Rolex Serial Numbers..
Rolex watches feature two sets of identification numbers..
a Serial Number and a Case Reference Number.
Rolex Model Reference Numbers Explained + Rolex Model Number Chart Rolex model reference numbers can be found on every Rolex timepiece. In the next post we will teach you where to find the model number on the Rolex warranty certificate/Rolex warranty card, and on the case and caseback of Rolex timepieces. In 2005, Rolex began engraving the serial number on the rehaut (French for 'flange') between the dial and the crystal as well as the 6' o'clock location. For a few years, Rolexes had two serial numbers engraved on them. Starting in 2008, Rolex stopped engraving the serial.
On modern Oyster cases (excluding the OysterQuartz),
these numbers are engraved between the lugs,
hidden behind the end pieces (as shown in the images below).
ABOVE: Around 2005, Rolex started engraving the Case's Serial Number into the inside edge of the case (at the 6 o'clock position, under the crystal and below the bezel), also known as the rehaut, as shown in these images, which were taken at BASELWORLD 2005, in Switzerland in early April. BELOW: A close-up view of the same watch, you can clearly see the Serial Number |
A Brief Explanation of the Rolex Serial Numbering System..
Around this same time, Rolex had initiated another dating system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. The Roman numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced. Therefore, the code 'III 53' would represent the 3rd quarter (i.e. July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around 1970. Please note, some examples (primarily from around 1959), did feature the Roman Numeral and a 4-digit year (i.e. 'ii 1959'). In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7th digit and continued into the 'millions' until mid 1987, when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g. R000001). The system started with the letter 'R', whcih was then subsequently followed by L-E-X. Thus spelling out the word 'ROLEX' with the 'O' being omitted, to help avert any possible confusion with the number '0'. This sequence continued through November 1991, when a new numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and S, which took them through 1993. In 1994, Rolex started yet another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K in subsequent years, followed by Y, F, D, Z, M, V and then G in 2010. Please note, during the 1990s and 2000s, it is estimated that Rolex produced around around 1 million watches per year. Coincidentally, the numbering sequence of any particular Letter from this system (e.g. V000001 to V999999), would in fact also be 1 million serial numbers, and worked well with this system. It is worth mentioning that Rolex would not cease a letter prefix run at the end of a given calendar year, but would continue a letter run until all numbers were used before changing the prefix code. Therefore, letter prefixes could end at random times of the year, and did not start or stop at the beginning or end of a calendar year. Then, later in 2010, they scrapped the entire system and implemented a brand new 'Random' numbering system, in which each watch is issued a (unique) 8-digit 'Random' number consisting of numbers and letters. An example of this number would be something like '16G9L7F4' and could start with either a letter or number. This offers them a seemingly endless numbering system by which they could continue indefinitely. Figuring 8 digits with a possible 36 characters (26 letters and 10 numbers) per digit, gives them over 2 Trillion (2,821,109,907,456 to be exact) possible serial numbers. Even if they were to omit the letters 'O' and 'I', to help avert any possible confusion with the numbers '0' and '1' (as they did in the previous numbering system), that would still give them 1,785,793,904,896 possible combinations. While this This also offers Rolex an opportunity to keep the exact year of manufacture for any particular watch a secret. Something that has come back to haunt them for some time now. Therefore, only Rolex knows exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't talking.
