Rolex Serial Numbers with Production Dates

Serial Number

Year

Notable Watch Fact

Random

2018

Rolex releases the GMT-Master II featuring a new movement and a ceramic two-tone bezel, marking a significant redesign of this iconic model.

Random

2017

Rolex introduces the new Sea-Dweller to celebrate its 50th anniversary, now waterproof to 1,220 meters and featuring a larger 43mm case.

Random

2016

Rolex unveils the new Air-King, enhancing its anti-magnetic properties and introducing a distinctive aesthetic with a larger 40mm case size.

Random

2015

Rolex updates the Oyster Perpetual with a new dial colors and a refined case, broadening its appeal with modern aesthetics.

Random

2014

Rolex debuts the new Cellini collection, revamping the design to emphasize elegance and simplicity with a timeless appeal.

Random

2013

The introduction of the Rolex Day-Date "Sertie," which incorporates precious stones and intricate designs into the dial, enhancing its luxury appeal.

Random

2012

Rolex launches the Sky-Dweller, featuring an innovative annual calendar and dual time zones, tailored for global travelers.

Random

2011

Rolex enhances the Explorer II, increasing the case size to 42mm and improving legibility with a new chromalight display.

G

2010

Introduction of the Rolex Submariner Date in steel with a ceramic bezel, which replaced the aluminum bezel and included a redesigned bracelet.

V

2009

Rolex launches an updated version of the Datejust II, featuring a larger 41mm case and an improved movement.

M or V

2008

The Rolex Deepsea is introduced, water-resistant to 3,900 meters, featuring a new Ringlock system for extreme underwater exploration.

M or Z

2007

Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master II, showcasing a new regatta chronograph, designed specifically for competitive sailing.

D or Z

2006

Rolex updates the Milgauss, reintroducing it with enhanced anti-magnetic properties and a distinctive orange lightning-bolt second hand.

D

2005

Rolex rolls out the new ceramic bezel in the GMT-Master II, known for its hardness and resistance to scratches and ultraviolet rays.

F

2004

The launch of the Rolex Daytona in 18ct white gold with a blue dial, expanding the luxury options in the Daytona line.

F

2003

Rolex introduces the Datejust Turn-O-Graph, also known as the Thunderbird, featuring a rotating bezel.

Y

2002

Rolex releases the new Cosmograph Daytona with improved movement and the aesthetics, maintaining its iconic status.

K or Y

2001

Rolex updates the Sea-Dweller model, enhancing its waterproof capabilities to suit deep-sea divers' demands better.

K,000,001

2000

Rolex transitions fully to the Superluminova material for better nighttime visibility on all its models.

P,000,001

2000

Rolex introduces the laser-etched coronet at the crystal’s 6 o'clock position to combat counterfeiting.

A,000,001

1999

Introduction of the Rolex Day-Date II, offering a larger case and an updated calendar mechanism.

U,932,144

1998

Rolex releases the new Yacht-Master model in Rolesium, a combination of steel and platinum, marking its first use in a watch.

U,000,001

1997

The introduction of the first triple-calendar chronograph in the Rolex lineup, enhancing the complication features in their models.

T,000,001

1996

Rolex debuts the bi-color Cerachrom bezel in the GMT-Master II, enhancing UV resistance and scratch resistance.

W,000,001

1995

Rolex introduces the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster, adding luxury with diamonds and precious materials.

S,860,880

1994

Rolex introduces the first serially-produced watch with a complication, the Master Calendar.

S,000,001

1993

Rolex launches the Explorer II with an improved movement and added features designed for cave explorers.

C,000,001

1992

Rolex unveils the Pearlmaster, a new line featuring refined aesthetics and luxurious embellishments.

N,000,001

1991

Introduction of the "double quickset" feature in the Rolex Day-Date, allowing quicker adjustments of the day and date.

X,000,001

1991

The launch of the Yacht-Master, Rolex's luxury sports watch tailored specifically for yachting enthusiasts.

E,000,001

1990

Rolex begins using 904L stainless steel in their watch cases, enhancing corrosion resistance significantly.

L,980,000

1989

Rolex introduces a new laser-etched crown at the 6 o'clock position on the crystal, enhancing brand recognition and counterfeiting resistance.

R,598,200

1988

The debut of the Rolex Daytona with an automatic chronograph movement, solidifying its status as a racing icon.

R,000,001

1987

Introduction of the Rolex caliber 3135, known for its robustness and reliability, still used in many contemporary models.

9,400,000

1987

Rolex enhances the Datejust model with the introduction of the sapphire crystal for improved scratch resistance.

8,900,000

1986

Rolex introduces the first wristwatch with a calendar and moonphase display, the Master Moonphase.

8,614,000

1985

Introduction of the "President" bracelet in the Day-Date line, emphasizing luxury and comfort.

8,070,022

1984

Rolex debuts the new movement in the Submariner, improving accuracy and reliability under water.

7,400,000

1983

Rolex patents a new method of diamond setting, enhancing the luxury appeal of their watches.

7,100,000

1982

The launch of the GMT-Master II, with a new movement allowing for independent adjustment of the hour hand.

6,520,870

1981

Rolex continues to develop the Daytona, enhancing its chronograph function and overall design.

6,434,000

1980

Rolex introduces the Quickset feature in the Datejust, allowing easier setting of the date without adjusting the time.

5,737,030

1979

The brand enhances the functionality of the GMT Master II, allowing the local hour hand to be set independently.

5,000,000

1978

Rolex launches the Sea-Dweller 4000, waterproof to a depth of 1,220 meters, catering to professional deep-sea divers.

