Once you spend a little time looking at Rolex watches and comparing models, one thing you’ll notice is long strings of numbers and letters being thrown around. Submariner 114060; GMT-Master II 126710BLRO; Daytona 6263; W5642301; D246135 and so on. What do these numbers mean? What’s the difference between Rolex serial numbers and Rolex reference numbers? How can I tell what year my Rolex was produced? If you have any of these unanswered questions, then read our handy guide to Rolex serial numbers and Rolex reference numbers.
Every Rolex watch that comes out of the factory is designated with its own serial number. As a result, each Rolex serial number is unique (there are exceptions, as we’ll see shortly). So in theory, a Rolex serial number can tell you what year (approximately) the watch was made in. We say in theory, because there have been a few irregularities over the years. For example, Rolex reset the serial numbers in 1954 after they reached #999,999. So a watch from the 1960s can have the same reference number as one from the 1950s. Thankfully, Rolex also furnished the interior of the casebacks with date codes, thus making it easier to differentiate between a pre-1954 serial number and post-1954 one (if you open up the watch).
[caption id="attachment_1192" align="aligncenter" width="950"] The bracelet must be removed to see the serial and reference numbers[/caption] When Rolex reached #9,999,999 in mid-1987, the company began adding a letter followed by six digits. But to confuse matters even more, they did not begin with the letter “A” but instead, the letter “R,” then “L,” then “E,” followed by other non-sequential letters. The biggest change in Rolex serial numbers, however, came about by the end of 2010, when Rolex decided to use random serial numbers. Due to this change, it cannot be determined what year a Rolex was made if it was manufactured post-2010. There are several theories on why Rolex has done this. One is that the company does not want the public to know just how many units they produce a year, while another speculation says that it’s a measure against counterfeiting.
Rolex Serial Number Look Up Chart
Using this Rolex Serial Number Look Up chart, you can approximate what year a Rolex was produced (pre-2011). It’s important to note that Rolex has never released official numbers so these have been approximated, recorded, and categorized by collectors over the years. It is not an exact science.
Where Can I Find the Rolex Serial Number?
If you have the watch’s papers, then the serial number will be on there. However, if you don’t have any documents, then you’ll find it on the Rolex watch itself. On Rolex watches made prior to 2007, the serial number can be found engraved on the case in between the lugs at 6 o’clock. You will have to remove the bracelet to see it.
[caption id="attachment_1152" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Rolex serial number is between the lugs at 6 o'clock[/caption] Starting in late 2006, in addition to the case stamping Rolex also included the serial number laser engraved on the rehaut—visible through the sapphire crystal. Finally, starting in the late 2008, Rolex phased out the case engraving entirely and now exclusively displays the serial number on the rehaut.
What is a Rolex Reference Number?
Unlike a unique serial number, Rolex reference numbers (also known as model numbers) are shared across watches. Among other things, the first few numbers tell you what particular collection a Rolex watch belongs to.
Furthermore, a reference number also includes codes for material and bezel type.
Finally, sometimes there are letters in a Rolex reference number that reveal even more details.
So if we take these charts and the 116613LB reference number as an example, this will tell you: 1166 – Submariner 1 – Rotating Bezel 3 – Two Tone Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold LB – Blue Bezel
Where Can I Find the Rolex Reference Number?
Again, if you have the watch’s official papers, then you can easily find the official Rolex reference (model) number there. However, if you don’t have access to the papers, then you can find it on the watch.
[caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="950"] The Rolex reference number is engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock[/caption] The Rolex reference number is also engraved on the watch, but on the opposite side from the serial number position. So you’ll have to remove the bracelet from the 12 o’clock side of the case to see it.
How to Use Rolex Serial Numbers and Reference Numbers
The most common way a reference number is used is to identify exactly the type of Rolex watch you have (or have your eye on). This is especially important when sourcing your Rolex from the secondary market to ensure that what think you’re buying matches up with what you’re actually buying. Understanding Rolex reference numbers is important if you want to make an informed purchase.
Likewise, a Rolex serial number helps you date a specific watch so that you can understand what era your watch is from. Not only will this will help you to know if the watch in question is actually an honest vintage piece, but also, it will reveal if all the other details of the watch (dial, bezel, bracelet) match up or if they were replacement/service pieces. When buying a pre-owned Rolex watch, the more you understand, the better decisions you’ll make when choosing which one you want to add to your collection.
Rolex uses reference numbers to make it easier to reference a specific watch model or part.
When you have as many models and bracelets as Rolex, having a numeric way to organize and reference them is crucial.
If you are unfamiliar with the Rolex reference numbers for the watches, we recommend that you read our Rolex reference number guide.
