Rolex Serial Numbers..
Rolex watches feature two sets of identification numbers..
a Serial Number and a Case Reference Number.
In the latest Rolex, you can see the Rolex Serial Number inside the rehaut, at 6'o clock. Remove the bracelet is no longer required. Take a look at the space between the dial and the sapphire glass (it is called rehaut) at 6'o clock you can find the serial number engraved in. As the picture here below. The serial number is located behind where the band connects to the body of the watch, on the six o'clock side. On the 12 o'clock side, you'll find the model number, typically denoted by the text, 'ORIG ROLEX DESIGN,' followed by the number below. This video is about Serial. Rolex frequently uses numbers and letters to identify model year, model number, bracelet type, as well as other production variables. Although not verified by Rolex, these numbers are fairly prevalent on the Internet. This chart is compiled from various sources on the web and there are some variances on the early years (1925 – 1943). Rolex Serial Numbers. Repairs By Post has compiled a guide on how you can look-up the production year of any authentic Rolex Watch. Whether you are looking to sell, buy or repair your watch, learning how to locate the serial number is a good start. If you're for a rough guide of Rolex service costs, you can check our Rolex 2020 service prices. Rolex is one of the worlds most famous watch brands.
Find Rolex By Serial Number
On modern Oyster cases (excluding the OysterQuartz),
these numbers are engraved between the lugs,
hidden behind the end pieces (as shown in the images below).
ABOVE: Around 2005, Rolex started engraving the Case's Serial Number into the inside edge of the case (at the 6 o'clock position, under the crystal and below the bezel), also known as the rehaut, as shown in these images, which were taken at BASELWORLD 2005, in Switzerland in early April. BELOW: A close-up view of the same watch, you can clearly see the Serial Number |
A Brief Explanation of the Rolex Serial Numbering System..
Around this same time, Rolex had initiated another dating system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. The Roman numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced. Therefore, the code 'III 53' would represent the 3rd quarter (i.e. July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around 1970. Please note, some examples (primarily from around 1959), did feature the Roman Numeral and a 4-digit year (i.e. 'ii 1959'). In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7th digit and continued into the 'millions' until mid 1987, when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g. R000001). The system started with the letter 'R', whcih was then subsequently followed by L-E-X. Thus spelling out the word 'ROLEX' with the 'O' being omitted, to help avert any possible confusion with the number '0'. This sequence continued through November 1991, when a new numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and S, which took them through 1993. In 1994, Rolex started yet another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K in subsequent years, followed by Y, F, D, Z, M, V and then G in 2010. Please note, during the 1990s and 2000s, it is estimated that Rolex produced around around 1 million watches per year. Coincidentally, the numbering sequence of any particular Letter from this system (e.g. V000001 to V999999), would in fact also be 1 million serial numbers, and worked well with this system. It is worth mentioning that Rolex would not cease a letter prefix run at the end of a given calendar year, but would continue a letter run until all numbers were used before changing the prefix code. Therefore, letter prefixes could end at random times of the year, and did not start or stop at the beginning or end of a calendar year. Then, later in 2010, they scrapped the entire system and implemented a brand new 'Random' numbering system, in which each watch is issued a (unique) 8-digit 'Random' number consisting of numbers and letters. An example of this number would be something like '16G9L7F4' and could start with either a letter or number. This offers them a seemingly endless numbering system by which they could continue indefinitely. Figuring 8 digits with a possible 36 characters (26 letters and 10 numbers) per digit, gives them over 2 Trillion (2,821,109,907,456 to be exact) possible serial numbers. Even if they were to omit the letters 'O' and 'I', to help avert any possible confusion with the numbers '0' and '1' (as they did in the previous numbering system), that would still give them 1,785,793,904,896 possible combinations. While this This also offers Rolex an opportunity to keep the exact year of manufacture for any particular watch a secret. Cornerstone album download free. Something that has come back to haunt them for some time now. Therefore, only Rolex knows exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't talking.
