Discover your Rolex date of production!

About Rolex Serial & Reference Numbers

Rolex watches are special for many reasons, one of the unique characteristics of every Rolex is the exclusive five to eight digit serial number on each timepiece. The serial number is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock position. In addition, every model has a specific reference number that is engraved between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. In order to view these numbers the bracelet must be removed with a special tool.

In 1954, Rolex reached 1,000,000 units produced. They decided to reset serial numbers to 100,000. When the serial number 999,999 came up again in 1963 they continued using seven digits.

Rolex watches produced between 1950’s and 1960’s can be differentiated by engravings on many case backs of these watches. These are two digit roman numerals that showed the year of production.

Beginning in 2005 Rolex established engraving serial numbers on the inner rim near the 6 o’clock position for aesthetic reasons. This engraving is referred to as “rehaut”. It is generally more difficult to determine the exact production year for watches produced on or after 2010. This is because Rolex introduced serial numbers that were randomized, arbatary, and unique.

When determining your watches market value, it is important to know the official Rolex year of production. View the table below to discover your Rolex production date.

Serial number Production Date
Random 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
1950
1949
628,840 1948
529,163 1947
367,946 1946
302,459 1945
269,561 1944
230,878 1943
143,509 1942
106,047 1941
99,775 1940
71,224 1939
43,739 1938
40,920 1937
36,856 1936
34,336 1935
30,823 1934
29,562 1933
29,132 1932
1931
23,186 1930
1929
23,969 1928
20,190 1927
00,001 1926

Discover your Rolex model number!

About Rolex Model Numbers

Rolex model numbers provide a detailed identification system for each watch model and its specific attributes. Understanding Rolex model numbers can help you identify the series, material, and sometimes the year of production of a watch. Here’s a breakdown of how Rolex model numbers work:

Structure of Rolex Model Numbers

Rolex model numbers typically range from 4 to 6 digits. Each digit or group of digits has a specific meaning.

Classic Rolex Model Number Breakdown (4-5 digits):

  • First 2-3 Digits: These identify the watch model or series.
  • Last Digit (Suffix): This denotes the material of the watch case and bezel.

For example:

  • Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680):
    • "16" identifies it as a Submariner.
    • "80" indicates the specific model.

Modern Rolex Model Number Breakdown (6 digits):

  • First 4 Digits: These represent the watch model.
  • 5th Digit (Material Indicator): This indicates the material
  • 6th Digit (Bezel Type): This denotes the type of bezel.

For example:

  • Rolex Submariner Date (Ref. 116610LN):
    • "1166" identifies it as a Submariner Date.
    • "1" (fifth digit) usually indicates stainless steel.
    • "0" (sixth digit) typically indicates a ceramic bezel.
    • "LN" indicates a black bezel and dial ("Lunette Noir").

Material Indicators (5th Digit):

  • 0: Stainless steel
  • 1: Yellow gold
  • 2: Two-tone (steel and yellow gold)
  • 3: Stainless steel and rose gold
  • 4: White gold
  • 5: Platinum
  • 6: Rose gold (Everose)
  • 8: Yellow gold
  • 9: White gold

Example Rolex Models and Their Numbers:

  1. Rolex Submariner (Non-Date):
    • 114060: Stainless steel, ceramic bezel.
  2. Rolex Submariner Date:
    • 116610LN: Stainless steel, black ceramic bezel.
    • 116613LB: Two-tone (steel and yellow gold), blue ceramic bezel.
  3. Rolex Daytona:
    • 116500LN: Stainless steel, black ceramic bezel.
    • 116508: Yellow gold, green dial.
  4. Rolex Datejust:
    • 126200: Stainless steel, smooth bezel.
    • 126233: Two-tone (steel and yellow gold), fluted bezel.
  5. Rolex Day-Date (President):
    • 228238: Yellow gold, fluted bezel.
    • 228239: White gold, fluted bezel.
  6. Rolex GMT-Master II:
    • 126710BLRO: Stainless steel, red and blue ceramic bezel (Pepsi).
    • 126711CHNR: Two-tone (steel and Everose gold), black and brown ceramic bezel (Root Beer).

Conclusion

Rolex model numbers are a sophisticated system that helps identify the specific characteristics and details of a watch. By understanding these numbers, collectors and enthusiasts can gain insights into the series, materials, and unique attributes of each Rolex timepiece.