Rolex serial number check: Explained & Exposed!

The Rolex serial number check explained

Many people think you can actually verify the authenticity of a Rolex watch based on the Rolex watch serial number check. Of course it gives you some comfort as fake and replica Rolex watches in many cases don’t carry a correct serial number (or an existing serial number), but it is not that based on a serial number alone you will know if your watch is authentic. In our opinion it can indicate if a Rolex is fake. For example when the serial number simply never existed. But to know if a Rolex is real, there are many more checks to be executed.

The serial number check will at least answer the question in what year your Rolex was issued. And if it corresponds with the box, papers, bracelet and model of your watch.

In this blog we explain how to perform the check. But also why it is not waterproof. Ultimately we do have you covered and will explain how we authenticated a Rolex Submariner Hulk step by step. If you are looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex, we advise you to have a Rolex watch authentication service. We will also explain why!

Can I do the Rolex serial number check?

You can definitely perform this check yourself. First locate the serial number on the Rolex. Second, find your year of issuance in the serial number data book. Third, check if your serial number corresponds with the guarantee certificate. Fourth, check the production year with your the age of your Rolex. Fifth, observe the quality of the engraving. Additionally you can also verify if the year of issuance corresponds with your box and papers. We will explain these steps in detail below.

You may encounter a Rolex without serial number engraved on the case. Sometimes these are faded due to really heavy wear or erased by someone. Please note this should be considered a huge red flag. In case of stolen watches, the serial number was often erased as this would clear out direct any leads to the watch. So our advise is to never buy a Rolex without serial number engraved on the case. For models with the serial number in the rehaut, the same applies. It must be present.

In case you are looking to buy a watch online, avoid buying a fake! Make sure to check out this service which makes sure your watch is 100% real!

How to perform the check

Our Rolex watchmakers have performed hundreds of Rolex serial number checks in the past 15 years. This is actually a crucial step when authenticating a Rolex watch, but as essential as the serial number itself is, the quality of how the serial number is engraved on the Rolex is maybe even more important.

We perform the following steps:

1. *Removing the bracelet when the serial number is between the lugs*
2. Observe the serial number on the case (at 6 o 'clock in the rehaut or between the lugs for older models)
3. Check if the correct serial number is also included on the International guarantee card or papers 
4. Serial number lookup. Verify if it resonates with the ageing of the watch (see date book below)
5. During a watch authentication service, details matter the most. We make sure that the quality of the inscription of the serial number is done in accordance with the quality and finishing that is applied by Rolex tools. This is basically shown by the quality of the engraving that can only be concluded by an experienced Rolex watchmaker or by comparing to a real Rolex.

We will explain the steps in detail.

 

step 1. Removing the bracelet

If you have a watch sold before 2007, the serial number is most likely located between the lugs. You will have to remove the bracelet. Remove the bracelet with the right tools and don't do this if you are not a watchmaker. Be careful, you may damage the case or bracelet if not done properly

step 2. The location of the serial number

You can find the 4-8 digits Rolex serial number inside the rehaut (newer models after c.2007) or between the lugs at 6 o'clock (models before c.2007).

• Where the serial number is located:
  6 o’clock rehaut (inside case ring of the watch) or at 6 o'clock on the outside of the case between the lugs for older Rolexes. See photos below.
• What the look for:
  The 4-8 digits of the serial number (e.g.761Z1R123)

The images below will help you to find the serial number in case you want to perform the Rolex serial number check by yourself. Don't mistake the reference numbers for the serial number. Or vice versa. The Rolex reference numbers are located between the lugs at 12 o clock. 

step 3. Verify with box and papers

Verify if the serial number is also included on the Rolex guarantee papers (vintage Rolex watches) or on the Rolex guarantee card. Please note, papers and cards can be faked as well. Make sure to check with a certified watchmaker if the cards or papers are correct. Another option is to research which papers or cards would be issued in a certain year. In our blog about how we authenticated a 2020 Rolex Submariner we explain how we authenticated the guarantee card.

In case you don't have a full set (or the papers at least) it is not possible to verify the Rolex serial number check with official Rolex papers. Please note, when observing vintage papers or cards, it can be extremely hard to distinguish if they are correct. The reason is that you can easily buy authentic Rolex papers without any serial numbers included on it and fake it. Thus you can create your own Rolex Guarantee paper including the serial number of your own Rolex. This will make sure you fool somebody who thinks the Rolex serial number check can be performed by just comparing the serial number on the watch with the papers. With a rough estimate we think about >70% of the papers for vintage watches are faked. Just because it is so easy to fake and it gives you a premium of easy more than €500.

Nevertheless, our Rolex watchmakers do know where to look for. As said they know what Rolex papers or cards where issued in which year and also know how how to check the ageing of ink and perforated serial numbers. This is a craft that comes close to authenticating or validating a Rembrandt painting. As said, a proper Rolex serial number check is not easy.

step 4. Rolex serial number lookup

When you know your serial number, you can look up in which year it was produced. In order to understand if the Rolex ageing matches the serial number production date. The date on your guarantee card (sold date) may differ from the year of production. No need for panic. Back in the old days, not all Rolex were directly sold out. The good old days we would say. 

