Rolex Serial and Model Numbers
Rolex has been engraving unique serial numbers on their watches since the 1920s. These serial numbers serve to document the production year of each timepiece, adding to the brand's rich history and heritage.
Understanding the serial number of your Rolex watch holds significant importance for various reasons. One crucial reason is that it aids in determining the production age of your watch. By considering the age and condition of the watch, you can accurately establish its market value.
Serial and model numbers can play a crucial role in authenticating a Rolex watch. Genuine Rolex timepieces typically have engraved serial numbers that match the design, while counterfeits often lack this feature or have inconsistent serial numbers. Ensuring the presence and accuracy of serial numbers can help in identifying genuine Rolex watches.
How to Find the Serial Number on Your Rolex Watch
The Rolex serial number can be easily located on the watch's accompanying paperwork, including the warranty card. In the case of purchasing a timepiece without the relevant documents, the serial number is also engraved on the watch itself.
Older Rolex watches typically feature the serial number engraved on the exterior of the case, specifically between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side. To access the serial number, it is necessary to remove the bracelet.
In 2005, Rolex began engraving the serial number on the inner metal ring (known as the "rehaut" or flange) located between the dial and the crystal, close to the 6 o'clock mark. From 2008 onwards, Rolex discontinued the practice of engraving the serial number on the exterior of the case, opting to keep it exclusively on the rehaut. This change enhances the readability and aesthetics of the timepiece.
Location of the Rolex Serial Number
- Before 2005, the watch is engraved on the exterior, specifically between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side.
- From 2005 to 2008, you can find engravings between the lugs and on the rehaut (both on the 6 o'clock side).
- Starting from 2008, the rehaut of the timepiece is engraved exclusively on the 6 o'clock side. This unique feature adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the watch.
Below is a table displaying the production years of Rolex watches along with their respective serial numbers. Explore this guide to discover the fascinating history behind these iconic timepieces.
PRODUCTION YEAR | SERIAL NUMBER | PRODUCTION YEAR | SERIAL NUMBER |
---|---|---|---|
2010-Present | Random/Mixed | 1968 | 2,426,000 |
2009-2010 | G000,001 | 1967 | 2,164,000 |
2008-2009 | V000,001 | 1966 | 1,870,000 |
2007-2009 | M000,001 | 1965 | 1,791,000 |
2006-2008 | Z000,001 | 1964 | 1,713,000 |
2005-2006 | D000,001 | 1963 | 1,635,000 |
2004-2005 | F000,001 | 1962 | 1,557,000 |
2002-2004 | Y000,001 | 1961 | 1,485,000 |
2001-2003 | K000,001 | 1960 | 1,401,000 |
2000-2001 | P000,004 | 1959 | 1,323,000 |
1998-2000 | A000,002 | 1958 | 1,245,000 |
1997-1998 | U000,001 | 1957 | 1,167,000 |
1996-1998 | T000,001 | 1956 | 1,095,000 |
1995-1998 | W000,001 | 1955 | 1,010,000 |
1993 3/4 | S000,001 | 1954 | 935,000 |
1992 1/4 | C000,001 | 1953 | 869,000 |
1991 3/4 | N000,001 | 1952 | 804,000 |
1991 1/2 | X000,001 | 1951 | 735,000 |
1991 1/4 | E999,999 | 1950 | 672,000 |
1990 1/2 | E000,001 | 1949 | 608,000 |
1990 | L999,999 | 1948 | 543,000 |
1989 | L000,001 | 1947 | 478,000 |
1988 | R999,999 | 1946 | 413,000 |
1987 1/2 | R000,001 | 1945 | 348,000 |
1987 1/2 | 9,999,999 | 1944 | 284,000 |
1987 | 9,760,000 | 1943 | 253,000 |
1986 | 9,300,000 | 1942 | 224,000 |
1985 | 8,814,000 | 1941 | 194,000 |
1984 | 8,338,000 | 1940 | 165,000 |
1983 | 7,860,000 | 1939 | 136,000 |
1982 | 7,366,000 | 1938 | 118,000 |
1981 | 6,910,000 | 1937 | 98,000 |
1980 | 6,430,000 | 1936 | 82,000 |
1979 | 5,959,000 | 1935 | 62,000 |
1978 | 5,481,000 | 1934 | 55,000 |
1977 | 5,005,000 | 1933 | 49,000 |
1976 | 4,535,000 | 1932 | 43,000 |
1975 | 4,265,000 | 1931 | 40,000 |
1974 | 4,000,000 | 1930 | 38,000 |
1973 | 3,741,000 | 1929 | 35,000 |
1972 | 3,478,000 | 1928 | 33,000 |
1971 | 3,215,000 | 1927 | 30,000 |
1970 | 2,952,000 | 1926 | 28,000 |
1969 | 2,689,000 | 1925 | 25,000 |
How to Find the Model or Reference Number on Your Rolex Watch
The model or reference number of a Rolex watch is typically engraved on the exterior between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side. To check the model number, it is necessary to detach the bracelet from the case, similar to the process for verifying the serial number. Find all the essential information you need about Rolex model numbers right here!
