Rolexopedia - User contributions [en]

Reference:Serial-numbers

2026-10-21T08:48:49Z

Admin: Remove flagged dealer wording from 6744 evidence note

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex serial numbers}}
{{#seo:|title=Rolex serial numbers: dating guide and limits | Rolexopedia|description=Numeric and letter-prefixed Rolex serial charts, with their limits. How to compare case numbers, hallmarks, caseback stamps and dated paperwork.}}
<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Serial numbers'''</small>

Rolex used numeric case serials, then letter-prefixed serials, and later randomized alphanumeric strings. Numeric and letter-prefixed ranges can suggest a production period. Randomized serials have no public year mapping. None of these systems establishes the originality of the dial, movement or bracelet.

== The three systems ==

Rolex restarted its numeric case sequence in the mid-1950s. The same short number can therefore fall in more than one period. Letter-prefixed serials appeared around 1987; randomized serials followed around 2010. Neither change happened as a simple one-year boundary across every reference.

== Finding the serial number ==

On many Oyster references made before the rehaut transition of the mid-2000s, the serial is engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, beneath the bracelet. The reference number is usually between the opposite lugs at 12 o'clock. Earlier case designs need reference-specific guidance.

The serial moved to the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial, during the 2000s. It appears at 6 o'clock. The change varied by reference; compare transition-period watches with documented examples of the same model. Serial placement alone does not establish a case replacement.
Rolex has not published a public year key for the randomized strings. A date assigned to one of those cases therefore comes from a guarantee, service record or dated sale, not from the characters alone.

Matching serials link a warranty card or guarantee paper to the case number, provided the document itself is authentic. They do not establish the originality of every component. The [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp]] uses a separate dating system. A movement can carry caliber designations, part references and an individual movement number; identify the marking before interpreting it.

== Numeric serials (≤1987) ==

The table transcribes selected entries from the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts reproduced in [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html these photographs]. These are unofficial collector charts. Dowling–Hess places serial 132,562 in III 1953; Pergola puts 63,425–139,166 in 1955. The disagreement cannot be resolved by averaging the dates.

The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year.

For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44].

For ref. [[Reference:5052|5052]], Christie’s gives case 653977 and dates its pink-gold watch to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk records steel case serial 663654 with a 1950s estimate. These nearby numbers do not fix the watches to those decades: the numeric sequence was reused, and the published dates remain catalogue estimates. Anderson & Garland's 5052-attributed watch has only the prefix 663xxx, so it cannot be matched to case 663654 from the number alone. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1472920 Christie’s, case 653977] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, case 663654] [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421]

For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart].

The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848]

For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864]

For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309]

For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389]

For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Burstow & Hewett dates case 625463 to circa 1947. Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; a Barnebys archive records ref. 5010 engraved between the lugs on case 646740 and dates that watch circa 1948. The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These dates belong to individual catalogue watches; the case numbers do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, lot 1007] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.barnebys.com/auctions/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-gentleman-s-wristwatch-th-CSTBc3T-623098096 Barnebys archive, case 646740] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]

For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407]

Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125]

The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report]

Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph].

Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217].

A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010]

Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010]

Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623]

=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===

Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111].

Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini].

Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950]

== Letter serials (1987–2010) ==

Letter-prefixed case serials usually contain one letter and six digits. The years below come from Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', page 27. These collector estimates overlap and should be checked against the individual reference.

{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix !! Years listed by White
|-
| R || 1987–1988
|-
| L || 1989
|-
| E || 1990
|-
| N || 1991
|-
| X || 1991
|-
| C || 1992
|-
| S || 1993–1994
|-
| W || 1995
|-
| T || 1996
|-
| U || 1997–1998
|-
| A || 1999
|-
| P || 2000
|-
| K || 2000–2001
|-
| Y || 2001–2002
|-
| F || 2003–2005
|-
| D || 2005–2006
|-
| Z || 2006–2007
|-
| M || 2007–2008
|-
| V || 2008–2009
|-
| G || 2010
|}

Phillips records Explorer 114270 case G030393 with a [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 guarantee dated 30 November 2010]. That records a transaction date; it does not date the manufacture of the case.

Case serial prefixes and clasp codes are different systems. A letter on the clasp cannot be read as the same letter in the case-serial table.

<span id="Random_serials_(mid-2010_onward)"></span>
== Random serials (around 2010 onward) ==

Rolex began using randomized case serials around 2010, during the period of the final letter prefixes. Mixed-letter-and-digit serials have no public year mapping. A guarantee can establish a recorded sale date, but the serial alone cannot give the exact production year.

For a modern watch, start with the production span of the reference and any dated paperwork. Randomized clasp codes also lack a public year mapping. The case serial remains useful for linking records to a particular watch.

<span id="Pre-1948_vintage_references_and_hallmark_dating"></span>
== Early references and hallmark dating ==

For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Ref. [[Reference:3068|3068]] illustrates the limits of its auction record: catalogues date individual watches from c.1935 to c.1950, while Sotheby’s and Antiquorum report different diameters and movement sizes for case 1008594. Antiquorum reads a Dublin import mark on case 1008656 as 1937. These object-level readings do not form a serial-year sequence or establish the reference’s production span.

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], Antiquorum dates case 146262 to circa 1937; Christie’s dates its 2002 example to circa 1938, and Sotheby’s later identifies that watch as case 142587. Monaco Legend dates case 142589 to circa 1941, while Sotheby’s dates case 146269 to circa 1942. The lower-numbered 142589 thus receives a later catalogue date than 146262. These are attributions to individual watches, not a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3346-zerographe-lot-339-292 Antiquorum, case 146262] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, dated c.1938] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s case-number survey] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-199 Monaco Legend, case 142589] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, case 146269]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], Christie’s dates cases 161’489 and 161’501 to circa 1939. Loupe This later dates case 161’501 to circa 1942. The shared case number shows that both records concern one watch. Treat the dates as conflicting catalogue estimates; neither establishes a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-centregraph-chronograph-3462-observatory-chronometer-mirror-track-luminous-dial Loupe This, lot 3040]

Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646]

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]

For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***]

=== Precision 3540 dated examples ===

Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775]

The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart.

Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42]

Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310]

Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836].

For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165].

For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59].

For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901].
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405].

For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's]

For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866]

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204]

Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055]

Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference].

A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries]

Catalogues for [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]] give case numbers 44,887 (Toovey’s, circa 1938) and 24,432 (Antiquorum, 1930s). These are two catalogue examples, not a serial-year sequence; the numbers cannot establish production dates for another 1072. Christie’s also catalogues an early Oyster with case no. 1072, which is a different use of the number. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum lot 481 archive]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203832 Christie’s case-number record]

The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher]

Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751]

Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240].

Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence.

[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578]

[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700].

For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example].

[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370].

For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links.

[[Reference:3599|Ref. 3599]] provides another case-level date conflict. Antiquorum's [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-254 2006 lot 254] dates case 45,032 to 1945/6. Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257795 2009 lot 346] identifies the same watch, cites the earlier Antiquorum sale as provenance, and dates it to 1939. Keep both estimates attached to this case; use watch-specific papers or comparison with documented examples when assessing another 3599.

[[Reference:1873|Ref. 1873]] shows why catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-oyster-royal-extra-precision-reference-1873 Sotheby’s] dates case 30,967 to circa 1930; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1873-royal-lot-338-233 Antiquorum] dates cases 48,634 and 100,498 to the 1930s; Bonhams dates case 81,343 to circa 1939; and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782241 Christie’s] dates case 100,459 to circa 1940. Bonhams records a London import mark dated 1937 on gold case 37,029; that is an assay/import date. [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/868-cambi_orologi_795_2022_11_eb.pdf Cambi] lists case 48.xxx as circa 1954, an outlier among these entries. The records do not establish a factory production range.

Two Antiquorum catalogue entries for [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] give case dimensions but no case serials, so they do not establish a serial range. The 3004 lot title claims 144 examples in 1937; that statement is not a serial anchor or an independently confirmed production total. Compare the case number with other examples, and use assay marks on precious-metal cases as a separate date clue.

Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself.

Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396].

Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery.

The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered.

Catalogue dates for ref. [[Reference:3668|3668]] also conflict with case-number order. Christie's dates case 45'998 to 1941, while Accademia Fine Art dates lower-numbered case 45,344 to 1945; Phillips dates cases 47'954 and 47'948 circa 1939; Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 circa 1946. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, case 45'998] [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, case 45,344] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, case 47'948] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, case 47'954] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, case 47'948]

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6034|6034]] examples across several case-number groups: 692'692 to circa 1950, 847'636 to 1951, 847'427 to circa 1952, 847'307 and 907'407 to circa 1953, 944'123 to 1954, and 92'379 and 97'436 to circa 1955. Another Christie's example, case 907'744, is dated circa 1952. These are catalogue estimates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart; they do not establish a production endpoint. Phillips estimates a roughly five-year run from 1950, while Christie's and Antiquorum publish broader dates into the early 1960s. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-321-669?page=1&q=Rolex Antiquorum, case 692'692]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643962 Christie's, case 847'636]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, case 847'427]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, case 847'307]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, case 907'407]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-30 Antiquorum, case 944'123]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/210525 Phillips, case 92'379]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-386-573 Antiquorum, case 97'436]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christie's, case 907'744].

Auction estimates for [[Reference:3372|ref. 3372]] also conflict. Sotheby's dates case 43,903 to circa 1938 ([2026 lot 2341](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4-2/oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-a-pink?locale=en)); Antiquorum dates case 481,380 to 1938 ([2017 lot 90](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-bubble-back-lot-310-90)); Phillips assigns circa 1945 to case 301,684 ([2015 lot 206](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206)); and Antiquorum dates case 424,291 to circa 1959 ([2024 lot 75](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75)). These dates do not form a reliable serial sequence and do not establish the factory production span.

Auction catalogues give case numbers [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 612627], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 612848], [https://www.arsvalue.com/it/lotti/114560/rolex-ref-5031rolex-oyster-perpetual-red-date-just-ref-5031-del 612967], 612990, [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2164---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar/?lot=2569007&sd=1 613514], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-17/rolex-bubbleback-oyster-perpetual-ref-5031 613853] and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-8/reference-5031-oyster-perpetual-a-pink-gold-and 613876] for individual [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] watches. Their dating differs: Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Tennants call examples circa 1948, while Antiquorum dates its 1999 lot to the 1950s and its 1995 lot to the 1960s. Those case numbers cluster, but the catalogues do not establish a production range. Bonhams listed case 612990 twice in 2025 with the same movement number 37574; it is one watch, not two serial anchors.

Phillips dates ref. [[Reference:6031|6031]] case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 683,837] to circa 1949; Sotheby’s dates case [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en 693,873] to circa 1950. These two auction-house date estimates do not establish a 6031 serial range or year-by-year sequence.

For [[Reference:6075|ref. 6075]], Antiquorum dates cases 685,082 and 714,441 to 1950, while Phillips dates case 714,440 to 1951. Antiquorum gives circa 1951 for case 715,511; Cambi Aste assigns circa 1961 to an incomplete case number 715.xxx. The catalogues conflict, and their estimates do not establish a serial range or prove a production end year. Compare the engraved case number, movement and any independent date evidence on the individual watch. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, lot 122]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, lot 107]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, lot 284]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum 2022, lot 147]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, lot 96].

For [[Reference:6074|ref. 6074]], Antiquorum and John Goldberger date a two-piece platinum commission to 1950, but publish no case serials for those watches. Antiquorum's 1990 gold lot gives a 1950s estimate without a case number; its 2025 gold lot says the case number was no longer visible. Henrik Korpela's restored gold example had 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them. These records do not form a serial sequence. Compare the individual case and movement marks; the 1-50 code in Goldberger's image dates the bracelet component. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum 1992]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum 1990]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum 2025]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Korpela, 2015].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1005 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1005 case 826,301 to 1962 or circa 1963; the two records appear to describe the same pink-gold watch. Other dated examples include cases 903,017 and 926,416 (circa 1962–63), 1,050,796 (circa 1964), 1,176,167 (inside caseback code II.65), 1,177,843 (circa 1966), 1,586,108 (catalogued 1971, with a guarantee booklet dated 22 December 1971), 1,801,509 (circa 1968), 3,021,909 (circa 1971), 3,367,203 (London import mark dated 1973), and 3,921,444 (circa 1974). Sotheby’s catalogued case 7,126,615 as circa 1995, but that date conflicts with the serial sequence and should not be treated as a secure production date. These are isolated auction and component dates, not a serial-year chart or production range.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1003 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1003 case 512,833 to circa 1960 and case 573,835 to circa 1960; the certificate accompanying case 573,835 is dated 22 December 1960, which dates the certificate rather than proving the case’s production date. Other catalogued examples include case 531,734 (circa 1966), case 1,197,501 (1964), case 3,044,042 (1972), case 3,960,865 (circa 1975), and case 5,426,177 (1977). A Glasgow import mark dates a 9K case to 1961, while a 1966 receipt accompanies a separate 9ct example. These individual records do not form a serial-year chart or establish production limits. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby’s, case 5,426,177]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, case 3,044,042]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 3,960,865].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1008 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples ===

Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples ===

Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1504 dated examples ===

Auction and dealer records date individual 1504 watches: Phillips dates white-gold case 1,420,737 to circa 1966; Estates Consignments dates yellow-gold case 2,537,128 to 1970; Eguchi lists case serial 2714*** as 1971; The W3674 listing assigns its masked 27xxxx serial to 1972; EveryWatch preserves a yellow-gold auction description dated circa the 1970s for case 2,472,771. Sotheby’s 2019 catalogue repeats Phillips’s case 1,420,737, so it is the same watch, not another dated specimen. These are lot and dealer dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, case 1,420,737]; [https://www.estatesconsignments.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1504-mens-18k-yellow-gold-moreau-gold-bezel-and-band-1970/ Estates Consignments, case 2,537,128]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, serial 2714***]; [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 listing, masked serial 27xxxx]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/1504/watch-2725687 EveryWatch archive, case 2,472,771].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1506 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]] case 1,117,252 to 1964, case 1,063,296 to circa 1965, and case 1,525,920 to 1967. The first two case numbers run opposite to their catalogue dates, so keep each date attached to its specific watch rather than treating these examples as a serial-year sequence. A seller-dated 1960 example has no visible case number in the available photographs. None of these records establishes the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158504 Christie’s, case 1,117,252]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-fine-18k-oyster-perpetual-date-watch-with-chine-finish-ref-1506-circa-1965/a/5538-54133.s Heritage Auctions, case 1,063,296]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-206-127 Antiquorum, case 1,525,920]

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1507 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues assign dates from circa 1962 to 1969 to individually numbered 1507 or 1503/1507 watches: case 928,501 (joint attribution) circa 1962; 1,144,916 circa 1964; 1,122,198 circa 1965; and 1,916,162 and 2,864,908 circa 1969. Sotheby’s’ circa-1964 estimate for 1,144,916 is later in the serial sequence than its circa-1965 estimate for 1,122,198. These estimates do not form a reliable serial chronology. A separate circa-1975 Christie's 1507 has no published case number. [https://www.barnebys.fr/ventes/objet/rolex-eYswah4-633694142 Barnebys archive of an Antiquorum listing, case 928,501]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/watches-l19070/lot.1.html Sotheby’s, case 1,144,916]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10/datejust-shantung-dial-pyramid-markers-reference Sotheby’s, case 1,122,198]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1507-oyster-perpetual-date-bark-finished-bezel-18k-gold-circa-1969/a/5422-54009.s Heritage, case 1,916,162]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-date-ref-150718k-gold-self-winding-case-5091508/ Christie’s, case 2,864,908].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 dated examples ===

Christie’s dates case 1,598,902 to circa 1965 and case 1,691,443 to 1967; Phillips dates case 1,901,206 to circa 1968; Monaco Legend dates case 2,223,098 to 1969. Phillips re-listed the same Ricciardi watch in 2026 with case number 1,906,206, while movement, retailer mark, clasp stamp and paper dates match its 2019 record. Christie's dates serial 2,860,900 to circa 1971, while Gazette Drouot uses the same number for a hand-wound watch dated 1955–58. The conflicting movements and dates leave this serial unusable as a production boundary. Catalogue dates apply to individual watches; serial-number chronology remains unresolved. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5841772 Christie’s, case 1,598,902]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5493400 Christie’s, case 1,691,443]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080319/4 Phillips 2019, case 1,901,206]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/236697 Phillips 2026, case 1,906,206]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-140 Monaco Legend, case 2,223,098]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-zephyr-ref-1510-285/183944 Christie’s, serial 2,860,900]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/25117066-rolex--22oyster-perpetual-date--- Gazette Drouot, serial 2,860,900].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1505|1505]] examples from circa 1960 to circa 1980: Heritage assigns case 1,351,111 to circa 1960, but Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1966 band. The date for that watch remains unresolved. Christie's records a separate circa-1969 example with an inside-caseback stamp II/69 and dates case 5,225,028 to 1977; Sotheby's dates cases 5,036,208 and 5,408,060 to circa 1977 and 1978; Christie's dates case 5,696,735 to circa 1980. Cambi dates a partial case 2,772.xxx to circa 1971, but its all-steel attribution conflicts with Rolex's 1980 catalogue description. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html photograph of Pergola's serial chart]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's, II/69]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's, case 5,225,028]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's, case 5,036,208]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 5,408,060]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5569805 Christie's, case 5,696,735]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi, case 2,772.xxx].

=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893]

=== Day-Date 6511 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744]

=== Day-Date 6612 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 platinum case 403,679] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 case 403,680] to 1958, [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 white-gold case 394,866] to 1958, and [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 platinum case 382,921] to circa 1958. Bonhams dates a [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ yellow-gold 6612/8] with serial 446*** to circa 1959. These are individual auction estimates, not a serial-number chronology; the clasp stamped 3.59 on case 403,680 and March 1959 clasp on the 446*** example date bracelets, not watch heads.

=== Day-Date 6612B case examples ===

Auction catalogues date yellow-gold case 384,933 to 1957; pink-gold case 395,916, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679 to circa 1958; platinum case 382,921 to circa 1958; and platinum case 446,052 to circa 1959. These are catalogue estimates, not a factory serial chart or proven production bounds. Christie's Dubai gives 446,062 for the last example, but Phillips and Sotheby's both list 446,052 and the Dubai entry refers to those sales. Phillips and Christie's list a clasp stamp of 1.59 on the platinum bracelet; that dates the bracelet, not the watch head. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, case 384,933]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731660 Christie's and https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6612b-day-date-lot-370-143?page=8 Antiquorum, case 395,916]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, case 394,866]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, case 403,679]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 Christie's, case 382,921]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips and https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/day-date-reference-6612b-a-platinum-and-diamond Sotheby's, case 446,052].

=== Day-Date 6611 case examples ===

Phillips dates yellow-gold case 214,124 to 1956 and white-gold 6611B case 401,546 to 1958. Antiquorum dates movement number 386,339 on a gold 6611B to about 1958. These catalogue dates fit the commonly published late-1950s sequence but do not form a factory serial chart. Two steel school-watch lots have no case number and give conflicting dates, 1954 and circa 1959; the 1963 engraving is a school dedication, not a case-production date. Compare each head and movement separately.

=== Glasgow and Edinburgh assay marks ===

British hallmarks can identify the assay office, metal standard, sponsor and assay year. The sponsor is the party responsible for submitting the item; the mark does not necessarily identify its manufacturer. Imported cases may carry different office marks from domestic work. Match the complete punch, including its shield and lettering, to the correct office and period.

For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care.

Ref. [[Reference:3078|3078]] shows why the case mark and watch date must stay separate. Christie's reports Dublin import marks dated 1937 on a 9ct-gold example but gives no case number. David Duggleby's caption reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 and case markings read as 3789/3078; the number has not been independently confirmed. The records may describe the same watch. The marks date the import records, not the reference's production or either watch's assembly date. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-892250 Christie's] [https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2300/Jewellery-Watches/104955/ David Duggleby, lot 2177]

Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37].

<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span>
=== Assay letters and case-serial prefixes ===

The R, L and later case-serial prefixes belong to a system introduced around 1987. They cannot decode assay letters on 1920s–1950s Prince cases. Those letters belong to the assay office's own sequence.

<span id="Prince_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Prince dating examples ===

The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. Christie’s, Bonhams, Piguet and Sotheby’s date four individual ref. 1855 cases from circa 1930 through circa 1940. Their published descriptions do not report a Glasgow or Edinburgh import mark, so those dates remain catalogue estimates for the watches; the numbers do not establish a production span. The Bonhams caseback also carries the parachute trademark David Boettcher attributes to Robert Meylan; his case-making company was registered in 1928 and the trademark in 1934. Those registration dates identify the maker’s marks, not the manufacture date of case 14368. Boettcher says the crowned SAR mark remains unexplained. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/myrolexpage.php David Boettcher, Rolex SAR and Robert Meylan case marks] The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,013 || platinum, Cal. 300 7½′′′ 18-jewel || c.1935 || Phillips Geneva V/X/XIV
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,047 || platinum || 1935 || Phillips 2015 Watch Auction One lot 210
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,077 || platinum || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2013
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 1,472 || Eaton 1/4 Century Club dial; catalogue descriptions of the metals differ || presentation inscription 1907–1932 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, July 2019, lot 156]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 60,206 || 9K two-colour gold || c.1934 || Antiquorum 2020 lot 235
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,196 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2015 lot 275
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,377 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Antiquorum 2006 lot 316
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,305 || 9K two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Bonhams NY 2017 lot 133
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,591 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1938 || Bonhams HK 2023 lot 644
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 13,009 || 18K yellow gold || Glasgow 1933 || Phillips NY 2023 NY080223/92
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 17,365 || steel + pink gold || Cal. T.S. 300 Ultra Prima, 1935 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 46
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 38,525 || steel + Bucherer-signed dial || c.1937 || Sotheby's Watches Online July 2019 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 58,115 || 18K (group lot with 1862) || c.1930 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14368 || steel + rose gold; 25 Records, SAR and parachute marks inside back || c.1930, catalogue date || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/21/ Bonhams, sale 23512 lot 21]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14382 || steel + pink gold || c.1930, Christie's catalogue date || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-4366792/ Christie's, lot 4366792]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14413 || steel + pink gold; movement 77395 || 1930s, Piguet catalogue date || [https://production-static.piguet.com/sales/2754ef55-9043-4cff-b435-c37aa576f58b/specials/3378e48b-2897-4bfb-b9cf-cdb2bb46994f/catalog.pdf Piguet, lot 1592]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 31705 || 9-carat yellow gold || c.1940, Sotheby's catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2017/watches-sale-l17053.html Sotheby's London, lot 128]
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,237 || 9K Glasgow + Cal. 527 || Glasgow 1934 || Christie's online lot 31 (sale 13523)
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,663 || 18K (group lot with 1490) || c.1938 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 280,124 || 18K yellow (1862A variant) || c.1930 || Sotheby's NY 2018 n09911 lot 53

|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36283 || 9ct gold || An archived Bonhams 2010 description reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1938; this dates the case mark, not production || [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Bonhams 2010 lot 162, archived listing]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36443 || Yellow gold || Sotheby's reports a Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; case-level date only || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015 lot 129]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36465 || 18K yellow gold || Antiquorum reports Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; case-level date only || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008 lot 687]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || 1,578 || 9K white gold, Bucherer-retailed || invoice dated 1945 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 Antiquorum, March 2008, lot 692]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6
|-
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170]
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6,920 || white and pink gold; catalogued as 1527 M || c.1930s || Drouot, lot 182
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6936 || 18K white + pink stepped || Glasgow 1931 || EveryWatch lot 378
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || not given || steel + gold-filled stepped Railway || 1940s || Bonhams NY 2006 sale 15217 lot 9
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010271 || “rolesium,” two-tone dial || c.1930, as dated by Aguttes || [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, lot 12]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010345 || two-colour case; fixed bar lugs || c.1930, as dated by Kaplans || [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Watches 59]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010353 || steel; caseback stamped Rolesium Registered Inalterable || c.1930s, as dated by Antiquorum || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-prince-lot-361-47 Antiquorum, June 2023, lot 47]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 12'672 || steel and rose gold; stepped case || 1930s, as dated by Pandolfini || [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, lot 406]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 14069 || steel and pink gold; pink two-tone dial || 1930s, as dated by Monaco Legend || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-119 Monaco Legend, lot 119]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 019784 / 019794 || steel; Antiquorum lists a 15-jewel T.S. 300 for 019784; Muser’s photograph of 019794 shows an Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies || Antiquorum dates 019784 to 1938 and lists a timing certificate; Muser dates 019794 circa 1930. Similar watch-and-box photographs suggest a possible repeat listing, but the case numbers differ by one digit. || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, May 2017, lot 118]; [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, May 2023, lot 266]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,568 || 18K yellow gold Aerodynamic || dated 1952 (Mondani Collection) || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-210 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 210]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,677 || 18K pink gold Aerodynamic with monogrammed escutcheon || dated 1952 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-209 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 209]
|-
| 3362 || 62,482 || 14K pink gold || c.1935, as dated by Antiquorum || Antiquorum, May 2015, sale 291, lot 109
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || 64,190 || 14K yellow gold Rams Horn || 1938 || Bonhams 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || not given || 14K yellow gold, Eaton 1/4 Century Club || Garbett presentation inscription 1926–1951 || Sotheby's NY 2020 lot 73
|-
| 6222 (Eaton presentation) || not given || automatic Oyster || presentation inscription 1929–1954 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2005, sale 86, lot 19
|}

Christie’s gives “No. 015759 1880” on a steel caseback and “no. 1880 8829” in the title of a pink-gold watch. The title does not identify 1880 as a reference. Christie’s dates the latter watch’s Glasgow import mark to 1932.

These examples use several case-number ranges across different materials and references. A high number does not establish a later production date across the whole Prince family. Antiquorum dates the two 3361 cases numbered 899,568 and 899,677 to 1952; the presentation dates on Eaton watches record later events in their ownership. None of these observations establishes a family-wide production endpoint.

=== Caseback engraving conventions ===

Keep case and reference stamps separate from personal inscriptions. An engraved name or service anniversary records a presentation or ownership claim. It cannot establish the date of the case, and hand engraving alone does not establish a replacement. Monaco Legend's 971, case 1,472, bears an Eaton service inscription ending in 1932.

<span id="Vintage_Submariner_/_Explorer_/_GMT_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Padellone 8171: anomalous numbers and conflicting dates ===

Reference [[Reference:8171|8171]] has a shallow case number and coronet engraved on the outside of its snap-on back. Wear and polishing can reduce their legibility. The case number, movement number and a dated certificate should be recorded separately. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, illustrated 8171 study]

Phillips catalogued steel case 1977074 as circa 1950 despite its unusually high number. Its essay and SJX discuss later manufacture or assembly, but provide no factory record resolving the discrepancy. A general serial chart cannot settle the date of this particular watch. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019]

Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72]

=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596]

== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==

The following table compares catalogue dates with case numbers on selected Submariner, Explorer and GMT watches. Dates without an identified hallmark, stamp or document are the named source's estimates. A cluster of nearby numbers does not establish a production total or guarantee dating to within a year or two.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Catalogue configuration !! Date or dated mark reported by source !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] (Submariner) || 949,136 || honeycomb dial || 1953 || Phillips Geneva XII 2020 lot 177
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,613 || gilt, US Navy provenance || c.1953–54 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 250
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,773 || Sub-Aqua, end-link 65 || 1954 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO 2015 lot 292
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,923 || pencil hands, gilt || c.1954, clasp 2.53 || Phillips NY Watch Auction 2021 lot 79
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,929 || Sub-Aqua tropical || 1954 || Antiquorum Geneva 2013 lot 577
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 42,439 || Sub-Aqua dial; catalogued as a prototype || 1954 || Monaco Legend 2019 lot 69
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] (Submariner) || 21,354 || pencil hands, no-Submariner dial, riveted Oyster end-link 65 || c.1954, Series 1 || Phillips Game Changers NY 2019 lot 54
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,442 || Mercedes hands, gilt gloss, stretch riveted bracelet || c.1954–55 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2022 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,644 || re-lumed reprinted no-Submariner dial || 1954–55 || Antiquorum Geneva 2025 lot 377-180
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 85,972 || Mercedes, gilt no depth (Series 2) || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches NY 2019 lot 178
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 86,033 || Atelier de Restauration 2023 restoration || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2025 lot 336
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] (Submariner) || 320,xxx–322,xxx || Big Crown 8mm Brevet, A296, Explorer or red depth || 1954–56 || Nicholas Foulkes, ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner'' (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] (Submariner) || 112,256 || caseback stamped "4 55", Jubilee bracelet stamped 1960 || 1955 || Sotheby's 2021 lot 35
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 112,341 || Red Depth, IV.55 caseback || 1955 || Bonhams Dec 2021 lot 36
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 155,502 || caseback stamped II.56, on 7206 rivet bracelet || 1956 || Phillips Geneva V 2017 lot 102
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 229,640 || I.57 caseback || 1957 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 215
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] (parent) || 306,706 || gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel || March 1957 || Bonhams London 2012 lot 116
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 306,989 || III.57 caseback, no-hash red triangle, glossy gilt || 1957 || Sotheby's NY 2018 lot 252
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 399,228 || brown tropical dial || c.1959 || Sotheby's London 2019 lot 121
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] (Submariner) || 140,300–140,500 (Series 1) || case-number band proposed by Blackbird || c.1956 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 158,100–158,400 (Series 2) || four-line OCC dial concentration || c.1957–58 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 307,100–307,600 (Series 3) || two-line gilt || 1958 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 426,000–449,300 (Series 4) || fourth group in Blackbird's classification || late 1958 / 1959 || Blackbird; Sotheby's Olmsted 2024 lot 170 case 449,004
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] (Submariner big crown) || 362,153 || Explorer dial, fixed bars; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2023 lot 107
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,187 || reprinted Explorer dial; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Antiquorum Monaco 2018 lot 314-248
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,252 || privately purchased watch used by a Royal Navy diver; later 93150/580 bracelet || Bonhams dates manufacture and purchase to 1958; caseback 1.1958 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, June 2009, lot 140]
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] (Submariner small crown) || 361,650 || black gilt, red triangle insert || 1958 || Phillips Geneva NINE 2019 lot 213
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 400,505 || tropical dial, 1960 papers || 1958 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 489,831 || black dial || 1959 || Sotheby's Watches Online 2020
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 490,575 || faded bezel insert, rivet bracelet '63 || 1958 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 333-422
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 762,896 || exclamation gilt, II.62 caseback, 7206/64 bracelet || 1962 || Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 764,524 || exclamation, 6636 clasp 4/64 || 1962 || Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Pre-Explorer / Oyster Perpetual) || 912,378 || steel + Sesto Continente "Super Oyster" provenance, IV.52 caseback || caseback IV.52; source dates the watch to 1952 || Vailati 1953 letter to Rolex Archives (Perezcope)
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] (Pre-Explorer) || 931,134 || H.S.10 CD Royal Navy with crow's foot || c.1953 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2025 L25713
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,811 || H.S.10 CD, Burford matte-black Swiss T Precision printing, MOD broad-arrow || February 1953 || Bonhams 18849/181
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,925 || "Oyster Perpetual Precision" dial || 1953 || Antiquorum Geneva 2022 lot 349-152
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,021 || "KANGCHENJUNGA 1955 G.C BAND" caseback engraving || 1953 case, 1955 expedition gift || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction SIX 2017 lot 244
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,096 || A296 18j, Oyster expandable bracelet || c.1953 || Sotheby's 2022 / 2024 (same example reoffered)
|-
| [[Reference:6350|6350]] || 955,761 || Douglas Prior 1956 Royal Society Antarctic Expedition, Cal. 775 service replacement || 1953 case || Antiquorum Geneva 2018 lot 317-570
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (Submariner, no-date) || 765,450 || gloss black "exclamation" Explorer dial, cal. 1530; riveted Oyster 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.62 || c.1962 (I.62) || Phillips Geneva EIGHT lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 979,313 || gilt / gloss underline Explorer dial; folded Oyster 9315 / 580 end-links || c.1963 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 991,837 || underline double-Swiss gilt dial; Oyster 6636, clasp dated Q1 1964 || 1963 (III.63) || Phillips Geneva THREE lot 106
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 1,023,362 || gloss Explorer (3-6-9) dial, Garrard guarantee 23 March 1965; Jubilee bracelet || c.1964 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2020 lot 377
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 6,2XX,XXX || Mark III "maxi" dial, cal. 1520; 93150 Oyster, service-replacement clasp S6 || c.1979 || Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches 2019 lot 103
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (COMEX) || 2,833,552 || helium escape valve; COMEX 24 || 1970 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum Geneva, November 2006, lot 323]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 3,804,841 || helium escape valve; dial without COMEX logo || 1972 || Antiquorum New York, 2009, sale 223, lot 373
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,089,919 || COMEX 377, matte black, 9315 bracelet, Henry Hudson letter || 1975 || Phillips NY Watch Auction SIX 2022 lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,155,901 || COMEX 446; caseback also engraved 68504-Ci, attributed to the Argentine Navy by Phillips || 1974 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips Geneva TWO, 2015, lot 145]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 5,230,258 || COMEX 878, "Big Numbers" wrap-around caseback || 1977 || Antiquorum Monaco 2025 lot 383-172
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] (MilSub, Royal Navy / Army) || around 3,926,000 || 5513-only and 5513/5517 double-reference; issue years 77/79 || 1972–1975 || Phillips New York 2019 lot 28 case 3,926,768; Phillips HK 2017 lot 807 case 3,926,923; Antiquorum Monaco 2022 lot 77 case 3,926,842
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || around 5,339,000 || 5517-only between-lugs engraving, sword hands, full 60-min bezel; issue year 78 || 1977–1978 || Phillips Geneva XIV 2021 lot 152 case 5,339,827; Sotheby's 2023 lot 3 case 5,339,705 issue 853/78
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] (Submariner Date, Red Sub) || 2,241,069 || Mark II "tropical" meters-first dial, red Submariner text; Oyster 9315, clasp 3.71 || c.1969 (III.69) || Phillips WINNING ICONS lot 4
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,421,653 || Mark IV "tropical" Red Sub, feet-first "open 6s"; folded Oyster 9315, 280 end-links, clasp 4.70 || c.1970 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 155
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,631,521 || Mark IV red dial, cream indexes; Oyster 7836, clasp 3-69 || 1970 (I.70) || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 108
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,184,430 || single-red Submariner dial; 93150 Oyster, clasp CL9 || c.1972 || Bonhams London Fine Watches 2025 lot 18
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,740,344 || feet-first Red Sub dial, Tiffany & Co. retailer signature || c.1974 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2024
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 5,429,380 || ref. 1680/8 18k yellow gold, blue sunray dial; gold Oyster, clasp 3.71 || c.1978 || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 238
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 6,1XX,XXX || Mark 1 "White Submariner" (closed 6s), white-text dial || c.1979 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2022 lot 928
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] (Submariner Date, 18k yellow gold) || 6,412,142 || black nipple dial; guarantee dated 10 August 1982 || c.1979 || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, lot 6539583]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 6,667,544 || calibre 3035; inside caseback stamped 16800; clasp stamped 92908, end links 46; later guarantee dated 9 September 1987 || c.1981 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158613 Phillips, lot 15]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 7,538,212 || blue nipple dial; catalogue describes tropical brown change || 1982 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-220 Monaco Legend, lot 220]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 9,623,728 || blue nipple dial catalogued as tropical brown || c.1987 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-6/nipple-dial-submariner-ref-16808-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, lot 8]
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] (GMT-Master, red-and-blue bezel) || 1,004,133 || underline + double-Swiss gilt dial, pointed crown guards, cal. 1560; bracelet 6636 / 80 end-links, clasp 3.64 || c.1963 (IV.63) || Phillips "Rolex Milestones" lot 810
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,323,448 || MK III late-gilt gloss dial (SWISS - T<25), cal. 1570; bracelet 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.65 || c.1965 (IV.65) || Phillips Hong Kong Sessions Spring 2026 lot 8019
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,686,416 || matte black dial, steel red-and-blue bezel, cal. 1570 || c.1967 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 76
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,796,673 || matte black "Fuchsia" insert, cal. 1570, movement D091203 with ROW marking; clasp 7-68 || 1967 (II.67) || Phillips New York Watch Auction SEVEN lot 25
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 5,468,961 || 18k yellow gold, black dial, President bracelet, cal. 1570 || c.1978 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 77
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] (GMT-Master, first quickset) || 6,250,744 || matte black dial, black bezel insert (spare red-and-blue bezel included), cal. 3075; 93150 Oyster, clasp VC || c.1981 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2024 lot 95
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 7,625,315 || black dial, Omani police emblem, cal. 3075; 62510H Jubilee / 555 end-links, clasp G4 || c.1983 || Bonhams Fine Watches 2021 lot 68
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 8,631,078 || glossy dial with cracked lacquer, cal. 3075; 78360 Oyster / 580 end-links, clasp I6 || c.1984 || Phillips Hong Kong EIGHT lot 1180
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8399062 || black raised-marker “bicchierini” dial; cal. 3085 || 1983 (Christie’s catalogue date) || Christie’s lot 217; date and prototype story are the auction essay’s account
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8584610 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1984 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 250; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || serial B431181 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1985 || Antiquorum Monaco 2017 lot 274
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9376077 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1986 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021 lot 244; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9,673,878 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1987 || Sotheby’s Watches Weekly 2020 lot 2
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case R828043 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1988 || Sotheby’s Geneva 2020 lot 652
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || R672618 || gloss black dial, R-prefix || c.1988 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2019 lot 845
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] (GMT-Master II) || 8,463,283 || red-and-black bezel, cal. 3085 27j || c.1984 || Sotheby's Important Watches HK 2021 lot 2004
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R275863 || red-and-black bezel, mvt 1994435, 78790 service-replacement bracelet || c.1988 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2023 lot 28031/167
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R434190 || full set with Merksamer Jewelers guarantee, mvt 2102621 || c.1988 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction X 2019 lot 149
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] (GMT-Master) || R-serial || 1988 red-and-blue bezel, 78360 / RS11 clasp || 1988 || Bonhams 25956/4
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T254282 || 1996 red-and-blue bezel delivered Dec 1996, full set with Beyer receipt || 1996 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 329-88
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T848499 || c.1996 red-and-blue bezel, with extra black bezel, cal. 3175 || 1996 || Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches 2019 lot 10
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || W752611 || c.1995 red-and-blue bezel, faded bezel, tritium dial || 1995 || Sotheby's Fine Watches Online 2024 lot 417
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U443556 || 1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 14/50, Bell X-1 1947 caseback || 1997 || Bonhams 25232/969
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U453541 || c.1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 21/50 || 1997 || Phillips Hong Kong XI 2020 lot 862
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || A245609 || c.1999 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's || 1999 || Sotheby's Hong Kong 2019 lot 2023
|}

Record an inside-caseback stamp exactly as it appears. Roman numerals I–IV are often read as quarters, but the [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html Caseback date codes guide describes a VI 1966 stamp] that does not fit that convention. A dated caseback is a component observation. Service replacements and exchanged backs can separate its date from the rest of the watch.

<span id="Cross-referencing_for_full_dating"></span>
== Comparing the components ==

An early serial range suggests a case date. Compare the bracelet reference, dial and [[Reference:Movements|movement]] separately. A [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp code]] dates the marked component, and a replacement clasp or bracelet does not change the case date.

A bracelet from the same period as the case may be period-correct without being original to that watch. Matching date estimates alone cannot establish original delivery.

== Per-reference serial detail ==

For chronograph ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips identifies case 12'271 and dates it circa 1938; a 2026 FutureGrail caseback photograph shows the same number, while its catalogue transcription dates it circa 1927. Phillips' 2023 ref. 2022 catalogue refers back to the 2057 as case 12'272, one digit different. Preserve the discrepancy; these records do not establish a serial sequence or production span. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080218/40 Phillips, 2018, lot 40]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2057/watch-32733221 EveryWatch transcription of FutureGrail, 2026, lot 32]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080223/170 Phillips, 2023, lot 170]

For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart].

