The Ultimate Rolex Reference Numbers Guide

What Is A Rolex Reference Number?

You might be surprised to learn that Rolex reference numbers can reveal quite a bit of information about a Rolex watch. Also known as the model number or style number, these numbers provide information about the model type, material, production period, and more. Below is a Rolex reference numbers chart which outlines the first 2-4 digits of each model, such as the Submariner, Datejust, Day-Date, Yacht-Master, and so on.

Rolex Reference Number Model Chart

Rolex reference numbers can be four to six digits long. The first reference numbers were four digits, and in the late-1970s, Rolex began switching to five-digit reference numbers. Around the 2000s, Rolex transitioned to six-digit reference numbers, often just adding a “1” to the beginning of the five-digit reference numbers. Therefore, depending on the number of digits a reference number has, it can tell you the approximate era in which a watch was produced.

In general, the length of the Rolex reference number indicates the following time periods:

• 4-Digit Reference numbers: Vintage Rolex watch produced prior to the late-1970s
• 5-Digit Reference numbers: Discontinued Rolex watch produced anywhere from the late-1970s until 1999
• 6-Digit Reference: Modern Rolex watch produced anywhere from 2000 to the present

A Rolex reference number can be found between the lugs at the 12 o’clock side of the case

Case Material and Bezel Style

While the first few digits convey the model type, the last digit (in five and six-digit Rolex reference numbers only) reveals the material of the watch.

Rolex Material Codes

The second-to-last digit (in the five or six-digit Rolex reference numbers) indicates the bezel style of Rolex dress watches, such as the Datejust, Day-Date, and Oyster Perpetual. This does not apply to Rolex sports watches like the Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer or Daytona.

Rolex Bezel Codes

Bezels from left to right: smooth, fluted, Turn-O-Graph

Finally, some Rolex reference numbers also include letters at the end. These letters are abbreviations to signify either the color of the bezel or the types of gems used in the bezel. There is one instance where the letters refer to the color of the sapphire crystal. Since most of these abbreviations are in French, we have included the translations and abbreviation meanings below.

Rolex Reference Letters Codes

Left to right: Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116710BLNR, Submariner Date Ref. 116659SABR, Milgauss Ref. 116400GV

Appreciating The Rolex Reference Number

Once you understand the structure of the Rolex reference number, it is easier to identify the details of a specific watch, such as the type of materials, bezel type, dial color, or which model you possess. Rather than a random string of digits and letters, the reference number is a code that once understood, can help to reveal the model, era, case size, and bezel style of a Rolex watch.

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