The world of luxury watches can often be very confusing for many at first glance. Therefore should different Numerical codes on the watches create a certain order. Each Rolex model is provided with a reference number, with which each watch can be clearly identified. On older models , this is engraved on the case between the horns at 12 o'clock - on newer models, the engraving is on the rehaut at 6 o'clock. But what exactly do the reference numbers actually mean? We at GOAT LUXURY explain how the Assemble Rolex reference numbers and have them read.
The first digits:
The first two - four digits indicate the model of Rolex to which it belongs. For example, this included Rolex models the following combinations of numbers:
- Air King: 55, 140, 116, 1142, 1269
- Datejust: 16, 160, 162, 1162, 2782
- Datejust 40:1263
- Day-Date: 65, 18, 180, 182, 183, 1182
- Day-Date 40: 2282
- Daytona: 62, 165, 1165
- Explorers: 142, 10, 1142, 2142
- Explorer II: 16, 165, 2165
- GMT Master: 65, 16, 1675
- GMT-Master II: 167, 1167, 1267
- Ladies Date: 65, 69, 691, 692
- Ladies Datejust: 65, 69, 691, 692
- Ladies Oyster Perpetual: 67, 671, 672
- Ladies Oyster Perpetual Datejust: 68, 682
- Milgauss: 65, 10, 1164
- Oyster Perpetual: 10. 140, 142, 114, 115, 1152
- Oyster Quartz Datejust: 170
- Oyster Quartz Day Date: 190
- Sea Dweller: 16, 166, 1166, 1266
- Sky-Dweller: 3269, 3261
- Submarines: 16, 166, 1166, 1266
- Submariner (No Date): 55, 140, 1140
- Yacht Master: 166, 686, 696
- Yacht Master II: 1166
The next digit:
With a 6-digit reference, the fifth digit provides information about the type of bezel. Depending on the length of the reference number, this is also in the 3rd or 4th position - you can remember it like this: The number that provides information about the type of bezel is always in the penultimate position. This is what the numbers mean:
- 0 - smooth bezel
- 1 - rotating bezel
- 2 - engraved bezel
- 3 - fluted bezel
- 4 - Bark engraving or bezel set with gems
- 6 - Turn-O graph
- 7 - different shapes
Why are 5, 8 and 9 missing? Quite simply – these numbers are simply not used by Rolex.
The last digit
The last digit of a Rolex reference always provides information about the material of the watch. However, this only applies to the 5 and 6-digit references. In the 4-digit references, an additional number with a slash was added to identify the material. This is what the digits mean:
- 0 - steel
- 1 - solid yellow gold
- 2 - solid white gold or steel with platinum
- 3 - steel with yellow gold
- 4 - steel with white gold
- 5 - Gold plated or 18k rose gold
- 6 - platinum
- 7 - 14k yellow gold
- 8 - 18k yellow gold
- 9 - 18k white gold
The letters at the end of the reference
However, some references consist not only of numbers, but also of letters. Derived from French, these letters appear at the end of each reference number. They provide information about the color of the bezel and the gemstones used. Here is an overview:
- BLNR - Bleu Noir (blue and black bezel)
- BLRO - Bleu Rouge (Blue-Red Bezel)
- CHNR - Chocolat Noir (brown-black bezel)
- GM - Glace verte (green glass)
- LB - Lunette bleue (blue bezel)
- LN - Lunette noire (black bezel)
- LV - Lunette verte (green bezel)
- RNBW - Rainbow (Bezel Set with Multicolored Gems)
- SA - bezel set with sapphires
- SANR - bezel set with black sapphires
- SARU - Bezel set with sapphires and rubies
- T - Tiger Eye dial
test yourself
What do these references mean: 126610LN, 116264