A Tudor (work in progress) Serial Number List is included at the bottom of this page.. Please Note: John E. Brozek, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. and this website are in no way associated with Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies. John E. Brozek does not now, nor has he EVER worked for the Rolex Watch Company or any of its subsidiaries. The information provided on this page is solely the work of the author and has not been reviewed or authorized by Rolex USA. Furthermore, the publishers have received no help from Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies or any serving employees. |
ROLEX
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
20000 ...............1927 |
| 22500 ...............1928 |
| 25000 ...............1929 |
| 26500 ...............1930 |
| 28000 ...............1931 |
| 28500 ...............1932 |
| 29000 ...............1933 |
| 32000 ...............1934 |
| 35000 ...............1935 |
| 37000 ...............1936 |
| 40000 ...............1937 |
| 55000 ...............1938 |
| 71000 ...............1939 |
| 90000 ...............1940 |
| 106000 ...............1941 |
| 150000 ...............1942 |
| 230000 ...............1943 |
| 270000 ...............1944 |
| 302000 ...............1945 |
| 400000 ...............1946 |
| 529000 ...............1947 |
| 570000 ...............1948 |
| 600000 ...............1949 |
| 650000 ...............1950 |
| 700000 ...............1951 |
| 800000 ...............1952 |
| 900000 ..............1953 |
| 10000 to 300000 .....1953 to 1957 (At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the 'Roman Numeral' dating system explained above.) |
| 350000 ...............1958 |
| 400000 ..............1959 |
| 550000 ...............1960 |
| 700000 ..............1961 |
| 800000 ...............1962 |
| 900000 ..............1963 |
| 1000000 ...............1964 |
| 1200000 ..............1965 |
| 1400000 ...............1966 |
| 1600000 ..............1967 |
| 1850000 ...............1968 |
| 2300000 ..............1969 |
| 2500000 ...............1970 |
| 2900000 ..............1971 |
| 3300000 ...............1972 |
| 3750000 ..............1973 |
| 3900000 ...............1974 |
| 4250000 ..............1975 |
| 4500000 ...............1976 |
| 5000000 .............1977 |
| 5400000 ...............1978 |
| 5950000 .............1979 |
| 6400000 ...............1980 |
| 7000000 .............1981 |
| 7350000 ...............1982 |
| 7750000 .............1983 |
| 8100000 ...............1984 |
| 8600000 .............1985 |
| 9000000 ...............1986 |
| 9500000 .............1987 (Start of the letter prefix system.) R000001 .............1987 |
| L000001 .............1989 |
| E000001 .............1990 |
| X000001 .............1991 |
| N000001 .............1991 |
| C000001 .............1992 |
| S000001 .............1993 |
| W000001 .............1994 |
| T000001 .............1996 |
| U000001 .............1997 |
| A000001 .............1998 |
| P000001 .............2000 |
| K000001 .............2001 |
| Y000001 .............2002 |
| F000001 .............2003 Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal) |
| D000001 .............2005 |
| Z000001 .............2006 |
| M000001 .............2007 |
| V000001 .............2008 |
| G000001 ..........Mid 2010 |
| Random Numbers ..Late 2010 to present (Now features 8-digits instead of 7) |
TUDOR
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
Please Note: The following list is a 'Work in Progress' and will be updated periodically.
240000 ...............1956 |
| 250000 ...............1957 |
| 260000 ...............1958 |
| 270000 ...............1959 |
| 280000 ...............1960 |
| 340000 ...............1961 |
| 340000 ...............1962 |
| 390000 ...............1963 |
| 430000 ...............1964 |
| 430000 ...............1965 |
| 560000 ...............1966 |
| 590000 ...............1967 |
| 620000 ...............1968 |
| 680000 ...............1969 |
| 740000 ...............1970 |
| 750000 ...............1971 |
| 770000 ...............1972 |
| 790000 ...............1973 |
| 810000 ...............1974 |
| 830000 ...............1975 |
| 840000 ...............1976 |
| 860000 ...............1977 |
| 880000 ...............1978 |
| 900000 ...............1979 |
| 930000 ...............1980 |
| 950000 ...............1981 |
| 970000 ..............1982 |
| 980000 ..............1983 |
| 990000 ...............1984 |
| 140000 ..............1985 |
| 170000 ...............1986 |
| 190000 ..............1987 |
| 210000 ...............1988 |
| 260000 ..............1989 |
| B330000 ...............1990 |
| B360000 ..............1991 |
| B390000 ...............1992 |
| B500000 ..............1993 |
| B560000 ...............1994 |
| B590000 ..............1995 |
| B790000 ...............1996 |
| B850000 ..............1997 |
| B990000 ...............1998 |
| H130000 ..............1999 |
| H170000 ...............2000 |
| H240000 ..............2001 |
| H300000 ...............2002 |
Ever tried to figure out Rolex ref numbers? Have you been speaking to fellow watchnerds and listen to them recite Rolex reference numbers so easy?
