Who's got the Numbers?

[Rock]

No - not who has the largest number of Rolex - that would only make me envious.
Is there a source for the numbers produced of the various models that are no longer in production? One would imagine that there is a reference source somewhere for this, either on the net or in a reference text. Any ideas?

[tinstar]

I would be interested in the M serial 16710's

[Tools]

Rolex is a privately held company and has never released any production data to the public.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tinstar

I would be interested in the M serial 16710's

Cannot think why are case stamp M any different to any other GMT since 1988 apart from a non lug hole case and a few minor bracelet and font details.Thats about it except perhaps some have the slightly modded 3185 into the 3186.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rock

No - not who has the largest number of Rolex - that would only make me envious.
Is there a source for the numbers produced of the various models that are no longer in production? One would imagine that there is a reference source somewhere for this, either on the net or in a reference text. Any ideas?

As Larry said nothing about the production figures on record but watches like the SD and GMT11.That were in production since 1988/9 basically unchanged except for a few minor details like non lug hole case minor fonts etc sure must be quite a few of those in this world today.

[Rock]

Thanks Guys, I thought there might have been a book that had been written on Rolex (similar to the books written on Jaguar) that cover history, models, photos, production values etc. I accept that it is a private company, but it is surprising how 'private' details have a way of ending up in print. I would be interested in a good book on Rolex along the lines I have described even without production figures. No ideas anyone?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Rock

Thanks Guys, I thought there might have been a book that had been written on Rolex (similar to the books written on Jaguar) that cover history, models, photos, production values etc. I accept that it is a private company, but it is surprising how 'private' details have a way of ending up in print. I would be interested in a good book on Rolex along the lines I have described even without production figures. No ideas anyone?

Probably the best history reference with model and movement information is the Dowling-Hess book "Best of Time"

One thing about Rolex research and books you learn is that with Rolex, there is more than one answer for many questions, and much of the lore and myth is just downright wrong......therefore, these "reference" books occasionally conflict.. But Rolex makes no effort to correct any of the private research out there..

[Rock]

Thanks Larry, much appreciated. I will source the Dowling-Hess book. My interest in the production numbers resulted from my efforts to use the Serial number of my "W" prefix 4112 to narrow down the build date to a probable single year. I seem to be able to place it in the '94 -'97 timeframe, but being a bit anal I was hoping to narrow that down a bit based on a high number Serial (88000) which perhaps suggests that it was made towards the end of the 4112 model run.
Cheers, Rocky.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rock

Thanks Larry, much appreciated. I will source the Dowling-Hess book. My interest in the production numbers resulted from my efforts to use the Serial number of my "W" prefix 4112 to narrow down the build date to a probable single year. I seem to be able to place it in the '94 -'97 timeframe, but being a bit anal I was hoping to narrow that down a bit based on a high number Serial (88000) which perhaps suggests that it was made towards the end of the 4112 model run.
Cheers, Rocky.

W. case stamp started 1994 till December 1995 possible January 1996 but its only a rough guide when the case was stamped.And not when the watch was sold from a AD or third party.

[Rock]

Thanks padi, On purchase, I was told it was a 1995 build and the papers show the original date of purchase as 2001. The general condition of the watch appears consistent with the band (believed to be original) which appears virtually unworn. It is only the 'anal retentive' side of my personality that demands that I attempt to investigate further.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rock

Thanks padi, On purchase, I was told it was a 1995 build and the papers show the original date of purchase as 2001. The general condition of the watch appears consistent with the band (believed to be original) which appears virtually unworn. It is only the 'anal retentive' side of my personality that demands that I attempt to investigate further.

Well myself been around Rolex watches for thirty plus years,and my sons are still wearing my old OPs from late 1969 and 1972.Still got there original oyster bracelets and show very little signs wear.Its simple just keep any Rolex clean with plain old soap and water and service 5/7years they will last decades and beyond.

[jeff hess]

well said Tools.

Research is a living breathing moving and osmosing river of knowledge. Conventional wisdom changes constantly as new info is found.

-Jeff Hess

[Idle Swede]

Originally Posted by jeff hess

well said Tools.

Research is a living breathing moving and osmosing river of knowledge. Conventional wisdom changes constantly as new info is found.

-Jeff Hess

Hey Jeff, nice to see you here occasionally.