Every Rolex watch has two engravings etched into the metal of its case: the reference number and serial number. The first engraving, located between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side is the reference number, and it describes the materials and configuration of that particular watch.

1. Rolex F Serial Number Year Lookup
2. Rolex F Serial Number Year 6
3. Rolex F Serial Number Year Look
4. Rolex F Serial Number Year 6

In the same way that Rolex serial numbers allow you to date the year of your Rolex you can also date the year of your Rolex bracelet. Rolex bracelet codes are found on the inner part of the Rolex bracelet clasp and started in the 1950’s when Rolex also began stamping the inner caseback of their watches. Rolex serial numbers are located between the watch lugs at 6 o’clock (remove the bracelet for the case). A unique number is given to every genuine Rolex watch and this number can be used to determine the production date.

Nov 30, 2017 - Enter your Rolex's serial number here to find out what year it was made. 2003–2004, Any code beginning with F, 1961, 1,480,000–1,557,999. Sep 28, 2018 - What do these numbers mean? What's the difference between Rolex serial numbers and Rolex reference numbers? How can I tell what year.

The second engraving, located between the lugs on the opposite side (or on the inner bezel for modern Rolex watches) is the serial number for the watch, and serves as the timepiece’s unique identification number.

The reference and serial numbers clearly convey the model, caliber of movement, and year of production for every Rolex watch. To the uninitiated, these engravings may seem like a random mix of numbers and letters; however each digit represents a defining characteristic about the watch.

Rolex reference numbers can range from four to six digits in length, and they describe the watch’s most important and defining features. The first two to three digits describe the specific model of watch, which alludes to its size and the type of movement that will be found inside.

If the watch’s reference number has five digits, the second from the last (with some exceptions) describes the style of bezel fitted to the watch. Additionally, the last digit of a Rolex reference number describes the materials from which the watch is made.

On the 12 o'clock side of every Rolex there is a 4 to 6 digit number between that lugs. These numbers can give you a lot of information. For example, the first 2-3 digits are used to describe the watch. For 5 digit models, the second from the right will provide you with the bezel while the last digit is the material used.

Here is an example of the Bezel type numbers used:

• 0 Polished
• 1 Finely Engine Turned
• 2 Engine Turned
• 3 Fluted
• 4 Hand-Crafted
• 5 Pyramid
• 6 Rotating Bezel

The type of materials used follows the below example

• 0 Stainless
• 1 Yellow Gold Filled
• 2 White Gold Filled
• 3 Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold
• 4 Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold
• 5 Gold Shell
• 6 Platinum
• 14k Yellow Gold
• 18k Yellow Gold
• 18k White Gold

On the opposite side of the watch, below 6 o'clock and under the bracelet, you will find a serial number that is unique to each watch. Just like the model number above there are a number of different things you can learn about a watch from this serial number, such as the year produced. You can view the complete Rolex serial number listings on Bob's Watches or take advantage of our fast and easy to use serial number lookup tool.

In more recent years, Rolex started adding a 1 or 2 in front of certain model numbers to designate them as new references. An example of this is the Rolesor (two-tone) Submariner that saw its reference number change from 16613 to 116613, or the stainless steel Explorer II that saw a change in reference number from 16570 to 216570.

While yellow gold is easy to visually differentiate from stainless steel, other uses of precious metals are not as simple and straightforward to decipher. Rolex’s reference number system allows customers to easily and definitively determine the materials from which a watch is made, and confirm that the watch has retained its original, manufacturer-intended configuration.

Rolex F Serial Number Year Lookup

Certain Rolesor (two-tone) versions of Rolex’s Datejust line may appear as though they are craft entirely from stainless steel; however a closer look at the watch’s reference number will actually confirm that they are made from both stainless steel and white gold.

The classic, 36mm Rolex Datejust, reference 116200, looks remarkably similar to the reference 116234. However, the reference 116234 is fitted with an 18-karat, white gold bezel, while the reference 116200 comes with a regular, domed, stainless steel one.

Often, the style of bezel and type of metal is rather obvious, and can easily be determined by simply looking at the watch. However, when purchasing a pre-owned Rolex, the watch’s reference number is an excellent way of confirming that the timepiece pictured is in its correct configuration, and that no parts differ from those that were fitted to the watch when it left the factory.

While the reference number indicates the model and configuration for a watch, Rolex serial numbers can often pinpoint when a particular watch was manufactured. Rolex serial numbers range from four to eight digits in length, and can contain both numbers and letters. Beginning in 1987, Rolex started using a letter as the first digit of their serial numbers to signify the year of production for that specific watch.