For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates its gold-plated steel case, numbered 769***, to circa 1951. Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962; that number is consistent with Bonhams' masked prefix, but the catalogues do not confirm that their listings describe the same watch. Pergola assigns 769199 to its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart gives 710,776 for 1951 and 840,396 for 1952; it has no entry for 769199. These auction dates and chart estimates describe individual records, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs].

For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321]

For ref. [[Reference:6719|6719]], Antiquorum dates case 6,703,003 to circa 1981. Leland Little dates serial 7,350,177 to circa 1982, and its photographs show the same number on the accompanying guarantee paper. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not production limits. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, ref. 6719]; [https://www.lelandlittle.com/items/568411/lady-s-stainless-steel-and-gold-i-oyster-perpetual-i-watch-rolex/ Leland Little, lot 1089]

For ref. [[Reference:6744|6744]], Christie’s dates case 3,625,979 to circa 1974. Antiquorum dates case 3,760,425 to 1974 but gives the joint attribution 6744/6751. Spangaro’s 2025 listing records a partial 3,760XXX serial and may show the same watch. These entries anchor individual catalogue examples; the partial serial cannot confirm the cross-sale identity or define the reference’s production range. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841887 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-oyster-perpetual/lpi Antiquorum lot 76]; [https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 Spangaro lot 28]

For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363].

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run.

=== Day-Date 1803 dating ===

For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s].

The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration.

For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494].

For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks.

For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25].

For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread]

For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits.

For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001].

A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct.

Auction catalogues date ref. 18039 case 5,302,014 to circa 1977, case 5,507,421 to circa 1978, case 6,739,240 to 1981, and case 7,522,088 to 1983. The 5,507,421 watch has a warranty recording a German retail sale in November 1980; that date records the sale, not the case manufacture. See [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-324-171 Antiquorum lot 171 (2019)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-340-158 lot 158 (2021)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-18038-lot-289-292 lot 292 (2015)], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-stella-dial-white-gold-lot-383-147 lot 147 (2025)].

Auction catalogues also give date estimates for individual Day-Date 18049 cases: 5,724,546 (circa 1978), 6,041,581 (1979), 6,654,074 (circa 1981), 6,768,020 (circa 1980), 7,644,551 (circa 1983), 8,272,377 (circa 1984), and R509431 (circa 1988). These are catalogue associations between a case number and a lot date, not a serial-number year chart or proof of the reference’s production limits. Sources: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches/reference-18049-day-date-a-white-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 5,724,546]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-270 Monaco Legend, ref. 18049 case 6,041,581]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-18049-gold-diamond-set-automatic-wristwatch-khanjar-89/181697 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,654,074]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4814219 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,768,020]; [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/ad86e74c-7057-4843-848c-3fbcabe7ff96/lots/30281a3f-52a9-45aa-9d06-c9a6baf6ddee Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 7,644,551]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18049-day-date-lot-361-98 Antiquorum, ref. 18049 case 8,272,377]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6558374 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case R509431].

Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504].

Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167].

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-rare-and-unusual-stainless-5892958/ Christie's, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it circa 1935 and identifies its 2006 Antiquorum appearance]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-35/lot-220 Monaco Legend, 2024, ref. 6511 case 166,725]

== Sources ==

* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952]
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611B case 401,546, dated 1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611b-lot-307-136 Antiquorum 2017, ref. 6611B, movement 386,339]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum 2002 steel school-watch lot, catalogued circa 1959]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum 2013 steel school-watch lot, catalogued as 1954]

* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee: 8171 case markings]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175: 8171 case 1977074]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019: 8171 serial anomaly]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2020, lot 2143: 8171 case 686356]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72: 8171 case 667005 and dated certificate]

* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate.
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table.
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
* [https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/what-is-a-hallmark Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, What is a hallmark?]: the meaning of office, sponsor, fineness and date marks.
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher, British import hallmarks]: historical office marks and date-letter cycles.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930.
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939.
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold.
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, Submariner 5510, June 2009, lot 140]: case 362,252, purchase history and the bracelet recorded at auction.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, COMEX 5513, November 2006, lot 323]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips, COMEX 5514, Geneva TWO, lot 145]: reference, case-number and inscription details.
* The tables identify further auction and specialist sources beside each observation; see the linked reference articles for additional lot records.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 6075 case 685082]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
* [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, Prince 1768 case 010271, c.1930]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Prince 1768 case 010345, c.1930]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, Prince 1768 case 019784, dated 1938]
* [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, Prince 1768 case 01028, circa 1927]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, Prince 1768 case 12'672, 1930s]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930]
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940]

* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]

* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]

Reference:6744

2026-10-21T08:48:47Z

Admin: Remove flagged dealer wording from 6744 evidence note

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 — reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Auction records for the gold Oyster Perpetual 6744, including Cal. 2030 and examples with Omani dial marks.
|keywords=Rolex 6744, Oyster Perpetual 6744, Cal. 2030, Oman dial
|image=Ref_6744_hero.webp
|image_alt=18K yellow-gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 with silver dial and green crossed swords
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]] → '''6744'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 6744 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=18K yellow-gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 with silver dial and green crossed swords|Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., lot 28, 2025.]]
</div>

Auction records identify ref. 6744 as a gold, time-only Oyster Perpetual with automatic Cal. 2030 and a case around 30 mm. Three catalogue records describe two forms of green Omani mark. Christie’s describes a Sultan Qaboos signature; Antiquorum calls its dial champagne with an Oman sword logo, while Spangaro describes a silver Sigma dial with crossed swords. The Antiquorum and Spangaro records may concern the same watch, so they do not establish two separate sword-dial examples. These sale descriptions do not establish when either dial was fitted.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 6744
|-
| collection || Oyster Perpetual
|-
| movement || Cal. 2030; 28 jewels in catalogued examples
|-
| case || 18K yellow gold in catalogued examples
|-
| diameter || 29 mm in Spangaro; 30 mm in Christie’s and Antiquorum
|-
| display || Hours, minutes and central seconds
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Christie’s and Spangaro describe their watches as Oyster Perpetuals. Antiquorum catalogues its example jointly as refs. 6744/6751; that shared attribution belongs to the lot. Secondary caliber tables place 6744 among Cal. 2030 Oyster Perpetual references. The material reviewed here does not date the start or end of production.

==Production outline==

The catalogues date individual examples to around 1974. Christie’s lists case 3,625,979; Antiquorum lists case 3,760,425. Spangaro gives only the partial serial 3,760XXX and may describe Antiquorum’s watch: the catalogues both mention an engraved back, and Spangaro’s photographs show the initials K.R. The matching prefix suggests a link, though the incomplete serial prevents confirmation. These lot dates anchor individual watches; a production span has not surfaced. The [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]] explains why these catalogue dates remain lot-specific.

==Movement notes==

Christie’s and Antiquorum identify Cal. 2030 in their respective examples. Christie’s specifies 28 jewels and a steel rotor. The Rolex Forums model-to-caliber table also maps 6744 to Cal. 2030, but it is a collector cross-reference rather than factory documentation. The auction records are the stronger evidence for fitment.

==Dial map==

Christie’s describes a textured champagne dial with Sultan Qaboos’s green signature. Antiquorum records a champagne dial with the Oman sword logo; Spangaro describes a silver Sigma dial with green crossed swords at six. The latter two records may describe one watch. The catalogues document the dials as found at sale; factory installation and the full dial range remain uncertain.

[[File:Ref 6744 dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|220px|Silver Sigma dial with crossed swords, Spangaro lot 28.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Christie’s describes a tonneau-shaped 18K gold case with a textured bezel, screw-down back and screw-down crown. Antiquorum calls its bezel bark-finish and gives a 30 mm diameter. Spangaro lists a domed Plexiglas crystal and screw-down caseback. These lot descriptions show the details recorded on individual watches; the full bezel and crystal range remains undocumented.

[[File:Ref 6744 caseback.webp|thumb|right|220px|Caseback with initials K.R., Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., lot 28.]]

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Christie’s records an 18K Rolex mesh bracelet with deployant buckle. Spangaro lists an 18K gold Rolex bracelet and photographs its textured links and clasp. These pairings document individual watches; original delivery fitment across the reference remains unknown. No reference-specific box or papers appear in the reviewed records.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6744 bracelet.webp|Textured gold bracelet, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 clasp.webp|Clasp on the same watch
</gallery>

==Special branches==

The records document a green Sultan Qaboos signature and a green crossed-swords mark on 6744 examples. Phillips describes Khanjar watches more broadly as commissions associated with Sultan Qaboos. That context explains the emblem; production quantity and factory dial fitment for ref. 6744 remain unresolved.

==Historical market and auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! Sale record !! What it documents
|-
| Christie’s, 2014, lot 395, case 3,625,979 || Ref. 6744; circa 1974; Cal. 2030; 18K gold; green Sultan Qaboos signature; 30 mm; mesh bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva, 17 March 2013, lot 76, case 3,760,425 || Catalogued as refs. 6744/6751; Oman sword logo; Cal. 2030; bark-finish bezel; 30 mm.
|-
| Spangaro, 27 September 2025, lot 28 || Ref. 6744; partial serial 3,760XXX; green crossed swords; Sigma silver dial; 29 mm. Its caseback initials and partial serial may connect it to the 2013 Antiquorum lot.
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6744 hero.webp|Spangaro lot 28, full watch
File:Ref 6744 dial-detail.webp|Silver Sigma dial and green crossed swords, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 caseback.webp|Caseback with initials K.R., Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 bracelet.webp|Textured gold bracelet, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 clasp.webp|Bracelet clasp, Spangaro lot 28
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841887 Christie's, "Christie's, Oyster Perpetual ref. 6744, case 3,625,979, lot 5841887", Christie's, 2014-11]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-oyster-perpetual/lpi Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, ref. 6744/6751, case 3,760,425, lot 76", Antiquorum; catalogue text reproduced by Collector Square, 2013-03-17]
* [https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., "Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., ref. 6744, lot 28", Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., 2025-09-27]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 "Rolex Forums model-to-caliber table, ref. 6744", Rolex Forums]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/3830721/the-khanjar-wristwatches Phillips, "Phillips, Royal Provenance: Four Exceptional 'Khanjar' Wristwatches", Phillips, 2016-05-10]

[[Category:Oyster-Perpetual]]

Main Page

2026-10-21T08:47:17Z

Admin: Add sourced reference 6744 coverage

__NOTOC__
<div style="display:none;">{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="display:none;">Rolexopedia</span>}}</div>
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Reference Encyclopedia {{!}} Rolexopedia
|description=Encyclopedic reference for Rolex watches. Vintage and discontinued Rolex references documented — specs, dial variants, serial ranges, production history.
|keywords=watch reference, Rolex, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Explorer, Rolex GMT-Master, Rolex Day-Date, President, Rolex Bubbleback, Rolex Prince, Brancard, Oyster, Ovettone, vintage Rolex, collector guide, watch history, production history, dial variants
|image=Bezelbase_main_poster.webp
|image_alt=Rolexopedia — vintage Rolex reference encyclopedia
|image_width=1280
|image_height=1280
|og_type=website
}}

<div class="rp-hero">
<div class="rp-hero-title">The Rolex reference encyclopedia</div>
<div class="rp-hero-lede">
Rolexopedia is a reference guide to vintage and discontinued Rolex watches. Browse a family to compare generations, or open a reference number for its production history, movement, dial variants and case details.

A reference number can cover decades of changes. The articles distinguish documented variants and later replacements, with sources for further reading. The serial-number, movement and bracelet guides help compare the parts of an individual watch. [[Rolexopedia:About|About the project →]]
</div>
<div class="rp-stats">
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}</b><span>wiki articles</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>12</b><span>families</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFFILES}}</b><span>image files</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>1920s onward</b><span>historical coverage</span></div>
</div>
</div>

== Browse by family ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Submariner vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:submariner|alt=Rolex Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early divers through the ceramic generations</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Big Crown models, the 5512 and 5513 dial changes, the Red Sub and the five-digit sapphire references.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Daytona vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:daytona|alt=Rolex Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual-wind, Zenith and in-house chronographs</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Manual-wind Valjoux chronographs, the Paul Newman exotic dials, the Zenith automatics and the in-house 4130 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref gmt-master chuck-yeager-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:gmt-master|alt=Rolex GMT-Master II Chuck Yeager advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">GMT-Master and GMT-Master II</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the Bakelite-bezel 6542 through the long 1675 run to the ceramic GMT-Master II.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer|alt=Rolex Explorer advertisement with Hillary and Tenzing on Everest]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Explorers and their sapphire successors</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The 6150 and 6350, the long-running 1016, and the later sapphire-crystal models.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer-ii vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer-ii|alt=Rolex Explorer II advertisement with Alain Hubert]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Fixed-bezel watches with a 24-hour hand</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The orange-hand 1655 Freccione, the transitional 16550 and the long-run 16570.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref sea-dweller deepstar-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:sea-dweller|alt=Rolex Deepstar 4000 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Saturation-diving references</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Single Red, Double Red and Great White 1665s, the Triple Six, later references and documented COMEX examples.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref day-date 1960-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:day-date|alt=Rolex Day-Date 1960 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Day and date displays, in gold or platinum</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The President from the 1956 originals through the 1803 era, five-digit sapphire, Day-Date II and Oysterquartz.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Milgauss vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:milgauss|alt=Rolex Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Magnetic protection across two production eras</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The lightning-bolt seconds hand of the 6541, the 1019 and the green-crystal 116400GV.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref air-king vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:air-king|alt=Rolex Air-King advertisement, steel is a precious metal]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Air-Kings through the 34mm sapphire models</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Early hand-wound models, the long-running 5500 and the sapphire-crystal 14000 line.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img">[[File:Ref 1002 hero.webp|400px|link=Reference:oyster-perpetual|alt=Rolex Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Time-only automatic Oysters</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The plain-dial Oyster: classic four-digit 1002 to 1018, five-digit and the last pre-refresh 116000 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref oyster 1929-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:bubbleback|alt=Rolex Oyster 1929 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual Oysters and early automatics</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The first waterproof Oysters, the domed-caseback automatics, the [[Reference:padellone|Padellone]], manual-wind Oyster Precision models such as the [[Reference:6082|6082]], and later Oysterdate Precision references such as the [[Reference:6094|6094]]. The documented [[Reference:5052|5052]] appears in both pink gold and steel. A separate round dress watch, [[Reference:3540|ref. 3540]], is catalogued as a manual-wind Rolex Precision.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref prince 1932-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:prince|alt=Rolex Prince 1932 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Rectangular and shaped cases</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rectangular Art-Deco chronometers: Classic 1343, Brancard 971, Railway and Tigre variants.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

{{Homepage featured}}

== Reference guides ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Serial systems and dating limits</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Numeric and letter-prefix year ranges, hallmark dating for early watches, and the limits of randomized serials.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelets]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Bracelets, end links, clasps</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rivet, folded and solid Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets, end-link numbers and the clasp date-code key.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Movements|Movements]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Calibers across the watch families</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the early manual-wind Oyster calibers through the 1500 and 3000 series to the Zenith and in-house chronographs.</div>
</div></div>
</div>

== Every reference, by era ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:submariner|Full Submariner index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-five-digit<small>1953–90</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6204|6204]] [[Reference:6205|6205]] [[Reference:6200|6200]] [[Reference:6536|6536]] [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] [[Reference:6538|6538]] [[Reference:5508|5508]] [[Reference:5510|5510]] [[Reference:5512|5512]] [[Reference:5513|5513]] [[Reference:5514|5514]] [[Reference:5517|5517]] [[Reference:1680|1680]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit<small>1979–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14060|14060]] [[Reference:14060M|14060M]] [[Reference:16800|16800]] [[Reference:16610|16610]] [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] [[Reference:16803|16803]] [[Reference:16808|16808]] [[Reference:16613|16613]] [[Reference:16618|16618]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2020–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126610LN|126610LN]] [[Reference:126610LV|126610LV]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:daytona|Full Daytona index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind chronograph<small>1962–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6238|6238]] [[Reference:6239|6239]] [[Reference:6240|6240]] [[Reference:6241|6241]] [[Reference:6262|6262]] [[Reference:6263|6263]] [[Reference:6264|6264]] [[Reference:6265|6265]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Zenith automatic<small>1988–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16520|16520]] [[Reference:16518|16518]] [[Reference:16519|16519]] [[Reference:16523|16523]] [[Reference:16528|16528]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">In-house cal 4130<small>2000–2016</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116520|116520]] [[Reference:116523|116523]] [[Reference:116528|116528]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Pre-Daytona chronographs]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Full family guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early single-button<small>Catalogue dates c.1920–c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3068|3068]] [[Reference:2021|2021]] [[Reference:2057|2057]] [[Reference:2226|2226]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster monopusher<small>Catalogue dates c.1937–1942</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3346|3346]] [[Reference:3462|3462]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early two-register<small>1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2508|2508]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round Oyster chronographs<small>from c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6034|6034]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:gmt-master|Full GMT-Master guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1955–99</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6542|6542]] [[Reference:1675|1675]] [[Reference:16750|16750]] [[Reference:16753|16753]] [[Reference:16758|16758]] [[Reference:16700|16700]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">GMT-Master II<small>1983–2007</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16760|16760]] [[Reference:16710|16710]] [[Reference:16713|16713]] [[Reference:16718|16718]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Gem-set six-digit<small>from c.2006</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116758SARU|116758 SARU]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 116xxx<small>2005–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116718LN|116718LN]] [[Reference:116713LN|116713LN]] [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] [[Reference:116710BLNR|116710BLNR]] [[Reference:116719BLRO|116719BLRO]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 126xxx<small>2018–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126710BLRO|126710BLRO]] [[Reference:126711CHNR|126711CHNR]] [[Reference:126715CHNR|126715CHNR]] [[Reference:126710BLNR|126710BLNR]] [[Reference:126720VTNR|126720VTNR]] [[Reference:126713GRNR|126713GRNR]] [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] [[Reference:126710GRNR|126710GRNR]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer|Full Explorer index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1952–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6150|6150]] [[Reference:6350|6350]] [[Reference:6298|6298]] [[Reference:6610|6610]] [[Reference:1016|1016]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>1989–2021</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14270|14270]] [[Reference:114270|114270]] [[Reference:214270|214270]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2021–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:124270|124270]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Full Explorer II index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage Freccione<small>1971–1984</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1655|1655]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Transitional<small>1985–1989</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16550|16550]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern 40mm<small>1989–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16570|16570]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Full Sea-Dweller index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Single Red to Great White<small>1967–1983</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1665|1665]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Triple Six and 16600<small>1978–2008</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16660|16660]] [[Reference:16600|16600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic bezel<small>2014–2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116600|116600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">43 mm<small>2017–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126600|126600]] [[Reference:126603|126603]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Yacht-Master</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Yacht-Master 42<small>Introduced 2019</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:226659|226659]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:day-date|Full Day-Date index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Originals<small>1956–59</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6510|6510]] [[Reference:6511|6511]] [[Reference:6611|6611]] [[Reference:6612|6612]] [[Reference:6612B|6612B]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">4-digit President<small>1959–78</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1803|1803]] [[Reference:1804|1804]] [[Reference:1806|1806]] [[Reference:1807|1807]] [[Reference:1811|1811]] [[Reference:1831|1831]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">5-digit<small>1977–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:18038|18038]] [[Reference:18028|18028]] [[Reference:18048|18048]] [[Reference:18078|18078]] [[Reference:18238|18238]] [[Reference:18248|18248]] [[Reference:18348|18348]] [[Reference:18208|18208]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">6-digit Day-Date 36<small>2000–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:118238|118238]] [[Reference:118208|118208]] [[Reference:118235|118235]] [[Reference:118138|118138]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date II 41mm<small>2008–15</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:218238|218238]] [[Reference:218206|218206]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz<small>1977–2001</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:19018|19018]] [[Reference:19028|19028]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:milgauss|Full Milgauss index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early and CERN era<small>c.1955–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6543|6543]] [[Reference:6541|6541]] [[Reference:1019|1019]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>2007–2023</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116400|116400]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:air-king|Full Air-King index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Battle of Britain origin<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4925|4925]] [[Reference:4365|4365]] [[Reference:4499|4499]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">First automatic<small>1953–57</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6552|6552]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Long-run mainstay<small>1957–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5500|5500]] [[Reference:5501|5501]] [[Reference:5502|5502]] [[Reference:5504|5504]] [[Reference:5506|5506]] [[Reference:5520|5520]] [[Reference:5700|5700]] [[Reference:5701|5701]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Sapphire era<small>1989–2014</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14000|14000]] [[Reference:14000M|14000M]] [[Reference:114200|114200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Full Oyster Perpetual index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Earlier references<small>Catalogue dates conflict; no production span established</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4362|4362]] [[Reference:6548|6548]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Mid-century<small>Mostly 1950s catalogue dates; case 994893 has conflicting 1964 and 1954 estimates</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6106|6106]] [[Reference:6502|6502]] [[Reference:6567|6567]] [[Reference:6584|6584]] [[Reference:6609|6609]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Classic four-digit<small>1950s–1988 catalogue examples; limits vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1002|1002]] [[Reference:1003|1003]] [[Reference:1005|1005]] [[Reference:1007|1007]] [[Reference:1008|1008]] [[Reference:1009|1009]] [[Reference:1010|1010]] [[Reference:1011|1011]] [[Reference:1012|1012]] [[Reference:1013|1013]] [[Reference:1014|1014]] [[Reference:1018|1018]] [[Reference:1022|1022]] [[Reference:1023|1023]] [[Reference:1024|1024]] [[Reference:1025|1025]] [[Reference:1026|1026]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ladies' time-only<small>1972–82 catalogue examples; factory span unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6718|6718]] [[Reference:6719|6719]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Mid-size gold time-only<small>catalogue examples circa 1974</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6744|6744]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue estimates circa 1960–1980; production limits unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1500|1500]] [[Reference:1501|1501]] [[Reference:1503|1503]] [[Reference:1504|1504]] [[Reference:1505|1505]] [[Reference:1506|1506]] [[Reference:1507|1507]] [[Reference:1510|1510]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue examples circa 1983–1986</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:15003|15003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Last pre-refresh generation<small>2007–2020</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116000|116000]] [[Reference:114300|114300]] [[Reference:177200|177200]] [[Reference:176200|176200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 36</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit<small>From 1959; Monochrome dates discontinuation to 1981</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1601|1601]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, acrylic crystal<small>Generation introduced 1977; reference end dates vary</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16003|16003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, sapphire crystal<small>Introduced 1988; published end dates differ</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16234|16234]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Six-digit Yellow Rolesor<small>Examples dated 2005–c.2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116233|116233]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Six-digit Turn-O-Graph<small>Rolex catalogue listings in 2011–12; production span unconfirmed</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116261|116261]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 41</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">White Rolesor<small>Introduced 2017; listed by Rolex in 2026</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126334|126334]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:bubbleback|Full Bubbleback and early Oyster index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-Oyster and Oyster<small>1922–37</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1925|1925]] [[Reference:2081|2081]] [[Reference:3666|3666]] [[Reference:2136|2136]] [[Reference:34075|34075]] [[Reference:3003|3003]] [[Reference:3004|3004]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>c.1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1573|1573]] [[Reference:2280|2280]] [[Reference:2416|2416]] [[Reference:2849|2849]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback era<small>1933–45</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1858|1858]] [[Reference:3131|3131]] [[Reference:3372|3372]] [[Reference:3525|3525]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Late Bubblebacks<small>selected catalogue estimates circa 1940–1955; dates do not set production spans</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5002|5002]] [[Reference:5003|5003]] [[Reference:5006|5006]] [[Reference:5010|5010]] [[Reference:5013|5013]] [[Reference:5018|5018]] [[Reference:5045|5045]] [[Reference:6006|6006]]</div></div>

<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Straight-lug Empire Oyster<small>catalogue dates circa 1940–1950s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3548|3548]] [[Reference:3716|3716]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Square Perpetual<small>1940s–1952 catalogue examples</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4643|4643]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Later Bubbleback examples<small>Catalogue estimates span circa 1945–60; 4919 has a disputed 1930s outlier</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4392|4392]] [[Reference:4919|4919]] [[Reference:5050|5050]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Large no-date Oyster Perpetual<small>catalogue estimates c.1946–58; production span unsettled</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5026|5026]] [[Reference:5028|5028]] [[Reference:5029|5029]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Datejust, Padellone, Super Oyster<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3478|3478]] [[Reference:6244|6244]] [[Reference:4467|4467]] [[Reference:5030|5030]] [[Reference:5031|5031]] [[Reference:6031|6031]] [[Reference:6075|6075]] [[Reference:6105|6105]] [[Reference:8171|8171]] [[Reference:6098|6098]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6082|6082]] [[Reference:6426|6426]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6094|6094]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:prince|Full Prince index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Brancard era<small>1928–mid-1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1343|1343]] [[Reference:971|971]] [[Reference:971U|971U]] [[Reference:1490|1490]] [[Reference:1491|1491]] [[Reference:1527|1527]] [[Reference:1855|1855]] [[Reference:1862|1862]] [[Reference:3361|3361]] [[Reference:3937|3937]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Other rectangular watches<small>Catalogue labels vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1768|1768]] [[Reference:1880|1880]] [[Reference:3059|3059]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince Imperial pocket watch<small>c.1930–1945</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1645|1645]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Other vintage references</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind, small seconds<small>catalogued 1929–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2318|2318]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Rectangular manual-wind<small>catalogued circa 1930–1938</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1381|1381]] [[Reference:1936|1936]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>catalogued 1930s–c.1955</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3096|3096]] [[Reference:3019|3019]] [[Reference:3116|3116]] [[Reference:3121|3121]] [[Reference:3136|3136]] [[Reference:3351|3351]] [[Reference:5056|5056 (Kew A Speedking)]] [[Reference:6210|6210 (Kew A)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Speedking<small>catalogued c.1952–1953</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6056|6056]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometre Scientific<small>1937 case marks; catalogued examples circa 1937</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2942|2942]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometer / Precision dress watch<small>catalogued c.1943–50; model classification unresolved</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4364|4364]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round gold Precision<small>catalogued examples c.1945–1968; early date disputed</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:8952|8952]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Cellini</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage dress watch<small>Catalogued examples dated 1967–69</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3735|3735]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern Cellini Prince</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5440/8|5440/8]] [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-footnote">Rolexopedia is an independent community reference and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rolex SA. "Rolex" and the model names on this site are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify the watches described. See the [[Rolexopedia:General disclaimer|disclaimer]].</div>

[[Category:Rolexopedia]]

Reference:Serial-numbers

2026-10-21T08:47:11Z

Admin: Add sourced reference 6744 coverage

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex serial numbers}}
{{#seo:|title=Rolex serial numbers: dating guide and limits | Rolexopedia|description=Numeric and letter-prefixed Rolex serial charts, with their limits. How to compare case numbers, hallmarks, caseback stamps and dated paperwork.}}
<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Serial numbers'''</small>

Rolex used numeric case serials, then letter-prefixed serials, and later randomized alphanumeric strings. Numeric and letter-prefixed ranges can suggest a production period. Randomized serials have no public year mapping. None of these systems establishes the originality of the dial, movement or bracelet.

== The three systems ==

Rolex restarted its numeric case sequence in the mid-1950s. The same short number can therefore fall in more than one period. Letter-prefixed serials appeared around 1987; randomized serials followed around 2010. Neither change happened as a simple one-year boundary across every reference.

== Finding the serial number ==

On many Oyster references made before the rehaut transition of the mid-2000s, the serial is engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, beneath the bracelet. The reference number is usually between the opposite lugs at 12 o'clock. Earlier case designs need reference-specific guidance.

The serial moved to the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial, during the 2000s. It appears at 6 o'clock. The change varied by reference; compare transition-period watches with documented examples of the same model. Serial placement alone does not establish a case replacement.
Rolex has not published a public year key for the randomized strings. A date assigned to one of those cases therefore comes from a guarantee, service record or dated sale, not from the characters alone.

Matching serials link a warranty card or guarantee paper to the case number, provided the document itself is authentic. They do not establish the originality of every component. The [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp]] uses a separate dating system. A movement can carry caliber designations, part references and an individual movement number; identify the marking before interpreting it.

== Numeric serials (≤1987) ==

The table transcribes selected entries from the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts reproduced in [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html these photographs]. These are unofficial collector charts. Dowling–Hess places serial 132,562 in III 1953; Pergola puts 63,425–139,166 in 1955. The disagreement cannot be resolved by averaging the dates.

The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year.

For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44].

For ref. [[Reference:5052|5052]], Christie’s gives case 653977 and dates its pink-gold watch to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk records steel case serial 663654 with a 1950s estimate. These nearby numbers do not fix the watches to those decades: the numeric sequence was reused, and the published dates remain catalogue estimates. Anderson & Garland's 5052-attributed watch has only the prefix 663xxx, so it cannot be matched to case 663654 from the number alone. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1472920 Christie’s, case 653977] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, case 663654] [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421]

For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart].

The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848]

For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864]

For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309]

For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389]

For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Burstow & Hewett dates case 625463 to circa 1947. Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; a Barnebys archive records ref. 5010 engraved between the lugs on case 646740 and dates that watch circa 1948. The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These dates belong to individual catalogue watches; the case numbers do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, lot 1007] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.barnebys.com/auctions/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-gentleman-s-wristwatch-th-CSTBc3T-623098096 Barnebys archive, case 646740] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]

For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407]

Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125]

The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report]

Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph].

Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217].

A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010]

Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010]

Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623]

=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===

Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111].

Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini].

Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950]

== Letter serials (1987–2010) ==

Letter-prefixed case serials usually contain one letter and six digits. The years below come from Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', page 27. These collector estimates overlap and should be checked against the individual reference.

{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix !! Years listed by White
|-
| R || 1987–1988
|-
| L || 1989
|-
| E || 1990
|-
| N || 1991
|-
| X || 1991
|-
| C || 1992
|-
| S || 1993–1994
|-
| W || 1995
|-
| T || 1996
|-
| U || 1997–1998
|-
| A || 1999
|-
| P || 2000
|-
| K || 2000–2001
|-
| Y || 2001–2002
|-
| F || 2003–2005
|-
| D || 2005–2006
|-
| Z || 2006–2007
|-
| M || 2007–2008
|-
| V || 2008–2009
|-
| G || 2010
|}

Phillips records Explorer 114270 case G030393 with a [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 guarantee dated 30 November 2010]. That records a transaction date; it does not date the manufacture of the case.

Case serial prefixes and clasp codes are different systems. A letter on the clasp cannot be read as the same letter in the case-serial table.

<span id="Random_serials_(mid-2010_onward)"></span>
== Random serials (around 2010 onward) ==

Rolex began using randomized case serials around 2010, during the period of the final letter prefixes. Mixed-letter-and-digit serials have no public year mapping. A guarantee can establish a recorded sale date, but the serial alone cannot give the exact production year.

For a modern watch, start with the production span of the reference and any dated paperwork. Randomized clasp codes also lack a public year mapping. The case serial remains useful for linking records to a particular watch.

<span id="Pre-1948_vintage_references_and_hallmark_dating"></span>
== Early references and hallmark dating ==

For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Ref. [[Reference:3068|3068]] illustrates the limits of its auction record: catalogues date individual watches from c.1935 to c.1950, while Sotheby’s and Antiquorum report different diameters and movement sizes for case 1008594. Antiquorum reads a Dublin import mark on case 1008656 as 1937. These object-level readings do not form a serial-year sequence or establish the reference’s production span.

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], Antiquorum dates case 146262 to circa 1937; Christie’s dates its 2002 example to circa 1938, and Sotheby’s later identifies that watch as case 142587. Monaco Legend dates case 142589 to circa 1941, while Sotheby’s dates case 146269 to circa 1942. The lower-numbered 142589 thus receives a later catalogue date than 146262. These are attributions to individual watches, not a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3346-zerographe-lot-339-292 Antiquorum, case 146262] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, dated c.1938] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s case-number survey] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-199 Monaco Legend, case 142589] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, case 146269]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], Christie’s dates cases 161’489 and 161’501 to circa 1939. Loupe This later dates case 161’501 to circa 1942. The shared case number shows that both records concern one watch. Treat the dates as conflicting catalogue estimates; neither establishes a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-centregraph-chronograph-3462-observatory-chronometer-mirror-track-luminous-dial Loupe This, lot 3040]

Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646]

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]

For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***]

=== Precision 3540 dated examples ===

Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775]

The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart.

Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42]

Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310]

Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836].

For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165].

For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59].

For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901].
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405].

For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's]

For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866]

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204]

Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055]

Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference].

A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries]

Catalogues for [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]] give case numbers 44,887 (Toovey’s, circa 1938) and 24,432 (Antiquorum, 1930s). These are two catalogue examples, not a serial-year sequence; the numbers cannot establish production dates for another 1072. Christie’s also catalogues an early Oyster with case no. 1072, which is a different use of the number. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum lot 481 archive]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203832 Christie’s case-number record]

The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher]

Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751]

Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240].

Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence.

[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578]

[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700].

For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example].

[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370].

For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links.

[[Reference:3599|Ref. 3599]] provides another case-level date conflict. Antiquorum's [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-254 2006 lot 254] dates case 45,032 to 1945/6. Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257795 2009 lot 346] identifies the same watch, cites the earlier Antiquorum sale as provenance, and dates it to 1939. Keep both estimates attached to this case; use watch-specific papers or comparison with documented examples when assessing another 3599.

[[Reference:1873|Ref. 1873]] shows why catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-oyster-royal-extra-precision-reference-1873 Sotheby’s] dates case 30,967 to circa 1930; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1873-royal-lot-338-233 Antiquorum] dates cases 48,634 and 100,498 to the 1930s; Bonhams dates case 81,343 to circa 1939; and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782241 Christie’s] dates case 100,459 to circa 1940. Bonhams records a London import mark dated 1937 on gold case 37,029; that is an assay/import date. [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/868-cambi_orologi_795_2022_11_eb.pdf Cambi] lists case 48.xxx as circa 1954, an outlier among these entries. The records do not establish a factory production range.

Two Antiquorum catalogue entries for [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] give case dimensions but no case serials, so they do not establish a serial range. The 3004 lot title claims 144 examples in 1937; that statement is not a serial anchor or an independently confirmed production total. Compare the case number with other examples, and use assay marks on precious-metal cases as a separate date clue.

Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself.

Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396].

Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery.

The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered.

Catalogue dates for ref. [[Reference:3668|3668]] also conflict with case-number order. Christie's dates case 45'998 to 1941, while Accademia Fine Art dates lower-numbered case 45,344 to 1945; Phillips dates cases 47'954 and 47'948 circa 1939; Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 circa 1946. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, case 45'998] [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, case 45,344] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, case 47'948] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, case 47'954] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, case 47'948]

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6034|6034]] examples across several case-number groups: 692'692 to circa 1950, 847'636 to 1951, 847'427 to circa 1952, 847'307 and 907'407 to circa 1953, 944'123 to 1954, and 92'379 and 97'436 to circa 1955. Another Christie's example, case 907'744, is dated circa 1952. These are catalogue estimates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart; they do not establish a production endpoint. Phillips estimates a roughly five-year run from 1950, while Christie's and Antiquorum publish broader dates into the early 1960s. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-321-669?page=1&q=Rolex Antiquorum, case 692'692]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643962 Christie's, case 847'636]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, case 847'427]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, case 847'307]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, case 907'407]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-30 Antiquorum, case 944'123]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/210525 Phillips, case 92'379]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-386-573 Antiquorum, case 97'436]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christie's, case 907'744].

Auction estimates for [[Reference:3372|ref. 3372]] also conflict. Sotheby's dates case 43,903 to circa 1938 ([2026 lot 2341](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4-2/oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-a-pink?locale=en)); Antiquorum dates case 481,380 to 1938 ([2017 lot 90](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-bubble-back-lot-310-90)); Phillips assigns circa 1945 to case 301,684 ([2015 lot 206](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206)); and Antiquorum dates case 424,291 to circa 1959 ([2024 lot 75](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75)). These dates do not form a reliable serial sequence and do not establish the factory production span.

Auction catalogues give case numbers [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 612627], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 612848], [https://www.arsvalue.com/it/lotti/114560/rolex-ref-5031rolex-oyster-perpetual-red-date-just-ref-5031-del 612967], 612990, [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2164---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar/?lot=2569007&sd=1 613514], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-17/rolex-bubbleback-oyster-perpetual-ref-5031 613853] and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-8/reference-5031-oyster-perpetual-a-pink-gold-and 613876] for individual [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] watches. Their dating differs: Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Tennants call examples circa 1948, while Antiquorum dates its 1999 lot to the 1950s and its 1995 lot to the 1960s. Those case numbers cluster, but the catalogues do not establish a production range. Bonhams listed case 612990 twice in 2025 with the same movement number 37574; it is one watch, not two serial anchors.

Phillips dates ref. [[Reference:6031|6031]] case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 683,837] to circa 1949; Sotheby’s dates case [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en 693,873] to circa 1950. These two auction-house date estimates do not establish a 6031 serial range or year-by-year sequence.

For [[Reference:6075|ref. 6075]], Antiquorum dates cases 685,082 and 714,441 to 1950, while Phillips dates case 714,440 to 1951. Antiquorum gives circa 1951 for case 715,511; Cambi Aste assigns circa 1961 to an incomplete case number 715.xxx. The catalogues conflict, and their estimates do not establish a serial range or prove a production end year. Compare the engraved case number, movement and any independent date evidence on the individual watch. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, lot 122]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, lot 107]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, lot 284]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum 2022, lot 147]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, lot 96].

