Question: What is the meaning of the " 18 " inside the case back?

Sep 13, 2014,13:34 PM
 

For years, I wondered what was the meaning of this number engraved below the Ref Number.

Here in a 6542 case:

 

I found this very same number in different references which can be dated in the Fifties, till 1955 ( Explorer, for example ).

Does anyone know something about this number?

Best,Nicolas


More posts: 6542ExplorerGMT Master

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No idea BUT

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : September 13th, 2014-14:30
I can tell the two numbers above 18 and what they stand for ;) Hope someone can shed some light on this...! E

From my Rolex days ...

 
 By: nilomis : September 13th, 2014-15:33
18 refers to the steel composition (18% chromium). Cheers, Nilo

Oba! Thank you Nilo......

 
 By: Sandgroper : September 13th, 2014-17:51
and it makes sense too:) Cheers Francois

This was discussed years back ...

 
 By: nilomis : September 14th, 2014-03:06
When vintage Rolexes experienced a major ramp up among the watch collectors. Lots of debates, mainly because of a patent made. in October 18 1026 (related to the screw down crown). Cheers, Nilo

October 18, 1026........

 
 By: Sandgroper : September 14th, 2014-17:10
Wow! That goes back a few years:) This is what is called been "ahead of time"! Cheers Francois