How to date my vintage Rolex watch in 5 minutes?
You are passionate about vintage Rolex watches and you wonder: how to know the exact age of your watch? At Atelier Victor, we offer you a comprehensive guide to explain, step by step, how to use the serial number of your Rolex watch to better understand its history and rich heritage. In this article, we will answer key questions such as: how to find the serial number of my vintage Rolex watch, how to date my Rolex watch, and how to find the reference of my Rolex watch. Additionally, we will provide you with a handy chart to help you date your Rolex watch accurately.
How to Find the Serial Number of My Rolex Watch?
You are probably wondering: where is the serial number of my Rolex watch? For Rolex models, the serial number is generally engraved between the lugs of the case, at 6 o'clock, or on the case back in the case of some Rolexes like vintage Rolex Cellini. As for the model reference, it is often located at 12 o'clock. However, for watches produced after 2010, Rolex opted for random serial numbers, making it impossible to date them based solely on these numbers. Nevertheless, for vintage Rolex models, the serial number follows a logical sequence, allowing you to determine the year of manufacture of your watch.
How to Date My Vintage Rolex Watch?
If you are wondering: what is the year of manufacture of my vintage Rolex watch, rest assured, you are in the right place! The table below has been designed to guide you and allow you to determine the age of your Rolex watch based on its serial number. This table covers Rolex serial numbers from 1925 to 2010, thus providing you with the possibility to answer the question: how to date my vintage Rolex watch? However, keep in mind that this is the production year of the watch, not the year it was released on the market.
Comprehensive Table of Vintage Rolex Serial Numbers
Please note that this table is not exhaustive and may vary slightly according to different sources. However, it will provide you with a reasonable estimate of the age of a vintage Rolex as well as a neo-vintage using the serial number.
| Period | Serial Numbers | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 - 1930 | 25 - 27xxx | 1925 |
| 28 - 29xxx | 1926 | |
| 30 - 32xxx | 1927 | |
| 33 - 34xxx | 1928 | |
| 35 - 37xxx | 1929 | |
| 38 - 39xxx | 1930 | |
| 1931 - 1940 | 40 - 41xxx | 1931 |
| 42 - 44xxx | 1932 | |
| 45 - 48xxx | 1933 | |
| 49 - 62xxx | 1934 | |
| 63 - 80xxx | 1935 | |
| 81 - 98xxx | 1936 | |
| 99 - 116xxx | 1937 | |
| 117 - 134xxx | 1938 | |
| 135 - 163xxx | 1939 | |
| 164 - 193xxx | 1940 | |
| 1941 - 1950 | 194 - 222xxx | 1941 |
| 223 - 252xxx | 1942 | |
| 253 - 282xxx | 1943 | |
| 283 - 347xxx | 1944 | |
| 348 - 412xxx | 1945 | |
| 413 - 489xxx | 1946 | |
| 490 - 549xxx | 1947 | |
| 550 - 607xxx | 1948 | |
| 608 - 672xxx | 1949 | |
| 673 - 736xxx | 1950 | |
| 1951 - 1960 | 737 - 803xxx | 1951 |
| 804 - 868xxx | 1952 | |
| 869 - 933xxx | 1953 | |
| 934 - 1104xxx | 1954 | |
| 1105 - 1080xxx | 1955 | |
| 1090 - 1160xxx | 1956 | |
| 1170 - 1230xxx | 1957 | |
| 1240 - 1310xxx | 1958 | |
| 1320 - 1390xxx | 1959 | |
| 1400 - 1480xxx | 1960 | |
| 1961 - 1970 | 1480 - 1557xxx | 1961 |
| 1558 - 1662xxx | 1962 | |
| 1663 - 1709xxx | 1963 | |
| 1710 - 1791xxx | 1964 | |
| 1792 - 1869xxx | 1965 | |
| 1870 - 2159xxx | 1966 | |
| 2160 - 2419xxx | 1967 | |
| 2420 - 2679xxx | 1968 | |
| 2680 - 2949xxx | 1969 | |
| 2950 - 3209xxx | 1970 | |
| 1971 - 1980 | 3210 - 3469xxx | 1971 |
| 3470 - 3739xxx | 1972 | |
| 3740 - 3999xxx | 1973 | |
| 4000 - 4179xxx | 1974 | |
| 4280 - 4529xxx | 1975 | |
| 4530 - 4999xxx | 1976 | |
| 5000 - 5399xxx | 1977 | |
| 5400 - 5899xxx |
Rolex Watch Reference Guide: Models, Materials, and Finishes
At Rolex, each watch is equipped with a unique reference that reveals essential information, going far beyond the simple model. This reference allows you to identify not only the watch model but also the type of material used, as well as specific characteristics that distinguish each piece. Whether you are a passionate collector or a luxury watch enthusiast, understanding these references is fundamental. This gives you the ability to better understand and recognize the various models and the precious materials used for your vintage Rolex.
