A real Rolex watch features engravings on the inner ring of its bezel, also known as the rehaut. All of our shipments are fully insured with a private insurance company which covers lost, theft or damage during shipment. 126660, 4-Digit Reference numbers: Vintage Rolex watch produced prior to the late-1970s, 5-Digit Reference numbers: Discontinued Rolex watch produced anywhere from the late-1970s until 1999, 6-Digit Reference: Modern Rolex watch produced anywhere from 2000 to the present. Also known as the model number or style number, these numbers provide information about the model type, material, production period, and more. The GMT-Master ref. As long as you still have the original bezel insert and bracelet (and keep them with the watch), whether you have them installed or not will hardly matter when you go to sell it the important thing is that you still have them. Serpico Y Laino. How can you find out which watch you own? Rolex incorporates luminescent material, also known as lume, on the dials of some of its watches such as the Submariner to enhance readability and illuminate details in dimly lit conditions, such as during deep diving. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or This is particularly important for assessing your watchs value. Is your watch there? He was able to source a new old stock crystal and he upgraded to TripLok for longevity and sent me back my original single dot crown so I had it for authenticity. Finally, some Rolex reference numbers also include letters at the end. Therefore, the major difference between the GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II is that the former requires turning the bezel to display a second time zone while the latter does not. The Submariner Date ref. Rolex Serial Number Inside Bezel - 7 For Sale on 1stDibs Rolex serial or case numbers have long been a source of frustration, amazement and amusement to collectors trying to determine the age of their vintage Rolex. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. We are very experienced shipping internationally and most of our international customers are very happy with our shipping process. Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1968 Serial number: 24xxxxx Reference: C03406 Case: Show . Rolex reference numbers can be four to six digits long. Rolex 16550. 176-, 177-, 116-, 114-, 124-, 126-, 276-, 277-. This space is provided to horological resources. Another red flag is any spelling mistakes, crooked or misplaced text, different font style or size, misaligned hour and minute markers, or awkward spacing of features. On a Rolex watch, the dial is crafted to the highest standards with every detail meticulously placed and in perfect alignment. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. How to perform the check step 1. Rolex Serial Number Lookup | Find Your Rolex Production Year By the end of the decade, Rolex replaced the inaugural reference with the GMT-Master ref. Free Shipping 1970's Tudor Submariner Snow Flake Stainless Steel 9411/0 Wristwatch Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Serpico Y Liano automatic Watch Get Updated with New Arrivals Save "Rolex Serial Number Inside Bezel", and we'll notify you when there are new listings in this category. I bought a red submariner in south africa in 1975 for $250 i wore it every day for almost 40 years original dial and movement,chrystal was replaced and watched serviced once ,went through 3 straps,sold the watch on ebay 5 years ago sold for $13,000 within an hour the buyer reneged on the sale ,much to his dismay at the moment its probably worth $18,000 in fair condition.im glad that buyer cancelled the sale with prejudice. When you open the clasps of both watches, it is evident that the real Rolexs clasp has an emblem engraving that consists of the word ROLEX in the center and the Rolex crown above it. Rolexs objective when servicing a watch is to restore it to full functionality, and this can often require the replacement of components that the owner does not want to be replaced either due to cost or the collectibility of the original components. This can sometimes be the case with Rolex watches. Knowing the basics about Rolex bezels, especially for the watch under scrutiny, can be helpful when checking for authenticity. I did have one recently. The reference 1680 was the very first date-displaying Rolex Submariner model, which makes it an especially important reference in the history of the brands famous dive watch. An example of this is the popular Rolex Datejust. A visible difference between the two bracelets is the length of the clasp. 