Numbers stamped on Green boxes mean ??????

[Chris the Greek]

I found someone offering a good deal for a bulk purchase of watches, I bought a few Rolex's at once and when they were delivered the guy had each watch wrapped in cellophane in his pocket (security reasons) and then he just gave me the empty boxes.

Now the dilemma is the rear of each green leather box has some gold numbers stamped on. Two of the boxes have the same number the rest are all slightly different. All the watches are either GMT or Sub or Lady Datejust.

How do i know which box belongs to which watch? Are the boxes the same? Are the numbers meaningless? Does a chunky gents GMT come in the same box as a delicate ladies daydate?

I dont think they are serial numbers otherwise there wouldn't be two the same.

They go like this sort of thing....

39137.01


Anyone shed any light how I can match each box to its watch? Or are they not matched?

[Old Expat Beast]

They are reference numbers, and don't match specific watches. Try googling the numbers with the word Rolex to see some examples.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Chris the Greek

. . .


Anyone shed any light how I can match each box to its watch? Or are they not matched?

The numbers are only production run stampings, likely for quality control, and do not relate to a watch in any way.

Generally, Stainless watches go in small boxes, TT in medium boxes, and Gold go in the biggest box.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

The numbers are only production run stampings, likely for quality control, and do not relate to a watch in any way.

Generally, Stainless watches go in small boxes, TT in medium boxes, and Gold go in the biggest box.

Have to agree Larry and lets be honest now this number stuff is getting out of hand, much like the case serial stamps I blame the Internet.

[Chris the Greek]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Larry and lets be honest now this number stuff is getting out of hand, much like the case serial stamps I blame the Internet.

Haha, I agree. Its mad how pedantic enthusiasts of any kind can be.

I have a classic car and its value is determined by the chassis number, the engine number, the casting number and the dealer code.

We were much happier in our ignorant days.

[themast]

Originally Posted by Chris the Greek

delicate ladies daydate?

Is there such a thing as a lady day date?

Anyway, as far as I know, boxes go with metal rather than model. So larger boxes for precious metals and smaller boxes for steel. For instance a 26mm lady datejust with a fluted (hence gold) bezel will have a larger box than a GMT or a Submariner.
However, ADs do not have watches matched with boxes, so they could virtually give you any box etc. etc.

[Old Expat Beast]

Box reference number lists posted online are useful if you want to buy one for your old/vintage Rolex, and would like to track down the appropriate style of inner and outer box. Taking an interest in Rolex peripherals like that can be part of the pleasure of collecting Rolex, and no one need feel bad about doing it.

[Chris the Greek]

Originally Posted by themast

Is there such a thing as a lady day date?

My mistake, I meant lady datejust (179384)

[MonBK]

This might help.