Questions about differences between references

[chilly_bang]

In my web surfings I often get questions about difference between similar references, like i.e. 116613LN, 116613LN-0001 and 116613LN-0003.

Differences are not clear communicated in the classfields like Chrono24 and I can't find a reliable source, where I could read about.

Would somebody recommend me a knowledge source?

[dannyp]

The first five or six digits are the reference number. There’s some degree of patterns but easier to just memorize, lol. The last digit of that number denotes metal combination. Can’t remember all offhand but 0=steel, 3=TT YG, 9=WG, 4=steel w/WG bezel and so on. Remaining numbers mean something, but are mostly just revolutions of the previous generation reference. The two or four letters after reference indicate bezel color when there’s a bezel insert. Most common is LN, which is black. The final four, which often aren’t indicated, are for dial varieties.

[jatco]

Here's a link I found..in a quick search..
https://millenarywatches.com/rolex-reference-numbers/
.
and Im sure this has been discussed on this forum as well.. I just haven't found it yet.....

[chilly_bang]

The millentywatch list is by far not full. But I rather mean such cases, where there are:

• different references, like 116613LN, 116613LN-0001, 116613LN-0003, but unclear differences between them in technics, design etc,

• same references, but completely different watches, like i.e. 116659SABR, where under same references are watches with blue or white dials, different gems..

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by chilly_bang

The millentywatch list is by far not full. But I rather mean such cases, where there are:

• different references, like 116613LN, 116613LN-0001, 116613LN-0003, but unclear differences between them in technics, design etc,

• same references, but completely different watches, like i.e. 116659SABR, where under same references are watches with blue or white dials, different gems..

As I mentioned, there are three things incorporated into the model reference:

Model number
Bezel color
Configuration

MMMMMMBB-CCCC

Same model number will be assigned to any watch within a series (Submariner, Date Just, Oyster Perpetual, etc.), with the same features (date, no date), of the same size (when multiple exist), in the same material (denoted by last number).

So, all WG Daytonas, for example, will be 116519.

The letters after denote the bezel configuration if it is anything other than plain metal - either a colorful insert or gem set. For example, that same WG Daytona with a ceramic bezel would have "LN" while a Day Date with diamonds would be "RBR". The two exceptions are the platinum Daytona and gold Yacht Masters that have ceramic bezels but no designator.

This is useful when the same model is available with multiple bezels - like the Sub and GMT. All current TT Sub Dates are 126613 but could be "LN" (black) or "LB" (blue) bezel, while any steel GMT* will be 126710 but could be "BLNR," or "BLRO" (black/blue, blue/red respectively). Model number will remain the same, though.

*Except lefty, 126720

The final four numbers, which appear on boxes/paperwork but not on the Rolex website, denote other aspects of the configuration. Most notably, dial, bracelet, and other gemstones (certain watches have them elsewhere, like the lugs or bracelet). That same steel GMT will have different configuration numbers for Oyster vs. Jubilee bracelet, while a DD has many configuration designators given all of the dial and gemstone options.