Rolex Serial Numbers
& Production Dates
How to Find Your Rolex Serial Number
The market value of a Rolex watch is determined in part by looking at the serial number and production date. To find your Rolex serial number, look on the side of the case between the lugs. These will be found behind the bracelet by the 6 o’clock area. By noting what this 4-8 digit number is engraved on every watch by Rolex, it can be determined what the production date is.
Starting in 2005, Rolex began to engrave the serial number of the watch on the rehaut (also called an inside flange), located between the dial and crystal. And, in 2008, they started to engrave the serial numbers only on the rehaut.
What Year Is Your Vintage Or Pre-Owned Rolex?
If you’re wondering what year my Rolex is, the following chart can help you. Once you find your serial number, you can pinpoint a production date. For example, on the chart below, serial number 23,000 equates to a 1954 production date. The Rolex production date helps when determining the market value of the watch.
Find the production date by matching your serial number below.
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Find Rolex production year
Year(Year of Production) | Serial Number(Serial number of your Rolex) |
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2023 | Random |
2022 | Random |
2021 | Random |
2020 | Random |
2019 | Random |
2018 | Random |
2017 | Random |
2016 | Random |
2015 | Random |
2014 | Random |
2013 | Random |
2012 | Random |
2011 | Random |
2010 | G |
2009 | V |
2008 | M OR V |
2007 | M OR Z |
2006 | D OR Z |
2005 | D |
2005 | F |
2004 | F |
2003 | F |
2002 | Y |
2001 | K OR Y |
2000 | K,000,001 |
2000 | P,000,001 |
1999 | A,000,001 |
1998 | U,932,144 |
1997 | U,000,001 |
1996 | T,000,001 |
1995 | W,000,001 |
1994 | S,860,880 |
1993 | S,000,001 |
1992 | C,000,001 |
1991 | N,000,001 |
1991 | X,000,001 |
1990 | E,000,001 |
1989 | L,980,000 |
1988 | R,598,200 |
1987 | R,000,001 |
1987 | 9,400,000 |
1986 | 8,900,000 |
1985 | 8,614,000 |
1984 | 8,070,022 |
1983 | 7,400,000 |
1982 | 7,100,000 |
1981 | 6,520,870 |
1980 | 6,434,000 |
1979 | 5,737,030 |
1978 | 5,000,000 |
1977 | 5,008,000 |
1976 | 4,115,299 |
Find Rolex production year
Year(Year of Production) | Serial Number(Serial number of your Rolex) |
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1975 | 3,862,196 |
1974 | 3,567,927 |
1973 | 3,200,268 |
1972 | 2,890,459 |
1971 | 2,589,295 |
1970 | 2,241,882 |
1969 | 1,900,000 |
1968 | 1,752,000 |
1967 | 1,538,435 |
1966 | 1,200,000 |
1965 | 1,100,000 |
1964 | 1,008,889 |
1963 | 824,000 |
1962 | 744,000 |
1961 | 643,153 |
1960 | 516,000 |
1959 | 399,453 |
1958 | 328,000 |
1957 | 224,000 |
1956 | 133,061 |
1955 | 97,000 |
1954 | 23,000 |
1953 | 855,726 |
1952 | 726,639 |
1951 | 709,249 |
1950 | |
1949 | |
1948 | 628,840 |
1947 | 529,163 |
1946 | 367,946 |
1945 | 302,459 |
1944 | 269,561 |
1943 | 230,878 |
1942 | 143,509 |
1941 | 106,047 |
1940 | 99,775 |
1939 | 71,224 |
1938 | 43,739 |
1937 | 40,920 |
1936 | 36,856 |
1935 | 34,336 |
1934 | 30,823 |
1933 | 29,562 |
1932 | 29,132 |
1931 | |
1930 | 23,186 |
1929 | |
1928 | 23,969 |
1927 | 20,190 |
1926 | 00,001 |
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Rolex Model Numbers
When Rolex produces a watch, it assigns a four-to-six digit model number and engraves it on each watch. The number is found between the lugs right above the 12 o’clock location on the side of the case. The number can be used to identify the model, bezel, and material of your specific watch. For example, if you have a Rolex watch with the reference number 116506, this number would be divided as follows: 1165/0/6. This watch would be a Daytona Cosmograph (1165) that has a polished bezel (0) and is made of platinum (6).
