Rolex Reference Numbers: 2023 Complete Guide

Rolex Reference Numbers: Ultimate Guide

What kind of Rolex do you have? What is it made of? When was it manufactured? All of these answers, along with a variety of other information, is etched into your watch, via the reference number, the serial number, and the clasp code. If you know what to look for, you can tell a lot about your watch, just by looking at those numbers. Or if you want to know more about your Rolex, you can use those numbers to look up the information you need. Here’s your ultimate guide to Rolex reference numbers, serial numbers, and clasp codes…

What Do The Reference Numbers Mean?

The reference number is located on the watch case, between the lugs, right above the 12. Watches made before the late 70s will have 4-digit reference numbers. If your watch was made in the 80s or 90s, it will most likely have a 5-digit reference number. If it was produced since 2000, it will most likely have a 6-digit reference number, often beginning with 1.

The Beginning Numbers

The first few (between two and four) digits of the reference number tells you the watch model: Day-date, Datejust, Daytona, Submariner, etc. The next digit after the model is the Bezel Code. If you want to find this number at a glance, it should be the second to last digit in the reference number. The bezel is the ring that holds the watch crystal in place. The Bezel Code tells you the style of bezel you have. Note that only Rolex dress watches have Bezel Codes. Sports watches do not.

Model Name Beginning of Reference Number Model Name Beginning of Reference Number
Air-King 55, 114, 116, 140 GMT-Master II 167, 1167, 1267
Date 15, 115, 150 Milgauss 10, 65, 1164
Datejust II 1163 Oyster Perpetual 176, 177, 116, 114
Datejust 31 68, 782, 1782, 2782 Oysterquartz 170, 190
Rolex Datejust 36 16, 66, 162, 1162, 1262 Sea-Dweller 16, 166, 1166, 1266
Datejust 41 1263 Sky-Dweller 326
Lady-Datejust 679, 791, 1791, 2791 Submariner 55, 140, 1140
Day-Date II 2182 Submariner Date 16, 166, 168, 1166
Day-Date 36 18, 65, 180, 182, 183, 1182, 1282 Yacht-Master II 1166
Rolex Day-Date 40 2282 Yacht-Master 29 696, 1696
Daytona 62, 165, 1165 Rolex Yacht-Master 31 686, 1686
Explorer 10, 61, 63, 66, 142, 1142, 2142 Yacht-Master 37 268
Explorer II 165, 2165 Yacht-Master 40 166, 1166, 1266
GMT-Master 65, 167 Rolex Yacht-Master 42 2266

Bezel Code Second to Last Digit of the Reference Number
0 Flat or Domed
1 Rotating or Engine-Tuned
2 Engraved
3 Fluted or Ribbed
4 Fluted or Set with Precious Stones
5 Pyramide (now discontinued)
6 Rotating or Turn-O-Graph
7 Various Shapes
8 Reserved for Specialty Bezels
9 Not Currently in Use

The End Numbers

The final digit in the reference number is the Material Code, which tells you what type of material your watch is made of. Note that if your reference number only has four digits, there is no material code. However, if it has five or six digits, the material code is the last number in the sequence.

Metal/Material Codes Last Digit of the Reference Number
0 Oystersteel (Stainless Steel)
1 Everose Rolesor (Steel & Gold)
2 Rolesium (Steel & Platinum)
3 Yellow Rolesor (Steel & Yellow Gold)
4 White Rolesor (Steel & White Gold)
5 18K Everose Gold
6 950 Platinum
7 14K Yellow Gold
8 18K Yellow Gold
9 18K White Gold
BIC Bi-Color 18K Yellow & White Gold
TRIDOR 18K Yellow, White, & Rose Gold

The Letters

Some reference numbers are also followed by a string of letters—either two or four. These represent either the color of the bezel or the gems that it uses. Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s your guide to the reference numbers of Rolexes.

