Every Rolex carries a Rolex reference number, and it is the fastest way to find out exactly what watch you are holding. Whether you are shopping for a pre-owned Submariner, checking an inherited Datejust, or comparing listings, the Rolex reference number tells you the model, the case metal, the bezel style and sometimes even the bezel colour. In this Rolex reference number guide, we explain how to find it, how to read it, and how to decode every digit and letter.
What Is a Rolex Reference Number?
A Rolex reference number (also called a Rolex model number or style number) is a four-, five- or six-digit code, sometimes followed by letters. It identifies one specific configuration of a watch. When Rolex updates a model, the name usually stays the same, but the Rolex reference number changes.
That is why “Submariner” alone is not enough. A Submariner Date has several references across different eras and metals, and each has a different price, size and spec. Learning to read the Rolex reference number lets you compare them accurately.
Where Is the Reference Number on a Rolex?
People search “where is the reference number on a Rolex” more than almost any other related question. The answer:
- Take the watch to a qualified watchmaker, or remove the bracelet yourself only if you know how.
- Look at the case between the lugs at the 12 o’clock side. The Rolex reference number is engraved there.
- The serial number sits between the lugs at 6 o’clock on many modern watches. On the newest ones it is engraved on the inner rehaut ring around the dial instead.
You can also find the Rolex reference number on the original warranty card, the box papers, and service paperwork. Always check that it matches the case.
Rolex Reference Number vs Serial Number
These two are often confused:
| Rolex reference number | Rolex serial number | |
|---|---|---|
| What it identifies | The model and configuration | One individual watch |
| Shared with other watches? | Yes, many watches share it | No, it is unique |
| Tells you | Collection, metal, bezel, colour | Approximate production year |
| Typical format | 4-6 digits, may include letters | Random alphanumeric (modern) |
In short, the Rolex reference number tells you what the watch is. The serial number tells you which one it is. Use both when verifying a pre-owned piece.
How to Read a Rolex Reference Number
The length of a Rolex reference number gives you a rough idea of the era.
Four- and five-digit references. These cover vintage and many neo-vintage watches, such as the 1675 GMT-Master, the 14060 Submariner and the 16610 Submariner Date. The first digits point to the model family, and the final digit generally signals the case metal.
Six-digit references. These are used on modern Rolex watches, such as the 126610LN Submariner Date and the 126710BLRO GMT-Master II. Here is the general structure, reading left to right:
- First four digits: the model and generation (for example, 1266 is the Submariner Date).
- Fifth digit: the bezel type.
- Sixth digit: the case metal.
- Letters (if any): bezel or dial colour, or gem-setting.
Rolex has never published an official decoding system, so this framework comes from decades of collector observation. It works well for most modern references, but there are exceptions, especially on dress and gem-set models.
Rolex Reference Number Chart: Popular Models
Instead of a long list of prefixes, here are common Rolex reference number examples you are likely to see:
| Model | Example Rolex reference number |
|---|---|
| Submariner (no date) | 124060 |
| Submariner Date | 126610LN / 126610LV |
| GMT-Master II | 126710BLRO / 126710BLNR |
| Daytona | 116500LN / 126500LN |
| Datejust 41 | 126300 / 126334 |
| Datejust 36 | 126200 / 126234 |
| Day-Date 40 | 228238 |
| Explorer 36 / 40 | 124270 / 224270 |
| Explorer II | 226570 |
| Sea-Dweller | 126600 |
| Yacht-Master 40 | 126622 |
| Oyster Perpetual 41 | 124300 |
Use this Rolex reference number chart as a starting point. Rolex retires and introduces references regularly, so confirm any specific number with a dealer or the Rolex website before you buy.
Rolex Reference Number Bezel Codes
On a six-digit Rolex reference number, the fifth digit points to the bezel:
- 0: smooth
- 1: rotating
- 2: engraved
- 3: fluted
- 4: gem-set
- 7: varies by model
Rolex Reference Number Metal Codes
The sixth digit reveals what the case and bracelet are made of:
- 0: Oystersteel (stainless steel)
- 1: Everose Rolesor (steel and Everose gold)
- 2: Rolesium (steel and platinum)
- 3: Yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold)
- 4: White Rolesor (steel and white gold)
- 5: Everose gold
- 6: Platinum
- 8: Yellow gold
- 9: White gold
This is one of the most useful parts of the Rolex reference number when comparing prices, since gold and platinum references sit in a completely different price bracket from steel.
Rolex Reference Number Letters Meaning
The letters after the digits look cryptic, but they come from French, because Rolex is a Geneva company. Common Rolex letters meaning:
| Letters | French | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| LN | Lunette Noire | Black bezel | 126610LN |
| LV | Lunette Verte | Green bezel | 126610LV |
| LB | Lunette Bleue | Blue bezel | 126619LB |
| BLRO | Bleu / Rouge | Blue and red bezel (“Pepsi”) | 126710BLRO |
| BLNR | Bleu / Noir | Blue and black bezel (“Batman”) | 126710BLNR |
| CHNR | Chocolat / Noir | Brown and black bezel (“Root Beer”) | 126711CHNR |
| VTNR | Vert / Noir | Green and black bezel (“Sprite”) | 126720VTNR |
| TBR | Brillants | Diamond-set | 116576TBR |
Gem-set watches add more codes, such as SANR (black sapphires) and SARU (sapphires and rubies). These can vary by year, so check the specific listing
How to Decode a Rolex Reference Number: Three Examples
Example 1: Rolex reference number 126710BLRO
- 1267 = GMT-Master II
- 1 = rotating bezel
- 0 = Oystersteel
- BLRO = blue and red bezel
This is the steel “Pepsi” GMT-Master II.
Example 2: Rolex reference number 126334
- 1263 = Datejust 41
- 3 = fluted bezel
- 4 = White Rolesor (steel and white gold)
Example 3: Rolex reference number 126610LN
- 1266 = Submariner Date
- 1 = rotating bezel
- 0 = Oystersteel
- LN = black bezel
Once you have decoded a few, reading any Rolex reference number gets quick