HNCO Guide to Rolex Watch Serial Numbers
If you are going to spend your money on an expensive, antique Rolex watch, may it be for yourself or as a gift, you want to be sure that it’s genuine. Many people have been duped into paying large sums of money for replica watches. The presence and translation of Rolex Serial Numbers can verify the legitimacy of not only the watch but the year, material and make. We’ve created this helpful guide for your reference.
History of the Rolex Serial Format
The Rolex numbering system began in 1927 as a 6-digit number before exceeding the capacity up to 999,999 in 1953, requiring the addition of a seventh digit. This addition was then followed by the introduction of Roman numerals into the reference, following the letters of R-O-L-E-X, which ran out in 1999 before moving onto additional letters in the alphabet.
The current Rolex numbering system was introduced in 2010 and is a unique 8-digit random serial number which may begin with a letter or a number. Due to the new system, without the help of an expert, you will only be able to verify the legitimacy of the product and confirm the watch was made after 2010.
Where to find your Rolex Watch Serial Number
You can now find the digits between the lugs at the 12 o’clock position.
Not to be confused with the case reference number which is located at the 6 o’clock position.
What your Rolex Watch Serial Number Means (pre-2010)
The numbering system is in the form of 4-6 numbers and, more recently (around 2000), may have an additional one at the beginning.
Take a look at the watch serial code and associated year tabulated at the bottom of this article, up to 2010 when the new randomised numbering system was introduced.
There you have it, a guide to deciphering the complicated Rolex Watch Serial numbers to make sure you aren’t fooled into purchasing a replica. Take a look at our genuine Rolex watch range. For more information on buying or selling a vintage Rolex, call us now on 07 3891 3880 or visit us online.
Rolex Serial Numbers by Year
| 20000 .............................1927 |
| 22500 .............................1928 |
| 25000 .............................1929 |
| 26500 .............................1930 |
| 28000 .............................1931 |
| 28500 .............................1932 |
| 29000 .............................1933 |
| 32000 .............................1934 |
| 35000 .............................1935 |
| 37000 .............................1936 |
| 40000 .............................1937 |
| 55000 .............................1938 |
| 71000 .............................1939 |
| 90000 .............................1940 |
| 106000 .............................1941 |
| 150000 .............................1942 |
| 230000 .............................1943 |
| 270000 .............................1944 |
| 302000 .............................1945 |
| 400000 .............................1946 |
| 529000 .............................1947 |
| 570000 .............................1948 |
| 600000 .............................1949 |
| 650000 .............................1950 |
| 700000 .............................1951 |
| 800000 .............................1952 |
| 900000 ...........................1953 |
|
10000 to 300000
.........1953 to 1957
|
| 350000 .............................1958 |
| 400000 ...........................1959 |
| 550000 .............................1960 |
| 700000 ...........................1961 |
| 800000 .............................1962 |
| 900000 ...........................1963 |
| 1000000 .............................1964 |
| 1200000 ...........................1965 |
| 1400000 .............................1966 |
| 1600000 ...........................1967 |
| 1850000 .............................1968 |
| 2300000 ...........................1969 |
| 2500000 .............................1970 |
| 2900000 ...........................1971 |
| 3300000 .............................1972 |
| 3750000 ...........................1973 |
| 3900000 .............................1974 |
| 4250000 ...........................1975 |
| 4500000 .............................1976 |
| 5000000 .........................1977 |
| 5400000 .............................1978 |
| 5950000 .........................1979 |
| 6400000 .............................1980 |
| 7000000 .........................1981 |
| 7350000 .............................1982 |
| 7750000 .........................1983 |
| 8100000 .............................1984 |
| 8600000 .........................1985 |
| 9000000 .............................1986 |
|
9500000
..........................1987
|
| L000001 .........................1989 |
| E000001 .........................1990 |
| X000001 .........................1991 |
| N000001 .........................1991 |
| C000001 .........................1992 |
| S000001 .........................1993 |
| W000001 .........................1994 |
| T000001 .........................1996 |
| U000001 .........................1997 |
| A000001 .........................1998 |
| P000001 .........................2000 |
| K000001 .........................2001 |
| Y000001 .........................2002 |
|
F000001
.........................2003
Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal) |
| D000001 .........................2005 |
| Z000001 ..........................2006 |
| M000001 ..........................2007 |
| V000001 ..........................2008 |
| G000001 ...................Mid 2010 |
|
Random Numbers
....Late 2010 to present
(Now features 8-digits instead of 7) |