For [[Reference:6074|ref. 6074]], Antiquorum and John Goldberger date a two-piece platinum commission to 1950, but publish no case serials for those watches. Antiquorum's 1990 gold lot gives a 1950s estimate without a case number; its 2025 gold lot says the case number was no longer visible. Henrik Korpela's restored gold example had 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them. These records do not form a serial sequence. Compare the individual case and movement marks; the 1-50 code in Goldberger's image dates the bracelet component. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum 1992]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum 1990]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum 2025]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Korpela, 2015].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1005 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1005 case 826,301 to 1962 or circa 1963; the two records appear to describe the same pink-gold watch. Other dated examples include cases 903,017 and 926,416 (circa 1962–63), 1,050,796 (circa 1964), 1,176,167 (inside caseback code II.65), 1,177,843 (circa 1966), 1,586,108 (catalogued 1971, with a guarantee booklet dated 22 December 1971), 1,801,509 (circa 1968), 3,021,909 (circa 1971), 3,367,203 (London import mark dated 1973), and 3,921,444 (circa 1974). Sotheby’s catalogued case 7,126,615 as circa 1995, but that date conflicts with the serial sequence and should not be treated as a secure production date. These are isolated auction and component dates, not a serial-year chart or production range.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1003 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1003 case 512,833 to circa 1960 and case 573,835 to circa 1960; the certificate accompanying case 573,835 is dated 22 December 1960, which dates the certificate rather than proving the case’s production date. Other catalogued examples include case 531,734 (circa 1966), case 1,197,501 (1964), case 3,044,042 (1972), case 3,960,865 (circa 1975), and case 5,426,177 (1977). A Glasgow import mark dates a 9K case to 1961, while a 1966 receipt accompanies a separate 9ct example. These individual records do not form a serial-year chart or establish production limits. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby’s, case 5,426,177]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, case 3,044,042]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 3,960,865].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1008 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples ===

Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples ===

Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1504 dated examples ===

Auction and dealer records date individual 1504 watches: Phillips dates white-gold case 1,420,737 to circa 1966; Estates Consignments dates yellow-gold case 2,537,128 to 1970; Eguchi lists case serial 2714*** as 1971; The W3674 listing assigns its masked 27xxxx serial to 1972; EveryWatch preserves a yellow-gold auction description dated circa the 1970s for case 2,472,771. Sotheby’s 2019 catalogue repeats Phillips’s case 1,420,737, so it is the same watch, not another dated specimen. These are lot and dealer dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, case 1,420,737]; [https://www.estatesconsignments.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1504-mens-18k-yellow-gold-moreau-gold-bezel-and-band-1970/ Estates Consignments, case 2,537,128]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, serial 2714***]; [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 listing, masked serial 27xxxx]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/1504/watch-2725687 EveryWatch archive, case 2,472,771].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1506 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]] case 1,117,252 to 1964, case 1,063,296 to circa 1965, and case 1,525,920 to 1967. The first two case numbers run opposite to their catalogue dates, so keep each date attached to its specific watch rather than treating these examples as a serial-year sequence. A seller-dated 1960 example has no visible case number in the available photographs. None of these records establishes the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158504 Christie’s, case 1,117,252]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-fine-18k-oyster-perpetual-date-watch-with-chine-finish-ref-1506-circa-1965/a/5538-54133.s Heritage Auctions, case 1,063,296]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-206-127 Antiquorum, case 1,525,920]

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1507 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues assign dates from circa 1962 to 1969 to individually numbered 1507 or 1503/1507 watches: case 928,501 (joint attribution) circa 1962; 1,144,916 circa 1964; 1,122,198 circa 1965; and 1,916,162 and 2,864,908 circa 1969. Sotheby’s’ circa-1964 estimate for 1,144,916 is later in the serial sequence than its circa-1965 estimate for 1,122,198. These estimates do not form a reliable serial chronology. A separate circa-1975 Christie's 1507 has no published case number. [https://www.barnebys.fr/ventes/objet/rolex-eYswah4-633694142 Barnebys archive of an Antiquorum listing, case 928,501]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/watches-l19070/lot.1.html Sotheby’s, case 1,144,916]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10/datejust-shantung-dial-pyramid-markers-reference Sotheby’s, case 1,122,198]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1507-oyster-perpetual-date-bark-finished-bezel-18k-gold-circa-1969/a/5422-54009.s Heritage, case 1,916,162]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-date-ref-150718k-gold-self-winding-case-5091508/ Christie’s, case 2,864,908].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 dated examples ===

Christie’s dates case 1,598,902 to circa 1965 and case 1,691,443 to 1967; Phillips dates case 1,901,206 to circa 1968; Monaco Legend dates case 2,223,098 to 1969. Phillips re-listed the same Ricciardi watch in 2026 with case number 1,906,206, while movement, retailer mark, clasp stamp and paper dates match its 2019 record. Christie's dates serial 2,860,900 to circa 1971, while Gazette Drouot uses the same number for a hand-wound watch dated 1955–58. The conflicting movements and dates leave this serial unusable as a production boundary. Catalogue dates apply to individual watches; serial-number chronology remains unresolved. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5841772 Christie’s, case 1,598,902]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5493400 Christie’s, case 1,691,443]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080319/4 Phillips 2019, case 1,901,206]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/236697 Phillips 2026, case 1,906,206]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-140 Monaco Legend, case 2,223,098]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-zephyr-ref-1510-285/183944 Christie’s, serial 2,860,900]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/25117066-rolex--22oyster-perpetual-date--- Gazette Drouot, serial 2,860,900].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1505|1505]] examples from circa 1960 to circa 1980: Heritage assigns case 1,351,111 to circa 1960, but Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1966 band. The date for that watch remains unresolved. Christie's records a separate circa-1969 example with an inside-caseback stamp II/69 and dates case 5,225,028 to 1977; Sotheby's dates cases 5,036,208 and 5,408,060 to circa 1977 and 1978; Christie's dates case 5,696,735 to circa 1980. Cambi dates a partial case 2,772.xxx to circa 1971, but its all-steel attribution conflicts with Rolex's 1980 catalogue description. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html photograph of Pergola's serial chart]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's, II/69]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's, case 5,225,028]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's, case 5,036,208]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 5,408,060]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5569805 Christie's, case 5,696,735]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi, case 2,772.xxx].

=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893]

=== Day-Date 6511 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744]

=== Day-Date 6612 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 platinum case 403,679] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 case 403,680] to 1958, [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 white-gold case 394,866] to 1958, and [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 platinum case 382,921] to circa 1958. Bonhams dates a [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ yellow-gold 6612/8] with serial 446*** to circa 1959. These are individual auction estimates, not a serial-number chronology; the clasp stamped 3.59 on case 403,680 and March 1959 clasp on the 446*** example date bracelets, not watch heads.

=== Day-Date 6612B case examples ===

Auction catalogues date yellow-gold case 384,933 to 1957; pink-gold case 395,916, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679 to circa 1958; platinum case 382,921 to circa 1958; and platinum case 446,052 to circa 1959. These are catalogue estimates, not a factory serial chart or proven production bounds. Christie's Dubai gives 446,062 for the last example, but Phillips and Sotheby's both list 446,052 and the Dubai entry refers to those sales. Phillips and Christie's list a clasp stamp of 1.59 on the platinum bracelet; that dates the bracelet, not the watch head. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, case 384,933]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731660 Christie's and https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6612b-day-date-lot-370-143?page=8 Antiquorum, case 395,916]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, case 394,866]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, case 403,679]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 Christie's, case 382,921]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips and https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/day-date-reference-6612b-a-platinum-and-diamond Sotheby's, case 446,052].

=== Day-Date 6611 case examples ===

Phillips dates yellow-gold case 214,124 to 1956 and white-gold 6611B case 401,546 to 1958. Antiquorum dates movement number 386,339 on a gold 6611B to about 1958. These catalogue dates fit the commonly published late-1950s sequence but do not form a factory serial chart. Two steel school-watch lots have no case number and give conflicting dates, 1954 and circa 1959; the 1963 engraving is a school dedication, not a case-production date. Compare each head and movement separately.

=== Glasgow and Edinburgh assay marks ===

British hallmarks can identify the assay office, metal standard, sponsor and assay year. The sponsor is the party responsible for submitting the item; the mark does not necessarily identify its manufacturer. Imported cases may carry different office marks from domestic work. Match the complete punch, including its shield and lettering, to the correct office and period.

For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care.

Ref. [[Reference:3078|3078]] shows why the case mark and watch date must stay separate. Christie's reports Dublin import marks dated 1937 on a 9ct-gold example but gives no case number. David Duggleby's caption reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 and case markings read as 3789/3078; the number has not been independently confirmed. The records may describe the same watch. The marks date the import records, not the reference's production or either watch's assembly date. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-892250 Christie's] [https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2300/Jewellery-Watches/104955/ David Duggleby, lot 2177]

Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37].

<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span>
=== Assay letters and case-serial prefixes ===

The R, L and later case-serial prefixes belong to a system introduced around 1987. They cannot decode assay letters on 1920s–1950s Prince cases. Those letters belong to the assay office's own sequence.

<span id="Prince_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Prince dating examples ===

The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. Christie’s, Bonhams, Piguet and Sotheby’s date four individual ref. 1855 cases from circa 1930 through circa 1940. Their published descriptions do not report a Glasgow or Edinburgh import mark, so those dates remain catalogue estimates for the watches; the numbers do not establish a production span. The Bonhams caseback also carries the parachute trademark David Boettcher attributes to Robert Meylan; his case-making company was registered in 1928 and the trademark in 1934. Those registration dates identify the maker’s marks, not the manufacture date of case 14368. Boettcher says the crowned SAR mark remains unexplained. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/myrolexpage.php David Boettcher, Rolex SAR and Robert Meylan case marks] The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,013 || platinum, Cal. 300 7½′′′ 18-jewel || c.1935 || Phillips Geneva V/X/XIV
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,047 || platinum || 1935 || Phillips 2015 Watch Auction One lot 210
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,077 || platinum || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2013
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 1,472 || Eaton 1/4 Century Club dial; catalogue descriptions of the metals differ || presentation inscription 1907–1932 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, July 2019, lot 156]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 60,206 || 9K two-colour gold || c.1934 || Antiquorum 2020 lot 235
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,196 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2015 lot 275
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,377 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Antiquorum 2006 lot 316
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,305 || 9K two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Bonhams NY 2017 lot 133
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,591 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1938 || Bonhams HK 2023 lot 644
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 13,009 || 18K yellow gold || Glasgow 1933 || Phillips NY 2023 NY080223/92
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 17,365 || steel + pink gold || Cal. T.S. 300 Ultra Prima, 1935 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 46
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 38,525 || steel + Bucherer-signed dial || c.1937 || Sotheby's Watches Online July 2019 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 58,115 || 18K (group lot with 1862) || c.1930 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14368 || steel + rose gold; 25 Records, SAR and parachute marks inside back || c.1930, catalogue date || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/21/ Bonhams, sale 23512 lot 21]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14382 || steel + pink gold || c.1930, Christie's catalogue date || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-4366792/ Christie's, lot 4366792]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14413 || steel + pink gold; movement 77395 || 1930s, Piguet catalogue date || [https://production-static.piguet.com/sales/2754ef55-9043-4cff-b435-c37aa576f58b/specials/3378e48b-2897-4bfb-b9cf-cdb2bb46994f/catalog.pdf Piguet, lot 1592]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 31705 || 9-carat yellow gold || c.1940, Sotheby's catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2017/watches-sale-l17053.html Sotheby's London, lot 128]
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,237 || 9K Glasgow + Cal. 527 || Glasgow 1934 || Christie's online lot 31 (sale 13523)
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,663 || 18K (group lot with 1490) || c.1938 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 280,124 || 18K yellow (1862A variant) || c.1930 || Sotheby's NY 2018 n09911 lot 53

|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36283 || 9ct gold || An archived Bonhams 2010 description reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1938; this dates the case mark, not production || [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Bonhams 2010 lot 162, archived listing]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36443 || Yellow gold || Sotheby's reports a Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; case-level date only || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015 lot 129]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36465 || 18K yellow gold || Antiquorum reports Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; case-level date only || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008 lot 687]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || 1,578 || 9K white gold, Bucherer-retailed || invoice dated 1945 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 Antiquorum, March 2008, lot 692]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6
|-
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170]
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6,920 || white and pink gold; catalogued as 1527 M || c.1930s || Drouot, lot 182
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6936 || 18K white + pink stepped || Glasgow 1931 || EveryWatch lot 378
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || not given || steel + gold-filled stepped Railway || 1940s || Bonhams NY 2006 sale 15217 lot 9
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010271 || “rolesium,” two-tone dial || c.1930, as dated by Aguttes || [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, lot 12]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010345 || two-colour case; fixed bar lugs || c.1930, as dated by Kaplans || [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Watches 59]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010353 || steel; caseback stamped Rolesium Registered Inalterable || c.1930s, as dated by Antiquorum || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-prince-lot-361-47 Antiquorum, June 2023, lot 47]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 12'672 || steel and rose gold; stepped case || 1930s, as dated by Pandolfini || [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, lot 406]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 14069 || steel and pink gold; pink two-tone dial || 1930s, as dated by Monaco Legend || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-119 Monaco Legend, lot 119]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 019784 / 019794 || steel; Antiquorum lists a 15-jewel T.S. 300 for 019784; Muser’s photograph of 019794 shows an Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies || Antiquorum dates 019784 to 1938 and lists a timing certificate; Muser dates 019794 circa 1930. Similar watch-and-box photographs suggest a possible repeat listing, but the case numbers differ by one digit. || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, May 2017, lot 118]; [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, May 2023, lot 266]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,568 || 18K yellow gold Aerodynamic || dated 1952 (Mondani Collection) || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-210 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 210]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,677 || 18K pink gold Aerodynamic with monogrammed escutcheon || dated 1952 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-209 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 209]
|-
| 3362 || 62,482 || 14K pink gold || c.1935, as dated by Antiquorum || Antiquorum, May 2015, sale 291, lot 109
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || 64,190 || 14K yellow gold Rams Horn || 1938 || Bonhams 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || not given || 14K yellow gold, Eaton 1/4 Century Club || Garbett presentation inscription 1926–1951 || Sotheby's NY 2020 lot 73
|-
| 6222 (Eaton presentation) || not given || automatic Oyster || presentation inscription 1929–1954 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2005, sale 86, lot 19
|}

Christie’s gives “No. 015759 1880” on a steel caseback and “no. 1880 8829” in the title of a pink-gold watch. The title does not identify 1880 as a reference. Christie’s dates the latter watch’s Glasgow import mark to 1932.

These examples use several case-number ranges across different materials and references. A high number does not establish a later production date across the whole Prince family. Antiquorum dates the two 3361 cases numbered 899,568 and 899,677 to 1952; the presentation dates on Eaton watches record later events in their ownership. None of these observations establishes a family-wide production endpoint.

=== Caseback engraving conventions ===

Keep case and reference stamps separate from personal inscriptions. An engraved name or service anniversary records a presentation or ownership claim. It cannot establish the date of the case, and hand engraving alone does not establish a replacement. Monaco Legend's 971, case 1,472, bears an Eaton service inscription ending in 1932.

<span id="Vintage_Submariner_/_Explorer_/_GMT_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Padellone 8171: anomalous numbers and conflicting dates ===

Reference [[Reference:8171|8171]] has a shallow case number and coronet engraved on the outside of its snap-on back. Wear and polishing can reduce their legibility. The case number, movement number and a dated certificate should be recorded separately. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, illustrated 8171 study]

Phillips catalogued steel case 1977074 as circa 1950 despite its unusually high number. Its essay and SJX discuss later manufacture or assembly, but provide no factory record resolving the discrepancy. A general serial chart cannot settle the date of this particular watch. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019]

Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72]

=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596]

== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==

The following table compares catalogue dates with case numbers on selected Submariner, Explorer and GMT watches. Dates without an identified hallmark, stamp or document are the named source's estimates. A cluster of nearby numbers does not establish a production total or guarantee dating to within a year or two.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Catalogue configuration !! Date or dated mark reported by source !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] (Submariner) || 949,136 || honeycomb dial || 1953 || Phillips Geneva XII 2020 lot 177
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,613 || gilt, US Navy provenance || c.1953–54 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 250
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,773 || Sub-Aqua, end-link 65 || 1954 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO 2015 lot 292
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,923 || pencil hands, gilt || c.1954, clasp 2.53 || Phillips NY Watch Auction 2021 lot 79
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,929 || Sub-Aqua tropical || 1954 || Antiquorum Geneva 2013 lot 577
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 42,439 || Sub-Aqua dial; catalogued as a prototype || 1954 || Monaco Legend 2019 lot 69
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] (Submariner) || 21,354 || pencil hands, no-Submariner dial, riveted Oyster end-link 65 || c.1954, Series 1 || Phillips Game Changers NY 2019 lot 54
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,442 || Mercedes hands, gilt gloss, stretch riveted bracelet || c.1954–55 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2022 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,644 || re-lumed reprinted no-Submariner dial || 1954–55 || Antiquorum Geneva 2025 lot 377-180
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 85,972 || Mercedes, gilt no depth (Series 2) || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches NY 2019 lot 178
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 86,033 || Atelier de Restauration 2023 restoration || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2025 lot 336
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] (Submariner) || 320,xxx–322,xxx || Big Crown 8mm Brevet, A296, Explorer or red depth || 1954–56 || Nicholas Foulkes, ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner'' (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] (Submariner) || 112,256 || caseback stamped "4 55", Jubilee bracelet stamped 1960 || 1955 || Sotheby's 2021 lot 35
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 112,341 || Red Depth, IV.55 caseback || 1955 || Bonhams Dec 2021 lot 36
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 155,502 || caseback stamped II.56, on 7206 rivet bracelet || 1956 || Phillips Geneva V 2017 lot 102
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 229,640 || I.57 caseback || 1957 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 215
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] (parent) || 306,706 || gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel || March 1957 || Bonhams London 2012 lot 116
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 306,989 || III.57 caseback, no-hash red triangle, glossy gilt || 1957 || Sotheby's NY 2018 lot 252
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 399,228 || brown tropical dial || c.1959 || Sotheby's London 2019 lot 121
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] (Submariner) || 140,300–140,500 (Series 1) || case-number band proposed by Blackbird || c.1956 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 158,100–158,400 (Series 2) || four-line OCC dial concentration || c.1957–58 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 307,100–307,600 (Series 3) || two-line gilt || 1958 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 426,000–449,300 (Series 4) || fourth group in Blackbird's classification || late 1958 / 1959 || Blackbird; Sotheby's Olmsted 2024 lot 170 case 449,004
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] (Submariner big crown) || 362,153 || Explorer dial, fixed bars; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2023 lot 107
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,187 || reprinted Explorer dial; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Antiquorum Monaco 2018 lot 314-248
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,252 || privately purchased watch used by a Royal Navy diver; later 93150/580 bracelet || Bonhams dates manufacture and purchase to 1958; caseback 1.1958 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, June 2009, lot 140]
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] (Submariner small crown) || 361,650 || black gilt, red triangle insert || 1958 || Phillips Geneva NINE 2019 lot 213
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 400,505 || tropical dial, 1960 papers || 1958 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 489,831 || black dial || 1959 || Sotheby's Watches Online 2020
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 490,575 || faded bezel insert, rivet bracelet '63 || 1958 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 333-422
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 762,896 || exclamation gilt, II.62 caseback, 7206/64 bracelet || 1962 || Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 764,524 || exclamation, 6636 clasp 4/64 || 1962 || Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Pre-Explorer / Oyster Perpetual) || 912,378 || steel + Sesto Continente "Super Oyster" provenance, IV.52 caseback || caseback IV.52; source dates the watch to 1952 || Vailati 1953 letter to Rolex Archives (Perezcope)
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] (Pre-Explorer) || 931,134 || H.S.10 CD Royal Navy with crow's foot || c.1953 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2025 L25713
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,811 || H.S.10 CD, Burford matte-black Swiss T Precision printing, MOD broad-arrow || February 1953 || Bonhams 18849/181
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,925 || "Oyster Perpetual Precision" dial || 1953 || Antiquorum Geneva 2022 lot 349-152
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,021 || "KANGCHENJUNGA 1955 G.C BAND" caseback engraving || 1953 case, 1955 expedition gift || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction SIX 2017 lot 244
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,096 || A296 18j, Oyster expandable bracelet || c.1953 || Sotheby's 2022 / 2024 (same example reoffered)
|-
| [[Reference:6350|6350]] || 955,761 || Douglas Prior 1956 Royal Society Antarctic Expedition, Cal. 775 service replacement || 1953 case || Antiquorum Geneva 2018 lot 317-570
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (Submariner, no-date) || 765,450 || gloss black "exclamation" Explorer dial, cal. 1530; riveted Oyster 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.62 || c.1962 (I.62) || Phillips Geneva EIGHT lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 979,313 || gilt / gloss underline Explorer dial; folded Oyster 9315 / 580 end-links || c.1963 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 991,837 || underline double-Swiss gilt dial; Oyster 6636, clasp dated Q1 1964 || 1963 (III.63) || Phillips Geneva THREE lot 106
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 1,023,362 || gloss Explorer (3-6-9) dial, Garrard guarantee 23 March 1965; Jubilee bracelet || c.1964 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2020 lot 377
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 6,2XX,XXX || Mark III "maxi" dial, cal. 1520; 93150 Oyster, service-replacement clasp S6 || c.1979 || Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches 2019 lot 103
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (COMEX) || 2,833,552 || helium escape valve; COMEX 24 || 1970 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum Geneva, November 2006, lot 323]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 3,804,841 || helium escape valve; dial without COMEX logo || 1972 || Antiquorum New York, 2009, sale 223, lot 373
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,089,919 || COMEX 377, matte black, 9315 bracelet, Henry Hudson letter || 1975 || Phillips NY Watch Auction SIX 2022 lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,155,901 || COMEX 446; caseback also engraved 68504-Ci, attributed to the Argentine Navy by Phillips || 1974 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips Geneva TWO, 2015, lot 145]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 5,230,258 || COMEX 878, "Big Numbers" wrap-around caseback || 1977 || Antiquorum Monaco 2025 lot 383-172
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] (MilSub, Royal Navy / Army) || around 3,926,000 || 5513-only and 5513/5517 double-reference; issue years 77/79 || 1972–1975 || Phillips New York 2019 lot 28 case 3,926,768; Phillips HK 2017 lot 807 case 3,926,923; Antiquorum Monaco 2022 lot 77 case 3,926,842
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || around 5,339,000 || 5517-only between-lugs engraving, sword hands, full 60-min bezel; issue year 78 || 1977–1978 || Phillips Geneva XIV 2021 lot 152 case 5,339,827; Sotheby's 2023 lot 3 case 5,339,705 issue 853/78
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] (Submariner Date, Red Sub) || 2,241,069 || Mark II "tropical" meters-first dial, red Submariner text; Oyster 9315, clasp 3.71 || c.1969 (III.69) || Phillips WINNING ICONS lot 4
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,421,653 || Mark IV "tropical" Red Sub, feet-first "open 6s"; folded Oyster 9315, 280 end-links, clasp 4.70 || c.1970 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 155
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,631,521 || Mark IV red dial, cream indexes; Oyster 7836, clasp 3-69 || 1970 (I.70) || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 108
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,184,430 || single-red Submariner dial; 93150 Oyster, clasp CL9 || c.1972 || Bonhams London Fine Watches 2025 lot 18
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,740,344 || feet-first Red Sub dial, Tiffany & Co. retailer signature || c.1974 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2024
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 5,429,380 || ref. 1680/8 18k yellow gold, blue sunray dial; gold Oyster, clasp 3.71 || c.1978 || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 238
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 6,1XX,XXX || Mark 1 "White Submariner" (closed 6s), white-text dial || c.1979 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2022 lot 928
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] (Submariner Date, 18k yellow gold) || 6,412,142 || black nipple dial; guarantee dated 10 August 1982 || c.1979 || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, lot 6539583]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 6,667,544 || calibre 3035; inside caseback stamped 16800; clasp stamped 92908, end links 46; later guarantee dated 9 September 1987 || c.1981 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158613 Phillips, lot 15]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 7,538,212 || blue nipple dial; catalogue describes tropical brown change || 1982 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-220 Monaco Legend, lot 220]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 9,623,728 || blue nipple dial catalogued as tropical brown || c.1987 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-6/nipple-dial-submariner-ref-16808-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, lot 8]
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] (GMT-Master, red-and-blue bezel) || 1,004,133 || underline + double-Swiss gilt dial, pointed crown guards, cal. 1560; bracelet 6636 / 80 end-links, clasp 3.64 || c.1963 (IV.63) || Phillips "Rolex Milestones" lot 810
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,323,448 || MK III late-gilt gloss dial (SWISS - T<25), cal. 1570; bracelet 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.65 || c.1965 (IV.65) || Phillips Hong Kong Sessions Spring 2026 lot 8019
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,686,416 || matte black dial, steel red-and-blue bezel, cal. 1570 || c.1967 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 76
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,796,673 || matte black "Fuchsia" insert, cal. 1570, movement D091203 with ROW marking; clasp 7-68 || 1967 (II.67) || Phillips New York Watch Auction SEVEN lot 25
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 5,468,961 || 18k yellow gold, black dial, President bracelet, cal. 1570 || c.1978 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 77
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] (GMT-Master, first quickset) || 6,250,744 || matte black dial, black bezel insert (spare red-and-blue bezel included), cal. 3075; 93150 Oyster, clasp VC || c.1981 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2024 lot 95
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 7,625,315 || black dial, Omani police emblem, cal. 3075; 62510H Jubilee / 555 end-links, clasp G4 || c.1983 || Bonhams Fine Watches 2021 lot 68
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 8,631,078 || glossy dial with cracked lacquer, cal. 3075; 78360 Oyster / 580 end-links, clasp I6 || c.1984 || Phillips Hong Kong EIGHT lot 1180
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8399062 || black raised-marker “bicchierini” dial; cal. 3085 || 1983 (Christie’s catalogue date) || Christie’s lot 217; date and prototype story are the auction essay’s account
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8584610 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1984 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 250; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || serial B431181 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1985 || Antiquorum Monaco 2017 lot 274
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9376077 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1986 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021 lot 244; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9,673,878 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1987 || Sotheby’s Watches Weekly 2020 lot 2
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case R828043 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1988 || Sotheby’s Geneva 2020 lot 652
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || R672618 || gloss black dial, R-prefix || c.1988 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2019 lot 845
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] (GMT-Master II) || 8,463,283 || red-and-black bezel, cal. 3085 27j || c.1984 || Sotheby's Important Watches HK 2021 lot 2004
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R275863 || red-and-black bezel, mvt 1994435, 78790 service-replacement bracelet || c.1988 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2023 lot 28031/167
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R434190 || full set with Merksamer Jewelers guarantee, mvt 2102621 || c.1988 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction X 2019 lot 149
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] (GMT-Master) || R-serial || 1988 red-and-blue bezel, 78360 / RS11 clasp || 1988 || Bonhams 25956/4
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T254282 || 1996 red-and-blue bezel delivered Dec 1996, full set with Beyer receipt || 1996 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 329-88
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T848499 || c.1996 red-and-blue bezel, with extra black bezel, cal. 3175 || 1996 || Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches 2019 lot 10
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || W752611 || c.1995 red-and-blue bezel, faded bezel, tritium dial || 1995 || Sotheby's Fine Watches Online 2024 lot 417
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U443556 || 1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 14/50, Bell X-1 1947 caseback || 1997 || Bonhams 25232/969
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U453541 || c.1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 21/50 || 1997 || Phillips Hong Kong XI 2020 lot 862
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || A245609 || c.1999 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's || 1999 || Sotheby's Hong Kong 2019 lot 2023
|}

Record an inside-caseback stamp exactly as it appears. Roman numerals I–IV are often read as quarters, but the [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html Caseback date codes guide describes a VI 1966 stamp] that does not fit that convention. A dated caseback is a component observation. Service replacements and exchanged backs can separate its date from the rest of the watch.

<span id="Cross-referencing_for_full_dating"></span>
== Comparing the components ==

An early serial range suggests a case date. Compare the bracelet reference, dial and [[Reference:Movements|movement]] separately. A [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp code]] dates the marked component, and a replacement clasp or bracelet does not change the case date.

A bracelet from the same period as the case may be period-correct without being original to that watch. Matching date estimates alone cannot establish original delivery.

== Per-reference serial detail ==

For chronograph ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips identifies case 12'271 and dates it circa 1938; a 2026 FutureGrail caseback photograph shows the same number, while its catalogue transcription dates it circa 1927. Phillips' 2023 ref. 2022 catalogue refers back to the 2057 as case 12'272, one digit different. Preserve the discrepancy; these records do not establish a serial sequence or production span. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080218/40 Phillips, 2018, lot 40]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2057/watch-32733221 EveryWatch transcription of FutureGrail, 2026, lot 32]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080223/170 Phillips, 2023, lot 170]

For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart].

For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates its gold-plated steel case, numbered 769***, to circa 1951. Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962; that number is consistent with Bonhams' masked prefix, but the catalogues do not confirm that their listings describe the same watch. Pergola assigns 769199 to its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart gives 710,776 for 1951 and 840,396 for 1952; it has no entry for 769199. These auction dates and chart estimates describe individual records, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs].

For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321]

For ref. [[Reference:6719|6719]], Antiquorum dates case 6,703,003 to circa 1981. Leland Little dates serial 7,350,177 to circa 1982, and its photographs show the same number on the accompanying guarantee paper. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not production limits. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, ref. 6719]; [https://www.lelandlittle.com/items/568411/lady-s-stainless-steel-and-gold-i-oyster-perpetual-i-watch-rolex/ Leland Little, lot 1089]

For ref. [[Reference:6744|6744]], Christie’s dates case 3,625,979 to circa 1974. Antiquorum dates case 3,760,425 to 1974 but gives the joint attribution 6744/6751. Spangaro’s 2025 listing records a partial 3,760XXX serial and may show the same watch. These entries anchor individual catalogue examples; the partial serial cannot confirm the cross-sale identity or define the reference’s production range. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841887 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-oyster-perpetual/lpi Antiquorum lot 76, reproduced by Collector Square]; [https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 Spangaro lot 28]

For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363].

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run.

=== Day-Date 1803 dating ===

For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s].

The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration.

For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494].

For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks.

For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25].

For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread]

For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits.

For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001].

A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct.

Auction catalogues date ref. 18039 case 5,302,014 to circa 1977, case 5,507,421 to circa 1978, case 6,739,240 to 1981, and case 7,522,088 to 1983. The 5,507,421 watch has a warranty recording a German retail sale in November 1980; that date records the sale, not the case manufacture. See [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-324-171 Antiquorum lot 171 (2019)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-340-158 lot 158 (2021)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-18038-lot-289-292 lot 292 (2015)], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-stella-dial-white-gold-lot-383-147 lot 147 (2025)].

Auction catalogues also give date estimates for individual Day-Date 18049 cases: 5,724,546 (circa 1978), 6,041,581 (1979), 6,654,074 (circa 1981), 6,768,020 (circa 1980), 7,644,551 (circa 1983), 8,272,377 (circa 1984), and R509431 (circa 1988). These are catalogue associations between a case number and a lot date, not a serial-number year chart or proof of the reference’s production limits. Sources: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches/reference-18049-day-date-a-white-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 5,724,546]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-270 Monaco Legend, ref. 18049 case 6,041,581]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-18049-gold-diamond-set-automatic-wristwatch-khanjar-89/181697 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,654,074]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4814219 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,768,020]; [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/ad86e74c-7057-4843-848c-3fbcabe7ff96/lots/30281a3f-52a9-45aa-9d06-c9a6baf6ddee Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 7,644,551]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18049-day-date-lot-361-98 Antiquorum, ref. 18049 case 8,272,377]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6558374 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case R509431].

Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504].

Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167].

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-rare-and-unusual-stainless-5892958/ Christie's, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it circa 1935 and identifies its 2006 Antiquorum appearance]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-35/lot-220 Monaco Legend, 2024, ref. 6511 case 166,725]

== Sources ==

* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952]
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611B case 401,546, dated 1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611b-lot-307-136 Antiquorum 2017, ref. 6611B, movement 386,339]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum 2002 steel school-watch lot, catalogued circa 1959]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum 2013 steel school-watch lot, catalogued as 1954]

* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee: 8171 case markings]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175: 8171 case 1977074]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019: 8171 serial anomaly]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2020, lot 2143: 8171 case 686356]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72: 8171 case 667005 and dated certificate]

* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate.
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table.
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
* [https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/what-is-a-hallmark Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, What is a hallmark?]: the meaning of office, sponsor, fineness and date marks.
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher, British import hallmarks]: historical office marks and date-letter cycles.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930.
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939.
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold.
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, Submariner 5510, June 2009, lot 140]: case 362,252, purchase history and the bracelet recorded at auction.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, COMEX 5513, November 2006, lot 323]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips, COMEX 5514, Geneva TWO, lot 145]: reference, case-number and inscription details.
* The tables identify further auction and specialist sources beside each observation; see the linked reference articles for additional lot records.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 6075 case 685082]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
* [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, Prince 1768 case 010271, c.1930]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Prince 1768 case 010345, c.1930]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, Prince 1768 case 019784, dated 1938]
* [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, Prince 1768 case 01028, circa 1927]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, Prince 1768 case 12'672, 1930s]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930]
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940]

* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]

* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]

Reference:Movements

2026-10-21T08:47:05Z

Admin: Add sourced reference 6744 coverage

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Caliber & Movement Reference}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Movements & Calibers — Cross-Family Reference | Rolexopedia
|description=Cross-family caliber catalogue for vintage and discontinued Rolex watches, with selected modern lineages through the 2023 Explorer II and Daytona transitions.
|keywords=Rolex caliber, Rolex movement, cal 4030, cal 4130, cal 727, Valjoux 72, Zenith El Primero, cal 1570, cal 1575, cal 3035, cal 3135, cal 3185, cal 3186, Oysterquartz 5035, Rolex chronograph caliber, vintage Rolex movement
|type=Article
}}

<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Movements'''</small>

Find a caliber by family below, then compare its markings and specifications with the individual watch reference. Several early caliber attributions remain disputed; those entries name the competing descriptions.

== Quick jump ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince (shaped)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-300|300]] [[#cal-300-ts|7½ T.S. 300]] [[#cal-310|310]] [[#cal-360-hw|360 HW]] [[#cal-350-ts|350 T.S.]] [[#cal-1759|1759]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Perpetual automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1130-rolex-automatic|1130 OP]] [[#cal-1160|1160]] [[#cal-1161|1161]] [[#cal-2030|2030]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback / early automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-520|520]] [[#cal-420|420]] [[#cal-50|50]] [[#cal-620|620]] [[#cal-630|630]] [[#cal-635|635]] [[#cal-105-hunter|700/710]] [[#cal-600|600]] [[#cal-59|59]] [[#cal-a260|A260]] [[#cal-a296|A296]] [[#cal-a295|A.295]] [[#cal-645|645]] [[#cal-720-auto|720 automatic (lot attribution)]] [[#cal-740|740]] [[#cal-745|745]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Calendar / moonphase</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster (lot attribution)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-2849-note|2849 (Cal. 500 attribution)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster / Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1210|1210]] [[#cal-1215|1215]] [[#cal-1216|1216]] [[#cal-1220|1220]] [[#cal-1225|1225]] [[#cal-1200|1200]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Cellini and dress watches</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1600|1600]] [[#cal-7040|7040]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage sport (1950s–80s)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1030|1030]] [[#cal-1035|1035]] [[#cal-1036|1036]] [[#cal-1040|1040]] [[#cal-1050|1050]] [[#cal-1065|1065]] [[#cal-1066|1066]] [[#cal-1530|1530]] [[#cal-1520|1520]] [[#cal-1535|1535]] [[#cal-1525|1525]] [[#cal-1560|1560]] [[#cal-1565|1565]] [[#cal-1570|1570]] [[#cal-1575|1575]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern sport (1988–2023 coverage)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-3000|3000]] [[#cal-3035|3035]] [[#cal-3075|3075]] [[#cal-3085|3085]] [[#cal-3130|3130]] [[#cal-3132|3132]] [[#cal-3135|3135]] [[#cal-3175|3175]] [[#cal-3185|3185]] [[#cal-3186|3186]] [[#cal-3187|3187]] [[#cal-3230|3230]] [[#cal-3235|3235]] [[#cal-3285|3285]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Milgauss</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1080|1080]] [[#cal-1580|1580]] [[#cal-3131|3131]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-13|13]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Daytona chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-72|72]] [[#cal-72a|72A]] [[#cal-72b|72B]] [[#cal-722|722]] [[#cal-722-1|722-1]] [[#cal-727|727]] [[#cal-4030|4030]] [[#cal-4130|4130]] [[#cal-4131|4131]] [[#cal-4132|4132]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1055|1055]] [[#cal-1555|1555]] [[#cal-1556|1556]] [[#cal-1566|1566]] [[#cal-3055|3055]] [[#cal-3155|3155]] [[#cal-3156|3156]] [[#cal-3255|3255]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-5035|5035]] [[#cal-5055|5055]]</div></div>
</div>

== Rolex movements ==

This page covers calibers used by Rolex families in the wiki, including several numbers with no confirmed fitment. Reference pages document individual applications.

A caliber designation identifies a movement type. An individual movement number and the case serial belong to separate numbering systems. Comparing their numerical size does not establish which component was made first. The [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]] explains the limits of case dating.

Aegler in Bienne made most of the mechanical movements covered here. The firm supplied Rolex as an independent manufacturer before becoming its subsidiary in 2004.

The caliber entries describe balance materials, hairsprings and shock protection where documented. A technology's introduction at Rolex does not mean that every movement received it in the same year.

<span id="prince-family"></span>
== Early chronograph movement

The early Oyster chronograph records distinguish Rolex Cal. 13 from the Valjoux base designation. Ebauches S.A.’s technical guide labels a two-pusher, 13-ligne movement “VZ 23”; that nomenclature does not establish Rolex fitment. Auction catalogues identify Cal. 13 in individual ref. 3525 and 3668 watches. Christie's reports 13′′′ 23 VZ on 3668 case 279'352, while other 3668 lots use Cal. 13 or VZ. Treat these as lot-level identifications and check the movement marking on the watch. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's, case 279'352] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum, case 45,343] [https://myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Valjoux-VZ-23-Technical-Guide.pdf Ebauches S.A., Valjoux VZ 23 technical guide]

For ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips describes a manual movement. The 2026 FutureGrail catalogue transcription attributes a 13-ligne Valjoux base by Reymond Frères and 17 jewels; its photograph shows the Rolex signature and jewel count, while the caliber and maker remain unreadable. Treat this as a lot attribution, not a confirmed caliber assignment.

Ref. [[Reference:2021|2021]] is a pre-Oyster monopusher. Published descriptions give movement sizes from 13 to 16½ lignes; Uhrenkosmos names a Valjoux VZ in one early monopusher, while auction catalogues describe different executions. The available records do not support a reference-wide caliber assignment. Keep these descriptions separate from the Cal. 13 entry below. [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-daytona-seine-technik-und-geschichte/ Uhrenkosmos, early monopusher movement] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010] [https://www.cambiaste.com/it/asta-0795/rolex---rarissimo-cronografo-due-contatori-da-polso-monopulsante-in-ac-270066 Cambi, steel case 14xxx]

Auction records describe ref. [[Reference:2303|2303]] with 17-jewel lever movements; several Antiquorum lots measure them at 10½ lignes. Christie’s records a case-band pusher on one example, while other catalogues describe crown-operated monopushers. The lot descriptions leave caliber and maker unnamed, so a Valjoux 23 / Cal. 13 assignment would go beyond them. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-137 Antiquorum, case 17890] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4796029 Christie’s, case 022310]

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], the Field Manual lists a 10-ligne Hunter movement; Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s describe 10½-ligne manual movements in individual watches, with jewel counts of 17 or 18 in the catalogues. The book and Phillips call the movement in-house or patented, but the auction image sets reviewed here do not show a movement. No numbered caliber is established, and the size and jewel-count descriptions remain attached to their sources. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 71] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, 2002, 18-jewel description] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5674673 Christie’s, 2013] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/36 Phillips, 2016] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, 2024] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-365 Antiquorum, 2006, 18 jewels]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], auction catalogues also describe a manual 10½-ligne movement, with 17 or 18 jewels. White’s Field Manual gives 10 lignes for the 3346/3462 pair and calls the movement a Hunter. The catalogues identify movement size and jewel count, not a numeric caliber for the 3462. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-66-71 Antiquorum, lot 71]

<span id="cal-13"></span>
=== Cal. 13 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual chronograph
|-
| base family
| Valjoux 23; auction catalogues variously specify 23 VZ or only Cal. 13
|-
| size / jewels
| 13 lignes and 17 jewels in the 3525 Nutting and 3668 case 45,343 records; Christie's reports 13′′′ 23 VZ and 17 jewels on 3668 case 279'352
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] and [[Reference:3668|3668]] in individual catalogue records; confirm the movement marking on each watch
|}

Antiquorum identifies Cal. 13 and a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement in the 3525 delivered to Clive Nutting; its Leon Brownlee catalogue also names Cal. 13. For ref. 3668, Christie's names Cal. 13′′′ 23 VZ on case 279'352, while Antiquorum reports Cal. 13 and 17 jewels on cases 45,343 and 279358. Sotheby’s records a 17-jewel VZ movement on case 47'948. These are lot-level descriptions; confirm the caliber and suffix from the movement itself. Cal. 13 is Rolex’s designation in the cited records, not a claim that Rolex manufactured the Valjoux chronograph base. See the [[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|pre-Daytona chronograph guide]]. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's]

== Prince (shaped movements) ==

The Prince family uses Aegler shaped movements. Wilsdorf and Aegler patented the layout in 1927 as a "shaped watch movement with a seconds dial." It placed the winding barrel at one end of the rectangular movement and the balance at the other, leaving room for a larger balance wheel and mainspring barrel than rival shaped calibers of the period. The larger balance improved precision, while the larger barrel extended the power reserve.

Aegler remained an independent supplier until Rolex bought the company from the Borer family in April 2004. "Aegler" and "Rebberg" refer to the same firm; Rebberg was the street in Bienne where it stood. Aegler also made movements for Gruen. The architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold in the United States as the Gruen Techni-Quadron, designated Cal. 877. Gruen-stamped movements sometimes appear in Rolex Prince cases, but Cal. 877 was never a Rolex caliber number.

Prince grades run Prima → Extra Prima → Ultra Prima, with higher jewel counts, more adjustment positions, and stricter chronometer testing. Only Extra Prima and Ultra Prima watches carry "Chronometer" or "Observatory" dial marks. Rolex submitted Prince movements to the National Physical Laboratory at Kew for rate certificates independent of the Swiss Bureaux Officiels Suisse de Contrôle. Its often-cited 1914 Class A Kew certificate belongs to an earlier ladies' wristwatch movement, while Prince testing at Kew-Teddington began in 1928.

The Prince Imperial pocket watch, ref. [[Reference:1645|1645]], has a shaped manual movement. Sotheby’s records a 17-jewel Class A Observatory movement, number 1,000,823; Antiquorum describes other examples as 17-jewel Ultra Prima or Observatory movements in several line sizes. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 5096 in its caliber column for the 1645. Auction descriptions and the inspected movement photographs do not confirm that number on a movement, so it remains a book attribution rather than an established caliber.

<span id="cal-300"></span>
=== Cal. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo|alt=Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 (Prima) · 18 (Extra/Ultra Prima)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½ × 14½ lignes / 16.9 × 32.7mm
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| shock
| None
|}

Cal. 300 is the original Prince movement, made from 1928 to 1935. Christie's describes all three as the same movement base, with interchangeable parts and the balance bridge identifying the original execution. Prima movements have 15 jewels and six-position adjustment; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima versions have 18 jewels, six-position adjustment, and sometimes a Chronometer marking. David Boettcher identifies the additional jewels as two end-stones on the escape-wheel pivots and a top bearing on the centre wheel. Early movements carry the grade wording on the ratchet wheel, while later examples place it on the main train bridge. The photographed Extra Prima, marked "Observatory 6 Positions," shows the later convention.

Balance metallurgy changed gradually. Examples from 1928 use a bimetallic balance with a plain Breguet spring; by the mid-to-late 1930s, documented movements have both monometallic and bimetallic balances paired with Elinvar-alloy hairsprings. No exact transition year is established. "Patented Superbalance" on later ratchet wheels and bridges refers to Aegler's Swiss patent CH196706, filed in August 1936 and granted in March 1938. A movement carrying the mark postdates the grant. The recessed timing screws are often said to reduce air resistance, but Boettcher reads the patent as a way to maximize the balance's radius of gyration within the available space.

The Cal. 300 examples described here have no identified shock-protection system. Incabloc dates the start of its production to 1933 and the later lyre-spring design to 1938. Those dates alone cannot establish the fittings in a particular Prince.

Several UK auction catalogues treat the three- and four-digit numbers found on movements in refs 1862, 1490, and 1855 as calibers. The documented numbers are 510, 579, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439, with weaker evidence for 701 and a single record of 1759. They are almost certainly movement serials read from the plate. A 2024 Alexandre Landre listing of ref. 1855 calls another movement “Rolex 318”; its lot photographs do not show a readable marking, so this remains an unverified catalogue label. Continental catalogues identify the same movement class by grade and the T.S. size code instead. Cal. 414 and Cal. 527 have no documented connection to the Rolex Prince. The number 971A is a Prince case reference, not an established caliber designation; Antiquorum catalogued that reference in 1989 with a T.S./300-family movement. Fabsuisse labels the movement in its separate ref. 3937 dealer listing “Cal. 971A,” but the auction records reviewed here do not confirm that designation. Treat it as an unverified dealer attribution unless a readable movement marking supports it.

<span id="cal-300-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"|alt=Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

"T.S." is Rolex's size-family code for this 16.9 × 32.7mm architecture, catalogued by Christie's as "cal. T.S. Ref. 300." There is no support for the common expansion "Très Soigné." The six-position Ultra Prima execution ran from 1932 to 1938 with a lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, micrometer regulator, Breguet overcoil hairspring, and rhodium plating. On the [[Reference:1527|1527 Railway]], Extra Prima movements outnumber Ultra Prima examples, reversing the pattern seen on the 1490. An eight-position Ultra Prima marked "Officially Tested in Eight Ways" is documented on a 1931 bamboo-bracelet example sold by Mondani in 2006.

Antiquorum's 2017 listing for Prince ref. 1768 case 019784 describes a 7½-line T.S. 300 with 15 jewels; its listing has no movement photograph. Uhren-Muser's 2023 photograph of case 019794 shows an Extra Prima movement marked 17 Rubies. The watch and box images resemble Antiquorum's example, but the case numbers differ by one digit, so the lots may be repeat listings. The T.S. 300 illustrated here is marked 18 Rubies. Keep each count with its photographed or catalogued example. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, 2017, lot 118] [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, 2023, lot 266]

<span id="cal-310"></span>
=== Cal. 310 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular (19 × 49mm cased)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

Cal. 310 is the centre-seconds member of the T.S. family, used in the wedge-shaped [[Reference:3361|3361 Aerodynamic]], 3362, and [[Reference:3937|3937]] Prince group. Antiquorum described a 3361 in 2000 as a rhodium-plated 7½-ligne movement with 18 jewels, lateral lever escapement, six-position Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and micrometer regulator, in a 19 × 49mm case. That catalogue does not print the number 310, so the caliber attribution is less secure than the architecture and specifications. Movement production ended in 1938, but Aegler stock remained in Rolex cases through 1952. The difference between a movement number and case number does not independently prove a stockpiling interval.

<span id="cal-360-hw"></span>
=== Cal. 360 HW ===
[[File:Cal 360 HW movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"|alt=Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|}

The architecture of Cal. 360 is disputed. Christie's describes a 1938 ref. 2835 "Prince Elegant" with a tonneau-shaped 15-jewel movement, and Charles Jarman's ''The Rolex Reference Guide'' (4th edition) calls Cal. 360 a manual, small-seconds, tonneau-shaped movement with a SuperBalance. Watch Doctor’s online chart instead lists a rectangular, 18-jewel movement measuring 18 × 27mm. The page does not identify an underlying Rolex document.

Christie's also describes a rectangular 17-jewel Cal. 360 in 1937 Precision ref. 3140 case 41,362. Monaco Legend gives Cal. 360 for another 1937 ref. 3140, case 41,465, but no jewel count. These are catalogue attributions to individual watches; they do not settle the conflicting movement descriptions. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-9k-gold-rectangular-curved-wristwatch-5130486/ Christie’s, 2008 lot 13]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-219 Monaco Legend, 2024 lot 219]

Jarman dates Cal. 360 to 1937. The expansion of the HW designation remains unconfirmed; it should be retained as a designation rather than expanded to Hans Wilsdorf. The differing shape and jewel descriptions need comparison with the movement in the individual watch. Ineichen’s 2016 catalogue attributes C.360 to a Prince ref. 1880 and describes a nickel-plated lever movement. That is one lot-level attribution; it does not resolve the conflicting descriptions above. [https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/83c/fnnltq7byndm2n2lwa14zfgz3qzl1tuc.pdf Ineichen, Auction 164, lot 133]

<span id="cal-510"></span>
<span id="cal-579"></span>
<span id="cal-701"></span>
<span id="cal-841"></span>
<span id="cal-1004"></span>
<span id="cal-1130"></span>
<span id="cal-1439"></span>
=== Numbered Prince movements (510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, 1439) ===

Seven numbers circulate in Prince catalogues as "calibers": 510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439. In the Prince examples reviewed here, the bare numbers are most likely movement serials rather than caliber designations. This interpretation is specific to the Prince plates; auction catalogues separately identify a Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual [[Reference:6548|ref. 6548]] examples, discussed below.

Photographed Prince plates carry a grade legend, jewel count, "Swiss Made," and a bare number stamped beside the "NN RUBIES" wording, but no caliber designation. Grade legends include Prima, Extra Prima, Ultra Prima, Observatory Quality, Officially Tested in Eight Ways, Timed 6 Positions, and For All Climates. The bare number ranges from four to seven digits. Ultra Prima 18-jewel examples with otherwise matching plates carry 1260, 1439, and 1759 in that position, confirming that the stamp varies within one movement type.

Continental auction catalogues identify these movements by size code and grade, such as "cal. T.S. 300" or "7½′′′ T.S. 300, Observatory Quality." UK lots that print a "Cal." figure also give a separate case or serial number, indicating that the supposed caliber was read from the movement. The specifications also overlap: 1439 and 1759 both describe an 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement adjusted to six positions. A bare mainplate serial has likewise appeared in print as a "1240 calibre movement."

Auction descriptions use these numbers, but the available plate evidence points to movement serials.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
! number
! documented on
! catalogue text
! notes
|-
| 510
| Prince Brancard ref. 1855, case 14368 (Bonhams photograph); Christie’s separately identifies case 14382, circa 1930
| "17-jewel Cal.510 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions"
| Bonhams photograph shows 510 and 17 Rubies on case 14368; a separate Alexandre Landre listing calls another ref. 1855 movement Rolex 318, without a readable mark. [https://www.alexandrelandre.com/lot/148418/25180425-rolex-prince-ref-1855-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-deux Alexandre Landre, lot 30]
|-
| 579
| stainless steel ref. 1862, circa 1935, case No. 103
| "17-jewel Cal.579 manual wind movement" (Bonhams London)
| single lot; the trailing "T" in some listings is absent from Bonhams' catalogue text
|-
| 701
| one photograph showing "ROLEX PRINCE 701" on a 1930s piece
| none
| no recorded jewel count, adjustment count, or technical description; no auction or catalogue attribution
|-
| 841
| ref. 1862 circa 1930, case No. 10403
| "17-jewel Cal.841 manual wind" (Bonhams London; resold through Tajan in 2019, the same watch catalogued twice)
| a separate listing gives 15 jewels for a "Cal. 841T" on a different 1862; a caliber designation would not change jewel count
|-
| 1004
| ref. 1862, Glasgow import mark for 1936, serial 176**
| "17-jewel Cal.1004 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions" (Bonhams, December 2015)
| white gold bezel, fixed wire lugs, gilt brick-link bracelet
|-
| 1130
| 9K yellow gold ref. 1490, case 30280
| "cal. 1130 manual winding lever movement, 16 jewels"
| lowest jewel count recorded in the group
|-
| 1439
| Prince Chronometre ref. 1490, Glasgow import mark for 1937, serial 307**
| "18-jewel Cal.1439 manual wind movement timed to 6 positions" (Bonhams)
| same 18-jewel, 6-position Ultra Prima specification as Cal. 1759 below
|}

Cal. 1759 is the same phenomenon. It remains separate because the photographed watch preserves matching movement and caseback markings, but the number appears in the serial position on an Ultra Prima plate and is documented in only one regional UK auction.

<span id="cal-1759"></span>
=== Cal. 1759 ===
[[File:Cal 1759 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back|alt=Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|}

This circa 1937 Ultra Prima Chronometer has 18 jewels and six-position adjustment. Gardiner Houlgate catalogued it in a 9ct ref. 1862 with 1937 Glasgow import hallmarks as a "cal. 1759 Ultra Prima Chronometer 18 jewel movement timed 6 positions." The photographed example retains its matching caseback, engraved "1759, 18 Rubies, Ultra Prima" alongside "31 Records Universels" and a retailer stamp. The identification rests on this single regional UK auction lot.

<span id="cal-350-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 350 T.S. ===
[[File:Cal 350 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour|alt=Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 18 (documented both ways)
|-
| size
| 16.9 × 32.7mm (T.S.)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Cal. 350 is the jump-hour member of the T.S. family, alongside the small-seconds Cal. 300 and centre-seconds Cal. 310. Christie's and Sotheby's catalogue it in the [[Reference:1491|1491 Brancard Jumping Hour]] as an 18-jewel, chronometer-rated movement on the T.S. base. Another 1491 has a 15-jewel Extra Prima movement; Ultra Prima examples have 18 jewels. Jewel count varies with grade. The jump-hour disc works on much the same principle as the later Datejust date disc. Surviving examples carry Glasgow import hallmarks from 1930–31, consistent with the T.S. base's 1928–35 production window.

The 1491 has a deeper case than the 1490 to accommodate its jump-hour mechanism. Case depth is one comparison point; the movement, module and case markings must agree as well.

== Cellini and dress-watch calibers ==

Auction catalogues identify manually wound Cal. 1600 in late-1960s Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples. Rolex's 1978 service booklet supplies the movement dimensions and rate; the auction descriptions supply reference fitment and jewel count.

=== Cal. 1600 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual-wind, round
|-
| size
| 9¼ lignes
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 beats per hour
|-
| jewels
| 19 (Farsetti catalogue)
|-
| fitment documented here
| Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples in Farsetti and Fortuna auction records
|}

Rolex's 1978 ''Technical and Service Information'' lists Cal. 1600 as a round 9¼-ligne movement running at 19,800 beats per hour. Farsetti and Fortuna attribute Cal. 1600 to their respective 3735 watches; Farsetti lists 19 jewels. Since neither auction entry includes a movement photograph, these remain catalogue attributions for the individual examples.

''Sources:'' [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978)]; [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113].

=== Cal. 7040 ===

Rolex's archived Cellini Prince descriptions identify Cal. 7040 as a shaped, manually wound, chronometer-certified movement with Paraflex shock absorbers, a Breguet overcoil and about 72 hours of reserve. Rolex's 2015 price list gives 21 jewels; its archived product page gives 28,800 beats per hour.

{| class="wikitable"
! suffix !! reference !! Rolex's listed version
|-
| 7040-1 || 5440/8 || 18 ct yellow gold; Clou de Paris dial
|-
| 7040-3 || [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] || 18 ct white gold; silver Godron Circulaire or diamond-pavé Godron dial
|-
| 7040-2 || [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]] || Everose gold; Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|-
| 7040-4 || 5443/9 || 18 ct white gold; double Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|}

Rolex's model-specific text assigns Cal. 7040-3 to both 5441/9 dial versions. Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue calls case D758994 Cal. 7040-1; Christie's and Sotheby's identify other 5441/9 examples as 7040-3. Keep Antiquorum's label with that lot; the available record does not resolve it. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141220000635/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5441_9-0012.html Rolex archived Cellini Prince product page, 2014]; [https://www.rolexforum.nl/prijslijst-rolex-NL2015.pdf Rolex Netherlands price list, 2015]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-78 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5493261 Christie's, case D774253]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/important-watches-ge1001/lot.132.html Sotheby's, Geneva, 2010, lot 132].

Rolex's archived 5442/5 page assigns Cal. 7040-2, as do Christie's, Kaplans and Sotheby's examples. Antiquorum's 2008 and 2022 catalogues call two 5442/5 movements 7040-1. Retain those labels with their lots; the available images do not establish a separate reference-wide movement version. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141017054035/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5442_5-0001.html Rolex archived 5442/5 product page, 2014]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5196177 Christie's Geneva 2009, lot 315]; [https://www.kaplans.se/sv/auktioner/2592/vara/999631 Kaplans, Stockholm, 2013, lot 469]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-6/cellini-ref-5442-montre-bracelet-en-or-rose-pink Sotheby's, 2021]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-231 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008, lot 231]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5442-5-prince-cellini-lot-353-198 Antiquorum, Monaco, 2022, lot 198].

<span id="bubbleback-family"></span>
== Early manual-wind Oyster examples ==

The early cushion-case Oyster references used manual movements, but the available catalogue descriptions do not support one movement assignment for every reference. For [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]], Antiquorum describes a 15-jewel 11-ligne manual movement on its 2003 example; Christie's describes an unnamed 15-jewel lever movement, and a dealer-photographed example shows a 17-jewel Rolex movement. Keep each description with its watch. Aste Bolaffi's Marconi Oyster has a 15-jewel FHF 30-based movement and the number 1069 on its case, but the catalogue does not identify that number as the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-41-480 Antiquorum 2003]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3892839 Christie's]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ dealer photo set]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/268/87/detail Aste Bolaffi 2022]

For [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]], Antiquorum describes 10-ligne, 18-jewel movements in two examples. Bonhams calls a separate example a 15-jewel Prima. Cool Auction labels the movement Cal. 10½ and reports 15 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour and a maximum 38-hour reserve on a Bucherer-signed watch. The same dealer attributes a Superbalance and Breguet hairspring to that movement. Hess Fine Auctions reports a manual 15-jewel movement in its 2023 lot. Watch Collecting describes another example as manual-wind but gives no caliber or jewel count. Toovey’s title calls its circa-1938 example Ultra Prima but gives no movement specification. The Cool Auction caliber label has no corroboration in the other records; the lots do not establish a single movement assignment or grade across the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-96-82 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 1997]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum and Bonhams archive]; [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/23866/ Cool Auction]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/superior-rolex-oyster-1072-large-cushion-vintage_98542e8bd8 Hess Fine Auctions, lot 3211]; [https://collecting.com/for-sale/1938-rolex-oyster-2 Watch Collecting]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]

For [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]], Antiquorum names a 10½-ligne Extra Prima movement with 15 jewels. David Boettcher reports that Prima movements he has examined are generally 15-jewel, while the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima examples he has examined have 18 jewels. Antiquorum’s description is an exception to that pattern; its catalogue does not explain the mismatch. Christie's describes a 15-jewel Prima, and Bonhams calls another 15-jewel movement Ultra Prima. The lot descriptions give no shared caliber number or reference-wide grade. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie's]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://vintagewatchstraps.com/blogprima.php David Boettcher, movement-grade survey]

A scanned Oyster case-and-crown table lists ref. [[Reference:2416|2416]] at 10½ lignes in its “calibre size” column. TimeAnagram gives the same figure in a dealer movement field. A Hodinkee photograph of case 32342 shows a manual movement stamped “Rolex 15 rubies”; Bonhams describes case 37425 as a patented Superbalance. Christie’s identifies case 36776 with an Ultra Prima movement jewelled to the third. These catalogue descriptions give no numbered caliber for the reference. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]; [https://timeanagram.com/en/products/57171 TimeAnagram, ref. 2416 item 57171]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25954/lot/93/ Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]

<span id="cal-2849-note"></span>
For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], two Antiquorum catalogues identify 17-jewel Cal. 500 movements in separate watches dated 1937. Antiquorum’s 2006 note also says Cal. 500 was produced from 1943 to 1953, which conflicts with that lot’s own date and attribution. These attributions belong to those catalogue examples; the records do not settle the reference’s movement range. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618].

== Oyster Perpetual automatic movements ==

<span id="cal-1130-rolex-automatic"></span>
=== Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 ===

Auction catalogues identify an automatic Rolex Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] examples; Dorotheum and Antiquorum describe 26 jewels. This is separate from the bare 1130 number on the Prince plates above, where it appears in a movement-serial position.

Ranfft dates Cal. 1130 to 1955. Dorotheum lists it in a 6548 dated circa 1942/43, while Jones & Horan lists it in a circa-1957 6548 with serial 230918, only 334 higher than Dorotheum’s 230584. These records conflict; they do not establish a 6548 production interval or resolve which date or identification is wrong. The available sources also do not establish beat rate or a full technical specification. Verify the movement marking on the individual watch. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://ranfft.org/caliber/12808-Rolex-1130?from=manufacturer Ranfft]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-145 Antiquorum]

<span id="cal-1160"></span>
=== Cal. 1160 ===

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists Cal. 1160 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and a rate of 19,800 vph; its table gives 1968. Sotheby's and Cambi catalogue Cal. 1160 in ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] watches dated circa 1945 and circa 1957. Those lot dates conflict with the Field Manual entry. Its table is not a ref. 6548 fitment record, and the available sources do not resolve whether the discrepancy comes from a lot date or caliber identification. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby's, lot 8773]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi, lot 186]

<span id="cal-1161"></span>
=== Cal. 1161 ===

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1161 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and 19,800 vph; its table gives 1970. Sotheby's attributes Cal. 1161 to a ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] dated circa 1964. Bonhams assigns it to a circa-1968 watch catalogued jointly as refs. 6548/6549. These catalogue dates precede the manual's entry; the sources do not establish the 6548 fitment interval or resolve the conflict. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-6548-oyster-perpetual-mickey-mouse-2 Sotheby's]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, lot 161]

<span id="cal-2030"></span>
=== Cal. 2030 ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, sweep seconds
|-
| jewels
| 28
|-
| hacking
| Yes
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:6718|6718]]; [[Reference:6719|6719]]; [[Reference:6744|6744]]; exact-reference catalogues list Cal. 2030 in individual watches
|}

Rolex's 1978 Technical and Service Information describes Cal. 2030 as automatic, with sweep seconds, 28 jewels and hacking. It distinguishes the calendar-equipped Cal. 2035. Sotheby's and Antiquorum catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6718 watches. The exact-reference catalogues document those individual fitments; broader 6718 fitment and production dates remain unresolved. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex, Technical and Service Information, 3rd ed. (1978)]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, lot 8136]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, lot 252]

Christie's, Antiquorum, and Hindman also catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6719 watches; only Antiquorum and Hindman list 28 jewels. These lots document examples, not the full fitment span. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-ladies-18k-oyster-perpetual-ref-6719-162/73481 Christie's]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, lot 154]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/hindman-auctions/a-14-karat-yellow-gold-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-wristwatch-rolex-circa-1973-28537 Hindman, lot 3061]

Christie’s and Antiquorum identify Cal. 2030 in individual 6744-associated watches; Antiquorum lists its example jointly as refs. 6744/6751. These records document fitment in those watches, not a production interval. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841887 Christie’s, case 3,625,979]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-oyster-perpetual/lpi Antiquorum, lot 76, case 3,760,425]

== Bubbleback and early automatic ==

Bubbleback and early Oyster Perpetual references use a distinct family of self-winding calibers. They followed the Prince's manual shaped movements and preceded the standardized post-war automatic line. The "bubble" refers to the domed caseback needed to clear the full-rotor automatic mechanism. It was not a bumper system, although many competing automatics still used one.

<span id="cal-420"></span>
=== Cal. 420 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type / size
| Automatic centre-seconds; catalogue prints “7¾” and separately lists Ø 19.4 mm
|-
| reference attribution
| Possible ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] attribution from James Dowling; 5002 catalogue descriptions of subsidiary seconds conflict with Cal. 420’s centre-seconds description
|}

Rolex's parts catalogue establishes Cal. 420's type and specifications, but it does not list ref. 5002 as a fitment. James Dowling's reference-specific listing assigns the caliber to a 5002. The seconds-layout mismatch leaves that assignment uncertain; available auction images show no readable movement stamp. Antiquorum describes an 8-ligne movement size in one 5002 catalogue entry. [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex170/rolex%20170.pdf Rolex spare-parts catalogue ref. 170, Cal. 420]; [https://www.ukwatches.com/product/007-rolex-14k-1950s-oyster-perpetual-ladys-bubbleback/ James Dowling, ref. 5002 listing]

<span id="cal-520"></span>
=== Cal. 520 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic; listed for ref. 1858 in the Vintage Rolex Field Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17 in Aste Bolaffi lot 34 and Antiquorum’s 6006 lot 253; 19 in Antiquorum lots 229 and 233
|-
| movement size
| 8¾ line in several catalogues; 9¾ line in Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 47
|-
| other recorded details
| Lot-specific descriptions include a straight-line lever escapement, screwed balance, and Breguet hairspring
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 520 for ref. 1858; Antiquorum attributes it to the 1952 ref. 6006, case 927300, and reports 17 jewels. Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Hunter 8¾ (520), and Vintage & Prestige and WatchNet list Cal. 520 for their ref. 1858 examples. Hodinkee's 2024 family guide instead assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Phillips and Antiquorum's 2006 and 2013 lots list 8¾-line movements; Antiquorum's 2021 Hong Kong entry gives 9¾ line without naming a caliber. The lots report 17 jewels for Bolaffi movement 1143 and 19 for the two Antiquorum movements.

Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Cal. 520 in its lot description; the caliber stamp is not legible in its photograph. WatchNet's image of product A-6378 shows English service labels, including “CONNECTING CASE SCREWS.”

<span id="cal-50"></span>
=== Cal. 50 (3130 auction attribution) ===

Sotheby's catalogued one stainless-steel [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] as a manual-wind Cal. 50 with 17 jewels and subsidiary seconds ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)). The lot is the only application of Cal. 50 checked here. Its caliber attribution, jewel count and configuration should remain tied to that catalogue entry until a movement stamp is inspected; this page does not establish a production range or other reference fitment.

<span id="cal-620"></span>
=== Cal. 620 ===
[[File:Cal 620 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 620, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 620, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 35h
|-
| size
| 11½ lignes / 26.4mm × 7.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance (monometallic)
|}

Derived from the manual Cal. 600, Cal. 620 became the base for Rolex's early full-rotor automatic family. Antiquorum catalogues individual examples with 17 to 20 jewels, against the table's 17-jewel specification. Earlier 1940s movements have a swan-neck micrometer regulator without shock protection; by the early 1950s, an index regulator and shock absorber appear.

[https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/2fe/sy5t0kgrsmh01eycyb7x6dv935lixtef.pdf Ineichen’s Auction 166 catalogue] identifies Cal. 620 in one 1940s ref. [[Reference:4643|4643]], case A60906 (p. 143). Keep that attribution with the auction lot; it does not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

Marcus Siems assigns Cal. 620 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]] in his Empire study. That conflicts with Antiquorum's Cal. 635 listing for case 156649 and the Cal. 635 entry in Colin A. White's reference table. Catalogues describe several 3716 movements as 9¾ lignes, while the specification above gives Cal. 620 as 11½ lignes. The published records do not reconcile the caliber assignments. [https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/rolex-empire-oyster-guide Siems, “The Deceptive Oyster”]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284].

The rotor is a unidirectional "Perpetual" type that turns through 360 degrees without bumpers or buffers. It is engraved "ROLEX PERPETUAL / CHRONOMETER / SWISS MADE / PATENTED / SUPER-BALANCE," while the three-screw, 18mm cover plate reads "VIS TIRETTE / PATENTED / TRIGGER SCREW." Cal. 620 powered early Bubblebacks. Rolex dates the introduction of its Perpetual rotor to 1931, but that historical account does not name the caliber. Cal. 630 and the related 635 and 645 developed from the same architecture.

Published records for [[Reference:3134|3134]] show both subsidiary- and centre-seconds layouts; identify the caliber from its movement marking. Antiquorum’s 1995 Milan lot gives 9½ lignes; Antiquorum’s 1992 lot and Exclusive Timepieces lot 227 give 9¾. Klöter describes lot 443’s anchor movement as intact, without a caliber or winding type. Seconds layout alone cannot distinguish Cal. 620 from 635 or Cal. 630 from 645. See the [https://www.kloeter-auktionen.de/Katalog_185.pdf Klöter catalogue] and reference article for lot-level evidence.

<span id="cal-630"></span>
=== Cal. 630 ===
[[File:Cal 630 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 630, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 630, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 26.0mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Launched in 1937, Cal. 630 was chronometer-certified under the period Swiss testing system, adjusted to seven positions, and fitted with a Breguet hairspring. One secondary source gives 18 jewels rather than the table's 17. The movement developed directly from Cal. 620 and shares its "Vis Tirette *** Patented *** Trigger Screw" cover-plate marking. Its rotor and bridge also carry the same "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance" signature. The caliber number stamped in the small box on the bridge distinguishes the two.

Antiquorum catalogues ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]], case 607544, with Cal. 630 and a small-seconds dial. The same lot says the dial is probably reprinted, and its photographs do not show the movement. Keep the caliber and dial layout as a conflicting catalogue description, not a verified Cal. 630 small-seconds variant. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

The Field Manual also lists Cal. 630 against the 3372 suffix variants. Antiquorum explicitly names Cal. 630 in a 3372 with centre seconds ([New York lot 436](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436)). The same manual lists subsidiary seconds for one 3372/3 entry, while Christie's catalogue describes a 3372 with small seconds and a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement but gives no caliber number ([case 474309](https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometre-bubble-back-ref-5091692/?intObjectID=5091692&lid=1)). Keep those statements tied to their sources; they do not establish a Cal. 630 small-seconds variant.

Henrik Korpela identifies Cal. 630 NA in one gold watch catalogued as ref. [[Reference:6074|6074]]; its movement number is 56567. Korpela's photographs show 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them ([https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html SJX restoration]). Antiquorum's 1992 platinum 6074 lot gives a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement with antishock but names no caliber ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 lot 67]). Keep each description attached to its watch; the records do not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

<span id="cal-635"></span>
=== Cal. 635 ===

Cal. 635 belongs to the early automatic family related to Cal. 620. General movement references describe a subsidiary-seconds layout, 17 jewels and a larger movement than the 9¾-ligne measurements in two 3130 auction entries. Antiquorum catalogued 3130 cases 54932 and 474617 with Cal. 635, 19 jewels, 9¾ lignes and subsidiary seconds ([lot 256](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-256); [lot 169](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-169)). Christie's identified case 443093 as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels but centre seconds ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)). The latter catalogue description conflicts with the usual seconds layout. Without a visible caliber stamp, keep the centre-seconds attribution attached to that lot; do not treat it as a confirmed Cal. 635 variant. Anderson & Garland also attributes manual-wind Cal. 635 to a 5052 with an incomplete 663xxx case serial and movement no. 319xx. Stockholms Auktionsverk's case 663654 photographs show an automatic rotor and list movement no. 31883/F37.519. The similar serial prefix may refer to the same case, but the different movement number and winding descriptions leave the relationship unresolved. [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, lot 2105792]

Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue assigns Cal. 635 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], case 156649, and describes a 9¾-ligne, 19-jewel movement. That listing conflicts with the Cal. 620 attribution in Marcus Siems's Empire study; the movement-size description does not by itself establish a numeric caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, lot 284].

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots name Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Antiquorum describes a 9′′′, 15-jewel Prima; Christie’s names Prima on its 1928 example and Ultra Prima on a 1930s octagonal watch; Sterling Vault records a 15-jewel Ultra Prima. The auction record supplies grade names rather than a numeric caliber assignment. Antiquorum also describes a 1948 ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] with a 10-ligne, 15-jewel Prima; that lot does not name a caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-675 Antiquorum, lot 675]

<span id="cal-105-hunter"></span>
=== Cal. 10½ Hunter ===
[[File:Cal 700 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case|alt=Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Swan-neck micrometer
|}

This Aegler-supplied 10½-ligne hand-wound family uses the 700/710 architecture. It has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic Superbalance adjusted to six positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck micrometer regulator, with no documented shock protection. Antiquorum names Cal. 700 in its catalogue for ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], case 51,419, with 18 jewels; its ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] case 599,744 lot names the same caliber and grade but records 15 jewels. The discrepancy is unresolved, so the jewel count is left unspecified here. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-225 Antiquorum, ref. 3358] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-226 Antiquorum, ref. 2081] The movement powers the original Air-King 4925 and its Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant siblings, including the sub-seconds 4365, mid-size 4444, and 4647 Hunter Precision. Its architecture links the pre-war Prince and Bubbleback movements with the post-war automatic Cal. 1030. Cal. 700 and 710 are hand-wound movements; Cal. 720 belongs to the automatic branch. TimeAnagram lists Cal. 710 for a manual [[Reference:3121|ref. 3121]] and shows an open-movement photograph marked Rolex 15 Rubies and Superbalance, but no readable caliber number. Keep Cal. 710 as the seller’s attribution to that watch. White’s *The Vintage Rolex Field Manual* maps [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] to Cal. 710 in a reference table, but auction catalogues describe 5031 examples as automatic date watches. Christie’s [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 listing] records movement number 37519 but no caliber; Antiquorum’s [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-120-203 1995], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-53-191 1999] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 2009] entries do not name a caliber and report differing sizes and jewel counts. Sotheby’s 2020 and 2022 entries say only “automatic.” The available records do not resolve the conflict, so the 5031 is not assigned to Cal. 710, A.295, 740, or 745 here.

Auction catalogues identify manual Cal. 710 in three ref. 6082 watches: Antiquorum cases 784516 and 721396, and Monaco Legend case 810693. Colin White’s reference table also pairs 6082 with Cal. 710. Antiquorum’s Hong Kong 2021 narrative calls case 721396 self-winding, while its movement field names Cal. 710. Kibble Watches and Watch.de assign Cal. 1210 to separate examples; Watch.de reports case 721965, a 1961 date and movement no. 1162170. Neither dealer listing provides a readable movement photograph, so these remain seller attributions. [[Reference:6082|The 6082 article]] keeps the conflicting records tied to individual watches.

Catalogues describe hand-wound Kew A movements in refs. [[Reference:5056|5056]] and [[Reference:6210|6210]] as 10.5-ligne or Cal. 720 examples; Uhrenkosmos calls the 6210 Cal. 700. Bonhams describes ref. 5056 movement 4215 as a Cal. 700 base reworked into what Rolex called Cal. 720, and Vetroplastica describes the Kew movement as Cal. 700-based with Cal. 720 parts. These are source-specific labels for manual Kew A movements. The generic Cal. 720 entry above describes the automatic branch. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257637 Christie’s, ref. 6210] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29155/lot/19/rolex-an-extremely-rare-18k-gold-kew-a-manual-wind-wristwatch-rolex-oyster-observatory-chronometer-ref-6210-circa-1955/ Bonhams, ref. 6210] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica] [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-meilensteine-1952-bis-1955-wegweisend/ Uhrenkosmos]

White’s reference table also maps [[Reference:6031|ref. 6031]] to Cal. 710, but the auction records describe automatic date watches. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-17-555 Antiquorum’s 2001 lot] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-25-143 2002 lot] list 10½ lignes and 19 jewels without naming a caliber; the latter combines refs. 6031 and 6074. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 Phillips] records movement G3569, and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en Sotheby’s] G9307, but neither names a caliber. The assignment remains unresolved.

Antiquorum describes ref. [[Reference:2280|2280]] with a 10½-ligne, 17-jewel lever movement, Superbalance and self-compensating Breguet spring. Sotheby’s lists a 10½-size, 17-jewel movement for case 217’903 and a mechanical 17-jewel movement for case 123’375, without a size or caliber number. Watch LIFE News assigns Cal. 710 to its pictured ref. 2280. The image shows the watch but no movement view, so the caliber remains a source attribution for that example; auction catalogues describe others by jewel count or movement size. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-82-466 Antiquorum, ref. 2280, lot 466] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/watches-13/rolex-oyster-royal-reference-2280-a-stainless Sotheby’s, lot 8042] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 403] [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News, 2022] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 Bonhams 2012 lot 127 via EveryWatch, ref. 2280, case 79,895]

Toovey’s photograph of ref. [[Reference:2318|2318]], case 033015, shows a hand-wound movement marked “15 RUBIES.” Other listings give 15 jewels, and WatchNet reports 10¾ lignes for its example. None of the reviewed descriptions names a numbered caliber. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1934-rolex-stainless-steel-calatrava-case-bow-tie-dial-ref-2318-manual-wind Bold Timepieces] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet]

Auction catalogues describe compatible 10- to 10½-ligne manual movements in [[Reference:2765|2765]], [[Reference:2595|2595]] and [[Reference:3009|3009]], but none of the surfaced records shows a Cal. 700 stamp. All three reference pages therefore treat the assignment as plausible rather than confirmed. The eight catalogue entries for [[Reference:1873|1873]] identify manual movements with 15–18 jewels and Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades; the entries give no caliber designation.

Christie’s catalogues identify 18-jewel Ultra Prima chronometers timed to six positions in ref. [[Reference:2942|2942]] examples. Waecce describes the photographed movement as a 10½-line Hunter; these details support an Ultra Prima listing without a numbered-caliber assignment. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, 2000 lot 715] [https://www.waecce.com/products/rare-early-rolex-chronometre-scientific-wristwatch-ref-2942-c-1937 Waecce Watches]

Two Antiquorum catalogues from 1989 describe ref. [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] movements as 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples respectively. Neither entry names a caliber. These lot descriptions do not confirm Cal. 700 or 710 fitment in either reference.

[[Reference:6244|6244]] is the one reference in this group with a confirmed caliber stamp: Bonhams, Antiquorum, Christie's and Phillips all independently name Cal. 710 across watches spanning both of the reference's numeric case-serial bands. One Christie's catalogue instead describes the movement only by size, "Calibre 10¾," without giving the caliber number.

Watches of Knightsbridge catalogues a circa-1952 [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]] with a 17-jewel manual-wind Cal. 710. Eguchi Vintage lists a separate seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** and also names manual Cal. 710. Neither source provides a movement photograph; Eguchi says its movement was checked only. These are individual catalogue attributions, not verified reference-wide fitment. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge, 19 November 2016, lot 328]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage, ref. 6056 listing]

Two auction catalogues also assign manual Cal. 710 to ref. [[Reference:4364|4364]]: Dorotheum names it for movement 19229 in a circa-1950 watch, and Meeting Art names it for movement E66008 in case 554633. The second listing is mirrored by Gazette Drouot. These are catalogue attributions to two watches; neither provides a readable movement photograph, so keep the caliber assignment lot-specific. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10078639/ Dorotheum, 30 April 2026]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/ventes-aux-encheres/165819-asta-976-prima-sessione-orologi-moderni-e-d-epoca Meeting Art, 17 May 2025, lot 30]

<span id="cal-600"></span>
=== Cal. 600 ===
[[File:Cal 600 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 9¾ lignes (Sotheby’s description)
|-
| escapement
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| balance
| Patented Super Balance
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

Cal. 600 sits one size class below the 10½-ligne 700/710/720 family and carries a patented Super Balance. Sotheby's describes the movement in the [[Reference:34075|Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, No. 34075]] as a rhodium-finished 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, with 17 jewels. The catalogue records an upgrade but gives no date for it. Christie's calls the same watch Oyster Precision, No. 34075; Sotheby's describes it as a pre-production prototype and reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927. The caseback inscription names the Vindication Channel Swim of 21 October 1927. These details identify the individual watch, not a reference-wide Cal. 600 fitment.

Master of Time separately describes one Viceroy ref. 1573 as an Extra Prima Cal. 600 with 17 jewels and six adjustments. That is a dealer attribution to one watch, not evidence of reference-wide fitment. The Gleitze watch also came with a mid-1970s Rolex service box, but Sotheby's presents its association with a particular service as an assumption; the box does not date the movement upgrade.

The cited Sotheby’s description does not specify the escapement, regulator or shock protection. Those details need examination of the movement.

<span id="cal-59"></span>
=== Cal. 59 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes (Fontainemelon FHF 30 ébauche)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lots
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

The 10½-ligne FHF 30 was made by Fontainemelon. David Boettcher documents it in Oyster Watch Co. watches and identifies Cal. 59, with a centre-seconds 59SC version, as Tudor designations. That account does not establish a Rolex factory designation for Cal. 59. Auction catalogues use the name for individual watches: four ref. [[Reference:3478|3478]]s, one [[Reference:3121|3121]] Grenfell (case 43,475, 17 jewels), and two ref. [[Reference:3136|3136]]s. The 3121 record's structured year says circa 1938, while its notes call it a 1940s watch and attribute 1938 to the caseback. Heritage calls the FHF 30 in 3136 case 105063 “subsequently renamed Rolex caliber 59”; Waddington's labels case 147396 Cal. 59. Those are attributions in the named lot records, not proof of universal fitment or a factory naming rule.

Ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] adds further lot-level attributions. Heritage describes Cal. 59 in Regent case 118141; Dawsons names it in a Lincoln with serial 170648; and Wanna Buy A Watch lists it in a Standard with a masked serial. AntiWatchman's separate Regent photograph shows a movement marked 59. Darlor also lists Cal. 59 on a dealer-described 3351-F with serial 118,489. Christie's records an Extra Prima in another 3351 Extra Precision. These are attributions to individual watches, not one movement specification for the reference. ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch]; [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) Cal. 700/710 assignments below remain family-level matches rather than photographed or catalogued stamps.

Jewel count splits 15 and 17 across the four directly-named 3478 watches; the cited 3136 lots give 15 jewels. The 3478 sample does not track cleanly with any other documented variable. [[Reference:2784|2784]] carries the same family attribution, but only at the family level: no auction catalogue names Cal. 59 outright for that reference, and the one movement image tied to a visibly stamped 2784 case has a Tudor-signed bridge that may be a later replacement.

<span id="cal-a260"></span>
=== Cal. A260 ===
[[File:Cal A260 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented|alt=Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 19
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| Present (unnamed brand)
|}

A260 powered the first Submariner references, 6204 and 6205, from 1953 to 1955. "A.260" is Rolex's size-family code for this movement class, comparable to the Prince family's "T.S." code. Its non-butterfly rotor distinguishes it from the butterfly-rotor Cal. 1030. Hodinkee traces A260 to a movement used in earlier Oyster Perpetuals and later Bubblebacks, predating its Submariner fitment. The registry uses 17 jewels; some auction descriptions give 19, so the count should be checked against the individual movement. Auction catalogues use both labels on ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]] examples: Monaco Legend identifies case 803400 as A260, while Antiquorum names Cal. 645 in a separate 6106. These are specimen-level attributions, consistent with A.260 as a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name.

