Rolex RHKN

[bobbyfromLA]

Hey guys
I have a stamped «  RHKN XXX » inside the case back of my vintage Oyster PD.
I read that is a service center but what does the acronym RHKN goes for and why would I have this engraving ?
Thanks !

[Dan S]

I am guessing it is associated with the Rolex Hong Kong service center. Not sure what the "N" signifies.

[saxo3]

You have stamped XXX inside the caseback?

[bobbyfromLA]

No this is a 3 digit number

[CTech]

RHKN is the code for the Hong Kong service center and there have been previous posts about the meaning of the code and the need for it to be put there, both here and on other watch forums.

The consensus seemed to be that the service center would put the code on the inside of the case back when the original serial number on the case was so badly worn as to be illegible.

This led to many heated discussions about how other service centers would not accept a watch for service if the serial number could not be read clearly, why the one in Hong Kong has different rules from other service centers, etc. and so the threads veered off topic quite considerably.

If I recall correctly, the most important aspect of this is that the case back (with the RHKN number) could easily be transferred to another watch and so it could be put on a replica watch in an attempt to give it a bit more authenticity. This is unlikely to happen with a Perpetual Date, but one of the previous examples was a 1665 Sea Dweller where there is more financial gain by trying to legitimize assembled watches or replicas, fakes, etc.

It would be interesting to see photos of the model number and serial number from between the lugs of the case and also of the inside of the case back of the OP's watch.