Letter Codes Found at the End of Some Reference Numbers
LN Lunette Noir (Black)
LV Lunette Verte (Green)
LB Lunette Bleu (Blue)
CHNR Chocolate Noir (Brown and Black)
BLNR Bleu Noir (Blue and Black)
BLRO Bleu Rouge (Blue and Red)
SARU Sapphires and Rubies
SANR Sapphires Noir (Black Sapphires)
SABR Sapphires Brilliants (Sapphires and Diamonds)
RBOW Rainbow Sapphires
GV Glace Verte (Green Crystal)

In addition to the serial number on the watch itself, many Rolexes have identifying numbers on the watch clasp, to let you know the year and month it was manufactured. As with the serial numbers, clasp numbers since 2011 have been randomized, but can be looked up online. For watches manufactured in 2010 or before, however, the letter
code represents the year, and the first number represents the month. So a watch clasp manufactured in February of 2010 would begin with RS2 – RS being the clasp code for 2010, and 2 representing February. Here are the clasp letter codes you need to know:

Clasp Code Year Clasp Code Year
RS 2010 O 1990
LT 2009 N 1989
PJ 2008 M 1988
EO 2007 L 1987
OP 2006 K 1986
MA 2005 J 1985
CL 2004 I 1984
AD 2003 H 1983
DT 2002 G 1982
DE 2001 F 1981
AB 2000 VF 1981
X 1999 E 1980
U 1998 VE 1980
Z 1997 D 1979
V 1996 VD 1979
W 1995 C 1978
T 1995 VC 1978
S 1994 B 1977
R 1993 VB 1977
Q 1992 A 1976
P 1991 VA 1976

Country Codes

Finally, let’s talk about the country codes. These are a three-digit code that tell you where your Rolex was manufactured. It’s not on the watch itself, but if you still have the Guaranty Certificate, it should be in the upper left corner. Note that only watches manufactured since 1980 have country codes.

Country Code Number Country Code Number
Switzerland 010, 012, 013, 014, 015, 021, 025, 026, 033, 045 Israel 548
Germany 100 South Africa 680
France 110, 113 Canada 700
Austria 120, 121, 123, 126, 128 United States 710
Belgium/Luxembourg 130 Mexico 720
Netherlands 133, 134, 135, 137, 138 Bahamas 741
Spain 150 Bermuda 742
England 160 Jamaica 752
Italy 170 Virgin Islands 758
Greece 200, 208 Netherlands Antilles 761
Malta 201 Aruba 762
Turkey 202 Antigua 765
Portugal 213, 217 Saint Martin 766
Denmark 226, 228, 233 Grand Cayman 767
Iceland 237 Panama 768
Sweden 265, 267, 270, 271 Venezuela 770
Finland 283 Brazil 780
Czech Republic 321 Chile 781
Hong Kong 400 Peru 783
Korea 413 Argentina 790
Singapore 430 Australia 810
Malaysia 432 Philippines 818
Taiwan 440 China 828
India 500 New Zealand 842
Pakistan 505 Hawaii 871
Middle East 527 Alaska 872
Saudi Arabia 532 Guam 873
Abu Dhabi 536 Hong Kong 888
Dubai 537 Japan 900
Oman 538 Natex Retail German NATO Airbase 906
Iran 542

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Rolex Reference Numbers In Order By Model:

The ultimate guide to Rolex Models & Rolex Reference Numbers. This list puts all the Rolex reference numbers in numerical order to make it easy to find the Rolex watch you are looking for. If you have been thinking about selling your Rolex watch, SWD Watches will pay you the highest price guaranteed. Find out how much your Rolex watch is worth today!

If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of Rolex serial numbers, you’ve come to the right place! This quick but thorough guide will help you keep track of your Rolex watch. Updated in 2023, this list is an invaluable resource when it comes to understanding the history and value of your watch.

Air-King Reference Numbers

Rolex Air-King Reference Number (Cont.)
1002 5700
1009 5701
1400 6500
1401 6552
4365 6652
4925 7784
5500 14000M
5501 14010M
5502 114200
5504 114210
5506 114234
5516 116900
5520 126900

Cellini Reference Numbers

Rolex Cellini Reference Numbers (Cont.)
971 5241
1343 5330
1527 6110
3362 6229
3937 6311
4112 6321
4113 6621
4223 6623
4233 6628
4243 6673
50535 6691
5115 6692
5116 6693
5240/6

