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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 |





