Free tool
Rolex Serial Number Lookup
Enter a Rolex serial number to estimate the approximate production year of the watch. Before 1987, Rolex used all-numeric serials; from 1987 to 2010, serials started with a letter prefix; and since around 2010, Rolex has issued random 8-character serials. Rolex has never published an official serial-to-year chart, so all dating is based on community-compiled tables and is approximate by nature.
A Rolex serial number is 4–8 characters: digits only (pre-1987), a letter followed by 6 digits (1987–2010), or a random 8-character mix of letters and digits (roughly 2010 onward). Don’t confuse it with the model (reference) number — that one is engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock.
A plausible serial ≠ authentic — replicas engrave valid numbers. Check the watch itself: Rolex guide.
Where to find the serial: on modern Rolex watches (roughly 2005–2008 onward) it is engraved on the rehaut — the inner ring under the crystal — at the 6 o’clock position. On older models, the serial is stamped on the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock; you need to remove the bracelet to see it.
Letter prefixes (≈1987–2010)
| Prefix | Years |
|---|---|
| R | 1987–1988 |
| L | 1988–1990 |
| E | 1990–1991 |
| X | 1991 |
| N | 1991 |
| C | 1992–1993 |
| S | 1993–1994 |
| W | 1994–1995 |
| T | 1995–1996 |
| U | 1997–1998 |
| A | 1998–1999 |
| P | 2000–2001 |
| K | 2001–2002 |
| Y | 2002–2003 |
| F | 2003–2005 |
| D | 2005–2006 |
| Z | 2006–2007 |
| M | 2007–2008 |
| V | 2008–2010 |
| G | 2010 |
Numeric serials (≈1926–1987)
| Serial up to | Years |
|---|---|
| 23,000 | 1926–1930 |
| 40,000 | 1931–1935 |
| 100,000 | 1936–1940 |
| 300,000 | 1941–1945 |
| 700,000 | 1946–1952 |
| 1,100,000 | 1953–1955 |
| 1,650,000 | 1956–1960 |
| 2,200,000 | 1961–1965 |
| 2,950,000 | 1966–1970 |
| 4,300,000 | 1971–1975 |
| 6,450,000 | 1976–1980 |
| 8,650,000 | 1981–1985 |
| 9,999,999 | 1986–1987 |
All year ranges are approximate and based on unofficial community tables: Rolex does not publish serial number data. A serial matching the table does not confirm that a watch is genuine. This tool is not a professional authentication service and does not provide legally binding conclusions. LegitCheck AI is not affiliated with Rolex SA.
Serial era matches? Verify the rest
Snap photos of the dial, cyclops, rehaut and caseback — the AI cross-references the model-specific signs in about a minute.
FAQ
My watch has a random 8-character serial — can I find its production year?
No. Since around 2010, Rolex has used random serials with no connection to the production date. The only reliable reference is the purchase date on the warranty card. Also make sure the number on the card matches the engraving on the rehaut.
My serial matches the table — does that mean the watch is genuine?
No. A serial that matches the table only confirms a plausible year, not authenticity. Counterfeiters stamp valid, real-world serial numbers onto fakes — sometimes the same number on thousands of replicas. Authenticity comes down to the full picture: engraving quality, dial, movement, and paperwork.
Where is the serial number on vintage Rolex watches?
On vintage pieces and most models made before the mid-2000s, the serial is stamped on the case edge between the lugs at 6 o’clock, hidden under the bracelet. The reference (model) number sits between the lugs at 12 o’clock. Reading both requires removing the bracelet — ideally done by a watchmaker.
What is a rehaut?
The rehaut (pronounced “ray-oh”) is the angled inner ring between the dial and the crystal. Since roughly 2005–2008, Rolex has engraved it with a repeating ROLEX inscription around the circumference and the serial number at 6 o’clock. Crooked, uneven, or misaligned rehaut engraving is a common red flag for fakes.