How to Date Your Rolex Bracelet by Its Clasp Code

If you’ve spent time collecting or learning about vintage Rolex watches, you’ve probably heard about bracelet codes. These tiny stamps on Rolex bracelet clasps are small enough to miss entirely, but they’re crucial details for understanding the originality and manufacturing date of your Rolex’s bracelet and, combined with your case serial, your Rolex as a whole. Let’s quickly break down how to decode them—and why it matters.

Why Bracelet Codes Matter

Rolex 62510H Bracelet Dated "G3" or March 1982. Image Source: Watch Price Trend

These small stamps on Rolex bracelet clasps are easy to overlook, but they provide essential information for confirming the originality and manufacturing date of your Rolex’s bracelet—and, combined with your case serial, the watch itself. For collectors, originality and condition are everything. A bracelet code can help verify whether the bracelet is period-correct for the case, especially on pre-2010 models, when Rolex serial numbers still followed a sequential system. (Starting in 2010, Rolex case serials became randomized; bracelet codes followed suit a year later in 2011.) Spotting a mismatch—like a clasp stamped for 2005 on a watch with a 1998 serial—can indicate a replacement bracelet. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but could impact value. Some clasp codes even include an “S,” denoting a Rolex service replacement bracelet or clasp. These are still genuine Rolex parts.

Where to Find Bracelet Codes

Rolex 93153 Bracelet Clasp Dated "X4" or April 1999. Image Source: Used Rolex Parts

Rolex bracelet codes are typically stamped inside the clasp blade. To see yours, open the clasp and look for a small alphanumeric code. While the clasp is the primary location for these date codes, some codes can also be found on the end-links of the bracelet.

U.S.-Made C&I Rolex Bracelet Clasp Dated "76" or 1976 (No Month). Image Source: Wind Vintage

A specific U.S. manufacturer known as C&I produced Oyster bracelets for Rolex during the mid-20th century. C&I bracelets feature distinct clasp constructions compared to their Swiss counterparts. When C&I bracelets are dated, their stamps differ: they typically feature a two-digit year (e.g., ’69 for 1969), sometimes accompanied by an additional number (or two) indicating the month of production. This variation in stamping for U.S.-made bracelets is good to be aware of as a collector.

Rolex Bracelet Clasp Dated "1 (above) 70" or January 1970. Image Source: Watch Pro Site

Gold Bracelet Exceptions: It’s important to know that Rolex gold or precious-metal bracelets often feature numeric codes or simply purity stamps instead of the letter-based date codes seen on steel models. Look for hallmarks like “750” for 18K gold, and official Swiss assay marks such as the Saint Bernard dog (used post-1995 for gold), or the traditional Helvetia head. Some gold bracelets may even lack any recognizable date code entirely. This is a known exception for precious metals and is not necessarily a red flag for authenticity.

Decoding Rolex Bracelet Codes

Rolex 93253 Bracelet Clasp Dated "MA8" or August 2005. Image Source: Bargello Uhren Juwelen

Rolex started using lettered codes systematically from 1976 until 2011. Here’s a simplified guide to quickly decode yours:

1976–1981 (Single and Double Letter Codes):

- A or VA: 1976

- B or VB: 1977

- C or VC: 1978

- D or VD: 1979

- E or VE: 1980

- F or VF: 1981

Why the extra “V” in some codes? The prevailing collector theory is these bracelets were possibly made by a second supplier or designated for specific export markets. Either way, a “VA” bracelet on a 1976 watch is period-correct.

1982–1999 (Single Letter Codes):

- G: 1982

- H: 1983

- I: 1984

- J: 1985

- K: 1986

- L: 1987

- M: 1988

- N: 1989

- O: 1990

- P: 1991

- Q: 1992

- R: 1993

- S: 1994

- T or W: 1995

- V: 1996

- Z: 1997

- U: 1998

- X: 1999

2000–2010 (Two-Letter Codes):

- AB: 2000

- DE: 2001

- DT: 2002

- AD: 2003

- CL: 2004

- MA: 2005

- OP: 2006

- EO: 2007

- PJ: 2008

- LT: 2009

- RS: 2010

The digit after these codes (1–12) represents the month of production. For instance, “DE4” means April 2001.

After 2011: Randomized Codes

Post-2011 Rolex Bracelet Clasp With Randomized Bracelet Code "V3R" Image Source: Watchuseek

In mid-2011, Rolex switched to randomized bracelet codes, making precise dating trickier. However, these codes still confirm authenticity when cross-checked with reference numbers, clasp types, and known production timelines. While no longer providing a direct year, these randomized codes remain a key authentication point due to their expected format and placement for modern watches.

Quick Inspection Checklist

Rolex 62523H Bracelet Clasp Dated "K11" or November 1986. Image Source: Swiss Wrist

- Check the inside clasp blade for a stamped code—this is where most date codes are found. Some may be stamped on the inside of an end-link.

- Refer to the key above to determine the month and year of production. For example, “CL10” means October 2004.

- Watch for service replacements: An “S” following the code (e.g., “MA5S”) signals a service bracelet or clasp—still genuine Rolex, just not original to the watch.

- Be aware of exceptions: U.S.-made C&I bracelets, gold bracelets, and older folded-link styles don’t follow the same format. Their stamping (or lack thereof) doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem—just a different standard.

Final Thoughts

Curved-End Rubber Straps For Rolex Watches

Bracelet codes won’t tell you everything, but they can tell you a lot—especially when paired with a known serial range. For collectors, that means verifying period-correctness and originality. For buyers, it’s one more way to spot swapped bracelets or undisclosed service parts. Again, a replacement bracelet isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you should know what you’re buying. Even if you’re not concerned with resale value, it’s just satisfying to know exactly what you’re wearing.