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Message: <blockquote data-quote="brocknroller" data-source="post: 1484329" data-attributes="member: 665">I bought my 8x32 SE eight years ago, and the original owner had it for one or two years, so it's at least 9 years old. The serial number starts with 501. I bought my second sample 8x32 LX in 2005. The original owner bought less than a year earlier (he sent the sales slip with it). So it is at least 6 years old. The first three digits of the LX's serial # is 201. Note: My first sample's focuser was too "fast," though I thought that was the norm from reading complaints on BF thread on the "too fast focuser" of the 8x32 LX. My present sample's focuser is smooth and precise, though it's still "fast" (goes from close focus to infinity in a little over half a turn of the focuser knob). I wonder if your assumption is correct about Nikon not using sequential serial numbers on its binoculars OR if Nikon went back to 00x numbering on the SE because it made some changes to it? Updated coatings? Lead-free glass? I think the name change to "Premier SE" is probably a marketing strategy. The company used "Criterion" for its top of the line models at one time, now it's "Premier". I see a "Premier LX" listed on some Websites now, but I checked out the specs, and it appears to be just a new name for the LX L. Brock</blockquote>