How on earth do you guys memorize all the reference numbers??

[allprettythings]

I was thinking the same thing when I first started to peruse the forum. I believe there are true watch aficionados that appreciate all of the intricacies that go into the making of the individual pieces....these people can memorize every minute detail of the watch they are wearing. They know the legacy, how and where it was made and the changes from year to year / generation to generation.

Then there is the other side of the ledger who can appreciate a fine time piece and see it for just that. A beautiful accoutrement that adorns their wrist. I for one cannot tell you a thing about any of my watches except that they put a smile on my face every time I put one on.

[mincepie]

i didnt know what the Sub i wanted was called let alone the ref number, after poking about on here reading all the posts and getting a steer from the chaps i know i now need to try on a 116613 LB

It was confusing at first but i now have a much better idea. Like anything new the more to do it or research it the more familiar you become.

Long live the watch geeks i say

[Dyim]

Originally Posted by bardm

Well, MY simple answer is: I don´t.

When talking about cars I remember the model name, like Porsche 911 Turbo, but I don´t remember the part number in the dealer´s catalog.

I feel it´s the same with reference numbers. I remember the model NAME, like Submariner no-date, but I don´t find the reference number very interesting.

I think reference numbers are mostly useful for people that need to show that they are REALLY WIS as they know the reference number

I honestly think this forum would be better of, more interesting and more welcoming of new members, if people stopped flaunting the reference numbers and sticked to the model names, like Rolex do in their advertising.

But I guess others beg to differ...

Well car models are year dependent just like watches. There are different generations of sub/ GMT/ Daytona....

To quote your example of a 911 turbo, if you say 993/ 996/ 997/ 991 turbo, people familiar with 911 will immediately know what year or generation 911 you are talking about.

I won't say it is flaunting. Just a quick way of conveying info.

It takes time... I just google if I don't know what people are talking about.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Daytona88

Being a BMW fan, I guess I got used to referring to numbers, which differentiate body styles, engines, and production years. Sort of the same for Rolexes, I suppose.

[Goldfish68]

Seriously would somebody also memorize the serial numbers of their multi units collection(s) ?

[dysondiver]

serial numbers are not the same thing at all ,,,

[Globule]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Not a great attitude. No one is forcing you to stay.

I come on to this forum for pleasure and I don't generally involve myself in the more controversial topics which just cause me to lose more hair, but I have to defend CG 123's point of view. I too find the constant reference to model numbers confusing and irritating when I have to look then up before getting the thread into context. I can understand nicknames and such as "BLNR" as they are more intuitive, but numbers leave me cold.

Whilst you are of course correct that no-one is forced to stay, your response, with all respect, smacks of smug elitism. I am making no personal attack but I reserve my right to express my opinion.

[kilyung]

I would hope those that are new to TRF would make the effort to understand the derivation of the model numbers. It is VERY helpful in immediately knowing the PRECISE model.

Examples:
xxxx19 WG
xxxx18 YG
xx67xx GMT
xx66xx Sub Date

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Globule

I come on to this forum for pleasure and I don't generally involve myself in the more controversial topics which just cause me to lose more hair, but I have to defend CG 123's point of view. I too find the constant reference to model numbers confusing and irritating when I have to look then up before getting the thread into context. I can understand nicknames and such as "BLNR" as they are more intuitive, but numbers leave me cold.

Whilst you are of course correct that no-one is forced to stay, your response, with all respect, smacks of smug elitism. I am making no personal attack but I reserve my right to express my opinion.

My response was in direct reference to a post that was insulting to trf and its members.

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by bardm

Ok, you are right, but you get my point? And everyone know which watch I was reffering to

Are you sure? Submariner no-date may refer to 6200, 6204, 6205, 6538, 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517, 14060, 14060M and I'm sure that I forgot some references.

In short, numeric references are way more precise than the name IMHO.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by fmc000

Are you sure? Submariner no-date may refer to 6200, 6204, 6205, 6538, 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517, 14060, 14060M and I'm sure that I forgot some reference.

In short, numeric reference are way more precise than the name IMHO.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by fmc000

Are you sure? Submariner no-date may refer to 6200, 6204, 6205, 6538, 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517, 14060, 14060M and I'm sure that I forgot some references.

In short, numeric references are way more precise than the name IMHO.

Don't forget 114060.

[Gasoil4ever]

Originally Posted by bardm

Why should he have to wait 1000 post to understand what´s written? Wouldn´t it be easier if we all used the model names in stead.

Saying Mercedes E class, BMW M3, Land Cruiser or 911 without saying which generation it is doesn't make sense.

Same with watches. I bought a Submariner refers to a LOT of very different watches.

Becoming a WIS takes some efforts even when you are gifted on the Idiot part 😂. (No offense to anyone).

[droptopman]

I have been "collecting" Rolexes since the late 80's. I joined some of the different watch forums a couple of years ago as I started looking at purchasing some vintage pieces for my collection. While I have loved watches and particularly Rolexes for a long time, I did not know any of the reference numbers even though I have owned many different models over the years.
I personally enjoy the process of learning, so I like the fact that people here use reference numbers and force me to do some research to understand what they are referring to. This has greatly helped me in conversing with other WIS and also been very helpful in shopping for watches and parts. This is especially helpful in the vintage arena👍🏻.
To me this is what makes this community so great, people freely sharing their knowledge and experience with others.
So I say thanks to those that have given me a free education in horology.

[Viffer]

Originally Posted by fmc000

Are you sure? Submariner no-date may refer to 6200, 6204, 6205, 6538, 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517, 14060, 14060M and I'm sure that I forgot some references.

In short, numeric references are way more precise than the name IMHO.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

Nice info pity about the "no date" bit, they are all just Submariners, which is where the thread went pear shaped.
And if you can't remember reference numbers, just buy a piece which is named after your favourite cartoon character, simple
"Smug elitist"

[rouxeny]

I love that there are people here passionate enough to know all the reference numbers. But, I also love that it's an open and (generally) welcoming enough community that you can participate and learn without knowing all the numbers yourself.

The people in the forum range from those with watch collections that are the envy of all, to teenagers inheriting their dads old watch, or those that can only dream of owning a Rolex. It's good to be inclusionary.

[Boothroyd]

Well, one thing IS more important than reference numbers; it has been shown time and time again….never argue with a mod!

[Star Ferry]

I don't like using reference numbers by themselves to refer to a watch, but they're not that hard to Google. That's what I would have done instead of starting a thread

Nor do I think reference numbers in and of themselves constitute horological knowledge.. but they do lend a common language to the forum. Every human endeavor has its own set of jargon, whether one is a sociologist, cardiologist or proctologist

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by rouxeny

I love that there are people here passionate enough to know all the reference numbers. But, I also love that it's an open and (generally) welcoming enough community that you can participate and learn without knowing all the numbers yourself.

The people in the forum range from those with watch collections that are the envy of all, to teenagers inheriting their dads old watch, or those that can only dream of owning a Rolex. It's good to be inclusionary.

I get what you mean but I think that tolerating Hulk and Batman is a huge inclusionary sign. People should do their homework and stop whining IMO.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

Well, one thing IS more important than reference numbers; it has been shown time and time again….never argue with a mod!

You can argue all you like....just don't be antagonistic and rude when doing so

[skatr]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Don't forget 114060.

It took one swipe to select "114060" and one right click brought me to a google results page with the info. No typing involved. This thread is getting ridiculous.

[Etschell]

It'd actually quite easy 4 digit is the oldest followed by 5 digit and current lineup is 6 digit.