We have included a data book at the bottom of this blog including serial numbers and the year certain Rolex serial numbers were produced. Including an explanation how to find the production year and match it to the Rolex serial number year.

step 5. Observing quality of the engraving

This is the most difficult, but also most import part. We will explain first how you can be fooled and then how we do it. 

How to get fooled

Although it is a fairly common thing. The Rolex serial number gets easily mistaken in even high quality counterfeits. The serial number used on counterfeit watches often refers to an incorrect period. Or an incorrect model. As you have now, criminals have access to the Rolex data book as well. They find out in which years a model is produced and which serial numbers were issued. These serial numbers are applied subsequently on a counterfeit watch. They even go as far as faking patina, scratches and damages on a watch.

We have encountered a high value vintage Rolex with a correct movement, dial and hands. But with a fake case. In correct condition this watch would go for >€80k. Not in parts it is around €20k.

How to NOT get fooled

Please note Rolex does engrave the serial number with precision and care, so if it feels quirky it can be considered a red flag. You can see our pictures above to get a feeling about the level of detail and quality. Try to observe if the quality of your engraving is in accordance with pictures above. If you feel unsure, contact a certified watchmaker or feel free to drop us a message and have a look.

The data-book explained

An introduction to the databook

The serial number data-book includes an explanation of how the Rolex serial numbers are determined and what they stand for. Say if you have a Rolex Submariner from the year 1983 you can check if the serial number you have resonates with the serial numbers produced and sold by Rolex in 1987. Since Rolex does use cases and materials throughout years and some watches, for example Rolex Daytona's that sold very bad back in the days, this gives a mere indication if the period resonates with the Rolex you are checking. A certain Rolex Daytona can be produced in 1983, but can be sold in 1985. It is something you cannot imagine these days, but it was possible. As such the papers may say 1985 and the serial number refers to 1983. Therefore the check with the data-book (which something our Rolex watchmakers always do when they perform the Rolex serial number check) is essential but not an exact study.  

We have the Rolex serial number database so you can check if your Rolex serial number is period correct. Since 2011 the Rolex serial numbers are random characters.

 

 

Rolex serial number lookup table

An easy way to check your Rolex serial number is with the database below which show the numbering system used by Rolex in the past.

You can check the Rolex year by serial number by the following steps:

When you obtained your serial number. Use the CTRL+F (buttons on your keyboard) and start with typing in the serial number until you have no hit anymore. Then go one number back and you will be in the "period" of your serial number.

Year of production	Serial number	Year of production	Serial number
2011-Present	Random/Mixed	1968	2,426,000
2009-2011	G000,001	1967	2,164,000
2008-2009	V000,001	1966	1,870,000
2007-2009	M000,001	1965	1,791,000
2006-2008	Z000,001	1964	1,713,000
2005-2006	D000,001	1963	1,635,000
2004-2005	F000,001	1962	1,557,000
2002-2004	Y000,001	1961	1,485,000
2001-2003	K000,001	1960	1,401,000
2000-2001	P000,004	1959	1,323,000
1998-2000	A000,002	1958	1,245,000
1997-1998	U000,001	1957	1,167,000
1996-1998	T000,001	1956	1,095,000
1995-1998	W000,001	1955	1,010,000
1993 3/4	S000,001	1954	935,000
1992 1/4	C000,001	1953	869,000
1991 3/4	N000,001	1952	804,000
1991 1/2	X000,001	1951	735,000
1991 1/4	E999,999	1950	672,000
1990 1/2	E000,001	1949	608,000
1990	L999,999	1948	543,000
1989	L000,001	1947	478,000
1988	R999,999	1946	413,000
1987 1/2	R000,001	1945	348,000
1987 1/2	9,999,999	1944	284,000
1987	9,760,000	1943	253,000
1986	9,300,000	1942	224,000
1985	8,814,000	1941	194,000
1984	8,338,000	1940	165,000
1983	7,860,000	1939	136,000
1982	7,366,000	1938	118,000
1981	6,910,000	1937	98,000
1980	6,430,000	1936	82,000
1979	5,959,000	1935	62,000
1978	5,481,000	1934	55,000
1977	5,005,000	1933	49,000
1976	4,535,000	1932	43,000
1975	4,265,000	1931	40,000
1974	4,000,000	1930	38,000
1973	3,741,000	1929	35,000
1972	3,478,000	1928	33,000
1971	3,215,000	1927	30,000
1970	2,952,000	1926	28,000
1969	2,689,000	1925

Rolex model numbers

The Rolex model numbers are also engraved on a watch. These numbers are also called "reference numbers". Based on these numbers you know which model it is and which specifics it must carry. The model numbers indicate the material of the watch. Like steel, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. Which complications it must have. Like date, chronograph settings etcetera. And also in which period it must be produced. Certain Rolex models are only built for a specific period.

