The Rolex Bracelet Codes and What They Mean

Have you ever looked over the entirety of your Rolex, and you noticed there are codes or different sets of numbers and letters throughout the watch, even on the Rolex clasp inside of the buckle?

Have you ever wondered what they mean? A simple answer is, that they indicate the year of manufacture and the model.

However, with Rolex, one adjective we would never use is “simple”. There are many different variations, and exceptions, and a lot we still don’t know about all the codes used. But all of those markings throughout the timepiece can help us determine authenticity and originality. Authentic, obviously meaning a genuine Rolex; and original, meaning that the watch came manufactured with that specific dial, bezel, and band combination.

With all luxury timepieces, it is important to know the authenticity of the piece you are purchasing. On some of the higher valued ones, it is important that we determine originality as well. For example: With a Datejust model you want to focus on authenticity; With a Daytona, vintage Submariner, or vintage GMT for a few examples, both authenticity and originality are important.

Rolex codes and numbers

• Model Number - etched on the case under the band at the 12 o’clock position.
• Serial Number - etched on the case under the band or on the inner bezel at the 6 o’clock position.
• Bracelet Code - sometimes etched on the bracelet link closest to the watch case on the inside
• Endlink Code - etched on the very end of the band attached to the case, called the end-link.
• Clasp Code - engraved on the clasp under the buckle.

All of these codes help us determine authenticity, and some help determine originality. A model number and serial number on the case can help determine authenticity and age; while bracelet, band, endlink, and clasp codes can help determine age as well as originality.

Rolex clasp codes

Within the Rolex clasp, there are reference numbers or ‘codes’ that determine the year of the bracelet. In conjunction with the serial number on the case, you can easily identify if the dates correlate with each other. For most models, all you would need to be concerned with is if the bracelet year matches closely (does not have to be exact) to the production year of the watch as indicated by the serial number.

Here, we have identified some of the different clasp codes. It is important to mention that on pre-owned watches, bracelets were sometimes replaced for leather straps, replaced due to damage, and some were sold originally with a leather or rubber strap. For many models, it does not affect the value if it’s not the exact bracelet that came with that specific watch, as long as it is authentic and correct to the genre.

You will find a one to three-digit alpha, numeric, or alphanumeric code etched into the clasp of the watch, and this will tell us the month and year of manufacture for that bracelet. The numerical portion indicates the month, and the letter will indicate the year.

Below is a chart showing the letters and their corresponding manufacture year.

On older models you will locate the clasp code by looking inside the bracelet directly under the buckle on the opposite side of the clasp hinge. On modern or “new-style” watches with solidly linked bracelets (6 digit model numbers), you will find the clasp code on the inside of the clasp when the buckle is open.

Older Models

Modern/New Style

An exception to having one of the above reference codes would be with gold bracelets. The clasp code will be located on the underside of the clasp while the buckle is closed, and will generally be a 4 digit numeric code, and sometimes followed by a letter. Gold bracelets will also be stamped with the carat weight and purity of the gold.

However, in keeping with the complexity, not all gold bracelets were etched with a clasp code. Some will only contain the Rolex logo, and the carat and purity stamps.

In addition to the above-referenced clasp codes, the ‘Sport’ or Professional series watches will have a secondary reference number which is indicative of the model that the bracelet belongs to. The same is true for the Datejust series as well. It will be in the same area as the above clasp code and can be a 4- to 7-digit numerical code.

For example:
Submariner model 16803 = code 93153
Submariner model 16613 = code 93253
Submariner model 16610 = code 93250
Daytona model 16253 = 78.363.18
Datejust model 16014 = 62510

The fifth digit in these codes are also correspondent to the materials of the bracelet. The main codes are as follows (this rule is also true for the watch’s model number for the last number in any 5 or more digit model numbers):

While these codes can help determine authenticity and originality, it is important to know that Rolex does not release this information to the general public. Everything we know about these codes and Rolex serial number production dates are an estimation based on years of collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts collecting and sharing data and research.

This information can help improve the buying experience of these high-end pieces, but it is always important to get your timepiece verified by a third party who is knowledgeable in the Rolex brand.