How to Identify Your Rolex Model

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.