Many people have asked why so many watch pictures on the internet that don’t show the serial numbers. One would suppose there’s a good reason, but it’s not clear what the reason is. Is this something to be concerned about? Here’s all you need to know about it.
When you buy a watch, you generally have the option of registering it, which allows you to identify it by its unique serial number. This keeps track of information that may be used to verify authenticity, ownership, and other facts that could be valuable when you are repairing or reselling the item.
Checking the serial number on a vintage watch is part of your due diligence and may help you make sure everything else about the watch is correct. You may also search it on thewatchregister.com and mystolenwatch.com to see whether that pre-owned watch has been reported stolen or not.
Many people may hide serial numbers in their photos on the internet because they see others do so and believe it is better to be safe, even if they aren’t sure why. The true owner of a watch hides the serial number to minimize potential inconvenience rather than material harm.
A fraudster or counterfeiter can sell illegal items with a valid serial number. A fraudster may, for example, use someone else’s photos to sell a watch he doesn’t own, and a genuine serial number would make it appear more legitimate.
When that watch is never delivered and reported stolen (on police reports, corporate documentation, insurance claims, and community forums), the owner may later discover that he must verify genuine ownership. If you have the paperwork to show ownership, this is a little annoyance; but, if you don’t, it might be a major headache. This is particularly a problem with more high – priced timepieces.
So, you should be cautious when posting your luxury watch online, never show the serial number to avoid fraudsters.
FAQs
The true owner of a watch hides the serial number to minimize potential inconvenience rather than material harm. A fraudster or counterfeiter can sell illegal items with a valid serial number.
Should I keep my serial number private? ›
The primary reason to cover the serial number is if the device is stolen and you don't want to take the risk that the owner will see the serial number. Covering up the serial number makes people think you have some good reason to hide the serial number.
Should I share my watch serial number? ›
Never give away the entire serial number
The serial number is one of the best ways to determine authenticity of a luxury watch. However, if you give out the serial number, replica makers can use your watch as a model for their replicas, stamping it with the correct numbers.
What can people do with your serial number? ›
Both the serial and model numbers potentially open you up to warranty fraud. Basically, someone with both these numbers might be able to put in a fake warranty claim. They could order replacement parts under your warranty, potentially using it up if there are limits.
What can you do with a watch serial number? ›
A quick watch serial number check can also reveal if it has been stolen, or to autheticate whether is is genuine or counterfeit.
Why do people hide their watch serial number? ›
The true owner of a watch hides the serial number to minimize potential inconvenience rather than material harm. A fraudster or counterfeiter can sell illegal items with a valid serial number.
Is it OK to share a serial number? ›
Yes, sharing your device's serial number online could potentially put it at risk of theft or fraud if accessed by unauthorized individuals. It's best practice not to share personal information online unless absolutely necessary.
What can someone do with a Rolex serial number? ›
Rolex serial numbers are unique and can be used to track the watch's history. They are not encrypted, sequential, or standardized in the present day; each one is different and tells an interesting story about its owner.
Is your serial number important? ›
Because of its tracking capabilities, serial numbers are also crucial for warranty services and recalls. If an item needs to be recalled, manufacturers use serial numbers to identify the affected items. They can then easily contact the clients with an affected piece of gear.
Can two watches have the same serial number? ›
Serial numbers are all entirely unique to their specific watches, and many counterfeiters will use the exact same serial number for multiple different fake watches.
Serial Number Tracking is a system with which you can track individual units of an item right from its creation through to its sale. Each unit will possess a unique identification code which will help you find out which unit was sold to whom.
Is serial number a security? ›
This apparently trivial question turns out to be extremely complex on careful examination. Serial codes are considered secure if they cannot easily imitated by counterfeiters and if they cannot get hold of lists of valid serial codes.
How do I find out if my Rolex serial number is stolen? ›
One way to check if a Rolex watch has been reported as stolen is by using the service provided by The Watch Register (www.thewatchregister.com). This service allows you to search a database of stolen watch reports by entering the watch's serial number.
Can stolen watches be tracked? ›
The Watch Register has the biggest database of stolen watches and they are able to give an instant turnaround, with results for officers, the trade and the wider watch industry. This has proved extremely successful over the last couple of years and they are a great asset in the fight against crime.
Can a watch be reported stolen? ›
The first thing to do if your luxury watch is lost or stolen is to file a police report. This should be done as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the loss or theft. The police report serves as official documentation of the loss or theft and can help you with any subsequent insurance claim.
What do police do with serial number? ›
Armed with a serial number, law enforcement can enter your stolen property into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) stolen items database. The NCIC database was created in 1967 to aid law enforcement in recovering stolen property, finding wanted individuals, and locating missing persons.
Should I give out my serial number on eBay? ›
If an eBay buyer asks for the serial number on something other than a phone (see the section on IMEI numbers above for that), it's usually pretty safe to give out. However, the buyer could file a false police report using the serial number and try to convince the cops you have their “stolen” item.
Why would someone need a serial number? ›
If an item needs to be recalled, manufacturers use serial numbers to identify the affected items.
Can a serial number be traced? ›
Electronics manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can trace defective products using serial numbers to pinpoint the particular parts that are faulty. Within electronics, it is especially important to keep track of warranty details.
