Dating your Rolex Watch

ROLEX SERIAL NUMBERS & DATE OF MANUFACTURE

How old is your Rolex watch ?

The serial number on any Rolex watch enables you to estimate the approximate date of manufacture. On the majority Rolex watches the serial number is engraved between the case lugs at 6 o’clock just behind the bracelet end links. However on some earlier models (pre 1960) the serial number will be engraved on the outer case back. This 4-8 digit number can be used to determine the date of manufacture. It is important to note however that final assembly, sale and delivery of the completed watch may be some time later. For example a case or case back assembled in 1967, may not have been used on a completed watch until 1970 or sold via a retailer until later still.

From 2005, Rolex started to also engrave the serial number on the inside case rehaut which is found between the dial and the crystal.

From 2008, Rolex started to only engrave the numbers on the rehaut.

From 2011, Rolex started to use a random numbering system, hence in years to go dating your Rolex watch will need to be established by either referring to the original warranty card, understanding the configuration of your particular example or referring directly to Rolex.

SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP

To identify the date of your Rolex watch manufacture, refer to the following table. The serial ranges listed will provide an indication regarding the date of manufacture. Please note the serial number range Rolex used restarted again circa 1953. Care should therefore be taken when dating watches with serials which could fall into both the pre and post 1953 date ranges provided.

Rolex Serial #Year of Manufacture
990001940
1060001941
1435001942
2305001943
2695001944
3020001945
3650001946
5290001947
6280001948
7090001951
7265001952
8555001953
230001954
970001955
1330001956
2240001957
3280001958
3995001959
5160001960
6430001961
7440001962
8240001963
10090001964
11000001965
12000001966
15380001967
17520001968
19000001969
22410001970
25890001971
28905001972
32005001973
35680001974
38620001975
41150001976
50080001977
50000001978
57370001979
64340001980
65200001981
71000001982
74000001983
80700001984
86140001985
89000001986
R0000011987
94000001987
R5982001988
L9800001989
E0000011990
N0000011991
X0000011991
C0000011992
S0000011993
S8605001994
W0000011995
T0000011996
U0000011997
U9320001998
A0000011999
K0000012000
P0000012000
K or Y2001
Y2002
F2003
F2004
F2005
D2005
D or Z2006
M or Z2007
M or V2008
V2009
G2010
Random2011 onwards

CONTACT US

Should you have any further questions relating to the age of your vintage or pre-owned Rolex watch or if you require further information on the watch with a view to service, trade, consign or sell. Please do not hesitate to contact us via telephone on +33 6 78 63 37 59 or email monaco@danielbourn.com

2 thoughts on “Dating your Rolex Watch

  1. Jon parker says:

    I’m trying to date my wife’s vintage Rolex . It has a 9ct case: serial number
    3317. Has a matte gold dial Arabic numerals and a round bezel with pretty arts and craft style wheat seed type detail around the edge, it has a 9ct gold spring link bracelet . It’s in good condition runs well and keeps good time. Any idea of rough value and cost of service much appreciated. Very best wishes
    Jon Parker

  2. Jon parker says:

    Further information about wife’s Rolex I checked the hallmark: It was assayed in Glasgow in 1923
    Very best wishes
    Jon Parker

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