Rolex Clasp Code
You’ll also find that Rolex watches may have a clasp code. The clasp code is located on the inside of the clasp hinge. The code will show the month and year that the clasp was manufactured. There will be one or two letters that will be followed by a number. The letter will signify a year while the number relates to a month. For example, when you review the chart, a bracelet that shows L5 was made in May 1985. If the bracelet is a service replacement one, there will be an “S” included with the year.
MODEL NUMBERS
Rolex Type | |
---|---|
Submariner (no date) | 55 & 140 |
Submariner | 16, 166 & 168 |
Sea Dweller | 16 & 166 |
GMT Master | 16, 65, 167 |
GMT Master II | 167, 1167 |
Day-Date (President) | 65, 66, 18, 180, 182 & 183 |
Datejust | 16 & 162 |
Daytona Manual Wind | 62 |
Daytona Cosmograph | 165, 1165 |
Explorer II | 165 |
Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140, 142 |
Airking | 55 & 140 |
Date | 15 & 150 |
OysterquartzDatejust | 170 |
Oysterquartz Day-Date | 190 |
Yachtmaster | 166, 686 & 696 |
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
Polished | 0 |
Engine Turned | 1 |
Engine Turned | 2 |
Fluted | 3 |
Hand-Crafted | 4 |
Pyramid | 5 |
Rotating Bezel | 6 |
Material
Stainless | 0 |
Yellow Gold Filled | 1 |
White Gold Filled | 2 |
Stainless & Yellow Gold | 3 |
Stainless w/ 18k White Gold | 4 |
Gold Shell | 5 |
Platinum | 6 |
14k Yellow Gold | 7 |
18k Yellow Gold | 8 |
Bracelet Code
Bracelet Code | Year |
---|---|
A or VA | 1976 |
B or VB | 1977 |
C or VC | 1978 |
D or VD | 1979 |
E or VE | 1980 |
F or VF | 1981 |
G | 1982 |
H | 1983 |
I | 1984 |
J | 1985 |
K | 1986 |
L | 1987 |
M | 1988 |
N | 1989 |
O | 1990 |
P | 1991 |
Q | 1992 |
R | 1993 |
S | 1994 |
T or W | 1995 |
V | 1996 |
Z | 1997 |
U | 1998 |
X | 1999 |
AB | 2000 |
DE | 2001 |
DT | 2002 |
AD | 2003 |
CL | 2004 |
MA | 2005 |
OP | 2006 |
EO | 2007 |
PJ | 2008 |
LT | 2009 |
RS | 2010 |
RANDOM | 201+ |
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FAQ
Where To Look For The Serial Number On Your Rolex
You need to follow a few simple steps to locate the serial number on your Rolex watch. Rolex serial numbers can be found on the watch’s case, between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. You’ll need to remove the bracelet from the watch case to access this.
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First, ensure your watch is on a soft, clean surface to prevent scratches or damage.
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Using a spring bar tool or a small screwdriver, carefully remove the bracelet from the watch case by pressing the spring bar inward and sliding the bracelet out. Be gentle to avoid any damage.
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Once the bracelet is removed, you will find the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. The number can be a combination of letters and numbers, depending on the production year of your Rolex.
Please note that starting in 2005, Rolex began engraving the serial number on the inner bezel (also known as the rehaut) under the crystal at the 6 o’clock position. This makes it easier to find the serial number without removing the bracelet. However, older models will still have a serial number located between the lugs.
You can determine the production year and authenticate your timepiece by finding your Rolex’s serial number. Always handle your watch carefully and consider seeking professional assistance if unsure about the process.
