Walk into any serious watch conversation and within five minutes someone will casually drop a string like 126710BLRO or 116500LN — and if you don’t know the system, you’re lost. It sounds like insider jargon. It isn’t. It’s actually a logical, learnable code, and once it clicks, you start reading these numbers the way a mechanic reads a VIN.
We get asked about this constantly. Sellers submit watches with “I think it’s a Submariner?” in the notes. Buyers ask why two watches that look identical have a $4,000 price difference. The answer, almost every time, comes back to the reference number. Not the model name — the reference number. That string of six digits (sometimes followed by letters) is where all the real information lives: the exact model configuration, the case metal, the bezel type, the production era, and which specific variant you’re actually holding.
This guide breaks down the entire Rolex reference number system from the ground up. We’ll cover how it evolved from 4-digit to 6-digit references, what each position in the number actually means, the full French suffix system that confuses even experienced collectors, and how all of this connects to what your watch is worth. By the end, you won’t need to look anything up — you’ll be able to read a reference number cold.
★ Key Takeaways
- Reference numbers encode model, bezel type, case material, and era — all in one string
- The number of digits (4, 5, or 6) tells you which production era the watch is from
- Letter suffixes are French abbreviations for bezel and crystal colors
- Reference numbers are located between the lugs at 12 o’clock (bracelet must be removed to see them)
- Mismatched reference numbers are one of the most reliable counterfeit red flags
- The full reference format is XXXXXX-XXXX, with the suffix encoding dial and bracelet details
Table of Contents
- Reference Number vs. Serial Number: Understanding the Difference
- The Evolution of Rolex Reference Numbers: 4, 5, and 6 Digits
- The Anatomy of a Modern 6-Digit Reference Number
- Letter Suffixes: The French Color Code System
- Where to Find the Reference Number on Your Rolex
- Worked Examples: Decoding Six Real Rolex References
- Reference Numbers and Market Value
- Vintage 4-Digit Reference Quick Guide
- Common Mistakes When Reading Rolex Reference Numbers
- The Reference Number and Your Watch’s Story
1. Reference Number vs. Serial Number: Understanding the Difference
Before decoding the reference number itself, let’s clear up the single most common source of confusion we see — people mixing up the reference number and the serial number. It happens all the time, even with collectors who’ve owned Rolexes for years.
The reference number (also called the model number) identifies the watch’s configuration. Every Rolex of the same model, material, and bezel type shares the same reference number. It is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock end of the case — visible only when the bracelet is removed. It tells you what the watch is.
The serial number is unique to each individual watch. On watches produced before 2005, it is found between the lugs at 6 o’clock. From 2005 onward, Rolex began engraving it on the rehaut — the inner metal ring between the dial and crystal. It tells you when the watch was made (for pre-2010 watches).
2010 is when things got interesting: Rolex switched to fully randomized serial numbers. That means post-2010 serial numbers tell you nothing about production year — which frustrated collectors endlessly and was almost certainly intentional. The prevailing theory is that it was both an anti-counterfeiting move and a way to keep Rolex’s annual production volumes opaque. Rolex has never confirmed this publicly, which is very on-brand for a company that treats almost everything as proprietary.
| Feature | Reference Number | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies the model and configuration | Identifies the individual watch |
| Location (pre-2005) | Between lugs at 12 o’clock | Between lugs at 6 o’clock |
| Location (post-2005) | Between lugs at 12 o’clock | Engraved on rehaut (inner bezel ring) |
| Unique per watch? | No — shared by all same-variant watches | Yes — unique to each piece |
| Used for dating? | Yes — digit count indicates production era | Yes, for watches made before 2010 |
| Used for authentication? | Yes — must match papers and watch specs | Yes — verifiable via service records |
2. The Evolution of Rolex Reference Numbers: 4, 5, and 6 Digits
Rolex has used reference numbers for decades, and the length of the reference is one of the fastest ways to place a watch in its correct production era. There have been three distinct phases: the 4-digit era, the 5-digit era, and the current 6-digit era.
The 4-Digit Era (pre-late 1970s) — Vintage Territory
Four-digit references predate any formal system — Rolex was essentially assigning numbers as models developed, and the encoding was loose compared to what came later. The first two digits broadly indicated the model family, and the rest filled in configuration details on a model-by-model basis. There was no universal key.
