A Guide To Rolex Serial Numbers
And Rolex Reference Numbers
Understanding Your Rolex: Serial Numbers, Model Numbers, and Production Dates
Rolex Serial Numbers with Production Dates
| Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|
| Random | 2018 |
| Random | 2017 |
| Random | 2016 |
| Random | 2015 |
| Random | 2014 |
| Random | 2013 |
| Random | 2012 |
| Random | 2011 |
| 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 |
Explore our exquisite collection of Rolex Watches
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Understanding Your Rolex: Decoding Model Numbers
Every Rolex watch is assigned a unique model number, offering insights into its design and composition. Typically found engraved between the lugs at the 12 o'clock position, this number comprises a series of digits that reveal key details about the timepiece.
Decoding the Model Number:
A Rolex model number is often structured in a format similar to "XXXXY," where:
- XXXX: Represents the primary model designation (e.g., Datejust, Submariner).
- Y: Indicates specific attributes like the bezel type (smooth, fluted, or ceramic), case material (stainless steel, gold, or two-tone), or dial variations.
Example:
A Rolex model number "16234" can be broken down as follows:
- 162: Denotes the Datejust model.
- 3: Indicates a fluted bezel.
- 4: Signifies a stainless steel case with an 18k white gold bezel.
Note: Rolex's model number system has evolved over the years, and variations exist. For a precise interpretation of a specific model number, consulting a Rolex authorized dealer or watch expert is recommended.
Disclaimer: While this information provides a general understanding of Rolex model numbers, it may not encompass all variations or exceptions.
| Rolex Type | Model Numbers |
|---|---|
| Submariner (no date) | 55 & 140 |
| Submariner | 16, 166 & 168 |
| Sea Dweller | 16 & 166 |
| GMT Master | 16, 65, 167 |
| GMT Master II | 167, 1167 |
| Day-Date (President) | 65, 66, 18, 180, 182 & 183 |
| Datejust | 16 & 162 |
| Daytona Manual Wind | 62 |
| Daytona Cosmograph | 165, 1165 |
| Explorer II | 165 |
| Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140, 142 |
| Airking | 55 & 140 |
| Date | 15 & 150 |
| Oysterquartz Datejust | 170 |
| Oysterquartz Day-Date | 190 |
| Yachtmaster | 166, 686 & 696 |
| Midsize Oyster Perp DJ | 68, 682 |
| Ladies Oyster Perpetual | 67, 671, 672 |
| Ladies Date | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
| Ladies Datejust | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
| Material | Code |
|---|---|
| Stainless | 0 |
| Yellow Gold Filled | 1 |
| White Gold Filled | 2 |
| Stainless & Yellow Gold | 3 |
| Stainless w/ 18k White Gold | 4 |
| Gold Shell | 5 |
| Platinum | 6 |
| 14k Yellow Gold | 7 |
| 18k Yellow Gold | 8 |
| Bezel | Code |
|---|---|
| Polished | 0 |
| Engine Turned | 1 |
| Engine Turned | 2 |
| Fluted | 3 |
| Hand-Crafted | 4 |
| Pyramid | 5 |
| Rotating Bezel | 6 |
Rolex Clasp Codes
Many Rolex watches feature a clasp code discreetly located within the clasp hinge. This code serves as a valuable tool for determining the clasp's manufacturing date. Typically, it comprises a letter representing the year and a number denoting the month. For instance, "G4" indicates April 1982.
Note: While this guide offers a general framework, Rolex's clasp coding system has evolved over time. For precise dating, consulting a Rolex authorized dealer or watch expert is recommended.
| Bracelet Code | Year |
|---|---|
| A or VA | 1976 |
| B or VB | 1977 |
| C or VC | 1978 |
| D or VD | 1979 |
| E or VE | 1980 |
| F or VF | 1981 |
| G | 1982 |
| H | 1983 |
| I | 1984 |
| J | 1985 |
| K | 1986 |
| L | 1987 |
| M | 1988 |
| N | 1989 |
| O | 1990 |
| P | 1991 |
| Q | 1992 |
| R | 1993 |
| S | 1994 |
| T or W | 1995 |
| V | 1996 |
| Z | 1997 |
| U | 1998 |
| X | 1999 |
| AB | 2000 |
| DE | 2001 |
| DT | 2002 |
| AD | 2003 |
| CL | 2004 |
| MA | 2005 |
| OP | 2006 |
| EO | 2007 |
| PJ | 2008 |
| LT | 2009 |
| RS | 2010 |
| RANDOM | 201+ |
Rolex Country Codes
Rolex often includes a three-digit country code on the warranty certificate, indicating the original country of sale. This code provides valuable insight into the watch's history.
