Reference number scratch outs

[watchzealot]

Hi everyone. I've been collecting watches for years, but only recently gotten serious about buying my first Rolex. With that decision comes a lot of knowledge I need to gain about specific models and things to look out for.

I've been leaning towards an Oysterdate or Oyster Perpetual from the 1950's or 60's. In the course of my search, I've come across several watches that have the reference number scratched out and a new one added on the inside of the caseback. Is this legit? I've never seen it on a watch from another brand. I've attached a pic of one I found for your reference.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I wasn't able to find anything using the search.

[Hub6152]

Here’s my big bubble Explorer caseback. Ref 6299 struck out and 6298 added. Both references are essentially the same except the 6299 has a gold bezel (which my watch has). Not sure either why Rolex does this but it’s certainly not unusual.

[exador]

Quite common in the Milwatch world.

[Richard Carver]

The thrifty Swiss would use whatever case back was at hand and in the 50s would strike out the inoperative ref and replace it with whatever it was going on like your example.

Later on in the 60s they continued the practice but stopped bothering to replace the ref so we have the very common sight of 5512 case backs on 5513 or vice versa, 1601 on 1603, etc.

By the time the 5 digits rolled around it became common for case backs to just see the general 16000 (also smooth bezel) on many watches as well as actual ref numbers.

[linesiders]

Yep - Here was my 6565 ; )

Same thing

[watchzealot]

Thank you all for the great replies! Now I know that if I see this on a potential purchase, I shouldn't automatically avoid it.

Have a great weekend everyone.