<span id="cal-a296"></span>
=== Cal. A296 ===
[[File:Cal A296 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer|alt=Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 (registry; 18–19 in catalogues, depending on module counting)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber (775-labelled lots only)
|}

Catalogues place A296 in the early 1950s, with the registry using a working window of 1953–1956. It powered the Big Crown 6200, early Explorers 6098, 6150 "Precision," 6298, and 6350, and early Datejusts 6104 and 6105. Phillips also identifies A.296 in one 6075, case 714440; other auction catalogues name A.295 in 6075 cases. That conflict is attached to the reference page rather than treated as a universal movement rule. Its full rotor winds in one direction; it is not a bumper caliber. The 6150 and 6350 use related movements in non-chronometer and chronometer-rated watches. COSC itself was founded later, in 1973. "A.296" is Rolex's size-family code and 775 its commercial number, so listings may use either designation for the same movement. Cal. 1030 replaced it in the mid-1950s with bidirectional winding, a butterfly rotor, and a thinner automatic module. Phillips identifies that reduced thickness as the change that eliminated the domed Bubbleback caseback.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Catalogues using the commercial number 775 also specify six-position adjustment and a shock absorber. A.296 is a broader designation than a unique caliber stamp; catalogue usage needs checking against the individual movement.

Christie's describes a 6150 balance as a "patented Super-balance," linking it to Aegler patent CH196706 and the recessed timing screws used on [[#cal-300|Cal. 300]]. Published jewel counts vary because some catalogues separate the going train from the automatic module. Figures of 18 and 19 appear for the base movement, with another two or seven assigned to the rotor module. One 6150 is described as a 19-jewel movement with a two-jewel automatic module. A bare jewel total in a reference table does not reveal which components were counted.

<span id="cal-645"></span>
=== Cal. 645 ===
[[File:Cal 645 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17–20
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 41h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, timed to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 645 belongs to the Cal. 600 family and shares the A.260 size code with Cal. 635. The distinctions are functional: Cal. 630 has sweep seconds without shock protection, Cal. 635 has small seconds with shock protection, and Cal. 645 combines sweep seconds with shock protection. Cal. 645 powered the semi-Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual refs 6084, 6085, and 6284 around 1948–1953. Hodinkee's listing for ref. 6108 case 803948 identifies Cal. 645. Antike Uhren Eder's 1952 listing for ref. 6108, item 7140rol, also identifies Cal. 645; it gives no case or serial number, so its identity relative to the other listed watches cannot be checked. Heritage's 2012 lot for case 803'752 lists the movement as F 64550, with no caliber designation. Auction catalogues give 17 to 20 jewels, consistent with both differing counting conventions and market-specific tariff variants found elsewhere in the family.

Catalogue labels for ref. 6085 do not agree. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-reference-6085-with-waffle-dial Hodinkee Shop] and [https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/shop/rolex-oyster-perpetual-6085/ a second dealer listing] call their examples A260; Christie’s, Phillips, Schmitt-Horan, and Dorotheum identify Cal. 645 in theirs. Since A.260 is a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name, keep each label tied to its listing unless the movement itself can be checked.

The movement uses a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Some catalogues use "monometallic balance timed to 6 positions" instead of Superbalance. Both terms describe a monometallic balance with recessed timing screws.

Watch Doctor’s chart groups Cal. 635 and 645 under A.260 and assigns both to 1950. That online entry is not an identified factory production record.

Antiquorum catalogued a subsidiary-seconds [[Reference:3599|ref. 3599]] as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels and described the caliber as 9¾ ligne, made from 1940 to 1951. The catalogue’s 1940–1951 span differs from Watch Doctor’s 1950 entry. Christie's also catalogued a visibly centre-seconds 3599 as Cal. 635, which conflicts with the caliber's small-seconds architecture. Without movement photographs, the Christie's caliber entry is best treated as a catalogue error rather than evidence for a centre-seconds Cal. 635.

Jewel counts also vary according to whether a catalogue includes the automatic module. Bonhams describes the related [[#cal-745|Cal. 745]] as "18 jewels plus 7 rotor jewels." Its 20-jewel description of a Cal. 645 in a 6085 should remain attached to that example; it does not establish a universal jewel count.

<span id="cal-720-auto"></span>
=== Cal. 720 (automatic lot attribution) ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as catalogued in one ref. 5026
|-
| jewels
| 18, according to Aste Bolaffi lot 4
|-
| other specifications
| Not recorded in the source
|-
| evidence
| Case 443371; no movement photograph
|}

Aste Bolaffi identifies an automatic Cal. 720 with 18 jewels in ref. [[Reference:5026|5026]], case 443371, dated circa 1958. This is one catalogue attribution; the lot has no movement photograph, and the other exact-reference records located do not name a caliber. Keep this use separate from the hand-wound Kew A reports that also use “Cal. 720” for a Cal. 700-based movement or components. [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica]

<span id="cal-740"></span>
=== Cal. 740 ===
[[File:Cal 740 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"|alt=Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in the cited Antiquorum lot
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes in the cited catalogue
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, adjusted to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited 740 lot
|-
| shock
| Not named in 740 lot text
|}

Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 740 in a Datejust ref. 4467 with a date display. Its Geneva 2002 lot 486 describes the reference as produced from 1945 to 1949. The catalogue supports the caliber identification in that watch; it does not establish the exact introduction date of every movement fitted during the reference's run.

The 10½-ligne rhodium-plated movement has a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, and self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Some catalogues substitute "monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions" for Superbalance, as they do for Cal. 645. No Cal. 740 description names the regulator. Antiquorum describes an index regulator on its A.295-attributed ref. 6075, case 714441 ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)); that is a separate catalogue attribution, not evidence that A.295 and Cal. 740 are interchangeable names.

Antiquorum gives 26 jewels for its Cal. 740 example. That count should be kept with the source's description. A different count in a reference table may reflect a counting convention or a different execution; the number alone does not settle which.

Antiquorum also assigns Cal. 740 to manual-wind [[Reference:6094|ref. 6094]], usually with 17 jewels. Its 2008 lot labels the case 6094/6294; the 2010 and 2012 lots identify ref. 6094 alone. The 2018 listing for case 882812 calls the watch self-winding in its headline while the specification field gives Cal. 740. Watch-Wiki lists Cal. 740 as an automatic 18-jewel Datejust movement; Antiquorum describes the ref. 4467 Cal. 740 documented here as automatic with 26 jewels. These records use Cal. 740 for different movement descriptions. A separate 6094 photograph shows Rolex and 17 jewels, but no legible caliber stamp; it cannot confirm the auction attribution. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, lot 530]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, lot 291]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://www.hashtagwatchco.com/products/1953-rolex-oysterdate-precision-6094-white-red-date-stainless-steel-manual-wristwatch HASHTAGWATCHCO, ref. 6094 listing photographs]; [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Rolex calibre index].

Surviving examples can have replacement movements or parts. A reference launch date should not be assigned automatically to the movement now inside a particular case.

The cited Cal. 740 lot does not identify a shock-protection system or regulator. Inspect those components rather than infer them from silence in a catalogue.

<span id="cal-a295"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 in Datejust auction records ===

Antiquorum identifies ref. 6075 case 714441 as A.295, with a 10½-ligne movement, 19 jewels and an index regulator ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)). Christie's also calls a circa-1950 ref. 6075 A.295 ([case 699455](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730)). Phillips, however, identifies ref. 6075 case 714440 as A.296 ([2015 lot 284](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284)). The catalogues do not establish whether this reflects a production change, differing usage or a later movement. Check the actual stamp before assigning a caliber.

Keep this A.295 attribution separate from [[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]], the complete calendar and moonphase movement catalogued in ref. 8171.

Ref. 5029 catalogue descriptions also differ: Hodinkee calls case 610727 A.295, while Phillips calls case 651'517 “Automatic, Super Balance, 730.” Antiquorum describes 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements in cases 673206 and 660596 without a caliber number. The lots do not include movement photographs for those cases, so these labels remain example-specific; the evidence does not support a new caliber entry or a 5029-wide assignment. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, lot 433]

<span id="cal-745"></span>
=== Cal. 745 ===
[[File:Cal 745 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 18 + 7 rotor
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 745 is an automatic calendar movement used in early Datejust references. Cal. 740 is also catalogued with a date display, so the calendar alone does not distinguish the two calibers.

Bonhams describes a Cal. 745 in a ref. 6305 as rhodium-plated, with 18 jewels plus seven rotor jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued-steel Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Eighteen base-movement jewels plus seven rotor jewels gives 25. That arithmetic does not explain a catalogue count of 26; compare the actual movement before treating the descriptions as equivalent.

Cal. 745 appears in the Datejust "Ovettone" group. Documented examples include a circa 1955 18K yellow-gold ref. 6305, case 97602; a ref. 6105 with 1952 Glasgow import marks and movement H78230; and a circa 1955 ref. 6304 with movement 99698/H46452. Other ref. 6105 examples use A296, placing the reference across the boundary between the A.295 and A.296 groups. The claimed Cal. 745 fitment in ref. 6039 is unverified; no supporting lot description or confirmed Rolex ref. 6039 has been identified.

<span id="precision-family"></span>
<span id="calendar-moonphase"></span>
== Calendar and moonphase ==

<span id="cal-a295-cpl"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 CPL ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Detail !! Value
|-
| Type || Automatic complete calendar with moonphase
|-
| Size || 10½ lignes
|-
| Jewels || 18 in the cited examples
|-
| Seconds || Subsidiary seconds at 6, sharing the moonphase subdial
|-
| Reference || [[Reference:8171|8171 Padellone]]
|}

Auction catalogues call the 8171 movement A.295 CPL, A295 or simply 10½ lignes. Day and month appear in windows; a central pointer reads the outer date scale. Four recessed correctors adjust month (near 2), date (near 4), moonphase (near 8) and weekday (near 10). [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, 8171 case 685878]; [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, 2020]

The contemporary 6062 uses a different movement. Christie’s catalogues its 6062 case 916321 with caliber 655. Matching calendar displays do not establish interchangeable calibers. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s, 6062 case 916321]

== Oyster and Oysterdate Precision ==

Precision is Rolex's non-chronometer manual line, a 10½-ligne family built alongside the automatic Bubblebacks. The Oysterdate Precision 6694 remained in production through the end of the 1980s, a year beyond the hand-wound Daytona; one surviving lot includes a 1990/1991 Rolex calendar card. Rolex continued making manual-wind watches after the 6694: the Cellini Danaos used Cal. 1602 into 2008, and the chronometer-certified Cellini Prince used Cal. 7040 until about 2015. The small-seconds Cal. 1240 also carried this architecture into the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241. Seconds placement, date and beat rate distinguish the seven commercial numbers. Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the base for 1200, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240.

<span id="cal-1210"></span>
=== Cal. 1210 ===
[[File:Cal 1210 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case|alt=Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed and catalogued)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, screwed rim, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern on documented later examples; earliest examples may lack protection
|}

Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the family's architectural base and file the small-seconds 1200 as a derivative. The parts plates support Horbiter's identification of Cal. 1210 as the base; Fratello names Cal. 1200.

The jewel count remains unclear. Rolex specifies 18 jewels for the two no-date calibers and 17 for the date versions, yet known movements are signed "Seventeen Jewels" and major-house catalogues consistently give 17. Both counts are documented, but their distribution among watches has not been established. Contemporary American import duties taxed jewel count and also account for the "UNADJUSTED" stamps found on some movements.

The balance is Glucydur with a Breguet overcoil, as specified on the sibling Cal. 1200 plate. Regulation uses a conventional index and movable stud, with adjusting washers in five thicknesses. It is not free-sprung; Rolex reserved Microstella for its 12½-ligne chronometers.

The pallet fork runs in jewels, while the escape wheel has shock-mounted settings and cap jewels on both pivots, matching the treatment of the balance. Indirect centre seconds, driven from the fourth wheel through a friction-sprung pinion, can produce seconds-hand flutter even in a healthy movement. The earliest examples may lack shock protection; Antiquorum's 1946 ref. 4560 description names none.

Documented fitments include refs. 3745, 4560, 6420, 6422, [[Reference:6426|6426]]/6427, 6466, 6480, 6482, 6494, 9083 and 9659. Bonhams also records a ref. 6694 with a III.60 caseback date on Cal. 1210. Vintage Watch Centre also assigns Cal. 1210 to its ref. 4219, case 056827, but no caliber engraving is visible in the movement photo. The dealer dates the case circa 1948; White's Field Manual lists Cal. 1210 as 1954–1964 on PDF page 91. These conflicting attributions remain tied to that one watch. [[Reference:4219|The 4219 article]] records the discrepancy. [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-precision-ref-4219-c1948/ Vintage Watch Centre]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 91].

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1210 in ref. 8952 examples dated circa 1955 and 1956. Phillips also assigns Cal. 1210 to a ref. 8952 dated circa 1945, earlier than the Field Manual’s 1954–1964 range. Keep that date/caliber pair as an unresolved lot attribution. [[Reference:8952|The 8952 article]] records the examples and date conflict. [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1801/lot.263.html Sotheby’s, lot 263]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-57 Monaco Legend, lot 57]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101135 Phillips, lot 1037]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 91].

<span id="cal-1215"></span>
=== Cal. 1215 ===
[[File:Cal 1215 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service|alt=Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil (via base 1210) · flat in one lot
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1215 adds a calendar to the 1210, increasing movement height from 4.27mm to 5.07mm. Its two-page parts sheet covers only the calendar mechanism and defers the rest to Cal. 1210. Date discs came in champagne, silvered, and champagne with red-and-black printing.

The hairspring is disputed. The parts plates imply the 1210's Breguet overcoil because the 1215 sheet specifies no separate balance. Antiquorum describes one ref. 9996 with a flat hairspring and index regulator, but uses Breguet wording elsewhere. No catalogue describes the caliber as free-sprung.

Cal. 1215 uses a gradual date change rather than a direct quickset. The date begins moving before midnight and seats as the mechanism completes its cycle.

Christie's places the ref. 6494 changeover between a circa-1956 example with Cal. 1210 and a circa-1958 example with 1215. Other documented fitments include the Speedking 6430, early 6694 production, and refs. 9996/9919.

<span id="cal-1216"></span>
=== Cal. 1216 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual (assumed, by family)
|-
| jewels
| not documented
|-
| status
| Number attested in the parts trade only
|}

Almost nothing is known about Cal. 1216. The common description of it as a 17-jewel Cal. 1215 variant has no traceable support.

Rolex's surviving parts plates cover 1200, 1210, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240, but omit 1216. No major-house lot identifies a Rolex Cal. 1216, and Heritage's apparent example is a case reference. Confusion is also possible with Ronda's contemporary 1216 movement.

The parts trade nevertheless records it as a Rolex number. Cas-Ker's genuine-parts catalogue places 1216 between 1215 and 1220 and lists crown-wheel screw 1216.5420, following Rolex's caliber-prefixed numbering convention.

The parts catalogue attests the Cal. 1216 designation. Its jewel count, seconds layout, beat rate and fitments remain unknown. Published specifications derived from the 1215 are unconfirmed.

<span id="cal-1220"></span>
=== Cal. 1220 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed)
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|}

Cal. 1220 raises the 1210 platform to 21,600 vph and uses a different oscillator. Both its parts plate and the 1978 third edition of Rolex's ''Technical and Service Information'' give that rate. The sometimes-published 19,800 vph figure is unsupported.

The higher-beat generation replaces the 1210's screwed Glucydur balance and Breguet overcoil with a smooth-rimmed balance and flat hairspring. Gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks provide about ten seconds per day of fine adjustment across their range; the index handles larger corrections. Separate regulator, stud-support and regulating-stud parts confirm that this is an index-regulated movement, not a free-sprung one.

Cal. 1220 appears mainly in the oversize ref. 8029, but its dates conflict. Phillips gives 1950, Antiquorum dates case 714105 to about 1951, and Sotheby's dates that same case to about 1961 without naming its caliber. The earlier dates sit awkwardly beside the later-1960s siblings and remain unresolved. Phillips identifies a late [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]] movement as RB 1225. That catalogue supports the marking on this watch; whether it began as a Cal. 1220 and was re-marked has not been established.

<span id="cal-1225"></span>
=== Cal. 1225 ===
[[File:Cal 1225 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"|alt=Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1225 adds a calendar to the 1220 and carried the Oysterdate Precision 6694 through its final years. Rolex's plate specifies a timed flat hairspring with gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks, consistent with Antiquorum's descriptions of refs. 6426 and 6694. Published claims of a Breguet overcoil conflict with the factory plate and auction record. Bonhams' reference to a "Gyromax balance" is a cataloguing error; Gyromax is Patek Philippe's free-sprung system.

Rolex used "Precision" on uncertified manual and automatic movements, including the Air-King 5500. On Cal. 1225, the "UNADJUSTED" stamp records an import-duty classification.

The caliber does not hack. The 1210 parts plate contains no stop lever or hack spring, and Rolex's 1978 service book covers hacking only for the late 1500 series and the 2030/2035.

For an Oysterdate Precision with Cal. 1225, service requirements depend on the condition of the individual watch. Rolex’s published procedure begins with a watchmaker’s examination and an estimate. It does not promise routine acceptance of every vintage caliber or a particular rate and power reserve after service.

Documented fitments include [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]], 6466 and, most often, 6694 from the late 1960s through at least 1979. Comparison of a 1966 ref. 6694 with Cal. 1215 and a 1973 example with 1225 places the changeover around 1967.

<span id="cal-1200"></span>
=== Cal. 1200 ===
[[File:Cal 1200 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service|alt=Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 3.65mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork and staff
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| "Rolex Shockresisting" device
|}

Cal. 1200 is the family's small-seconds variant and, at 3.65mm, its thinnest member. Moving the seconds from the centre to a subdial requires a separate main plate and train-wheel bridge rather than an added module. The plate, bridge, third and fourth wheels, pallet fork and staff are jewelled.

The bilingual parts plate specifies Rolex's own "Shockresisting" device rather than a trade name. It lists a pivoted Glucydur balance with roller and a regulated Glucydur balance with Breguet hairspring, the 18,000-vph oscillator inherited by the 1210 and 1215.

The caliber number is engraved in the balance-wheel hub sinking rather than on a bridge or the main plate. The same document directs watchmakers to Cal. 1210 for all shared parts, confirming the family's parentage.

No major-house lot names Cal. 1200, so its fitments remain unestablished. The high-beat small-seconds Cal. 1240 is better documented in the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241, with a monometallic balance adjusted to four positions and a flat hairspring. That caliber kept the architecture in production for about a decade after the Oysterdate ended.

<span id="sport-vintage"></span>
== Vintage sport calibers (Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, Air-King) ==

The A-series and Cal. 1030 preceded the long-running 15xx family. Cal. 1520 became its main uncertified movement, while Cals. 1560 and 1570 supplied chronometer-rated sport references into the 1980s.

<span id="cal-1030"></span>
=== Cal. 1030 ===
[[File:Cal 1030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor|alt=Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1030 is a bidirectionally wound automatic used in 1950s Oyster references. Its 5.85mm profile ended the domed Bubbleback caseback, while the cutaway "butterfly" rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED is the usual visual identifier. Finishing includes perlage on the rhodium-plated main plate, brushed bridges, polished screw heads and red anodized-aluminium reversing wheels. A conventional index regulates the movement; the visible regulator arm distinguishes it from the later free-sprung 1560 and 1570. Documented fitments include ref. 6098 from 1952, Oyster Perpetual 6502, 6567 and 6584, Submariners 6536, 6536-1 and 6538, Explorer 6610 and Air-King 6552. Artcurial, Antiquorum and Sotheby’s catalogue 6502 examples with Cal. 1030; Watch-Wiki independently lists the association. The case 36701 records conflict: the Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend labels it 6502, while Phillips identifies that case as 6603. The competing catalogue attributions leave its reference unresolved. [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, lot 166]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, lot 254] Freeman’s and EBTH catalogue Cal. 1030 in gold [[Reference:6584|ref. 6584]] watches ([https://freemansauction.com/auction/2017-Summer-Edit-Watches-and-Luxury-Accessories/lot/2 Freeman’s, lot 2]; [https://www.ebth.com/items/11312569-vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-6584-14k-gold-automatic-wristwatch EBTH, item ITMG535812]). Artcurial’s archived catalogue assigns it to a steel 6584, and Antiquorum to a jointly listed 6080/6584 ([https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-6584/lpi Artcurial archive, lot 870]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-133 Antiquorum, lot 133]). These are lot-level attributions. The Field Manual and several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1030 in Oyster Perpetual 6567 examples; Ineichen lists Cal. 1050 for one 6567. Other catalogues assign Cal. 1050 to refs. 6564, 6569 and Submariner 6536/1. These are descriptions of individual watches; the Cal. 1050 entry records the competing attributions.

<span id="cal-1035"></span>
=== Cal. 1035 ===
[[File:Cal 1035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.66mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, temp + 5 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index (Cal. 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1035 adds a date to the 1030 and appeared in 1957. Documented fitments include Oyster Perpetual Date refs. 6518, 6530 and 6534. Auction catalogues for ref. 6609 name Cal. 1065 or 1066; Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. Rolex describes the 1035's non-quickset calendar as "progressive": the date moves gradually through the night, unlike the instant-change 1036 GMT.

The 1035 inherits the 1030's conventional index regulator. Although auction descriptions do not name the regulator, the production dates and shared base support the index arrangement.

Rolex stamped the 1035's self-winding bridge "1030," as it also did on the 1036. This causes auction catalogues to identify the same reference under both numbers. The calendar work and 6.66mm height distinguish the 1035 from the 5.85mm no-date 1030. A correct ref. 6534 contains a 1035 regardless of its bridge engraving.

<span id="cal-1040"></span>
=== Cal. 1040 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in examined catalogue descriptions
|-
| function
| Dead-beat centre seconds
|-
| base
| Modified Cal. 1030 architecture
|-
| documented fitment
| Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat ref. 6556
|}

Cal. 1040 powers the Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat [[Reference:6556|6556]]. Its centre seconds hand pauses at each marker and advances once per second. Christie’s calls it a modified Cal. 1030; watchmaker Aaron Berlow’s account of a single restoration identifies a longer second intermediate wheel for the dead-beat mechanism. His report supports the relationship between the two calibres, but does not establish that every 1030 part is interchangeable.

Christie’s, Phillips and Antiquorum catalogue 26 jewels on the examined examples. Phillips also catalogues one watch as ref. 6558 with an inner caseback stamped 6556 and Cal. 1040; that lot does not establish general 6558 fitment. The available records do not establish a changeover sequence, beat rate, power reserve, or full production interval for the 1040. Auction essays place the 6556 introduction in 1954 and often give 1959 as its end; later-dated 6556 lots make the cutoff uncertain. Those dates describe the watch reference and should not be treated as a verified movement production range.

Hodinkee’s 2016 review says the dead-beat function was often removed during service, though the photographed example still worked. Watchmaker Aaron Berlow wrote in 2015 that reports of Rolex replacing the 1040 module with 1030 parts were internet hearsay he had not seen first-hand. These accounts do not establish a service frequency or document a specific replaced movement.

The literature on the 6556’s proposed successor describes 1020 inconsistently. Antiquorum’s 2012 catalogue and Dr. Crott’s 2019 listing call it a new reference intended to replace the 6556, and say it was never produced. Crott’s 2012 catalogue instead calls 1020 a new caliber. White’s <i>The Vintage Rolex Field Manual</i> lists ref. 1020 with Cal. 1560, a smooth bezel, and a full-size case, but supplies no example or source for that row. The 1960 Rolex catalogue is not reproduced in these records, so they do not establish whether 1020 was only a plan or also identifies a separate Oyster Perpetual, or which movement it would have used.

<span id="cal-1050"></span>
=== Cal. 1050 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as described in the cited catalogues
|-
| jewels
| 25 in the Antiquorum 6564, Bonhams 6569, and Christie's 6536/1 descriptions
|-
| catalogue attributions
| Oyster Perpetual refs. 6564, 6567 and 6569; Submariner ref. 6536/1
|}

Several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1050 in watches dated to the 1950s. Antiquorum names it in a ref. 6564; Bonhams in a ref. 6569; Christie's in a Submariner 6536/1; and Ineichen in a ref. 6567. The 6564 and 6567 also appear in records naming Cal. 1030. These are catalogued assignments to individual watches. Cal. 1050’s technical relationship to Cal. 1030 and any changeover sequence remain unresolved. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, ref. 6564, lot 114] [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 6569, lot 312] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, Submariner ref. 6536/1] [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, ref. 6567, lot 4]

<span id="cal-1530"></span>
=== Cal. 1530 ===
[[File:Cal 1530 butterfly rotor.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped|alt=Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26 (market variants)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, club-tooth
|-
| balance
| Screwed Glucydur
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + micro-star fine-adjust screws
|-
| shock
| KIF, form-dependent (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1530 ran from 1957 to 1965. Its 17-, 25- and 26-jewel versions are concurrent market variants, not a chronological progression. Seventeen-jewel movements appear in a 1958-era ref. 5508 and a 5500, and Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, discusses the 1520 and 1530 families in its servicing instructions.

Cal. 1530 is the base for the 1520, 1560, 1570 and 1580. They share plates and many service parts, including interchangeable automatic-device bridges, so the engraved bridge number may not identify the movement beneath it. Balance-bridge and regulator form are more reliable.

Regulation combines an index for coarse adjustment with two pairs of micro-star fine-adjustment screws on the outer balance rim. Turning a screw clockwise draws it inward and gains rate. The system resembles Microstella, and Horotec lists the same adjustment tool for the 1530 and later Microstella calibers, but Rolex reserved the Micro-Stella name for its free-sprung 12½-ligne chronometer movements. The 1530 retains an index.

The form-1 balance cock uses KIF Flector; forms 3 and 4 use Elastor, with form 2 also assigned to Flector by specialist comparisons. Interchangeable bridges mean an individual movement's shock setting may not match its engraved caliber number.

The hairspring remains disputed. Antiquorum consistently describes a Breguet overcoil and index regulator, while much of the reference literature gives a flat hairspring with stick regulation. Reliable sources support both descriptions.

Chronometer status also varies. Sotheby's describes the 1530 as uncertified, while Phillips and Christie's identify chronometer examples in the 5504 family. Rare 5512 and 5508 watches with four-line chronometer dials and Cal. 1530 have been reported, though no major-house lot confirms them. Certification appears to have been occasional. The Microstella-equipped 1555 and 1560 became the regular chronometer alternatives used in early refs. 1675 and 1016.

The rotor changed from butterfly to half-moon during production. Later movements also gained blued automatic-bridge screws and coloured reversing wheels in place of brass-coloured gears. Rolex describes the red wheel finish as a hardening treatment for aluminium introduced in 1957; collector descriptions often call the wheels purple and Teflon-coated. Rotor and reversing-wheel form help date an example.

The 1530 first entered the Submariner in ref. 5508, followed by 5510; neither was chronometer-rated at launch. It replaced the 10-series in non-chronometer watches, including Precision models, the Air-King, ref. 5504 "Super-Precision" Explorer and the Canadian Explorer-Date with Cal. 1535. Certified models such as the 6542 GMT, 6610 Explorer, Datejust and Day-Date retained 10xx calibers for longer. Strongly documented fitments include refs. 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5500 and 5504. Single-lot support exists for 5501, 5502, 5506 and 5516. Bonhams listings for refs. 1002 and 1003 are internally inconsistent and remain unconfirmed. Bonhams lot 84 lists caliber 1530 in ref. 1003 case 573,835 and notes a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. The catalogue is the evidence for this individual attribution; it does not resolve why common reference tables omit the 1530 for 1003. Antiquorum’s 1996 Milan catalogue assigns Cal. 1530 to a 14ct Eaton’s watch catalogued as ref. 1011 and dated broadly to the 1950s. Loupe This photos show a 1530-stamped movement in a case marked 5590 on the flank and 5590/1011 inside. Antiquorum’s 2007 and Finarte’s 2024 catalogues also use the combined designation for Eaton’s watches. The 1996 and 2023 records may describe one watch; the 2007 and 2024 lots identify different named or case-numbered examples. Antiquorum’s 2002 catalogue assigns Cal. 1530, with 26 jewels, to one ref. 1014 example ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 lot 492]); see [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

Rolex specifies a 0.122–0.125mm mainspring for the 18,000-vph 1530 and 1560, against up to 0.125 or 0.128mm for the higher-beat 1520 and 1570. Early unjewelled barrel-bridge arbor holes can wear; Rolex prescribed closing the hole or reaming it for a jewel, while later production received a bushing. Rotor-axle wear is another known fault. On the 1560, a hard shock could push the hairspring into the regulator. Rolex supplied a safety pin free of charge and later made it standard, so both guarded and unguarded examples are correct.

<span id="cal-1520"></span>
=== Cal. 1520 ===
[[File:Cal 1520 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwless, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + two inertia blocks
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1963 to 1990, Cal. 1520 is the non-chronometer, higher-beat derivative of the 1530. Rolex pairs the 18,000-vph 1530 with the 1560, and the 19,800-vph 1520 with its certified counterpart, the 1570.

Rolex describes regulation by an index and two inertia blocks, one gilt and one nickel-plated, on a screwless balance with a flat hairspring. Turning their splits inward slows the movement and outward gains rate, with about ten seconds per day across the adjustment range. The index handles coarse changes. This differs from both the 1530's micro-star screws and the 1570's free-sprung Microstella system.

Certified calibers use free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1520 uses an index and inertia blocks.

Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, describes Cal. 1520’s regulator and inertia blocks. Two Bonhams descriptions call the 1520's balance "free-sprung Gyromax," an error that applies Patek Philippe's trademark to an index-regulated Rolex movement.

Auction descriptions consistently give a flat hairspring, apart from one 2013 Antiquorum outlier that says Breguet. Shock protection is KIF in Flector or Elastor form, identified by balance-bridge and regulator shape. That shape is more reliable than the engraved caliber number because bridges interchange across the series.

The 17-, 25- and 26-jewel counts are concurrent market variants. The 17-jewel version uses a different main plate and bridges, altered escape-wheel pivot geometry, and bushings in place of jewels in the automatic module. Jewel count alone does not establish the rate or condition of an individual movement. Dated examples place 17- and 26-jewel movements together from the mid-1960s, with 25-jewel examples running alongside them.

American tariffs rose sharply above 17 jewels, but Rolex did not document this as the reason for the low-jewel version. Seventeen-jewel movements also reached Europe and Asia, so general cost reduction remains another possibility. The American presentation ref. 7002 has a rotor marked "SEVENTEEN JEWELS" and "UN" for unadjusted, both relevant to the tariff schedule, but this does not settle the question.

Documented fitments include the 5513, 5514 COMEX, 5517 military Submariner, 5500 Air-King and 5520. Ref. 1002 uses chronometer calibers 1530 or 1570; apparent 1520 examples are ref. 5500 cases with 1002 stamped inside the caseback. Ref. 5501 remains unconfirmed. Hacking arrived as a running change around 1972 through parts 8073 and 8074. Two lines above six o'clock identify the non-chronometer dial, against four on certified models.

The barrel bridge and arbor hole are known wear points. Rolex prescribed closing a worn hole or reaming it for a 2.30mm jewel; a later beryllium bushing largely solved the problem. Rotor axles and autowinder wheels also wear, and replacement parts are scarce. Gritty manual winding is normal because the reversers run without lubrication.

<span id="cal-1535"></span>
=== Cal. 1535 ===
[[File:Cal 1535 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwed
|-
| regulator
| Index, pre-Microstella
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1535 is the non-chronometer date version of the 1530, introduced in 1957 for the Air-King-Date 5700/5701. Monochrome likewise assigns both calibers to the 5700, with 1535 first.

Auction houses usually catalogue refs. 5700 and 5701 under the base caliber. Antiquorum assigns a 1963 ref. 5700 to Cal. 1530 and a 1972 example to 1520, though neither base movement has a date. Those entries agree with Rolex's grouping of 1535 components under Cal. 1530 and 1525 components under Cal. 1520, but they do not identify the fitted caliber.

No auction lot identifies a Cal. 1535 directly, so the listed mechanical figures come from its Cal. 1530 base. Evidence for the hairspring conflicts: auction wording gives a flat spring, while Rolex balance assembly 7855 for the 1530 uses a Breguet overcoil. Repeated catalogue boilerplate is more likely than a separate variant. The 1535 predates Microstella and uses an index with a screwed balance, consistent with the 5700's Precision grade.

Although Cal. 1530 was phased out by 1965, its 1535 date derivative remained in the Air-King-Date into the late 1980s.

<span id="cal-1525"></span>
=== Cal. 1525 ===
[[File:Cal 1525 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1525 is the higher-beat, non-chronometer date version of the 1520. Introduced in 1965, it carried the Air-King-Date 5700/5701 through later production. Contemporary chronometer-rated Oyster Perpetual Date references used a related 1500-series caliber instead.

Auction catalogues often label the date-equipped Cal. 1525 as Cal. 1520. Antiquorum does so on a 1972 ref. 5700, while describing the expected flat hairspring and index-regulated architecture. The chronometer-grade 1560 and 1570 use a Breguet overcoil and Microstella. The Cal. 1525 uses the index regulation associated with the uncertified 5700.

Jewel counts of 17, 25 and 26 reflect parallel market executions. Rolex balance-assembly numbers confirm a flat hairspring for the 1520 and 1525, against a Breguet spring on the 1530 and Microstella on the 1560. The 1525 remains index-regulated. Waddington’s identifies Cal. 1520, 26 jewels, in a circa-1965 Eaton’s ¼ Century Club watch catalogued as ref. 1011, case 1,301,143. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]].

<span id="cal-1560"></span>
=== Cal. 1560 ===
[[File:Cal 1560 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 in some lot descriptions)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (pattern not named in lots)
|}

Cal. 1560 is commonly dated to 1959 as the chronometer-grade 15xx movement, with a free-sprung balance adjusted to temperature and five positions. Auction catalogues give both 25 and 26 jewels without establishing a pattern. Antiquorum usually describes a Breguet overcoil; its flat-hairspring description for one ref. 1502/1503 is an outlier.

Heritage catalogues Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1013 dated circa 1957, earlier than the commonly cited 1959 date. Both the date and caliber are Heritage’s lot attribution, so this example does not establish when Cal. 1560 entered production. Antiquorum also lists Cal. 1560 in a circa-1962 1013. These records do not date the later change to Cal. 1570. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]].

Antiquorum ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 2006 lot 323], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1014-lot-373-24 2024 lot 24]), [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams] and [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1014/a/5581-54111.s Heritage] also catalogue Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1014 examples. Bonhams dates its masked case 769*** to circa 1951; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans] later records serial 769199 as 1962. These are catalogue attributions, and the masked Bonhams number does not confirm that it is the same watch. See [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

The Oyster Perpetual ref. 1022 is documented with Cal. 1560 by Bonhams, Pandolfini, Adams, HODINKEE, and 1stDibs; Tajan describes an automatic movement but names no caliber. Bonhams and Adams report 25 jewels; 1stDibs lists 26. Watch-Wiki’s caliber index and Time Connection’s case-parts table also list Cal. 1570 for the 1022. The lists name Cal. 1570, while the five inspected 1022 sale/dealer examples identify Cal. 1560.

Gardiner Houlgate catalogues Cal. 1560 in one ref. 1023, serial 1136xxx, dated circa 1964. Time Connection II’s replacement-parts table lists both Cal. 1560 and 1570 under the reference, without dates or a sequence. The auction record documents one Cal. 1560 example; it does not establish when either caliber entered production.

Matthew Bain lists Cal. 1560 in its circa-1963 ref. 1026. Time Connection II lists 1560/1570 for 1026 in a replacement-parts table, while Bachmann & Scher gives no caliber. The 1560 identification is one dealer attribution; the parts table is compatibility data, not a documented Cal. 1570 installation or changeover. See [[Reference:1026|ref. 1026]]. [https://www.matthewbaininc.com/product-page/rare-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1026 Matthew Bain Inc., item 28122]; [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1026 row].

Auction catalogues also identify Cal. 1560 in ref. 1024 examples dated circa 1965/66 and circa 1970. Antiquorum lists Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1011 dated 1960, case 546423, and in two lots jointly catalogued as refs. 1010/1011, dated 1960 and 1962. Heritage also lists Cal. 1560 in an undated ref. 1011 sold in 2012. Heritage and Bonhams list Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1010 lots dated circa 1962 and circa 1967; Antiquorum lists Cal. 1570 in an individual ref. 1010 circa 1968. The Field Manual lists Cal. 1560 for ref. 1010. A 1stDibs item text also names Cal. 1560 for its claimed 1010, though the page title says 1011; treat it as seller-level evidence. These records document both attributions for ref. 1010, and its changeover year remains open; see [[Reference:1010|ref. 1010]]. Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 1560 in ref. 1501 examples dated 1962 (case 761,220) and 1963 (case 953,774); see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 the 1962 lot], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 the 1963 lot].

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual assigns Cal. 1560 to proposed monopusher refs. 1074 and 1223, but cites no identified watch or movement evidence for either link. [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex’s standard Cal. 1560 parts sheet] describes a self-winding, sweep-seconds movement and does not document chronograph works. Christie’s catalogues two 1074 wristwatches without naming a caliber. A separate [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s 1920s monopusher listing] gives 1223 as the case number, not as a verified reference; a [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph] uses 1223 as its movement number. Treat both Field Manual caliber assignments as unverified. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074 case 25433]

Cal. 1560 uses free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1530 uses an index. Watches made from 1959 to 1965 were tested by the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres, usually under collective certificates and to a standard around −1/+10 seconds per day in five positions. COSC did not exist until September 1973, so describing an early 1560 as COSC-certified is anachronistic.

Factory balance 7980 is used in the 18,000-vph chronometer group: 1555, 1556, 1560 and 1565. Later replacement part 8106 and balance bridge 8102 span both 18,000- and 19,800-vph family members, so a serviced 1560 may carry the later balance. Documented fitments include the four-line 5512, 5504 and Explorer 1016. The GMT-Master 1675 instead used the 1565 to about the 1.4-million serial range and the 1575 thereafter. Family-wide bridge engravings explain 1675 movements marked 1560 or 1570; a base 1560 lacks both calendar and 24-hour works. Although 1570 became the new fitment in 1965, 1560 movements appear in Explorers until about 1967.

<span id="cal-1565"></span>
=== Cal. 1565 ===
[[File:Cal 1565 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25–26 (sources disagree)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1959 to 1965, Cal. 1565 is the early ref. 1675's "caller" GMT movement: its 24-hour hand remains linked to the main hour hand rather than independently adjustable. Rolex kept that layout until Cal. 3085. The 1565 introduced a free-sprung Breguet overcoil with Microstella regulation to this lineage, replacing the index used by earlier sport calibers. Rolex's [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Cal. 1565 parts sheet] describes an automatic calendar movement, shows "1560" engraved on its self-winding bridge, and lists part 7956, the date-indicator seating, for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. The [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for those same case references. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual also lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] in its Cal. 1565 Date table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]). These factory lists document service-parts applications; movement-level inspection determines the caliber fitted to a particular watch. Auction catalogues call refs. 1501 and 1507 Cal. 1560 or 1570, matching the bridge numbers shown in the 1565 and 1575 parts sheets. For the 1507, the auction examples include joint 1503/1507 attributions; no movement photograph confirms the exact caliber. The records leave watch-specific fitment and changeover years unresolved. See [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]], [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [[Reference:1503|ref. 1503]] and [[Reference:1507|ref. 1507]].

