Learn to decode reference numbers and understand what they reveal about any Rolex
Enter any Rolex reference number to decode its meaning
You might be surprised to learn that Rolex reference numbers can reveal quite a bit of information about a watch.
Also known as the model number or style number, these codes provide information about the model type, material, production period, and more.
The reference number isn't just a random string of characters—it's a systematic code that, once understood, allows you to quickly identify the model, era, materials, and special features of any Rolex timepiece.
The model reference number is engraved on the case between the lugs at the 12 o'clock position. You'll need to remove the bracelet to see it.
From 4-digit references in the vintage era, to 5-digit in the 1970s-1999, to today's 6-digit system starting around 2000.
Each section reveals specific details—from model type and materials to bezel style and special features.
Pre-1970s
Four-digit references represent Rolex's earliest standardized numbering system.
Example: 1675
1970s - 1999
Five-digit references introduced more detailed coding for materials and features.
Example: 16610
2000 - Present
Six-digit references provide comprehensive information about every aspect of the watch.
Example: 116610LN
Model type (Submariner, GMT-Master II, Datejust, etc.)
Bezel style on dress watches (smooth, fluted, rotatable)
Case material code (steel, gold, platinum, titanium, etc.)
Bezel color or gemstone configuration (when present)
Understanding reference numbers is crucial for several reasons
Quickly verify you're getting the exact model you want with the correct specifications.
Identify generations, track production evolution, and spot non-original configurations.
Determine exactly which components are compatible with your watch, saving time and preventing costly mistakes.
Rather than lengthy descriptions, simply state "ref. 126610LN" and everyone knows exactly what you mean.
While this guide focuses on Rolex's standard catalog models, it's worth noting that the brand also produces exclusive "off-catalog" pieces for VIP customers. These ultra-rare watches often feature unique gemstone configurations and may have additional letter codes not found in the regular lineup (like "RBOW" for Rainbow Daytonas or "TRU" for baguette ruby bezels).
| Model | Starting Digits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Submariner (No Date) | 55- 140- 1140- 1240- | 14060, 114060, 124060 |
| Submariner Date | 16- 166- 1166- 1266- | 16610, 116610, 126610 |
| GMT-Master II | 167- 1167- 1267- | 16710, 116710, 126710 |
| Daytona | 62- 165- 1165- | 16520, 116520, 116500 |
| Datejust 36 | 66- 16- 1162- 1262- | 16234, 116234, 126234 |
| Datejust 41 | 1263- | 126334, 126300 |
| Explorer | 61- 142- 2142- | 14270, 124270 |
| Explorer II | 165- 2165- 2265- | 16570, 216570, 226570 |
| Sea-Dweller | 166- 1166- 1266- | 16600, 116600, 126600 |
| Deepsea | 1166- 1266- 1366- | 116660, 126660, 136660 |
| Yacht-Master 40 | 166- 1166- 1266- | 16622, 116622, 126622 |
| Air-King | 140- 114- 116- 126- | 14000, 116900, 126900 |
| Oyster Perpetual 36 | 116- 126- | 116000, 126000 |
| Milgauss | 10- 1164- | 1019, 116400 |
| Day-Date 36 | 18- 1182- 1282- | 18038, 118238, 128238 |
| Day-Date 40 | 2282- | 228238, 228206 |
| Sky-Dweller | 326- | 326934, 326238 |
The last digit of five and six-digit references reveals the case material.
| Code | Material | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Stainless Steel (Oystersteel) | 1167100 - GMT-Master II Steel |
| 1 | Two-Tone Steel & Everose Gold | 126331 - Datejust Everose Rolesor |
| 2 | Steel & Platinum (Rolesium) | 116622 - Yacht-Master Rolesium |
| 3 | Two-Tone Steel & Yellow Gold | 116613 - Submariner Yellow Rolesor |
| 4 | Steel & White Gold (White Rolesor) | 116264 - Datejust White Rolesor |
| 5 | 18k Everose Gold | 326935 - Sky-Dweller Everose |
| 6 | 950 Platinum | 228206 - Day-Date Platinum |
| 7 | RLX Titanium (Grade 5) | 226627 - Yacht-Master 42 Titanium |
| 8 | 18k Yellow Gold | 116508 - Daytona Yellow Gold |
| 9 | 18k White Gold | 126719 - GMT-Master II White Gold |
The second-to-last digit indicates bezel style for dress watches (Datejust, Day-Date, Oyster Perpetual). This doesn't apply to sports models.
| Code | Bezel Style | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Smooth/Domed Bezel | 126300 - Datejust Smooth Bezel |
| 3 | Fluted Bezel | 126234 - Datejust Fluted Bezel |
| 6 | Rotatable Bezel (Turn-O-Graph) | 116264 - Datejust Turn-O-Graph |
Letter suffixes indicate bezel colors or gemstone configurations. Most are French abbreviations.