Datejust Reference Numbers

Rolex Datejust Reference Number (Cont.)
1102 16200
1500 16203
1501 16220
1502 16233
1503 16234
1503g 16238
1504 16248
1505 16250
1506 16258
1507 16263
1508 16264
1509 68158
1510 68159
1511 68240
1512 68243
1513 68248
1514 68258
1520 68273
1521 68274
1522 68278
1523 68279
1530 68288
1550 68289
1560 69008
1600 69008A
1601 69018
1602 69018A
1603 69038R
1604 690385
1605 69068
1607 69068A
1610 69069
1611 69069A
1620 69078
1622 69078A
1623 69079
1624 69088
1625 69088A
1626 69089
1630 69089A
5030 69098
5031 69190A
5835 69160A
6104 69108
6105 69108A
6155 69118A
6251 69128
6516 69128A
6517 69136
6530 69138
6534 69139
6535 69139A
6537 69148
6547 69148A
6602 69158
6604 69159
6605 69163
6624 69163A
6625 69166
6740 69168
6800 69168A
6815 69169
6823 69169A
6824 69173
6825 69173A
6826 69174
6827 69174A
6828 69178
6829 69178A
6830 69179
6831 69179A
6832 69188
6833 69198E
6839 69198R
6900 691985
6901 69240
6902 69258
6903 69268
6905 69278
6906 69279
6907 69279A
6908 69288
6909 77080
6910 77014
6911 77518
6912 77438
6913 78240
6914 78243
6915 78246
6916 78248
6917 78266
6918 78273
6919 78274
6923 78278
6925 78279
6926 78286
6927 78288
6928 79068
6944 79078
7576A 79079
7600A 79088
7606 79089
7815 79126
7823 79136
7824 79138
7825 79158
7826 79159
7827 79163
7828 79166
7906 79168
7907 79174
7908 79178
7912 79179
7913 79238
7915 79288
7916 80298
7917 80299
7918 80309
7919 80318
7923 80319
7924 80328
7925 80329
7926 80359
7928 81158
8030 81208
8031 81209
8032 81308
8035 81338
8065 81339
8066 116138
8067 116139
15000 116203
15003 116208
15007 116233
15008 116238
15010 179136
15017 179138
15018 179158
15037 179159
15038 179165
15053 179166
15148 179173
15200 179175
15203 179178
15210 179179
15223 179239
15238 179298
15505 179368
16000 179459
16003 Oysterquartz Datejust
16008 17000
16009 17013
16013 17014
16014 Turn-O-Graph Datejust “Thunderbird”
16018 1625
16019 6202
16030 6309
16058 6609
16078 16253

Day-Date Reference Numbers

Rolex Day-Date Reference Number (Cont.)
Oysterquartz Day Date 18029
19018 18038
19019 18039
19028 18046
19038 18048
19048 18078
19049 18079
19058 18178
19068 18206
19078 18206B
19148 18208
19168 18238
Day Date President 18239
1800 18248
1802 18249
1803 18308
1804 18346
1805 18348
1806 18349
1807 18368
1808 18369
1809 18388
1810 18389
1811 18946
1812 18948
1813 18956
1814 18958
1815 118205
1816 118206
1817 118208
1820 118209
1823 118235
1824 118238
1829 118239
1830 118296
1831 118338
1833 118339
1834 118346
1836 118348
1837 118366
1838 118398
1839 118399
6511 128238
6611 218206
6612 218235
6613 218238
18000 218239
18026 228206
18028 228239

Daytona Reference Numbers

Rolex Daytona Reference Number (Cont.)
1074 4311
1223 4313
1623 4332
1650 4352
1651 4500
1652 4537
1656 4767
1658 4768
1659 5034
2021 5036
2022 6032
2023 6034
2057 6036
2226 6232
2303 6234
2507 6236
2508 6238
2705 6239
2737 6240
2811 6241
2917 6262
2918 6263
2920 6264
3036 6265
3055 6270
3082 7131
3085 7159
3181 7169
3233 8180
3330 8206
3333 9162
3335 16515
3346 16518
3462 16519
3481 16520
3484 16523
3525 16528
3529 16568
3635 116505
3642 116508
3668 116509
3695 116515
3735 116518
3827 116519
3834 116520
3835 116523
3007 116528
4048 116568
4062 116589
4099 116599
4100 116500LN
4113 1166500LN

Explorer Reference Numbers

Rolex Explorer Reference Number (Cont.)
1016 6610
1427 8044
5506 8045
6150 14270
5500 114270
5501 Explorer II
5504 1655
5701 1657
6098 16550
6150 16570
6298 214270
6299 216570
6350