Rolex utilizes a reference number system to signify the model type, bezel style, and watch material. This system helps in identifying and categorizing their exquisite timepieces.
The Rolex Kermit 16610LV is a popular reference in the world of watches. Let's break down the number: 166 | 1 | 0 LV. The digits 166 indicate that it is a Rolex Submariner, while the number 1 signifies a rotating bezel. Additionally, the 0 indicates that it is made of stainless steel. The letters LV represent "lunette vert," which is French for green bezel.
Below are the tables displaying the codes for each model, bezel, and material type. This information is crucial for identifying and selecting the desired options.
MODEL YEAR | REFERENCE NUMBER (FIRST 2-4 DIGITS) |
---|---|
Datejust | 16, 162 & 1162 |
Daytona Manual Wind | 62 |
Daytona Cosmograph | 165 & 1165 |
Explorer I | 14 & 124 |
Explorer II | 16, 165 & 265 |
Submariner (No Date) | 55, 140 & 1140 |
Submariner (Date) | 16, 166 & 168 |
Sea Dweller | 16, 166, 1166 & 1266 |
GMT-Master | 16, 65, 167 |
GMT-Master II | 167, 1167 & 1267 |
Milgauss | 65, 10, 1164 |
President Day-Date | 65, 66, 18, 180, 182 & 183 |
Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140 & 142 |
Airking | 55, 140, 116 & 142 |
Date | 15 & 150 |
Oysterquartz Datejust | 170 |
Oysterquartz Day-Date | 190 |
Yachtmaster | 166, 686 & 696 |
Yachtmaster II | 1166 |
Sky-Dweller | 3269, 3261 |
Midsize Oyster Perp DJ | 68, 682 |
Ladies Oyster Perpetual | 67, 671, 672 |
Ladies Date | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
Ladies Datejust | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
BEZEL TYPE | REFERENCE NUMBER (SECOND TO THE LAST DIGIT) |
0 | Smooth / Domed / Polished |
1 | Engine Turned |
2 | Engraved |
3 | Fluted |
4 | Bark / Hand-Crafted |
6 | Rotatable |
7 | Various (e.g. Explorer II) |
MATERIAL | REFERENCE NUMBER (LAST DIGIT) |
0 | Stainless Steel |
1 | Everose Rolesor (Stainless Steel and Everose Gold) |
2 | Rolesium (Stainless steel and Platinum) |
3 | Yellow Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold) |
4 | White Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k White gold) |
5 | Everose |
6 | Platinum |
8 | 18k Yellow gold |
9 | 18k White gold |
MATERIAL | SUFFIX / FRENCH TERM |
Blue | Bleu |
Faceted diamonds | Brillants |
Chocolate (or brown) | Chocolat |
Emerald | Emeraude |
Window (or crystal) | Glace |
Yellow | Jaune |
Bezel | Lunette |
Black | Noir |
Red | Rouge |
Ruby | Rubis |
Sapphire | Saphirs |
Green | Vert |
How to Find the Production Age of Your Rolex Bracelet or Clasp
Rolex watches feature an engraved code on the clasp hinge. These codes consist of 1 or 2 letters followed by a number, where the letter indicates the year of production, and the number denotes the month.
Since 2010, Rolex has been diligently implementing a sophisticated system of random numbers for their iconic watches. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the authenticity and uniqueness of each timepiece. Moreover, for your peace of mind, if you happen to stumble upon a clasp marked with an S, rest assured that it signifies a replacement clasp specifically used for servicing purposes, reaffirming Rolex's commitment to impeccable craftsmanship.
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PRODUCTION YEAR | BRACELET CODE |
---|---|
1976 | A or VA |
1977 | B or VB |
1978 | C or VC |
1979 | D or VD |
1980 | E or VE |
1981 | F or VF |
1982 | G |
1983 | H |
1984 | I |
1985 | J |
1986 | K |
1987 | L |
1988 | M |
1989 | N |
1990 | O |
1991 | P |
1992 | Q |
1993 | R |
1994 | S |
1995 | T or W |
1996 | V |
1997 | Z |
1998 | U |
1999 | X |
2000 | AB |
2001 | DE |
2002 | DT |
2003 | AD |
2004 | CL |
2005 | MA |
2006 | OP |
2007 | EO |
2008 | PJ |
2009 | LT |
2010 | RS |
2011 onwards | RANDOM |