A Guide to Rolex Serial Numbers and Rolex Reference Numbers
ROLEX SERIAL AND REFERENCE NUMBERS

A Guide to Rolex Serial Numbers and Rolex Reference Numbers

Once you spend a little time looking at Rolex watches and comparing models, one thing you’ll notice is long strings of numbers and letters being thrown around. Submariner 114060; GMT-Master II 126710BLRO; Daytona 6263; W5642301; D246135 and so on. What do these numbers mean? What’s the difference between Rolex serial numbers and Rolex reference numbers? How can I tell what year my Rolex was produced? If you have any of these unanswered questions, then read our handy guide to Rolex serial numbers and Rolex reference numbers.

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WHAT IS A ROLEX SERIAL NUMBER?

ROLEX SERIAL NUMBER LOOK UP CHART

What is a Rolex Reference Number?

Where Can I Find the Rolex Reference Number?

How to Use Rolex Serial Numbers and Reference Numbers

WHAT IS A ROLEX SERIAL NUMBER?

Every Rolex watch that comes out of the factory is designated with its own serial number. As a result, each Rolex serial number is unique (there are exceptions, as we’ll see shortly). So in theory, a Rolex serial number can tell you what year (approximately) the watch was made in. We say in theory, because there have been a few irregularities over the years. For example, Rolex reset the serial numbers in 1954 after they reached #999,999. So a watch from the 1960s can have the same reference number as one from the 1950s. Thankfully, Rolex also furnished the interior of the case backs with date codes, thus making it easier to differentiate between a pre-1954 serial number and post-1954 one (if you open up the watch).

WHAT IS A ROLEX SERIAL NUMBER?

The bracelet must be removed to see the serial and reference numbers When Rolex reached #9,999,999 in mid-1987, the company began adding a letter followed by six digits. But to confuse matters even more, they did not begin with the letter “A” but instead, the letter “R,” then “L,” then “E,” followed by other non-sequential letters. The biggest change in Rolex serial numbers, however, came about by the end of 2010, when Rolex decided to use random serial numbers. Due to this change, it cannot be determined what year a Rolex was made if it was manufactured post-2010. There are several theories on why Rolex has done this. One is that the company does not want the public to know just how many units they produce a year, while another speculation says that it’s a measure against counterfeiting.

Rolex Serial Number Look Up Chart

Using this Rolex Serial Number Look Up chart, you can approximate what year a Rolex was produced (pre-2011). It’s important to note that Rolex has never released official numbers so these have been approxi mated, recorded, and cate gorized by collectors over the years. It is not an exact science.
Manufacturing Date Rolex Serial Number Manufacturing Date Rolex Serial Number Manufacturing Date Rolex Serial Number
2010 – PresentRandom1989L,980,00019661,275,000 - 1,485,000
2010G1988R,598,20019651,105,000 - 1,275,000
2009V1987R,000,00119641,105,000 - 1,275,000
2008M or V19879,860,000 - 9,900,0001963865,000 - 1,000,000
2007M or Z19869,155,000 - 9,860,0001962755,000 - 865,000
2006D or Z19858,785,000 - 9,155,0001961650,000 - 755,000
2005D19848,375,000 - 8,785,0001960550,000 - 650,000
2005F19837,600,000 - 8,375,0001959450,000 - 550,000
2004F19827,130,000 - 7,600,0001958350,000 - 450,000
2003F19816,560,000 - 7,130,0001957250,000 - 350,000
2002Y19806,205,000 - 6,560,0001956150,000 - 200,000
2001K or Y19795,865,000 - 6,205,000195550,000 - 150,000
2000K,000,00119785,430,000 - 5,865,00019540 - 50,000
2000P,000,00119775,085,000 - 5,430,000RESETRESET
1999A,000,00119764,115,000 - 4,260,0001953888,000 - 999,000
1998U,932,14419764,115,000 - 4,260,0001952725,000 - 880,000
1997U,000,00119753,865,000 - 4,115,0001951700,000 - 725,000
1996T,000,00119743,570,000 - 3,865,0001948 - 1950620,000 - 700,000
1995W,000,00119733,200,000 - 3,570,0001947 - 1950620,000 - 700,000
1994S,860,88019722,890,000 - 3,200,0001945 - 1946300,000 - 500,000
1993S,000,00119712,590,000 - 2,890,0001941 - 1944200,000 - 300,000
1992C,000,00119702,240,000 - 2,590,0001938 - 194240,000 - 200,000
1991N,000,00119691,945,000 - 2,240,0001927 - 193720,000 - 40,000
1991X,000,00119681,710,000 - 1,945,00019260 - 20,000
1990E,000,00119671,485,000 - 1,710,000

Where Can I Find the Rolex Serial Number?