In this article we will help you break it down . Every original Rolex has a reference number. It is a unique identifier. Collectors know that fakes are out there. Some fakes are so good that it is difficult to tell them apart from the original. Counterfeiters trip up with made up reference numbers or none at all. Bring your knowledge or trust the watch shop
Rolex Model And Serial Numbers
YOUR ROLEX CONTAINS TWO NUMBERS
A Rolex reference number and Rolex serial number appear on the case of your Rolex. Depending on the year of manufacture, a reference number will be four to six digits. These digits define its features. Serial numbers can be found inbetween the lugs on the side of the case at the 6 o'clock side, behind the bracelet. These 4-8 digit numbers are engraved by Rolex on every watch and it is used to determine its production date
YOUR ROLEX HAS A REFERENCE NUMBER
You can find the reference number on the official Rolex paperwork that came with the watch. If unavailable, you can find it on the watch. Collectors place tremendous value on original on having the original box and correct paperwork.
WHERE TO FIND THE REFERENCE NUMBER
Look for the reference number between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side of the case. If you are holding a 2008 President, for example, it is beneficial to know the location used that year. Rolex shifted the location around over the years.
EACH DIGIT MEANS SOMETHING
The reference number describes the watch. Knowing your way around reference numbers is helpful. The benefit being instant identification. The digits help determine the type and size of the movement, bezel, and case material.
Rolex models pre 1980's carry a four digit reference number. Rolex models released between 1980's and 2000 will have a 5 digit number. In this article we mostly focus on Rolex models released between 2000 and present which have a six digit reference with a number '1' prefacing the 5 digit reference number
When the Rolex reference number is five digits, the first three digits identify the model. The 4th digit refers to the style of the bezel. The 5th digit in the reference number tells you the material of the watch. In modern Rolex watches, the sixth digit refers to the watch's metal. For watches with a reference number of fewer than six digits, the last number tells you the type of metal.
MODEL TYPE ( Usually the First three characters)
140 | Oyster Perpetual Air King and Submariner |
142 | Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 34mm and Explorer |
152 | Oyster Perpetual Date Mens 34mm |
162 | Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens 36mm |
165 | |
166 | Submariner, Sea Dweller, Yachtmaster 40mm |
167 | |
170 | Oysterquartz Datejust |
189 | Oyster Perpetual Special Edition |
190 | Oysterquartz Day Date |
1165 | |
1182 | |
1183 | Oyster Perpetual Day Date Serti (with Diamonds) |
| 266 | Submariner (2020) |
| 267 | GMT MASTER II (2019) |
BEZEL TYPE (Usually the 4th character)
0 | Smooth/Domed |
1 | Engine Turned |
2 | Engraved |
3 | Fluted |
4 | Bark |
5 | Pyramid (Not Used) |
6 | Turn-O-Graph |
7 | Various |
8 | Special (Not Currently Used) |
9 | Open (Not Currently Used) |
MATERIAL (Usually the 5th character)
0 | Stainless Steel |
1 | Steel/Rose Gold |
2 | Steel/Platinum |
3 | Stainless Steel and Yellow gold |
