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.

Rolex Daytona 125418, Rolex Daytona 126519, Rolex Daytona 126518

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.

Rolex GMT-Master 126719, Rolex GMT-Master II 116710
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.

Looking for detailed insights into the elegance and craftsmanship of Rolex watches? Explore our extensive collection and visit TB Jewelers, our prestigious store in Miami, Florida. Indulge your passion for luxury watches and embark on an unforgettable journey of sophistication and style at TB Jewelers. Discover the finest selection of Rolex watches in Miami, Florida.

Rolex President 228236, Rolex Day-Date 228238,
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