Rolex Reference Numbers Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Rolex reference numbers. These numbers, far from being arbitrary, are a gateway to understanding the intricate details of a Rolex watch. Unlike the complex numbering systems of other brands, Rolex’s method is clear and systematic. Each reference number decodes four essential elements of the watch: model type, bezel type, material, and bezel color. The first few digits denote the watch model, distinguishing a Datejust from a Day-Date, for instance. Following this, the number reveals the bezel type, indicating whether it is smooth, fluted, or adorned with diamonds, thus highlighting both aesthetic and functional design choices. The reference number also specifies the material, whether it be stainless steel, gold, platinum, or a combination known as Rolesor, offering insights into the watch’s durability, weight, and value. Lastly, it includes information about the bezel color, aiding in the identification of unique or limited edition models with distinct color palettes. Ultimately, a Rolex reference number is a detailed identifier that provides a comprehensive snapshot of the watch’s key characteristics, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Rolex’s exquisite craftsmanship.

Model Type and Numbers

The initial two to four digits of a Rolex reference number reveal the specific model, or collection, to which the watch belongs. This includes iconic families like the Datejust and GMT-Master. Each model type is assigned a unique series of numbers. Given the extensive range of models, we have listed the most recent traditional model types below for your convenience.

Collection Reference Number Starting Digits Example First Year of Production Last Year of Production
Air-King 55-, 140-, 114-, 116- Air-King Ref #: 116900 1953 Ongoing
Datejust 31 68-, 782-, 1782-, 2782- Datejust 31 Ref #: 178273 2000 Ongoing
Datejust 36 66-, 16-, 162-, 1162-, 1262- Datejust 36 Ref #: 126234 1945 Ongoing
Datejust II 1163- Datejust II Ref #: 116334 2009 2016
Datejust 41 1263- Datejust 41 Ref #: 126303 2016 Ongoing
Day-Date 36 65-, 18-, 180-, 182-, 183-, 1182-, 1282- Day-Date 36 Ref #: 118238 1956 Ongoing
Day-Date II 2182- Day-Date II Ref #: 218235 2008 2015
Day-Date 40 2282- Day-Date 40 Ref #: 228239 2015 Ongoing
Daytona 62-, 165-, 1165- Daytona Ref #: 116500 1963 Ongoing
Explorer 61-, 63-, 66-, 10-, 142-, 1142-, 2142- Explorer Ref #: 124270 1953 Ongoing
Explorer II 165-, 2165- Explorer II Ref #: 216570 1971 Ongoing
Lady-Datejust 679-, 791-, 1791-, 2791-, 2793-, 2794- Lady-Datejust Ref #: 279163 1957 Ongoing
Milgauss 65-, 10-, 1164- Milgauss Ref #: 116400 1956 2023
Oyster Perpetual 176-, 177-, 116-, 114-, 124-, 126-, 276-, 277- Oyster Perpetual Ref #: 124300 1931 Ongoing
Sea-Dweller 16-, 166-, 1166-, 1266- Sea-Dweller Ref #: 126603 1967 Ongoing
Submariner 55-, 140-, 1140- Submariner Ref #: 124060 1953 Ongoing
Submariner Date 16-, 166-, 168-, 1166-, 1266- Submariner Date Ref #: 126610 1969 Ongoing
GMT-Master 65-, 167- GMT-Master Ref #: 16700 1954 1999
GMT-Master II 167-, 1167-, 1267- GMT-Master II Ref #: 126710 1983 Ongoing
Yacht-Master 31 686-, 1686- Yacht-Master 31 Ref #: 168622 1994 2006
Yacht-Master 37 268- Yacht-Master 37 Ref #: 268655 2015 Ongoing
Yacht-Master 40 166-, 1166-, 1266- Yacht-Master 40 Ref #: 126621 1992 Ongoing
Yacht-Master 42 2266- Yacht-Master 42 Ref #: 226659 2019 Ongoing
Yacht-Master II 1166- Yacht-Master II Ref #: 116688 2007 2024
Sky-Dweller 326-, 336- Sky-Dweller Ref #: 326933 2012 Ongoing

Bezel Type and Numbers

For most reference numbers, the second to the last number dictates the bezel type. The classification table is below:

Code Bezel Type Example
0 Smooth / Domed / Polished Rolex Datejust Mint Green Dial Domed Bezel Steel Ref #: 126200
1 Engine Turned Rolex Air King Engine Turned Bezel Silver Dial Steel Ref #: 14010
2 Engraved Rolex Daytona Steel Yellow Gold Zenith Movement Ref #: 16523
3 Fluted Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Ref #: 116233
4 Bark / Hand-Crafted Rolex Day-Date President Yellow Gold Bark Finish Ref #: 18248
6 Rotatable Rolex Submariner Non-Date Ceramic Bezel Steel Ref #: 124060
7 Various (e.g. Explorer II) Rolex Explorer II 42 White Dial Orange Hand Steel Ref #: 216570

Materials Type and Numbers

The last digit in the Rolex reference number classifies the type of metal the bracelet of the watch is. The classification table is below:

Code Material Examples
0 Stainless Steel Rolex GMT Master II Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Ref #: 126710
1 Everose Rolesor (Stainless Steel and Everose Gold) Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Rose Gold Silver Palm Dial Ref #: 126201
2 Rolesium (Stainless Steel and Platinum) Rolex Yachtmaster Platinum Dial Bezel Steel Ref #: 16622
3 Yellow Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold) Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Ref #: 116233
4 White Rolesor (Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold) Rolex Datejust 41 Steel White Gold Blue Roman Dial Ref #: 126334
5 Everose Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Rose Gold Oysterflex Bracelet Ref #: 116655
6 Platinum Rolex President Day-Date Platinum Diamond Ref #: 118346
8 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date President Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Dial Ref #: 118238
9 18k White Gold Rolex President Day-Date White Gold Diamond Dial Ref #: 118239
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