4 | Stainless Steel and White gold |
5 | Rose Gold |
6 | Platinum |
7 | 14kt Yellow gold |
8 | Yellow gold |
9 | White Gold |
BIC | Bi-Color 18kt Yellow and White gold combo |
TRIDOR | 18kt Yellow, White and Rose Gold |
BEZEL COLOR
Rolex are a Swiss Company and based in Geneva so French is the official language of the brand. The bezel colors are hence named in french
BLRO | Bleu/Rouge - Blue and Red e.g 126710BLRO aka 'Pepsi' Airdata uav token. |
BLNR | Bleu/Noir - Blue and Black e.g 116710BLNR aka 'Batman' |
| LN | Lunette Noir - Black e.g 116710ln |
| LV | Lunette Verte - Green e.g 116610LV aka 'Hulk' |
| LB | Lunette Bleu - Blue e.g 116619LB aka 'Smurf' |
| GV | Glace Verte - Green Saphire 116400gv |
| RBOW | Rainbow Multi colored Saphire set e.g 116595RBOW |
| CHNR | Chocolat Noir - Brown and Black e.g 126711CHNR aka Root Beer |
| SABLV | Saphirs Bleu Vert - Blue and Green Sapphire e.g 86348SABLV |
| SABR | Saphirs, Brillants- Sapphires and Diamonds e.g 116659SABR |
| SACO | Saphirs Cognac - Cognac colored Sapphires e.g 16559SACO |
| SAFUBL | Saphirs Fuchsia Bleu - Fuchsia and Blue Sapphires e.g 86349SAFUBL |
| SAJOR | Saphirs Jaune Orange - Yellow and Orange Sapphires e.g 86348SAJOR |
| SANR | Saphirs Noir - Black Sapphires e.g 116759 SANR Gta 5 pc download offline read and listen. |
| SARU | Saphirs, Rubis - Sapphires and rubies 116759 SARU |
THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE
In the latest Rolex, you can see the Rolex Serial Number inside the rehaut, at 6'o clock. Remove the bracelet is no longer required. Take a look at the space between the dial and the sapphire glass (it is called rehaut) at 6'o clock you can find the serial number engraved in. As the picture here below. The serial number is located behind where the band connects to the body of the watch, on the six o'clock side. On the 12 o'clock side, you'll find the model number, typically denoted by the text, 'ORIG ROLEX DESIGN,' followed by the number below. This video is about Serial. Rolex frequently uses numbers and letters to identify model year, model number, bracelet type, as well as other production variables. Although not verified by Rolex, these numbers are fairly prevalent on the Internet. This chart is compiled from various sources on the web and there are some variances on the early years (1925 – 1943). Rolex Serial Numbers. Repairs By Post has compiled a guide on how you can look-up the production year of any authentic Rolex Watch. Whether you are looking to sell, buy or repair your watch, learning how to locate the serial number is a good start. If you're for a rough guide of Rolex service costs, you can check our Rolex 2020 service prices. Rolex is one of the worlds most famous watch brands.
Find Rolex By Serial Number
On modern Oyster cases (excluding the OysterQuartz),
these numbers are engraved between the lugs,
hidden behind the end pieces (as shown in the images below).
ABOVE: Around 2005, Rolex started engraving the Case's Serial Number into the inside edge of the case (at the 6 o'clock position, under the crystal and below the bezel), also known as the rehaut, as shown in these images, which were taken at BASELWORLD 2005, in Switzerland in early April. BELOW: A close-up view of the same watch, you can clearly see the Serial Number |
A Brief Explanation of the Rolex Serial Numbering System..