This rule holds true until 2011, when Rolex switched to a random serial number system that makes it impossible to tell when exactly a watch left their factory. The following table illustrates the evolution of Rolex’s serial numbers, and their corresponding years of production.

Rolex Serial Numbers with Introduction Time

• Random: 2011 - Present
• G000,001: 2010 - Current
• V000,001: 2008 - 2009
• M000,001: 2007 - 2008
• Z000,001: 2006 - 2007
• D000,001: 2005
• F000,001: 2003 -2004
• Y000,001: 2002
• K000,001: 2001
• P000,001: 2000
• A000,001: 1999
• U000,001: 1997 - 1998
• T000,001: 1996
• W000,001: 1995
• S000,001: 1993 -1994
• C000,001: 1992

View the complete Rolex serial number listings

The reason behind the change to random serial numbers stemmed from the discrepancy between when a watch’s case was manufactured, and when that watch ultimately was sold. Rolex produces tens of thousands of watches each year, and it is not uncommon for cases to be manufactured long before they actually get sold as complete timepieces.

Brand-new, Rolex watches at authorized dealers would have serial numbers that would indicate that the watch was actually several years old. To quell concerns regarding the production date of brand-new, unworn watches, Rolex switched to random serial numbers in 2011 and has since adhered to that practice.

Rolex collectors place a great deal of importance on the reference and serial numbers of their watches. Although they may seem insignificant, these small engravings convey all the relevant details about a Rolex, and can even attest to the watch’s authenticity.

ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES BY SERIAL NUMBER…

The serial number is traditionally located at 6 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. In 2005, Rolex began engraving the serial number on the rehaut (French for ‘flange’) between the dial and the crystal as well as the 6′ o’clock location. Starting in 2008, Rolex stopped engraving the serial number at the case 6 o’clock location, using only the rehaut location. By 2010 this practice had gradually transitioned to all models.

Rolex F Serial Number Year 6

In 2010, Rolex mostly abandoned their conventional numbering sequence in favor for a mixed (aka random aka scrambled) serial. They will be 8 digits, opposed to 7 in the past. Random examples of these indecipherable numbers are “OT23Q257”, “12345J78”, and “345X29VN”.

* We have seen G serialed watches that were produced in 2012, so Rolex is using both the mixed and the G at the same time.

** In 1987, rather than begin an 8 digit production serial, Rolex instead began their serials with a letter prefix such as R, then L, E & X. (ROLEX without the O) N, C, & S came out during the early to mid 1990’s, W, T & U a little later. The latest letter prefixes are all running concurrently…as Rolex wishes! Only Rolex knows the exact date that any watch was actually produced. Confused…contact Rolex with the exact serial number of your watch…don’t expect a reply with an answer!

*** When Rolex reached the 999,999 production serial in the early 1950’s…they restarted the production serial at 100,000 rather than begin a 7 digit number at 1,000,000. During this period Rolex was also putting the date code on the inside of the case backs…so confusing production serials can sometimes have their production date determined. Look for the Roman number I, II, III or IV for the quarter & two arabic digits for the year.

Rolex F Serial Number Year Look

In the late 1950’s, Rolex again reached the 999,999 production serial & they started their 7 digit numeric numbering system at 1,000,000 for production serials, this continued until the 1990’s until production serials reached 9,999,999.

How Does Rolex Assign Serial Numbers?

Last Updated: December 2007

Model Numbers: Rolex model numbers range from four to six numbers. The number is located at 12 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. The first two or three digits describes the type of watch.

If the watch has five digits, the second from the last describes (some exceptions) the type of bezel and the last describes the material that the watch is made from.

Around 2000, Rolex began adding a 1 in front of some model numbers… Example; the steel Daytona went from 16520 to 116520.

Rolex Model Reference Numbers

The following list is not complete and is just a break-down.

Type of Watch…

Type of Bezel

Type of Material

Rolex F Serial Number Year 6

Rolex Serial Number Lookup Chart

Serial Numbers: The serial number is located opposite of the model number at 6 o’clock between the lugs and under the bracelet. Since 1987, Rolex has used a system of 1 letter, followed by 6 digits. When buying and selling Rolex watches, that letter is one of the most important details many buyers will want to know. We believe there’s a good chance Rolex will produce (tens of) thousands of cases, but not complete the watch… So a case made in 2003 with a Y#, might not leave Switzerland for 2 more years. Also, models with gold and precious stones usually do not sell as quickly as steel models and will sit around the authorized dealer for a longer period.