ROLEX' with the 'O' being omitted, to help avert any possible confusion with the number '0'. This sequence continued through November 1991, when a new numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and S, which took them through 1993.

In 1994, Rolex started yet another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K in subsequent years, followed by Y, F, D, Z, M, V and then G in 2010. Please note, during the 1990s and 2000s, it is estimated that Rolex produced around around 1 million watches per year. Coincidentally, the numbering sequence of any particular Letter from this system (e.g. V000001 to V999999), would in fact also be 1 million serial numbers, and worked well with this system. It is worth mentioning that Rolex would not cease a letter prefix run at the end of a given calendar year, but would continue a letter run until all numbers were used before changing the prefix code. Therefore, letter prefixes could end at random times of the year, and did not start or stop at the beginning or end of a calendar year.

Then, later in 2010, they scrapped the entire system and implemented a brand new 'Random' numbering system, in which each watch is issued a (unique) 8-digit 'Random' number consisting of numbers and letters. An example of this number would be something like '16G9L7F4' and could start with either a letter or number. This offers them a seemingly endless numbering system by which they could continue indefinitely. Figuring 8 digits with a possible 36 characters (26 letters and 10 numbers) per digit, gives them over 2 Trillion (2,821,109,907,456 to be exact) possible serial numbers. Even if they were to omit the letters 'O' and 'I', to help avert any possible confusion with the numbers '0' and '1' (as they did in the previous numbering system), that would still give them 1,785,793,904,896 possible combinations. While this This also offers Rolex an opportunity to keep the exact year of manufacture for any particular watch a secret.

Something that has come back to haunt them for some time now. Therefore, only Rolex knows exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't talking. The following 'Round Numbers' Serial Number List has been comprised of known serial number ranges for the years listed. By checking a particular serial number against this list you should be able to date a watch with reasonable accuracy. However, it is no quarantee as to when your watch was shipped from the factory. Furthermore, this list only applies to Rolex Oyster-cased watches, and should NOT be used for Tudor, or vintage non-Oyster Rolex watches. A Tudor (work in progress) Serial Number List is included at the bottom of this page.

The numbers listed (particularly those preceding the letter prefix system) are a 'middle number' for the given year. As an example, the year 1944 listed below shows a serial number range of 270000, but this year could include serial numbers below and above this number (i.e. This is simply the median number represented for that year. Please Note: John E.

Brozek, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. And this website are in no way associated with Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies. Brozek does not now, nor has he EVER worked for the Rolex Watch Company or any of its subsidiaries. The information provided on this page is solely the work of the author and has not been reviewed or authorized by Rolex USA. Furthermore, the publishers have received no help from Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies or any serving employees. 20000....1927 22500....1928 25000....1929 26500....1930 28000....1931 28500....1932 29000....1933 32000....1934 35000....1935 37000....1936 40000....1937 55000....1938 71000....1939 90000....1940 106000....1941 150000....1942 230000....1943 270000....1944 302000....1945 400000....1946 529000....1947 570000....1948 600000....1949 650000....1950 700000....1951 800000....1952 900000....1953 10000 to 300000.1953 to 1957 (At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000.

Luxury watches come with a variety of numbers associated with them on the paperwork, case back, chronometer certificate etc., but which numbers are really significant? We are often afraid of giving the serial number away because of the growing replica market that has been taking these numbers and using them in a disingenuous way. However, without knowing it, many people mistake the watch serial number as the watch model number. For example, it is a common mistake on Cartier watches to blur out the case number instead of the watch serial number on online eBay listings.

So how do you find a watch model number? It depends on the brand. While some watches will not have a watch model number on the physical watch case, surprisingly, many of them do. The paperwork is always the first option for locating a watch model number, but unfortunately many times the papers are misplaced or lost. Here are some top luxury watch brands and some tips on how to find your watch model number.

But first, some common mistakes: • Movement as watch model number- sometimes the movement number is marked on the watch. A good example is the Montblanc brand. A lot of their watches have exhibition case backs where one can see the rotor. The rotor is marked with the caliber. Many watches will contain that same movement and so that caliber number might lead one in circles if mistaken as the model number.

• Watch Serial Number- as mentioned before, we often assume the model is a serial number which is a unique, one-of-a-kind number • Chronometer Certificate- while definitely valuable to the watch, the number on the certificate will not help you search for or identify a particular watch • TIP: If “model number” isn’t stated verbatim look for the term reference number or style number on the paper work Jaeger Le-Coultre can be a little complicated, but we expect nothing less from such an intricate brand. There are sometimes three models that can identify one Jaeger LeCoultre watch. Some watches are more commonly identified by just one of these numbers, while others are referred to by all three. A Reverso, for example, is commonly known by the number on the back of the case. This model is usually in the form XXX.X.XX or a similar format. Jaeger Le-Coultre watches also have what is known as a “Q” model number. For instance, the Reverso Gran Sport has a “Q” model number Q2948102 and a case back number 295.8.51, both of which are searchable.