GMT-Master & GMT-Master II Reference Numbers

GMT-Master & GMT-Master II Reference Number (Cont.)
1670 16713
1675 16718
6542 16760
6542/8 116710BLNR
16700 116710LN
16750 116713LN
16753 116718LV
16758 116719BLRO
GMT-Master II 126710BLNR
1671 126710BLRO
1676 126711CHNR
16710 126715CHNR

Milgauss Reference Numbers

Rolex Milgauss Reference Number (Cont.)
1019 116400
6541 116400GV

Oyster Reference Numbers

Rolex Oyster Reference Number (Cont.)
Oyster (Manual-Wind) 4164
1069 4165
1070 4166
1147 4167
1237 4168
1387 4171
1573 4172
1880 4185
1921 4186
1925 4187
1936 4190
2005 4203
2081 4214
2136 4242
2280 4255
2318 4302
2319 4306
2331 4337
2416 4350
2420 4362
2496 4408
2518 4436
2574 4449
2593 4480
2595 4486
2701 4487
2849 4528
2891 4534
2942 4672
2949 4686
2984 4804
3059 4846
3078 4857
3096 4937
3116 5023
3121 5065
3136 5080
3139 5552
3140 6018
3270 6023
3351 6050
3359 6082
3492 6084
3511 6085
3540 6088
3640 6092
3646 6099
3765 6100
3868 6101
3882 6102
3978 6103
4052 6107
4068 6119
4070 6284
4119 6285
4125 6286
4127 6290
4181 6301
4219 6303
4220 6332
4222 6334
4271 6502
4330 6503
4361 6504
4365 6507
4437 6508
4444 6509
4448 6532
4461 6539
4476 6540
4483 6543
4499 6544
4547 6545
4556 6546
4626 6548
4647 6549
5000 6551
5004 6552
5020 6553
5025 6554
5056 6558
6020 6559
6021 6560
6022 6564
6044 6565
6066 6566
6144 6567
6244 6569
6246 6580
6266 6583
6363 6584
6418 6585
6420 6586
6421 6587
6422 6590
6423 6592
6424 6594
6425 6598
6426 6599
6427 6614
6429 6618
6430 6619
6431 6621
6432 6623
6444 6634
6466 6706
6480 6707
6494 6710
6664 6711
6694 6712
7535A 6713
8011 6715
8012 6717
8015 6718
8023 6719
8027 6720
8389 6721
Oyster Perpetual 6723
1003 6724
1004 6744
1005 6745
1006 6747
1007 6748
1008 6749
1009 6751
1010 6753
1011 6754
1012 6757
1013 6771
1014 7575A
1022 7603
1023 7605
1024 7608
1025 7609
1026 7614
1027 7618
1028 7619
1029 7623
1030 7624
1031 7701
1035 7708
1036 7748
1038 7751
1039 7806
1420 7807
1423 7811
3172 9210
3202 9211
3272 9220
3323 9221
3352 14203
3370 14208
3483 14233
3490 14238
3495 67180
3496 67183
3497 67187
3505 67188
3536 67193
3538 67194
3593 67197
3594 67198
3596 67230
3597 67243
3627 67480
3639 67483
3645 67488
3685 67513
3686 67514
3708 67518
3724 Prince
3772 1343
3778 1541
3785 1768
3869 1855
3885 2730
3886 2996
3887 3361
3888 4402
3926 Prince (¼ Century)
3938 1490
3967 3937
4013 Prince (Railway)
4021 1862
4024 Prince (Sporting)
4025 1564
4027 1599
4055 1871
4130 Tru-Beat
4134 1020
4163 6556

Sea-Dweller Reference Numbers

Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference Number (Cont.)
1660 16650
1665 16660
1666 Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA
16600 116660

Sky-Dweller Reference Numbers

Rolex Sky-Dweller Reference Number (Cont.)
326233 326934
326234 326935
326235 326938
326933 326939

Submariner Reference Numbers

Rolex Submariner Reference Number (Cont.)
1406 14060
1661 14060M
1680 16610
5508 16610LV
5510 16613
5512 16618
5513 16800
5514 16803
5517 16808
6200 116610LN
6204 116610LV
6205 116613
6536 116618
6536/1 116618LB
6538 116619LB
6538/A 168000

