How to Read a Reference Number

Each watch in the Rolex collection has its own unique reference number. When a new model is released, The previous model is discontinued, The name is retained, And a new reference number is assigned.

There is a certain logic to these numbers, So you can infer which model it is, What material it is made of, And the color of the bezel. Once you become familiar with reference numbers, You will be able to picture the model in your mind.

The Number of Digits in a Reference Number

First, Count the digits in the reference number. If it is a five-digit number, The watch was released before 2000. In the 2000s, When the movement was changed or the model was updated, A 1 or 2 was added to the beginning, Changing the reference number to six digits.

Types of Models

For models produced after the 2000s, Except for the first digit, The next three digits indicate the type of model. As an exception, For Daytona, Yacht-Master 2, And Sky-Dweller, The first four digits are used. There are too many types to memorize them all, So I will explain with examples.

The numbers 167 or 267 represent the GMT-Master 2. If the same numbers appear in the same position, You can tell it is the same model.

GMT-Master 2 116710LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

GMT-Master 2 126710BLRO

40mm, Black, Oyster

GMT-Master 2 126711CHNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

Types of Bezels

The second to last digit indicates the type of bezel. Rotating bezels are used for professional watches such as the Submariner and GMT-Master 2, While fluted or diamond-set bezels are used for the classic line. Even if you do not know the exact model number, You can infer the general appearance.

Material

The last digit of the reference number indicates the material. From stainless steel to Rolesor and platinum, This is the most important factor in determining the price.

Bezel Color

We have looked at all the numbers that make up the reference number, And finally, Let us look at the letters. The letters usually indicate the color of the bezel. For example, The Submariner Black is Ref. 126610LN, And the Submariner Green is Ref. 126610LV, So the bezel color is shown by the letters. These letters come from French. GV means sapphire green for the Milgauss, And VTNR is used for the 'Sprite' model of the GMT-Master 2, Newly released in 2022.

Submariner Date 126610LN

41mm, Black, Oyster

Submariner Date 126610LV

41mm, Black, Oyster

Milgauss 116400GV

40mm, Intense black, Oyster

GMT-Master 2 126720VTNR

40mm, Black, Oyster

Please note that the rules for reference numbers have changed over time, So there are some cases where they do not apply to certain models. We hope this guide has helped you become more familiar with the Rolex collections.

See you next time.