Rolex has many different bracelets for its watches. And in true Rolex fashion, the bracelet used for the watches have been updated, refined, and improved time and time over. This is because Rolex satisfies with nothing but complete reliability and perfection. Old bracelets have been discontinued in favor of new ones, but as you know, Rolex is a company that is about evolution, not revolution. This means that just like the classic models from Rolex which are still in production, many classic bracelets which were introduced a long time ago are still in production. The difference, however, is that they have been greatly improved.
Rolex makes a range of different bracelets for its watches. And these bracelets are, of course, perfectly adapted for the respective field and purpose it has. For example, the Glidelock clasp is an excellent feature for a professional diver, whilst the leather strap is a classy and classic choice.
Today, Rolex makes a number of different bracelets, specifically made for different watches in the collections:
- Oyster
- President
- Jubilee
- Pearlmaster
- Leather
- Oysterflex
Now, to the point of this article, Rolex marks each bracelet with a reference number. This reference number is similar to the reference number of the watch in the sense that it is meant to make it easier to identify and refer to a specific bracelet and product.
Furthermore, the bracelet reference number also gives a little bit of information about the bracelet. It gives us far less information than about a watch, but it can still come in handy.
Where to find Rolex bracelet reference number?
So, where can you find the Rolex bracelet number? The answer is inside the bracelet. Apart from the bracelet reference number, you also have a number on the end links as well. This number is used to help identify the specific end-link that is on the bracelet. The end link is particularly important to know for older watches as many were possibly changed over the years due to wear and tear. Furthermore, there were also different options at the point of purchase in the Authorized dealers. These numbers can thus hopefully help you determine the bracelet is original to the watch.
Have in mind also that some of Rolex’s watches, in particular, professional watches, also had the option of a Jubilee bracelet apart from the standard Oyster bracelet.
To easier navigate in this article, “search” on this page via your computer (on Mac CMD+F) and search for your model name (for example Datejust. If you do not find anything, search for your reference number.
What does Rolex bracelet reference numbers mean?
Each Rolex bracelet is marked with a reference number. The last digit on the unique reference number refers to the type of material. This can come in handy if you want to know which type of watch to use it for. As such, whilst it may seem like there are many bracelets for the same model in the list below, in many cases, it is just that the watch is available in different metal combinations.
For example, a two-tone watch will never have a full steel bracelet and vice versa. Please note that a bracelet made for one watch may also fit in different watches. For example, the Superjubilee also works for GMT-Master II 116710 even though it is not specifically made for it. But this is up to you if you want to experiment with Rolex bracelets.
- 0 = Stainless Steel
- 1 = Yellow Gold Filled
- 2 = White Gold Filled or Stainless Steel & Platinum
- 3 = Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold
- 4 = Stainless Steel & White Gold
- 5 = Gold Shell or 18k Pink Gold or Rose Gold
- 6 = Platinum
- 7 = 14k Yellow Gold
- 8 = 18k Yellow Gold
- 9 = 18k White Gold
Rolex bracelet reference numbers for the most common models:
Now, with further ado, here is the list of Rolex bracelet reference numbers. Please note that this list is not supposed to be extensive, but hopefully a helpful resource for you.
We begin with older models and then list newer models further on.
For the older references, we will also share end link references.
Rolex bracelet reference numbers and clasp codes
- Rolex Daytona reference 6239. Possible bracelets: 7205, 7835, 73850. End link references: 71, 771, 771
- Rolex Daytona reference 6263. Possible bracelets: 7835, 73850. End link references: 771.
- Rolex Daytona reference 6265. Possible bracelets: 7835, 73850. End link references: 771.
- Rolex Daytona reference 16520. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78390, 78390A. End link references: 503, 503B, SEL.
- Rolex Daytona reference 116520. Possible bracelets: 78490. End link references: SEL.
- Rolex Sea-Dweller bracelet reference numbers and clasp codes
- Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665. Possible bracelets: 9315, 93150. End link references: 380, 585
- Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16600. Possible bracelets: 93160. End link references: 592 B SEL.
- Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16660. Possible bracelets: 93160. End link references: 592 SEL.
- Rolex Submariner bracelet reference numbers and clasp codes
- Rolex Submariner reference 5508. Possible bracelets: 7206. End link references: 58.
- Rolex Submariner reference 6536. Possible bracelets: 6536. End link references: 58.
- Rolex Submariner reference 5512. Possible bracelets: 7206, 9315, 93150. End link references: 80, 280, 580.
- Rolex Submariner reference 5513. Possible bracelets: 7206, 9315, 93150. End link references: 80, 280, 580.
- Rolex Submariner reference 1680. Possible bracelets: 9315, 93150. End link references: 280, 580.
