Rolex End Link Codes Complete Guide & Resource
We have previously discussed Rolex bracelet clasp codes and what they denote in this article. But vintage Rolex bracelets actually have three types of markings. First, there is the bracelet reference number, indicating the model of the bracelet. Then, there is the clasp code. And lastly, there is the end link code.
A lot of people are not familiar with the end link codes, yet this is something that is worth paying attention to when you are buying a vintage Rolex watch, so that’s what we’ll discuss in this article.
Rolex end link codes
Rolex end link codes are only discussed for vintage Rolex bracelets due to the fact that Rolex later introduced solid end links. Following the introduction of solid end links, the end links were no longer a separate part of the bracelet. Instead, the end links were integrated into the bracelet which allows for more solid and robust construction. The end link codes can essentially be described as part numbers. Rolex used different end links for different models to ensure a perfect fit. And to make it possible to distinguish between them, they need individual part numbers or end link codes.
Knowing the end link codes for a particular bracelet can be helpful to identify which end links you need to fit your watch. Because end links can vary slightly, some may fit your watch whilst others may not. Some end links may fit your watch but because they are not intended for your model or bracelet, they may result in a poor, loose fit.
To make things more complicated, there were different options of end link codes for Rolex models. This means that several different end links codes may be correct for your bracelet and for your watch. Learning the Rolex end link codes will help you identify the original and correct end link code for your watch. Because end links, in particular older ones, tend to be a part that is subject to a lot of friction and wear of tear, many are exchanged throughout the years. So if you want to find the correct end links for your watch and bracelet, the chart below will be helpful.
Note: Rolex bracelets with solid end links do not have end link codes. Because the solid end links are a part of the whole bracelet construction, the end link doesn’t need an individual part number because it is technically not an individual part.
Rolex end link codes and bracelet numbers
On watches with removable end links (non-solid), both the bracelet and end links have a number. By identifying which end links were used together with which bracelets, you can know if the end links are indeed correct for your watch. That way, you’ll also be able to identify if indeed the end links have been replaced during some time if the case would be that a specific bracelet has never been presented with a certain number of end links.
Rolex solid end links
As previously discussed, Rolex bracelets with solid end links do not have bracelets with end link codes. This is because the end links and the bracelet are one construction. Here, you’ll normally only be able to find the bracelet reference number engraved on the inside of the end links (where the end links meet the case).
Knowing when solid end links were introduced is also helpful in identifying whether a particular bracelet and set of end links are correct for your watch. For example, if you identify when your watch was made, you’ll be able to know whether it should have solid end links or not. If the watch then either has, or doesn’t have solid end links, and it doesn’t match with the production year of your watch, you’ll be able to know if the bracelet has been replaced.
Rolex started to implement solid end links for its bracelets in the early 2000s. However, the move from folded links to solid end links was done in a transition phase which was rolled out for different models at different times. Some models still used hollow end links up until 2010 when the transition was finally complete. The Submariner 14060M used the folded links all the way up until 2010 and was one of the last watches to still have folded end links.
Jubilee or Oyster bracelet
Some Rolex watches were made available both with a Jubilee bracelet. This particularly relates to the GMT-Master models. In these cases, the end link codes were still the same in most cases as the end links were made specifically for that model (and the case and thus the fitting) remain the same regardless of which bracelet is used.
Rolex end link codes
| Reference | Bracelet | End link code |
| Explorer II 16570 | 78360
78790 78790 A |
501 B
501 B SEL |
| Explorer II 16550 | 7206
7836 78360 |
58
580 580 |
| Explorer II 1655 | 7206
7836 78360 |
58
580 580 |
| Explorer 14270 | 78790
78690 |
558 B
SEL |
| Explorer 1016 | 7206
7836 78360 |
58
580 580 |
| GMT-Master 6542 | 7206 | 80 |
| GMT-Master 1675 | 7206
7836 78360 62510H |
58
280 580 550 |
| GMT-Master 16750 | 78360
62510H |
580
550 |
| GMT-Master 16700 | 78360
78790 A 62510H |
501 B
SEL 502 B |
| GMT-Master II 16760 | 78360
78790 A 62510H |
501
SEL 502 B |
| GMT-Master II 16710 | 78360
78790 A 62510H |
501
SEL 502 B (T) |
| Submariner 5508 | 7206 | 58 |
| Submariner 6536 | 7205 | 58 |
| Submariner 5512 | 7206
9315 93150 |
80
280 580 |
| Submariner 5513 | 7206
9315 93150 |
80
280 580 |
| Submariner 1680 | 9315
93150 |
280
580 |
| Submariner 16800 | 93150
93250 |
501 B
SEL |
| Submariner 16610 | 93150
93250 |
501 B
SEL |
| Sea-Dweller 1665 | 9315
93150 |
380
585 |
| Sea-Dweller 16600 | 93160 | 592 B SEL |
| Sea-Dweller 16660 | 93160 | 592 SEL |
| Daytona 6239 | 7205
7835 73850 |
71
771 771 |
| Daytona 6263 | 7835
73850 |
771 |
| Daytona 6265 | 7835
73850 |
771 |
| Daytona 16520 | 78360
78390 78390A |
503
503B SEL |
| Daytona 116520 | 78490 | SEL |
| Daytona 116500LN | 78590 | SEL |
