What Rolex reference numbers mean: metals, eras and suffixes
The Cotswold Jeweller · 14 October 2026
A Rolex reference number looks like a random string of digits, but it tells you a lot once you know how to read it. Here's a simple guide.
The final digit: the metal
On most modern Rolex references, the last digit of the number indicates the case metal. It's a general guide rather than a rule for every model, so always check against the papers.
| Final digit | Metal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Stainless steel (Oystersteel) | Oyster Perpetual 126000 |
| 1 | Everose Rolesor (steel and Everose gold) | Yacht-Master 126621 |
| 2 | Rolesium (steel and platinum) | Yacht-Master 126622 |
| 3 | Yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold) | Daytona 116523 |
| 4 | White Rolesor (steel and white gold) | Turn-O-Graph 116264 |
| 5 | 18ct Everose gold | GMT-Master II 126715CHNR |
| 6 | Platinum | Day-Date 228206 |
| 8 | 18ct yellow gold | Daytona 116528 |
| 9 | 18ct white gold | Day-Date 118239 |
Four, five or six digits: the era
Broadly, four-digit references such as the GMT-Master 1675 or Submariner 5513 are vintage. Five digits, like the Submariner 16610, cover roughly the late 1980s to the 2000s. Six-digit references are more recent, for example the Daytona 116520 introduced in 2000.
The letters: bezel colours and materials
Letters after the number usually describe the bezel, often in French.
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| LN | Lunette Noire: black bezel | GMT-Master II 116710LN |
| LV | Lunette Verte: green bezel | Submariner Date 16610LV |
| LB | Lunette Bleue: blue bezel | Submariner Date 126619LB |
| BLNR | Bleu Noir: blue and black bezel | GMT-Master II 116710BLNR |
| BLRO | Bleu Rouge: blue and red bezel | GMT-Master II 126710BLRO |
| CHNR | Chocolat Noir: brown and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126711CHNR |
| VTNR | Vert Noir: green and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126720VTNR |
| GRNR | Gris Noir: grey and black bezel | GMT-Master II 126710GRNR |
Where to find the reference
Check the warranty card or papers first. On many Rolex watches the reference is also engraved on the case between the lugs at 12 o'clock, visible when the bracelet is removed. If you're unsure, a watchmaker or dealer can confirm it for you. Selling a Rolex? Tell us about it.
