Rolex Bracelet and Clasp Codes Complete Guide
Apart from the Rolex reference number and the serial number, Rolex bracelets are also equipped with a so-called bracelet and clasp code. The Rolex bracelet code can be found on the inside of the clasp hinge. There, you’ll find a code that represents the year and month in which the watch was manufactured.
Have in mind that the Rolex bracelet code may tell a different date/year than the watch case, and especially for modern Rolex watches, it’s quite seldom that you find a clasp code that is the same year as the watch case. Furthermore, it’s important to have in mind that it’s not at all uncommon to find that the date of the bracelet isn’t the same as the watch, as mentioned, but this is especially important to have in mind when it comes to buying second-hand, and vintage in particular.
Since when watches come from Rolex’s factory, the date of the bracelet and the date of the watch may not be the same, it’s not something that affects the watch’s value or necessarily affects the watch’s value, but what you want to pay attention to is if the previous owner has switched to a completely different bracelet.
As long as the bracelet is of the same model and is an authentic Rolex bracelet, it doesn’t necessarily affect the value, but if the bracelet isn’t original, or if the bracelet has been replaced with a completely different Rolex bracelet, it’s worth having in mind that it will most likely decrease the watch’s value since it’s missing an important part of the watch that should come with Also, have in mind that not all Rolex watches come on metal bracelets, so make sure that the design of the bracelet is the design that should come on that watch.
The Rolex bracelet code on the clasp hinge is made up of one or two letters followed by a number. The numbers represent the year when the watch was made, and the numbers the month.
All genuine Rolex watches have letters and numbers, and a clasp code, on the inside of the clasp hinge, but not all counterfeit watches do, so looking at the inside of the clasp hinge can be a way to identify a counterfeit Rolex.
The code which you can find on the clasp hinge is what is called the clasp code, however, there’s also another code that may be worth paying attention to when researching your clasp, and that is the watch’s reference number. The reference number of Rolex watches gives an array of information about the watch, however, for information about the bracelet of your Rolex watch, you especially want to pay attention to the 6th digit in the reference number, alternatively, the last letter in the reference number if the reference of your watch has fewer than 6 digits.
The last digit of the Rolex reference number gives information about the material in which the clasp is made.
Rolex bracelet and clasp codes
These are what the following numbers mean when they are in the last position of the reference number:
- 0: Stainless steel
- 1: Yellow Gold Filled
- 2: White Gold Filled
- 3: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold (yellow Rolesor)
- 4: Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold (white Rolesor)
- 5: Gold Shell – no longer used
- 6: Platinum
- 7: 14k Yellow Gold – no longer used
- 8: 18k Yellow Gold
- 9: 18k White Gold
- 22: Stainless steel and platinum
- BIC Bi-Color 18kt Yellow and White gold combo
- TRIDOR 18kt Yellow, White, and Rose gold
About Rolex bracelet codes
It’s important to point out that when it comes to Rolex bracelet codes, the codes that we list here, and that you find anywhere else are only “estimates”, even though they are very good estimates as they are gathered and defined by watch enthusiasts and passionate Rolex lovers.
Rolex hasn’t officially made a list of the Rolex clasp codes, but we’ve worked to create the most in-depth and up-to-date list of Rolex bracelet codes. In this list, we’ll make notes of the bracelet codes which are not 100% certain.
Lastly, Rolex clasp codes can be used to understand when the watch was manufactured, but at the same time, have in mind that the shipping, storage, and purchase dates can vary a lot.
If you see a clasp with an S, it shows that it is a service clasp.
The solid end link bracelets of your bracelet (the SEL) have a date code, the part number, as well as the Rolex crown stamped into the ends.
S stands for service. This means that the clasp has been replaced during a service.
