How to Find Your Watch's Reference and Serial Number (and What They Tell a Buyer)

Where to Find the Reference and Serial Number on Your Watch

Start with what you can see without taking anything apart: the case back, the sides of the case between the lugs, and the papers that came with the watch. There is no need to open the case.

These are the usual places, not a rule for every watch, because makers have moved the numbers over the years.

Rolex

The numbers between the lugs are easiest to read with the bracelet off. If you aren't confident doing that, leave it: the ring inside the dial, the papers and a photo of the whole watch are enough to start. Around the mid-2000s Rolex began engraving the serial on that inner ring, and on most newer watches it sits there instead. Tilt the watch under a light and look at the ring at 6 o'clock through the crystal.

From around 2010 Rolex serials are random, so the number no longer tells you the year the watch was made. As far as we know Rolex doesn't publish a public database of serial numbers, so any year chart you find is a collector's estimate. Ben can usually work out what you have from the number and a few photos. If you're thinking of selling, here is how we buy a Rolex.

Omega, Breitling and Cartier

Look on the case back and the warranty card, and photograph both. If you can't find a number, photos of the case back and the papers are still enough for Ben to go on. Each brand has its own page on what we look for: Omega watches we buy, selling a Breitling and selling a Cartier.

Other brands we buy

For any of the other brands we buy, the warranty card and the case back are the places to look.

Can You Look Up a Serial Number Online?

Yes for dating, no for proving. Online charts and lookup sites give you an estimated year and nothing more.

Several brands, including Breitling, Omega, Cartier, IWC and Panerai, can confirm a serial number, either through the brand directly or its registration portal. Ben treats that as a strong check, though not a perfect one: "That's a 99% foolproof system. It's not 100%, because there are some really good fakes out there that will have a matching serial number for the right watch, where they've been cloned." That's why Ben checks the serial and inspects the watch as well. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch before selling covers what else matters.

What to Send Ben

Send photos before you send the watch. Daylight is enough.

• the dial, straight on, and the whole watch
• the case back
• the numbers between the lugs or the ring inside the dial, if you can read them safely
• the clasp and bracelet or strap
• the box, papers and warranty card, if you have them
• anything unusual, such as marks or a replaced part

Message Ben on WhatsApp (07562 359459) or use the form on our contact page. The valuation is free, with no obligation to sell.