How to Look Up a Tudor Serial Number: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tudor watches are celebrated for their quality and heritage, association with Rolex. For collectors and enthusiasts, knowing the production year of a Tudor watch can add both historical significance and value to the timepiece. One of the most reliable methods to determine the production year is by looking up the serial number. This guide will walk you through the process of finding and decoding your pre 2002 Tudor watch’s serial number to unlock its production year and more.

Tudor Production Year Locator

Enter Serial Number:

1. Understanding Tudor Serial Numbers

Tudor serial numbers serve as unique identifiers for each watch, usually engraved on the case between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. These numbers aren’t random; they follow a specific sequence that can indicate the approximate year of production. Over the decades, Tudor has employed different serial number ranges, and understanding these can offer insights into the age and authenticity of your watch.

Key Points to Remember:

Early Tudor Watches (1940s – 1950s): Serial numbers range from 40,000 to 140,000.
Late 1950s Onwards: Serial numbers follow a sequential pattern.
Mid-1980s Reset: Tudor restarted its numbering system, introducing a new series.
Post-2002: Tudor began using random serial numbers, and currently, there is no database available to estimate the production year for watches made after 2002

2. Locating the Serial Number

To find the serial number on Tudor watches made before 2002, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the bracelet or strap from your watch, particularly at the 6 o’clock position.
Step 2: Look between the lugs on the case. You should see the serial number engraved there.
Step 3: Write down the serial number for future reference.

Tip: Be gentle when removing the strap to avoid scratching or damaging the case or lugs

3. Decoding the Serial Number

With the serial number in hand, you can begin decoding it to determine the approximate production year. Either use the Chart below or use our Tudor production year locator.

Tudor Watch Production Years by Serial Number

Serial Number	Year of Production
40,000 – 140,000	1940 – 1956
170,000	1957
200,000	1958
280,000	1959
310,000	1960
340,000	1961
360,000	1962
390,000	1963
430,000	1964
460,000	1965
500,000	1966
570,000	1967
620,000	1968
680,000	1969
740,000	1970
750,000	1971
770,000	1972
790,000	1973
810,000	1974
830,000	1975
840,000	1976
860,000	1977
880,000	1978
900,000	1979
930,000	1980
950,000	1981
970,000	1982
980,000	1983
990,000	1984
10,000	1984 (Reset)
140,000	1985
170,000	1986
190,000	1987
210,000	1988
260,000	1989
B330,000	1990
B360,000	1991
B390,000	1992
B500,000	1993
B560,000	1994
B580,000	1995
B790,000	1996
B850,000	1997
B990,000	1998
H100,000	1999
H170,000	2000

4. Why Knowing the Production Year Matters

Understanding the production year of your Tudor watch is not just about satisfying curiosity. It adds to the watch’s historical significance, helps in verifying its authenticity, and can increase its resale value. Vintage Tudor models, in particular, can command high prices if they are well-documented and in good condition.

Conclusion

Knowing the production year of your Tudor watch can enhance your appreciation of its history and craftsmanship. While identifying the production year of models made before 2002 is relatively straightforward, post-2002 models with random serial numbers require more effort and research. Regardless, understanding your timepiece’s background adds to its value and your enjoyment of owning such a remarkable watch.

Keep this guide handy as you explore the history and heritage of your Tudor watch, and enjoy the journey of discovery!

At Capturing Watches, we prioritize transparency by providing detailed images of all the contents a watch comes with in our e-commerce watch photography. By doing your due diligence and ensuring you have a clear understanding of what you’re purchasing, you can avoid overpaying or falling victim to misleading listings.