Note: Not all Rolex watches have country codes, especially those produced before 1980 or those sold in the USA.
| Code | Country |
|---|---|
| 010 | Switzerland |
| 012 | Switzerland |
| 013 | Switzerland |
| 014 | Switzerland |
| 015 | Switzerland |
| 021 | Switzerland |
| 025 | Switzerland |
| 026 | Switzerland |
| 033 | Switzerland |
| 045 | Switzerland |
| 100 | Germany |
| 110 | France |
| 113 | France |
| 120 | Austria |
| 121 | Austria |
| 123 | Austria |
| 126 | Austria |
| 128 | Austria |
| 130 | Belgium / Luxemburg |
| 133 | Netherlands |
| 134 | Netherlands |
| 135 | Netherlands |
| 137 | Netherlands |
| 138 | Netherlands |
| 150 | Spain |
| 160 | England |
| 170 | Italy |
| 200 | Greece |
| 201 | Malta |
| 202 | Turkey |
| 208 | Greece |
| 213 | Portugal |
| 217 | Portugal |
| 226 | Denmark |
| 228 | Denmark |
| 233 | Denmark |
| 237 | Iceland |
| 265 | Sweden |
| 267 | Sweden |
| 270 | Sweden |
| 271 | Sweden |
| 283 | Finnland |
| 321 | Czech Republic |
| 400 | Hong Kong |
| 413 | Korea |
| 430 | Singapore / Brunai |
| 431 | Malaysia |
| 440 | Taiwan |
| 500 | India |
| 505 | Pakistan |
| 527 | Middle East |
| 532 | Saudi Arabia |
| 536 | Abu Dhabi |
| 537 | Dubai |
| 538 | Oman |
| 542 | Iran |
| 548 | Israel |
| 680 | South Africa |
| 700 | Canada |
| 710 | USA |
| 720 | Mexico |
| 741 | Bahamas |
| 742 | Bermuda |
| 752 | Jamaica |
| 758 | Virgin Islands |
| 761 | Netherlands Antilles |
| 762 | Aruba |
| 765 | Antigua |
| 766 | Saint Martin |
| 767 | Grand Cayman |
| 768 | Panama |
| 770 | Venezuela |
| 780 | Brazil |
| 781 | Chile |
| 783 | Peru |
| 790 | Argentina |
| 810 | Australia |
| 818 | Philippines |
| 828 | China |
| 842 | New Zealand |
| 871 | Hawaii |
| 872 | Alaska |
| 873 | Guam |
| 888 | Hong Kong |
| 900 | Japan |
| 906 | Natex Retail, German NATO Airbase |
The Evolution of the Rolex Sapphire Crystal
Rolex, renowned for its commitment to innovation, introduced the sapphire crystal as a significant upgrade to its timepieces. This highly resistant material replaced earlier crystal types, enhancing the watch's durability and scratch resistance.
Key Milestones in Sapphire Crystal Adoption:
While specific dates can vary by model, here's a general timeline:
- Early Rolex Models: Earlier Rolex watches primarily featured acrylic or Hesalite crystals.
- Sapphire Crystal Adoption: The transition to sapphire crystals began in the 1970s and accelerated throughout the subsequent decades. By the 1980s, sapphire crystals became the standard for most Rolex models.
Note: To determine the exact crystal type on a specific Rolex model, consulting the watch's reference number and production year is essential.
| MODEL | STAINLESS | ROLESSOR | GOLD | PLATINUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz Beta 21 Ref 5100 | — | — | 1970 | — |
| Perpetual Ref. 1530, 1630, 1831 | 1975 | 1975 | — | 1975 |
| Oysterquartz | 1978 | 1978 | 1978 | — |
| Air-King | 1991 | — | — | — |
| Perpetual | — | 1991 | 1991 | — |
| Date | 1989 | 1989 | 1989 | — |
| DateJust | 1989 | 1989 | 1978 | — |
| Turn - O- Graph | New Plexi Ref 16250 | 1989 | 1989 | — |
| Day - Date | — | — | 1978 | 1978 |
| Submariner 14060 | 1990 | — | — | — |
| Submariner Date | 1981 | 1984 Ref. 16803 | 1981 | — |
| Sea-Dweller | 1981 | — | — | — |
| GMT Master | 1989 | New Plexi Ref 1675/3, 16753 | 1981 | — |
| GMT Master II | 1984 | 1989 | 1989 | — |
| Explorer | 1990 | — | — | — |
| Explorer II | 1984 | — | — | — |
| Cosmograph Daytona | 1988 | 1988 | 1988 | — |
Red Letters
Some of the older papers issued in the United States have red letters stamped on the certificate. These red letters signifies when the watch was shipped from Rolex USA to an Authorized Dealer.
ROLEXWATCH
1234567890
For example, L RCCT would be 3 1998 or March 19, 1998.
Rolex Serial Numbers with Production Dates
Rolex serial numbers, located between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position or on the rehaut for watches produced since 2005, can help determine a watch's production date and market value. While there's no official Rolex database for production dates, a chart compiled from credible sources is available for reference. The model number can be found at the 12 o'clock position, requiring the bracelet to be removed for access. For assistance, users can watch instructional videos or consult Rolex experts.
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