Oh dear, I've made a total pratt of my self on eBay
I've told everyone that this Beotalk 1200 was made in 1996 and some kind person has pointed out that they weren't made til 2001. Having checked on Beoworld products, I should have known better!
Roman numerals on the back say copyright MCMXCVI. Well I know VI means 6 and I knew it couldn't be 2006 so I stupidly assumed 1996.
Also the serial is 1069949 and according to a post on here by Lee, serials begining with 10 were 1996.
Can anyone help me before I make things worse. Mobe, I make you look like Einstein!  If the ground were to open up and swallow me up, it might be a good thing.

Andy T.

Unfortunately the numerals do not refer to the manufacturing date. Been fooled by this myself. The informant you have is quite correct - the 1200 was introduced in 2001.

Thanks for replying Peter, but is there any way of telling it's age by the serial number then?

Andy T.

I think I own the crown for the metally challanged!!

Sent you a pm!

Don't think that is the serial number! Mine has a number 1069929 GB - but I think that is the type number. My serial number is 87042708 - and I have the suspicion that it is a 2004 model.(3rd and 4th numbers.)

Mine says

I am Spartacus/Brian etc!

The second number is the serial number  -  but my thoughts on years is clearly inaccurate!

Dimentia is creeping up on me!
My serial is therefore 86229191 and this dispels your third and fourth number theory.

Andy T.

Andy,

There will be a date code on the products sticker, such as on mine - 02W47

This denotes the item was made in the 47th week of 2002.

03W25 would denote the 25th week of 2003,etc etc

This xxWxx code is on most telecom products,and gives you a production date accurate to within a week.

Hope that helps,

Regards

your favourite Manchester based dealer !!

03W43 for me - would seem about right! Is there any correlation between serial number and age in other products - and would you like to do a FAQ for us!

KingStreet:

Andy,

There will be a date code on the products sticker, such as on mine - 02W47

This denotes the item was made in the 47th week of 2002.

03W25 would denote the 25th week of 2003,etc etc

This xxWxx code is on most telecom products,and gives you a production date accurate to within a week.

Hope that helps,

Regards

your favourite Manchester based dealer !!

Thank you so much my friend in Manchester!
I've found it----01W46---  46th week of 2001.
Next time I'm in Manchester I'll come in and shake your hand. BTW Are you or your staff ex Plumbs?
Thanks Peter too.

Andy T.

Peter,

Most "main" products are given sequencial serial numbers as they are made, regardless of model and type, which is unusual, but it does mean that there is a broad correlation, in as much as the serial numbers have risen steadily over the years and most dealers will (or should !! ) know roughly how old a product is at a glance.

There are a few exceptions to this rule ( Bsnd 2, Blink active, Beoport, Serene etc ) but it applies to the vast majority of products.

This serial number passed 20000000 recently, so anything 199XXXXX orlower will be pre 2007.......probably. 

 FAQ ?? - it would be an honour.