The Ultimate Rolex Reference Numbers Guide

What Is A Rolex Reference Number?

Among all the numbers and codes that come with Rolex watches, its reference number is one of the most important ones to know. A Rolex reference number can reveal plenty of information about the watch including model type, material, production period, and more. The primary purpose of a Rolex reference number is to indicate the model of the watch. In fact, the reference number is also known as the model number or style number. Therefore, the reference number will tell you if the watch is a Submariner, Datejust, Day-Date, Yacht-Master, and so on. Below is a Rolex reference numbers chart outlining the starting digits of the reference number according to model type.

Rolex Reference Number Model Chart

Depending on the era, Rolex reference numbers can be four to six digits long. Early in Rolex’s history, reference numbers were four digits long. In the late-1970s, Rolex began switching to five-digit reference numbers and by the end of the 1980s, all reference numbers were that long. Around the 2000s, Rolex transitioned to six-digit reference numbers, often just adding a “1” to the beginning of the five-digit reference numbers. Therefore, a Rolex reference number can also tell you the approximate era a watch was made in.

Generally speaking, although there are some exceptions, the length of the Rolex reference number indicates the following:

• Four-Digit Reference numbers: Vintage Rolex watch produced prior to the late-1970s
• Five-Digit Reference numbers: Discontinued Rolex watch produced anywhere from the late-1970s until 1999
• Six-Digit Reference: Modern Rolex watch produced anywhere from 2000 to present

A Rolex reference number engraved between the lugs right above the 12 o’clock location on the side of the case.

Rolex Reference Numbers Indicate Case Materials and Bezel Style

While the first few digits denote the model type, the last digit in five and six-digit Rolex reference numbers (not four-digit ones) indicates the material of the watch.

Rolex Material Codes

The second-to-last digit in a five or six-digit Rolex reference number can also indicate the bezel style of the watch. But this is only applicable to Rolex dress watches such as the Datejust, Date, Day-Date, and Oyster Perpetual. This does not apply to Rolex sports watches such as the Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, Daytona, and so on.

Most Common Rolex Bezel Codes

From left to right: domed bezel, engine-turned bezel, fluted bezel, and Turn-O-Graph bezel

Finally, some Rolex reference numbers also include letters at the end. These letters are abbreviations to signify either the color of the bezel or the types of gems used in the bezel. There is one instance where the letters refer to the color of the sapphire crystal. Since most of these abbreviations are in French, we have included the translations and abbreviation meanings below.

Rolex Reference Letters Codes

(Left) Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116710BLNR (Middle) Submariner Date Ref. 116659SABR (Right) Milgauss Ref. 116400

Appreciating The Rolex Reference Number

As you can see, once you understand the Rolex reference number structure, it is easier to recognize the details of a specific watch such as the type of materials Rolex uses to manufacture the watch, type of bezel, dial color, and which model you have.  Rather than a random string of digits and letters, the reference number is a code that once understood, can help to reveal the model, era, material, and bezel style of a Rolex watch and even help one decide on which specific watch they would like to purchase.