Rolex Reference Number Guide

Some collectors prefer to acquire their watches as pre-owned pieces from retailers as well as auction houses. As the counterfeiters continue to fill the market with faux Rolex watches, the question of authenticity weighs heavily on the minds of many collectors. Some of the reproductions are so good that only a professional watchmaker can distinguish between an authentic piece and a forgery. We highly recommend that you consult a professional prior to purchasing any luxury watch. However, the information below can help you make a quick determination if the watch you are interested in is a genuine Rolex.

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REFERENCE NUMBER APPEARANCE AND LOCATION

A Rolex reference number is as unique as the fingerprints of its owner. Every Rolex has a different reference number that is located between the lugs of the watch at the 12 o'clock position. Many counterfeit watches have a completely fictitious reference number and some may not even have one. Here are a few things that will help you in establishing the authenticity of your Rolex watch based on the reference number:

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• The reference number inscription should resemble a diamond engraving and not an acid etched look.
• Rolex models pre 1980's carry a four digit reference number.
• Rolex models released between 1980's and 2000 will have a 5 digit number.
• The first three digits of the reference number indicate the model type on the traditional Rolex models.
• Rolex models released between 2000 and the present have a 6 digit reference number with a number "1" prefacing the 5 digit reference number. The numeric preface may change as more models are being released.
• The 5th digit references to the bezel type
• The 6th digit references the bracelet type.

MODELS BY THE FIRST DIGITS

Below are some of the most popular Rolex models and their reference numbers. Be aware that this is not a complete list of Rolex reference numbers. If you are ever in doubt about a reference number of your watch, a simple Google search will likely tell you if you are in a possession of a genuine Rolex watch. If the internet is of no help to you, we suggest contacting a reputable Rolex dealer, a watchmaker, or Rolex.

POPULAR MODELS AND CORRESPONDING REFERENCE NUMBERS

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT BEZEL OPTION OF YOUR ROLEX

It is not uncommon to find a truly stunning, genuine Rolex where the bezel, dial, markers and the bracelet have been changed to cater to the style and character of the previous owner. This practice is so widespread that it is commonly accepted as long as the parts are genuine Rolex parts. However, if you are a true purist and want to make sure that your watch is in truly pristine and untouched condition, the following is an explanation on how to determine the original bezel type of your Rolex with a production date starting in the 1980's to the present.

The code that delineates the bezel type is located within the Reference (Model) number of your Rolex. The 5th digit of the number is the bezel code.

BEZEL CODE REFERENCE

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT BRACELET OPTION OF YOUR ROLEX

If you are purchasing a pre-owned Rolex, it is not uncommon to find that the bracelet has been replaced. As mentioned previously, this generally does not lower the value of the watch unless the bracelet has been exchanged from a precious metal to a leather strap and so on. In order to determine the bracelet type, locate the Reference Number and look at 6th digit. The last digit generally indicates the type of bracelet used for the your particular watch model.

BRACELET CODE REFERENCE

ROLEX CLASP CODES

A genuine Rolex watch will have a set of letters and numbers on the inside of the clasp hinge. The letters and numbers designate the year and the month of the bracelet manufacturing. So if the inside of the bracelet is stamped OP9, that means that the bracelet was manufactured in September of 2006.

Be aware that it is not uncommon to find a newer watch with an older bracelet and vice versa. Especially in the pre owned market, previous owners will often switch out bracelets to match their personal taste. This practice does not devalue the watch as long as the bracelet was replaced with a genuine Rolex bracelet that matches the style and the precious metals in the watch itself.

Some Rolex models came with a leather strap or a cloth strap. This is common in vintage models and dress models.

ROLEX CLASP CODE REFERENCE

S - Service: Clasp replaced during a "S"ervice.

ROLEX SERIAL NUMBERS

Rolex serial number is also known as the case number or a style number and is located between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position. The serial number of a Rolex watch is used to date the watch and establish its market value and authenticity. In the case of vintage watches, the older the watch, the higher the price. Some collectors search for years before they find a specific serial number to add to their collection. Below we explain what each part of a Rolex serial number means and how to establish authenticity of your watch.

Starting in the 1920's Rolex began the practice of stamping all of their watches with serial numbers. In 1950's, the serial numbers reached 999, 999 mark and the count was restarted from 100,001. In the 1960's the mark of 999,999 was reached once again and in order to prevent confusion, Rolex added a 7th digit to their serial number. In the 1980's 9, 999,999 mark was reached at which point Rolex began adding a letter to their serial numbers. So far, letters " R", "L", "E", "X", "N", "C", "S", "W", "T", "U", "A", "P", "K, "Y", "F" and "D" were used.

Rolex watches produced between 1950's and 1970's have a Roman numeral and an two digit Arabic numeral code that appears on the case back. The Roman numerals that are used are I, II, III, and IV delineating the quarter in which the watch was produced, the two digit Arabic numeral code signifies the year of production.

LIST OF SERIAL NUMBERS WITH THE CORRESPONDING YEAR OF PRODUCTION: