For watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, Rolex reference numbers are more than just a string of digits; they represent a fascinating story behind each timepiece, revealing details about its design and materials. As one of the world's most renowned luxury watchmakers, Rolex has continuously evolved its reference number system to accommodate the expanding range of models and innovations over the years.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about the intricacies of these iconic timepieces, join us as we delve into the world of Rolex reference numbers. Please understand that this guide may not work for the watch you are attempting to identify. Some older watches don't follow this pattern.
WHERE TO LOCATE YOUR REFERENCE NUMBER
For all Rolex watches, the reference number will be located in-between the lugs at the 12 o'clock end (the top) of the watch. The only way to get to the reference number is by disconnecting the bracelet from the head of the watch.
At the top of the watch, you will find the reference number
HOW TO EASILY READ A ROLEX REFERENCE NUMBER
LET'S BREAK THAT DOWN
Rolex Model - The first 3-4 digits
Bezel Type - The second to last digit
Material - The last digit
Letter Code - Some watches will have a string of letters at the end. This is commonly used on watches that are set with gemstones or have unique features
ROLEX MODEL
The first 3-4 digits of the reference number tells you the exact model of Rolex watch you have. The numbers shown here are the potential starting numbers to your reference number.
(116400GV)
| Rolex Model | Prefix Digits (first 3-4) |
|---|---|
| 1908 | 525- |
| Air-King | 49-, 55-, 57-, 140-, 114-, 1169-, 1269- |
| Cellini | 41-, 42-, 51-, 52-, 53-, 61-, 66-, 505-, 506- |
| Cosmograph Daytona | 62-, 626-, 165-, 1165-, 1265- |
| Date 34 | 15-, 150-, 115-, 1152- |
| Datejust 31 | 68-, 682-, 782-, 1782-, 2782- |
| Datejust 36 | 44-, 63-, 66-, 16-, 160-, 162-, 1162-, 1262- |
| Datejust 41 | 1263- |
| Datejust II | 1163- |
| Day-Date 36 | 65-, 66-, 18-, 180-, 182-, 183-, 1181-, 1182-, 1183-, 1282-, 1283- |
| Day-Date 40 | 2282-, 2283- |
| Day-Date II | 2182- |
| Day-Date Masterpiece | 189- |
| Deepsea | 1166-, 1266-, 1366- |
| Explorer | 66-, 10-, 142-, 114-, 214-, 124- |
| Explorer II | 165-, 2165-, 2265- |
| GMT-Master | 65-, 16-, 167- |
| GMT-Master II | 167-, 1167-, 1267- |
| Lady-Date 26 mm | 69-, 691-, 791-, 792-, 1791-, 1793- |
| Lady-Datejust 26 mm | 690-, 691-, 791-, 792-, 1791-, 1793- |
| Lady-Datejust 28 mm | 2791-, 2793- |
| Lady Yacht-Master | 696-, 1696- |
| Milgauss | 65-, 101-, 10-, 1164- |
| Oyster Perpetual 24 | 760- |
| Oyster Perpetual 26 | 1762- |
| Oyster Perpetual 31 | 77-, 1772-, 2772- |
| Oyster Perpetual 34 | 102-, 150-, 152-, 1152-, 1242- |
| Oyster Perpetual 36 | 1160-, 1260- |
| Oyster Perpetual 39 | 1143- |
| Oyster Perpetual 41 | 1243- |
| Oysterquartz | 170-, 190-, 191- |
| Pearlmaster 29 | 802-, 803- |
| Pearlmaster 34 | 812-, 813- |
| Pearlmaster 39 | 862- |
| Sea-Dweller | 166-, 1166-, 1266- |
| Sky-Dweller | 3261-, 3269-, 3362-, 3369- |
| Submariner (no-date) | 62-, 65-, 55-, 551-, 620-, 140-, 1140-, 1240- |
| Submariner Date | 16-, 166-, 168-, 1166-, 1266- |
| Turn-O-Graph | 620-, 162-, 1162- |
| Yacht-Master 35 | 686-, 1686- |
| Yacht-Master 37 | 2686- |
| Yacht-Master 40 | 166-, 1166-, 1266- |
| Yacht-Master 42 | 2266- |
| Yacht-Master II | 1166- |
BEZEL TYPE
The second-to-last digit in a Rolex reference number indicates the bezel type of the watch for the Air-King, Date, Datejust, Day-Date, Explorer I/II, Lady-Date, Lady-Datejust, Milgauss, Oyster Perpetual, Sky-Dweller, and Turn-O-Graph models only.
(116400GV)
| Digit | Bezel Type |
|---|---|
| 0 | Smooth/Domed |
| 1 | Engine Turned/Rotatable |
| 2 | Engraved |
| 3 | Fluted |
| 4 | Gem-Set |
| 6 | Rotatable |
| 7 | Various |
| 8 | Gem-Set |
MATERIAL TYPE
The final digit in the reference number tells you what material the watch is. This applies to all Rolex watches.
(116400GV)
| Digit | Material Type |
|---|---|
| 0 | Stainless Steel |
| 1 | Stainless Steel & Rose Gold |
| 2 | Stainless Steel & Platinum |
| 3 | Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold |
| 4 | Stainless Steel & White Gold |
| 5 | Rose Gold |
| 6 | Platinum |
| 7 | 14k Yellow Gold / RLX Titanium |
| 8 | Yellow Gold |
| 9 | White Gold |
Want to delve deeper into the world of Rolex's number system? Check out our journal entry on how to decode Rolex serial numbers, here.
ROLEX LETTER CODES
The Rolex letter codes tell you what kind of gemstones adorn the watch or other unique features of the watch.
(116400GV)
| Letter Code | Watch Features |
|---|---|
| BLRO | Blue & red bezel |
| BLNR | Blue & black bezel |
| CHNR | Brown & black bezel |
| GRNR | Black & gray bezel |
| GV | (Glace Verte) – Green sapphire crystal |
| LB | (Lunette Bleu) – Blue bezel |
| LN | (Lunette Noir) – Black bezel |
| LV | (Lunette Verte) – Green bezel |
| RBR | Rolex-branded rehaut |
| SABLV | (Saphirs Bleu Verte) – Watch set with blue & green sapphires |
| SABR | (Saphirs, Brillants) – Watch set with sapphires & diamonds |
| SACO | (Saphirs Cognac) – Watch set with cognac-colored sapphires |
| SAFUBL | (Saphirs Fuchsia Bleu) – Watch set with fuchsia & blue sapphires |
| SAJOR | (Saphirs Jaune Orange) – Watch set with yellow & orange sapphires |
| SANR | (Saphirs Noir) – Watch set with black sapphires |
| SARU | (Saphirs, Rubis) – Watch set with sapphires & rubies |
| TBR | Watch set with diamonds |
| TEM | Watch set with emeralds |
CONCLUSION
Now that you know how to easily read a Rolex reference number, try your best on decoding these reference numbers and see how you do!
(Click on the reference number to see a photo of the watch and see if you are correct.)
How did you do? How many did you get right?
Let us know in the comments.
