In 2008, Rolex stopped engraving the serial number at the case 6 o’clock location, using only the serial engraving on the rehaut. By 2010, this had come to become the case for all Rolex models. The serial number of modern Rolex watches don’t have the serial number between the 6 o clock side between the lugs, but only on the inner rehaut. Rolex serial numbers are located on the side of the watch case, between the lugs on the 6:00 end. It is usually necessary to release the bracelet in order to see the serial number. This should only be done by an experienced watchmaker to prevent scratching the case or bracelet.

• Where Is Rolex Serial Number Located
• Rolex Model And Serial Numbers
• Rolex Serial Numbers Database

A unique Rolex serial number is recorded on each watch, giving it a unique set of numerals for the purpose of identification and record keeping, much like any other product. Older models consist of only numbers but around 1987, Rolex placed a letter at the beginning of the number that would change about once a year until late 2010, which is now a random set of numbers and letters.

What Do the Serial Letters Mean?

Where Is Rolex Serial Number Located

Each letter at the beginning of the serial number denotes a general production year — but actually I’m not even sure that Rolex has officially stated this anywhere. A term that would better serve instead of “year” would be “period”. It is often misunderstood within the Rolex community that a letter will give the exact production date. But any chart or list you may find is a guesstimate at best and can only give you the roundabout date of when it was manufactured at the Rolex factory. They will be close, but it is quite impossible to know for sure with each individual watch. The public’s only clue is the date listed on the papers or card on the day it is purchased from an authorized dealer, but even then that is only the date sold new and not the date of manufacture.

Why Did Rolex Change To Random Serial Numbers?

Rolex subsequently change the serial number system to what are called “Randoms”, or sometimes “Scrambled”. Like anything Rolex does, I believe it was introduced without formal explanation to the public. However, I believe the main reason this was done (as well as a lot of other watch experts and gurus) is because the pressure put upon what serial letter it has is unwarranted, thinking it will give an exact year of manufacture to the purchaser when it doesn’t necessarily matter. Much like jewelry, the condition of a Rolex is much more important in value than the year it is thought to be manufactured, with exceptions of course. Being that a Rolex is such a high-priced item, it can take a while for one to sell from an authorized dealer’s store, especially the more expensive, infrequently-purchased models.

Click here to read more about a Rolex’s condition versus its age in the FAQ section!

Rolex Serial Number Reference Guide

Rolex Model And Serial Numbers

Below is a guide from the 1980s until the present. Instead of pairing one year with one specific letter, I’ve given them in range that Watch Chest over the years has compiled. This will give you a much more accurate idea for most watches, where the all gold and Special Edition Rolex are sometimes on a case by case basis.

The years where the serial number begins with a letter will be followed by a 6-digit number. The Random serial numbers are a mixed combination of 8 numbers and letters with no specific order or reason. Again, I’d like to mention that this chart is only approximate but will help give you a roundabout year to a Rolex’s year of manufacture.

ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES BY SERIAL NUMBER…

The serial number is traditionally located at 6 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. In 2005, Rolex began engraving the serial number on the rehaut (French for ‘flange’) between the dial and the crystal as well as the 6′ o’clock location. Starting in 2008, Rolex stopped engraving the serial number at the case 6 o’clock location, using only the rehaut location. By 2010 this practice had gradually transitioned to all models.

In 2010, Rolex mostly abandoned their conventional numbering sequence in favor for a mixed (aka random aka scrambled) serial. They will be 8 digits, opposed to 7 in the past. Random examples of these indecipherable numbers are “OT23Q257”, “12345J78”, and “345X29VN”.

* We have seen G serialed watches that were produced in 2012, so Rolex is using both the mixed and the G at the same time.

** In 1987, rather than begin an 8 digit production serial, Rolex instead began their serials with a letter prefix such as R, then L, E & X. (ROLEX without the O) N, C, & S came out during the early to mid 1990’s, W, T & U a little later. The latest letter prefixes are all running concurrently…as Rolex wishes! Only Rolex knows the exact date that any watch was actually produced. Confused…contact Rolex with the exact serial number of your watch…don’t expect a reply with an answer!

*** When Rolex reached the 999,999 production serial in the early 1950’s…they restarted the production serial at 100,000 rather than begin a 7 digit number at 1,000,000. During this period Rolex was also putting the date code on the inside of the case backs…so confusing production serials can sometimes have their production date determined. Look for the Roman number I, II, III or IV for the quarter & two arabic digits for the year.

In the late 1950’s, Rolex again reached the 999,999 production serial & they started their 7 digit numeric numbering system at 1,000,000 for production serials, this continued until the 1990’s until production serials reached 9,999,999.

How Does Rolex Assign Serial Numbers?

Last Updated: December 2007

Model Numbers: Rolex model numbers range from four to six numbers. The number is located at 12 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. The first two or three digits describes the type of watch.

If the watch has five digits, the second from the last describes (some exceptions) the type of bezel and the last describes the material that the watch is made from.

Around 2000, Rolex began adding a 1 in front of some model numbers… Example; the steel Daytona went from 16520 to 116520.

Rolex Model Reference Numbers

The following list is not complete and is just a break-down.

Type of Watch…

Type of Bezel

Rolex Serial Numbers Database

Type of Material

Rolex Serial Number Lookup Chart

Serial Numbers: The serial number is located opposite of the model number at 6 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. Since 1987, Rolex has used a system of 1 letter, followed by 6 digits. When buying and selling Rolex watches, that letter is one of the most important details many buyers will want to know. We believe there’s a good chance Rolex will produce (tens of) thousands of cases, but not complete the watch… So a case made in 2003 with a Y#, might not leave Switzerland for 2 more years. Also, models with gold and precious stones usually do not sell as quickly as steel models and will sit around the authorized dealer for a longer period.