Where to find the model number

You can find the Rolex model number between the lugs at 12 o clock. All Rolex watches, vintage and new, have the model number engraved between the lugs at 12 o clock. 

Rolex model number 124300 engraved in the case.

What does the model number say?

The model number can tell you more than the period the watch is produced. It can also tell you the material used and type of bezel that should come with it. The 4-6 digit model number can be divided in three sections. For example a Rolex Datejust with model number 1603,.

16 = Rolex Datejust

0 = Stainless steel material

3 = fluted bezel

You can easily compare a model number with the following tables

The model number tables

Step 1 the model:

Rolex MODELS
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
OysterquartzDatejust	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

Step 2 the material:

material type
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

Step 3 the bezel type (if applicable):

BEZEL type
Polished	0
Engine Turned	1
Engine Turned	2
Fluted	3
Hand-Crafted	4
Pyramid	5
Rotating Bezel	6

Rolex clasp codes

Many Rolex watches have clasp codes engraved on the inside of the clasp hinge. These Rolex clasp codes are also named bracelet codes. They effectively tell you if a clasp is period and model correct. Some models were for example issued on Oyster bracelets and some (also) on jubilee bracelets. In addition, if you know your watch is from a specific period. You can check if the clasp and bracelet that comes with it, can be the original one. We say "can be" with a reason. We will explain that later.

The clasp codes table

If you have a clasp. Just lookup the bracelet code to see from which year it is. And make sure it corresponds with the watch it's serial number and model number.

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+

Why it is only an indication

The clasp code will give you an indication of the period and model correctness. In other words, it will give sense about if the bracelet was issued with the watch. Many watches, especially vintage, have replaced bracelets. After wearing a watch multiple years, the bracelet should be replaced to ensure you won't lose a watch.

But, if you now only have a Rolex Submariner case from 1988. You can easily find a bracelet for sale online on eBay that is from that same year. And then sell it together. It makes sure the watch "set" is correct. But it wasn't originally sold with that specific bracelet.

Why the checks are not waterproof...

Unfortunately the Rolex serial number check is not waterproof. Basically it is a number which is engraved in the rehaut of the Rolex at the 6 o’clock hour mark or between the lugs on the outside of the case. The clasp codes and model numbers only give an indication on it's own. If a fake watch maker is really thorough, he makes sure the Rolex serial number he uses is correct. By making sure the serial number resonates with the existing serial numbers (i.e. period correct and model correct) and the clasp and model numbers are correct for the time and period.

So, If a replica watch carries a genuine and correct serial number, the serial number doesn’t give away it is a fake…

Rolex authentication service

It really takes a trained and experienced person to authenticate a watch. Observing for example the ageing, engraving quality, material quality and many more points is needed to conclude if a watch is real. Therefore we advise you to have your watch authenticated by a Rolex watchmaker.

General Q&A

How do you check if a Rolex is real

To spot a fake Rolex can be easy. Knowing it is real is definitely not. It means observing the watch in detail and validating if it corresponds with research and the experience you have available. Since this means experience and knowledge, certified and experienced Rolex watchmakers are the best positioned.

If you want to know how to tell if a Rolex watch is real, read our blog real Rolex versus expensive fake Rolex. Or how we authenticated a Rolex Submariner Hulk, which provides insights in which details to observe and what steps to take. From validating the workings of the watch, to the crown logos on the glass, case and crown. We got it covered and supported with photos.

One give away: if it is too good to be true, our guesses is that it will be...

Can I verify authenticity of Rolex serial numbers?  

You can verify the authenticity of Rolex serial numbers with the lookup table at the bottom of this page. But if you want to verify the authenticity of the number itself, you must be sure to observe the engraving closely. Compare it to photos available online for that specific model or for a specific period or year. Make sure the engraving quality is comparable and the position is correct as well. For pre-owned pieces this might be a problem as they can be damaged or less crisp due to ageing of the material.

For new Rolex watches it became more difficult after the introduction of random serial numbers in 2011. But an experienced Rolex watchmaker knows which serial numbers are valid and which are not. In addition, these recent watches are more often possible to check with the Rolex guarantee cards. Be aware, these cards can be faked as well. But an authentication service by an experienced watchmaker can help you authenticate the cards, box and serial number on the watch.

Rolex serial number check for stolen watches 

When you buy a Rolex, you want to be sure it is fair and not stolen. The serial number can help you out. There are multiple databases online with stolen Rolex watches registered. We personally always use TheWatchRegister.com when we authenticate a watch. It will ask you to inform the right institutions if the watch has a match with the database, and ypu should certainly do that. It costs around 10 GBP for one single check. 

How to authenticate Rolex serial number

Authenticate the Rolex serial number in 4 steps. First obtain the 4 to 8 digit serial number from the case between the lugs or on the rehaut on 6 o clock. Second, verify if matches with the international warranty card or papers. Third, lookup and match the Rolex serial number with the year of production. Fourth, observe if the quality of engraving is correct with comparing to real engraving pictures.