5,008,000

1977

Introduction of the new matte dial in Submariner models, replacing the older glossy dials with white printed minute tracks.

4,115,299

1976

Rolex introduces the Oysterquartz, a response to the quartz crisis with Rolex's own quartz movement.

3,862,196

1975

Rolex unveils a special edition Submariner for the British Royal Navy, featuring a unique military matte dial.

3,567,927

1974

Rolex sponsors major sporting events, solidifying its status in sports marketing with iconic timekeeping.

3,200,268

1973

Rolex enhances the Oyster Perpetual models with new calibers for improved timekeeping precision.

2,890,459

1972

Rolex introduces a new precision standard for their chronometers, surpassing industry norms.

2,589,295

1971

Introduction of the Explorer II, designed specifically for cave explorers to handle extreme environments.

2,241,882

1970

Rolex collaborates with professional athletes to develop and refine sports watches.

1,900,000

1969

The brand enhances the Oyster case design to further improve its effectiveness under extreme conditions.

1,752,000

1968

Rolex introduces a new movement, significantly increasing the power reserve of its watches.

1,538,435

1967

Introduction of the Sea-Dweller, waterproof to a depth of 610 meters, targeting professional deep-sea divers.

1,200,000

1966

The release of the new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, designed for professional racing drivers.

1,100,000

1965

Rolex introduces a new movement in the Submariner, enhancing underwater performance.

1,008,889

1964

Rolex enhances the Daytona model with improved mechanisms for increased timekeeping accuracy and durability.

824,000

1963

Rolex releases the first models of the Daytona with the tachymetric scale engraved on the bezel.

744,000

1962

The Rolex Daytona is introduced, designed specifically for professional racing drivers.

643,153

1961

Rolex continues to refine the Oyster case, improving water resistance and dust protection.

516,000

1960

The Deep Sea Special reaches the deepest point of the Mariana Trench attached to the bathyscaphe Trieste.

399,453

1959

Rolex introduces a new case design with better protection for the winding crown, known as the "crown guards."

328,000

1958

Rolex enhances the waterproof features of their Oyster cases, improving durability and depth resistance.

224,000

1957

Rolex launches the Milgauss, designed to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, targeting scientific professionals.

133,061

1956

Rolex introduces the Day-Date, the first watch to display the day of the week spelled out in full.

97,000

1955

Rolex releases the GMT Master, designed for Pan Am pilots to manage dual time zones.

23,000

1954

Introduction of the Rolex Submariner, one of the first diving watches waterproof up to 100 meters.

855,726

1953

Rolex debuts the Explorer, celebrating achievements in exploration and extreme conditions.

726,639

1952

Rolex introduces the Rolex Turn-O-Graph, also known as the Thunderbird, which features a rotating bezel.

709,249

1951

Rolex introduces calendar complications to the Datejust line, adding functionality and complexity.

1949

No specific model release, but continued innovation in refining existing watch models.

628,840

1948

The brand gains a royal warrant as a symbol of excellence and prestige.

529,163

1947

Rolex innovates with the "Cyclops" lens on the Datejust model, magnifying the date for easier viewing.

367,946

1946

Post-war, Rolex launches the Datejust, featuring a date window that changes automatically at midnight.

302,459

1945

Introduction of the Rolex Bubble Back, featuring an expanded case back to house the automatic winding mechanism.

269,561

1944

Rolex supports Allied POWs by providing replacement watches.

230,878

1943

Rolex refines their designs, leading to the creation of the Datejust, its first model with a date function.

143,509

1942

The introduction of the Rolex Datejust prototype, which would be launched later in 1945.

106,047

1941

Rolex continues production and innovation during WWII, including special military models.

99,775

1940

Rolex offers a unique guarantee to British POWs, allowing them to purchase watches and pay when they return home.

71,224

1939

Rolex's reputation grows during WWII as it becomes known for its durability and reliability among soldiers.

43,739

1938

Rolex launches the Bubble Back models, featuring an expanded case back to house the rotor.

40,920

1937

Rolex introduces a new, refined case design, improving the Oyster's water resistance.

36,856

1936

Rolex continues to innovate with the introduction of the first waterproof wristwatch with an automatic movement, the Auto-Rotor.

34,336

1935

Sir Malcolm Campbell sets a world speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats while wearing a Rolex, enhancing the brand's association with extreme achievements.

30,823

1934

Rolex patents the world's first self-winding mechanism with a perpetual rotor, revolutionizing the automatic watch industry.

29,562

1933

Rolex introduces a new model with a clearer, more legible dial and enhanced luminescent material for better visibility at night.

29,132

1932

Rolex solidifies its commitment to precision by achieving a class "A" certificate from the Kew Observatory, an accolade traditionally reserved for marine chronometers.

1931

No specific model release, but significant improvements are made in water and dust resistance across the Oyster line.

23,186

1930

The Great Depression leads to increased innovation at Rolex, including the development of the first self-winding mechanism.

1929

Rolex navigates the challenges of the economic downturn by focusing on the quality and durability of its watches, cementing its reputation among elite clientele.

23,969

1928

Rolex introduces the "Prince," known for its rectangular case and "doctor's watch" due to its large subsidiary seconds dial aiding medical professionals.

20,190

1927

Mercedes Gleitze wears a Rolex Oyster during her historic swim across the English Channel, proving its waterproofness and durability under extreme conditions.

0,001

1926

Introduction of the Rolex Oyster, the world's first waterproof wristwatch, marking a significant milestone in watchmaking history.