A Tudor (work in progress) Serial Number List is included at the bottom of this page.. Please Note: John E. Brozek, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. and this website are in no way associated with Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies. John E. Brozek does not now, nor has he EVER worked for the Rolex Watch Company or any of its subsidiaries. The information provided on this page is solely the work of the author and has not been reviewed or authorized by Rolex USA. Furthermore, the publishers have received no help from Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies or any serving employees. |
ROLEX
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
20000 ...............1927 |
| 22500 ...............1928 |
| 25000 ...............1929 |
| 26500 ...............1930 |
| 28000 ...............1931 |
| 28500 ...............1932 |
| 29000 ...............1933 |
| 32000 ...............1934 |
| 35000 ...............1935 |
| 37000 ...............1936 |
| 40000 ...............1937 |
| 55000 ...............1938 |
| 71000 ...............1939 |
| 90000 ...............1940 |
| 106000 ...............1941 |
| 150000 ...............1942 |
| 230000 ...............1943 |
| 270000 ...............1944 |
| 302000 ...............1945 |
| 400000 ...............1946 |
| 529000 ...............1947 |
| 570000 ...............1948 |
| 600000 ...............1949 |
| 650000 ...............1950 |
| 700000 ...............1951 |
| 800000 ...............1952 |
| 900000 ..............1953 |
| 10000 to 300000 .....1953 to 1957 (At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the 'Roman Numeral' dating system explained above.) |
| 350000 ...............1958 |
| 400000 ..............1959 |
| 550000 ...............1960 |
| 700000 ..............1961 |
| 800000 ...............1962 |
| 900000 ..............1963 |
| 1000000 ...............1964 |
| 1200000 ..............1965 |
| 1400000 ...............1966 |
| 1600000 ..............1967 |
| 1850000 ...............1968 |
| 2300000 ..............1969 |
| 2500000 ...............1970 |
| 2900000 ..............1971 |
| 3300000 ...............1972 |
| 3750000 ..............1973 |
| 3900000 ...............1974 |
| 4250000 ..............1975 |
| 4500000 ...............1976 |
| 5000000 .............1977 |
| 5400000 ...............1978 |
| 5950000 .............1979 |
| 6400000 ...............1980 |
| 7000000 .............1981 |
| 7350000 ...............1982 |
| 7750000 .............1983 |
| 8100000 ...............1984 |
| 8600000 .............1985 |
| 9000000 ...............1986 |
| 9500000 .............1987 (Start of the letter prefix system.) R000001 .............1987 |
| L000001 .............1989 |
| E000001 .............1990 |
| X000001 .............1991 |
| N000001 .............1991 |
| C000001 .............1992 |
| S000001 .............1993 |
| W000001 .............1994 |
| T000001 .............1996 |
| U000001 .............1997 |
| A000001 .............1998 |
| P000001 .............2000 |
| K000001 .............2001 |
| Y000001 .............2002 |
| F000001 .............2003 Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal) |
| D000001 .............2005 |
| Z000001 .............2006 |
| M000001 .............2007 |
| V000001 .............2008 |
| G000001 ..........Mid 2010 |
| Random Numbers ..Late 2010 to present (Now features 8-digits instead of 7) |
TUDOR
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
Please Note: The following list is a 'Work in Progress' and will be updated periodically.
240000 ...............1956 |
| 250000 ...............1957 |
| 260000 ...............1958 |
| 270000 ...............1959 |
| 280000 ...............1960 |
| 340000 ...............1961 |
| 340000 ...............1962 |
| 390000 ...............1963 |
| 430000 ...............1964 |
| 430000 ...............1965 |
| 560000 ...............1966 |
| 590000 ...............1967 |
| 620000 ...............1968 |
| 680000 ...............1969 |
| 740000 ...............1970 |
| 750000 ...............1971 |
| 770000 ...............1972 |
| 790000 ...............1973 |
| 810000 ...............1974 |
| 830000 ...............1975 |
| 840000 ...............1976 |
| 860000 ...............1977 |
| 880000 ...............1978 |
| 900000 ...............1979 |
| 930000 ...............1980 |
| 950000 ...............1981 |
| 970000 ..............1982 |
| 980000 ..............1983 |
| 990000 ...............1984 |
| 140000 ..............1985 |
| 170000 ...............1986 |
| 190000 ..............1987 |
| 210000 ...............1988 |
| 260000 ..............1989 |
| B330000 ...............1990 |
| B360000 ..............1991 |
| B390000 ...............1992 |
| B500000 ..............1993 |
| B560000 ...............1994 |
| B590000 ..............1995 |
| B790000 ...............1996 |
| B850000 ..............1997 |
| B990000 ...............1998 |
| H130000 ..............1999 |
| H170000 ...............2000 |
| H240000 ..............2001 |
| H300000 ...............2002 |
Rolex is indeed one of the most popular and esteemed Swiss luxury wristwatch manufacturers in the world. A Rolex watch is a symbol of prestige, class, wealth and of course, flawless style. However, the brand's immense popularity and success also paved the way for counterfeit dealers who began appearing in the market from the 1960s. Today, fake Rolex watches are becoming increasingly advanced, and they are in high demand.
Although there are indeed many ways or tricks to distinguish between a real and fake Rolex watch, Rolex serial number is always a significant way to authenticate your luxury timepiece. Now, you may wonder, ‘Do all Rolex watches have a serial number?' The answer is:
Every Rolex watch comes with a unique serial number that depicts what year the timepiece was made. Moreover, the serial numbers are also a great way to ascertain the actual value of your Rolex watch. And, eventually, it will enable you to sell your Rolex with full confidence and no hassle.
Also Read:The Most Popular Rolex Watch Is Also the Most Underrated
Thus, let's today find out what these serial numbers indicate, how to check Rolex serial number and how it can help to verify your Rolex's authenticity.
How to find a Rolex serial number?