If you’re looking at a Rolex with a 4-digit reference, you’re in vintage territory — full stop. Think GMT-Master 1675, Submariner 1680, Daytona 6263, Datejust 1601. These all predate sapphire crystals, solid end-links, and ceramic bezels. You’ll find acrylic (plexiglass) crystals, Radium or Tritium luminous material, and aluminum bezel inserts. Those aren’t flaws — for collectors, they’re the whole point.
The 5-Digit Era (late 1970s – early 2000s) — Discontinued but Not Yet Vintage
The shift to 5-digit references started in the late 1970s and was largely wrapped up by the mid-to-late 1980s. The extra digit gave Rolex more room to encode bezel and material distinctions, and you start to see a more coherent logic in the numbering from this point onward. Sapphire crystals arrived, solid end-link bracelets replaced the earlier hollow versions, and movements got more sophisticated.
The 5-digit era gave us some of the most beloved discontinued references ever made: the GMT-Master II 16710 (aluminum Pepsi bezel, two colorways), the Submariner 16610, the Daytona 16520 with its Zenith El Primero movement, the Sea-Dweller 16600. These aren’t vintage — but they’re not modern either, and “neo-vintage” has become a real collector category for them. Demand has quietly strengthened on many of these references as the watches age into their sweet spot.
One thing worth knowing about this era: transitional references. These are watches made during the changeover from 4-digit to 5-digit systems, often with a mix of older components — matte dials, aluminum bezels — on newer case generations. Collectors love them precisely because they’re hybrids. They’re harder to find and frequently command a premium that surprises first-time sellers.
The 6-Digit Era (2000s – Present) — Modern Rolex
The move to 6-digit references was less a system redesign and more a practical expansion — Rolex was running out of room. The solution was to prepend a “1” or “2” to existing 5-digit references: the 16610 Submariner became the 116610, the 16520 Daytona became the 116520. The logic of the other digits didn’t fundamentally change.
What did change was the hardware. The 6-digit era is defined by Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts (replacing aluminum and acrylic), the “Maxi case” with its thicker, more cushioned lugs, Glidelock clasp extensions, and next-generation movements including the Calibre 3235 and 3255. If a Rolex looks like what most people picture when they think “Rolex,” it’s probably a 6-digit reference.
| Era | Digit Count | Approx. Period | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage | 4 digits | Pre-late 1970s | Acrylic crystal, Radium/Tritium lume, aluminum bezel inserts |
| Discontinued / Neo-Vintage | 5 digits | Late 1970s – early 2000s | Sapphire crystal, aluminum then ceramic bezels, solid end-links |
| Modern | 6 digits | 2000s – Present | Ceramic bezels, Maxi case, Calibre 3235/3255, Oystersteel |
3. The Anatomy of a Modern 6-Digit Reference Number
Here’s where it gets genuinely useful. A modern Rolex reference breaks into three parts: the 6-digit core, an optional letter suffix, and a 4-digit variant code after a dash. Most people only work with the first two — the 6-digit core plus suffix tells you almost everything you need. The 4-digit suffix is Rolex’s internal dial-and-bracelet code, which we’ll cover too.
126710BLRO-0002
126→Model family code (GMT-Master II, latest generation)
7→5th digit: Bezel type (rotating bezel)
0→6th digit: Case/bracelet material (Oystersteel)
BLRO→Letter suffix: Bezel color — Bleu/Rouge (blue and red “Pepsi”)
0002→4-digit suffix: Specific dial and bracelet variant (Jubilee bracelet)
Digits 1–4: The Model Family Code
For modern 6-digit models, the first four digits together identify the model family. Rolex has never published an official key, but collectors have mapped these patterns comprehensively over decades.