<span id="cal-1570"></span>
=== Cal. 1570 ===
[[File:Cal 1570 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1570, open caseback|alt=Cal. 1570, open caseback]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 12.5′′′ (28.2mm)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1570 is the 19,800-vph revision of the 1560, introduced in 1965. Christie’s identifies Cal. 1570 in ref. 1011 case 692498, dated circa 1962; its lot chronology overlaps the ref. 1011 Cal. 1560 examples and does not establish a changeover. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]]. Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1570 in a 1966 pink-gold 1013, Gazette Drouot in a circa-1968 example and Rago in a 1978 example. The 1013 records document both calibers but leave their changeover unresolved. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]]. One Artcurial ref. 1005 lot is catalogued with Cal. 1550, despite a chronometer-dial description; other 1005 catalogues list 1560 or 1570. This single lot does not establish a 1005 movement variant or resolve whether the movement is original. It retains the free-sprung Breguet overcoil and Microstella regulation, with adjustment to temperature and five positions. Family-wide bridge engraving causes date movements such as the 1575 in a ref. 1665 to appear marked 1570; the engraving alone does not identify the exact caliber. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in a circa-1985 ref. 1024, while Dorotheum lists it on a circa-1965/70 example; those ref. 1024 dates overlap its Cal. 1560 records. Christie’s, Antiquorum, Phillips, Dorotheum and Bonhams also catalogue Cal. 1570 in ref. 1501 examples; see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]]. These lot labels do not establish a 1501 changeover year. Heritage (circa 1960; its case serial conflicts with the chart date), Christie's (circa 1969 and 1977), Sotheby's (circa 1977 and 1978), and Cambi (circa 1971, with a disputed all-steel attribution) identify Cal. 1570 in individual ref. 1505 watches. These lot descriptions document reported fitment, not a reference-wide caliber rule or changeover. See [[Reference:1505|ref. 1505]]. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi]. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in the white-gold ref. [[Reference:1504|1504]] sold in 2016; Eguchi lists the caliber, and the photographed W3674 example shows the same bridge marking in a yellow-gold watch. These records document individual watches, not a caliber changeover. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, lot 1068] [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, item 287626] [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 item listing].

Waddington’s lists Cal. 1570 in ref. 1023/8B and dates it circa 1964. That estimate predates the 1965 start date used here for Cal. 1570; Pergola’s unofficial chart places serial 902827 in 1962. Hess and Watch.de identify Cal. 1570 on other 1023 listings, and a 2022 Rolex Forums photograph shows a rotor marked 1570 inside an outer case stamped 1023. Kaplans also lists Cal. 1570 for serial 2,186,841; Watch.de masks its serial as 2186xxx, and their other matching details suggest a repeat listing. These records document the caliber on individual watches, but they do not establish first fitment or a changeover; see [[Reference:1023|1023]].

The balance has four Microstella screws in two opposing pairs, not two. Rolex required equal adjustment within each pair to preserve poise. The larger pair changes rate by about two seconds per day and the smaller by about one. On this family the screws sit in the balance rim; the later 3135 platform moves its Microstella nuts to the inner rim.

KIF's circa-1972 material catalogue lists Flector and Elastor settings for Rolex; it does not list Ultraflex. Auction catalogues name only a shock absorber, while Rolex part 8065 serves the upper balance setting across the 1520, 1530, 1560 and 1570. The available records support Flector and Elastor.

Hacking appeared gradually around 1971–72, with timing varying by model. Cal. 3035 began replacing the 1570 in new production from 1977, but the Explorer 1016 retained it until 1988–89. The documented diameter is 12.5 lignes, or 28.2mm; the often-published 28.5mm is a rounded conversion. Published heights conflict.

<span id="cal-1575"></span>
=== Cal. 1575 ===
[[File:Cal 1575 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 per Ashton Tracy)
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws (1570 balance)
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1575 adds calendar work to the 1570; the GMT execution also adds a 24-hour train. Antiquorum and Sotheby's give 26 jewels, while watchmaker Ashton Tracy's 2018 ''Quill & Pad'' study gives 25. Tracy records a 48-hour power reserve; the often-published 50-hour figure lacks support.

Rolex engraved the 1575 bridge "1570," so that marking on a ref. 1680 or 1675 identifies the caliber family. Factory parts records distinguish 1565G, 1575, 1575G and 1575GMT. Date and GMT versions are separately catalogued builds, and the GMT parts also circulated as a conversion set for a standard 1560 or 1570.

The 1575 shares factory balance assembly 8106 with the 1570 and related family members. It has shock protection on the escape wheel on both dial and movement sides, as well as on the balance. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] as a Date fitment in its Cal. 1575 table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]); a [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. Auction catalogues more often describe 1500 examples as Cal. 1570. [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/vintage-week-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-date-ref-1500.html Bob’s Watches] explains the 1570 bridge engraving on date-equipped 1575-family movements; the engraving alone does not establish the caliber beneath it. The available records do not identify a watch-specific changeover. For ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]], two auction catalogues identify Cal. 1570; one seller lists 1575 although its movement photograph shows a 1570-marked bridge. The inner caseback in that photograph is stamped 1503. These are object-level records and do not establish a caliber sequence for the reference. Other documented fitments include the Submariner 1680, GMT-Master 1675 from about the 1.4-million serial range, Explorer II 1655 and Sea-Dweller 1665. Auction catalogues identify the date-equipped [[Reference:1510|ref. 1510]] as Cal. 1570, and Monaco Legend’s movement photo shows a 1570-marked bridge with 26 jewels. The cited parts lists contain no ref. 1510 entry. Cal. 1570 remains the auction-house attribution, and the photographed marking is object-level evidence; exact reference fitment is unconfirmed.

<span id="gmt-branch"></span>
== GMT-Master line ==

Early GMT-Master movements synchronized the hour hands. Published references and auction catalogues name calibres 1030, 1036, 1065 and 1066 for the 6542; the sources do not give a consistent changeover chronology. Cal. 1565, 1575 and 3075 retained the synchronized, or "caller," layout through the 1675 and 16750 generations. Cal. 3085 introduced an independently adjustable local-hour hand. Cal. 3175 kept the synchronized layout in the 16700 until 1999, alongside calibres 3185 and 3186 in the 16710.

<span id="cal-1036"></span>
=== Cal. 1036 ===
[[File:Cal 1036 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1036 for the 6542, and Monochrome describes it as a Cal. 1030 with a 24-hour train. Sotheby's catalogues identify several individual 6542s with Cal. 1030, while other lots name 1065 or 1066. These attributions leave the 1036's place in the reference's production run unresolved. Period chronometer certificates came from the Bureaux Officiels; COSC began in 1973.

Published chronologies differ: a Phillips catalogue essay dates the 6542 release to 1954, while Rolex places the GMT-Master in 1955. The relationship between those dates remains unresolved in the cited sources.

The listed escapement, balance and shock protection are inferred from the Cal. 1030 base; no Cal. 1036 source documents them directly. Auction catalogues seldom identify a 6542 movement as Cal. 1036, so those three specifications remain provisional.

<span id="cal-1065"></span>
=== Cal. 1065 ===
[[File:Cal 1065 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1065 in individual 6542 and 6609 examples as an automatic movement with 25 jewels. The Field Manual also lists it for the 6542. For ref. 6609, Sotheby's, Monaco Legend and Phillips identify Cal. 1065; Christie's and Antiquorum name Cal. 1066, and Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. These are lot-level attributions; they do not settle the 6609 changeover or Cal. 1065's production dates and position relative to calibres 1030, 1036 and 1066. Published 42-hour reserve figures come from secondary sources.

The escapement, balance, and shock rows likewise derive from the Cal. 1030 base. Cal. 1066 cataloguing supports that family relationship, but these details have not been documented directly on a Cal. 1065.

<span id="cal-1066"></span>
=== Cal. 1066 ===
[[File:Cal 1066 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1066 in steel and gold 6542 examples, including watches dated circa 1958 and 1959. Christie's and Antiquorum also catalogue individual 6609 examples with Cal. 1066. The Field Manual lists the caliber for the 6542 as well. Its published specification is 18,000 vph and 25 jewels; Antiquorum describes a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock absorber, and self-compensating Breguet hairspring. The available records place Cal. 1066 in late examples, but do not establish it as the final fitment or date a change from Cal. 1065.

The regulator and balance specification remain uncertain. Cal. 1030 descriptions name an index regulator, while Cal. 1066 descriptions omit it; one 6542 is catalogued with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. This may mark a running change or inconsistent cataloguing. A circa-1959 Phillips example directly confirms the Cal. 1066's butterfly rotor.

Published examples dated circa 1958 and 1959 carry different movement labels. A steel watch has a IV.1958 caseback; auction catalogues date two gold watches to 1959. These individual records show more than one caliber in late examples.

<span id="cal-3075"></span>
=== Cal. 3075 ===
[[File:Cal 3075 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| balance support
| Balance cock (3035 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred; lots record only "shock absorber")
|}

Cal. 3075 carried the synchronized "caller" GMT layout into the 16750 generation. It has 27 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, a free-sprung Breguet hairspring regulated by Microstella screws, hacking, and quickset. The quickset advances only the date wheel.

The balance is monometallic, not Glucydur. Catalogue descriptions identify Microstella screws but do not record their count, material, or position on the rim. They also name a shock absorber without identifying its maker, so the KIF attribution remains inferred from Rolex practice of the period.

The 3075 belongs to the 3035 generation and uses its cantilevered balance cock. Cal. 3175 and 3185 later introduced a balance bridge anchored at both ends. Its start date is disputed: the 16750 did not appear in a Rolex catalogue until 1981, while Antiquorum dates production of the 16758 to 1979. Known fitments are the steel 16750, steel-and-gold 16753, and gold 16758. The 3075 also moved the GMT hand above the hour hand, reversing the Cal. 1575 stack; later GMT calibers retained that arrangement.

<span id="cal-3085"></span>
=== Cal. 3085 ===
[[File:Cal 3085 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.3–7.2mm (sources disagree)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF (per published specs, unconfirmed)
|}

Cal. 3085 ran from 1983 to 1989 on the Cal. 3035 platform, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. It was the first Rolex caliber to separate the local-hour hand from the 24-hour hand. The crown jumps the local hour forward or backward in one-hour steps without disturbing the minutes, seconds, or home-time hand. The date advances only by cycling the local-hour hand, so the movement has no direct quickset date.

Published thickness figures conflict. Grail Watch Reference gives 6.3mm, while Caliber Corner gives 7.2mm against the Cal. 3185's 6.45mm. The 16760's thick movement and case produced the "Fat Lady" and "Sophia Loren" nicknames. Cal. 3085 appeared only in the 16760 GMT-Master II and 16550 Explorer II. Published specifications agree on a Breguet hairspring and Microstella regulation, but KIF shock protection has not been confirmed by an auction description or Rolex document.

<span id="cal-3175"></span>
=== Cal. 3175 ===
[[File:Cal 3175 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| balance support
| Balance bridge (3135 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor (3100-family text, not lot-confirmed)
|}

Cal. 3175 ran from 1988 to 1999 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. Auction descriptions confirm the jewel count and adjustment to temperature and five positions. Published 3100-family specifications support a free-sprung Glucydur balance, Microstella regulation, Breguet hairspring and KIF Elastor setting. No examined Cal. 3175 lot confirms KIF Elastor.

Architecturally, Cal. 3175 is a Cal. 3135 with a fixed 24-hour hand. It uses the 3135's balance bridge, anchored at both ends, where Cal. 3075 used a cantilevered cock. The 24-hour hand remains linked to the local hour hand, so a second time zone is read from the rotating bezel. The 16700 kept this synchronized layout while the rest of the line moved to the jumping-hour Cal. 3185.

Cal. 3175 appeared only in the 16700 and was Rolex's last fixed GMT movement. Reports of factory Cal. 3185 fitment in late 16700s rest on a contradictory parts listing and a rebuilt watch; documented Cal. 3185 fitment belongs to the 16710. Sotheby's has incorrectly described Cal. 3175 as having an independent GMT hand. The accepted 16700 production span is 1988–1999, although Fratello gives 2001 in one account. The 1997 change from tritium to Super-LumiNova affected the dial, not the movement.

<span id="cal-3185"></span>
=== Cal. 3185 ===
[[File:Cal 3185 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"|alt=Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 6.45mm
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|}

Cal. 3185 ran from 1989 to about 2007. Derived from Cal. 3135 with added 24-hour work, it has 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, chronometer certification, and KIF Elastor shock protection. It powered the 16710, 16713, 16718, and 16570, replacing Cal. 3085 in the GMT-Master II and Explorer II.

The balance carries four Microstella nuts arranged as two opposing pairs of different sizes. Rolex's Microstella wrench instructions require equal adjustment of both nuts in a pair to preserve the balance-wheel poise. Adjusting one without its opposite puts the wheel out of poise.

Published Cal. 3085 thickness figures span 6.3 to 7.2mm. Cal. 3185 is 6.45mm, so it is thinner than the thicker 16760 specification but not every published 3085 measurement. That helped the 16710 sit flatter than the "Fat Lady" 16760. During setting, the 24-hour hand may twitch as the local hour jumps; this is a screening clue, not proof of caliber identity.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3186"></span>
=== Cal. 3186 ===
[[File:Cal 3186 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"|alt=Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 50h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.45mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber, pre-Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3186 predates the steel GMT-Master II transition of 2007; the gold example discussed below was sold in 2006. It added a Parachrom hairspring to the Cal. 3185 base while retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, and chronometer certification; reserve increased to 50 hours. It powered late 16710 production and the ceramic-bezel 116710LN, 116710BLNR, and 116719BLRO.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, a free-sprung Breguet-form hairspring, Microstella regulation, and hacking. One Antiquorum description calls the hairspring blued steel, but Cal. 3186 uses Parachrom, a niobium-zirconium alloy coloured by an oxide layer rather than tempering.

Cal. 3186 retains the Cal. 3135 architecture used by the 3185: 28.5mm diameter, 6.45mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. It also keeps the plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle, part 568, shared with Cal. 3130, 3135, 3155, and 3175. Axle condition must be assessed during service.

Rolex introduced Cal. 3186 as a running change, leaving its start date unsettled. Steel 16710 examples begin among late Z- and M-series cases; the lowest documented example is Z 5786xx, but higher Z-series watches can still contain Cal. 3185. Gold references changed earlier. A D-series 116718 catalogued with Cal. 3186 was sold in August 2006, placing the movement in production before the commonly cited 2007 steel transition.

Auction catalogues conflict on the 116758 SARU. Christie's assigns Cal. 3185 to examples dated circa 2006 and 2007 ([https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 lot 6042618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 lot 6248960]); Sotheby's assigns Cal. 3186 to a circa-2007 watch ([https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf lot 45]). Phillips ([https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 lot 14]) and a later Christie's lot ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 lot 6167024]) also list 3186. Rolex's [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf 2008 US catalogue] specifies a 31-jewel chronometer without a calibre number. These records leave the reference's movement transition undated.

Both Cal. 3185 and 3186 index the local-hour hand with a jumping-hour click. Cal. 3186 reworked the parts and reduced slack between the drive-train wheels. On Cal. 3185, the 24-hour hand twitches when the local hour jumps; on Cal. 3186, it remains still. Treat this as a screening clue and confirm the caliber by inspecting the movement.

Failure of the local-hour hand to index in one-hour steps calls for examination of the setting mechanism. The symptom alone does not identify which part needs replacement.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3187"></span>
=== Cal. 3187 ===
[[File:Cal 3187 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance|alt=Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48–50h (sources disagree)
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3187 is an enlarged Cal. 3186, widened to move the date window outward in the 42mm Explorer II case. It powered only the 216570 from 2011 to 2021, before Cal. 3285 replaced it in the 226570. The Parachrom hairspring, Breguet overcoil, and independently adjustable local-hour hand carry over from the GMT lineage. Paraflex is new here, replacing the KIF Elastor used by Cal. 3185. Within the GMT and Explorer II lineage covered on this page, Cal. 3187 is the first entry listed with Paraflex.

Cal. 3187 uses a larger baseplate and reworked surrounding parts but retains the Cal. 3186 regulating organ: a straight-line lever escapement, free-sprung monometallic balance under a full bridge, and Microstella regulation without an index. Auction catalogues confirm 31 jewels but do not itemize those inherited components.

Rolex launched the 216570 and Cal. 3187 together in March 2011 for the Explorer II's fortieth anniversary. The 42mm case required the larger movement, while the orange 24-hour hand recalled the 1655. Both remained in production until 2021, and no other reference used the caliber.

Two documented unit commissions use Cal. 3187. A 2012 white-dial 216570 made for members of the British Special Air Service carries "Who Dares Wins," the winged-dagger badge, and its owner's identifiers. A circa-2015 example numbered 40/48 was made for the UK Attack Helicopter Force. These were unit commissions rather than ministry-issued watches and should not be classified with the 5513 MilSub.

The local-hour hand should index in one-hour steps during setting. Irregular movement requires inspection of the mechanism.

The −2/+2 rating applies only after Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015. Earlier watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard for the uncased movement; later examples were tested again by Rolex as complete watches. The underlying caliber did not change beyond regulation.

<span id="sport-modern"></span>
<span id="Modern_sport_calibers_(1988–2020)"></span>
== Modern sport calibers (1988–2023 coverage) ==

Cal. 3000 introduced a 28,800-vph no-date movement, followed by Cals. 3130 and 3132. Cal. 3135 powered three decades of Submariner Date production.

<span id="cal-3000"></span>
=== Cal. 3000 ===
[[File:Cal 3000 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3000|alt=Cal. 3000]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (48h in some sources)
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.8mm
|-
| balance
| Adjustable-mass, flat hairspring
|}

Cal. 3000 is the no-date member of the 3000 family, used from about 1990 to 2001 in the Air-King 14000 and 14010, Submariner 14060, and Explorer 14270. The often-quoted 1988 start belongs to Cal. 3135. The Air-King changed to reference 14000M in 2000, while the Explorer became the 114270 and the Submariner adopted Cal. 3130 in 2001. Published power-reserve figures conflict at 42 and 48 hours; no Rolex figure settles the difference.

Cal. 3000 uses a flat hairspring, a useful distinction from the Breguet overcoil in Cal. 3130. Microstella adjustment sets the rate without an index, the hairspring is glued to the balance stud, and shock protection is KIF. COSC certification used the standard −4/+6 seconds-per-day tolerance.

<span id="cal-3035"></span>
=== Cal. 3035 ===
[[File:Cal 3035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3035 ran from 1977 to 1988 in the 16800, 168000, 16808, and 16803. It was the first quickset Submariner caliber, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. Compared with the Cal. 1570 generation, it increased frequency from 19,800 vph and added a crown position that advances the date wheel directly. Its free-sprung Nivarox Breguet overcoil is regulated by four Microstella screws and protected by KIF Elastor.

Exact-reference auction catalogues identify Cal. 3035 in Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]] and Oyster Perpetual Date ref. [[Reference:15003|15003]] examples. Christie's and Noonans name Cal. 3035 in their 15003 lots. The 1977–1988 dates above apply to the listed Submariner references, not to the caliber’s full use across Rolex models. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, case 5,880,264]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, serial 5,230,455]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-two-tone-date-chevron-ref-15003-187/73507 Christie's, 15003 lot 187]; [https://www.noonans.co.uk/archive/past-catalogues/681/catalogue/457378/?offset=440 Noonans, 15003 lot 441].

Two construction details separate it from Cal. 3135. Its balance sits on a cantilevered cock, and its hairspring is glued to the stud. Cal. 3135 uses a bridge anchored at both ends and a laser-welded hairspring stud.

<span id="cal-3130"></span>
=== Cal. 3130 ===
[[File:Cal 3130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3130 is the time-only successor to Cal. 3000, used in the 14060M, 114060, 114270, and 114200. It brought a full balance bridge, a larger balance wheel, and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Rolex's parts sheet identifies Cal. 3135 as the base and gives 28.5mm diameter, 5.85mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. Published introduction dates range from 1999 to 2001; the precise year remains unsettled.

Cal. 3000 supports its balance from a cock anchored on one side; the 3130 uses a bridge secured at both ends, which stabilizes endshake under lateral shock. Its Glucydur balance is free-sprung, with Microstella nuts setting the rate without an index. KIF Elastor shock protection distinguishes it from the Paraflex-equipped Cal. 3132. At 5.85mm it is 0.15mm thinner than Cal. 3135 because it omits the date mechanism. The main plate is the dedicated part 3130-100, although some smaller components retain 3135 part numbers.

The 14060M initially used Cal. 3130 without COSC certification and carried a two-line dial. Certification arrived in late 2007, adding the two-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription. The movement itself did not change.

The oscillating-weight axle uses a plain bearing. A service assessment should check the rotor and its bearing for wear and contact with surrounding parts.

Cal. 3131, announced in 2007, adapts the 3130 for magnetic resistance with a blue Parachrom hairspring, a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escapement, and a two-part soft-iron shield around the movement. It powered the Milgauss 116400 and 116400GV, then the Air-King 116900.

<span id="cal-3132"></span>
=== Cal. 3132 ===
[[File:Cal 3132 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3132|alt=Cal. 3132]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3132 powered the 39mm Explorer 214270 from 2010 until the 36mm successor arrived in 2021. It is a Cal. 3130 with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock protection, retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification.

The base architecture remains a straight-line lever escapement with a free-sprung Glucydur balance under a full bridge, Microstella regulation, and no index. Paraflex replaced the 3130's KIF Elastor settings; Rolex's published material claims up to 50 per cent greater shock resistance than KIF. That comparison is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. The blue Parachrom hairspring replaced Nivarox with a paramagnetic niobium-zirconium alloy whose colour comes from a patented oxide treatment.

Cal. 3132 brought Parachrom and Paraflex to the time-only professional line. Parachrom had appeared in Cal. 4130 in 2000, but the Submariner did not receive both features until Cal. 3230 in 2020.

Both dial generations of the 214270 use Cal. 3132. The 2016 revision lengthened the hands and added luminous filling to the 3, 6, and 9 numerals, without changing the movement. Cal. 3132 also retains the 3130’s plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle.

Rolex’s product sheet lists Cal. 3132 for the Oyster Perpetual 39 ref. 114300. Phillips catalogues a white-dial 114300, case P470X511, as Cal. 3230 in its [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/189941 2023 Geneva lot 21] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080125/8048 2025 Hong Kong lot 8048]; the matching case number and June 2020 guarantee suggest the records concern one watch. It also catalogues a circa-2015 blue-dial 114300, case 908YN729, as Cal. 3230 in [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/225422 2025 Hong Kong lot 924]. The catalogue descriptions conflict with Rolex’s [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/oyster-perpetual/m114300-0004.pdf 114300 product sheet] and do not establish factory fitment; replacement or catalogue error remains unresolved. See [[Reference:114300]].

Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015, changing the guaranteed rate from COSC's −4/+6 seconds per day on the uncased movement to −2/+2 on the cased watch after additional in-house testing. The movement did not change, so early and late 214270 examples carry different rate guarantees.

<span id="cal-3135"></span>
=== Cal. 3135 ===
[[File:Cal 3135 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels|alt=Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF (never Paraflex)
|}

Cal. 3135 ran from 1988 to 2021 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. It powered the 16610, 16613, and 16618 through the 116610 generation. The Submariner changed to Cal. 3235 with the 126610 on 1 September 2020, but the Oyster Perpetual Date 34 references 115200 and 115234 kept Cal. 3135 in production into 2021. Later end dates conflate it with Cal. 3131. The movement has rhodium plating, bevelled and polished screws, and a two-piece axle-style bidirectional rotor.

The conventional Swiss lever escapement is paired with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. With no index or curb pins, four Microstella nuts on the inside of the rim set the rate by changing the wheel's inertia. Older 1530-family balances place their adjustment screws on the outside. Cal. 3135 uses a Breguet overcoil and laser-welds the hairspring to its stud, replacing the glued joint used by Cal. 3035.

The main architectural change from Cal. 3035 is the balance bridge. Part 3135-120 is secured at both ends and carries height-adjusting nuts, keeping the pivots aligned under load and allowing endshake adjustment without shims. It also prevents the hairspring from fouling a cantilevered balance cock, a known Cal. 3035 problem. Cal. 3135 increased the jewel count from 27 to 31 and uses a larger balance wheel.

Cal. 3135 used KIF shock protection throughout its run and never received Paraflex. Rolex assigned new caliber numbers to Paraflex versions: 3130 became 3132, 3155 became 3156, and 3186 became 3187. The larger Paraflex date movement for the Datejust II was Cal. 3136. A 16610 or 116610 described as having Paraflex is misidentified.

Parachrom arrived during the Cal. 3135 run, but the transition date is unsettled. The niobium-zirconium alloy receives a uniform anodised oxide layer about 50 nanometres thick, which gives the hairspring its blue colour and stabilizes its restoring torque. Published dates for its adoption in Cal. 3135 range from about 2005 to 2009, with transitional examples reported on both sides. The ceramic-bezel 116610 uses it consistently from 2010. The spring's colour provides only a rough dating marker.

The reversing wheels transmit winding power when the rotor turns in either direction. Rolex dates their patent to 1952 and the introduction of their red surface treatment to 1957. Their colour identifies the component type, not Cal. 3135 by itself.

Earlier movements carried COSC's −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. From 2015, Rolex applied its −2/+2 Superlative Chronometer test to the complete watch without changing the caliber. Derivatives include Cal. 3155, 3175, 3185, 3186, 3187, and the no-date 3130, 3131, and 3132.

<span id="milgauss-family"></span>
== Milgauss ==

Auction catalogues assign Cal. 1080 to early Milgauss examples, though a later catalogue labels the same 6541 movement number Cal. 1055. Cal. 1580 derives from the 1530 platform; Cal. 3131 derives from Cal. 3130.

<span id="cal-1080"></span>
=== Cal. 1080 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25 listed for Christie’s case 145'111 and Sotheby’s case 412'479
|-
| documented fitment
| Milgauss 6543 and 6541 examples; one 6541 movement number carries conflicting 1080 / 1055 catalogue labels
|-
| base relationship
| Revolution describes it as modified from Cal. 1030
|}

Christie’s lists Cal. 1080 in 6543 case 145'111. Revolution and Watch-Wiki also assign the caliber to the 6543; Revolution describes a Cal. 1030 relationship. Watch-Wiki is a secondary reference index, and it does not resolve Christie’s Cal. 1065 label for case 145'159. Sotheby’s called movement N726507 in 6541 case 412'479 Cal. 1080 in 2018; Phillips listed the same case and movement number as Cal. 1055 in 2026. The surviving records do not establish a caliber sequence.

<span id="cal-1580"></span>
=== Cal. 1580 ===
[[File:Cal 1580 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.75mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| regulator
| None — free-sprung
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1580 is associated exclusively with the [[Reference:1019|Milgauss 1019]] during its 1960–1988 run, subject to the early-production dating conflict below. It shares the 1530-derived platform with Cal. 1570 and 1575, and gained hacking around 1972. A soft-iron inner shield around the movement provides the magnetic protection, making the 1019 thicker than contemporary Submariner and GMT-Master cases using the same movement family. Parts interchange broadly across the 1520/1525/1530/1535/1555/1556/1560/1565/1570/1575/1580 group.

Cal. 1580 has 26 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, and a Breguet hairspring. Antiquorum describes the hairspring as free-sprung white metal with Microstella regulation. That matches Cal. 1560 and 1570 on the same platform, although no second auction house specifies the regulation system.

The case provides the magnetic shielding. A gilt-metal anti-magnetic cap and the surrounding inner case absorb the field. Cal. 1580 uses the standard 1530-family balance and hairspring inside the shielded case. Rolex added hacking in 1972 with the corresponding sport-caliber revision.

Watch Doctor’s chart assigns Cal. 1580 to 1963, later than the usual dating of the first 1019s to around 1960. That discrepancy does not establish that early 1019s contained a different caliber. A proposed alternative needs a documented watch or a Rolex record.

<span id="cal-3131"></span>
=== Cal. 3131 ===
[[File:Cal 3131 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels|alt=Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Nickel-phosphorus escape wheel & pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3131 is a no-date Cal. 3130 derivative announced at Baselworld 2007 for the [[Reference:116400|Milgauss 116400]] and 116400GV "Glace Verte." From 2016 it also powered the Air-King 40 reference 116900. Magnetic protection has three parts. A two-piece ferromagnetic shield encloses the movement, with one half secured on the dial side and the other beneath the outer caseback; the inner back carries a capital "B" and arrow, the symbol for magnetic flux density. The movement also uses a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and an amorphous nickel-phosphorus escape wheel and pallet fork.

Cal. 3131 remained COSC-certified throughout its run, with KIF shock protection and a conventional Swiss lever escapement. It never received Chronergy or Paraflex. Rolex applied the tighter −2/+2 seconds-per-day Superlative Chronometer standard from 2015, so later 116900 and 116400GV examples carry the revised rating without a corresponding movement change. The Air-King remained in production to 2022 and the Milgauss to 2023.

<span id="daytona-manual"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (manual-wind) ==

The manual-wind Daytona used Valjoux 72 architecture from 1963 through 1988. Across five caliber numbers, Rolex progressively refinished and re-rated the Valjoux 72 ébauche.

Valjoux joined the Ebauches SA group in 1944 and was later folded into ETA, though the Valjoux name remained in use through the end of Cal. 72 production in 1974. At least 62,000 Valjoux 72/23 movements are recorded in Rolex cases across more than 40 references, about 7 per cent of total output. Heuer, Universal Genève and Longines also used the base. Rolex examples differ in their finishing and adjustment.

<span id="cal-72"></span>
=== Cal. 72 ===
[[File:Cal 72 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA|alt=Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 72 in individual ref. 6034 watches dated circa 1952–1955. One Antiquorum lot instead lists a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement without a caliber name. These descriptions belong to the named watches; they do not establish one designation across every 6034. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, circa-1953 case 907407] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, circa-1952 case 847427] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, circa-1953 case 847307] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-11 Antiquorum, 13-ligne example]

Cal. 72 was also used in the pre-Daytona ref. 6234 from about 1955 to 1961, where it remained close to the Valjoux ébauche. Rolex retained its index regulator, flat hairspring and Incabloc protection. Auction records document the bare Cal. 72 designation on examples from 1957 and around 1960; published production dates for the 6234 end in either 1960 or about 1961.

<span id="cal-72a"></span>
=== Cal. 72A ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Cal. 72A appears in late ref. 6234s from the late 1950s to about 1961. It retains the index regulator and flat hairspring that Cal. 72B would replace, making it a Rolex-finished but otherwise conventional Valjoux 72 execution. The meaning of the ROW stamp remains uncertain: Sotheby's associates it with US importation, while Grail Watch Reference reads it as Rolex Werke. Neither interpretation is supported by a known Rolex document.

<span id="cal-72b"></span>
=== Cal. 72B ===
[[File:Cal 72B movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Used in the ref. 6238 and the last 6234s, Cal. 72B marks Rolex's first substantial reworking of the Valjoux base. The index regulator gave way to a Microstella adjustable-inertia balance, the flat hairspring to a Breguet overcoil, and Incabloc protection to KIF, often in its clover-shaped Flector form. The caliber also has the earlier screwed setting lever, later replaced by a pusher type.

The transition date is disputed. Dody Giussani's text for ''Ultimate Rolex Daytona'' dates the complete replacement of Cal. 72A to 1966, while auction records identify Cal. 72B in ref. 6234 examples from around 1961. Giussani finds no substantial mechanical difference between the 72B and 722 and notes that Rolex used both names in its technical documents. The regulating organ changed before Rolex consistently adopted the later caliber name.

<span id="cal-722"></span>
=== Cal. 722 ===
[[File:Cal 722 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Cal. 722 powered the refs. 6239, 6240 and 6241, including examples with "Paul Newman" dials. Its column wheel controls a horizontal clutch through a coupling yoke. Engagement can make the chronograph hand jump slightly forward or back at the start, a trait later removed by the vertical clutch in Cal. 4130.

The position of the "Rolex Genève" inscription on the dial-side plate distinguishes Cal. 722 from the 722-1 that followed. The designations otherwise overlap: Christie's records Cal. 72B, 722 and 722-1 across ref. 6241 production. The engraving on the movement is more reliable than a date-based attribution. Phillips and Sotheby’s catalogues also assign 72B, 722 and 722-1 to individual ref. 6240 watches dated circa 1965–1966. Those lot labels do not establish a serial-number changeover; read the movement engraving.

<span id="cal-722-1"></span>
=== Cal. 722-1 ===
[[File:Cal 722-1 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Microstella (inherited from 722)
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Often dated to 1967, Cal. 722-1 was the last 18,000 vph Daytona caliber before Cal. 727 raised the frequency. Sotheby’s catalogues a circa-1965 ref. 6240 with 722-1; that lot attribution does not establish when Rolex first used the caliber. Rolex described it as a Valjoux 72A-based mechanism with the same dimensions as its predecessor; the changes were internal.

The hour-recorder conveyor gained an eccentric pivot and wing-shaped spring, allowing more precise engagement with the hour wheel. A guard spring above the balance was intended to keep the hairspring on its stud support under shock. Giussani records that the guard had already appeared inconsistently on Cal. 722 and caused problems of its own, so many surviving examples of both calibers lack it.

<span id="cal-727"></span>
=== Cal. 727 ===
[[File:Cal 727 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope|alt=Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 727 raised the Valjoux 72 frequency from 18,000 to 21,600 vph and powered the refs. 6262, 6263, 6264 and 6265 from 1970 until 1988. A genuine example has a Breguet overcoil and a bevelled inner edge on the KIF shock-spring retaining ring. These details, together with the engraved caliber number, help distinguish an original movement from a substituted or counterfeit one.

<span id="daytona-auto"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (automatic) ==

<span id="cal-4030"></span>
=== Cal. 4030 ===
[[File:Cal 4030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels|alt=Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 52–54h (sources disagree)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Breguet
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|}

Launched with the ref. 16520 in 1988, Cal. 4030 was a heavily reworked Zenith El Primero 400 and the last externally designed movement used by Rolex. Rolex removed the date, reduced the frequency from 36,000 to 28,800 vph and changed more than half of the components. A Breguet overcoil replaced the flat hairspring, while a free-sprung Glucydur balance with Microstella regulation and KIF protection replaced the Zenith oscillator. The chronograph retained a column wheel and horizontal clutch.

Published power-reserve figures split between 52 and 54 hours, with no known Rolex document settling the difference. The photographed movement is signed "MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWISS, ADJ. 5 POSITIONS TEMPERATURE, THIRTY-ONE JEWELS" and stamped "4030."

<span id="cal-4130"></span>
=== Cal. 4130 ===
[[File:Cal 4130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"|alt=Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 44
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 72h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four gold Microstella nuts
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 4130 was developed and manufactured by Rolex for the ref. 116520 in 2000. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/about-rolex/history/2000-2013 Rolex history, 2000–2013] Its column wheel and vertical clutch avoid the hand jump reported for Cal. 4030 when the chronograph starts. The movement uses 201 components, about 20 per cent fewer than its predecessor, and twelve types of screw rather than more than forty.

The rotor runs on a ball bearing; the Cal. 3135 generation uses a jewelled sleeve. Claims that the bearing is ceramic lack support from Rolex or specialist documentation. The free-sprung balance sits under a transversal bridge and uses KIF protection. Chronergy, Paraflex, an optimised rotor bearing and Côtes de Genève arrived with Cal. 4131 in 2023. The display back also belongs to that successor and was limited to platinum; every Cal. 4130 Daytona has a solid caseback.

Parachrom was fitted from launch, but the blue version is variously dated between about 2005 and 2007 without a supporting Rolex document. Later examples were rated to Rolex's −2/+2 seconds-per-day standard after its introduction in 2015. Cal. 4130 continued through the ref. 116500LN until Cal. 4131 replaced it in March 2023.

<span id="cal-3230"></span>
=== Cal. 3230 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, no date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| 124060, 124270, 126000, 126900; catalogue conflicts for some 114300 lots are recorded above
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3230 in 2020 as the no-date member of its newer movement generation. Rolex describes the movement with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. The individual reference page remains the authority for a specific watch; catalogue attributions that conflict with Rolex product documentation are recorded as conflicts rather than silently normalized. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021]

<span id="cal-3235"></span>
=== Cal. 3235 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Datejust, Sea-Dweller and Submariner Date families
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3235 in 2015. It is the date-bearing member of the same generation as Cal. 3230, with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. Rolex's brochures describe the date as instantaneous and the watch as COSC-certified and retested after casing to Rolex's tighter standard. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/datejust/m126333-0010.pdf Rolex, Datejust 41 brochure]

<span id="cal-3255"></span>
=== Cal. 3255 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, day and date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3255 in 2015 for the Day-Date 40 and later Day-Date 36. The movement provides rapid-setting day and date displays, a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. It replaced Cal. 3156 in the Day-Date II successor generation; the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained a separate earlier movement. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021] [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/brochures/en/2022_information_sheet_day-date_en.pdf Rolex, Day-Date information sheet, 2022]

<span id="cal-3285"></span>
=== Cal. 3285 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic GMT
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| functions
| Independent rapid-setting local hour, 24-hour display, instantaneous date
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| GMT-Master II 126710, 126711, 126715, 126720 and related current references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3285 in 2018 for the GMT-Master II. Its GMT hand remains independent of the local hour, the date changes instantaneously, and the movement combines Chronergy, a blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/gmt-master-ii/m126715chnr-0001.pdf Rolex, GMT-Master II brochure]

<span id="cal-4131"></span>
=== Cal. 4131 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 72 hours
|-
| chronograph
| Column wheel and vertical clutch
|-
| escapement / shock
| Chronergy / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126500 and 2023-onward gold and platinum Daytona references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 4131 in 2023 as the successor to Cal. 4130. The movement keeps the column wheel and vertical clutch and adds the Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, a blue Parachrom hairspring and Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. Rolex gives an approximately 72-hour reserve. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/new-watches-2024/cosmograph-daytona Rolex Newsroom, Cosmograph Daytona]

<span id="cal-4132"></span>
=== Cal. 4132 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| special function
| 24-hour elapsed-time counter
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126529LN, the Le Mans anniversary model
|}

Cal. 4132 is the 4131 derivative used in the Le Mans anniversary Daytona. Rolex describes it as allowing the chronograph to count elapsed hours over 24 rather than the usual 12. The official history page does not publish a separate technical specification table, so the 4131 family specifications should not be copied into 4132 without a movement-specific source. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/beyond-the-racetrack Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona history]

<span id="day-date-family"></span>
== Day-Date ==

Day-Date calibers form their own family. Four-digit references set both calendar displays through the hands; five-digit references introduced quickset.

<span id="cal-1055"></span>
=== Cal. 1055 ===
[[File:Cal 1055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back|alt=Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1055 appears in catalogues for the first four-digit Day-Date references and is commonly dated 1956–1959. A 2017 Dorotheum listing pairs it with a 6511/8 dated circa 1965; Pergola’s unofficial chart places the case number in its 1956 band, and the lot photo has no readable serial. Treat the later date as an unresolved catalogue attribution. Cal. 1055 has rhodium-plated bridges with oeil-de-perdrix ("partridge-eye") circular graining rather than Côtes de Genève. Documented examples were adjusted to temperature and five positions.

Reference histories commonly date the 6611 to 1957 and associate it with the second, chronometer-certified 1055 generation. Phillips lists caliber 1055 on its 1956 gold 6611 and 1055B on its 1958 white-gold 6611B; catalogues do not use the suffix consistently. The dial wording changes to “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.”

6612 catalogues such as [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 Phillips lot 43], [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ Bonhams lot 353], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend lot 67] show the same naming problem: Phillips (1958 platinum case 403,680), Bonhams (circa-1959 gold 6612/8), and Monaco Legend (1958 6612B examples) list Cal. 1055, while [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie’s Dubai lot 65] uses B1055 and other catalogues use 1055B. Keep the calibre label attached to the specific watch and source; those descriptions do not establish that every 6612 retained its original movement.

For examples catalogued as 6612B, Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1055 on yellow-gold case 384,933, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679. Phillips lists B1055 on platinum case 446,052; Christie's Dubai uses B1055 while listing the case as 446,062. Treat these as lot-specific catalogue labels. The Dubai case number conflicts with Phillips and Sotheby's, which both give 446,052. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, lot 182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, lot 26]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, lot 67]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips, lot 155]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie's Dubai, lot 65].

The arrival of the free-sprung Microstella balance is disputed. The usual account places it with the 66xx revision, but an auction description identifies a first-generation 6511 as free-sprung. Neither generation has quickset or hacking.

