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. 

Rolex Yacht-Master Wide

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 NumberYear
25553841968
26897001969
29526001970
32155001971
34784001972
37413001973
40042001974
42671001975
45380001976
50080001977
54820001978
59580001979
64340001980
69100001981
73860001982
78620001983
83380001984
86140001985
92900001986
97660001987
99999991987 (medium)
R0000011987 (medium)
R9999991988
L0000011989
L9999991990 (medium)
E0000011990 (medium)
E9999991991 (medium)
X0000011991 (medium)
N0000011991 (Nov)
C0000011992
S0000011993
W0000011994/1995
T0000011996
U0000011997 (Aug)
A0000011998 (Nov-Dec)
P0000012000 (jan)
K0000012001 (medium)
Y0000012002 (medium)
F0000012003 (medium)
D0000012005 (beginning)
Z0000012006 (beginning)-present
M0000012008 (Jan-Nov)
V0000012008 (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. 

Jesse from Watchrr

Jesse

Watch specialist