How to Find Your Rolex Model Number
Rolex model or reference numbers are listed on the certificates Rolex issues, but it's also available on the watch case itself. You will have to remove the bracelet to find it. The reference/model number is engraved between the lugs on the 12 o’clock side where the bracelet meets the watch case as pictured below.
The reference/model number is actually a collection of numbers identifying what the watch was, what is was made of and the type of bezel. The first two or three digits describe the type of watch such as Submariner or Datejust. In 2000, Rolex began adding a 1 in front of some model numbers. See the list below for reference:
- Oyster Perpetual : 10, 140, 142
- Air-King : 55 & 140
- Date : 15 & 150
- Datejust : 16, 162 & 1162
- Daytona Manual Wind : 62
- Daytona Cosmograph : 165 & 1165
- Explorer : 142, 10 & 1142
- Explorer II : 16 & 165
- Sea Dweller : 16 & 166
- Submariner : 16, 166 & 168
- Submariner (no date) : 55 & 140
- GMT Master : 16, 65, 167
- GMT Master II : 167
- Oysterquartz Datejust : 170
- Oysterquartz Day-Date : 190
- Day-Date (President) : 65, 18, 180, 182, 183 & 1182
- Yachtmaster : 166, 686, 696, 1686 & 1696
- Midsize Oyster Perpetual DJ : 68, 682, 782 & 1782
- Ladies Oyster Perpetual : 67, 671, 672, 760 & 761
- Ladies Date : 65, 69, 691, 692, & 791
- Ladies Datejust : 65, 69, 691 & 692, 791 & 1791
The second from the last describes the type of bezel, though this only applies to Rolex Dress watches. Professional watches (e.g. Submariner, GMT Master II, etc) do not follow this convention.
- Polished - 0
- Finely Engine Turned - 1
- Engine Turned - 2
- Fluted - 3
- Hand-Crafted - 4
- Pyramid - 5
- Rotating Bezel - 6
The last number describes the material that the watch is made from.
- Stainless - 0
- Yellow Gold - 1
- White Gold - 2
- Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold - 3
- Stainless Steel & White Gold - 4
- Gold Shell - 5
- Platinum - 6
- 14K Yellow Gold - 7
- 18K Yellow Gold - 8
- 18K White Gold - 9
The serial number, unique to each Rolex watch, is engraved upon the 6 o’clock side. Every Rolex since 1987 has a serial number that uses a system of one letter preceding six digits.
You should now be able to identify your Rolex reference number or determine it based on the above information. If you still wondering if Everest watch bands will fit your Rolex model, please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Hi please could u tell me how much my Rolex is worth the numbers on it are 5678 455B
CL Williams – we can definitely help you discover what the reference number is. Can you take a picture of your watch model and send it to our email info@everestbands.com?
Hi. Wondering if you can help identify a vintage Rolex Date Just I purchased. The model number in the lug is 15030, however, based on your chart, “150” indicates it should be a Date model instead of a Date Just. Is it possible the dial was changed? Also, re: the reference/model numbers shown in your chart, what does it mean when some numbers are printed in bold type?
Thanks for your assistance.
CL Williams
The reference number is between the lugs. So you have to remove the bracelet to see the reference and serial numbers.
How can I tell the age and see the serial numbers of my Man’s Rolex Oyster Date Just if it was made before 1987? On the band, I can see the numbers 62523H 18 and then above that 3 10. I know it was not made in the 3rd quarter of 2010 because I bought as preowned in about 1998. It is yellow gold and stainless steel. It has an aftermarket diamond bezel that is quite beautiful and a white face.
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