Reference:Serial-numbers: Difference between revisions

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For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

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 For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.
+Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]
 For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]