- A: 1976
- B: 1977
- C: 1978
- D: 1979
- E: 1980
- F: 1981
- G: 1982
- H: 1983
- I: 1984
- J: 1985
- K: 1986
- L: 1987
- M: 1988
- N: 1989
- O: 1990
- P: 1991
- Q: 1992
- R: 1993
- S: 1994
- W or T: 1995
- V or U: 1996
- Z or U: 1997
- Z or W= 1998
- X: 1999
- AB: 2000
- DE: 2001
- DT: 2002
- AD: 2003
- CL: 2004
- MA: 2005
- OP: 2006
- EO: 2007
- PJ: 2008
- LT: 2009
- RS: 2010
- CP: 2011
Dial codes
Rolex watches have dial codes, and the first digits tell us the following:
- 1x = Silver
- 2x = Champagne
- 3x = Black
- 4x = Steel
- 5x = White
- 6x = Blue
- 7x = Bronze
- 8x = Pink
The second digits tell us the following:
- x0 = Index (Stick)
- x1 = Unknown/Unused
- x2 = Sunbeam (Roman)
- x3 = Roman
- x5 = Jubilee (Roman)
- x6 = Maxi Arabic
- x7 = Index (3,6,9 Arabic)
- x8 = Waves (Arabic)
- x9 =Sunbeam (Roman)
From 2011 onwards, Rolex watches have three characters alphanumeric.
Further Rolex bracelet, spring bars, end links resources
Below, you will find Rolex’s own printed information regarding its bracelets, end links, and spring bars. If you wish to keep this information, you can download the sheet that relates to the bracelet and the information you are looking for.
Rolex spring bar information
Rolex spring bar information
Rolex 93160-20 bracelet information
Rolex 93150-20 bracelet information
Rolex Jubilee 63110 bracelet information
Rolex Oyster 78340-13 bracelet information
Rolex 78350-17 bracelet information
Rolex 78350-19 bracelet information
Rolex 78351-19 bracelet information
Rolex 78360-20 bracelet information
Rolex 62510M bracelet information
Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet information
Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet information
Rolex 62510D bracelet information
Rolex 17013 bracelet information
Rolex 17010 bracelet information
Rolex 7835-19 bracelet information
Rolex 7836 bracelet information
Rolex 9315 bracelet information
Rolex 1700 bracelet information
Rolex 17000 bracelet information
Rolex 17000B bracelet information
Rolex 7835-17 bracelet information
Rolex 7834-13 bracelet information
Rolex 7834-11 bracelet information
Rolex 6252H bracelet information
Rolex 6252D bracelet information
Rolex 6251M bracelet information
Rolex 6251D bracelet information
Rolex 6251H bracelet information
Credit to Rolex. The product sheets are for informational purposes only.
Do you have any additional specific questions regarding Rolex bracelet and clasp codes Consult one of our watch experts here!
I’m pretty sure I’ve got a Rolex ‘Frankenwatch’. The watch is a Rolex Chronograph 6238. As far as I’m able to ascertain the external parts of the watch are genuine Rolex but the movement is probably not original (I suspect ETA but probably clone) as it is automatic rather than manual. The case, glass, hands, crown and pushers seem right but the face is inconsistent with the model although, again, genuine Rolex.
A good start could be the bracelet and clasp. It is an Oyster bracelet with the following IDs.:
Left of logo on clasp inner; STEELINOX.
Top number on right of logo; R8.
Bottom number; 62510D.
Stamped on end link nearest case; 70216.
Stamped on shoulder link; 571.
The Case although thought genuine has no number engraved between lugs in case. Perhaps aftermarket replacement? The face is semi-matte black with silvered sub-dials and correct tachymeter on dial, not adopted by Rolex until the Daytona. Signature is: ROLEX/CHRONOGRAPH/T SWISS T (no minuses). All a bit of a mystery. There are no legal issues involved here, the watch was bought for a fair price for a hybrid and HMRC were permitted by Rolex to allow import after submission by UK customs to Rolex.
Hi David!
Thank you for sharing. That is really interesting.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
It’s a fake franken watch, And is worthless.
I’d be onto whoever sold you it.
Probably frankenwatch bought as such for good price. No referral to seller needed as such. Nice looking watch, works well, no deception involved.
