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.

Diagram showing the location of the Rolex serial number at 6 o’clock, reference number at 12 o’clock, and rehaut engraving inside the bezel.
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:

  1. Submariner (No-Date)
    • 114060: Steel with ceramic bezel
  2. Submariner Date
    • 116610LN: Steel, black ceramic bezel
    • 116613LB: Two-tone, blue ceramic bezel
  3. Daytona
    • 116500LN: Steel, black ceramic bezel
    • 116508: Yellow gold, green dial
  4. Datejust
    • 126200: Steel, smooth bezel
    • 126233: Two-tone, fluted bezel
  5. Day-Date (President)
    • 228238: Yellow gold, fluted bezel
    • 228239: White gold, fluted bezel
  6. 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.