Explanation of "series" & Hologram to a newbie please

[sugaryling]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new DATEJUST thunderbird turnograph and...

I have no clue as to what the series mean. I see people selling it and calling it a "z" series or "d" series. What does that mean? If any one can link me to a site I'll be gald to do the footwork & research.

And what's the deal with the green hologram on the case back? So the DATEJUST that I'm looking at, some has it and some just has a clear sticker with a number on it. I thought all rolex watches made after 2002 or 2003 (doesn't matter because the ones I'm looking at are 2005 and newer) has the new redesigned green hologram with the number on it?

If any one can provide links or info on educating me about
holograms - when it was used, on which watch
serial/model #
micro etch
etc.
that will be most helpfull!

[Alcan]

Hi there, welcome aboard!

The series is the serial number prefix, gives the approximate date of manufacture of the watch case, not necessarily the date of watch assembly. Here's a list.

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

The green hologram, an effort to prevent counterfeiting, has been discontinued. Current Rolex watches have a clear caseback sticker with the model reference number.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Al pretty much said it all

I can only add some info about the LEC (Laser Etched Coronet), from the same site as the one Al provided a link to:

Examples of LEC's. Fake vs. Real. CLICK!

The LEC was introduced in 2001 (K-series), but SOME Rolex watches did first get it in 2002/03.

Welcome to TRF!

[C. Moon]

Very good info. So if I have an L series my watch was made in 89'?