Have you ever noticed, after removing the bracelet, that some Rolex watches, particularly those from certain eras, bear the engraving "REGISTERED DESIGN," while others boast "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN"? This seemingly minor detail has sparked considerable curiosity and debate among collectors and enthusiasts. This article delves into the nuances of these engravings, specifically focusing on the Rolex Submariner Date 116610 and its variations, exploring the history and significance of these markings, and clarifying the differences between various Submariner models.
'REGISTERED DESIGN' vs 'ORIG ROLEX DESIGN'
The presence of either "REGISTERED DESIGN" or "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" on the case back of a Rolex watch is indicative of the brand's commitment to protecting its intellectual property. "REGISTERED DESIGN" signifies that the watch's design has been officially registered as a protected design patent in various jurisdictions. This practice was common in earlier decades of Rolex's history, reflecting a stronger emphasis on formally safeguarding their unique aesthetic features.
"ORIG ROLEX DESIGN," on the other hand, suggests a slightly different approach. While the exact reason for the shift from "REGISTERED DESIGN" to "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" isn't explicitly documented by Rolex, several theories exist. One possibility is that Rolex streamlined its marking process, opting for a simpler and more direct way to declare the origin and design ownership. Another theory posits that the change reflects a shift in legal strategies concerning design protection, perhaps moving away from formal registration in favor of broader trademark protection. The transition likely happened gradually over time, with the "REGISTERED DESIGN" marking being more prevalent on earlier models and "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" becoming more common on later production runs. The exact timeframe of this transition isn't definitively established and varies depending on the specific model.
The significance of these markings lies in their role as indicators of authenticity. The presence of either engraving, especially on the older models, is a strong signal that the watch is indeed a genuine Rolex, manufactured by Rolex itself, and not a counterfeit. Counterfeit Rolexes often lack these markings entirely or have poorly executed imitations. Therefore, these engravings serve as crucial elements for verifying the authenticity of a vintage or pre-owned Rolex.
Rolex Submariner Date 116610
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