Rolex watches come with two important numbers engraved on the case. These numbers provide valuable information about your watch.
The two numbers are:
- Serial Number: This is a unique identifier for each watch. It helps determine when the watch was made.
- Reference Number: Also known as the model number.
Here's how to find them:
The reference number is always on the 12 o’clock side of the case.
The serial number's location depends on the watch's age:
- Before 2006, it was on the opposite side of the case (6 o’clock).
- Between 2006 and 2008, it was on the case and the rehaut (inner circle under the glass).
- From 2010 onwards, it's only on the rehaut.
Understanding the Rolex Reference Number:
The first digits indicate the Rolex model or collection. For example, Day-Date models typically start with 182 or 282.
There's a list to understand the reference number better:
Model Name Start of Reference Number:
| Air-King | 55, 140, 116 |
| Date | 15, 150, 115 |
| Datejust | 16, 162, 1162 |
| Datejust II | 1163 |
| Datejust 40 | 1263 |
| Day-Date | 65, 18, 180, 182, 183, 1182 |
| Day-Date II | 2182 |
| Day-Date 40 | 2282 |
| Daytona | 62, 162, 1165 |
| Explorer | 142, 10, 1142, 2142 |
| Explorer II | 16, 165, 2165 |
| Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140, 142, 114 |
| Milgauss | 65, 10, 1164 |
| Sea-Dweller | 16, 166, 1166, 1266 |
| Submariner | 55, 140, 1140 |
| Submariner (no date) | 16, 166, 168, 1166 |
| GMT-Master | 65, 16, 1675 |
| GMT-Master II | 167, 1167, 1267 |
| Oysterquartz | 170, 190 |
| Yacht-Master | 166, 686, 696, 1686, 1696, 1166 |
| Yacht-Master II | 1166 |
|
Sky-Dweller |
326 |
The next digit describes the bezel type, and then a number indicates the material used.
Bezel Number:
Smooth / Domed / Polished - 0
Engine Turned -1
Engraved - 2
Fluted - 3
Bark / Hand-Crafted - 4
Rotatable - 6
Various (e.g. Explorer II) - 7
Engine Turned -1
Engraved - 2
Fluted - 3
Bark / Hand-Crafted - 4
Rotatable - 6
Various (e.g. Explorer II) - 7
Material Number:
Stainless Steel - 0
Stainless Steel and Everose Gold - Everose Rolesor 1
Stainless steel and Platinum - Rolesium 2
Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold - Yellow Rolesor 3
Stainless Steel and 18k White gold - White Rolesor 4
Everose - 5
Platinum - 6
18k Yellow gold - 8
18k White gold - 9
Decoding the Rolex Serial Number:
Since 2009, Rolex serial numbers have been random. They're just unique identifiers. But you might determine the manufacturing year for older watches from the serial number.
First Letter of Serial Number & Manufacture Date:
G - 2009
V - 2008
M - 2007
Z - 2006
D - 2005
F - 2004 and 2003
Y - 2002
K - 2001
Understanding the Number on the Rolex Clasp:
A code on the bracelet clasp indicates the year and month it was made.
It's normal if it differs from the watch's year. However, replacing the clasp can affect the watch's value.
Looking for Your Rolex?
ECI Jewelers offers a wide range of pre-owned Rolexes. If you need help buying or selling, click here.