The “Q” number will be on the paperwork and tag and the other on the case back. Occasionally, a longer watch model number will be listed on the paperwork as well as in a similar format to the case back number. This often does not search for the watch but is a genuine watch model number. Your best bet with JLC is the “Q” number or case back number.

Cartier, much like Jaeger LeCoultre watches, typically have a number on the case back and a unique identifier on the paperwork that will designate the model. The case back number (typically 4 digits) dictates what the case will look like. The materials can vary even with the same case back number, but the size and dimensions will be the same. Many people mistake the longer number on the case back, which is the watch serial number, for the watch model number. The 4 digit number is very important in identifying the watch.

The other model number typically starts with a “W” and is found on the paperwork only. This number is the specific model number that will correspond to only exact matches of the watch. A Cartier Pasha will also have a case back number. With an exhibition case back it will still be on the outer edge of the case.

If the watch case does not have a 4 digit model number, don’t worry, as some of the earlier models or quartz models do not have a case back number. In those instances, it might be necessary to find the size of the watch and compare the case to similar models. Seen below, 2730 is the case number.

Chopard Chopard is similar to Cartier. There will typically be a 4 digit case back number that is part of the model number.

A Mille Miglia, for example, will have a 4 digit case back number and a model on the paperwork that is in the form of XX/XXXX, those last 4 digits being the same as the number on the case back. A specific example would be the Mille Miglia Gran Turismo XL which has a model number of 16/8457 and the case back will simply have 8457.

Breitling Breitling makes it easy to find the watch model number because the case back is marked with the model number. The paperwork will have the same model with the addition of a few numbers at the end designating the specific design of that watch. Sometimes, also have a chronometer certificate that is good to have with the watch, but that number will not identify anything having to do with the model. The good news is it typically searches by the letter and five digits seen on the case back. The trick is deciphering the watch model number, which usually begins with a letter, from the watch serial number. Tag Heuer also have the watch model number on the case back.

This should be the same model on the paperwork as well. Tag Heuer has a very clear cut modeling system that makes identifying the watch relatively easy. There is a serial number on the case back in addition to the watch model number so identifying which is significant is the only tricky part. Like Breitling, Tag Heuer watch models begin with letters, but the serial numbers can too, so it is typically the number “on top” or above the second listed number.

An exhibition case back will be different since there is not as much space, the watch model number can sometimes stand alone. Model number is seen to the right above the displayed movement. BVLGARI Bvlgari has a modeling system that appears on the case back. The model is essentially like a code that gives details about the watch.

An example of a BVLGARI model number is BB 33 SGD. That model corresponds to a model in the BVLGARI BVLGARI line, 33mm with a steel and gold case, all logically designated by the letters.

One model might have GMT at the end, signaling that it has a GMT function. The models typically make sense. A good indication that a BVLGARI is not authentic is if the letters do not make sense when looking at the watch, or there aren’t any numbers at all.

Seen to the left on the case below are the letters DG 40 S GMT- this is a Diagono Model, 40mm, Steel with a GMT function. Rolex For a, unfortunately if the paperwork is gone, finding the model number can be very difficult because it requires the removal of the bracelet or band. The model number is located between the watch lugs under the bracelet.

One set of lugs displays the watch serial number and the other will show the watch model number. We recommend having the bracelet removed professionally if needed since removing the bracelet can easily result in a scratched case. The watch model number is usually referred to as the “style number” on Rolex paperwork, if there is paperwork on the watch. Luckily, there are some dial markers and case features that can usually give away a Rolex model number, but some models, such as the 18k Ladies Date-just line, can be difficult to discern. OMEGA Omega is another example of a watch that puts the watch model number inside of the case. Do have a serial on the outside of the case however, that will search in Omega’s database and correspond with a model number. This database only dates back to certain period so anything vintage or retro might not search.

Omega also uses the terminology “reference number” on their paperwork which is actually a pictogram card. Seen below “Ref.” is where the model number should be written. Vintage Vintage wrist watches can be tricky because many times these models break the rules. You might find a model number on the case, for instance some Piaget models will search that way, but it is also very common to have the model number marked on the inside of the case back as well.

Since most of the men’s vintage models do not have paperwork anymore, these are usually the hardest models to identify. Sometimes the caliber is used instead.