Rolex Serial Numbers: The Ultimate Guide

Adrian Taskin Monday, October 10th, 2022 2 min. read

A unique serial number is engraved on each Rolex produced (unlike a reference number, which is shared across many watches). On older Rolex models, the serial number can be found etched in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock side (behind the bracelet. On the other hand, with newer Rolex watches, the serial number is engraved on the rehaut (the ring between dial and sapphire crystal), also on the 6 o’clock side. Alternatively, if you have the original papers that came with the watch, the serial number is also printed there. 

Rolex watches made from 2008 onward: Laser etched on the rehaut on the 6 o’clock side

Serial Number Locations

  1. Rolex watches made up until 2005: Engraved on the exterior of the case, in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock side (must remove bracelet to see)
  2. Rolex watches made from 2005 to 2008: Engraved on the exterior of the case and laser etched on the rehaut at the 6 o’clock side
  3. Rolex watches made from 2008 onward: Laser etched on the rehaut on the 6 o’clock side

So, what can a Rolex serial number tell you? A serial number is one of the many counterfeit preventive measures employed by Rolex as it serves as the watch’s unique identification code. If the watch does not have a serial number on the lugs or rehaut, it’s fake. What’s more, Rolex has a database of reported stolen watches, identified by serial numbers. 

Rolex Serial Number Locations
Rolex watches made up until 2005: Engraved on the exterior of the case, in between the lugs at the 6 o’clock side (must remove bracelet to see)

Finding the date of a Rolex using its serial number

In some cases, a serial number can also tell you the approximate year of production of the watch. Rolex used to use sequential serial numbers, which made it much easier to date the watch. However, starting in 2010, Rolex switched to randomized serial numbers, which made it impossible to pinpoint the date of production. 

There are a few important things to keep in mind if you’re trying to date your watch by using its serial numbers:

  1. After it reached #999,999, Rolex reset its serial numbers back to 0 in 1954 
  2. After it reaches #9,999,999, Rolex restructured its serial numbers to include one letter followed by six digits in 1987
  3. By the end of 2010, Rolex switched to randomized serial numbers
  4. Any charts you use are not official from Rolex but are compiled by Rolex collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts. They are approximations only. 

Rolex Serial Number Chart (1987 to 2010) 

Approximate Production YearSerial Number Letter Start
Late-2010 to PresentRandom
2010G
2009V
2008M or V
2007M or Z
2006D or Z
2005D or F
2004F
2003F
2002Y
2001K or Y
2000K or P
1999A
1998U
1997U
1996T
1995W
1994S
1993S
1992C
1991N
1990E
1989L
1988R
1987R

Rolex Serial Number Chart (1954 to 1987) 

Approximate Production YearRolex Serial Number
19879,860,000 – 9,900,000
19869,155,000 – 9,860,000
19858,785,000 – 9,155,000
19848,375,000 – 8,785,000
19837,600,000 – 8,375,000
19827,130,000 – 7,600,000
19816,560,000 – 7,130,000
19806,205,000 – 6,560,000
19795,865,000 – 6,205,000
19785,430,000 – 5,865,000
19775,085,000 – 5,430,000
19764,115,000 – 4,260,000
19765,000,000 – 5,085,000
19753,865,000 – 4,115,000
19743,570,000 – 3,865,000
19733,200,000 – 3,570,000
19722,890,000 – 3,200,000
19712,590,000 – 2,890,000
19702,240,000 – 2,590,000
19691,945,000 – 2,240,000
19681,710,000 – 1,945,000
19671,485,000 – 1,710,000
19661,275,000 – 1,485,000
19651,105,000 – 1,275,000
19641,000,000 – 1,105,000
1963865,000 – 1,000,000
1962755,000 – 865,000
1961650,000 – 755,000
1960550,000 – 650,000
1959450,000 – 550,000
1958350,000 – 450,000
1957280,000 – 350,000
1956210,000 – 280,000
1955150,000 – 210,000
1954100,000 – 150,000

Rolex Serial Number Chart (Up to 1954) 

Approximate Production YearRolex Serial Number
1952725,000 – 880,000
1951700,000 – 725,000
1948-1950620,000 – 700,000
1947 -1948500,000 – 620,000
1945 -1946300,000 – 500,000
1941 -1944200,000 – 300,000
1938 -194240,000 – 200,000
1927 -193720,000 – 40,000
19260 – 20,000

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How Does The Rolex Waiting List Work? Can it Be Avoided?
How Can I Recover My Stolen Rolex? Take These Steps Before It Happens!
Rolex Retail Prices vs Market Prices
The Cheapest (BUT BEST) Rolex Watches!
How Many Links Does a Rolex Come With?
How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date Cost? The Ultimate Rolex Day Date Price Guide
How Much Can I Get For My Rolex Daytona?

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Adrian Taskin

Adrian Taskin, our Chief Procurement Officer at Luxury Bazaar, also known as the H.B.I.C. (“Head Buyer In Charge”), oversees every item that enters our office—unless Roman buys it first, which then sparks a conversation. Following in the footsteps of his father, one of our co-owners and a leading figure in the jewelry industry, Adrian has spent 13 years mastering the luxury timepiece market. With a wealth of experience, he’s seen and done it all. Unapologetically honest, Adrian will tell you exactly how it is. Whether a watch won’t sell or a lowball offer won’t suffice, he calls it as he sees it, earning the nickname “Petty King” for his straightforwardness. Handling $10 million in watch purchases monthly, Adrian’s expertise in buying, selling, and trading makes him an invaluable asset to our team, bringing a depth of market knowledge and insight that few can match. Sell me your watch! Visit https://www.luxurybazaar.com/sell

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