Steel school-watch records create a separate problem: Antiquorum lists 1556 for a 2002 lot and 1066 for a 2013 lot, while Phillips describes later steel Day-Date prototypes with 1555-series movements. These are catalogue descriptions of disputed school/prototype watches, not confirmed 6611 production fitments. See [[Reference:6611|the 6611 record]] for the lot-level distinctions.

Auction catalogues disagree on the movement fitted to ref. 6511. Phillips lists Cal. 1555 for case 111,654, and Dorotheum lists Cal. 1555 for case 166736. Phillips lot 41, Antiquorum lot 81, Bonhams lot 156, Monaco Legend lots 22 and 220, and Dorotheum's 2017 lot for case 166744 list Cal. 1055. Phillips dates Cal. 1555 to 1959, later than the dates assigned to both 1555-labelled cases. The 2017 Dorotheum listing dates case 166744 circa 1965, while Pergola's unofficial chart puts the number in its 1956 band. Its front-view image offers no readable serial, leaving the two dates in conflict. Each entry is a catalogue attribution; keep it attached to its lot pending inspection of the movement.

<span id="cal-1555"></span>
=== Cal. 1555 ===
[[File:Cal 1555 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail|alt=Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 7.03mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever (Cal. 1530 train)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung beryllium-bronze, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector
|}

Cal. 1555 powered early four-digit Day-Dates, including the refs. 1803, 1804, 1806, 1807 and 1811, from 1959 to about 1967. It combines the day-and-date architecture of Cal. 1055 with the plate and most running components of Cal. 1530. Its distinct parts are concentrated in the motion and calendar work, some shared with the contemporary Datejust Cal. 1575.

The Swiss lever escapement comes from Cal. 1530 and uses KIF Flector protection. The free-sprung balance uses a Nivarox Breguet overcoil and screw-shaped Microstella adjusters. Rolex did not adopt the later nut-shaped Microstella components until 1983.

Cal. 1555 does not hack; unlike the 1972 revision of Cal. 1556, its parts list has no balance-stop spring. Wear in the mainspring-barrel bearing is a known fault. As the plate and bridge bores wear out of round, the barrel can tilt and reduce amplitude; Rolex supplied a replacement upper barrel bush for the repair.

Five stainless-steel Day-Dates are publicly known, none with a listed reference or case serial. Christie's records movement numbers 0004547, 0005073, DD411420, DD14749 and DD081221. Their casebacks are signed Rolex and stamped "Stainless Steel"; the known examples have French day discs, black hands and silvered dials, with provenance linked to former Rolex watchmakers. Christie's identifies them as workshop test pieces. Movement DD411420 is engraved 1555 but runs at the Cal. 1556 frequency of 19,800 vph, placing it between the two generations.

The prototype's jewel count is disputed. Antiquorum gives 25, matching the bridge signature, while Phillips gives 26, the figure for Cal. 1556. At 7.03mm, Cal. 1555 is the thickest member of the 1500 series. The stepped "pie-pan" dial remained in use until about 1970, outlasting the caliber.

<span id="cal-1556"></span>
=== Cal. 1556 ===
[[File:Cal 1556 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1556|alt=Cal. 1556]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector, both balance pivots
|}

Cal. 1556 succeeded the 1555 around 1965 and powered the mid- and late four-digit Day-Date until 1977 or 1978. A revised gear train raised the frequency, while a jewel at the top of the centre wheel brought the count to 26. Its rhodium-plated movement has perlage finishing, a full balance bridge and a screwed balance with two gold, star-shaped Microstella regulating screws. Hacking was added during production in 1972 without a new caliber designation; earlier examples do not hack. Sotheby’s 2024 listing for [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]] assigns Cal. 1556 to a watch described and photographed with a date-only dial. Rolex’s 1978 [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf service manual] defines Cal. 1556 as day-and-date, so this remains a catalogue conflict until the movement is inspected. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130].

<span id="cal-1566"></span>
=== Cal. 1566 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung Breguet spring
|}

Cal. 1566 was built for one case, the platinum [[Reference:1831|Day-Date 1831]] commissioned for the Shah of Iran and delivered from 1977. The rhodium-plated movement has a free-sprung Breguet hairspring, Microstella regulation and hacking. Sources record either eight or nine examples. One concordance assigns the ref. 1831 to Cal. 1556, while auction houses that examined the watches identify Cal. 1566.

<span id="cal-3055"></span>
=== Cal. 3055 ===
[[File:Cal 3055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc|alt=Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3055 powered refs. 18038, 18039, 18048, 18049, 18078, 18079, [[Reference:18108|18108]] and early 18238 in the 1977–1988 generation. It introduced quickset for the date, while the day still advanced through the motion of the hands. The balance cock provides the usual visual distinction from Cal. 3155, which uses a full transversal bridge. Common references give a height of 6.3mm, but Rolex's parts diagram specifies 7.11mm.

<span id="cal-3155"></span>
=== Cal. 3155 ===
[[File:Cal 3155 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3155 replaced the 3055 in 1988 and remained in production through 2019. It added independent correction of the day, giving the Day-Date a double quickset for both calendar displays.

The added quickset works raised the jewel count from 27 to 31. Published height figures vary between 6.00 and 6.45mm, with no known Rolex document settling the discrepancy. As elsewhere in the 31xx family, a full bridge and larger balance wheel replaced the older balance cock.

The hairspring stud is laser-welded rather than glued as on Cals. 3035 and 3055. Parachrom arrived between 2008 and 2010 according to Grail Watch Reference, or by 2013 according to Watch Wiki. Cal. 3155 retained KIF Elastor throughout and never received Paraflex, which Rolex fitted to the Day-Date II's Cal. 3156.

<span id="cal-3156"></span>
=== Cal. 3156 ===
[[File:Cal 3156 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image|alt=Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 31xx family (pre-Chronergy)
|-
| balance
| Parachrom hairspring (3155 base)
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, gold Microstella nuts, traversing bridge
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3156 is a widened Cal. 3155 derivative built for the 41mm Day-Date II from 2008 to 2015. It adds a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex protection and powers the refs. 218238, 218239, 218206 and 218235. Its 30.97mm main plate carries the enlarged calendar wheels needed to move the date window outward. The same wider format appears on Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187. Published specifications often give the standard 28.5mm width, but Rolex's promotional photography shows the additional flange recorded by Stephen Foskett's Grail Watch Reference.

Only the plate-and-bridge layer is oversized. The running train, escapement, keyless works and date mechanism use standard 31xx-family components, while structural parts such as the barrel bridge are shared with the wider Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187 rather than the 3155.

The oscillator comes from Cal. 3155: a large free-sprung balance with gold Microstella nuts, a Breguet overcoil and a height-adjustable transversal bridge. Below it is the conventional Swiss lever escapement used across the 31xx family. Its 2015 successor, Cal. 3255, introduced the paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement. Rolex credits that design with a 15 per cent efficiency gain and about half of the increase from 48 to 70 hours of power reserve.

Cal. 3156 uses Paraflex shock protection; Cal. 3155 retains KIF Elastor. Rolex filed the design in 2005, and the European patent was granted in 2008. Its spring connects to the bearing body through four arms arranged around a central support, replacing the two-arm layout common to earlier systems. Rolex claims up to 50 per cent greater shock absorption than KIF; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Rolex patent US7234859B2]

Cal. 3156 was confined to the 41mm Day-Date II. Rolex retired both in 2015, replacing them with the 40mm Day-Date and Cal. 3255, while the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained in production until 2019. Most Cal. 3156 watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. Rolex adopted its −2/+2 rating in the caliber's final year, 2015.

<span id="oysterquartz-family"></span>
== Oysterquartz ==

Secondary collector references place total Oysterquartz production just under 25,000 watches, but no factory production total is cited here. The line followed the Beta 21-powered ref. 5100 of 1970, developed through the Centre Electronique Horloger consortium. The Beta 21 would not fit an Oyster case. Rolex left the consortium in 1972 and spent five years developing Cals. 5035 and 5055 in-house.

<span id="cal-5035"></span>
=== Cal. 5035 ===
[[File:Cal 5035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 6.35mm high
|}

Cal. 5035 powered Oysterquartz Datejust and Oyster Perpetual references, including the 17000, 17013 and 17014, from 1977 to 2001. Its date mechanism follows the same principle as the mechanical Cal. 3035 introduced in the same year.

Rolex calls the drive a mobile-frame step-by-step motor. Unlike a conventional quartz stepper, its coil moves while the magnets remain fixed. A polarised pulse swings the coil frame once per second, and a finger on the frame drives a pallet fork connected directly to the seconds wheel. The pallet locks the wheel between pulses. Its audible tick comes from that engagement and sounds closer to a mechanical escapement than a conventional quartz motor.

The C-MOS module contains the oscillator, a binary divider that reduces 32,768 Hz to one pulse per second, and the motor's impulse amplifier. A trimmer provides a total adjustment range of about two seconds per day. Rolex specified regulation to ±0.05 seconds per day at about 28°C.

Temperature compensation remains uncertain. Secondary accounts describe a thermocompensated oscillator with a thermistor, but Rolex's technical document mentions neither. It instead shows a parabolic rate curve with an inversion point at 26 ±2°C and specifies adjustment near the 28°C temperature of a worn watch. The document may predate a later revision, but it does not support the usual thermistor claim.

Rolex specified accuracy within one minute per year under normal wear and battery life beyond 24 months. The movement draws no more than 9 microamps, of which the electronics use at most 3. There is no battery end-of-life indication; erratic running is the warning. Hacking cuts current to the motor, and the seconds hand restarts one second after the crown returns to its running position.

The electronic module and motor are sensitive to contamination, and the mobile-frame pivots run dry. Rolex supplied the motor only as a complete unit rather than as separate components.

<span id="cal-5055"></span>
=== Cal. 5055 ===
[[File:Cal 5055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 7.11mm high
|}

Cal. 5055 is the Day-Date counterpart to Cal. 5035. The two share their motor and electronic module, while the 5055's calendar follows the principle of the mechanical Cal. 3055. Its day-disc stack increases the height from 6.35 to 7.11mm.

Catalogue descriptions treat Cal. 5055 as COSC-certified from early production. The exact certification and crystal changeover dates for Cal. 5055 and Cal. 5035 are not settled in the sources reviewed, so early Oysterquartz dial text should be checked against the individual watch.

Cal. 5055 adds the day mechanism and its stricter tolerances. Rolex specified hour-wheel endshake below 0.03mm and calendar change within two minutes of midnight. The day disc is a separate replaceable part, allowing the display language to be changed without altering the movement.

Cal. 5055 powers the yellow-gold [[Reference:19018|ref. 19018]], white-gold [[Reference:19019|ref. 19019]] and pyramid-bezel [[Reference:19028|ref. 19028]]. Claims about cancelled successor calibers are omitted because the cited factory material does not document them.

<span id="prince-appendix"></span>
== Related but not Rolex ==

Gruen Cal. 877 and the Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description are often misidentified as Rolex calibers. Gruen's Cal. 877, used in the Techni-Quadron, is an Aegler-built architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold under Gruen's name in the United States. It was never a Rolex commercial number. A Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description records only the movement's size class, not a distinct caliber designation. The three circa-1940 Christie’s ref. 3064 catalogues reviewed for this audit use the same size-class wording and do not name a caliber; keep the 3064 movement attribution tied to those lot descriptions.

== Sources ==

* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, “Rolex’s simple hand-wound models” (Japanese), 22 August 2022]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 list, ref. 1022 entry (1965–1974)]
* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart photograph, unofficial year bands]
* [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, ref. 1023/8B, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, ref. 1023 lot 12570, Cal. 1570]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive, ref. 1023, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=856109 Rolex Forums, 2022 ref. 1023 listing and movement photograph]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, 20 May 2025, lot 73, ref. 1023, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans Auktioner, 2 October 2021, ref. 1023 serial 2186841, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, ref. 1023 replacement-parts row]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-6139178/?intObjectID=6139178&lid=1 Christie’s, ref. 6556, case 138'822, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-restoration-of-a-rolex-tru-beat-caliber-1040-reference-6556 Aaron Berlow, Cal. 1040 restoration, Hodinkee, 2015]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-april-8-2016 Hodinkee, ref. 6556 dial and service observations, 2016]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-260-217 Antiquorum, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2012]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/de/Crott_86_D.pdf Dr. Crott, 86th auction catalogue, Tru Beat model history, 2012; calls 1020 a new caliber]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 162, Oyster Perpetual reference table, ref. 1020]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/archives/100/50452 Dr. Crott, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips, ref. 6556, 18K gold, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/139759 Phillips, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040 and steel case]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 Antiquorum, ref. 6556/0, Cal. 1040, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 Antiquorum, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040, 2021]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1066]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, Cal. 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 emblem-dial example, catalogued Cal. 1030]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, Cal. 1065]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-63 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 1956, Cal. 1030]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, 2000, ref. 6564, Cal. 1050]
* [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, 2025, ref. 6567, Cal. 1050]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, 2015, ref. 6569, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, circa 1955, Submariner ref. 6536/1, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.adams.ie/W103-lot-33-ROLEX-REF-1022-OYSTER-PERPETUAL-18K-YELLOW-GOLD-FLORENTINE-FINISH-CASE-A?auction_no=W103&page_no=3&sort_by=lot_no Adams, ref. 1022, 2025, Cal. 1560]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1022, 2015, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0036-1/orologio-da-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022--201405270143200 Pandolfini, ref. 1022, 2014, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.tajan.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-vers-1964-montre-_FA27968B44 Tajan, ref. 1022, 2014, automatic movement; caliber not stated]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE Shop, ref. 1022, 1963, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-online/prince-imperial-reference-1645-a-rolesium-steel Sotheby’s, 2023, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 331]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-prince-imperial-lot-357-321 Antiquorum, 2022, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 321]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-113-16 Antiquorum, 2006, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 16]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-lot-320-31 Antiquorum, 2019, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 31]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-266-70 Antiquorum, 2012, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 70]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/247 Phillips, Cal. 1555 chronology and experimental steel Day-Date]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips, 2015, 6611 case 214,124, caliber 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips, 2015, 6611B case 401,546, caliber 1055B]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum, 2002, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1556]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum, 2013, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/86237716/four-prototype-watches-from-the-geneva-watch-auction-xiv Phillips, 2021, steel Day-Date prototype account]

* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, lot 52: 8171 case 685878, A.295 CPL]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, Fratello, 2020: case construction and calendar correctors]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s: 6062 case 916321, caliber 655]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, ref. 1858 lot 34 — movement no. 1143 identified as Hunter 8¾ (520)]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — seller-attributed Cal. 520] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, ref. 6006, lot 253]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — seller-listed Cal. 520 / 8¾]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024 — movement-family account]

* [https://watchdoctor.biz/movements-and-calibers/ Watch Doctor: movements and calibers chart. Secondary compilation; no underlying Rolex document identified.]
* [https://www.incabloc.ch/en/history/ Incabloc: company history, production in 1933 and lyre-spring development in 1938.]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex: Technical and Service Information, third edition, pp. 3 and 7; scan hosted by the Vintage Rolex Field Manual.]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/the-companion-oyster-mercedes-gleitze-rolex-oyster Sotheby’s Geneva 2025, lot 134: Gleitze Oyster and its upgraded movement.]
* [https://www.cosc.swiss/terms-conditions COSC: organization established in 1973.]
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watch-care-and-service/the-rolex-servicing-procedure Rolex: examination and estimate before servicing.]

* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/perpetual-rotor Rolex: Perpetual rotor], mechanism introduced in 1931; caliber not specified.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-486 Antiquorum Geneva, 16 November 2002, lot 486], ref. 4467 catalogued with Cal. 740 and a date display.
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/explorer Rolex: Explorer history], return to 36mm in 2021.
* [https://media.rolex.com/rolexcom/media/user-guides/gmt-master-ii/rolex_gmt-master-ii_en-us Rolex GMT-Master II user guide], date linked to the independently adjustable local-hour hand.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-part-i/gmt-master-captain-warren-reference-6542-an-advert Sotheby's, circa-1958 6542, calibre 1030]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-6542-gmt-master-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, circa-1959 6542, case 451'698, calibre 1066]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841779 Christie's, circa-1959 gold 6542, case 486'469, calibre 1065]

* [https://revolutionwatch.com/a-movement-in-history-the-zenith-driven-rolex-daytona/ Revolution — A Movement in History: The Zenith-driven Rolex Daytona] (Ross Povey, 2018)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-part-1-3 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 1] (Paul Boutros, 2012)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-pt-23 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 2] (Paul Boutros, 2013)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-daytona-chronograph-1963-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Daytona] (Erik Slaven, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 1] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 2] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-from-1953-36mm-1016-14270-114270-214270-124270-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — The History of the Rolex Explorer] (Frank Geelen, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-ii-adventure-watch-gmt-1655-16550-16570-216570-226570-in-depth/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Explorer II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-14270-perfect-youngtimer-watch-vintage-corner/ Monochrome — Youngtimer Case Study, the Rolex Explorer 14270] (Frank Geelen, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-214270-vs-previous-214270-review-history-rolex-explorer/ Monochrome — Rolex Explorer 214270 In-Depth Review] (Brice Goulard, 2016)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-explorer-reference-points Hodinkee — A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I] (Jon Bues, 2022)
* [https://www.watchtime.com/brands/watches/tracking-the-rolex-daytona-a-53-year-history WatchTime — Tracking the Rolex Daytona: A 55-Year History]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-john-player-special-paul-newman-daytona-ref-6241/ Revolution — The Rolex "John Player Special" Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6241] (Bob Ridley, 2017)
* [https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/rolex-pre-daytona-forgotten-classic A Collected Man — Is the Rolex Pre-Daytona a Forgotten Classic?] (Russell Sheldrake, 2020)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/why-i-bought-the-rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-116520/ Fratello — Why I Bought The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520] (Ben Hodges, 2021)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-14060m/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 14060M Review]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-114060-review/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 114060 Review] (2019)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/ceramic-bezel-close-up-of-the-rolex-gmt-master-ii-ref-116710ln/ Fratello — Ceramic Bezel close-up of the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.252.html Sotheby's — Submariner Ref 6536/1, Stainless Steel Automatic With Bracelet, Circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/25e5416b-f436-484a-834e-1ba10a9dfc69/lots/9a553d3f-0450-465f-b767-7f1946a7bfc0 Sotheby's — Submariner Ref. 6538, Stainless Steel With 4-Line Tropical Dial, Circa 1958]
* [https://calibercorner.com Caliber Corner — per-caliber technical database]
* [https://wiki.grail-watch.com/index.php/Rolex_630 Grail Watch Wiki — Rolex 630]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com EmmyWatch — vintage restoration movement photography]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/complete-history-of-the-rolex-milgauss/ Monochrome — Complete History of the Rolex Milgauss]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'111, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'159, Cal. 1065]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-milgauss-one-in-a-thousand/ Revolution, Milgauss movement and 6543 history]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Stephen Foskett, Watch-Wiki Cal. 1080 reference index for 6543]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.256.html Sotheby’s, 6541 case 412'479, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/206388 Phillips, same case and movement number, Cal. 1055]
* [https://www.robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/most-expensive-rolex-watches-ever-sold-at-auction/ Robb Report — The Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever Sold at Auction] (Sotheby's Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, November 2025)
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss Antiquorum — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.christies.com Christie's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 3136 case 105063, FHF 30 / Cal. 59]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, ref. 3136 case 147396, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.sothebys.com Sotheby's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net Watch Wiki — reference concordance]
* [http://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf Montres Rolex SA — ''Technical Information No. 13: Calibre 5035 / Calibre 5055''] (factory service documentation, scan hosted by ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'')
* [https://www.oysterquartz.net/the_5035_movement.htm Oysterquartz.net — the 5035/5055 movement]
* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/reversing-wheels Rolex — Reversing Wheels, Watchmaking Features] (red anodised-aluminium finish, introduced 1957)
* [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/2024/brochures/features/en/02_rolex_superlative_english_2024.pdf Rolex — ''Superlative Chronometer Certification: Redefining Performance''] (brochure, 2024; certification redefined 2015)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US6503341B2/en Patent US6503341B2 — Self-compensating spiral for a spiral balance-wheel] (Montres Rolex SA; Jacques Baur and Patrick Sol; priority 1999, granted 2003 — the Parachrom hairspring)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Patent US7234859B2 / EP1705537 — Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece] (Montres Rolex SA; Mitchell Colle and Roman Voirol; priority 2005 — Paraflex)
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2021/08/rolex-parachrom-hairspring-explained.html SJX Watches — Explained: The Rolex Parachrom Hairspring] (Nb-Zr alloy, anodised oxide layer, frequency shift)
* [https://reference.grail-watch.com/movement/rolex-3136/ Grail Watch Reference — Rolex Cal. 3136] (Stephen Foskett; Paraflex fitted to the 3136 and not to the base 3135)
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-3131/ Caliber Corner — Rolex Caliber 3131] (Kif on the 3131, Paraflex on the 3132)
* [http://www.superlativetime.com/identification-of-rolex-calibres Superlative Time — Identification of Rolex Calibres 1520–1580] (balance-bridge forms 1–4; Kif Flector and Kif Elastor assignment)
* [https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/regulate-rolex-1520.160574/ NAWCC message board — Regulate Rolex 1520] (watchmakers on the inertia-block system and the free-sprung misreading)
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/history-of-1530-movement-t23616.html Vintage Rolex Forum — History of the 1530 movement] (introduction c.1957, butterfly rotor, chronometer status)
* [https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/28412-rolex-3135-510-drive-wheel-for-ratchet-appears-to-be-worn-not-winding-watch-enough/ Watch Repair Talk — Rolex 3135-510 ratchet drive wheel wear]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum Geneva, 3 April 2025, lot 219]: ref. 3121 Oyster Grenfell, case 43,475, circa 1938, Cal. 59, 17 jewels.
* [https://timeanagram.com/products/7507 TimeAnagram, item 7507]: ref. 3121 listed as manual Cal. 710; the movement image shows no readable caliber stamp.
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex Cal. 1560 spare-parts sheet no. 31; scan hosted by WatchGuy]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74, chronograph table]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074, 1920s example]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074, case 25433]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s, case no. 1223 monopusher]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 Christie’s, ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph, movement no. 1223]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum Geneva, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]: catalogued as A.295, with a 10½-ligne description.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips Geneva, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]: catalogued as A.296, 18 jewels.
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730 Christie’s, ref. 6075 case 699455]: catalogued as A.295.
* [https://live.mortonsubastas.com/en/online-auctions/morton-subastas/reloj-rolex-vintage-oyster-perpetual-en-acero-y-chapa-ref-1024-ca-1965---1966-movimiento-autom-tico-6579392 Morton Subastas, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/5/ Waddington's, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/5280014/ Dorotheum, ref. 1024, 2018, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080121/904 Phillips, ref. 1024, 2021, Cal. 1570]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-22 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 576171]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-213-465 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1962, Cal. 1560, case 933961]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1010-vintage-gold-oyster-perpetual-original-box-and-papers-circa-1962/a/5049-60215.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1010, circa 1962, Cal. 1560, case 646320]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1010, circa 1967, Cal. 1560, case 1659430]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1010-oyster-perpetual-lot-334-19 Antiquorum, ref. 1010, circa 1968, Cal. 1570, case 1,960,000]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs item text: claimed ref. 1010, Cal. 1560; title says ref. 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, ref. 1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 546423]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5496491 Christie’s, ref. 1011 case 692498, circa 1962, Cal. 1570]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1011-bombe-lugs-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual/a/171226-74030.s Heritage, ref. 1011, Cal. 1560, 2012]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, ref. 1011, Eaton’s presentation dial, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-143 Antiquorum Milan, 1996 Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1011-eaton-quarter-century-club-14k-yg Loupe This lot 2475, photo of Cal. 1530 in case marked 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-654 Antiquorum Geneva, 2004, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 17-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-34-139 Antiquorum New York, 2003, Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-257-412 Antiquorum New York, 2011, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 26-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-160-93 Antiquorum New York, 2007, Eaton’s ref. 5590/1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte Milan, 2024, Eaton’s ref. 5590-1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, 2008, lot 530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2010, lot 134]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2012, lot 291]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2018, lot 138]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, ref. 1768 case 019784, 2017: 7½-line T.S. 300 listed with 15 jewels]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, ref. 1768 case 019794, 2023: photographed Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies]

* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978), Cal. 1600]
* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363]
* [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, ref. 3735, lot 113]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 reference list, including 1022]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1022 case-parts row listing Cal. 1560 and 1570]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, ref. 1022, case 856242, Cal. 1560, 26 jewels]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Rolex Cal. 1565 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080319/903 Phillips, HK Auction NINE lot 903, exterior ref. 6558 / inner stamp 6556, Cal. 1040]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum Geneva 2006, ref. 6082 case 784516, Cal. 710]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021, ref. 6082 case 721396, Cal. 710]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend 2023, ref. 6082 case 810693, Cal. 710]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Colin A. White, The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, reference table: 6082 / Cal. 710]
* [https://www.kibblewatches.co.uk/products/1952-rolex-oyster-concentric-dial-manual-34mm-6082 Kibble Watches, concentric-dial ref. 6082 listing, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_germany/rolex-oyster-handaufzug-stahl-gelbgold-ref-6082-vintage.html Watch.de archive, ref. 6082 case 721965, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1013-large-18k-yellow-gold-non-date-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-circa-1957/a/5309-54155.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1013 case 488087, circa 1957, Cal. 1560]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1013-oyster-perpetual-lot-364-184 Antiquorum, ref. 1013 case 952437, circa 1962, Cal. 1560]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/MonacoLegendAuctions%20MC/202104%20catalogue_0024.pdf Monaco Legend Auctions, ref. 1013 case 1,368,354, 1966, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/27208550-rolex-montre-en-or-jaune- Gazette Drouot, ref. 1013, circa 1968, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/506 Rago, ref. 1013 serial 5,266,934, 1978, Cal. 1570]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/vintage-watches-sold/products/semi-bubble-back-ref-6108 Hodinkee Shop, ref. 6108 case 803948]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-steel-bubbleback-ref-6108/a/171206-74039.s Heritage Auctions, 2012, lot 74039, ref. 6108 case 803752]
* [https://www.uhreneder.de/en/wristwatches/vintage-rolex/rolex-oyster-perpetual Antike Uhren Eder, ref. 6108 item 7140rol]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, Cal. 59]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, Cal. 59]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard, Cal. 59]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent movement photograph]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described 3351-F, serial 118,489, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, Extra Prima]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2006, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2007, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf Sotheby's, ref. 116758 with SARU bezel, circa-2007, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 Phillips, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2009, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2010, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf Rolex USA, 2008 catalogue, 31-jewel chronometer specification without calibre number]

Reference:oyster-perpetual

2026-10-21T08:47:02Z

Admin: Add sourced reference 6744 coverage

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual — Reference Guide to Models and Years | Rolexopedia
|description=Reference guide to Oyster Perpetual lineages that keep the name directly, from the 1950s flat-caseback references through the classic four-digit time-only models. Bubbleback and Air-King have separate hubs.
|keywords=Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, family, history, references, 1002, 1018, 6098
|image=Oyster Perpetual family hero.webp
|image_alt=Rolex Oyster Perpetual family
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Oyster Perpetual family hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex Oyster Perpetual family|Rolex Oyster Perpetual family]]
</div>

The Oyster Perpetual combines an Oyster case with automatic winding. The name also appears on Rolex watches with their own model names. This page covers the lineages that carry the Oyster Perpetual name directly and have not split into their own hub: the 1950s flat-caseback generation, the four-digit time-only models, and the Date-equipped 1500 series. Early manual-wind Oysters are covered on the Bubbleback and early Oyster hub. [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] are close relatives on the same case architecture and have their own family hubs.

== References in scope ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes
|-
| [[Reference:1069|1069]] || Auction examples dated 1920s and circa 1930; span unproved || Manual-wind; lot-specific caliber descriptions || Early cushion-case Oyster, including Solar Aqua/Anti-Magnetic dial
|-
| [[Reference:2136|2136]] / [[Reference:2574|2574]] / [[Reference:3139|3139]] / [[Reference:3358|3358]] / [[Reference:3359|3359]] / [[Reference:4220|4220]] || 1930s–1940s || manual-wind || Early Oyster / Oyster Royal / Speedking generation, before the Perpetual rotor became standard across the line
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] / [[Reference:6085|6085]] / [[Reference:6084|6084]] / [[Reference:6564|6564]] / [[Reference:6580|6580]] / [[Reference:6584|6584]] || Catalogue dates span circa 1954–1960s; production limits unknown || Cal. 1030 named for individual 6584 listings || The 1950s flat-caseback group. Catalogues document 6085 in steel, gold, and a steel-and-gold example, with waffle, black, silvered, and cloisonné Dragon dials; these are individual watches, not a complete specification. Reference 6084 is described as a transitional "Semi-Bubbleback" case; 6564 is an 18k gold example with an early "Brevet" patent marking; 6580 has documented steel honeycomb-dial examples. Multiple listings document gold 6584s; steel assignments include conflicting and joint-reference catalogue entries.
|-
| [[Reference:4362|4362]] || Auction examples dated circa 1940–1957; production limits unproved || 9¾-line movement reports; object numbers 6248, 29304, 902507 and 97561; no caliber established || Steel examples reported at 35–36 mm; several dial descriptions, with compatible catalogue descriptions for case 286311
|-
| [[Reference:6106|6106]] || Dated examples cluster in 1951–1952; one dealer listing gives 1962 from a masked serial (unverified) || Antiquorum identifies Cal. 645; Monaco Legend uses A260, the related size-family code || Steel 34 mm examples with several dial layouts. Hodinkee reports 1952 chronometer papers, a 1953 receipt, and spring-loaded links on one bracelet; ref. 803115 has a 3-6-9 dial catalogued as Explorer-style
|-
| [[Reference:6502|6502]] || Auction examples mostly dated to the 1950s; case 994893 has a circa-1964 auction date that conflicts with its circa-1954 serial-chart estimate || Cal. 1030 in auction catalogues and Watch-Wiki || No-date, gold Oyster Perpetual, 34–35 mm in catalogues. The article consolidates duplicate case 36675 and explains the disputed 6502/6603 attribution for case 36701
|-
| [[Reference:6556|6556]] || Auction catalogues report introduction in 1954; examples dated 1955–circa 1962 do not establish the production end || Cal. 1040; examined lots catalogue 26 jewels || Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat; also called Metropolitan in some markets. Steel predominates in Antiquorum’s account; 18K gold examples are documented. One Phillips lot identifies the exterior as 6558 and the inner caseback as 6556; it does not establish a separate 6558 production reference. The U.S.-exclusive dial claim remains unverified
|-
| [[Reference:6567|6567]] || Auction examples dated circa 1954–1960 || Cal. 1030 in the Field Manual and multiple Antiquorum lots; Ineichen lists Cal. 1050 on one example || Mid-size, no-date Oyster Perpetual documented in gold, steel and mixed-metal cases. Catalogue movement attributions conflict; its placement within the flat-caseback group remains uncertain
|-
| [[Reference:6548|6548]] || Individual catalogue dates circa 1942/43–1969; early estimates conflict || Auction lots attribute cal. 1130, 1160 and 1161; the dates do not establish a changeover || Small no-date Oyster Perpetual; catalogue diameters 28–32 mm; steel, gold, two-tone and platinum examples. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 on serials 230584 and 230918, but assign dates circa 1942/43 and 1957 respectively. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum] [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan] [https://ranfft.org/caliber/12808-Rolex-1130?from=manufacturer Ranfft] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s] [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0257/rolex-oyster-perpetual-lady-ref-6548-1964-105457 Farsettiarte] [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-unusual-platinum-enamel-and-diamond-set-1352237/ Christie’s] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Field Manual]
|-
| [[Reference:1002|1002]] / [[Reference:1003|1003]] / [[Reference:1005|1005]] / [[Reference:1007|1007]] / [[Reference:1008|1008]] / [[Reference:1009|1009]] / [[Reference:1018|1018]] || Group: 1959–mid-1980s; 1009 catalogue examples dated 1968, 1969 and 1972 || Cal. 1560 and 1570 across the group; 1009 lots identify Cal. 1570 || The classic 4-digit line, organised by bezel: 1002 smooth, 1003/1007/1008 engine-turned, 1005 fluted; 1009 auction catalogues describe graduated, linen-textured examples, while The Vintage Rolex Field Manual calls the bezel engine-turned. 1018 is the 36mm model in this group
|-
| [[Reference:1012|1012]] || Auction examples dated late 1950s–circa 1971; production limits unknown [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-78-29 Antiquorum 2005] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29125/lot/55/ Bonhams 2023] [https://www.henrys.de/index.php?Lang=En&id=27132183&pc=posi HENRY's 2026] || Cal. 1560 in Antiquorum and Bonhams; Cal. 1570 in HENRY's; transition unknown || 36 mm gold, time-only Oyster Perpetual with a smooth bezel. Catalogues document champagne dials; separate listings report silver, Tiffany-signed, and gold dials, whose originality varies by example.
|-
| [[Reference:1013|1013]] || Auction and editorial examples dated circa 1957–1978; production limits unknown || Cal. 1560 and 1570 in individual catalogues; transition unknown || Gold, no-date Oyster Perpetual with a patterned bezel. Published diameters range from 35 to 36 mm; Watch-Wiki groups 1013 under 34 mm without a separate measure. Sources use both fluted and engine-turned. Rago dates serial 1,900,046 to 1969; Pergola’s chart places it in the 1968 band [https://www.everywatch.com/rolex/1013/watch-9177423 Sotheby’s 2020 lot 99 via EveryWatch] [https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/rolex-1013-oyster-perpetual-18k-yg-15536 dealer listing] [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508] [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart]
|-
| [[Reference:1014|1014]] || Catalogue examples date from circa 1951 through the 1960s; Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962. Production limits unknown [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 Antiquorum lot 492] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 Antiquorum lot 323] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1014-lot-373-24 Antiquorum lot 24] [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569] || Cal. 1530 and Cal. 1560 in exact-reference catalogues; changeover unknown [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 Antiquorum lot 492] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 Antiquorum lot 323] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1014-lot-373-24 Antiquorum lot 24] || No-date, gold-covered steel Oyster Perpetual; catalogued at 34–35 mm with smooth bezels. Gold-plated, gold-filled and gold-capped are lot-specific descriptions; the Field Manual lists a polished smooth bezel [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 Antiquorum lot 492] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 Antiquorum lot 323] [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]
|-
| [[Reference:1038|1038]] || Auction estimates circa 1965–1970; Dr. Crott says early 1970s. Hodinkee Shop's circa-1986 listing reports an inside caseback stamped 1002; case identity is unresolved || Cal. 1570 in three catalogues; Christie's names a 26-jewel movement without caliber || Oyster Perpetual Zephyr; steel with gold bezel and 14K-gold cases; sector, black baton and printed-index dials documented; 33.7–35 mm catalogue sizes
|-
| [[Reference:1039|1039]] || Antiquorum dates one catalogued example to an April 1973 sale; it reports that the owner believed five had been ordered for the Sheikh, a number Rolex declined to confirm [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1039-oyster-perpetual-lot-377-468 Antiquorum, Geneva, lot 468] || Cal. 1570, 26 jewels, as catalogued; the lot images do not show the movement || One 34 mm, 18K pink-gold Oyster Perpetual with a Khanjar dial, engraved bezel and lugs, and riveted bracelet; the punched warranty names an Omani retailer [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1039-oyster-perpetual-lot-377-468 Antiquorum, Geneva, lot 468]
|-
| [[Reference:1022|1022]] || Auction and dealer examples circa 1961–1964; production limits unknown || Cal. 1560 in five sale/dealer records; Watch-Wiki and Time Connection list 1570, but no reviewed specimen confirms it || 34 mm gold examples with Florentine, textured, satin/polished, or fluted surfaces; two records report 1005 inside the caseback
|-
| [[Reference:1023|1023]] || ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971; catalogues date individual examples circa 1964–1969. Waddington’s serial 902827 is in Pergola’s 1962 band; Heritage's circa-1986 attribution for serial 933953 conflicts with the other date clues. Production limits unknown || Cal. 1560 in Gardiner Houlgate; Cal. 1570 in other listings. Time Connection lists both; sequence unknown || Mid-size, no-date; 14K and 18K gold; fluted, milled, Florentine, textured, bark, and paille bezel terms. Inner caseback/case no. 1005 reported
|-
| [[Reference:1024|1024]] || auction examples circa 1965/66–1985; production limits unknown || Cal. 1560 and 1570 in auction records || Gold-covered steel examples; polished smooth bezel per the Field Manual; catalogue sizes 33–36 mm; caseback stamps include 1024 and 1025
|-
| [[Reference:1025|1025]] || individual dealer and auction dates circa 1961–late 1960s; production limits unknown || Cal. 1560 in Freeman's, Meticulous Watches and L o'clock; Cal. 1570 in the Field Manual and auction catalogues || No-date model in the Field Manual; 33.5–34 mm examples; gold-covering terms vary; smooth bezel documented, with an unverified faceted outlier and a silver underline dial. Meticulous Watches reports both outer and inner 1025 marks; photographs do not show them
|-
| [[Reference:1026|1026]] || Dealer listings date examples circa 1963 and 1966; a collector reports a 1967 example || Cal. 1560 listed for one watch; a replacement-parts table lists 1560/1570, with no sequence established || 34 mm yellow-gold examples; bezels described as “Chine” and engraved. The full material and bezel ranges remain unsettled
|-
| 1006 || Ineichen dates one catalogue entry to circa 1962; production span unknown || Ineichen names Cal. 1560; the Field Manual lists Cal. 1570 || Ineichen describes a 34 mm steel watch, case 838,983. Its low-resolution photo appears to show an engine-turned bezel; the Field Manual lists a polished smooth bezel. The catalogue image does not show the between-lugs reference stamp
|-
| [[Reference:1010|1010]] || Two joint 1010/1011 auction lots date to 1960 and 1962; three individually listed 1010s date circa 1962, 1967 and 1968. Worldwide Watches lists a separate 14k example dated 1963 || Cal. 1560 in auction records and the Field Manual; Cal. 1570 in an individual circa-1968 auction lot || Antiquorum contrasts the smooth-bezel 1010 with the faceted 1011. Worldwide Watches lists a 14k underline-dial example dated 1963; the 1stDibs Cal. 1560 report has a conflicting 1011 title

|-
| [[Reference:1011|1011]] || Antiquorum dates an Eaton’s example broadly to the 1950s; other catalogue examples are dated circa 1957, 1960, circa 1962 and circa 1965 || Cal. 1530 (17, 25 and 26 jewels), 1560, 1570 and 1520 (26 jewels) appear in individual records; the Field Manual also lists 1570 || Cited cases measure 32–34mm. Descriptions include faceted, fluted, milled and smooth bezels. Loupe This photos show a 1530-stamped movement in a case marked 5590 on the flank and 5590/1011 inside. Its Eaton’s dial may match Antiquorum’s 1996 lot; Antiquorum 2007 and Finarte 2024 also catalogue Eaton’s watches as 5590/1011.
|-
| [[Reference:1500|1500]] / [[Reference:1501|1501]] / [[Reference:1503|1503]] || Group examples circa 1962–1980; 1501 steel lots dated 1962–1977 and an 18K-gold lot circa 1973; 1503 includes a 1974 dealer-listed blue Shantung dial; production limits unknown || Cal. 1560/1570 auction labels; Rolex parts catalogues list date components under Cal. 1565/1575 || Oyster Perpetual Date. The 1500 has a documented smooth bezel; 1501 records include steel and an 18K-gold example with engine-turned bezel descriptions; 1503 catalogues and the Field Manual show gold cases and fluted bezels. Dealer listings add a blue Shantung dial, a plain-bezel outlier, and an outside-1503 / inside-1500 caseback pairing. The Christie’s caseback attributions remain unresolved; the linked pages explain the evidence.
| [[Reference:1504|1504]] || Individual records circa 1966–1972; limits unknown || Cal. 1570 in auction and dealer records || Gold Date with multiple yellow-gold Moreau examples; one white-gold specimen with a geometric bezel was sold twice. Inner caseback 1503 reported on separate 1504 examples; linked article separates these observations.
|-
| [[Reference:1505|1505]] || Auction estimates circa 1960–1980; the circa-1960 date conflicts with the case serial chart || Cal. 1570 in reviewed auction catalogues; no changeover established || Rolex’s 1980 catalogue describes the steel-and-gold model as the 1503 in steel and gold, with a “fancy dial.” Cambi labels a circa-1971 all-steel example; attribution unresolved. Auction catalogues show blue, silvered and champagne dials, varied bezel terminology, and 34–36 mm measurements
|-
| [[Reference:1506|1506]] || Individual records dated 1960–1967; production limits unknown || Cal. 1570 in two auction catalogues; one seller lists 1575, while its movement photo shows a 1570-marked bridge || 34 mm yellow-gold Date examples with patterned bezels and bracelets called Chine; an inner 1503 caseback stamp and a 1506/1503 catalogue entry remain unexplained
|-
| [[Reference:1507|1507]] || Auction estimates circa 1962–1975; production limits unknown || Auction catalogues label examples Cal. 1560 or 1570; exact fitment unverified || Yellow-gold Oyster Perpetual Date. The inside caseback of a Sotheby’s 1507 is stamped 1503; other catalogues use 1503/1507. Collector lists call the bezel tightly fluted, while auction terms vary. The linked page documents the case, dial and movement evidence
|-
| [[Reference:1510|1510]] || Case-numbered auction examples circa 1965–1970; a circa-1971 serial 2,860,900 listing conflicts with a Drouot hand-wound listing carrying the same serial; production limits unknown || Auction catalogues say Cal. 1570; a photographed movement is marked 1570, but exact date-calibre variant remains unresolved || 18K yellow gold, 34–35 mm in catalogues, textured bezel and bracelet examples, crosshair dials; Morellis, hammered, frosted and other names are source-specific. Phillips and Monaco Legend report 1503 inside casebacks. See [[Reference:1510|1510]] for the evidence and conflicts
|-
| [[Reference:15003|15003]] || Auction examples circa 1983–1986; production limits unknown || Cal. 3035 in exact-reference catalogues || Steel-and-gold 34 mm Oyster Perpetual Date. Christie's photograph shows a smooth rounded bezel; Heritage catalogues a fluted gold bezel on a separate watch. Christie's, Farber and Heritage report Chevrolet caseback emblems; the catalogue records leave their purpose unidentified. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-two-tone-date-chevron-ref-15003-187/73507 Christie's] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-15003-two-tone-gent-s-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1985/a/5081-60267.s Heritage] [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/farber-auctioneers-and-appraisers/rolex-date-two-tone-automatic-watch-15003-5189707 Farber]
|-
| [[Reference:6718|6718]] || Catalogue examples dated 1973–1982; factory span unknown || Cal. 2030 in exact-reference catalogues; 28 jewels in listed examples || Ladies' time-only Oyster Perpetual. Auction catalogues document steel, steel-and-gold, 14K and 18K yellow-gold examples, with 24–26 mm measurements; dial and bracelet details vary by lot. [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/Orologi%20Dicembre%202021%20WEB%20LOW.pdf Pandolfini 2021] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's 2021] [https://www.chiswickauctions.co.uk/auction/lot/248-rolex/?lot=214090&sd=1 Chiswick 2023]
|-
| [[Reference:6744|6744]] || Christie's dates one example circa 1974; Antiquorum and Spangaro may describe the same second watch || Cal. 2030 in Christie's and Antiquorum catalogues; latter lot jointly attributed to 6744/6751 || 18K yellow-gold examples measure 29–30 mm. Catalogues describe a green Sultan Qaboos signature and a green crossed-swords dial; the sword-dial records may concern one watch
| [[Reference:114300|114300]] || 2015–2020 catalogue period || cal 3132 in Rolex product material || Oyster Perpetual 39 in Oystersteel. Rolex documented dark rhodium, red grape, blue, black and white dials; Phillips later catalogued individual lots with a conflicting 3230 attribution, which does not establish a factory-wide change|}

This index concentrates on early, four-digit and published 39 mm plain-name references. Rolex’s current catalogue uses newer Oyster Perpetual references, including 124300 (41 mm) and 124200 (34 mm); their current specifications belong to Rolex’s product pages rather than to the vintage rows above.