| Letters | Meaning | Translation/Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| LN | Black Bezel | Lunette Noir (Black Bezel) | 116610LN - Submariner Black |
| LV | Green Bezel | Lunette Verte (Green Bezel) | 116610LV - Submariner "Hulk" |
| LB | Blue Bezel | Lunette Bleu (Blue Bezel) | 116619LB - Submariner Blue |
| BLNR | Blue/Black Bezel | Bleu Noir - "Batman" | 116710BLNR - GMT-Master II |
| BLRO | Blue/Red Bezel | Bleu Rouge - "Pepsi" | 126710BLRO - GMT-Master II |
| VTNR | Green/Black Bezel | Vert Noir - "Sprite" | 126720VTNR - GMT-Master II |
| GRNR | Gray/Black Bezel | Grise Noir | 126710GRNR - GMT-Master II |
| CHNR | Brown/Black Bezel | Chocolat Noir - "Root Beer" | 126715CHNR - GMT-Master II |
| GV | Green Crystal | Glace Verte (Green Sapphire) | 116400GV - Milgauss |
| RBOW | Rainbow Bezel | Multi-colored Sapphires | 116595RBOW - Daytona Rainbow |
| RBR | Round Brilliant Diamonds | Ronde Brilliants | 278384RBR - Datejust 31 |
| TBR | Baguette Diamonds | Tessellate Brilliants | 228398TBR - Day-Date 40 |
| SABR | Sapphire & Diamond Bezel | Saphirs Brilliants | 116659SABR - Submariner |
| SARU | Sapphire & Ruby Bezel | Saphirs Rubis | 116758SARU - GMT-Master II |
| SATS | Sapphire & Tsavorite Bezel | Saphirs Tsavorite | 116695SATS - Yacht-Master |
Complete list of Rolex reference numbers in current production, organized by collection
276200 — Oyster Perpetual 28 (stainless steel)277200 — Oyster Perpetual 31 (stainless steel)124200 — Oyster Perpetual 34 (stainless steel)126000 — Oyster Perpetual 36 (stainless steel)124300 — Oyster Perpetual 41 (stainless steel)124060 — Submariner (stainless steel, black bezel)126610LN — Submariner Date (stainless steel, black bezel)126610LV — Submariner Date (stainless steel, green bezel)126613LN — Submariner Date (Yellow Rolesor, black bezel)126613LB — Submariner Date (Yellow Rolesor, blue bezel)126618LN — Submariner Date (yellow gold, black bezel)126618LB — Submariner Date (yellow gold, blue bezel)126619LB — Submariner Date (white gold, blue bezel)126710BLRO — GMT-Master II (steel, Pepsi bezel)126710BLNR — GMT-Master II (steel, Batman bezel)126710GRNR — GMT-Master II (steel, gray/black bezel)126720VTNR — GMT-Master II (steel, Sprite bezel)126713GRNR — GMT-Master II (Yellow Rolesor, gray/black bezel)126711CHNR — GMT-Master II (Everose Rolesor, Root Beer bezel)126718GRNR — GMT-Master II (yellow gold, gray/black bezel)126715CHNR — GMT-Master II (Everose gold, Root Beer bezel)126719BLRO — GMT-Master II (white gold, Pepsi bezel)126500LN — Daytona (stainless steel, black bezel)126503 — Daytona (Yellow Rolesor)126508 — Daytona (yellow gold)126518LN — Daytona (yellow gold, black bezel, Oysterflex)126598TBR — Daytona (yellow gold, diamond bezel)126538TBR — Daytona (yellow gold, diamond bezel, Oysterflex)126509 — Daytona (white gold)126519LN — Daytona (white gold, black bezel, Oysterflex)126579RBR — Daytona (white gold, diamond bezel)126589RBR — Daytona (white gold, diamond bezel, Oysterflex)126539TBR — Daytona (white gold, baguette diamond bezel, Oysterflex)126505 — Daytona (Everose gold)126515LN — Daytona (Everose gold, black bezel, Oysterflex)126595TBR — Daytona (Everose gold, baguette diamond bezel)126535TBR — Daytona (Everose gold, baguette diamond bezel, Oysterflex)126506 — Daytona (platinum, brown bezel)124270 — Explorer 36 (stainless steel)124273 — Explorer 36 (Yellow Rolesor)224270 — Explorer 40 (stainless steel)226570 — Explorer II (stainless steel)126600 — Sea-Dweller (stainless steel)126603 — Sea-Dweller (Yellow Rolesor)136660 — Deepsea (stainless steel)136668LB — Deepsea (yellow gold, blue bezel)126067 — Deepsea Challenge (titanium)268622 — Yacht-Master 37 (Rolesium)268621 — Yacht-Master 37 (Everose Rolesor)268655 — Yacht-Master 37 (Everose gold, Oysterflex)126622 — Yacht-Master 40 (Rolesium)126621 — Yacht-Master 40 (Everose Rolesor)126655 — Yacht-Master 40 (Everose gold, Oysterflex)226658 — Yacht-Master 42 (yellow gold, Oysterflex)226659 — Yacht-Master 42 (white gold, Oysterflex)226627 — Yacht-Master 42 (titanium)126900 — Air-King (stainless steel)See reference numbers in action with real watches from our inventory
Reference numbers are your first line of defense against counterfeits and modifications. A stainless steel Datejust 36 with reference number 126200 should have a smooth steel bezel—if it has a white gold fluted bezel, that's a clear sign of non-original parts or potential fakery.
Since Rolex's design language is remarkably consistent, reference numbers are the easiest way to identify generations. The 124060 and 114060 Submariners look almost identical, but the former is the current model with a 41mm case and Caliber 3230 movement.
When you need replacement components—whether bracelet links, dials, or movement parts—the reference number tells you exactly which parts are compatible. This precision saves time and prevents costly mistakes.
Rather than saying "current-generation stainless steel Submariner Date with black dial, black bezel, and Caliber 3235 movement," you can simply say "ref. 126610LN"—and convey all the same information instantly.
Understanding Rolex reference numbers isn't just academic—it's essential knowledge for collectors, buyers, sellers, and anyone serious about these timepieces. Once you crack the code, you can quickly navigate Rolex's entire catalog and gain deeper appreciation for the brand's evolution.
Now that you understand your reference number, browse our inventory of genuine parts and components.
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