Discover Your Rolex Production Year
About Rolex Serial & Reference Numbers
Every Rolex has a unique serial number (5–8 digits) engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock position, and a reference number at 6 o’clock. To view them, the bracelet must be removed with a special tool.
- 1954: Rolex resets serial numbers to 100,000 after producing 1 million watches.
- 1963: Upon reaching 999,999 again, Rolex continues using 7-digit serials.
- 1950s–60s: Roman numerals on many case backs indicate production year.
- 2005: Rolex begins engraving serial numbers on the inner bezel ("rehaut").
- Post-2010: Rolex introduces randomized serial numbers, making exact dates harder to determine.
Knowing your Rolex's production year is essential for assessing market value. Use the table below to find your watch’s 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 |
Identify Your Rolex Model Number
Rolex Model Number Guide
Every Rolex watch has a unique model number, also known as a reference number. These numbers help identify the watch series, material, bezel type, and sometimes even the era of production. Understanding Rolex model numbers is essential for collectors, enthusiasts, and buyers alike.
How Rolex Model Numbers Work
Rolex model numbers typically contain 4 to 6 digits. Each digit or group of digits reveals specific details about the watch’s design and configuration.
Classic Rolex Model Number Breakdown (4–5 Digits):
- First 2–3 digits: Identify the watch series (e.g. Submariner, Datejust).
- Last digit: Indicates the case material or bezel type.
Example:
- Rolex Submariner (Ref. 1680):
- "16" = Submariner series
- "80" = Specific configuration
Modern Rolex Model Number Breakdown (6 Digits):
- First 4 digits: Reference the model type.
- 5th digit: Material indicator (e.g. steel, gold, two-tone).
- 6th digit: Bezel type indicator.
Example:
- Rolex Submariner Date (Ref. 116610LN):
- "1166" = Submariner Date
- "1" = Stainless steel
- "0" = Ceramic bezel
- "LN" = Black bezel and dial ("Lunette Noir")
Rolex Material Codes (5th Digit):
- 0: Stainless Steel
- 1: Yellow Gold
- 2: Two-Tone (Steel & Yellow Gold)
- 3: Steel & Rose Gold
- 4: White Gold
- 5: Platinum
- 6: Rose Gold (Everose)
- 8: Yellow Gold
- 9: White Gold
Popular Rolex Model Reference Examples:
- Submariner (No-Date)
- 114060: Steel with ceramic bezel
- Submariner Date
- 116610LN: Steel, black ceramic bezel
- 116613LB: Two-tone, blue ceramic bezel
- Daytona
- 116500LN: Steel, black ceramic bezel
- 116508: Yellow gold, green dial
- Datejust
- 126200: Steel, smooth bezel
- 126233: Two-tone, fluted bezel
- Day-Date (President)
- 228238: Yellow gold, fluted bezel
- 228239: White gold, fluted bezel
- GMT-Master II
- 126710BLRO: Steel, red/blue ceramic bezel (Pepsi)
- 126711CHNR: Two-tone Everose/steel, black/brown ceramic bezel (Root Beer)
Conclusion
Rolex model numbers serve as a detailed blueprint of each timepiece’s design and specifications. By understanding how to decode them, you can identify the model, material, bezel, and sometimes even the production era of your Rolex watch—essential knowledge for accurate valuation and authentication.