| First 4 Digits | Model Family | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1266 / 1265 | Submariner Date | 1266xx = steel; 1265xx = steel/gold Rolesor |
| 1246 | Submariner No-Date | 124060 = current no-date steel Submariner |
| 1165 / 1265 | Daytona | 116500LN = steel; 126500LN = current gen steel |
| 1267 | GMT-Master II | 126710, 126711, 126715 variants |
| 1162 / 1262 | Datejust 36 / 41 | 126234, 126333 etc. |
| 1182 / 2282 | Day-Date 36 / 40 | 228238, 228235 etc. |
| 1142 / 2242 | Explorer I | 124270 (36mm), 224270 (40mm) |
| 2165 | Explorer II | 226570 (42mm) |
| 1261 / 2261 | Sea-Dweller / DSSD | 126600 SD; 126660 DSSD |
| 1264 | Yacht-Master 40 | 126621, 126622 etc. |
| 3285 | Sky-Dweller | 336238, 336935 etc. |
| 3243 | Milgauss | 116400, 116400GV (discontinued 2023) |
Digit 5: Bezel Type (Classic Models)
On Classic dress models (Datejust, Day-Date, Oyster Perpetual), the fifth digit indicates the style of bezel fitted to the watch. This encoding does not apply to Professional sports models, which use the first four or five digits together to identify the model family.
| 5th Digit | Bezel Type | Common Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Smooth / plain bezel | Datejust 116200 |
| 1 | Rotating bezel (sports) | Submariner 126610 |
| 2 | Fluted / engine-turned bezel | Datejust 126234 (fluted white gold) |
| 3 | Set with diamonds (full diamond bezel) | Day-Date 228348 |
| 4 | Smooth bezel (Lady models) | Lady-Datejust 279160 |
| 6 | Set with baguette diamonds | Day-Date 228346 |
| 7 | Domed bezel (Cellini / special) | Cellini Time 50505 |
Digit 6 (Final Digit): Case and Bracelet Material
The final digit encodes the metal used for both the case and bracelet. This is the material code, and it applies universally across all Rolex models — Classic and Professional. It is the fastest way to determine whether a watch is steel, gold, two-tone, or platinum at a glance.
| Last Digit | Material | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Oystersteel (904L) | Rolex’s proprietary stainless steel — the most common code |
| 1 | Yellow Rolesor | Two-tone: steel case, 18k yellow gold bezel and clasp |
| 2 | White Rolesor | Two-tone: steel case, 18k white gold bezel and clasp |
| 3 | Full 18k Yellow Gold | Solid yellow gold case and bracelet throughout |
| 4 | Full 18k White Gold | Solid white gold — rarer than yellow gold variants |
| 5 | Full 18k Everose Gold | Rolex’s proprietary non-fading rose gold alloy |
| 6 | Rose Rolesor | Two-tone: steel case with Everose gold accents |
| 7 | RLX Titanium (post-2023) | Grade 5 titanium; was used for 14k gold in vintage pieces |
| 8 | Platinum (950) | Rolex’s most precious metal; often with ice-blue dials |
| 9 | White gold (specific models) | Used on certain Day-Date and gem-set variants |
The material code is clean and consistent — with one notable exception. Code 7 has a split identity. On vintage pieces from the 1970s and 80s, it meant 14k yellow gold. Rolex quietly reassigned it to RLX Titanium in 2023 when the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226627 launched. So if you’re looking at an older reference ending in 7, it doesn’t mean titanium — it means 14k gold. Context matters here more than with any other digit.
4. Letter Suffixes: The French Color Code System
The suffix system trips people up more than any other part of the reference, mostly because the codes look arbitrary until you realize they’re French abbreviations. Rolex is headquartered in Geneva — French-speaking Switzerland — so lunette noire becomes LN, bleu/rouge becomes BLRO. Once you see the pattern, it’s actually one of the more logical parts of the whole system.
Bezel and Crystal Color Codes
| Code | French Origin | English Meaning | Found On |
|---|---|---|---|
| LN | Lunette Noire | Black bezel | Submariner 126610LN, GMT-Master II 116710LN |
| LV | Lunette Verte | Green bezel | Submariner 126610LV (“Starbucks”); 116610LV (“Hulk”) |
| LB | Lunette Bleue | Blue bezel | Submariner 126619LB (white gold, blue bezel) |
| BLRO | Bleu / Rouge | Blue and red bezel | GMT-Master II 126710BLRO (“Pepsi”) |
| BLNR | Bleu / Noir | Blue and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126710BLNR (“Batman” / “Batgirl”) |
| CHNR | Chocolat / Noir | Brown and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126711CHNR (“Root Beer”) |
| VTNR | Vert / Noir | Green and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126720VTNR (“Sprite”) |
| GRNR | Gris / Noir | Grey and black bezel | GMT-Master II grey/black ceramic variants |
| GV | Glace Verte | Green sapphire crystal | Milgauss 116400GV — unique green crystal (not a bezel code) |
| RNBW | Rainbow | Rainbow diamond-set bezel | Daytona rainbow, Yacht-Master rainbow variants |
Gemstone Codes
On gem-set models — Datejusts, Day-Dates, and gem-set GMT-Master IIs — a separate set of codes identifies the type and configuration of stones used in the bezel.
