ROLEX SERIAL NUMBERS
Rolex serial numbers are very useful in determining the approximate age of your Rolex timepiece. When combined with the bracelet clasp code, Rolex serial numbers can also be used to determine the originality of the bracelet. Below you will find very clear tables/charts on how to determine your Rolex’s age.
In 1987, Rolex did away with the traditional numeral only system of serial numbers, and began the letter prefix system. The first letter prefix, R, was introduced in 1987. This system of serial numbers begins with a letter in the alphabet, and 6 digits of Arabic numerals follow that said letter.
After 23 years of using this system, Rolex abandoned the letter prefix system and switched to the new scrambled/random serial number system in 2010. This style serial number contains 8 digits of a mixture of alphabet letters and Arabic numerals, making it impossible to date your Rolex without examining the warranty card issue date. The Rolex serial number table below will nonetheless be helpful to any Rolex owner or potential owner.
Serial number's Chart From 1987 to this day
| First Letter of Serial Number (Followed by 6 Numbers) | Year of Production |
|---|---|
| R | 1987 (First year of letter system) |
| R-L | 1988 |
| L | 1989 |
| L-E | 1990 |
| E-N-X | 1991 |
| N-C-X | 1992 |
| X-S | 1993 |
| S-W | 1994 |
| W | 1995 |
| W-T | 1996 |
| T-U | 1997 |
| U | 1998 |
| A | 1999 |
| P | 2000 |
| P-K | 2001 |
| K-Y | 2002 |
| Y-F | 2003 |
| F | 2004 |
| F-D | 2005 |
| D-Z | 2006 |
| Z-M | 2007 |
| Z-M-V | 2008 |
| V | 2009 |
| G | 2010 |
| Random/Scrambled (A mixture of 8 numbers or letters) | May 2010 - Present day |
Prior to 1987, Rolex used a serial number system based strictly on Arabic numerals. At first it was 5 digits, then 6, and finally 7 before being discontinued in favor of the letter prefix system seen above. The serial number chart below will help you date your Rolex’s approximate production date if the said Rolex is made prior to 1987. Do note that the chart below is very approximate at best. Vintage serial numbers are much more difficult to accurately date than the letter prefix serial numbers. As Rolex does not publish its serial number age information, and we are not affiliated with Rolex in anyway, this is merely a helpful chart we have to approximate production date. Use this chart as an excellent way to gauge a tight window of production date for your vintage Rolex timepiece.
Serial number's Chart From 1925 to 1987
| Year of Production | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1925 | 25XXX |
| 1926 | 28XXX |
| 1927 | 30XXX |
| 1928 | 32XXX |
| 1929 | 35XXX |
| 1930 | 37XXX |
| 1931 | 40XXX |
| 1932 | 42XXX |
| 1933 | 45XXX |
| 1934 | 49XXX |
| 1935 | 63XXX |
| 1936 | 81XXX |
| 1937 | 99XXX |
| 1938 | 117XXX |
| 1939 | 135XXX |
| 1940 | 164XXX |
| 1941 | 194XXX |
| 1942 | 223XXX |
| 1943 | 253XXX |
| 1944 | 283XXX |
| 1945 | 348XXX |
| 1946 | 413XXX |
| 1947 | 478XXX |
| 1948 | 543XXX |
| 1949 | 608XXX |
| 1950 | 673XXX |
| 1951 | 738XXX |
| 1952 | 803XXX |
| 1953 | 868XXX |
| 1954 | 934XXX |
| 1955 | Rolex starts back at 10000 |
| 1956 | 139XXX |
| 1957 | 216XXX |
| 1958 | 353XXX |
| 1959 | 399XXX |
| 1960 | 512XXX |
| 1961 | 646XXX |
| 1962 | 763XXX |
| 1963 | 940XXX |
| 1964 | 995XXX |
| 1965 | 119XXXX |
| 1966 | 128XXXX |
| 1967 | 155XXXX |
| 1968 | 172XXXX |
| 1969 | 206XXXX |
| 1970 | 250XXXX |
| 1971 | 272XXXX |
| 1972 | 305XXXX |
| 1973 | 352XXXX |
| 1974 | 376XXXX |
| 1975 | 388XXXX |
| 1976 | 415XXXX |
| 1977 | 500XXXX |
| 1978 | 523XXXX |
| 1979 | 595XXXX |
| 1980 | 643XXXX |
| 1981 | 658XXXX |
| 1982 | 712XXXX |
| 1983 | 786XXXX |
| 1984 | 833XXXX |
| 1985 | 862XXXX |
| 1986 | 929XXXX |
| 1987 | 986XXXX |
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