Rolex Serial Numbers & Production Dates

Rolex serial numbers are engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, behind the bracelet. On watches produced from 2005 onwards, the serial is also engraved on the inner rehaut (flange ring). From 2008 onwards, the rehaut became the primary location.

The table below shows the approximate starting serial number for each production year. Dates for watches made before 1987 are estimates only — Rolex has never published an official serial number registry. From 2010 onwards, Rolex moved to randomised serial numbers with no fixed sequence.

The model (reference) number is engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock. A 4–6 digit code, it encodes the model type, bezel style, and case material. For example, 16234 breaks into 162 | 3 | 4 — Datejust · Fluted bezel · Stainless with 18k white gold.

The clasp code is stamped inside the clasp hinge: one or two letters indicating the year, followed by a number indicating the month. For example, G4 = April 1982. A service replacement bracelet carries an additional S stamp alongside the year code.

The 3-digit country code appears in the upper left corner of the Rolex Guarantee certificate. There is no country code for the USA. Most watches made before 1980 will not carry a country code.

Rolex progressively transitioned from acrylic (plexiglass) to sapphire crystals across its range. The table below shows the year each model received the upgrade, by case material.

Some older Rolex guarantee certificates issued in the United States carry red letter stamps indicating when the watch was shipped from Rolex USA to an authorised dealer. Each letter corresponds to a digit using the cipher below.