Reference nos. on Rolex publications.

[katso]

Hi to you all.
I am a new member with a keen interest in in vintage Rolex's, Gallet and
Excelsior Park watches.
I have a collection of Rolex publications from the 1950's - 1970's mainly on
Explorer models, comprising data manuals, guarantees, translation sheets and
advertising literature.
I have noticed that each item is given a ref. no.
Is there any known way of determining the date of the publications from these
numbers?

Thanking you all in anticipation.

[miamiclay]

Many publications show a copyright date, or have another date code in tiny print tucked into a corner somewhere.

For the others, you can certainly establish a date range from just the model reference numbers. E.g., a publication advertising a 18038 reference will not be earlier than 1977, nor later than 1988. Beyond the reference numbers, publications may also have illustrations showing detail changes in dials, hands, etc. whose introduction date is known.

Many members here have enviably extensive reference libraries of Rolex literature — For specific item questions, post pics and the odds are good that someone will be able to help.

[katso]

Thanks MIAMICLAY, will do.