Author Topic: Rolex M, V, Z series  (Read 21179 times)

Offline siodee

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Rolex M, V, Z series
« on: July 15, 2011, 02:55:00 PM »
Just have a question that need Sifu to help, What is the different for Rolex M series or Z series for a particular model? I don't understand, and the price can be so much different. Any advise????
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
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Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2011, 03:18:29 PM »
Just have a question that need Sifu to help, What is the different for Rolex M series or Z series for a particular model? I don't understand, and the price can be so much different. Any advise????

The serial numbers (based on best guess, guesstimation, agak-agakration):

Z000001 - 2006
M000001 - 2007
V000001 - 2008
G000001 - Mid 2010
Random Numbers - Late 2010 to present

The difference between the Z,M and V are things like:

1. Traditional old style COSC paperwork on the Z series as compared to the CCCC (COSC Credit Card Certificate) on the M and V series. Some like the old version, some like the new version.

2. CRB (Chapter Ring Branding). Some people like it, some don't. Sadly some Z series have the CRB and some M series don't. So you really have to look, if you don't like the CRB.

3. Age. Z series older while V series newer. So pre-loved prices can vary (I guess).

4. The Rolex laser etching on the crystal. Later model have, earlier model don't. Some like, some don't.

Also there are differences which are model specific. For example on the Daytona, the clasp is different between the M, V and Z series. However this is not 100% true as there were cases of the V series Daytona with the older Z series clasp. That's Rolex for you. Just like the random serial number and the 'sudden' appearance of the G serial number.

Offline ck77

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2011, 03:20:11 PM »
Bro Hobbit,  :thumbsup: is that any horology question that you can't answer?  ;D

Offline siodee

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2011, 03:27:10 PM »
 Hobbit, thanks for the answer  ;D, another question

1) What is CRB (Chapter Ring Branding)?
2) Seem like Z is more expensive than M and V, why? Any particular reason like Font? or size of font?
3) Between all these series, said for the Subs, which one will you collect? and why?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore... Dream... Discover..." - Mark Twain

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2011, 03:39:23 PM »
Bro Hobbit,  :thumbsup: is that any horology question that you can't answer?  ;D

ck77,

A lot. Still learning.  :)

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2011, 03:48:27 PM »
Hobbit, thanks for the answer  ;D, another question

1) What is CRB (Chapter Ring Branding)?
2) Seem like Z is more expensive than M and V, why? Any particular reason like Font? or size of font?
3) Between all these series, said for the Subs, which one will you collect? and why?

1. CRB - ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX serial number ROLEXROLEXROLEX on the rehaut.
2. Z series more expensive? On which model? Sub? Don't really know, perhaps it is more vintage? Maybe the old paperwork?
3. Not really into Sub as I don't really like the cyclops. The only sub I like are the 14060 series. No date, hence no cyclops. If I were get one of these, I am torn between  the 14060M transitional. It has the 14060 dial (2 line but with the improved cal. 3130) and the 14060M COSC as this could be one of the shortest lived model of Sub if Rolex decides to 'improve' on the watch with the introduction of the new case and ceramic bezel next year (introduced in 2007).

Offline besview

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2011, 04:17:40 PM »
Hobbit, thanks for the answer  ;D, another question

1) What is CRB (Chapter Ring Branding)?
2) Seem like Z is more expensive than M and V, why? Any particular reason like Font? or size of font?
3) Between all these series, said for the Subs, which one will you collect? and why?


Z preceeds M and V.Maybe the condition,whether it is with box /papers,or if its grey market ..All these are factors determining price for any watch for that matter.

Offline acurusaragon

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2011, 08:28:51 PM »
This is wealth of knowledge ..... tq hobbit for enlighten us with the info (at least for me).

Offline Sid Vicious

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2011, 04:51:32 AM »
Good thread siodee. Lots I just learnt from here
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Offline siodee

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2011, 10:23:29 AM »
Hobbit, thanks for the answer  ;D, another question

1) What is CRB (Chapter Ring Branding)?
2) Seem like Z is more expensive than M and V, why? Any particular reason like Font? or size of font?
3) Between all these series, said for the Subs, which one will you collect? and why?

1. CRB - ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX serial number ROLEXROLEXROLEX on the rehaut.
2. Z series more expensive? On which model? Sub? Don't really know, perhaps it is more vintage? Maybe the old paperwork?
3. Not really into Sub as I don't really like the cyclops. The only sub I like are the 14060 series. No date, hence no cyclops. If I were get one of these, I am torn between  the 14060M transitional. It has the 14060 dial (2 line but with the improved cal. 3130) and the 14060M COSC as this could be one of the shortest lived model of Sub if Rolex decides to 'improve' on the watch with the introduction of the new case and ceramic bezel next year (introduced in 2007).

hmmm, I definitely do not like the CRB, cause it is just too much for the word "ROLEX...." around  :Laughing_on_floor: like the ladies carry LV, or a lot of "C", "G"

Hobbit, are you reffering to these 2?

14060


14060M


What is so unique about these 2??? Sorry for so many question, I am try to learn the different, cause the Rolex model or number is very confusing  :Confused:, the more you read the more confuse  :Confused: :Confused:you get
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore... Dream... Discover..." - Mark Twain

Offline ck77

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2011, 12:24:56 PM »
Not an expert but below are some differences.