Around this same time, Rolex had initiated another dating system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. The Roman numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced. Therefore, the code 'III 53' would represent the 3rd quarter (i.e. July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around 1970. Please note, some examples (primarily from around 1959), did feature the Roman Numeral and a 4-digit year (i.e. 'ii 1959'). In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark, but this time added a 7th digit and continued into the 'millions' until mid 1987, when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g. R000001). The system started with the letter 'R', whcih was then subsequently followed by L-E-X. Thus spelling out the word 'ROLEX' with the 'O' being omitted, to help avert any possible confusion with the number '0'. This sequence continued through November 1991, when a new numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and S, which took them through 1993. In 1994, Rolex started yet another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K in subsequent years, followed by Y, F, D, Z, M, V and then G in 2010. Please note, during the 1990s and 2000s, it is estimated that Rolex produced around around 1 million watches per year. Coincidentally, the numbering sequence of any particular Letter from this system (e.g. V000001 to V999999), would in fact also be 1 million serial numbers, and worked well with this system. It is worth mentioning that Rolex would not cease a letter prefix run at the end of a given calendar year, but would continue a letter run until all numbers were used before changing the prefix code. Therefore, letter prefixes could end at random times of the year, and did not start or stop at the beginning or end of a calendar year. Then, later in 2010, they scrapped the entire system and implemented a brand new 'Random' numbering system, in which each watch is issued a (unique) 8-digit 'Random' number consisting of numbers and letters. An example of this number would be something like '16G9L7F4' and could start with either a letter or number. This offers them a seemingly endless numbering system by which they could continue indefinitely. Figuring 8 digits with a possible 36 characters (26 letters and 10 numbers) per digit, gives them over 2 Trillion (2,821,109,907,456 to be exact) possible serial numbers. Even if they were to omit the letters 'O' and 'I', to help avert any possible confusion with the numbers '0' and '1' (as they did in the previous numbering system), that would still give them 1,785,793,904,896 possible combinations. While this This also offers Rolex an opportunity to keep the exact year of manufacture for any particular watch a secret. Cornerstone album download free. Something that has come back to haunt them for some time now. Therefore, only Rolex knows exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't talking.
A Tudor (work in progress) Serial Number List is included at the bottom of this page.. Please Note: John E. Brozek, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc. and this website are in no way associated with Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies. John E. Brozek does not now, nor has he EVER worked for the Rolex Watch Company or any of its subsidiaries. The information provided on this page is solely the work of the author and has not been reviewed or authorized by Rolex USA. Furthermore, the publishers have received no help from Rolex USA, nor any of its associated companies or any serving employees. |
ROLEX
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
20000 ...............1927 |
| 22500 ...............1928 |
| 25000 ...............1929 |
| 26500 ...............1930 |
| 28000 ...............1931 |
| 28500 ...............1932 |
| 29000 ...............1933 |
| 32000 ...............1934 |
| 35000 ...............1935 |
| 37000 ...............1936 |
| 40000 ...............1937 |
| 55000 ...............1938 |
| 71000 ...............1939 |
| 90000 ...............1940 |
| 106000 ...............1941 |
| 150000 ...............1942 |
| 230000 ...............1943 |
| 270000 ...............1944 |
| 302000 ...............1945 |
| 400000 ...............1946 |
| 529000 ...............1947 |
| 570000 ...............1948 |
| 600000 ...............1949 |
| 650000 ...............1950 |
| 700000 ...............1951 |
| 800000 ...............1952 |
| 900000 ..............1953 |
| 10000 to 300000 .....1953 to 1957 (At this time Rolex started the numbering system back at 10000. This time period also saw the start of the 'Roman Numeral' dating system explained above.) |
| 350000 ...............1958 |
| 400000 ..............1959 |
| 550000 ...............1960 |
| 700000 ..............1961 |
| 800000 ...............1962 |
| 900000 ..............1963 |
| 1000000 ...............1964 |
| 1200000 ..............1965 |
| 1400000 ...............1966 |
| 1600000 ..............1967 |
| 1850000 ...............1968 |
| 2300000 ..............1969 |
| 2500000 ...............1970 |
| 2900000 ..............1971 |
| 3300000 ...............1972 |
| 3750000 ..............1973 |
| 3900000 ...............1974 |
| 4250000 ..............1975 |
| 4500000 ...............1976 |
| 5000000 .............1977 |
| 5400000 ...............1978 |
| 5950000 .............1979 |
| 6400000 ...............1980 |
| 7000000 .............1981 |
| 7350000 ...............1982 |
| 7750000 .............1983 |
| 8100000 ...............1984 |
| 8600000 .............1985 |
| 9000000 ...............1986 |
| 9500000 .............1987 (Start of the letter prefix system.) R000001 .............1987 |
| L000001 .............1989 |
| E000001 .............1990 |
| X000001 .............1991 |
| N000001 .............1991 |
| C000001 .............1992 |
| S000001 .............1993 |
| W000001 .............1994 |
| T000001 .............1996 |
| U000001 .............1997 |
| A000001 .............1998 |
| P000001 .............2000 |
| K000001 .............2001 |
| Y000001 .............2002 |
| F000001 .............2003 Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal) |
| D000001 .............2005 |
| Z000001 .............2006 |
| M000001 .............2007 |
| V000001 .............2008 |
| G000001 ..........Mid 2010 |
| Random Numbers ..Late 2010 to present (Now features 8-digits instead of 7) |
TUDOR
Serial Numbers by Date of Manufacture.
