Enter any Rolex serial number for an instant production year estimate. Used by collectors, buyers, and dealers worldwide — completely free.
Serial Number
6,600+ people search for "Rolex serial number check" every month · Covering all models since 1926
6,600
Monthly Searches
for "Rolex serial number check"
100+
Years of Data
Production records since 1926
200K+
Stolen Watches
in the Global Database
$0
Cost
Always free to use
How It Works
Our lookup tool cross-references your serial against documented Rolex production records compiled over decades by the collector community.
On modern Rolexes, the serial number is engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position. On vintage models, it may be on the case back. Typical formats: M123456, V891234, or 8-character alphanumeric for post-2011 models.
Type or paste the serial number into the checker. Our database cross-references against documented Rolex production records spanning 1926 to the present day to return an estimated manufacture date.
You'll instantly see the estimated production era and year range. Then, take the critical next step: run the same serial through the Global Stolen Watch Database before buying or selling.
One More Critical Step
The Global Stolen Watch Database contains 200,000+ reported stolen timepieces from police forces, insurers, and dealers across 45 countries.
Buying a stolen watch — even unknowingly — means it can be confiscated with no refund. For $5, you get certainty in five seconds.
Check the Stolen Watch DatabaseFAQ
On watches made after 2005, the serial number is laser-etched on the rehaut (inner bezel ring) at the 6 o'clock position. On older models, it is engraved on the case side between the lugs at 6 o'clock. You'll need to remove the bracelet to see it. Never rely on a dealer who can't show you the case-side serial.
No — and this is intentional. Rolex has never published an official serial-to-date guide. The dates shown are community-documented approximations based on reference watches with known purchase dates. They are accurate within 1–2 years for most models. The only way to get the exact production date is via an Authorised Rolex Service Centre.
From around 2011, Rolex switched from the letter-prefix system (e.g. G123456) to fully randomised 8-character alphanumeric serials (e.g. AB3C1D9E). This was done to prevent serial number counterfeiting. The production year cannot be determined from these serials at all — only the service centre can confirm the date.
Double-check you've read the serial correctly — it's easy to mistake a 0 for an O, or a 1 for an I. If the format is correct and it's still not recognised, the watch may have an unusual or rare configuration, or it may be a counterfeit. We recommend having it physically inspected by an Authorised Rolex Dealer.
Partially. If the serial format doesn't match any known Rolex convention, it's a red flag. However, counterfeiters do copy valid serial number formats, so a "matching" serial doesn't confirm authenticity. For that, you need physical inspection AND a stolen watch database check to confirm the serial hasn't been cloned from a legitimate watch.
Buying a stolen luxury watch — even unknowingly — can result in the watch being confiscated with no refund. The Global Stolen Watch Database at stolenwatchcheck.com aggregates reports from police forces, insurance companies, and watch dealers across 45 countries. For $5, it's the most important $5 you'll spend before a five-figure purchase.
Reference
Quick reference guide. All dates are approximate — use the checker above for individual serials.
1926–1986
1 – 9,999,999
All-numeric serials
1987–1992
R, L, E, X, N
Early Letter era
1992–1999
C, S, W, T, U
Mid Letter era
1999–2004
A, P, K, Y, F
Late Letter era
2004–2011
D, Z, M, V, G, B
Final Letter era
2011–Present
8-char random
e.g. AB3C1D9E