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What year is my Patek Philippe?

Pick the brand. Type the number. We’ll tell you when it was most likely made.

Two numbers, two clocks. The case number keeps better time.

How well the number tells the year

Roughly

Rough. Patek numbers in blocks by calibre, so we give a window, not a year.

Where to look

Illustration: a watch with its hinged case back open, showing the engraving inside.Illustration: a watch with the case back removed, showing the engraving on the movement.
  • The case number is inside the case back.
  • The movement number is on the movement, visible through a glass back.
  • The reference, like 5711/1A, is inside the case back and on the certificate.

Ask the maker

To the best of our knowledge, Patek Philippe issues an Extract from the Archives for watches first sold at least ten years ago.

Questions

Where is the serial number on Patek Philippe watches?

The case number is inside the case back. The movement number is on the movement, visible through a glass back. The reference, like 5711/1A, is inside the case back and on the certificate.

Can the serial number tell me when my Patek Philippe was made?

Rough. Patek numbers in blocks by calibre, so we give a window, not a year. Two numbers, two clocks. The case number keeps better time.

Does Patek Philippe keep official records of its watches?

To the best of our knowledge, Patek Philippe issues an Extract from the Archives for watches first sold at least ten years ago.

Does a matching serial number prove my Patek Philippe is genuine?

No. Real serial numbers are copied onto fakes, so a number that looks right proves nothing on its own. This lookup only estimates when a watch was made. For a proper opinion on authenticity, have the watch inspected with the case back open.

Every answer here is approximate and given to the best of our knowledge, from charts published by dealers and collectors. Watchmakers rarely publish their own.

A correct number doesn’t prove a watch is genuine. For a proper opinion on your watch, bring it in for an inspection, or read how to tell if a watch is genuine.

What you type stays on your device. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else. Please don’t post your full serial number online.

Last checked against the published charts on 5 November 2026.