| Code | French Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RBR | Rond Brillants | Round brilliant-cut diamonds |
| TBR | Tessellation Brillants | Baguette-cut diamonds |
| TEM | Tessellation Émeraude | Baguette-cut emeralds (extremely rare) |
| SA | Saphirs | Sapphires |
| SARU | Saphirs et Rubis | Sapphires and rubies |
| SANR | Saphirs Noirs | Black sapphires |
| SACO | Saphirs Cognac | Cognac-colored sapphires |
| SABR | Saphirs Brillants | Sapphires and diamonds combined |
| SABLV | Saphirs Bleu Vert | Blue and green sapphires |
| SAFUBL | Saphirs Fuchsia Bleu | Fuchsia and blue sapphires |
The 4-Digit Suffix (XXXXXX-XXXX): Dial and Bracelet Variants
Beyond the 6-digit core and the letter suffixes, the complete official Rolex reference includes a 4-digit numeric suffix separated by a dash. This suffix encodes specific dial color and bracelet type combinations within the same base reference. Rolex does not publish an official key — these codes are assigned internally.
For example, the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR-0002 specifies an Oyster bracelet, while 126710BLNR-0003 specifies a Jubilee bracelet — both are otherwise identical Batman GMTs. In practical use, most buyers and sellers use only the 6-digit core reference plus letter suffix. The 4-digit dial/bracelet suffix matters primarily for completeness documentation and high-level collector conversations.
5. Where to Find the Reference Number on Your Rolex
The reference number on a Rolex is not immediately visible — you need to remove the bracelet to access it. Here is exactly where to look:
- At 12 o’clock between the lugs: The reference number is engraved on the case between the upper lugs. You will need to remove the bracelet using a spring bar tool, or have a watchmaker do it. This is the authoritative engraved location on every Rolex.
- On the papers (warranty card / certificate): If the watch came with original documentation, the reference number is printed directly on the warranty card. Always cross-check this against the case engraving — they must match.
- On the original box label: The green Rolex box typically has a sticker on the outside or inside that includes both the reference and serial number.
- On the rehaut (some modern models): On certain newer references, documentation booklets may include the reference, but the lug engraving is always the primary and authoritative location.
⚠ Handling Your Watch Safely
- Removing a Rolex bracelet requires a spring bar tool — do not attempt without the correct tool
- The lugs are finished metal and scratch easily if handled incorrectly
- If unsure, any authorized dealer or watchmaker can remove the bracelet in seconds
- Never attempt to read the engraving by forcefully bending the bracelet outward
6. Worked Examples: Decoding Six Real Rolex References
Theory becomes second nature through practice. Here are six fully worked examples — one for each major category of Rolex — decoded component by component.
Example 1: 126610LN — The Submariner Date
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 1266 | Submariner Date — latest generation (introduced 2020) |
| 5th digit | 1 | Rotating bezel (60-minute diver’s countdown bezel) |
| 6th digit | 0 | Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) |
| Letter suffix | LN | Lunette Noire — black Cerachrom bezel insert |
Result: Stainless steel Submariner Date with black ceramic bezel — the definitive modern Submariner. The companion reference 126610LV (Lunette Verte) is the same watch with a green ceramic bezel, nicknamed the “Starbucks.”
Example 2: 126710BLRO — The GMT-Master II “Pepsi”
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 1267 | GMT-Master II — latest generation |
| 5th digit | 1 | Rotating bezel |
| 6th digit | 0 | Oystersteel |
| Letter suffix | BLRO | Bleu/Rouge — blue and red Cerachrom bezel |
Result: Stainless steel GMT-Master II with the iconic two-tone blue and red ceramic bezel — universally known as the “Pepsi.” One of the most recognized Rolex references in existence.
