If you own a Rolex, you may have wondered how old it is and its value today. Although the value does not completely depend on the serial number but also factors like market trends and rarity—it can provide valuable information about its age and production date.
Understanding Rolex serial numbers can reveal your timepiece's age, origin, and authenticity. Here, we will cover everything you need to know about Rolex serial numbers. This will help you determine exactly when your luxury timepiece was made and ensure its authenticity.
Understanding Rolex Serial Numbers
Rolex serial numbers are unique identifiers that track the history of each watch. They aren't encrypted, sequential, or standardized; each number is different and tells a unique story. If you own a Rolex, it's essential to know how to check the serial number to understand your watch's history.
Since the 1920s, Rolex has engraved their luxury watches with unique serial numbers to document the year of manufacture. The table below shows how specific serial numbers correspond to their production years, making it easy to date your watch once you have the serial number.
Having serial numbers to date, your Rolex is very useful because the design changes over time can be so subtle that it’s hard to tell an older model from a newer one.
Until 2010, Rolex used a specific system to mark their watches, as shown in the table below. From 1926 to 1987, they used sequential serial numbers that were easy to look up. From mid-1987 to late 2009, they used a date code system. The first letter of the serial number indicated the production year, making it easy to identify the year of manufacture.
What is the Purpose of Rolex Serial Numbers
- Identification: Each serial number is unique to the watch, making it easily identifiable.
- Age Determination: The serial number can tell you when the watch was manufactured.
- Authenticity Verification: Authentic Rolex watches have specific types of engravings, helping to distinguish genuine timepieces from counterfeits.
How to Check Your Rolex Serial Number
To find the serial number on your Rolex watch, you need to know where to look. The location of the serial number depends on when your watch was made, but knowing this can help narrow down your search.
1. The Evolution of Serial Numbers
Rolex started using a straightforward numerical system for serial numbers. These numbers ranged from 20,000 to 999,999.
Once the serial numbers reached 999,999, Rolex introduced a new system, where they started over but added a letter prefix to indicate the decade.
Rolex continued evolving its serial numbering system by introducing a letter followed by six digits. This era saw a more structured approach to serial numbers, making it easier to determine the production year.
Rolex introduced a random serial number system, which made it harder to determine the exact production year but enhanced security and reduced counterfeiting.
2. Locating Your Rolex Serial Number
For Rolex watches made before 2007, the serial number is engraved between the bottom lugs, where the band connects to the case. To find it, you'll need to remove the watch band.
For some models made between 2006 and 2007, the serial number can be found on the dial rehaut, the inner metal ring around the dial at the 6 o'clock position. You may still find it engraved between the bottom lugs as well, so check both spots carefully.
The serial number for watches made after 2008 is only on the inner rehaut. If you have the watch's paperwork, the serial number will be listed there too. When buying a Rolex, it's a good idea to match the serial number on the watch with the one on the paperwork.
|
Pre-2005 Rolex |
The serial number is engraved between the lower lugs (near the 6 o'clock position). |
|
2005-2008 Rolex |
The serial number is engraved between the lower lugs and the inner rehaut. |
|
Post-2008 Rolex |
The serial number is engraved only on the inner rehaut. |
3. Determining Your Watch’s Production Year
In the past, Rolex used sequential numbers for their watches. If your watch has a serial number that starts with a letter, it was likely made between 1987 and 2010. After 2010, Rolex began using random and mixed series for their serial numbers, which makes pinpointing the production year a bit more challenging.
4. Decoding the Serial Number
Letter Prefix System (1954-1987):
- A (1980)
- B (1981)
- C (1982)
- D (1983)
- E (1984)
- F (1985)
- G (1986)
- H (1987)
Letter + Six Digit System (1987-2010):
- R (1987)
- L (1988-1989)
- E (1990-1991)
- X (1991)
- N (1991)
- C (1992)
- S (1993)
- W (1994-1995)
- T (1996)
- U (1997)
- A (1998)
- P (2000)
- K (2001)
- Y (2002)
- F (2003)
- D (2005)
- Z (2006)
- M (2007)
How Do You Find Your Rolex Watch's Model or Reference Number?
To locate your Rolex watch's model or reference number, look at the case between the upper lugs at 12 o'clock. Rolex engraves or assigns each watch a 4 to 6-digit model number.
For example, you must remove the bracelet or strap to view this engraving and find the serial number. Understanding this engraving can be confusing if you don't know what to look for.
Rolex uses a reference number system that provides detailed information about the watch model, bezel type, and material.
The first 2-4 digits indicate the model, the second to last digit indicates the bezel type, and the last digit indicates the material. Any letters at the end of the sequence denote special features such as colors or diamonds. For example, "LV'' signifies a green bezel (lunette vert).
Refer to the charts below to interpret your watch's reference number.
| Model | Reference No. (First 2 to 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 |
| REFERENCE NUMBER (LAST DIGIT) |
Material |
| 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 |
| Colors | 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 |
Importance of Knowing Your Rolex Serial Number
Determining the Age of the Watch
Knowing the age of your Rolex can be crucial for various reasons:
- Resale Value: Older models, especially vintage ones, can have a higher resale value.
- Servicing: Understanding the age can help decide the type of servicing the watch might need.
- Collector's Item: Some collectors specifically look for watches from certain years or eras.
Verifying Authenticity
Verifying authenticity has never been more important with the rise in counterfeit Rolex watches. Knowledge of the serial number system can help in identifying fake watches, as counterfeiters often format the serial numbers incorrectly.
Insurance and Documentation
Knowing the exact serial number is necessary for insurance purposes. It helps document the watch properly and ensures that you can provide accurate information if the watch is lost or stolen.
Common Misconceptions About Rolex Serial Numbers
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Myth 1: The Serial Number Alone Can Determine Authenticity
While the serial number is crucial, it is not the only element in determining authenticity. Other factors include the quality of the engravings, movement, and overall craftsmanship.
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Myth 2: All Rolex Watches Have Serial Numbers on the Same Spot
As mentioned earlier, the location of the serial number can vary depending on its model and production year. Always check the correct spot for your specific model.
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Myth 3: Older Rolex Watches Are Less Valuable
This is not necessarily true. Some older models, especially those that are rare or have historical significance, can be incredibly valuable.
Conclusion
Understanding Rolex serial numbers is crucial for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. It allows you to determine the watch's age, authenticity, and value. Whether you're an experienced collector or new to buying watches, this knowledge can deepen your appreciation for these timeless pieces.
Understanding serial numbers is essential if you're buying, selling, or verifying a Rolex watch. Uncovering its true value and history is a key part of your journey.
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