Tools
CloseWhat year is my watch?
Pick the brand. Type the number. We’ll tell you when it was most likely made.
How well the number tells the year
Where to look
Ask the maker
Questions
What is a watch serial number?
A number the maker engraves on each watch, on the case or on the movement. On many brands it follows the order of production, so it hints at the year the watch was made.
Which brands can be dated from the serial number?
Rolex up to 2010, Panerai from 1998, Seiko and Grand Seiko, Longines up to 1969 and IWC up to 1975 date well. Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Tudor, Breitling and Jaeger-LeCoultre give a rough window. Cartier, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith serials don’t carry a year, so the tool dates them from the model.
How accurate is it?
Every answer is an estimate, given to the best of our knowledge, from charts published by dealers and collectors. Expect a year or two either way, and longer windows for some brands.
Does a matching serial number prove a watch is genuine?
No. Real serial numbers are copied onto fakes. The tool estimates the year; an inspection with the case back open is what tells you whether a watch is genuine.
Is what I type private?
Yes. The lookup runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else, and nothing is stored.
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.