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Every Rolex is engraved with a unique serial number. This indicates what year the watch was made, and can be used to authenticate and value the timepiece.

To find out your Rolex's manufacture date, simply search its unique serial number in our Rolex serial number database below.

A note on Rolexes produced after autumn 2009: In autumn 2009, Rolex started using a random numbering system to generate its serial numbers. The only way to identify the exact date of a Rolex produced in late 2009 onwards is to take it into an official Rolex dealer.

A note on Rolexes with a serial number between 100,000 and 999,999: When Rolex made their millionth watch, they confusingly restarted their serial numbers at 100,000 instead of carrying on with a seven-digit code. If your Rolex's serial number falls between 100,000 and 999,999, you'll therefore need to take it to a trusted jeweller to have it accurately dated, although our tool will be able to tell you its two possible production dates.

Production date Serial number (up to and including)
Autumn 2009–present Random 1967 2,163,900–2,426,800
2009 Any code beginning with G 1966 1,871,000–2,163,899
2008 Any code beginning with V 1965 1,792,000–1,870,999
2007 Any code beginning with M 1964 1,714,000–1,791,999
2006 Any code beginning with Z 1963 1,636,000–1,713,999
2005 Any code beginning with D 1962 1,558,000–1,635,999
2003–2004 Any code beginning with F 1961 1,480,000–1,557,999
2002 Any code beginning with Y 1960 1,402,000–1,479,999
2001 Any code beginning with K 1959 1,100,00–1,401,999
2000 Any code beginning with P 1957-1958 600,000–1,099,999
1999 Any code beginning with A 1956 400,000–599,999
1997-1998 Any code beginning with U 1955 200,000–399,999
Summer 1995–1996 Any code beginning with T 1954 100,000–200,000
1995 (Spring) Any code beginning with W 1953 950,000–999,999
1993–1994 Any code beginning with S 1952 803,800–949,999
1992 Any code beginning with C 1951 738,700–803,799
1991 (Autumn) Any code beginning with N 1950 673,600–738,699
1991 (Spring) Any code beginning with X 1949 608,500–673,599
1990 Any code beginning with E 1948 545,400–608,499
1989 Any code beginning with L 1947 478,300–545,399
1987–1988 Any code beginning with R 1946 413,200–478,299
1986 9,290,000–9,999,999 1945 348,100–413,199
1985 8,814,000–9,289,999 1944 283,000–348,099
1984 8,338,000–8,813,999 1943 253,400–282,999
1983 7,862,000–8,337,999 1942 223,800–253,399
1982 7,338,000–7,861,999 1941 194,200–223,799
1981 6,910,000–7,337,999 1940 164,600–194,199
1980 6,434,000–6,909,999 1939 135,000–164,599
1979 5,958,000–6,433,999 1938 117,00–134,999
1978 5,958,000–6,433,999 1937 99,000–116,999
1977 5,006,000–5,481,999 1936 81,000–98,999
1976 4,539,000–5,005,999 1935 63,000–80,999
1975 4,267,100–4,538,999 1934 45,000–62,999
1974 4,004,200–4,267,099 1932–1933 42,680–44,999
1973 3,741,300–4,004,199 1931 40,250–42,679
1972 3,478,400–3,741,299 1930 37,820–40,249
1971 3,215,500–3,478,399 1929 35,390–37,819
1970 2,952,600–3,215,499 1928 32,960–35,389
1969 2,689,700–2,952,599 1927 30,430–32,959
1968 2,426,800–2,689,699 1926 28,000–30,429

Where to find a Rolex's serial number?

Every genuine Rolex has a unique serial number. It will be in one of two places, depending when it was made.

  • Pre-2005: Between the lugs of the 6 o'clock side
  • 2005 onwards: On the inner bezel (dial rehaut)

If your watch was made before 2005, you'll find its serial number engraved on the case between the lugs (the 'horns' that attach to the bracelet) of the 6 o'clock side. You'll need to remove the watch's band to see it. If you're not confident about doing this yourself, take it to a jeweller.

In 2005, Rolex began laser-engraving the serial number on the inner bezel, or dial rehaut, as well as between the lugs of the 6 o'clock side of the case. In 2008, the company switched to only engraving the serial number on the inner bezel, as this is much harder to counterfeit.

The inner bezel is the ring that runs around the inside of the watch's bezel, perpendicular to the face. Rolex watches made from 2005 onwards will have the word 'Rolex' repeated around the inner bezel, with the brand logo at the 12 o'clock position and the serial number at 6 o'clock.

Once you've found your Rolex's serial number, simply search for it in our tool or on our handy database to discover its production date.

Do fake Rolexes have serial numbers?

If a Rolex doesn't have a serial number, then it isn't genuine.

Serial numbers can be faked, but this is extremely difficult to do well — especially on the inner bezel, where you find the serial number of Rolexes made after 2005. Fraudsters tend to acid-etch the serial number onto the watch rather than engrave it, as engraving is much more difficult. Fake serial numbers often look poorly engraved or very faint.

Some imitations are so well-made it takes an expert eye to tell them apart from the real thing. If you're not sure a Rolex is genuine, take it in to a trusted jeweller and have it appraised.

Ready to sell your Rolex?

Pre-Owned Rolex Watches

Now you know what year your Rolex was produced, we can give you an accurate idea of how much it's worth. Take advantage of our Sell My Watch service to get a great price.

If you're a fan of the brand, you should also take a look at our range of pre-owned Rolex watches to find an iconic timepiece at a fantastic price.

Still got questions about your Rolex? Don't hesitate to get in touch to speak to one of our experts today.

By H&T Pawnbrokers

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