'Round Number' Serial Number List
Please Note: The following list is a 'Work in Progress' and will be updated periodically.
240000 ...............1956 |
| 250000 ...............1957 |
| 260000 ...............1958 |
| 270000 ...............1959 |
| 280000 ...............1960 |
| 340000 ...............1961 |
| 340000 ...............1962 |
| 390000 ...............1963 |
| 430000 ...............1964 |
| 430000 ...............1965 |
| 560000 ...............1966 |
| 590000 ...............1967 |
| 620000 ...............1968 |
| 680000 ...............1969 |
| 740000 ...............1970 |
| 750000 ...............1971 |
| 770000 ...............1972 |
| 790000 ...............1973 |
| 810000 ...............1974 |
| 830000 ...............1975 |
| 840000 ...............1976 |
| 860000 ...............1977 |
| 880000 ...............1978 |
| 900000 ...............1979 |
| 930000 ...............1980 |
| 950000 ...............1981 |
| 970000 ..............1982 |
| 980000 ..............1983 |
| 990000 ...............1984 |
| 140000 ..............1985 |
| 170000 ...............1986 |
| 190000 ..............1987 |
| 210000 ...............1988 |
| 260000 ..............1989 |
| B330000 ...............1990 |
| B360000 ..............1991 |
| B390000 ...............1992 |
| B500000 ..............1993 |
| B560000 ...............1994 |
| B590000 ..............1995 |
| B790000 ...............1996 |
| B850000 ..............1997 |
| B990000 ...............1998 |
| H130000 ..............1999 |
| H170000 ...............2000 |
| H240000 ..............2001 |
| H300000 ...............2002 |
Ever tried to figure out Rolex ref numbers? Have you been speaking to fellow watchnerds and listen to them recite Rolex reference numbers so easy?
In this article we will help you break it down . Every original Rolex has a reference number. It is a unique identifier. Collectors know that fakes are out there. Some fakes are so good that it is difficult to tell them apart from the original. Counterfeiters trip up with made up reference numbers or none at all. Bring your knowledge or trust the watch shop
Rolex Model And Serial Numbers
YOUR ROLEX CONTAINS TWO NUMBERS
A Rolex reference number and Rolex serial number appear on the case of your Rolex. Depending on the year of manufacture, a reference number will be four to six digits. These digits define its features. Serial numbers can be found inbetween the lugs on the side of the case at the 6 o'clock side, behind the bracelet. These 4-8 digit numbers are engraved by Rolex on every watch and it is used to determine its production date
YOUR ROLEX HAS A REFERENCE NUMBER
You can find the reference number on the official Rolex paperwork that came with the watch. If unavailable, you can find it on the watch. Collectors place tremendous value on original on having the original box and correct paperwork.
WHERE TO FIND THE REFERENCE NUMBER
Look for the reference number between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side of the case. If you are holding a 2008 President, for example, it is beneficial to know the location used that year. Rolex shifted the location around over the years.
EACH DIGIT MEANS SOMETHING
The reference number describes the watch. Knowing your way around reference numbers is helpful. The benefit being instant identification. The digits help determine the type and size of the movement, bezel, and case material.
Rolex models pre 1980's carry a four digit reference number. Rolex models released between 1980's and 2000 will have a 5 digit number. In this article we mostly focus on Rolex models released between 2000 and present which have a six digit reference with a number '1' prefacing the 5 digit reference number
When the Rolex reference number is five digits, the first three digits identify the model. The 4th digit refers to the style of the bezel. The 5th digit in the reference number tells you the material of the watch. In modern Rolex watches, the sixth digit refers to the watch's metal. For watches with a reference number of fewer than six digits, the last number tells you the type of metal.
