Rolex Serial Numbers & Production Years
Identify your Rolex watch's production year, authenticity, and value using its serial and model numbers. Use this guide to find, decode, and understand your Rolex's unique numbers.
Find Your Rolex Production Year
Use your Rolex serial numbers and the chart below to estimate when your watch was produced.
Find Your Rolex Production Year
Every watch leaves the factory with a unique 4- to 8-digit identifier permanently engraved by Rolex. You can easily locate this serial number on the side of the case between the lower lugs at the 6 o'clock position, just behind the bracelet. By matching that specific sequence to the reference chart below, you can estimate the approximate production year of most timepieces.
| SERIAL NUMBER | PRODUCTION YEAR |
|---|---|
| Random (8 Characters) | 2011 - Present |
| G | 2010 |
| V | 2009 |
| M OR V | 2008 |
| M OR Z | 2007 |
| D OR Z | 2006 |
| D | 2005 |
| F | 2005 |
| F | 2004 |
| F | 2003 |
| Y | 2002 |
| K OR Y | 2001 |
| K,000,001 | 2000 |
| P,000,001 | 2000 |
| A,000,001 | 1999 |
| U,932,144 | 1998 |
| U,000,001 | 1997 |
| T,000,001 | 1996 |
| W,000,001 | 1995 |
| S,860,880 | 1994 |
| S,000,001 | 1993 |
| C,000,001 | 1992 |
| N,000,001 | 1991 |
| X,000,001 | 1991 |
| E,000,001 | 1990 |
| L,980,000 | 1989 |
| R,598,200 | 1988 |
| R,000,001 | 1987 |
| 9,400,000 | 1987 |
| 8,900,000 | 1986 |
| 8,614,000 | 1985 |
| 8,070,022 | 1984 |
| 7,400,000 | 1983 |
| 7,100,000 | 1982 |
| 6,520,870 | 1981 |
| 6,434,000 | 1980 |
| 5,737,030 | 1979 |
| 5,000,000 | 1978 |
| 5,008,000 | 1977 |
| 4,115,299 | 1976 |
| 3,862,196 | 1975 |
| 3,567,927 | 1974 |
| 3,200,268 | 1973 |
| 2,890,459 | 1972 |
| 2,589,295 | 1971 |
| 2,241,882 | 1970 |
| 1,900,000 | 1969 |
| 1,752,000 | 1968 |
| 1,538,435 | 1967 |
| 1,200,000 | 1966 |
| 1,100,000 | 1965 |
| 1,008,889 | 1964 |
| 824,000 | 1963 |
| 744,000 | 1962 |
| 643,153 | 1961 |
| 516,000 | 1960 |
| 399,453 | 1959 |
| 328,000 | 1958 |
| 224,000 | 1957 |
| 133,061 | 1956 |
| 97,000 | 1955 |
| 23,000 | 1954 |
| 855,726 | 1953 |
| 726,639 | 1952 |
| 709,249 | 1951 |
Rolex Model Numbers
Rolex reference or model numbers tell you exactly what kind of watch you're holding. Depending on the era, these codes span four to six digits. The first few numbers give away the watch family, so you'll immediately know if it's a Submariner, Daytona, Day-Date, Datejust, or GMT-Master. When you look at older references, pay attention to the second-to-last digit since it usually points to the type of bezel. The very last digit in the sequence reveals the watch's metal, letting you know if it's stainless steel or gold.
| ROLEX MODEL | MODEL OR REFERENCE NUMBER |
|---|---|
| Air-King | 55, 140, 116, 1142, 1269 |
| Cellini | 31, 38, 41, 42, 50, 51, 52, 53 |
| Date | 15, 150, 115 |
| Datejust | 16, 160, 162, 1162, 1262 |
| Datejust 40/41 | 1263 |
| Datejust II | 1163 |
| Day-Date | 65, 18, 180, 182, 183, 1182, 1282, 1283 |
| Day-Date 40 | 2282, 2283 |
| Day-Date II | 2182 |
| Daytona | 62, 165, 1165, 1265 |
| Explorer | 142, 10, 1142, 2142, 1242, 2242 |
| Explorer II | 16, 165, 2165, 2265 |
| GMT-Master | 65, 16, 1675 |
| GMT-Master II | 167, 1167, 1267 |
| Lady Date | 65, 69, 691, 692 |
| Lady Datejust | 65, 69, 691, 692, 2791, 2793, 2794 |
| Lady Oyster Perpetual | 67, 671, 672 |
| Lady Oyster Perpetual Datejust | 68, 682 |
| Land-Dweller | 127 |
| Milgauss | 65, 10, 1164 |
| Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140, 142, 114, 115, 1152, 1243, 1242, 1260, 2762 |
| Oysterquartz Datejust | 170 |
| Oysterquartz Day-Date | 190 |
| Pearlmaster | 69, 80, 81, 86, 268 |
| Sea-Dweller | 16, 166, 1166, 1266 |
| Sky-Dweller | 3269, 3261, 3369 |
| Submariner | 55, 140, 1140, 1240 |
| Submariner Date | 16, 166, 1166, 1266 |
| Yacht-Master | 166, 686, 696, 1266, 2686, 2266 |
| 1908 | 525 |
| ROLEX MODEL | COMMON REFERENCE NUMBER PREFIXES |
|---|---|
| GMT-Master II | BLRO (Bleu/Rouge), BLNR (Bleu/Noir), VTNR (Verte/Noir), CHNR (Chocolat/Noir), LN (Lunette Noir) |
| Submariner & Submariner Date | LN (Lunette Noir), LV (Lunette Verte), LB (Lunette Bleu) |
| Milgauss | GV (Glace Verte) |
| Daytona | LN (Lunette Noir), RBOW (Rainbow Gem-Set), SA (Sapphire) |
| Land-Dweller | LN (Lunette Noir) |