The History Of Rolex Serial Numbers
The history of Rolex serial numbers dates back to the early 20th century when the company started producing luxury timepieces. Serial numbers play a crucial role in understanding a Rolex watch’s production year, model, and authenticity.
Rolex began assigning serial numbers to their watches in the 1920s. Initially, these numbers were sequential and purely numeric, starting from 1 and increasing with each watch produced. However, as the company grew and more watches were manufactured, Rolex changed its serial number system several times to accommodate the increasing production numbers.
In the late 1950s, Rolex started using alphanumeric serial numbers, which combined letters and numbers. This new system allowed for a more organized way to track production years and identify specific models. Each letter represented a specific production year, and the following numbers indicated the watch’s position within that year’s production.
By 2010, Rolex introduced a random serial number system, which consists of a combination of letters and numbers without any discernable pattern. This change was made to enhance security and make it more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate the serial numbers on fake Rolex watches.
Rolex has maintained a commitment to innovation, quality, and precision throughout its history, reflected in its serial number system. By understanding the history of Rolex serial numbers, collectors and enthusiasts can better appreciate the brand’s rich heritage and authenticate their timepieces.
Tips For Verifying the Authenticity of Your Rolex
When it comes to verifying the authenticity of your Rolex, there are several key factors to consider. With a growing number of counterfeit watches on the market, it’s crucial to follow these tips to ensure you have a genuine Rolex timepiece:
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Serial and Model Numbers: Check the serial and model numbers engraved on the watch. These numbers should be visible, cleanly engraved, and correspond to the correct production year and model. You can cross-reference the serial number with Rolex databases or consult an expert to verify the watch’s authenticity.
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Weight: Genuine Rolex watches are made from high-quality materials, often resulting in a heavier feel than counterfeit watches. It may be a red flag if your Rolex feels too light or has an uneven weight distribution.
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Cyclops Magnification: Rolex watches typically feature a small magnifying lens, called the Cyclops, over the date window. Authentic Rolex timepieces will have a 2.5x magnification, making a date easily readable. Counterfeit watches often have a lower magnification or imperfect alignment.
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Dial Details: Examine the watch dial for any inconsistencies or imperfections. Genuine Rolex dials feature precise printing, accurate spacing, and consistent coloration. Any text, logo, or indices discrepancies can indicate a fake watch.
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Movement: Rolex watches are known for their precise and smooth movements. The second hand should move smoothly around the dial without ticking or stuttering. Additionally, the watch should have a genuine Rolex movement with proper engravings and finishes, which can be verified by a professional watchmaker.
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Screw-Down Crown: Except for some vintage models, Rolex watches feature a screw-down crown to ensure water resistance. The crown should fit snugly against the case and have the Rolex logo visible.
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Hologram Sticker: Authentic Rolex watches produced before 2007 have a hologram sticker on the case back, displaying the Rolex crown and serial number. The hologram should be clear and change its appearance when viewed from different angles.
By following these tips and consulting with a reputable watch expert, you can have confidence in the authenticity of your Rolex timepiece.
How Much Is My Rolex Worth Today?
Determining the current value of your Rolex watch can be a complex process, as it depends on various factors. To better understand the worth of your Rolex timepiece today, consider the following aspects:
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Model and Reference Number: The specific Rolex model and reference number are crucial in determining the watch’s value. Some models, such as the Submariner or Daytona, tend to have higher resale values due to their popularity and demand.
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Condition: The overall condition of your watch significantly impacts its worth. A well-maintained Rolex with minimal wear, scratches, or dents will typically fetch a higher price than one in poor condition.
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Age and Rarity: Vintage or limited edition Rolex watches can have a higher value due to their rarity and historical significance. Additionally, certain production years or dial variations can make a Rolex more sought after by collectors, increasing its worth.
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Original Parts and Box/Papers: Watches with all their original parts and the original box and papers tend to command higher prices. These items serve as proof of authenticity and demonstrate the watch’s provenance.
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Market Trends: The current market demand for Rolex watches can also influence the value of your timepiece. Keep an eye on trends and recent sales of similar models to understand what your Rolex may be worth.