Picture 1:-
- Tritium dial, usually pre-2000 prodcution

Picture 2:-
- This is the COSC version (post 2007).
- There are non COSC 14060M producted approx from 2000 - 2007

More info here,
http://www.vintagesubmariner.com/vintagesubs.html


Offline pexus

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2011, 03:06:37 PM »
hi siodee...try to surf the main watch forums, under rolex or rolex-sport section...a lot of info there..got specific thread discussing about 14060 vs 14060M also...I learned some basics from there too...

i think the preference is quite well balanced....those who prefer 14060 have their point and the 14060M also have their merits..
`Learning to appreciate my watch as a tool, and not some fancy branded jewelry'

Offline hanz079

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2011, 03:48:39 PM »
A question regarding the laser engraving on the sapphire crystal... where is it and when did Rolex start implementing the laser engraving (series?) Thanks
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


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Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2011, 11:29:40 AM »
A question regarding the laser engraving on the sapphire crystal... where is it and when did Rolex start implementing the laser engraving (series?) Thanks

Rolex suppose to have started the LEC (Laser Etched Coronet) on the crystal in 2001 and all crystal should have the LEC by 2003/ 2004. However not all models will have the LEC, e.g. the Milgauss with the green crystal. Also there are two types of LEC, the original LEC with the dots forming the coronet and the service crystal with the same coronet but with an additional 'S' inside the circle at the base of the coronet.

The LEC is at the 6 o'clock position.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2011, 11:32:16 AM by TheHobbit »

Offline hanz079

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2011, 03:19:17 PM »
Thanks Hobbit,

I have checked my Dad's exp2 and I can't seem to find any... any pics so that I know what I am looking for?
Is it visible to the naked eye?
Thanks
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2011, 03:53:44 PM »
Thanks Hobbit,

I have checked my Dad's exp2 and I can't seem to find any... any pics so that I know what I am looking for?
Is it visible to the naked eye?
Thanks

hanz079,

It is visible but it may difficult to see. Is your dad explorer 2 the new one? Any here is a photograph of the coronet.


Offline rockdaman

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #16 on: July 19, 2011, 03:58:59 PM »
if i m not wrong only after 2003 model has it.

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #17 on: July 19, 2011, 03:59:47 PM »

hmmm, I definitely do not like the CRB, cause it is just too much for the word "ROLEX...." around  :Laughing_on_floor: like the ladies carry LV, or a lot of "C", "G"

Hobbit, are you reffering to these 2?

14060


14060M


What is so unique about these 2??? Sorry for so many question, I am try to learn the different, cause the Rolex model or number is very confusing  :Confused:, the more you read the more confuse  :Confused: :Confused:you get

siodee,

As highlighted by ck77, the first picture is the 14060 and the second is the 14060M. The 14060 with the newer 3130 movement would not have the Swiss T<25 at the 6 o'clock position. It would have Swiss or Swiss Made on the dial. This means that it has the newer Super Luminova dial.

As to why I like the watch? Well it does not have the cyclops. Also it is the modern interpretation of the reference 5513. The difference is the movement and the crystal. The 5513 has the much loved acrylic crystal.

Offline rockdaman

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2011, 04:01:37 PM »
Thanks Hobbit,

I have checked my Dad's exp2 and I can't seem to find any... any pics so that I know what I am looking for?
Is it visible to the naked eye?
Thanks

if it is white face then more difficult to see.

Offline hanz079

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2011, 04:05:38 PM »
It's a Polar Exp2 "M" Series....
I'm trying pretty hard to spot it just now but I don't see any...
Maybe I will try again tomorrow...
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #20 on: July 19, 2011, 04:29:45 PM »
It's a Polar Exp2 "M" Series....
I'm trying pretty hard to spot it just now but I don't see any...
Maybe I will try again tomorrow...

hanz079,

Try putting a flashlight on the upper half of the dial and use the reflection to see the coronet. Look at the photograph below.



Offline hanz079

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #21 on: July 19, 2011, 04:44:42 PM »
It's a Polar Exp2 "M" Series....
I'm trying pretty hard to spot it just now but I don't see any...
Maybe I will try again tomorrow...

hanz079,

Try putting a flashlight on the upper half of the dial and use the reflection to see the coronet. Look at the photograph below.

Thanks Hobbs...
Will try again tomorrow...
You've been a big help as usual!!  :thumbsup:
What would we do without you I wonder... heehee
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline ck77

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #22 on: July 19, 2011, 08:25:56 PM »
Thanks Hobbit,

I have checked my Dad's exp2 and I can't seem to find any... any pics so that I know what I am looking for?
Is it visible to the naked eye?
Thanks
Hmm .. it is a fake!  :Laughing_on_floor:
Try look at different angle and you will find it  ;D

Offline hanz079

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #23 on: July 19, 2011, 08:47:59 PM »
I know its not a fake...
But I just wanna find the details as sometimes those little details fascinate me...  ;D
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline pexus

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Re: Rolex M, V, Z series
« Reply #24 on: July 20, 2011, 06:14:51 AM »
I know its not a fake...
But I just wanna find the details as sometimes those little details fascinate me...  ;D

i am sure its there la..there must be a crown for every achievement mah... ;D
`Learning to appreciate my watch as a tool, and not some fancy branded jewelry'