Try this, just for fun… Go to Google and type in “Omega Seamaster serial number 30198259” and see what happens.* We have seen G serialed watches that were produced in 2012, so Rolex is using both the mixed and the G at the same time. For example, there are hundreds of fake Omega’s out there bearing the same serial number. Fake watches invariably carry a generic serial number. The same goes when you're checking for authenticity. Use a keyword rich search term, such as ‘Rolex Submariner stolen serial number XXXXXX’ Its certainly not fool proof, but it’s a good place to start.Īnd if your watch is ever stolen, make sure you place the serial number and details on a Forum somewhere, and it will then show on a Google search. To some degree, Google has become the modern L&S register. If you Google the serial number of a Rolex, there’s a fair chance that its previous owner will have put their watch and its serial number on the internet if its been stolen. But there have been a number of cases where people have been caught out when a simple phone call would have saved them a lot of time, trouble, heartache and indeed, money…Ī little tip. If Rolex wish to make pre-owned watches harder to sell, then where does that leave their brand?įive years after the end of the L&S register the move doesn’t appear to have done them any harm. All of which is fine, but what about the poor unsuspecting public? This includes ID checks, ID presentation, history, previous sales records, etc. These days, dealers like myself participate in extreme due diligence to ensure that all the watches we buy are clean and come from absolutely impeccable sources. Its a perpetuating cycle and neither market should be compromised.
In ceasing the L&S register you could say Rolex are in danger of diluting the value of pre-owned Rolex watches and therefore, at the same time, diluting their own brand.Īfter all, the value of a new Rolex is what it is ONLY because of the value of a used one, and vice-versa. That’s how they make their money, period.īut their is a very strong flip side to that argument. (1) selling new watches and (2) servicing old ones. Let’s get this right, Rolex are really only interested in two things. Certainly not one fitting of a world class brand that prides itself in being among the very best in every way. I guess you could say ‘’who can blame them?” but if my theory is correct that it is a very short sighted attitude. To encourage the public to buy new, rather than used. There’s little doubt in my mind that Rolex’s decision was taken in an attempt to push Rolex buyers through the door of authorised dealers and away from the independents. I believe the reasons behind the death of the L&S register are a tiny bit more sinister. Besides, if finances were an issue, charging callers just £1 a time would earn Rolex a fortune. So for a company the size of Rolex, this doesn’t make any sense to me at all. Tapping a serial number into a computer doesn’t take a rocket scientist nor does it require a lot of man or women power. It didn’t seem to be a huge department at all.
ROLEX WATCH SERIAL NUMBER VERIFICATION SERIAL NUMBERS
Over the years I put hundreds of serial numbers through the Rolex system and I only ever dealt with the same two ladies during all of that time. But I’ve never subscribed to that theory and I’ll tell you why…Īs far as I’m aware there were only two employees working the L&S register. The most popular belief is that the cost of running the service became to high. There are a number of theories why Rolex stopped offering this service. The weeks quickly turned into months, and it started to become clear that the ‘lost and stolen’ service had gone, and probably, forever. In their wisdom, and for reasons only known to themselves, Rolex suddenly stopped offering this service in about 2011 (from memory) to both the trade and indeed the general public.Īt first, it was thought the cessation was only temporary whilst Rolex moved their service centre from Bexley to West Malling. What a great service from a world class watch company.Ĭopies of that FAX could then be supplied to the next owner, offering them assurance that their watch had never been the subject of theft or loss, or indeed an dodgy insurance claim. Within an hour or so, a FAX would be returned to me from Rolex, stating that all the serial numbers were clear on their ‘lost and stolen’ register which in turn cleared me to go ahead with the purchase.
Years ago I could send a FAX to Rolex with a list of serial numbers taken from watches that I wanted to purchase. Paul Thorpe writes on a subject that is close to all Rolex enthusiast’s hearts…
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