I brought my ladies white gold Rolex with diamonds on the lugs to the Manila service center. What I wanted was to have it checked since I’ve had it for sometime without wearing it . When I bought it big watches were the craze. Anyway service took months and when I got it back the fee
L of the watch wasn’t the same , it seemed lighter and looser. It flexed and bent. I complained that something might have happened to my watch but the manager insisted that they didn’t do anything unusual to it. In fact the manager saw that the bracelet link were to loose for my wrist , I insisted it is why I am complaining because when I brought it it was nice and snug on my wrist. I hate to think my bracket was switched . How can I argue with them again and prove they didn’t replace mine with an old bracelet . Help
Hi Deanna,
I am sorry to hear about your experience.
This is always very difficult as it is word against word. If you feel like you have been mistreated (which it sounds like you have), you can always seek help here: https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection
Wish you good luck!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I bought a Rolex Premier Perpetual Calendar watch as my Birthday Present. So I don’t find any code on it …is it possible that it could be a fake …I sent My friend to purchase it for me with R15.000 ..And I suspect its faked..could it be? Please help!
Hi Danny,
Thank you for your message.
It is difficult for us to say whether or not your watch is fake without any details, but one of our watch experts would be happy to have a look at it and state its originality.
You can find more information here: https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi!
I bought online a Rolex Daytona case ref 116503.I am looking to match the bracelet, would you be able to help me on what clasp or bracelet code should I be looking for??
I’d appreciate it.Thank you!!
Hi Algert!
Our watch experts will be able to help you with that! You can consult them here:
https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards
Hi,
I am trying to find out about an older Rolex all gold watch that’s been lying in a drawer in my late dad’s apartment the past 20 years or so. I don’t want to take it apart and the only marks I’ve been able to discern is the code NCW 535 on the bracelet clamp. It is a vintage Precision with no numerals, and a seconds dial. The word Precision is directly under Rolex on the dial.
I know it’s not much to go by but I hope you are able to give me some clues.
BR
Karl
Hi Karl,
Thank you for your message.
Our watch experts will be able to give detailed information about your timepiece. You can order a consultation here:
https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Trying to ascertain , for potential probate, whether an Oyster Perpeptual SubMariner is fake or genuine. code on flexible SS end link 69623 with fixed non moveable clasp number 455 B
Unable to. check case between lugs. Looks identical to image of case on your informative listings however I can not corroborate the above codes with your listings.
Comment appreciated .
Hello,
It is difficult to say anything about the authenticity without looking at photos of the watch in question.
You can order an authentication here:
https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi! If a watch has a warranty issue with the clasp, which gets replaced, will it come with a “s” stamped on, marking it as serviced?
Hi,
No it will not. The service parts are identical apart from the crystal which can have an S (sometimes, but not always).
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hello,
with my recent crystal replacement last month at RSC, I checked with them before proceeding and was told they have stopped putting the “S” since around 2018.
Watch was serviced with the crystal replaced and came back without the “S” on the it as they had mentioned.
Thanks
Hi, I really love your website’s detailed explanation on the references for the Rolexes model.
I have a question and I hope you are able help me with this.
I understand that the Oyster Bracelet reference for 116710 is 78200 and for the 126710 is 79200
Do you know the difference between these 2 bracelets?
The “tongue” design on the 79200 is slightly different.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have a vintage explorer date but it looks exactly like an air king and the bracelet code seems to indicate it is from 1983-1985 ,however it is my understanding that the explorer date wasn’t manufactured during this time what do I have???
Hi Andrew,
Rolex has never made the Explorer with a Date function. It sounds like you have an Oyster Perpetual Date or a Datejust.
If you don’t have a date function, it is either an Oyster Perpetual with a 3, 6, 9 dial or a vintage Air-King, probably reference 14000.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi, got a 2008 pre-owned Deep Sea 116660 as a collection to my DSSD-JC 126660. The serial number is V000XXX with a clasp PJ3 .From my understanding, PJ 3 means March 2008 and when the first DSSD was released in 2008, it was a mixture of M & V serial numbers. There are many forums claiming V was released end of 2008, whereas my clasp show March 2008.
I would like to find out when did the V serial DSSD started as I have found a few 2008 DSSD with M serial like (922XXX) with PJ4 clasp (April 2008), a month later than my V serial release .(RSC complete overhaul a month ago, 100% verified)
Thank you
AH