MODEL TYPE ( Usually the First three characters)
140 | Oyster Perpetual Air King and Submariner |
142 | Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 34mm and Explorer |
152 | Oyster Perpetual Date Mens 34mm |
162 | Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens 36mm |
165 | |
166 | Submariner, Sea Dweller, Yachtmaster 40mm |
167 | |
170 | Oysterquartz Datejust |
189 | Oyster Perpetual Special Edition |
190 | Oysterquartz Day Date |
1165 | |
1182 | |
1183 | Oyster Perpetual Day Date Serti (with Diamonds) |
| 266 | Submariner (2020) |
| 267 | GMT MASTER II (2019) |
BEZEL TYPE (Usually the 4th character)
0 | Smooth/Domed |
1 | Engine Turned |
2 | Engraved |
3 | Fluted |
4 | Bark |
5 | Pyramid (Not Used) |
6 | Turn-O-Graph |
7 | Various |
8 | Special (Not Currently Used) |
9 | Open (Not Currently Used) |
MATERIAL (Usually the 5th character)
0 | Stainless Steel |
1 | Steel/Rose Gold |
2 | Steel/Platinum |
3 | Stainless Steel and Yellow gold |
4 | Stainless Steel and White gold |
5 | Rose Gold |
6 | Platinum |
7 | 14kt Yellow gold |
8 | Yellow gold |
9 | White Gold |
BIC | Bi-Color 18kt Yellow and White gold combo |
TRIDOR | 18kt Yellow, White and Rose Gold |
BEZEL COLOR
Rolex are a Swiss Company and based in Geneva so French is the official language of the brand. The bezel colors are hence named in french
BLRO | Bleu/Rouge - Blue and Red e.g 126710BLRO aka 'Pepsi' Airdata uav token. |
BLNR | Bleu/Noir - Blue and Black e.g 116710BLNR aka 'Batman' |
| LN | Lunette Noir - Black e.g 116710ln |
| LV | Lunette Verte - Green e.g 116610LV aka 'Hulk' |
| LB | Lunette Bleu - Blue e.g 116619LB aka 'Smurf' |
| GV | Glace Verte - Green Saphire 116400gv |
| RBOW | Rainbow Multi colored Saphire set e.g 116595RBOW |
| CHNR | Chocolat Noir - Brown and Black e.g 126711CHNR aka Root Beer |
| SABLV | Saphirs Bleu Vert - Blue and Green Sapphire e.g 86348SABLV |
| SABR | Saphirs, Brillants- Sapphires and Diamonds e.g 116659SABR |
| SACO | Saphirs Cognac - Cognac colored Sapphires e.g 16559SACO |
| SAFUBL | Saphirs Fuchsia Bleu - Fuchsia and Blue Sapphires e.g 86349SAFUBL |
| SAJOR | Saphirs Jaune Orange - Yellow and Orange Sapphires e.g 86348SAJOR |
| SANR | Saphirs Noir - Black Sapphires e.g 116759 SANR Gta 5 pc download offline read and listen. |
| SARU | Saphirs, Rubis - Sapphires and rubies 116759 SARU |
THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE
Reference numbers represent a reliable way to determine the authenticity of your Rolex. Remember there are always exceptions to the rule. In the case of Rolex, variations exist due to year, method of manufacture, and other factors. Rule of thumb. Consult an expert watchmaker.
CONCLUSION
For the unfamiliar collector, knowing the basics is important. Numbers move around from year to year. The digits contain information as well. Research is part of the fun of collecting so don't be shy. Put some effort and energy into educating yourself. Researching designations on a luxury watch is key. Consult a Rolex specialist for clarification. There is an expansive world of luxury watches to make friends with!
THE TIMELESS PASSION OF WATCHNERD.COM
Not content with a watch that only tells time? Special watches are out there. If you are asking yourself how do I choose a watch like this? What should I pay? Is there value behind the brand and price? You owe it to yourself to look closer into the Watchnerd.com buyer decision making guides. Watchnerd.com shows you your options as a buyer. Our guides are indispensable while trying to decide which brand and model is right for you. Watchnerd.com is ready to help. Our passion is timeless.