If you have the watch’s papers, then the serial number will be on there. However, if you don’t have any documents, then you’ll find it on the Rolex watch itself.   On Rolex watches made prior to 2007, the serial number can be found engraved on the case in between the lugs at 6 o’clock. You will have to remove the bracelet to see it.  

[caption id="attachment_1152" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]The Rolex serial number is between the lugs at 6 o'clock[/caption]   Starting in late 2006, in addition to the case stamping Rolex also included the serial number laser engraved on the rehaut—visible through the sapphire crystal. Finally, starting in the late 2008, Rolex phased out the case engraving entirely and now exclusively displays the serial number on the rehaut.  

Rolex Serial Number Look Up Chart

Unlike a unique serial number, Rolex reference numbers (also known as model numbers) are shared across watches. Among other things, the first few numbers tell you what particular collection a Rolex watch belongs to.  
Model Reference Number Start
Air-King 55, 140, 116
Date 15, 150, 115
Datejust 16, 162, 1162
Datejust II 1163
Datejust 40 1263
Day-Date 65, 18, 180, 182, 183, 1182
Day-Date II 2182
Day-Date 40 2282
Daytona 62, 165, 1165
Eplorer 142, 10, 1142, 2142
Eplorer II 16, 165, 2165
Oyster Perpetual 10, 140, 142, 114
Milgauss 65, 10, 1164
Sea-Dweller 16, 166, 1166, 1266
Submariner 55, 140, 1140
Submariner No Date 16, 166, 1166, 1266
GMT-Master GMT-Master II
Oysterquartz 170, 190
Yacht-Master 166, 686, 696, 1686, 1696, 1166
Yacht-Master II 1166
Sky-Dweller 326

Furthermore, a reference number also includes codes for material and bezel type.

Rolex Bezel Codes Bezel Type Rolex Material Code Material Type
0 Smooth/Domed 0 Stainless Steel
1 Rotating 22 Stainless Steel & Platinum
2 Engraved 3 Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold
3 Fluted 4 Stainless Steel & White Gold
4 Bark 5 Everose Gold
6 Turn-O-Graph 6 Platinum
7 Various 7 14k Yellow Gold
8 18k Yellow Gold
9 18k Yellow Gold

Finally, sometimes there are letters in a Rolex reference number that reveal even more details.

Reference Letters Meaning
BLRO Bleu/Rouge – Blue and Red Bezel
BLNR Bleu/Noir – Blue and Black Bezel
LN Lunette Noir – Black Bezel
LV Lunette Bleu – Green Bezel
LB Luntette Bleu – Blue Bezel
GV Glace Verte – Green Sapphire Crystal
RNBW Rainbow – Multicolored Sapphire-Set Bezel

So if we take these charts and the 116613LB reference number as an example, this will tell you: 1166 – Submariner 1 – Rotating Bezel 3 – Two Tone Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold LB – Blue Bezel

Where Can I Find the Rolex Reference Number?

Again, if you have the watch’s official papers, then you can easily find the official Rolex reference (model) number there. However, if you don’t have access to the papers, then you can find it on the watch.  

The Rolex reference number is engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock The Rolex reference number is also engraved on the watch, but on the opposite side from the serial number position. So you’ll have to remove the bracelet from the 12 o’clock side of the case to see it. 

How to Use Rolex Serial Numbers and Reference Numbers

The most common way a reference number is used is to identify exactly the type of Rolex watch you have (or have your eye on). Rolex identification is especially important when sourcing your Rolex watch from the secondary market to ensure that what you think you’re buying matches up with what you’re actually buying. Understanding Rolex reference numbers is important if you want to make an informed purchase.

Likewise, a Rolex serial number helps you date a specific watch so that you can understand what era your watch is from. Not only will this help you to know if the watch in question is actually an honest vintage piece, but also, it will reveal if all the other details of the watch (dial, bezel, bracelet) match up or if they were replacement/service pieces. When buying a pre-owned Rolex watch, the more you understand, the better decisions you’ll make when choosing which one you want to add to your collection.

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