All Rolex watches are engraved with a serial number that serves as a personal identification number. The serial number can help you to find out the approximate age of a Rolex watch. However, for those who are wondering ‘how do I check a Rolex serial number?' it is important to note:
The serial number can be found in different places, depending on the year or age of the Rolex watch. On older Rolexes, you will find the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock side behind the bracelet. Thus, you would require removing your bracelet from the watch case for finding out the serial number that is typically a 4-8 digit number.
However, the brand began engraving the serial numbers on the inner bezel (called as rehaut) under the crystal at the 6 o'clock position from 2005 onwards. Thus, you need not have to remove the bracelet to identify the serial numbers in modern Rolex references.
While Rolex started to engrave the number only on the rehaut in 2008, all Rolex models featured their serial numbers in the same place from 2010. This means modern Rolexes do not have the serial numbers etched between the lugs at 6 o'clock but on the inner rehaut.
Also Read:New Rolex Day-Date 36: The Watch of Prestige
However, a more straightforward way to check Rolex serial number is to look at the Rolex authentication certificate or the paperwork that came with the watch at the time of purchase.
The New Serial Number System Introduced in 2010
In 2010, Rolex stopped following any consecutive numbering order, thereby introducing a new number system for its precious watches. Today, the brand provides its timepieces with a unique and random identifying number and letter. While earlier, it was pretty easy to determine a watch's age or production year using Rolex serial numbers databases, it is no longer possible as the serial numbers are mixed and random.
The most significant reason for introducing the new number system is for making it more difficult for counterfeit watchmakers. It is indeed hard to laser carve the numbers with similar perfection like the way Rolex does.
In 1927, Rolex began issuing every Rolex Oyster case a unique serial number to distinguish them from one another. This numbering system was originally believed to have started at 20,000, however earlier numbers have surfaced shooting holes in this theory. Around 1953, the numbers reached the 999,999 mark, at which time Rolex decided against adding a 7th digit, thus continuing into the 'millions'--Instead, they started the sequence over. While it was originally believed that this resequence started over at 100,000, or even 20,000, but evidence suggests that it actually restarted at 10,000 or possibly lower.
Around this same time, Rolex had initiated another dating system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. The Roman numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced. Therefore, the code 'III 53' would represent the 3rd quarter (i.e. July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around 1970. Please note, some examples (primarily from around 1959), did feature the Roman Numeral and a 4-digit year (i.e. 'ii 1959').
In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7th digit and continued into the 'millions' until mid 1987, when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g. R000001).
The system started with the letter 'R', whcih was then subsequently followed by L-E-X. Thus spelling out the word 'ROLEX' with the 'O' being omitted, to help avert any possible confusion with the number '0'. This sequence continued through November 1991, when a new numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and S, which took them through 1993. In 1994, Rolex started yet another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K in subsequent years, followed by Y, F, D, Z, M, V and then G in 2010.
Please note, during the 1990s and 2000s, it is estimated that Rolex produced around around 1 million watches per year. Coincidentally, the numbering sequence of any particular Letter from this system (e.g. V000001 to V999999), would in fact also be 1 million serial numbers, and worked well with this system. It is worth mentioning that Rolex would not cease a letter prefix run at the end of a given calendar year, but would continue a letter run until all numbers were used before changing the prefix code. Therefore, letter prefixes could end at random times of the year, and did not start or stop at the beginning or end of a calendar year.
Then, later in 2010, they scrapped the entire system and implemented a brand new 'Random' numbering system, in which each watch is issued a (unique) 8-digit 'Random' number consisting of numbers and letters. An example of this number would be something like '16G9L7F4' and could start with either a letter or number. This offers them a seemingly endless numbering system by which they could continue indefinitely. Figuring 8 digits with a possible 36 characters (26 letters and 10 numbers) per digit, gives them over 2 Trillion (2,821,109,907,456 to be exact) possible serial numbers. Even if they were to omit the letters 'O' and 'I', to help avert any possible confusion with the numbers '0' and '1' (as they did in the previous numbering system), that would still give them 1,785,793,904,896 possible combinations. While this
This also offers Rolex an opportunity to keep the exact year of manufacture for any particular watch a secret. Something that has come back to haunt them for some time now. Therefore, only Rolex knows exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't talking.
The following 'Round Numbers' Serial Number List has been comprised of known serial number ranges for the years listed. By checking a particular serial number against this list you should be able to date a watch with reasonable accuracy. However, it is no quarantee as to when your watch was shipped from the factory. Furthermore, this list only applies to Rolex Oyster-cased watches, and should NOT be used for Tudor, or vintage non-Oyster Rolex watches.
A Tudor (work in progress) Serial Number List is included at the bottom of this page..