93150 with the divers extension clasp normally destined for the Submariner watches of the era. Generally speaking, tritium Rolex dials have SWISS T<25 under the 6 oclock marker while LumiNova dials simply have SWISS printed there. Perhaps one of those very few things in life where there was never any disappointments. Hi Paul, Should be along the 6 oclock region? Rolex Serial Numbers with Production Dates - Bob's Watches 1680 ran on the Caliber 1575, which was based on the existing Caliber 1570 but with an added date function. I have always liked the understated black bezel and the uncomplicated GMT movement. With that in mind, the updated Caliber 3175 still offered the same core functionality as its predecessor: The quickset date function allows the user to change the date instantly and independently from the time-telling hands, rather than having to turn the center hands repeatedly until they pass midnight. Replicas are usually crafted from inferior and cheaper materials, which frequently manifests in the overall appearance and texture of the watch. Very easy and pleasant transaction. By Rolex. We guarantee your watch will be of equal or greater condition. Ive obtained a new Rolex clasp/expansion pieces/flip lock, and I intend to send it to Rolex to have the original bracelet polished, the clasp pieces replaced, and the original bracelet placed back on the watch. Most Rolex watches work thanks to a perpetual rotor found inside. The serial number is engraved on the case back of almost every watch. All of our watches are backed by ourFamous Anaheim Jewelry Warrantyunless specifically noted. On the other hand, the counterfeit Rolex has an inconsistent color with mixed colored metal visible on the caseback. BEAUTIFUL DOUBLE QUICK SET MENS 36mm case. The number can be used to identify the model, bezel, and material of your specific watch. Rolex Serial Number Production Dates - Bernard Watch Read the description to see if the watch you are looking at has any custom accessories. This feature makes the reference 1680 truly unique, as it is the only date-equipped Submariner to have been fitted with an acrylic crystal. YOU CAN PUT THIS WATCH NEXT TO A NEW WATCH AND IT LOOKS BRAND NEW PERFECT OYSTER BRACELET SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL AND QUICK SET DATE PRESSURE PROOF TO 300 FEET FEDEX PRIORITY OVERNIGHT SHIPPING ALWAYS Start by following the same steps you used for your Google search. Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1665 Year: 1974 Serial number: 41xxxxx Reference: OT1472 Case: Show. I had it serviced in 2016 to give it a physical, make it turn its head and coughyada yada. 1680 appeared on the market, it was the first Rolex Submariner to feature a date complication breaking away from the original line of Submariner watches with time-only dials. Therefore, depending on the number of digits a reference number has, it can tell you the approximate era in which a watch was produced. Of course, the Rolex pilot watch saga continues today with the GMT-Master II collection, but the original Rolex GMT-Master is no more. Rolex Serial Numbers the Ultimate Resource Guide Genuine Rolex watches come with full metal casebacks that are fluted and screwed into the case, providing optimal water resistance. However, there are subtle differences that separate these two variations of Red Submariner dials. Now fully restored and new looking is only worn for special events. We have also heard similar stories (Rolex refusing to repair a bracelet and instead only offering the option of a complete replacement bracelet). As a result, hunting down a Red Sub 1680 with its original fat font bezel can be tricky, but definitely well worth the effort. On modern Rolex watches produced after 2001, there is a tiny laser-etched coronet/crown (LEC) on the glass at the 6 oclock position. The hacking seconds feature means that the seconds hand halts when the wearer pulls out the winding crown, thus permitting more precise time setting. However, a Red Sub that still has its original fat font bezel will definitely be worth a premium when it comes to determining overall collectibility and resale value. Orange Face Rolex. Similar to the no-date Submariners of the era (ref. . Plus, the number of variations available and subtle differences that evolved over a short period make the Red Sub one of the most exciting vintage Rolex sports watches to study and collect. When I go to sell mine should I have the fat font silver bezel put back on the watch or just included with the newer looking watch? Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion: Rolex and Serial Number Inside Bezel He was looking for a watch that could be used as a daily beater for surfing. INSIDE BEZEL ENGRAVINGSEXTREMELY RARE. A Guide to Rolex Serial Numbers and Rolex Reference Numbers - Phigora The Rolex serial numbers are found between the lugs on the side of the case at the 6 o'clock side, behind the bracelet. What color is the dial? The lugs are where the band connects to the case. Since 1987, Rolex has used a system of 1 letter, followed by 6 digits. Furthermore, since the center hour hand and the 24-hand are linked on the GMT-Master it can only indicate two time zones while the GMT-Master II can indicate a third by turning the bezel. Around the mid-1970s, Rolex stopped producing the ref. Save Search. I enjoy your emails. Therefore, this brings us to the Red Submariner Service Dial. These variations are typically referred to as MK1 through MK8 (often appearing as MKI to MKVIII). The cyclops glass always protrudes above the crystal, like a bubbleit is never flat and never fitted under the crystal. If youre a Rolex enthusiast, you will have no doubt heard about the Red Sub 1680 and if youre a new collector, then this is a watch thats well worth studying. Your additional comments and footnotes help make our blog a more complete resource for our readers! The word ROLEX is engraved five times on both the right and left sides, with a tiny Rolex crown logo at the 12 oclock position, and the watchs serial number at 6 oclock. I am 73 and will likely leave this to my kid. It takes close inspection but the number is visible through the crystal. As mentioned above, you can find the Datejust with the reference number 16013 with different bezel designs in white gold, gold, or stainless steel. The Rolex GMT-Master ref. Rolex Daytona Leather Strap - 10 For Sale on 1stDibs The disparity in the shape of the crown guards is another conspicuous dissimilarity between the two timepieces. Rolex Serial Number Inside Bezel. On the authentic Rolex, the markings of three small dots under the crown and the Rolex crown itself protrude outwards, whereas on the counterfeit, the markings are much flatter. On the feet first dials, the feet depth rating appears before the meter rating, and the trait is representative of later-era styles of Red Submariner dials. Around the 2000s, Rolex transitioned to six-digit reference numbers, often just adding a 1 to the beginning of the five-digit reference numbers. Probably worth 100 times that now? Closed Sixes: The numeral 6 on closed sixes dials features a closed font. However, no matter what it costs to service, it will always be worth exponentially more than you paid for it! 1575 movements having bridges marked with 1570 is something that frequently causes confusion among collectors who (mistakenly) cannot seem to figure out how their untouched, all-original watch ended up with a bridge replaced inside the movement. Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi Bezel Stainless Steel Men's Jubilee Watch 126710BLRO. We also sell custom and name brand jewelry, rare coins & currency, sports memorabilia and other collectibles. As always, thank you for reading Paul! These letters are codes that denote bezel insert colors, primarily for Rolex sports watches. The location of the serial number step 3. I got it in 1989 from the guy that bought it new. 16700 date wheel has vintage-style open 6 numerals up until 1992 when Rolex switched it out for closed ones. Its not uncommon for someone to suddenly and unexpectedly become the owner of a watch. The first reference to launch the collection was the GMT-Master ref. Earliest Ive seen are protos from last quarter 68 and 1st Qtr 1969.2.04 million being the earliest. Rolex watches are exquisitely designed and crafted, with remarkable attention paid to every detail, no matter how small. This is especially useful in Google and filter searches. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Rolex watches have an instantaneous date display, meaning the date changes precisely at midnight, not gradually. 1680 did, and a Cyclops lens has made an appearance on every single Rolex Submariner Date model ever since. Another great feature of the GMT-Master 16700 that some vintage Rolex collectors will appreciate is the presence of lug holes, which offer a vintage tool watch aesthetic and make swapping out the bracelets for different straps much easier. When buying a Rolex pre-owned watch, you want to verify your watch's serial numbers with the original Rolex certificate or the Authenticity card that comes with the watch. More than four decades later, the Swiss watchmaker concluded that chapter with its last GMT-Master watch the ref. We ask that you read the whole description and if you have any other questions to contact us before buying to make sure you know exactly what you are buying. However, while MK2 dials have the red SUBMARINER text printed on top of white, MK3 dials will have it printed directly onto the dial surface, and the f in the depth rating is shorter than it appears on MK2 Red Submariner dials. Since the GMT-Master 1675 was manufactured for over two decades, the model underwent plenty of updates over the years. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or When shopping on online marketplaces, its essential to do thorough research on the seller. Yet, since it is the very last Rolex GMT-Master model, it represents a significant piece of the Rolex history and an interesting timepiece to have as part of any luxury watch collection. When Rolex released the Submariner 1680, it was outfitted with what we now refer to as fat font bezels because of their thicker numbers. Rolex Serial Numbers | Swiss Wrist Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The main difference between the GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II is the way they function, which well discuss in detail further below. It sat in a safe until after his passing and I decided to bring new life to it in 2016. Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake. The LEC feature is incredibly difficult to replicate because the crown is not simply engraved or etched onto the glass but is instead embedded within it. The crown is typically located at the 12 oclock position on most classic watches, except for the Day-Date model, where it is located beneath the day window at the 12 oclock position. 116400GV. It was a z serial stainless steel Rolex Daytona. Rather than a random string of digits and letters, the reference number is a code that once understood, can help to reveal the model, era, case size, and bezel style of a Rolex watch. Before 2005, it was between the lugs of the 6 oclock side. Therefore, researching when the LEC feature was applied to a specific Rolex model is advisable. 722, 17 Jewels Estimated Production Year: 1968 Markings to Inside. Production Years: 1967 1975 (Approx. Social media and Google image search may be the solution to your problem. Sadly, these results are not 100% accurate or exact. Originally, the dials used tritium for their lume, but around 1998, Rolex switched to modern LumiNova. The four styles of bracelets by Rolex are Oyster, Jubilee, President, and Pearlmaster, in addition to different strap options, as seen below: There are numerous tips and indicators for spotting a fake Rolex watch. The hour markers on the counterfeit Rolex appear to be of lower quality than those on the authentic Rolex, and they appear to be sticker-like in appearance. I paid $150 for it. Its important to take the time to carefully inspect any watch in question and have it authenticated by a reputable source, such as a brand authorized dealer, qualified watchmaker, high-end watch shop, or brand service provider. Oyster Bracelet ref. Knowing the signs of how to spot a fake Rolex can be particularly helpful when shopping for pre-owned watches. The open font sixes we refer to as open sixes and it is one of the key ways to differentiate between the different variations. 16710 model but at a lower price point. This will make it easier for you to find the correct watch. Other than those two modifications, it just needed normal servicing and cleaning. The position of the Rolex crown on the clasp of each watch is distinct. Rolex watches made from 2005 onward will have the word 'Rolex' repeated around the inner bezel, with the brand logo at the 12 o'clock position and the serial number at 6 o'clock. It identifies the watch model as a whole. Therefore, if the watch in question has the crown logo in any other location or is missing the crown logo, it is likely not a genuine Rolex. 1680 are stamped 1570 (as are all other Cal. subsidiaries. The steel case measures 40mm in diameter and it was rated to be water-resistant to 100 meters the same as the previous GMT-Master ref. In the late 1990s, One of Brads sons asked Brad if he could list one of his Rolex watches on ebay. Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Ultimate Guide | Bob's Watches 100% AUTHENTIC FREE SHIPPING NATION WIDE . 5512 and ref. Check my website for more info on serial numbers and dates here: CHARLEY PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A day in the life of Charley includes waiting for a walk and wearing a blanket because its cold outside. The wording font on the replica is different than on the real Rolex in the following ways: Both the font and the placement of SWISS MADE at the very bottom of the dial are also visual discrepancies between both watches. The designs on the winding crowns also differ noticeably. In both five and six-digit reference numbers, the last digit indicates the material of the watch. The MK6 dial is the last Red Submariner dial to be fitted with tritium luminescence. Original MK1 dial. Bob's The MK5 dials remained in use slightly longer than the MK4, despite first appearing around the same time. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. of its Located . The dial is the centerpiece of any watch and is usually the first thing people notice. Our team is ready to assist with all of your watch needs. Simply enter your serial number and click the "submit" button.