To facilitate this understanding, we have prepared a detailed table grouping the main denominations of Rolex models, their different finishes, as well as the materials used in their manufacture. With this information, you will be able to accurately identify the specifics of each Rolex watch and enrich your watchmaking knowledge.
Rolex Model Reference Table
| Designation | Reference |
|---|---|
| Submariner (No date) | 55 & 140 |
| Submariner | 16, 166 & 168 |
| Sea Dweller | 16 & 166 |
| GMT Master | 16, 65 & 167 |
| GMT Master II | 167 & 1167 |
| Day-Date (President) | 65, 66, 18, 180, 182 & 183 |
| Datejust | 16 & 162 |
| Daytona Manual Wind | 62 |
| Daytona Cosmograph | 165 & 1165 |
| Explorer II | 10, 140 & 142 |
| Oyster Perpetual | 10, 140 & 142 |
| Airking | 55 & 140 |
| Date | 15 & 150 |
| Oysterquartz Datejust | 170 |
| Oysterquartz Day-Date | 190 |
| Yachtmaster | 166, 686 & 696 |
| Oyster Perp Datejust Medium | 68, 682 |
| Lady Oyster Perpetual | 67, 671 & 672 |
| Lady Date | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
| Lady Datejust | 65, 69, 691 & 692 |
Rolex Bezel Finish Reference Table
| Designation | Reference |
|---|---|
| Polished | 0 |
| Engraved | 1 |
| Engraved | 2 |
| Fluted | 3 |
| Manufactured | 4 |
| Pyramid | 5 |
| Rotating | 6 |
Rolex Watch Materials Reference Table
| Designation | Reference |
|---|---|
| Stainless | 0 |
| Yellow Gold Filled | 1 |
| White Gold Filled | 2 |
| Stainless & Yellow Gold | 3 |
| Stainless w/ 18k White Gold | 4 |
| Gold Shell | 5 |
| Platinum | 6 |
| 14k Yellow Gold | 7 |
| 18k Yellow Gold | 8 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rolex references offer a wealth of valuable information that goes far beyond a simple model number. Thanks to the details contained in these references, it is possible to discover not only the model of your watch but also the materials and finishes used, as well as some of its specific characteristics. This makes understanding vintage Rolex references crucial for any enthusiast or collector, as it allows for a better understanding of the history and value of each piece.
Whether you are interested in a vintage Rolex Submariner, a vintage Daytona, or a vintage Oyster, each reference provides a detailed overview of your watch's specifications. Remember that these codes, whether related to materials or finishes, can vary from model to model and depending on the year of production. Rolex serial and reference numbers are therefore essential keys for any precise analysis or identification.
Thus, by knowing these references, you are better equipped to understand the complexity and ingenuity of Rolex watches. Whether you want to assess the value of your watch or simply enrich your watchmaking knowledge, this information will provide you with invaluable insight. If you still have doubts or questions regarding a particular vintage Rolex watch, do not hesitate to consult an expert or contact us for more information.
Discover our selection of vintage Rolex watches available at Atelier Victor. Do not hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp for any questions.