The numbers listed (particularly those preceding the letter prefix system) are a 'middle number' for the given year. As an example, the year 1944 listed below shows a serial number range of 270000, but this year could include serial numbers below and above this number (i.e. 50 cent what if download mp3. 260000-280000). This is simply the median number represented for that year.
Please Note: John E. Brozek, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. and this website are in no way associated with Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies. John E. Brozek does not now, nor has he EVER worked for the Rolex Watch Company or any of its subsidiaries. The information provided on this page is solely the work of the author and has not been reviewed or authorized by Rolex USA. Furthermore, the publishers have received no help from Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies or any serving employees.
ROLEX
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
20000 ...............1927 |
| 22500 ...............1928 |
| 25000 ...............1929 |
| 26500 ...............1930 |
| 28000 ...............1931 |
| 28500 ...............1932 |
| 29000 ...............1933 |
| 32000 ...............1934 |
| 35000 ...............1935 |
| 37000 ...............1936 |
| 40000 ...............1937 |
| 55000 ...............1938 |
| 71000 ...............1939 |
| 90000 ...............1940 |
| 106000 ...............1941 |
| 150000 ...............1942 |
| 230000 ...............1943 |
| 270000 ...............1944 |
| 302000 ...............1945 |
| 400000 ...............1946 |
| 529000 ...............1947 |
| 570000 ...............1948 |
| 600000 ...............1949 |
| 650000 ...............1950 |
| 700000 ...............1951 |
| 800000 ...............1952 |
| 900000 ..............1953 |
| 10000 to 300000 .....1953 to 1957 (At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the 'Roman Numeral' dating system explained above.) |
| 350000 ...............1958 |
| 400000 ..............1959 |
| 550000 ...............1960 |
| 700000 ..............1961 |
| 800000 ...............1962 |
| 900000 ..............1963 |
| 1000000 ...............1964 |
| 1200000 ..............1965 |
| 1400000 ...............1966 |
| 1600000 ..............1967 |
| 1850000 ...............1968 |
| 2300000 ..............1969 |
| 2500000 ...............1970 |
| 2900000 ..............1971 |
| 3300000 ...............1972 |
| 3750000 ..............1973 |
| 3900000 ...............1974 |
| 4250000 ..............1975 |
| 4500000 ...............1976 |
| 5000000 .............1977 |
| 5400000 ...............1978 |
| 5950000 .............1979 |
| 6400000 ...............1980 |
| 7000000 .............1981 |
| 7350000 ...............1982 |
| 7750000 .............1983 |
| 8100000 ...............1984 |
| 8600000 .............1985 |
| 9000000 ...............1986 |
| 9500000 .............1987 (Start of the letter prefix system.) R000001 .............1987 |
| L000001 .............1989 |
| E000001 .............1990 |
| X000001 .............1991 |
| N000001 .............1991 |
| C000001 .............1992 |
| S000001 .............1993 |
| W000001 .............1994 |
| T000001 .............1996 |
| U000001 .............1997 |
| A000001 .............1998 |
| P000001 .............2000 |
| K000001 .............2001 |
| Y000001 .............2002 |
| F000001 .............2003 Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal) |
| D000001 .............2005 |
| Z000001 .............2006 |
| M000001 .............2007 |
| V000001 .............2008 |
| G000001 ..........Mid 2010 |
| Random Numbers ..Late 2010 to present (Now features 8-digits instead of 7) |
TUDOR
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
Please Note: The following list is a 'Work in Progress' and will be updated periodically.
240000 ...............1956 |
| 250000 ...............1957 |
| 260000 ...............1958 |
| 270000 ...............1959 |
| 280000 ...............1960 |
| 340000 ...............1961 |
| 340000 ...............1962 |
| 390000 ...............1963 |
| 430000 ...............1964 |
| 430000 ...............1965 |
| 560000 ...............1966 |
| 590000 ...............1967 |
| 620000 ...............1968 |
| 680000 ...............1969 |
| 740000 ...............1970 |
| 750000 ...............1971 |
| 770000 ...............1972 |
| 790000 ...............1973 |
| 810000 ...............1974 |
| 830000 ...............1975 |
| 840000 ...............1976 |
| 860000 ...............1977 |
| 880000 ...............1978 |
| 900000 ...............1979 |
| 930000 ...............1980 |
| 950000 ...............1981 |
| 970000 ..............1982 |
| 980000 ..............1983 |
| 990000 ...............1984 |
| 140000 ..............1985 |
| 170000 ...............1986 |
| 190000 ..............1987 |
| 210000 ...............1988 |
| 260000 ..............1989 |
| B330000 ...............1990 |
| B360000 ..............1991 |
| B390000 ...............1992 |
| B500000 ..............1993 |
| B560000 ...............1994 |
| B590000 ..............1995 |
| B790000 ...............1996 |
| B850000 ..............1997 |
| B990000 ...............1998 |
| H130000 ..............1999 |
| H170000 ...............2000 |
| H240000 ..............2001 |
| H300000 ...............2002 |
Rolex is indeed one of the most popular and esteemed Swiss luxury wristwatch manufacturers in the world. A Rolex watch is a symbol of prestige, class, wealth and of course, flawless style. However, the brand's immense popularity and success also paved the way for counterfeit dealers who began appearing in the market from the 1960s. Today, fake Rolex watches are becoming increasingly advanced, and they are in high demand.
