97 rows  Rolex Serial Numbers Production Year database updated for 2016 – Find the manufacture date, case reference, model numbers lists for all Rolex watches and Tudor watches with Bob's simple and easy to use tool.

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 'F982176', engraved into the case at the 6 o'clock position, with 'ROLEX' engraved repetitiously around the dial in a circular fashion.

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 7 th 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 3 rd 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.

In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7 th 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Every Rolex is engraved with a unique serial number. This indicates what year the watch was made, and can be used to authenticate and value the timepiece.
To find out your Rolex's manufacture date, simply search its unique serial number in our Rolex serial number database below.

A note on Rolexes produced after autumn 2009: In autumn 2009, Rolex started using a random numbering system to generate its serial numbers. The only way to identify the exact date of a Rolex produced in late 2009 onwards is to take it into an official Rolex dealer.

A note on Rolexes with a serial number between 100,000 and 999,999: When Rolex made their millionth watch, they confusingly restarted their serial numbers at 100,000 instead of carrying on with a seven-digit code. If your Rolex's serial number falls between 100,000 and 999,999, you'll therefore need to take it to a trusted jeweller to have it accurately dated, although our tool will be able to tell you its two possible production dates.

Enter your Rolex's serial number here to find out what year it was made…

You can also check your Rolex serial number in the table below:

Where to find a Rolex's serial number?

Every genuine Rolex has a unique serial number. It will be in one of two places, depending when it was made.

• Pre-2005: Between the lugs of the 6 o'clock side
• 2005 onwards: On the inner bezel (dial rehaut)

If your watch was made before 2005, you'll find its serial number engraved on the case between the lugs (the 'horns' that attach to the bracelet) of the 6 o'clock side. You'll need to remove the watch's band to see it. If you're not confident about doing this yourself, take it to a jeweller.

In 2005, Rolex began laser-engraving the serial number on the inner bezel, or dial rehaut, as well as between the lugs of the 6 o'clock side of the case. In 2008, the company switched to only engraving the serial number on the inner bezel, as this is much harder to counterfeit.

The inner bezel is the ring that runs around the inside of the watch's bezel, perpendicular to the face. Rolex watches made from 2005 onwards will have the word 'Rolex' repeated around the inner bezel, with the brand logo at the 12 o'clock position and the serial number at 6 o'clock.

Once you've found your Rolex's serial number, simply search for it in our tool or on our handy database to discover its production date.

Do fake Rolexes have serial numbers?

If a Rolex doesn't have a serial number, then it isn't genuine.

Serial numbers can be faked, but this is extremely difficult to do well — especially on the inner bezel, where you find the serial number of Rolexes made after 2005. Fraudsters tend to acid-etch the serial number onto the watch rather than engrave it, as engraving is much more difficult. Fake serial numbers often look poorly engraved or very faint.

Some imitations are so well-made it takes an expert eye to tell them apart from the real thing. If you're not sure a Rolex is genuine, take it in to a trusted jeweller and have it appraised. Hfss linux crack disk.

Ready to sell your Rolex?

Now you know what year your Rolex was produced, we can give you an accurate idea of how much it's worth. Take advantage of our Sell My Watch service to get a great price.

If you're a fan of the brand, you should also take a look at our range of pre-owned Rolex watches to find an iconic timepiece at a fantastic price.

Still got questions about your Rolex? Don't hesitate to get in touch to speak to one of our experts today.