Seiko serial numbers and production quantity

[Tiny]

As above. I have a Grand Seiko HAQ diver which has been discontinued.



I suspect not many of these were made since they are very rarely seen on the second hand market. I am interested in this rarity factor and would like to know how many were actually made before Seiko discontinued them.

I wrote to Seiko and they would only confirm the manufacturing date of April 2014 for serial number 440134. They would not reveal the production quantity citing commercial reasons.

So can anyone shed any light on how Seiko serial numbers work? Are they consecutive for the same model or chronological across ranges or what?

Are there any Seiko experts about these parts? Does anyone know between which dates they were available? Anyone else got a SBGX117 with similar serial number and manufacturing date? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

The full model number is SBGX117 and the case back model number is below:

[Papa Hotel]

First 4 is the year, so 2014 (you need to have an idea of which decade it is). Next is the month, 4, so April, then the rest is sequential for the month.

[Tiny]

First 4 is the year, so 2014 (you need to have an idea of which decade it is). Next is the month, 4, so April, then the rest is sequential for the month.

Thanks. So the number for the month (0134 in my case) is not model specific. It that correct?

[Tiny]

My main question is how can I find out the production quantity if the manufacturer won't disclose it?

Would dealers have access to the figures?