Rolex 1655 Date ID

[Kirk]

I was trying to nail down the production date of the 1655 that I purchased several months ago. Unfortunately the serial number is mostly rubbed off. I "think" it might start with "39", which would put it in the 3.9 million serial range and 1975. The bracelet doesn't help since it's a newer date range outside of 1655 production. So this week I took the caseback off to see what that would tell me. The code there is "US12049". I tried searching this up to see what it might mean and could only find references to the quarter and year that is normally stamped there. Any ideas on what that US12049 means and if that helps me to narrow down the production date of this watch?

[CTech]

The US12049 engraving was put there by a Rolex service center to identify the watch as it went through their processes, and it will be the same number used on their service estimate and invoice documents.

They do this when the original serial number is illegible, and so this US number relates to the date of service, not the original manufacturing date.

There are a number of posts about these numbers, some with different country codes, such as the prefix HK when the watch was serviced in Hong Kong.

[Tools]

I would go with your estimate, although we know that numbering is not exact and spans a year or so on either side. .

Looks like a Mk2 dial so wouldn't be much later or much earlier. Of course that would assume that it is the original dial.

[Dan S]

3.9M sounds very plausible. Have you looked closely with a loupe under good lighting? Sometimes the number is more visible that you might first think.

[Kirk]

Thanks for all of the feedback. Okay, I understand the caseback numbering system now. Makes sense. I guess that's a positive that it shows authenticity, at least when it went through the RSC. I agree that 1975-ish would also be consistent with the dial, second hand, and bezel. I believe that everything is original (except the bracelet).

I have indeed looked at the serial number very carefully with a 10X loupe under excellent lighting. I can certainly make out parts of the serial number, but not the whole thing. I am fairly confident that it starts with "39" though, so based on what I know I'm just going to call it a 1975 and be done with it.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by CTech

The US12049 engraving was put there by a Rolex service center to identify the watch as it went through their processes, and it will be the same number used on their service estimate and invoice documents.

They do this when the original serial number is illegible, and so this US number relates to the date of service, not the original manufacturing date.

There are a number of posts about these numbers, some with different country codes, such as the prefix HK when the watch was serviced in Hong Kong.

Always learning something new in this game, thank you!

So if Rolex could not identify the serial number back when was serviced, it just makes sense that the op cannot read it.
Congratulations, very nice 1975 Explorer 1655!

[albaserver]

Originally Posted by CTech

The US12049 engraving was put there by a Rolex service center to identify the watch as it went through their processes, and it will be the same number used on their service estimate and invoice documents.

They do this when the original serial number is illegible, and so this US number relates to the date of service, not the original manufacturing date.

There are a number of posts about these numbers, some with different country codes, such as the prefix HK when the watch was serviced in Hong Kong.

Exrtemely interesting... thank you, I didn't have any clue. I was looking for some other topics about this code, but I can't find them, could you please help me?

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Tools

I would go with your estimate, although we know that numbering is not exact and spans a year or so on either side. .

Looks like a Mk2 dial so wouldn't be much later or much earlier. Of course that would assume that it is the original dial.

Agree with Larry and Dan as if original caseback it must be after 72, eg 73 onwards when they stopped stamping date on caseback. Next have a look at the date ranges for 1655 t swiss t dials (rather than later T25 dials) and you get to your hypothesis- probably! * Oh, and c tech taught me something too... thanks, from over the pond.

Ps haven't time to look but just thought check the bezel as it looks original to me - there are 4 or 5 styles (about half way down) and that will help date it too as broadly oldest to left to right 1971 to 86+ - I have put the link with styles in here for you. It's a great piece to read too to whet the old appetite for this quirky icon. Apropos of next to nothing, it's actually my favourite Rolex after 37mm 6538/5510 and 39mm 6542 and early 37mm Milgauss.

https://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/t...54811.3417081/

[swish77]

I had this issue years ago with a 5512 I once owned. Serial number was partially rubbed off and illegible. During a service, the RSC in NY was able to tell me the case serial number through the movement number. I'm surprised that an RSC couldn't ID the case serial number on this 1655 the same way.

Here's my old thread about it:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=124670