But just where is this number located? Unfortunately, it sort of depends on the watch, but here are some tips to tracking it down: If you have paperwork from the watch, the serial and reference numbers should be there The watch's serial number can, in many cases, help you track down this information in conjunction with online or company-owned databases. Let's say you buy a pre-owned or vintage watch and want some more information on when it was made, what it might be worth, etc.