Rolex Datejust Reference and Serial Lookup

Every Rolex Datejust carries both a reference number and a serial number. The reference number identifies the model: case size, bezel, metal. The serial number dates it. Use this tool to decode both. Reference numbers are engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock. Serial numbers are between the lugs at 6 o’clock on watches made before 2005, or on the rehaut (the inner ring around the dial) after that.

Reference number

Serial number

All Datejust References

The full list this tool draws from, if you would rather browse than search.

Ref	Years	Case	Bezel	Material
4467	1945-1948	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	18k yellow gold
6105	early-mid 1950s	36mm	Engine-turned	18k yellow or pink gold
6305	1953-1957	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	18k yellow gold
6309	1954-1959	36mm	Rotating “Thunderbird” bezel, engine-turned	18k yellow gold
6604	circa 1956-1959	36mm	Smooth	Varies (steel, two-tone, solid gold offered)
6605	1957-1959	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Varies (steel, two-tone, solid gold offered)
1607	1959-1977	36mm	Fluted, gold (bark-finish bezel also documented on some examples)	18k yellow gold
1600	1960-1977	36mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
1601	1960-1977	36mm	Fluted, gold (steel case with gold cap on two-tone)	Stainless steel or two-tone
1603	1960-1977	36mm	Engine-turned, steel	Stainless steel
16000	1977-1988	36mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
16013	1977-1988	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Two-tone steel/yellow gold
16014	1977-1988	36mm	Fluted, white gold	Stainless steel
16018	1977-early 1990s	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	18k yellow gold
16030	1977-1988	36mm	Engine-turned, steel	Stainless steel
16078	1977-1988	36mm	Bark (textured) finish, yellow gold	18k yellow gold
16250	circa 1979-late 1980s	36mm	Rotating “Turn-O-Graph”/Thunderbird bezel, steel, 60-unit scale	Stainless steel
16220	1988-2006	36mm	Engine-turned, steel	Stainless steel
16233	1988-2006	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Two-tone steel/yellow gold
16234	1988-2006	36mm	Fluted, white gold	Stainless steel
16238	1988-2006	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Solid 18k yellow gold
16200	1989-early 2000s	36mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
16203	circa late 1990s-early 2000s	36mm	Smooth, yellow gold	Two-tone steel/yellow gold
16248	circa 1991-1996	36mm	Bark (textured) finish, yellow gold	18k yellow gold
116234	2006-2018	36mm	Fluted, white gold	Stainless steel
126300	2016-present	41mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
126333	2016-present	41mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Two-tone steel/yellow gold
126334	2016-present	41mm	Fluted, white gold	Stainless steel
126200	2018-present	36mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
126233	2018-present	36mm	Fluted, yellow gold	Two-tone steel/yellow gold
126234	2018-present	36mm	Fluted, white gold	Stainless steel
278240	2018-present	31mm	Smooth, steel	Stainless steel
278273	2018-present	31mm	Diamond-set, white gold	Two-tone steel/white gold
279174	2018-present	28mm	Fluted, white gold	Two-tone steel/white gold

Where do I find the reference number on my Datejust?

It is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock end of the case. You will have to remove the bracelet to see it. If you still have the original papers, it will be listed there as well.

Where can I find the serial number on my Datejust?

On watches made before roughly 2005, it is engraved between the lugs at 6 o’clock, again under the bracelet. From 2005 onward Rolex started engraving it on the rehaut, the inner ring between the dial and the crystal, where you can read it without taking anything apart.

Can I date a modern Rolex Datejust from its serial number?

No. In 2011 Rolex switched to fully randomized serials that carry no production date. For anything made after that, the warranty card or Rolex’s own service records are the only reliable way to date the watch.

What is the difference between a smooth, fluted, engine-turned, and bark bezel?

Fluted is the classic Datejust grooved bezel, and it is always struck in precious metal – gold or platinum. Smooth bezel is just that, no texture on the entire bezel. Engine-turned is a finer machine-cut texture that Rolex offered through the 1603, 16030, and 16220, then discontinued. Bark is a heavier, more organic texture that appeared on solid gold references across three generations, the 1607, 16078, and 16248.