Check Rolex serial number? Here's how
February 21 2025
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The serial number of your Rolex is not only important for the authenticity of the watch, but also for maintenance, insurance and tracing of the origin. You can quickly find the serial number, as it can be found between the lugs of the watch case or on the inside of the rehaut.
In this article we explain how to find the serial number of your Rolex, what information is associated with it and how to use it.
What does the Rolex serial number say?
The serial number of a Rolex watch provides important information about the origin and year of production of the watch. Rolex created the serial number as a kind of signature that guarantees the originality of the watch. It is often the first step in finding out if the watch is authentic.
Thanks in part to the increase in counterfeit watches, the serial number is now one of the most important tools to verify the authenticity of a Rolex. If it is missing, incorrect or does not match the data on the warranty card, then there is a good chance that the watch is counterfeit.
Where can you find the serial number of a Rolex watch?
Rolex watch serial numbers are located in specific places that are easy to find if you know where to look. The exact location depends on the year the watch was made:
- Built between 1926 and 1927:
- Built between 1927 and 1987: Between the lugs
- Built between 1987 and 2002: Between the lugs
- Year of construction from 2002: On the inside of the rehaut
Good to know: The serial number of a watch from before 2002 only consists of numbers, and a watch after 2002 often also consists of letters.

Example of a Rolex serial number
Let’s say you have a Rolex with the serial number “D123456.” What does this number tell you about your watch? The letter “D” indicates that the watch was produced between 2005 and 2006. The numbers “123456” are unique to that specific watch and are used to identify it. So this number doesn’t tell you which specific model it is, but it does provide information about the production date of your Rolex. The type and strap, however, are not derived from the serial number, but can be determined through other features or documentation.
Serial numbers and year of production
Serial Number | Year |
2555384 | 1968 |
2689700 | 1969 |
2952600 | 1970 |
3215500 | 1971 |
3478400 | 1972 |
3741300 | 1973 |
4004200 | 1974 |
4267100 | 1975 |
4538000 | 1976 |
5008000 | 1977 |
5482000 | 1978 |
5958000 | 1979 |
6434000 | 1980 |
6910000 | 1981 |
7386000 | 1982 |
7862000 | 1983 |
8338000 | 1984 |
8614000 | 1985 |
9290000 | 1986 |
9766000 | 1987 |
9999999 | 1987 (medium) |
R000001 | 1987 (medium) |
R999999 | 1988 |
L000001 | 1989 |
L999999 | 1990 (medium) |
E000001 | 1990 (medium) |
E999999 | 1991 (medium) |
X000001 | 1991 (medium) |
N000001 | 1991 (Nov) |
C000001 | 1992 |
S000001 | 1993 |
W000001 | 1994/1995 |
T000001 | 1996 |
U000001 | 1997 (Aug) |
A000001 | 1998 (Nov-Dec) |
P000001 | 2000 (jan) |
K000001 | 2001 (medium) |
Y000001 | 2002 (medium) |
F000001 | 2003 (medium) |
D000001 | 2005 (beginning) |
Z000001 | 2006 (beginning)-present |
M000001 | 2008 (Jan-Nov) |
V000001 | 2008 (dec) – present |
Want to be sure your Rolex watch is authentic?
When you are considering buying a Rolex watch, you want to be sure that you are buying an authentic watch. Due to the popularity of the brand, there are unfortunately many imitation watches on the market, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the original. An assessment by a recognized specialist is therefore a must.
At Watchrr we only offer watches that have been extensively tested for authenticity. Our specialists carefully check each watch for authenticity by means of serial numbers, but of course also on other aspects such as the mechanics and finish. This way you can be sure that you have a real Rolex in your hands.
