What Rolex do I Have? How to find your Rolex model
Over the decades, Rolex has made thousands and thousands of different references and versions. They have a lineup of different models, some still in production, others discontinued.
With that said, it can be difficult to know exactly which Rolex watch you have. So how do you know which Rolex watch you have if you are unsure? There are a number of different ways to find out which Rolex models you have and that’s what we will go through in this article.
Rolex model numbers – reference numbers
Rolex has a number of different models. But the number of models is relatively few compared to how many references (variants and versions) Rolex has.
Each Rolex watch has a reference number. The reference number is technically a model number that describes which exact model it is. For an extensive guide to Rolex model numbers, refer to our reference number guide here.
So to figure out exactly which model you have, you want to try to find out the reference number of your watch. By doing so, you can identify exactly which model you have. There are a few different ways to go about this, some easier than others.
If you’re just looking to find out which model you have, it is quite easy. But if you’re looking to know exactly which watch you have, i.e, the reference number, it requires a bit more research.
How to find your Rolex model
Look at the dial to find the model name
If you’re just looking to find out which model your watch is, for example, Datejust, Day-Date, Submariner, this is usually quite easy. On most Rolex watches, the model name will be printed on the dial. Just take a closer look at the dial and see if you find a model name. All modern Rolex watches have “Oyster Perpetual” and “Rolex” printed on the dial, so look for other lines of text. The model name is usually found at the top of the dial or below the center of the hands.
If your watch does not have the model name printed on the dial, you can inspect the watch’s design. Does it have any functions in addition to the standard timekeeping like a date window or a chronograph? For example, if your watch has a chronograph but doesn’t indicate the model name on the dial, you can search Google for “Rolex chronograph” and compare your own watch with photos of others. If you find one that looks like yours, you can look closer at the details of that watch.
Look at the engraving at 12 o’clock
The easiest and most convenient way to find the reference number of your watch is to look at the engraving on the case behind the bracelet at 6 o’clock. To find this engraving, remove the bracelet at 6 o’clock. Behind the bracelet, you’ll be able to see a number engraved. This is the reference number of your watch. Now you know what reference number you have on your watch and you have found out which Rolex you have. If you want to find out more details about your watch, simply search for “Rolex your serial number” and you will also be able to find out the model name of your watch.
As a matter of fact, you don’t have to Google search the reference number of your watch. Rolex actually has a system where the first 2 to 4 digits in the reference number indicate which model family it is a part of. You can refer to this list above. Look at the reference number engraved on the case of your watch and then compare it with the list below to find which digits your reference number begins with, and thus which model it is. Now you know both the model name and the reference number (model number).
- Oyster Perpetual : 10, 140, 142, 11, 1242
- Air-King: 55, 140, 1169, 1269
- Date: 15, 150
- Datejust 36 : 16,162, 1162, 1262
- Datejust 41: 1263
- Daytona Cosmograph: 165, 1165
- Explorer : 142, 10, 1142, 2142, 1242
- Explorer II: 16, 165, 2165, 2265
- Sea-Dweller : 16, 166, 1166, 1266
- Submariner : 16, 166, 168, 1166, 1266
- Submariner (no date) : 55 & 140, 1140, 1240
- GMT Master : 16, 65, 167
- GMT Master II: 167, 167, 1267
- Oysterquartz Datejust : 170
- Oysterquartz Day-Date : 190
- Day-Date 36: 65, 18, 180, 182, 183, 1182, 1282
- Day-Date 40: 2282
- Yachtmaster : 166, 686, 696, 1686, 1696, 11662, 12662
The reference number will tell you the exact specifications of your watch
Apart from simply telling you which model your watch is a part of, the digits in the reference number can also indicate the specifications of your watch such as what type of bezel it has and which metal it is made in. The last digit in the reference number tells you which metal the watch is made in, for example, gold, steel, or bicolor.
For a complete guide on how to read the digits in your reference number, refer to this guide.
The last digits in the reference number indicate the following:
0 = Oystersteel
1 = Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold (Everose Rolesor)
2 = Oystersteel and platinum (Rolesium)
3 = Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold (yellow Rolesor)
4 = Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold (white Rolesor)
5 = 18 ct pink gold (Everose gold)
6 = Platinum
8 = 18 ct yellow gold
9 = 18 ct white gold