- Rolex Submariner reference 16800. Possible bracelets: 93150, 93250. End link references: 501 B, SEL.
- Rolex Submariner reference 168000. Possible bracelets: 93150, 93250. End link references: 501 B, SEL.
- Rolex Submariner reference 16610. Possible bracelets: 93150, 93250. End link references: 501 B, SEL.
- Rolex Submariner reference 116610. Possible bracelets: 97200, 97203, 97208, 97209.
Rolex GMT bracelet reference numbers and clasp codes
- Rolex GMT reference 6542. Possible bracelets: 7206. End link references: 80.
- Rolex GMT reference 1675. Possible bracelets: 7206, 7836, 78360. End link references: 58, 280, 580.
- Rolex GMT reference 16750. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78790 A. End link references: 501 B, SEL.
- Rolex GMT reference 16700. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78790 A. End link references: 501, SEL.
- Rolex GMT II reference 16760. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78790 A. End link references: 501, SEL.
- Rolex GMT II reference 16710. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78790 A. End link references: 501, SEL.
- GMT II reference 1167010. Possible bracelets: 78590, 78593, 78595, 78598, 78599
- Rolex Explorer bracelet reference numbers and clasp codes
- Rolex Explorer reference 1016. Possible bracelets: 7206, 7836, 78360. End link references: 58, 580, 580.
- Rolex Explorer reference 14270. Possible bracelets: 78790, 78690. End link references: 558 B, SEL.
- Rolex Explorer II reference 1655. Possible bracelets: 7206, 7836, 78360. End link references: 58, 580, 580.
- Rolex Explorer II reference 16550. Possible bracelets: 7206, 7836, 78360. End link references: 58, 580, 580.0
- Rolex Explorer II reference 16570. Possible bracelets: 78360, 78790, 78790 A. End link references: 501 B, 501 B, SEL
Note that the millimeter below refers to the lug size:
Rolex Oyster bracelet reference numbers:
- 70130-13 mm- Lady Oyster Perpetual
- 70160– 16 mm-Oyster Perpetual
- 70190– 19 mm -Air-King
- 70200-20 mm-Oyster Perpetual
- 70400– 20mm -Oysterclasp. For model 114300
- 71200 – 20mm – 6 removable extension links, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for model 116900
- 72130-72131 -72133-13 mm-Lady-Datejust
- 72160-72161-2163-16 mm-Datejust 31 mm
- 72190-19 mm-Date
- 97220 – 22mm – Removable extension links, Oysterlock, Rolex Glidelock, and Fliplock, for model 126600
- 77210 – 21mm – 6 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 216570
- 78180 – 18mm – 4 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 268622
- 72210 -72213-21 mm-Datejust 41 mm
- 98220 -22mm -5 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock, for model 12666
- 78800 -20mm – 6 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 126622
- 78210 – 5 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 116680
- 72600-72601-72603-20 mm-Datejust 36 mm (Oyster bracelets)
- Datejust 126334. Oyster bracelet: reference 72610. Jubilee bracelet: 62610.
- 73168-16 mm Datejust 31 mm
- 73205 – 73208 – 73209 20 mm – Day-Date
- 72223 – 22mm -5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for model 326933
- 72341 – 14mm – 4 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 279161, 279171 and 279381 RBR
- 72343 – 14mm – 4 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 279163, 279173 and 279383 RBR
- 72361 – 16mm – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 278241, 278271, 278341 RBR and 278381 RBR
- 72363 – 16mm – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 278243, 278273, 278343 RBR and 278383 RBR
- 72611 – 21mm – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126301 and 126331
- 72613 – 21mm -5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126303 and 126333
- 72801 – 20mm – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126201,126231 and 126281 RBR
- 72803 – 20mm – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126203, 126233 and 126283 RBR
- 78181 – 4 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 268621.