Example 3: 116500LN — The Daytona
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 1165 | Daytona — previous generation (pre-2023) |
| 5th digit | 0 | Smooth / tachymeter bezel (fixed, engraved) |
| 6th digit | 0 | Oystersteel |
| Letter suffix | LN | Lunette Noire — black Cerachrom bezel ring |
Result: Stainless steel Daytona with black ceramic bezel ring — arguably the most sought-after steel sports watch of the modern era. Replaced in 2023 by the 126500LN with the calibre 4131.
Example 4: 228238 — The Day-Date 40
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 2282 | Day-Date 40 — modern generation |
| 5th digit | 3 | Full diamond-set bezel |
| 6th digit | 8 | Platinum (950 platinum case and bracelet) |
Result: Platinum Day-Date 40 with a full diamond bezel — one of the most prestigious references in the current Rolex catalog. The President bracelet is standard on all platinum Day-Date models.
Example 5: 116400GV — The Milgauss
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 1164 | Milgauss |
| 5th digit | 0 | Smooth bezel |
| 6th digit | 0 | Oystersteel |
| Letter suffix | GV | Glace Verte — unique green sapphire crystal (not a bezel code) |
Result: Stainless steel Milgauss with the iconic green crystal — the only Rolex in history to feature a colored sapphire crystal. Discontinued in 2023, the GV variant has become highly collectible. Note that GV refers to the crystal, not the bezel — an important exception to the standard suffix pattern.
Example 6: 126711CHNR — The GMT-Master II “Root Beer”
| Component | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 digits | 1267 | GMT-Master II — latest generation |
| 5th digit | 1 | Rotating bezel |
| 6th digit | 1 | Yellow Rolesor (steel case with 18k yellow gold) |
| Letter suffix | CHNR | Chocolat/Noir — brown and black Cerachrom bezel |
Result: Two-tone steel and yellow gold GMT-Master II with a brown and black ceramic bezel — the modern “Root Beer,” a nickname honoring the vintage 1675/3 two-tone GMT with its original brown and gold aluminum bezel insert.
7. Reference Numbers and Market Value: Why This Matters
Understanding reference numbers is not purely academic — it has direct and significant financial implications. The specific reference number of a Rolex is one of the primary determinants of its resale value, alongside condition, completeness (box and papers), and originality.
Rarity Within a Reference
Not all variants within a model family carry the same market value. Within the Submariner family, the 126610LV (Starbucks, green bezel) consistently commands a premium over the 126610LN (black bezel), despite being mechanically identical. Within the Daytona family, the white gold 116519LN trades at a significant premium over a steel 116500LN. The reference number is the precise identifier that enables fair market comparison.
Generation Premiums and Discounts
The transition between 5-digit and 6-digit references often creates interesting market dynamics. The 5-digit Submariner 16610, for example, is a discontinued reference that in certain conditions and configurations can outperform earlier 6-digit examples. Meanwhile, certain late 5-digit references — like the 16520 Daytona with a Zenith El Primero movement — are considered highly collectible precisely because of their generation.
Reference Mismatches as an Authentication Red Flag
The fastest authentication check we run — on every single watch submitted — is comparing the reference engraved on the case against the reference on the papers. They must match exactly. A mismatch doesn’t automatically mean fraud (paperwork gets separated, watches get re-cased after accidents), but it always warrants an explanation. No explanation? Walk away.
Beyond the papers comparison, checking that the watch’s physical features logically match its decoded reference is how you catch “Frankenwatches” — pieces assembled from parts of different watches, sometimes innocently during past servicing, sometimes deliberately to misrepresent value.
- Example: A watch presented as a two-tone Submariner but with a reference ending in “0” (Oystersteel) means the bracelet or case has been swapped.
- Example: A “vintage” Submariner with a 4-digit reference but a sapphire crystal — sapphire was not used on 4-digit Submariners, meaning the crystal is a non-original replacement, which affects value.
- Example: Papers listing a 116610LN but the watch having a green bezel — the case presented is not the one documented on those papers.
