Complete Guide to Rolex Bracelet and Clasp Codes

Aside from the Rolex reference number and serial number, Rolex bracelets also have a bracelet and clasp code. On the inside of the clasp hinge is the Rolex bracelet code. There is a code there that denotes the year and month the watch was created.

Keep in mind that the Rolex bracelet code may indicate a different date/year than the watch case, and especially for modern Rolex watches, a clasp code that is the same year as the watch case is uncommon. Furthermore, keep in mind that, as previously stated, the date of the bracelet may not be the same as the date of the watch, but this is especially crucial to keep in mind when purchasing second-hand, and especially vintage, items.

Because the date of the bracelet and the date of the watch may not be the same when watches are shipped from Rolex’s factory, it is not something that affects or necessarily affects the watch’s value, but what you want to look for is if the previous owner switched to a completely different bracelet.

It doesn’t necessarily affect the value if the bracelet is of the same model and is an authentic Rolex bracelet, but if the bracelet isn’t original, or if the bracelet has been replaced with a completely different Rolex bracelet, it’s worth keeping in mind that it will most likely decrease the watch’s value because it’s missing an important part of the watch that should come with it. Also, keep in mind that not all Rolex watches come with metal bracelets, so make sure the design of the bracelet matches the design of the watch.

On the clasp hinge, the Rolex bracelet code consists of one or two letters followed by a number. The numbers denote the year and month in which the watch was created.

All real Rolex watches feature letters and numbers, as well as a clasp code, on the inside of the clasp hinge, but not all counterfeit watches have, therefore inspecting the inside of the clasp hinge might help you identify a fake Rolex.

The clasp code is found on the clasp hinge; however, there is another code that may be worth paying attention to when investigating your clasp, and that is the watch’s reference number. The reference number of a Rolex watch provides a wealth of information about the watch; however, for information about the bracelet of your Rolex watch, pay special attention to the 6th digit in the reference number, or the last letter in the reference number if your watch’s reference has fewer than 6 digits.

The last digit of the Rolex reference number indicates the material used to make the clasp.

Table of Contents

Rolex bracelet and clasp codes

These are what the following numbers mean when they are in the last position of the reference number:

0: Stainless steel
1: Yellow Gold Filled
2: White Gold Filled
3: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold (yellow Rolesor)
4: Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold (white Rolesor)
5: Gold Shell – no longer used
6: Platinum
7: 14k Yellow Gold – no longer used
8: 18k Yellow Gold
9: 18k White Gold
22: Stainless steel and platinum
BIC Bi-Color 18kt Yellow and White gold combo
TRIDOR 18kt Yellow, White, and Rose gold

Concerning Rolex bracelet codes

It is crucial to note that when it comes to Rolex bracelet codes, the codes listed here and anywhere else are merely “estimates,” albeit very good estimates because they are gathered and defined by watch aficionados and enthusiastic Rolex lovers.

Rolex hasn’t released an official list of Rolex clasp codes, but we’ve worked hard to compile the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of Rolex bracelet codes. We’ll make a note of the bracelet codes that aren’t 100% certain on this list.

Finally, Rolex clasp codes can be used to determine when the watch was made, but keep in mind that shipping, storage, and purchase dates can differ greatly.

A clasp with a S indicates that it is a service clasp.

Your bracelet’s solid end link bracelets (the SEL) feature a date code, the part number, and the Rolex crown stamped onto the ends.

S stands for service. This means that the clasp has been replaced during a service.

A: 1976
B: 1977
C: 1978
D: 1979
E: 1980
F: 1981
G: 1982
H: 1983
I: 1984
J: 1985
K: 1986
L: 1987
M: 1988
N: 1989
O: 1990
P: 1991
Q: 1992
R: 1993
S: 1994
W or T: 1995
V or U: 1996
Z or U: 1997
Z or W= 1998
X: 1999
AB: 2000
DE: 2001
DT: 2002
AD: 2003
CL: 2004
MA: 2005
OP: 2006
EO: 2007
PJ: 2008
LT: 2009
RS: 2010
CP: 2011

Dial codes

Rolex watches have dial codes, and the first digits tell us the following:

1x = Silver
2x = Champagne
3x = Black
4x = Steel
5x = White
6x = Blue
7x = Bronze
8x = Pink

The second digits tell us the following:

x0 = Index (Stick)
x1 = Unknown/Unused
x2 = Sunbeam (Roman)
x3 = Roman
x5 = Jubilee (Roman)
x6 = Maxi Arabic
x7 = Index (3,6,9 Arabic)
x8 = Waves (Arabic)
x9 =Sunbeam (Roman)

Rolex watches have three alphanumeric characters from 2011.

Additional Rolex bracelet, spring bars, and end links resources
Rolex’s printed information about its bracelets, end links, and spring bars may be seen below. If you want to save this information, you can download the sheet that corresponds to the bracelet and the information you seek.