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A Rolex watch is one of the most prestigious and sought after watches in the world. Here at Miltons Diamonds, we know that purchasing one of these luxurious timepieces raises numerous questions, new or second-hand. We pride ourselves on offering our customers an exquisite range of the finest pre owned Rolex watches, which remain in excellent condition, each with its own serial number.

Understanding Rolex serial numbers can be a real challenge, especially if you are unsure of what to look for. This is why we have created this easy-to-follow guide to explain the purpose of serial numbers, what they mean and where they are located. This guide also includes a table of Rolex serial numbers by year so that you can match yours up instantly, as well as a selection of tips on how to sell your pre-owned Rolex watch.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Rolex serial numbers below.

WHAT ARE ROLEX SERIAL NUMBERS?

Ever since the 1920s, every watch Rolex has produced features a unique engraved serial number. If truly understood, serial numbers can offer vital information about each Rolex watch. Rolex Serial numbers can be invaluable when it comes to determining current market values, as well as the age of a watch and if genuine. 

 

HOW DO I CHECK A ROLEX SERIAL NUMBER?

If you wish to check the serial number on your Rolex watch, this can be found between the watch casing lugs at the 6 o’clock position. In 2005, Rolex decided to change where the serial number was displayed. Rolex moved the code to the inner watch rim, or the ‘rehaut’. Moving the serial number location made it more difficult for fraudsters to create a fake copy. Rolex serial numbers used to be easily attributed to the year of manufacture, however in 2010, Rolex began to create randomised, unique identification numbers in the place of their usual sequential numbering system. Unsurprisingly this makes the task of matching up the codes to the production years a little more challenging, however, it does help when determining whether or not a pre-owned Rolex watch is genuine.

 

ROLEX SERIAL AND MODEL NUMBERS MEANING

So what do Rolex serial numbers mean? Every Rolex serial number is unique, indicating what year the watch was made and helping to authenticate a timepiece. In 2009, Rolex started using a random numbering system to generate its serial numbers, making the only way to identify the exact date of a Rolex produced in late 2009 onwards is to take it into an official Rolex dealer, or checking the watches papers.

Rolex model numbers are located between the watch casing lugs at the 12 o’clock position. Be it 4, 5 or 6 digits long, the unique sequence of numbers may look random, but there is meaning to it. Begin by looking at the first two to four digits of the code, this describes the type of watch. If the model number of your watch is five or six digits long, the second to last number describes the bezel. The final number symbolises the type of metal the watch is made from. For some watches, the codes will be slightly different in that they will have letters following the numerical digits, and these provide additional information about the watch.

ROLEX SERIAL NUMBERS CHART

To keep it simple, we have created a handy table below showing Rolex serial numbers by year, so that you can match yours up and discover the exact year that your timepiece was manufactured. 

1925 - 1930
25 - 27XXX = 1925 33 - 34XXX = 1928
28 - 29XXX = 1926 35 - 37XXX = 1929
30 - 32XXX = 1927 38 - 39XXX = 1930
   
   
1931 - 1940
40 - 41XXX = 1931 81 - 98XXX = 1936
42 - 44XXX = 1932 99 - 116XXX = 1937
45 - 48XXX = 1933 117 - 134XXX = 1938
49 - 62XXX = 1934 135 - 163XXX = 1939
63 - 80XXX = 1935 164 - 193XXX = 1940
1941 - 1950
194 - 222XXX = 1941 413 - 489XXX = 1946
223 - 252XXX = 1942 490 - 549XXX = 1947
253 - 282XXX = 1943 550 - 607XXX = 1948
283 - 347XXX = 1944 608 - 672XXX = 1949
348 - 412XXX = 1945 673 - 736XXX = 1950
1951 - 1960
737 - 803XXX = 1951 1090 - 1160XXX = 1956
804 - 868XXX = 1952 1170 - 1230XXX = 1957
869 - 933XXX = 1953 1240 - 1310XXX = 1958
934 - 1104XXX = 1954 1320 - 1390XXX = 1959
1105 - 1080XXX = 1955 1400 - 1480XXX = 1960
1961 - 1970
1480 - 1557XXX = 1961 1870 - 2159XXX = 1966
1558 - 1662XXX = 1962 2160 - 2419XXX = 1967
1663 - 1709XXX = 1963 2420 - 2679XXX = 1968
1710 - 1791XXX = 1964 2680 - 2949XXX = 1969
1792 - 1869XXX = 1965 2950 - 3209XXX = 1970
1971 - 1980
3210 - 3469XXX = 1971 4530 - 4999XXX = 1976
3470 - 3739XXX = 1972 5000 - 5399XXX = 1977
3740 - 3999XXX = 1973 5400 - 5899XXX = 1978
4000 - 4179XXX = 1974 5900 - 6399XXX = 1979
4280 - 4529XXX = 1975 6400 - 6899XXX = 1980
1981 - 1990
6900 - 7299XXX = 1981 9290 - 9759XXX = 1986
7300 - 7799XXX = 1982 9760 - 9999XXX = 1987
7800 - 8299XXX = 1983 RXXXXXX = 1988
8300 - 8599XXX = 1984 LXXXXXX = 1989
8600 - 9289XXX = 1985 EXXXXXX = 1990
1991 - 2000
XXXXXXX = 1991 TXXXXXX = 1996
NXXXXXX = 1991 UXXXXXX = 1997
CXXXXXX = 1992 AXXXXXX = 1998
SXXXXXX = 1993 PXXXXXX = 2000
WXXXXXX = 1995  
2001 - 2010
KXXXXXX = 2001 ZXXXXXX = 2006
YXXXXXX = 2002 MXXXXXX = 2008
FXXXXXX = 2004 VXXXXXX = 2009
DXXXXXX = 2005  
   

SELL YOUR PREOWNED ROLEX

We hope our detailed guide to Rolex serial numbers has helped you understand your timepiece better, or even gave you the confidence to purchase your dream watch. Here at Miltons Diamonds we don't just sell watches, we buy them as well. Our dedicated Sell Your Watch page is perfect to gauge how much you could get for your timepiece, or even part-exchange it towards a new model. 

When it comes to valuing your pre-owned Rolex, our experienced team will examine several factors, to ensure that you get a fair price. If you need any help with locating your serial number, or have any questions about selling your pre owned Rolex timepiece, contact the Miltons Diamonds team today and we will be happy to assist you.

Here at Miltons Diamonds, our extensive collection of second-hand Rolex watches has a huge array of beautiful designs for you to choose from. With our premium timepieces, quality is guaranteed, and plenty of choices available, including Rolex Datejust, Submariner, Daytona, GMT Masters and many more.

 
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