How Reference Numbers Affect Your Offer When Selling
When you submit a watch to us, the reference number is literally the first thing we verify — before condition, before box and papers, before anything else. It sets the market tier. A watch without a known reference is a watch we can’t price accurately, which means the offer will be conservative by necessity.
Knowing your reference before you reach out makes everything faster and more accurate. You can look up what that specific variant is trading for on Chrono24 or WatchCharts right now. You’ll know whether you have the green or black bezel Submariner, the Pepsi or Batman GMT — distinctions that can represent thousands of dollars in offer difference on otherwise identical-looking watches.
8. Vintage 4-Digit Reference Quick Guide
For those who own or are researching vintage Rolex pieces, here is a guide to the most significant and commonly encountered four-digit references:
| Reference | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1675 | GMT-Master | Original Pepsi with aluminum bezel insert; associated with James Bond and Pan Am pilots |
| 1680 | Submariner Date | First Sub with date complication; “Red Sub” dial variant is highly collectible |
| 6263 | Daytona | Manual-wind El Primero variant; one of the most collectible vintage Daytonas |
| 6265 | Daytona | Yellow gold manual-wind; Paul Newman dial variants command extraordinary premiums |
| 1601 | Datejust | Classic dress watch; available in smooth, fluted, or engine-turned bezel configurations |
| 5513 | Submariner No-Date | The iconic no-date Sub; very long production run 1962–1989 |
| 5512 | Submariner COSC | COSC chronometer-certified version of the 5513; two-line vs. four-line dial variants |
| 1016 | Explorer I | The most iconic Explorer reference; produced 1963–1989 with remarkably consistent design |
| 1019 | Milgauss | Rare anti-magnetic model; CERN-associated; no-lume hands variant is particularly rare |
| 1665 | Sea-Dweller “Double Red” | First Sea-Dweller; “DOUBLE RED” text on dial commands significant collector premiums |
9. Common Mistakes When Reading Rolex Reference Numbers
Even experienced enthusiasts make errors when decoding Rolex references. Here are the most important pitfalls to avoid:
- Confusing the reference number with the serial number. The reference is at 12 o’clock and identifies the model. The serial is at 6 o’clock (pre-2005) or on the rehaut (post-2005) and identifies the individual watch. These are frequently mixed up, especially by first-time sellers.
- Ignoring the letter suffix. A 126610 and a 126610LV are different watches with meaningfully different market values. Never quote a reference number without including its letter suffix if one is present.
- Applying the 5th-digit bezel code to professional models. This code applies to Classic models like the Datejust and Day-Date. For Professional models (Submariner, GMT, Daytona), the model family is identified by the first 4–5 digits together, and bezel information comes from letter suffixes.
- Misreading worn or damaged engravings. On well-worn vintage pieces, the lug engravings can be faint or partially illegible. Always cross-reference with papers and documented history. Even one digit error misidentifies the model entirely.
- Confusing Code 7 across eras. Code 7 meant 14k yellow gold in vintage pieces. Since 2023, it means RLX Titanium. Context is essential when reading the final digit of an older reference.
- Forgetting that bracelet types are in the 4-digit suffix. The 6-digit core reference encodes case and bracelet material — but specific bracelet types (Oyster vs. Jubilee) are in the 4-digit suffix. A 126710BLNR can come on either bracelet; the core reference alone does not tell you which.
10. The Reference Number and Your Watch’s Story
Learning this system doesn’t take long, but the payoff is significant. A reference number is basically a watch’s fingerprint — it tells you everything that matters about what it is without needing to physically inspect it. Rolex built a surprisingly elegant encoding system that rewards the people who take the time to learn it.
We’ve seen sellers leave money on the table because they didn’t realize the difference between a 126610LN and a 126610LV — same watch, different bezel color, real price gap. We’ve seen buyers get taken on Frankenwatches that would’ve been obvious to anyone who knew how to decode the reference against the parts. The knowledge is genuinely protective.
If you’re not sure what reference you have — take the bracelet off, photograph the engravings between the lugs at 12 and 6 o’clock, and look it up or send it to us. We’re happy to help identify it. And if you’re thinking about selling, that reference number is the first thing we’ll want to know.
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Le Watch Buyers · Watch Education Series · lewatchbuyers.com · This article is for educational purposes. Market values referenced are directional only and subject to change. Always verify current pricing with a professional appraisal.