How To Check and Read The Apple Watch Serial Number

As with any Apple product, the wrist gadget comes with its unique serial number. The 12-digit string of the smartwatch stores a lot of information including manufacturing date, location, unique unit identifier and model code. However, you need to know how to decode this unique string of numbers and letters in order to understand what it means.

More, checking your Watch’s serial number is mandatory, if you purchase the device from a third party seller like eBay or Craiglist. Comparing the string displayed in three different locations, allows you to detect if the unit really belongs to the seller, it’s not stolen and comes with the original package. This way you make sure that your money is well spent and that you retain the manufacturers guarantee.

3 Places To Check Apple Watch Serial Number
1. Watch Case
The easiest way to check for your wrist gadget’s unique identification number is by reading the back of the Watch case.
If you have the device on your wrist, get it off and check the markings on the case. They’re printed in a circular pattern and contain info about: Watch Model – Case Size – Case Material – Display Material – Sensor Coating – Serial Number.
This method is recommended if the device isn’t charged and you don’t have the packaging anywhere near.
2. Watch OS
Another handy method for finding out your Watch’s Serial Number is to use the software. Flick your wrist and wake your gadget. Press the Digital Crown until you reach the app home screen. Tap on Settings, scroll for General and open the About menu. Now, scroll for the Serial Number section. It has to display the same 12-digit string as the one one printed on the back of the Watch.
Tip: You can also check the serial number from within the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Open it and browse to My Watch -> General -> About.
3. Watch Box
Your wearable’s official packaging also lists the Serial Number information. Depending on which model you own, the box can be rectangular shaped (in case of Apple Watch Sport) or square-like (Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition). On all three models manufacturer info is provided on the back of the box. There you can read the exact model description along with other details.
Very Important: When purchasing an Apple Watch from a third party non-authorized Apple seller, you’d better check that the Serial Number matches on all three locations described above. Else you risk to buy a stolen, broken or misused device!

How To Decode Apple Watch Serial Number
As shown above the watch OS gadget comes with a 12-digit unique identification number. Here is how you can “decode” it and read important information. Do note, that this info applies for all Apple serial numbers from 2010 onwards.
Let’s look at the code like this: LLL Y W UUU MMMM. Where:
LLL – represents the code for the location of where the product was manufactured (assigned by Apple);
Y – shows the manufacturing year (takes values between C – Z, no vowels, repeats every 10 years);
W – week of the year when the product was manufactured (assigned values between 1-Y; no B,S or Z, repeats twice per year);
UUU – unique product code (random);
MMMM – model identifier (assigned by Apple).

Now take your own Apple Watch serial code and split as in the above formula. I’ll exemplify with mine: FH8 P J 8PM G99D. This serial number reads as follows:
Location code: FH8 (assigned by Apple);
Manufacturing Year: P 2015, 1st half (according to the legend provided in the nearby image);
Manufacturing Week: J week 15 (because week 41 is still in the future);
Unique Product Code: 8PM (random);
Model Identifier: G99D (assigned by Apple).