A Comprehensive Guide to Rolex Reference Number and Serial Number

February 20th, 2019

Pioneer in the development of the luxury wristwatches, Rolex is indeed, at the origin of many significant watch-making innovations. From the casting of gold alloys to designing, machining and assembling of the case, movement, bracelet and dial, Rolex crafts and produces all essential elements of its watches in-house. Every Rolex watch is designed to perfection that eventually, helps to retain its value with time. Thus, you can decide to sell your Rolex watch in a hard-up situation to raise some quick cash. But:

While potential watch buyers today are more interested in buying second hand luxury watches rather than selling, the question of authenticity heavily weighs on the minds of many Rolex dealers. Why? The luxury watch market continues to fill with counterfeit Rolex watches. Some of the fake productions are so good that a professional Rolex dealer can only distinguish between a genuine Rolex and a forgery.

However, reference number and serial numbers are unique to a specific Rolex watch. Thus, they can verify a watch’s authenticity. Whether you are looking to sell your Rolex watch in London this comprehensive guide to Rolex reference and serial numbers will help you to ascertain whether the Rolex watch you are interested in selling is genuine or fake.

What is the Rolex Reference Number?

The Rolex reference number is known to be as unique as its owner’s fingerprints. Each Rolex watch comes with a unique reference number, situated between the watch’s lugs at the 12 o’clock position. While some fake Rolex timepieces have an entirely fictitious reference number, others may not even possess one.

Based on the Reference number, take a look at these few things that may aid you in verifying your Rolex’s authenticity:

• Rolex watches that are manufactured before 1980’s bear a four-digit reference number.
• However, the watches introduced between the 1980s and 2000 carry a five-digit reference number.
• Alternatively, the ones launched between 2000 and today’s date will have a six-digit number along with the number ‘1’ preceding the five-digit reference number. (Take note: the numeric preface might change as more models are introduced)
• While the fifth digit refers to the type of bezel, the sixth digit refers to the kind of bracelet.
• Most significantly, the inscription of the reference number should look like a diamond engraving instead of an acid-etched look.

Where can you find the Rolex Reference Number?

If you retain the original papers that came with your Rolex Watch at the time of purchase, you can find out its reference number easily.

• Alternatively, if you do not have the access on your watch’s official documents, you can find the reference number on the timepiece.
• The Rolex reference number is craved on the watch, just on the opposite side of the serial number.
• You will have to remove your watch’s bracelet from case’s 12 o‘clock position to glance it.

What are the Rolex clasp codes?

All genuine Rolex watch comes with a set of numbers and letter present inside the clasp hinge.

• The numerals and letters designate the month and year of manufacturing of the bracelet.
• For example, if your Rolex bracelet is stamped G4, it signifies that the bracelet was made in April 1982.

However, remember that a new watch can come with an old bracelet or vice-versa, particularly in the pre-owned market.

• You may have switched out your watch’s bracelet to meet your taste.
• But if you have replaced the bracelet with any original bracelet of Rolex, it is not likely to influence its resale value.

What is the Rolex Serial Numbers?

Each Rolex watch that leaves the factory is ascribed with its serial number. Thus, every serial number is unique that narrates approximately the watch’s year of manufacturing.

• Rolex serial number is also called as the style number or case number, located in the middle of lugs at the 6 o’clock position.
• While these numbers are used to determine the age of a Rolex watch, they also help to establish its authenticity and market value.
• Thus, it is essential that you figure out the serial number when you decide to sell your Rolex watch.
• When it comes to selling vintage Rolex timepieces, the older the watch, higher will be the price.

In the 1920s, the brand started to stamp all their timepieces with serial numbers.

• While the numbers reached the 999,999 marks, the count was recommenced from 100,001.
• Once again, the 999,999 marks were reached in the 1960s. Then, the manufacturer added a seventh digit to the serial numbers for preventing confusion.

In the 1980s, when the mark of 9,999,999 was reached, Rolex started to add a letter to their watches’ serial numbers.

• However, the watches manufactured by the brand between the 1950s and 1970s possess a Roman numeral with a two-digit Arabic numeral code, engraved on the case back.
• While the Roman numerals (I, II, III and IV) describe the quarter in which the watch was made, the two-digit Arabic code refers to the year of production.

Where can you find the Rolex Serial Number?

Again, the serial number can be typically found on its original paperwork. However, if you do not retain the paperwork or any documents, you are likely to see it on your watch.

• On Rolex watches that are made before 2007, you can find the serial numbers engraved on the watch case, in the middle of the lugs at 6 o’clock. Remove the bracelet, and you can see it.
• In late 2006, Rolex began to add the serial number laser along with the case stamping, inscribed on the rehaut (that holds the watch face) that is visible via the sapphire crystal.
• Finally, in late 2008, the brand eliminated the case engraving. Today, every Rolex watch exclusively shows the serial number on their rehaut.

Whether you choose to ‘sell Rolex watches’ online or via appointment, the more information and documents you can provide about your Rolex watch at the time of selling, the better. It will help the potential Rolex watch buyers in London to verify your Rolex’s authenticity and also, determine its accurate value in the second hand market.

Eventually, the process of selling will become more convenient and straightforward, enabling you to obtain the best possible price for your luxury watch without any delay.