Theory: Rolex Serial Number encoded in crystal Laser Etched Crown (LEC)

[muiramas]

Rolex no longer use the S crystal for replacements. They haven’t for a few years.

I’m pretty sure the LECs are the same for every crystal - they don’t have the height of the dots positioned on a watch by watch basis.

How would anyone read that anyway?

It would be easier to put a serial on the back of the hands, clasp, dial, movement, anywhere else than some Illuminati nonsense hidden in the LEC.

 

[kidcreole]

Next step will be rfid embedded in the case and movement holding digital key material with a block chain back end as the ledger. I don't think they would piss around with a crystal that is a fraction of the overall cost/authenticity of the watch.

 

[muiramas]

Doubtful. RFID’s are easily cloned and I doubt people want chips in their Rolex anyway.

 

[kidcreole]

Doubtful. RFID’s are easily cloned and I doubt people want chips in their Rolex anyway.

RFID generically but NFC. Something you could scan with your mobile to prove authenticity on demand. It isn't a chip and it isn't battery operated. It is a transmitter that is energised by the field coming from the phone.

 

[kidcreole]

NFC once energised will give the unique ID of the watch. It could even provide ownership from the blockchain depending on confidentiality parameters.

 

[innocenti]

The S is for SERVICE xtal

and no , the dots are burned by laser at different heights , so if you hold them at an angle they dont look straight

Had a crystal replacement at RSC during service in 2019 and no S on mine. Is this a recent thing?

 

[Storm.]

Had a crystal replacement at RSC during service in 2019 and no S on mine. Is this a recent thing?

Rolex Crystal LEC with or without "S" - Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum

Rolex Crystal LEC with or without "S" Rolex General Discussion

www.rolexforums.com

Been like that for over 6 years.

One guy even says since 2009.

 

[p0pperini]

What’s the point of encoding the serial number of a watch in an easily removed part?

What a stupid thread.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

Rolex uses this microdot system to communicate secret messages. At least that's what the voices in my head tell me.

 

[Storm.]

What’s the point of encoding the serial number of a watch in an easily removed part?

What a stupid thread.

 

[muiramas]

Rolex Crystal LEC with or without "S" - Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum

Rolex Crystal LEC with or without "S" Rolex General Discussion

www.rolexforums.com

Been like that for over 6 years.

One guy even says since 2009.

They actually stopped using service crystals long before 2019. Ancient history. No longer a thing.

 

[muiramas]

… depending on confidentiality parameters.

Which would be Rolex. And they don’t need anything like that to prove authenticity.

 

[Rattyyy]

I think it's morse code to communicate with lizard people.

 

[klockjohan]

Isotope labeling is common to ensure authenticity. However, I don't know if it is used in the watch industry.

 

[Seadwellermike]

Agreed, it’s probably just my normal level of paranoia… but it raises the question of why would Rolex put an S on the crystals that get installed during a service?

Why go to the effort of having two crystal supply chains: one for originally installed crystals, and one for those installed during a service. That seems unlikely to have happened by accident, so why is Rolex making the effort to distinguish an originally installed crystal from one replaced during a service?

One explanation is that the original crystal is somehow marked with the encoded serial number of the watch… similar to how a vehicle’s VIN is marked in three places on a car: on the engine block, on the driver side door well, and under the windshield.

But obviously there could be another explanation. I’d love to know why there are S and non-S Rolex crystals. And if the LEC is simply an ornamental detail, why bother having S and non-S?

Easy, because it’s NOT the crystal that came on the watch, thus no longer unmodified etc. They want to say “hey, we changed something, this is not original”

That’s all.

 

[innocenti]

They actually stopped using service crystals long before 2019. Ancient history. No longer a thing.

Thanks explains why my sub doesn't have one.

 

[Sumo86]

Great camera to pick up the dots I need a better camera!

In the sunshine it's so nice to see an LEC on a rep. Just an added layer of "is it gen...?" when my mates ask coz they're all tight