- 78211– 21mm -5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 1 16681
- 78593 – 20mm – 6 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 116503 Additional link
- 78801 – 5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 126621
- 79201 -20mm -5 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 126711 CHNR
- 97223 – 22mm – 6 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterlock, Rolex Glidelock, for models 116613 LB/LN
- 72415 – 21mm – 6 removable extension links, 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for model 326935
- 72418 – 21mm – 6 removable extension links, 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for model 326938
- 73365 – 16mm -5 removable extension links, 18 ct Everose gold, Crownclasp, for models 278245, 278275 and 278285 RBR
- 72268 – 16mm – 5 removable extension links, 18 ct yellow gold, Crownclasp, for models 278248, 278278 and 278288 RBR
- 78596 – 20mm – 6 removable extension links, platinum, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 116506
- 79205 – 20mm – 5 removable extension links, 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 126715 CHNR
- 79209 – 20mm – 5 removable extension links, 18 ct white gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 126719 BLRORolex Professional models
- 72400-20 mm-Milgauss 116400
- 78218-78219 21 mm-Yacht-Master II -5 removable extension links, 18 ct white gold, Oysterlock, Easylink, for model 116689
- 78730 -78733 -78738-14 mm-Yacht-Master
- 78740 – 78743 – 78748 17 mm-Yacht-Master
- 78750 -78753 -78758 17 mm-Yacht-Master
- 78760 – 78763 – 78768 20 mm-Yacht-Master
- 98210 21 mm Rolex Deepsea
Rolex Jubilee bracelets reference numbers
- 63130 – 63131 – 63133 13 mm-Lady-Datejust
- 63160 – 63161 -63163-16 mm-Datejust 31 mm- 7 removable extension links, Crownclasp, for models 178240, 178274, 178344 and 178384
- 633540 -14mm – 7 removable extension links, Crownclasp, for models 279160, 279174 and 279384 RBR
- 63208-20 mm-Datejust 36 mm
- 63600 – 63601 – 63603 – 63608 – 62803, 20 mm Datejust 36 mm (also known as Superjubilee). Fits several sports models, for example, GMT 116710 and Submariner 116610.
- 64169-16 mm-Datejust 31 mm
- 69200 – 20mm – 7 removable extension links, Oysterlock, Easylink, for models 126710 BLNR/BLRO
- 72848 – 72849-17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 74818 – 74819 17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 74828 74829 17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 74838-17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 74848-17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 74858-17 mm-DateJust “Special Edition”
- 72746 -72748-20 mm-Day-Date-”Special Edition”
- 72748 Tridor-20 mm-Day-Date “Special Edition”
- 74746 Bril-20 mm-Day-Date “Special Edition”
- 74138 – 74139 13 mm-Lady-Datejust
- Rolex Datejust 126234 Jubilee bracelet. 9 removable extension links, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126200, 126234 and 126284 RBR.
- 62611 – 21mm – removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126301 and 126331
- 62613 – 21mm – 9 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126303 and 126333
- 62801 – 20mm – 9 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Oysterclasp, Easylink, for models 126201, 126231 and 126281 RBR
- 63341 – 14mm – 7 removable extension links, Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold, Crownclasp, for models 279161, 279171 and 279381 RBR
Rolex president bracelet
- 83135 – 83136 – 83138 – 83139-13 mm-Lady-Datejust
- 83165 -83166 – 83168 -83169-16 mm-Datejust 31 mm
- 83205 – 83206 – 83208 -83209-20 mm-Day-Date
- 83215 – 83216 – 83218 – 83219-21 mm-Day-Date II
- 84136 – 84138-13 mm-Lady-Datejust
- 84166 – 84168-16 mm-Datejust 31 mm
- 84206 – 84208 – 84209 20 mm-Day-Date
Rolex leather straps/bracelets
Rolex uses leather straps for a few of its models. As you can imagine, this is for the more classier and classic pieces. Currently, Rolex uses leather straps for some of the Day-Date models and Sky-Dweller models.
Rolex clasps
Rolex also uses different clasps for its bracelets. Depending on the way the watch will be worn, it may need a different clasp. Safe to say though is that the clasp is the part of the watch and bracelet which receives the most wear and tear.
Rolex has produced a number of different clasps over the years, and some of them have been discontinued whilst some have only been refined and improved. The most common clasps you can find in Rolex’s collection are:
- Glidelock clasp
- Oysterlock clasp (with or without Glidelock and/or Glidelock fine-adjustment system.
- Jubilee bracelet+Oyster clasp.
Just like the bracelet and end link, the clasp also has a reference number. It is engraved to the right of the Rolex logo stamp in the center of the clasp. The number on the clasp should match the number on the bracelet.
Rolex bracelet innovation
A famous and common issue with older Rolex bracelets is the fact that they get stretch. A lot of it. If you look at an old, well-worn jubilee bracelet, you will see exactly what we mean.
Since Rolex’s goal is to create everlasting products that last through generations, this was of course not acceptable for them. This is why the bracelets have been refined to become more robust, more reliable, and as sturdy as possible to be able to minimize stretch in the bracelet with aging.
One way that Rolex has done so is to begin using ceramic inside its new jubilee bracelet. This minimizes friction and thus also stretches.
Rolex has also gone to great lengths in order to ensure that the bracelet suits the watch it is fitted on in terms of design and style.
Note:
Please note that this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to be extensive. Some mistakes may be found. Any Rolex parts we have for sale can be found in our accessories section.
Shall you have any questions regarding Rolex bracelet reference numbers, consult one of our watch experts here!