Identify any Rolex by its reference number. Covers all major models — Submariner, Datejust, Daytona, GMT-Master, Day-Date, and Explorer — with production eras and key notes.
Reference vs. Serial
In most older reference numbers, the first digits identify the model family. For example, all Submariner references historically begin with 5, 14, 16, 11, or 12 followed by additional digits. Datejust references typically begin with 16 or 12.
Letters at the end of a reference number identify the case and bracelet material. Common suffixes: LN (black cerachrom bezel), BLNR (black/blue ceramic), BLRO (blue/red ceramic), LV (green ceramic "Hulk"). On older models: no suffix = stainless steel, "8" in the ref = yellow gold.
The reference number identifies the model (what it is). The serial number identifies the specific watch (when it was made). Both are needed for complete authentication. The reference is on the case side at 12 o'clock between the lugs (or inside the bracelet on modern pieces). The serial is at 6 o'clock.
Reference Number
116610LN
Identifies: Submariner Date, black Cerachrom bezel, Oyster bracelet, 40mm, stainless steel.
Found between lugs at 12 o'clock
Serial Number
V123456
Identifies: This specific watch was produced in approximately 2008–2009.
Found between lugs at 6 o'clock
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5512 / 5513 | 1958–1989 | Chronometer / non-chronometer. Ref. 5512 has 4-liner text. |
| 16800 / 16808 | 1979–1988 | Sapphire crystal. 16808 = yellow gold. |
| 14060 / 14060M | 1990–2012 | No date. 14060M = upgraded movement. |
| 16610 / 16610LV | 1989–2010 | 16610LV = "Hulk" green bezel (2003). |
| 114060 | 2012–2020 | No date. Maxi case. |
| 116610LN / 116610LV | 2010–2020 | Ceramic bezel. LV = "Hulk". |
| 124060 / 126610LN | 2020–present | Current generation. |
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1601 / 1603 | 1959–1977 | First generation with hidden clasp. |
| 16000 / 16013 | 1977–1990 | Sapphire crystal intro. 16013 = two-tone. |
| 16220 / 16233 | 1990–2009 | Most common vintage Datejust. |
| 116200 / 116233 | 2009–2016 | Upgraded 3135 movement. |
| 126200 / 126233 | 2016–present | Current 36mm. |
| 116300 / 116334 | 2009–2016 | Datejust 41mm (formerly II). |
| 126300 / 126334 | 2016–present | Current 41mm. |
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6238 / 6239 | 1963–1969 | First Daytona. 6239 = screw-down pushers. |
| 6263 / 6265 | 1969–1987 | 6263 = black bezel, 6265 = silver. |
| 16520 | 1988–2000 | "Zenith" Daytona. El Primero movement. |
| 116520 | 2000–2016 | In-house 4130 movement. Highly collectible. |
| 116500LN | 2016–present | Ceramic bezel. Current oystersteel model. |
| 116518LN / 116519LN | 2016–present | Everose / white gold. |
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6542 | 1955–1959 | First GMT. Bakelite bezel. |
| 1675 | 1959–1980 | Long-running reference. Many variants. |
| 16750 | 1981–1988 | Quickset date. |
| 16700 / 16710 | 1989–2007 | GMT II. 16710 = "Pepsi" or "Coke" bezel. |
| 116710LN / BLNR / BLRO | 2007–2018 | Ceramic bezel. BLNR = "Batman", BLRO = "Pepsi". |
| 126710BLNR / BLRO | 2019–present | Current "Batman" and "Pepsi". |
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1803 / 1807 | 1956–1978 | First Day-Date. Always precious metal. |
| 18038 / 18078 | 1978–1990 | Quickset. 18078 = white gold. |
| 18238 / 18239 | 1990–2000 | Sapphire caseback introduced. |
| 118238 / 118239 | 2000–2015 | 36mm. Most common modern Day-Date. |
| 228238 / 228239 | 2015–present | Day-Date 40. Current generation. |
| Reference | Era | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1016 | 1963–1989 | Iconic long-running ref. No date. |
| 14270 | 1990–2001 | Sapphire crystal. |
| 114270 | 2001–2010 | Maxi indices intro. |
| 214270 | 2010–2021 | 39mm case. |
| 124270 | 2021–present | Back to 36mm. |
Now check the serial number
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