One could easily make the case that exposing the serial number makes fraud less likely. Anyone researching a piece for purchase can more easily establish the chain of ownership, investigate the reliability of the now seller/former buyer, and smell out a fraud, say, if the watch changed hands between two European buyers and is now on sale from Colombia.
One could easily make the case that exposing the serial number makes fraud less likely. Anyone researching a piece for purchase can more easily establish the chain of ownership, investigate the reliability of the now seller/former buyer, and smell out a fraud, say, if the watch changed hands between two European buyers and is now on sale from Colombia.
Or one could make the case that the serial number is a unique identifier that is exclusive to that watch much like your drivers license or social security number is unique to you. Some don't make a habit of sharing those numbers either 😀
Some of our watches are worth small fortunes...why would we want to share it?
do you post your vehicles VIN number publicly too?
Ok, taking vintage aside for a second. With random serials it is relevant. Also some serials are directly attaches to a certain physical aspect of the watch. Not all rolex 16710 where Pepsi . Rolex actually will only sell you a Pepsi bezel if they determine your specific serial or reference had it.
In truth few people know where or how to check a serial once they have it. Not everyone has @Archer to help.
I just don't like making it easy for someone to attach one of my serials to a fraudulent post or fake watch. You want the serial, ask me, provided I have a direct email or number I'll give it to you. Is it an extra step maybe, but a sale takes a few back and forth emails or calls anyway so it really doesn't delay much. Nor does it make it any faster to post it.
But I or anybody else could go online and find hundreds of authentic serial numbers with a clock of a button.
If somebody is gong to want a serial number for a particular reference, I don't see what good a few collectors can do in keeping their discretion. That would only work if all the millions of Rolex wearers felt the same. Otherwise, it's powerless, no?
Sure, but I can only worry about my bit. The fact that millions of other people don't do the right thing doesn't mean I have to give up or follow suit. It is not that much more work for me, and at least I know I'm not part of that chain.
Alright, I can see your point of view. It's more of a noble gesture than a practically useful act and that makes sense.
Or someone can place that serial on a fake...
Alright, I can see your point of view. It's more of a noble gesture than a practically useful act and that makes sense.