Yacht-Master Reference Numbers

Yacht-Master Reference Number (Cont.)
16628 166233
68623 168622
68628 168623
69623 168628
69628 169622
116621 169623
116622 169628
116655 226627
116681 226659
116688 268621
116689 268622
126622 268655
126655

Vintage/Other Models

Vintage/Other Models Reference Number (Cont.)
Rolex Bubbleback 5006
1852 5007
1858 5009
1873 5010
2240 5011
2490 5013
2764 5015
2765 5026
2784 5026
2945 5028
3009 5028
3019 5045
3065 5045
3130 5048
3131 5048
3132 5050
3133 5050
3134 5051
3135 5052
3347 5055
3348 5055
3353 5087
3358 5087
3372 5105
3458 5105
3548 5173
3549 5488
3595 6006
3598 6007
3599 6011
3696 6015
3725 6016
3767 6048
3795 6052
3796 6064
3801 6065
3940 6076
3951 6087
4392 6106
4777 6428
4919 8050
4939 8052
4961 Chronograph Moon Phase:
5001 6062
5002 8171
5003 8237

Rolex Clasp Code (Alphabetical)

Rolex Clasp Code (Alphabetical) Year Rolex Clasp Code (Alphabetical) Year
A 1976 L 1987
AB 2000 LT 2009
AD 2003 M 1988
B 1977 MA 2005
C 1978 N 1989
CL 2004 O 1990
CP 2011 OP 2006
D 1979 P 1991
DE 2001 PJ 2008
DT 2002 Q 1992
E 1980 R 1993
EO 2007 RS 2010
F 1981 S 1994
G 1982 V 1996
H 1983 W 1995
I 1984 X 1999
J 1985 Z-W 1998
K 1986 Z 1997

 

What is a Rolex Reference Number?

A Rolex reference number is a unique code assigned to each Rolex watch model. It helps identify the specific model, variations, and features of a Rolex timepiece. The reference number consists of a combination of numbers and/or letters and you will find it engraved on the side of the watch case, or found between the lugs. Understanding the Rolex reference number is essential for accurately describing and valuing your Rolex watch.

Look Up Your Rolex Reference Number

Each Rolex watch model has its own distinct reference number that indicates its style, materials, and other specifications. The reference number sometimes has of a series of alphanumeric characters. For example, the reference number for a Rolex Submariner might be “116610LN” or “116610LV” for the green bezel version. By identifying the reference number, you can easily find information and resources specific to your Rolex model.

Different Locations of the Rolex Reference Number:

Reference Number on the Watch Case

The reference number is often engraved on the side of the watch case, usually between the lugs on the 12 o’clock side. This is one of the most direct ways to identify your Rolex model. You may need a magnifying glass to read the engraving clearly.

Reference Number on the Certificate of Authenticity

The Rolex Certificate of Authenticity is a crucial document that comes with every authentic Rolex watch. This certificate not only proves the watch’s authenticity but also contains the reference number. Keep this document safe, as it’s vital for resale and servicing.

Reference Number on the Warranty Card

New Rolex watches come with a warranty card that also serves as another proof of authenticity. This card contains essential details about the watch, including its reference number. It’s advisable to keep the warranty card in a secure place for future reference.

Reference Number on the Official Rolex Website

The official Rolex website is a treasure trove of information about all Rolex models, past and present. By navigating to the specific model page, you can find its reference number along with other detailed specifications. This is particularly useful for comparing different models or verifying information.

Reference Number in the User Manual

The user manual that comes with your Rolex watch is not just an instruction guide; it’s also a source of specific information about your watch model. The reference number is often listed in the specifications section, providing another way to verify your Rolex’s details.

Reference Number on the Rehaut

For newer Rolex models, the reference number is laser-engraved on the rehaut, which is the inner edge of the watch dial. This feature adds an extra layer of security and makes it easier for owners to identify their watches without removing any parts.

Want to Ensure the Watch is Genuine? Check the Serial Number!

Verifying the authenticity of a Rolex watch goes beyond just examining its physical attributes. Checking the serial number is an essential step in ensuring the watch is genuine. By looking up and comparing the serial number with official Rolex databases or seeking professional authentication, you can confirm the model, production details, and other relevant information about your Rolex watch. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your Rolex, consult SWD Watches authenticators who can guide you through the verification process.