| Datejust | RBR (Diamond-Set), TBR (Tessellated Diamonds) |
| Day-Date | RBR (Diamond-Set), TBR (Tessellated Diamonds) |
| Yacht-Master | LN (Lunette Noir), SABR (Sapphire/Diamond) |
| MATERIAL | MATERIAL CODE |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 0 |
| Everose Rolesor (Stainless Steel and Everose Gold) | 1 |
| Rolesium (Stainless steel and Platinum) | 2 |
| Yellow Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold) | 3 |
| White Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k White gold) | 4 |
| Everose | 5 |
| Platinum | 6 |
| 18k Yellow gold | 8 |
| 18k White gold | 9 |
| BEZEL | BEZEL CODE |
|---|---|
| Smooth / Domed / Polished | 0 |
| Engine Turned | 1 |
| Engraved | 2 |
| Fluted | 3 |
| Bark / Hand-Crafted | 4 |
| Rotatable | 6 |
| Various (e.g. Explorer II) | 7 |
Rolex Clasp Codes
Many Rolex bracelets feature a clasp code inside the hinge to help estimate when the bracelet was manufactured. Reading it is easy: the letter corresponds to the year, and the number marks the month. For example, G4 indicates April 1982.
However, don't use this code to date the entire watch. Bracelets are frequently replaced during routine service. If yours is a service replacement, you might notice an additional "S" stamped alongside the code.
| CLASP 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 | 2011 onwards |
Rolex Country Codes
If you check the upper-left corner of some Rolex Guarantee Certificates, you might spot a 3-digit number. This country code reveals the original market where the watch was first sold. However, not every Rolex has one. The USA market typically didn't use them, and you rarely see them on paperwork from before 1980.
Also, remember that these codes are tied strictly to the paperwork, not the physical watch. They work best as supporting details alongside the serial number, reference number, condition, and documentation to properly evaluate the piece.
| COUNTRY | CODE |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 010 - 062 |
| Germany | 100 |
| France | 110 |
| Austria | 120 |
| Belgium / Luxembourg | 130 |
| Netherlands | 133 |
| Netherlands | 134 |
| Netherlands | 135 |
| Netherlands | 136 |
| Netherlands | 137 |
| Netherlands | 138 |
| Netherlands | 150 |
| United Kingdom | 160 |
| Italy | 170 |
| Greece | 200 |
| Malta | 201 |
| Turkey | 202 |
| Corfu | 207 |
| Greece | 208 |
| Portugal | 210 |
| Portugal | 212 |
| Portugal | 213 |
| Portugal | 215 |
| Portugal | 216 |
| Portugal | 217 |
| Portugal | 218 |
| Denmark | 226 |
| Denmark | 228 |
| Denmark | 233 |
| Iceland | 237 |
| Norway | 241 |
| Sweden | 265 |
| Sweden | 266 |
| Sweden | 267 |
| Sweden | 268 |
| Sweden | 273 |
| Finland | 283 |
| Finland | 286 |
| Poland | 311 |
| Poland | 312 |
| Bulgaria | 317 |
| Czech Republic | 320 |
| Czech Republic | 321 |
| Serbia / Montenegro | 325 |
| Turkey | 381 |
| Hong Kong | 400 |
| Japan | 410 |
| Korea | 413 |
| Singapore / Brunei / Indonesia | 430 |
| Malaysia / Thailand | 431 |
| Taiwan | 440 |
| India | 500 |
| India | 501 |
| Pakistan | 505 |
| Middle East | 527 |
| Saudi Arabia | 529 |
| Saudi Arabia | 532 |
| Kuwait | 533 |
| Qatar | 535 |
| Abu Dhabi | 536 |
| Dubai | 537 |
| Oman | 538 |
| Iran | 542 |
| Israel | 548 |
| South Africa | 680 |
| Canada | 700 |
| USA | 710 |
| Mexico | 720 |
| Mexico | 722 |
| Honduras | 733 |
| Bahamas | 741 |
| Bermuda | 742 |
| Jamaica | 752 |
| Antigua | 757 |
| Netherlands Antilles | 761 |
| Aruba | 762 |
| Panama | 768 |
| Venezuela | 770 |
| Brazil | 780 |
| Chile | 781 |
| Argentina | 790 |
| Australia / New Zealand | 810 |
| Philippines | 818 |
| Taiwan | 828 |
| China | 838 |
| New Zealand | 842 |
| Hawaii | 871 |
| Alaska | 872 |
| Guam | 873 |
| Hong Kong | 874 |
| Hong Kong | 888 |
| Japan | 900 |
| AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) | 902 |
| Natex Retail (NATO Airbase) | 906 |
Rolex Red Letters on Older Papers
If you look at some older Rolex U.S. warranty papers, you might notice red letters stamped on the certificate. Collectors often use these stamps to figure out when Rolex USA shipped the watch to an authorized dealer. The code is surprisingly simple: the letters in the phrase "ROLEX WATCH" correspond to numbers. It's just a helpful supporting clue when reviewing vintage paperwork.