Although there are indeed many ways or tricks to distinguish between a real and fake Rolex watch, Rolex serial number is always a significant way to authenticate your luxury timepiece. Now, you may wonder, ‘Do all Rolex watches have a serial number?' The answer is:
Every Rolex watch comes with a unique serial number that depicts what year the timepiece was made. Moreover, the serial numbers are also a great way to ascertain the actual value of your Rolex watch. And, eventually, it will enable you to sell your Rolex with full confidence and no hassle.
Also Read:The Most Popular Rolex Watch Is Also the Most Underrated
Thus, let's today find out what these serial numbers indicate, how to check Rolex serial number and how it can help to verify your Rolex's authenticity.
How to find a Rolex serial number?
All Rolex watches are engraved with a serial number that serves as a personal identification number. The serial number can help you to find out the approximate age of a Rolex watch. However, for those who are wondering ‘how do I check a Rolex serial number?' it is important to note:
The serial number can be found in different places, depending on the year or age of the Rolex watch. On older Rolexes, you will find the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock side behind the bracelet. Thus, you would require removing your bracelet from the watch case for finding out the serial number that is typically a 4-8 digit number.
However, the brand began engraving the serial numbers on the inner bezel (called as rehaut) under the crystal at the 6 o'clock position from 2005 onwards. Thus, you need not have to remove the bracelet to identify the serial numbers in modern Rolex references.
While Rolex started to engrave the number only on the rehaut in 2008, all Rolex models featured their serial numbers in the same place from 2010. This means modern Rolexes do not have the serial numbers etched between the lugs at 6 o'clock but on the inner rehaut.
Also Read:New Rolex Day-Date 36: The Watch of Prestige
However, a more straightforward way to check Rolex serial number is to look at the Rolex authentication certificate or the paperwork that came with the watch at the time of purchase.
The New Serial Number System Introduced in 2010
In 2010, Rolex stopped following any consecutive numbering order, thereby introducing a new number system for its precious watches. Today, the brand provides its timepieces with a unique and random identifying number and letter. While earlier, it was pretty easy to determine a watch's age or production year using Rolex serial numbers databases, it is no longer possible as the serial numbers are mixed and random.
The most significant reason for introducing the new number system is for making it more difficult for counterfeit watchmakers. It is indeed hard to laser carve the numbers with similar perfection like the way Rolex does.
Rolex Submariner Serial Number Chart
Why Rolex uses Serial Numbers?
Rolex provides its watches with a unique serial number primarily to make it easier to spot fake Rolex watches. The serial number is indeed a significant way to determine if a Rolex is real or fake, thereby helping to authenticate a Rolex watch. While Rolex began achieving enormous popularity and success with years, counterfeit Rolexes started appearing in the watch industry, especially in the 1960s.
Rolex Serial Number Chart Dates
The brand's first step for battling this problem was offering a unique set of serial numbers to every watch created by Rolex. Although the serial numbers make it difficult for fake dealers to pull their forgeries off as the real deal, the numbers are also known to bear detailed information about each watch.
Also Read: Rolex – The Kew Observatory ‘Class A' Certificate
The serial number typically delineates the watch's year of production, where it was created and also, the craftsperson making it. Moreover, the numbers are unique to every Rolex timepiece, that means two Rolex watches will not ever possess the same serial numbers.
The new unique randomised serial number system along with Rolex authentication certificate and paperwork has made it much harder for fake Rolex watchmakers to design replicas similar to the original ones. Regardless, it is always a good idea to check the serial number of the Rolex watch you own or the one you are looking to buy, followed by Rolex serial number verification or ‘verify authenticity of Rolex serial numbers' using the brand's serial number chart.
Look Up Rolex Serial Number
However, for those who are looking for 'where can I sell my Rolex' try to find out the serial number of your watch beforehand as it will help you to establish the value you are likely to obtain from professional Rolex watch buyers in London like, at The Luxury Hut.