Just keep in mind that these red letters only apply to certain older watches with original U.S. papers. While they are nice to find, never use them as standalone proof of authenticity.
R 1
O 2
L 3
E 4
X 5
W 6
A 7
T 8
C 9
H 0
Rolex Reference Number Suffixes
You might notice that some Rolex reference numbers include letter suffixes tacked onto the end. These letters aren't random—they act as quick codes to help you identify specific watch details like the bezel color, the type of crystal, or a special gemstone configuration. Because of the brand's Swiss heritage, you'll find that many of these abbreviations actually come straight from French terms.
| SUFFIX | FRENCH ORIGIN | ENGLISH MEANING |
|---|---|---|
| LN | Lunette Noir | Black bezel |
| LV | Lunette Verte | Green bezel |
| LB | Lunette Bleu | Blue bezel |
| GV | Glace Verte | Green crystal |
| BLNR | Bleu/Noir | Blue and black bezel |
| BLRO | Bleu/Rouge | Blue and red bezel |
| CHNR | Chocolat/Noir | Brown and black bezel |
| GRNR | Gris/Noir | Gray and black bezel |
| VTNR | Verte/Noir | Green and black bezel |
| BIC | Bicolor | Two-tone bezel |
| SARU | Saphirs/Rubis | Sapphire and ruby bezel |
| SABR | Saphirs/Brillants | Sapphire and diamond bezel |
| SANR | Saphirs/Noir | Black sapphire bezel |
| SACO | Saphirs Cognac | Cognac sapphire bezel |
| RBOW | Rainbow | Rainbow sapphire bezel |
| TEM | Émeraudes | Emerald bezel |
| TBR | Tessellated Brillants | Tessellated diamond bezel |
| RBR | Rubis/Brillants | Diamond-set bezel |
How to Find Your Rolex Serial Number
Finding your Rolex serial number depends entirely on the watch's age. For older models, it sits engraved between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side of the case. Because it's hidden, you actually have to remove the bracelet to read it. If you aren't comfortable handling watches, take it to a professional so you don't scratch the metal.
For newer Rolex watches, spotting the number is much easier. You'll find it laser-engraved right on the inner rehaut—that's the metal ring sitting right between the dial and the crystal.
How to Find Your Rolex Model Number
To find your Rolex model number, often called the reference number, look between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side of the case. On many older models, you will find it engraved right into the metal there. If you don't want to remove the bracelet, just check your documentation. You'll usually find this number printed on the warranty card, official papers, hang tags, receipts, or the original product listing. Remember, the model number identifies the watch's specific design and configuration, while the serial number identifies your exact, individual watch.
How to Find the Year Your Rolex Was Made
To figure out when your Rolex was manufactured, just match its serial number against our production year chart. This method works incredibly well for older models, right up until the brand switched to randomized serial numbers. One quick tip: the production year simply tells you when the watch left the factory, which isn't always the exact same year it was actually sold at the dealership.
Rolex Serial Number Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Rolex serial number and model number?
A model number tells you the exact style of the watch, like whether it is a steel Submariner or a gold Day-Date. On the other hand, the serial number is totally unique to your specific watch. It acts just like a fingerprint for that individual piece.
Why does my Rolex have a random serial number?
Sometime around late 2010, Rolex switched things up and began issuing scrambled serial numbers. This move made it much harder for counterfeiters to copy their formats, and it also hid actual production numbers from competitors. Because of this change, modern watches can't be accurately dated using just this engraving.
Can you verify a Rolex by serial number?
Definitely not on its own. Scammers frequently lift valid serial numbers from authentic watches and engrave them onto fakes. Checking the engraving is just one small step in the process. To truly prove authenticity, a professional watchmaker has to open the case and thoroughly inspect the internal movement.
How Often to Service my Rolex?
Rolex recommends that you have the water resistance checked once a year, and that a complete service be performed every 5 to 10 years depending on the model and usage. If you use your watch for diving or in extreme environments, you may need to check it more frequently.
How Can I Tell if a Rolex Watch is Authentic?
Rolex watches are made with top-grade materials and utmost precision. Check for errors such as spelling or engraving mistakes, misaligned components, or substandard finishing. For absolute certainty, SwissWatchExpo advises having the watch inspected by an expert watchmaker who can verify the movement.
Why Are Rolex Watches Expensive?
The value of a Rolex timepiece is driven by meticulous engineering, high-quality materials like 904L steel and precious metals, and the significant brand heritage. Each watch undergoes rigorous testing for precision and durability, ensuring it lasts for generations.
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