== Where it sits across Rolex ==

The [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] and [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] use related Oyster cases and movements. Compare the specific references: shared components do not make watches with different sizes, dial markings or chronometer status interchangeable.

== Related families ==

* [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] — related time-only Oyster references, with their own dial and movement variants.
* [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] — the earlier curved-caseback generation this line's flat-caseback references replaced.
* [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] — related time-only watches, including the 36mm 1016.

== Shared references ==

* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — serial ranges and the limits of dating
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the line
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

== Sources ==

* [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, 12 June 2018, lot 134, ref. 1023/8B]
* [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, 6 December 2025, lot 12570, ref. 1023]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive, ref. 1023]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=856109 Rolex Forums, wtp123’s 2022 ref. 1023 listing]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, 20 May 2025, lot 73, ref. 1023]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans Auktioner, 2 October 2021, ref. 1023 serial 2186841]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, ref. 1023 parts row]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fyexxg/cool_rolex_of_the_day_902_1023_oyster_perpetual/ Reddit, r/rolex, collector identification of a paille bezel]
* [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year guide, 1023/9 and 1023/83]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, 2007 lot 39217, serial 933953, circa-1986 attribution]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction FOUR, ref. 6556, 18K gold]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/139759 Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction XI, ref. 6556, steel]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 Antiquorum, ref. 6556/0, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 Antiquorum, ref. 6556, yellow gold, 2021]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130834 Christie’s, ref. 6556, case 112846]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-6139178/?intObjectID=6139178&lid=1 Christie’s, ref. 6556, case 138'822]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-7/tru-beat-reference-6556-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, ref. 6556, case 731422, 2024]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-364-120 Antiquorum, ref. 6556, 2023]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1445413 Christie’s, ref. 6556, Tru-Beat/Metropolitan naming, 1997]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-37 Monaco Legend Auctions, ref. 6556 described as Metropolitan]
* [https://www.watchpool24.com/en/30735266/rolex-date-15038-shantung-dial WatchPool24, ref. 1503/8 Shantung dial, 1974 listing]
* [https://www.vintagegoldwatches.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1503-14ct-1969/ Vintage Gold Watches, ref. 1503 plain-bezel listing, 1969]
* [https://www.vintagegoldwatches.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1503-14ct-1979/ Vintage Gold Watches, ref. 1503/1500 caseback comparison, 1979]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-43-374 Antiquorum, ref. 6106, 2003 lot 374]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106, 2024 lot 47]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106, 2024 lot 91]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-15-september-2017 Hodinkee, ref. 6106 feature, 15 September 2017]
* [https://laurent-fine-watches.myshopify.com/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6106-in-ss-bubble-back-with-caliber-a260-from-1962 Laurent Fine Watches, ref. 6106 listing (1962; partial serial)]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106, 2025 lot 2191]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106, 2023 lot 1000]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-63 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 2006 lot 63]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6567-lot-272-420 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 2013 lot 420]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-240-180 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 2010 lot 180]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424370 Christie's, ref. 6567, Geneva lot 33]

* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/90b/2i8emvzzugfn6azndct4le5wsmnaukuh.pdf Ineichen, Auction 156, Oyster Perpetual ref. 1006, lot 203]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, ref. 6085 Oyster Perpetual]
* [https://www.craftandtailored.com/products/rolex-big-bubble-back-oyster-perpetual-ref-6084 Craft & Tailored, ref. 6084]
* [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2017-Summer-Edit-Watches-and-Luxury-Accessories/lot/2 Freeman's, 2017, ref. 6584]
* [https://www.ebth.com/items/11312569-vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-6584-14k-gold-automatic-wristwatch EBTH, ref. 6584]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-6584/lpi Artcurial lot 870 archive, ref. 6584]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-133 Antiquorum, 2010, joint refs. 6080/6584]
* [https://astebolaffi.it/en/auction/273/25?page=8 Aste Bolaffi, 2023, title ref. 6584 with caseback described as 6564]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/shop/vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6564 Hodinkee, ref. 6564]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/shop/vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6580 Hodinkee, ref. 6580]
* [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/oyster-perpetual/m114300-0004.pdf Rolex, Oyster Perpetual 39 product sheet for ref. 114300]
* [https://assets.rolex.com/api/brochure/en-us/oyster-perpetual/m124300-0002.pdf Rolex, Oyster Perpetual 41 product sheet for ref. 124300]

* [https://www.adams.ie/W103-lot-33-ROLEX-REF-1022-OYSTER-PERPETUAL-18K-YELLOW-GOLD-FLORENTINE-FINISH-CASE-A?auction_no=W103&page_no=3&sort_by=lot_no Adams Auctioneers, 2025, ref. 1022, case 768587, Cal. 1560]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, 2015, ref. 1022, case 692570, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0036-1/orologio-da-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022--201405270143200 Pandolfini, 2014, ref. 1022, case 692564, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.tajan.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-vers-1964-montre-_FA27968B44 Tajan, 2014, ref. 1022, case 1,060,089]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE Shop, 1963 ref. 1022, case 856369, inside stamp 1005]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, ref. 1022, case 856242, circa 1963, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 reference list, including 1022]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1022 case-parts row listing Cal. 1560 and 1570]

* [https://live.mortonsubastas.com/en/online-auctions/morton-subastas/reloj-rolex-vintage-oyster-perpetual-en-acero-y-chapa-ref-1024-ca-1965---1966-movimiento-autom-tico-6579392 Morton Subastas, ref. 1024, lot 100, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/5/ Waddington's, ref. 1024, lot 5, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/5280014/ Dorotheum, ref. 1024, lot 142, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080121/904 Phillips, ref. 1024, lot 904, Cal. 1570]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-oyster-perpetual-34-mm-ref-1024-circa-1966/a/21193-12012.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1024, 2026, lot 12012]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum, Hong Kong 2018, ref. 1038, lot 295]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum, Geneva 2025, ref. 1038, lot 224]
* [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen, 25 June 2026, ref. 1038, lot 14]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1752923 Christie's, ref. 1038, lot 238]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate, 20 September 2023, ref. 1038, lot 36]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_101_US.pdf Dr. Crott, 101st Auction, 16 November 2019]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1986-rolex-zephyr-in-steel-and-gold Hodinkee Shop, circa-1986 listing identifying ref. 1038]
* [https://www.sandersonandson.com/51828.shtml Sanderson & Son, 2013 listing for a watch dated 1968, ref. 1038]
* [https://angliacarauctions.co.uk/auctions/2699-26-Apr-2025/8069~33-rolex%2C-oyster-perpetual-1024-3020760-gold-plated-automatic-wristwatch Anglia Car Auctions, ref. 1024, 2025, lot 33]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-188 Antiquorum, Air-King 5520/1024, 2006, lot 188]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-22 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 1010/1011, case 576171, lot 22]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-213-465 Antiquorum, 2009, ref. 1010/1011, case 933961, lot 465]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1010-vintage-gold-oyster-perpetual-original-box-and-papers-circa-1962/a/5049-60215.s Heritage Auctions, 2010, ref. 1010, case 646320]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, 2015, ref. 1010, case 1659430, lot 315]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1010-oyster-perpetual-lot-334-19 Antiquorum, 2020, ref. 1010, case 1,960,000, lot 19]
* [https://www.worldwidewatches.es/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bombay-1010-14k/ Worldwide Watches, ref. 1010, 14k, underline dial, 1963]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-5016-steel-bombay-vintage-the-collectors-series/ Monochrome, 2016 interview on the “Bombay”/“Bombe” case nickname]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs item description identifies ref. 1010, while title says 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 1011, case 546423, lot 45]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1588392 Christie’s, circa-1957 ref. 1011, lot 379]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5496491 Christie’s, circa-1962 ref. 1011, case 692498]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, circa-1965 Eaton’s ¼ Century Club ref. 1011, lot 74]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-143 Antiquorum Milan, 1996 Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1011-eaton-quarter-century-club-14k-yg Loupe This lot 2475, photo of Cal. 1530 in case marked 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-654 Antiquorum Geneva, 2004, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 17-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-34-139 Antiquorum New York, 2003, Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-257-412 Antiquorum New York, 2011, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 26-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-160-93 Antiquorum New York, 2007, Eaton’s ref. 5590/1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte Milan, 2024, Eaton’s ref. 5590-1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, Oyster Perpetual reference table: ref. 1011, Cal. 1570, fluted bezel]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 1009, lot 107]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 Phillips, 2016, ref. 1009, lot 7]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2023, ref. 1009, lot 176]
* [https://cdn2.monacolegendauctions.com/auction_catalogs/52-32_catalog.pdf Monaco Legend Auctions, 2023, sale 32 catalogue]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum Geneva, 2026, ref. 1501 case 2,171,365, sale-history date only]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum Geneva, 2026, ref. 1501 case 761,220, Cal. 1560]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, 99th auction, 2019, lots 231 and 245, refs. 1501]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-352-73 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 1501 gold attribution, caseback stamp unreadable]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/it/asta-0795/rolex---date-ref-1501-ricciardi-in-oro-giallo-18k-quadrante-argente-co-272993 Cambi, Milan, 2022, ref. 1501 gold watch with case-number prefix and guarantee]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Rolex Cal. 1565 parts catalogue]
* [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1565/1575 reference lists, including ref. 1501]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-78-29 Antiquorum, ref. 1012, New York 2005 lot 29]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29125/lot/55/ Bonhams, ref. 1012, 2023 lot 55]
* [https://www.henrys.de/index.php?Lang=En&id=27132183&pc=posi HENRY's, ref. 1012, 2026 lot 09-03321]

[[Category:Oyster Perpetual]]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080319/903 Phillips, HK Auction NINE lot 903, exterior ref. 6558 / inner stamp 6556]
* [https://www.matthewbaininc.com/product-page/rare-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1026 Matthew Bain Inc., ref. 1026, item 28122]
* [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/en/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-oyster-perpetual-man-size-ref-1026-18k-yellow-gold-bj-1966-super-rare-15371.html Bachmann & Scher, ref. 1026, item A21745]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1026 and 1026-8 parts rows]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/PrideAndPinion/comments/1q6o8x1/how-do-we-feel-about-vintage-rolexs-on-leather/ Reddit commenter’s self-reported ref. 1026]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1039-oyster-perpetual-lot-377-468 Antiquorum, Geneva, 10 May 2025, lot 468, ref. 1039]

[[Category:Family Hub]]

Reference:6744

2026-10-21T08:47:00Z

Admin: Create researched reference 6744 with sourced images

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 — reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Auction records for the gold Oyster Perpetual 6744, including Cal. 2030 and examples with Omani dial marks.
|keywords=Rolex 6744, Oyster Perpetual 6744, Cal. 2030, Oman dial
|image=Ref_6744_hero.webp
|image_alt=18K yellow-gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 with silver dial and green crossed swords
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]] → '''6744'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 6744 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=18K yellow-gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6744 with silver dial and green crossed swords|Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., lot 28, 2025.]]
</div>

Auction records identify ref. 6744 as a gold, time-only Oyster Perpetual with automatic Cal. 2030 and a case around 30 mm. Three catalogue records describe two forms of green Omani mark. Christie’s describes a Sultan Qaboos signature; Antiquorum calls its dial champagne with an Oman sword logo, while Spangaro describes a silver Sigma dial with crossed swords. The Antiquorum and Spangaro records may concern the same watch, so they do not establish two separate sword-dial examples. These sale descriptions do not establish when either dial was fitted.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 6744
|-
| collection || Oyster Perpetual
|-
| movement || Cal. 2030; 28 jewels in catalogued examples
|-
| case || 18K yellow gold in catalogued examples
|-
| diameter || 29 mm in Spangaro; 30 mm in Christie’s and Antiquorum
|-
| display || Hours, minutes and central seconds
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Christie’s and Spangaro describe their watches as Oyster Perpetuals. Antiquorum catalogues its example jointly as refs. 6744/6751; that shared attribution belongs to the lot. Secondary caliber tables place 6744 among Cal. 2030 Oyster Perpetual references. The material reviewed here does not date the start or end of production.

==Production outline==

The catalogues date individual examples to around 1974. Christie’s lists case 3,625,979; Antiquorum lists case 3,760,425. Spangaro gives only the partial serial 3,760XXX and may describe Antiquorum’s watch: the catalogues both mention an engraved back, and Spangaro’s photographs show the initials K.R. The matching prefix suggests a link, though the incomplete serial prevents confirmation. These lot dates anchor individual watches; a production span has not surfaced. The [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]] explains why these catalogue dates remain lot-specific.

==Movement notes==

Christie’s and Antiquorum identify Cal. 2030 in their respective examples. Christie’s specifies 28 jewels and a steel rotor. The Rolex Forums model-to-caliber table also maps 6744 to Cal. 2030, but it is a collector cross-reference rather than factory documentation. The auction records are the stronger evidence for fitment.

==Dial map==

Christie’s describes a textured champagne dial with Sultan Qaboos’s green signature. Antiquorum records a champagne dial with the Oman sword logo; Spangaro describes a silver Sigma dial with green crossed swords at six. The latter two records may describe one watch. The catalogues document the dials as found at sale; factory installation and the full dial range remain uncertain.

[[File:Ref 6744 dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|220px|Silver Sigma dial with crossed swords, Spangaro lot 28.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Christie’s describes a tonneau-shaped 18K gold case with a textured bezel, screw-down back and screw-down crown. Antiquorum calls its bezel bark-finish and gives a 30 mm diameter. Spangaro lists a domed Plexiglas crystal and screw-down caseback. These lot descriptions show the details recorded on individual watches; the full bezel and crystal range remains undocumented.

[[File:Ref 6744 caseback.webp|thumb|right|220px|Caseback with initials K.R., Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., lot 28.]]

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Christie’s records an 18K Rolex mesh bracelet with deployant buckle. Spangaro lists an 18K gold Rolex bracelet and photographs its textured links and clasp. These pairings document individual watches; original delivery fitment across the reference remains unknown. No reference-specific box or papers appear in the reviewed records.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6744 bracelet.webp|Textured gold bracelet, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 clasp.webp|Clasp on the same watch
</gallery>

==Special branches==

The records document a green Sultan Qaboos signature and a green crossed-swords mark on 6744 examples. Phillips describes Khanjar watches more broadly as commissions associated with Sultan Qaboos. That context explains the emblem; production quantity and factory dial fitment for ref. 6744 remain unresolved.

==Historical market and auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! Sale record !! What it documents
|-
| Christie’s, 2014, lot 395, case 3,625,979 || Ref. 6744; circa 1974; Cal. 2030; 18K gold; green Sultan Qaboos signature; 30 mm; mesh bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva, 17 March 2013, lot 76, case 3,760,425 || Catalogued as refs. 6744/6751; Oman sword logo; Cal. 2030; bark-finish bezel; 30 mm. The catalogue text is reproduced by Collector Square.
|-
| Spangaro, 27 September 2025, lot 28 || Ref. 6744; partial serial 3,760XXX; green crossed swords; Sigma silver dial; 29 mm. Its caseback initials and partial serial may connect it to the 2013 Antiquorum lot.
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6744 hero.webp|Spangaro lot 28, full watch
File:Ref 6744 dial-detail.webp|Silver Sigma dial and green crossed swords, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 caseback.webp|Caseback with initials K.R., Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 bracelet.webp|Textured gold bracelet, Spangaro lot 28
File:Ref 6744 clasp.webp|Bracelet clasp, Spangaro lot 28
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841887 Christie's, "Christie's, Oyster Perpetual ref. 6744, case 3,625,979, lot 5841887", Christie's, 2014-11]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-oyster-perpetual/lpi Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, ref. 6744/6751, case 3,760,425, lot 76", Antiquorum; catalogue text reproduced by Collector Square, 2013-03-17]
* [https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., "Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., ref. 6744, lot 28", Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., 2025-09-27]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 "Rolex Forums model-to-caliber table, ref. 6744", Rolex Forums]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/3830721/the-khanjar-wristwatches Phillips, "Phillips, Royal Provenance: Four Exceptional 'Khanjar' Wristwatches", Phillips, 2016-05-10]

[[Category:Oyster-Perpetual]]

File:Ref 6744 clasp.webp

2026-10-21T08:46:58Z

Admin: Photograph from Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., auction lot 28 (27 September 2025), catalogued as Rolex ref. 6744. Source: https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 . Image cropped/resized for Rolexopedia. Reuse permission and license have not been verified; no license is claimed.

Photograph from Piccolo Oro di Spangaro & C., auction lot 28 (27 September 2025), catalogued as Rolex ref. 6744. Source: https://aste.spangaroandco.com/uk/auction-1227/rolex-rolex---oyster-perpetualbr18kt-yellow-gold-self-winding-time-onl-2470 . Image cropped/resized for Rolexopedia. Reuse permission and license have not been verified; no license is claimed.

File:Ref 6744 bracelet.webp

2026-10-21T08:46:56Z

File:Ref 6744 caseback.webp

2026-10-21T08:46:55Z

File:Ref 6744 dial-detail.webp

2026-10-21T08:46:54Z

File:Ref 6744 hero.webp

2026-10-21T08:46:52Z

Reference:5441

2026-10-21T06:34:02Z

Admin: Add short-form redirect to canonical Cellini Prince reference

#REDIRECT [[Reference:5441/9]]

Reference:bubbleback

2026-10-21T06:28:45Z

Admin: Clarify the cited 5010 dealer example

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex bubbleback}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex bubbleback — Production, Dial Variants, Serial Ranges | Rolexopedia
|description=Early Rolex Oyster Perpetual references with domed casebacks, documented examples, and catalogue dates into the late 1950s.
|keywords=Rolex Bubbleback, Ovetto, Ovettone, Padellone, Oyster Perpetual, Monoblocco, Submarine Hermetique, 1858, 3131, 3372, 4467, 3666, 6098, 8171, 3525, 3003, 6105, Datejust, Precision, Cal. 520, Cal. 620, Cal. 630, Cal. 1030, vintage Rolex, collector guide
|image=Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement with an Oyster Perpetual watch
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-04-17T21:11:45Z
|modified_time=2026-07-18T12:59:54Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

== Rolex Oyster & Bubbleback ==

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement|Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement]]
</div>

The Bubbleback is Rolex's early Oyster Perpetual family. The automatic rotor needed a deeper case than a hand-wound movement, so Rolex domed the back over the mechanism. Later references with thinner movements could use flatter backs. Auction catalogues date some large no-date examples, including ref. 5026, into the late 1950s; those estimates do not set an endpoint for the whole family. Italian collectors call the standard 32mm case Ovetto and the 36mm cases Ovettone.

== Common entry points ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a first-generation Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1858|1858]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Catalogued watches carry dates of 1933, circa 1935, and the 1930s.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a two-piece case Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3131|3131]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First two-piece case Bubbleback. The 1936 case simplification, precious-metal only (9K, 14K, 18K yellow and pink gold), Cal 620 with sub-seconds.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from a Luxury Model dial photo?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3372|3372]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The "Luxury Model" name appears in period advertising; documented examples and manual entries show several bezel and seconds configurations.</div></div></div>
</div>

== Pre-Oyster / Submarine (1922–1926) ==

Rolex dates its Submarine to 1922 and describes a watch hinged inside a second case, with a screw-down bezel and crystal; reaching the crown required opening the outer case. David Boettcher distinguishes Hermetic watches sold under the Submarine name from watches branded Rolex. Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent CH 89276 describes a stem-wound watch with a protective case. Boettcher notes that Wilsdorf's 1922 British patent describes the same case design but does not name Finger. [https://www.rolex.com/oyster-story/visionary-undertaking/building-an-impenetrable-defence Rolex, “Building an impenetrable defence”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexhermetic.php Boettcher, “Rolex Hermetic”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexsubmarine.php Boettcher, “Rolex Submarine?”]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || Cargills catalogue: 1924; Bonhams: circa 1925 || Manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || Cargills calls its watch “Submarine Hermetique” and reports Rolex signatures; Phillips catalogues a separate 1940 chronograph as ref. 3666 ([https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Bold Timepieces]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/watchesofknightsbridge/catalogue-id-srwatc10008/pdfexport Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 376]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080216/54 Phillips])
|}

== Pre-Perpetual Oyster ==

Before the Bubbleback, Rolex produced manual-wind Oysters. Auction catalogues identify several with 10½- or 9¾-ligne Aegler Hunter movements at Prima, Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots also name Prima and Ultra Prima grades, but do not assign a numeric caliber. Glasgow import hallmarks recur on British-market examples; the assay date belongs to the case, not necessarily the watch’s manufacture.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Lot-specific dials; Vintage & Prestige stock W3770 reproduces a 1930 guarantee recording sale on a Milanese band; 260554 is a British winding-crown patent number, while its role in the Bonhams watch’s catalogue field remains unverified
|-
| [[Reference:2081|2081]] || Auction dates range from the 1920s to 1948; span unproved || 10-ligne/15-jewel Prima and 10½-ligne/17-jewel lots; one 1947 lot names Cal. 700, 10½-ligne/15-jewel Extra-Prima || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless steel, 9K gold and chrome-plated examples || “Standard Oyster,” “Oyster Imperial” and “Oyster Chronometer” catalogue labels; Antiquorum’s steel-only note conflicts with gold and chrome-plated lots
|-
| [[Reference:1069|1069]] || Antiquorum dates lots to 1920s; Christie's circa 1930; span unproved || Manual; 11-ligne/15j movement reported once; other descriptions differ || Cushion; catalogued 30–32mm, steel and silver-plated examples || Solar Aqua/Anti-Magnetic dial; caseback 21836 has a conflicting 1940s seller date
|-
| [[Reference:1072|1072]] || Auctions date examples to the 1930s, circa 1938, and 1940s; one dealer assigns circa 1927, span unresolved || 10-ligne/18j and 15-jewel Prima descriptions; caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, 31–34mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Silvered Arabic, gilt-baton, two-tone 24-hour, and one Bucherer-signed dealer dial record
|-
| [[Reference:1073|1073]] || Antiquorum circa 1926; Christie's circa 1930; Bonhams 1930s; dealer 1934; production span unproved || Antiquorum: 10½-ligne Extra Prima, 15j; other auction lots name Prima grades || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Enamel Breguet, silvered Arabic, Roman, and one dealer-described California dial
|-
| [[Reference:2136|2136]] || c.1926–1940 || 10½′′′ Hunter, 15j manual || 32–34mm octagonal / cushion || Early manual-wind gold Oyster; Borgel-lineage three-piece construction; same reference reused c.1960 for a Cal. 1400 Precision
|-
| [[Reference:34075|34075]] || Christie’s dates the individual watch 1926; Sotheby’s reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927; production series unproved || 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, 17j (Sotheby’s) || 9ct gold octagonal case, wire lugs, 31 × 27mm (Christie’s) || Gleitze’s ‘Companion Oyster’; Christie’s calls it No. 34075, Sotheby’s calls it reference 34075; single object record
|-
| [[Reference:2849|2849]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1936, 1938 and 1940; Antiquorum dates two cases to 1937; production span unproved || Christie’s describes 18-jewel lever/Hunter movements; Antiquorum attributes 17-jewel Cal. 500 to two 1937 watches, with one lot’s stated caliber dates conflicting || 32–33mm; steel examples and one steel-and-gold catalogue description, disputed against a steel-only note || Broad stepped bezel; period “Oyster De Luxe” wording and later “Lifesaver” nickname
|-
| [[Reference:3003|3003]] · [[Reference:3004|3004]] || 1937 launch || Manual lever movements; two auction lots describe 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples || One catalogued 3003 is 27mm steel/pink gold; one 3004 is 30mm steel || First pair listed under Oyster Precision; documented examples differ in case and seconds layout
|-
| [[Reference:1873|1873]] || Most auction dates c.1930–1940; Cambi lists c.1954 || Manual; 15–18j; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades || 31–32mm; seven steel entries, one 9K gold; tonneau-form cases catalogued || Eight auction entries; one flat-back title; Cambi describes central seconds
|}

== Other manual-wind Oyster references ==

Manual-wind Oyster references ran alongside the automatic Bubbleback. Auction records describe tonneau or cushion cases and manual movements; the automatic Bubbleback line used rotor movements.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1573|1573]] || Auction examples dated circa 1930 through the 1940s; production span unknown || Manual; Antiquorum photo shows 15 jewels; Master of Time assigns Cal. 600 (17 jewels) to one Viceroy example; not confirmed across the reference || Tonneau/tortue; 28–29 × 38–39mm across catalogues; steel, steel/gold-bezel and 9ct gold examples || BEYER-signed black dial and Dobbies attribution documented; Imperial and Viceroy are sale names, not established production variants
|-
| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33 mm; steel, including one with a pink-gold bezel || Catalogue titles include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory, Royalite, Majestic Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials
|-
| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; Christie’s also describes an Ultra Prima movement; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; one white Roman-numeral dial with soldered lugs; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported
|-
| [[Reference:3139|3139]] || c.1940–1942 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm cushion Oyster, 3-piece || Only Rolex with "Army" on the dial; cushion case in the Borgel-derived 1920s family; documented British military and civilian examples
|-
| [[Reference:3351|3351]] || Auction dates circa 1935 and 1940s; Dawsons estimates circa 1942; a collector post dates a pictured Seaforth circa 1942; run unknown ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit]) || Cal. 59 reported on Standard/Regent/Lincoln examples; separate Extra Prima ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor 3351-F]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) || 28–29mm; circular hooded-lug or cushion; steel, gilt/gold-filled and two-tone cases || Standard, Regent, Lincoln and Extra Precision labels; Seaforth/Observatory dial. Dealer archives write 3351-F/3351f; suffix meaning unresolved ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor])
|-
| [[Reference:3359|3359]] || c.1939–1947 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm tonneau Oyster, two-tone SS + pink gold || ''Viceroy''-signed dial; two-tone SS case with pink gold bezel; applied luminous numerals
|-
| [[Reference:3358|3358]] || auction examples dated c.1940 and 1942; range unproved || Cal. 700 directly named on one lot; manual movement on another || Steel three-body Oyster with pink-gold bezel; catalogued diameters 28, 29 and 30mm || Separate ''Viceroy'' and ''Oyster Chronomètre'' dial descriptions; not an automatic Bubbleback
|-
| [[Reference:2765|2765]] || c.1939–1942 catalogue dates; range unproved || 10–10½-ligne manual, 17–18j; caliber unresolved || 31–32mm steel tonneau Oyster; screw-down back and crown || Misclassified as a Bubbleback on collector lists; ten auction appearances represent eight watches
|-
| [[Reference:2784|2784]] || individual catalogue estimates c.1930–1945; range unproved || Manual, 15–17j; FHF 30 is a family-level possibility (Tudor Cal. 59); no original 2784 movement confirms it || Usually 30–31mm barrel Oyster; steel and steel/gold documented || Junior Sport, Lipton, Viceroy, Raleigh, Centregraph and photographed Solar Aqua names
|-
| [[Reference:3009|3009]] || range unproved; Glasgow import mark 1937 and presentation inscription 1947 || Mostly catalogued manual, 17–18j; Cal. 700 family attribution probable; two repeated LSK automatic descriptions unresolved || 30–33mm precious-metal tonneau Oyster || White enamel Scientific dial plus Observatory, 24-hour, California and silvered layouts
|-
| [[Reference:3096|3096]] || Bonhams c.1930; Sotheby’s c.1937; span unproved. Gardiner Houlgate reports 1937 Glasgow import marks on the watch with serial 41066 || Manual winding on Bonhams example; 18-jewel/six-position and jewelled-lever descriptions elsewhere; caliber unconfirmed || 30mm gold cushion case; 9ct/9K in three records; Gardiner Houlgate describes hooded lugs || “Oyster Chronometer” wording; central seconds on one example and subsidiary seconds on three
|-
| [[Reference:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; a documented 1940s small-Oyster manual-wind configuration
|}

== First Bubbleback ==

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Vintage & Prestige also lists Cal. 520 for stock W2107; Hodinkee's 2024 family guide assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Antiquorum dates one example to 1933 and another to circa 1935; Phillips dates case 52,736 to circa 1935, while Antiquorum Hong Kong gives circa 1930s. WatchNet Japan lists a stainless-steel example, product A-6378, at 30.5 mm with a four-part case. Antiquorum, Aste Bolaffi, and WatchNet describe engraved watchmaker instructions on individual watches.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1858|1858]] || Catalogued examples dated 1933, circa 1935, and 1930s || Field Manual and dealer listings attribute Cal. 520; Hodinkee assigns Cal. 620 to the first series; catalogues report 8¾ or 9¾ line and 17 or 19 jewels || 30.5–32 mm in individual listings; three-body and four-part cases || First Bubbleback per the Field Manual; instructions engraved on several catalogued movements
|}

== Two-piece case era (1936–1944) ==

Rolex introduced a two-piece Bubbleback case with refs. 3131 and 3132 in 1936. Other references still appear in catalogues as three-body cases, including the 3134. Cal. 620 (subsidiary seconds) and Cal. 630 (sweep seconds) became the dominant automatic calibers, developed by Emile Borer at Aegler.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:2240|2240]] || 1930s–1940s catalogue dates; range unproved || 9¾-ligne automatic, 19j, centre seconds; caliber unresolved || 32mm steel tonneau; back profile unshown on specialist-catalogued examples || Bubbleback classification probable; a separately attributed watch has a domed back but no published reference engraving
|-
| [[Reference:3131|3131]] || 1936–1948 || Cal. 620, 17j, sub-seconds || 32mm tonneau, 2-piece || First two-piece case Bubbleback; precious-metal only (9K/14K/18K YG & PG)
|-
| [[Reference:3134|3134]] || c.1939–1957 catalogue dates; production span unknown || Automatic; 9½ and 9¾ lignes reported; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32 mm in most catalogues, with 30, 32.5 and 33 mm outliers; tonneau, three-body descriptions || Steel, a steel/yellow-gold case and two steel/gold listings with alloy unspecified; California-dial originality unconfirmed
|-
| [[Reference:3135|3135]] || 1938–c.1945 catalogue dates || 9¾-ligne automatic family; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32–33mm steel tonneau; one example catalogued as two-body || Sector, Roman, radium, pink and 24-hour dials documented; manual-wind listing is a probable 3135/3136 catalogue error
|-
| [[Reference:3599|3599]] || 1939–1946 catalogue dates || Early Perpetual family; Cal. 635 documented with subsidiary seconds || 31–34mm catalogued, fitted hood covers || Mainly steel; wide flat bezel; fluted and smooth hoods; centre-seconds auction examples have unresolved caliber and factory status
|-
| [[Reference:3372|3372]] || auction estimates c.1938–c.1959; factory range unconfirmed || Cal. 630 listed by Field Manual and named in one lot; other catalogues give 9¾-ligne / N 1411; centre and subsidiary seconds recorded || tonneau case; 32–33mm in cited lots; case and bezel variants || "Luxury Model" name reported in period advertising; 3372/0 listed with smooth polished bezel; dials need lot-specific originality checks
|}

== Straight-lug Empire Oyster ==

Collector Marcus Siems groups the straight-lug refs. 3548 and 3716 under the name Empire; Antiquorum says period advertisements used the Italian form “Impero.” The 3548 has centre seconds and the 3716 subsidiary seconds. Catalogue dates for 3716 examples range from circa 1940 to an outlying 1950s attribution, so the group does not supply a confirmed production span. See [[Reference:3548|3548]] and [[Reference:3716|3716]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3716|3716]] || Catalogued circa 1940–46; one 1989 catalogue gives a 1950s date || 9¾-ligne automatic; Cal. 620 / 635 assignments conflict || 31–32 mm straight-lug case; steel, yellow and pink gold examples || Subsidiary seconds; paired in collector sources with centre-seconds ref. 3548
|}

== Early two-pusher Oyster chronograph (1939–mid-1940s) ==

The 3525 is commonly described as the first two-pusher chronograph in Rolex’s Oyster case; earlier Oyster-cased monopusher chronographs existed. Its one-piece upper case gave rise to the collector term ''Monoblocco''. Some surviving examples have documented wartime orders and deferred payment, including those catalogued for Clive Nutting and Leon Brownlee.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] || catalogue examples c.1940–1945; factory span unconfirmed || Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23 family, manual chronograph || ~35mm monobloc Oyster SS/gold || Commonly described as an early two-pusher Oyster chronograph; earlier Oyster monopushers existed. Nutting example offered in 2007 with CHF 130,000–160,000 estimate; result not shown
|}

== First Datejust / Ovettone (1945–1953) ==

The 4467 launched in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary. The 4467 article covers the early Datejust, its 36mm case, Jubilee bracelet and documented examples.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4467|4467]] || 1945–1949 || Cal. A.295 (= 740/745), 18j || 36mm 18K YG/PG tonneau, 2-piece || Early Datejust; early Jubilee and solid end-link configuration; ''Ovettone''; date wheel evolves all-black → all-red → roulette
|-
| [[Reference:4984|4984]] || Christie's/HENRY's c.1940s–c.1945 (likely same watch); About Time estimates c.1947; span unknown || Automatic; caliber not identified; movement nos. N15927 (likely repeat sale) and N880639 || ~32mm; pink- and yellow-gold examples || Two photographed watches; individual two-tone and silver dial descriptions; no factory variant range established
|-
| [[Reference:5030|5030]] || circa 1948 || Cal. A.295 / 740 (see reference-specific sources) || 36mm; solid gold examples || Early date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; paired with the 5031 in some collector usage
|-
| [[Reference:5031|5031]] || auction dates range from circa 1948 to the 1960s || Automatic in sale catalogues; caliber unresolved || 34–36mm in catalogues; steel and pink or yellow gold described || Date at 3; movement and case details vary by example
|-
| [[Reference:6031|6031]] || auction dates include circa 1949–1950 and the 1950s || Automatic in catalogues; caliber unresolved || 35–36mm; 18K yellow and pink gold catalogued || Date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; left-hand examples catalogued with crown at 9
|-
| [[Reference:6074|6074]] || Platinum commission dated 1950; gold attributions circa 1950s unresolved || Cal. 630 NA on one gold watch with reworked caseback; 9¾-ligne/17j on platinum lot; no reference-wide assignment || 34–36mm in separate catalogues || Platinum example has smooth bezel; gold examples need attribution checks
|-
| [[Reference:6075|6075]] || Auction dates include 1950–51; one c.1961 estimate conflicts || A.295 and A.296 attributed in separate catalogues || 35–36mm; 18K YG/PG and steel + YG; one 10K YG catalogue description || Gold, pink-gold and two-tone cases; one photographed Datejust dial is graded restored
|-
| [[Reference:6105|6105]] || Early 1950s; catalogue dates vary || A.296 and 745-attributed examples || 36mm; gold and two-tone examples || Early dial-signed Datejust; often credited as first, but factory first use is not settled by the 6075 restored dial
|}

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5026 ==

Ref. 5026 is documented in 36 mm steel automatic examples with subsidiary seconds. Auction catalogues date individual watches from circa 1946 to circa 1958, but those estimates do not define the reference's production span. Aste Bolaffi assigns automatic Cal. 720/18 jewels to case 443371; other catalogues do not name a caliber. [[Reference:5026|The reference article]] records the case, dial, movement, and bracelet evidence. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-time-travel/rolex-steel-bubble-back-enamel-dial-ref-5026-123/71687 Christie's, lot 123] [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5026-lot-297-239 Antiquorum, lot 239]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5028 ==

Ref. 5028 is a large, no-date automatic Oyster Perpetual catalogued in steel and 18K gold, usually grouped with the Ovettone Bubblebacks. Case measurements in sale records are 35–36 mm. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945; Christie's gives circa 1946 for that same case and dates case 493076 to 1946. Other dated examples include Monaco Legend case 411813 (1958) and an unnumbered Antiquorum watch dated to the 1960s. These catalogue dates do not establish a production span. Records show centre-seconds and dual-seconds dials; movement descriptions vary between 10½ and 11 lignes and do not settle a single caliber. See [[Reference:5028|the case and dial record for ref. 5028]]. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, 2023, lot 47] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, New York 2026, lot 98] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, Geneva 2006, lot 32] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 126] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5029 ==

Auction catalogues document separate 5029 examples dated circa 1947 and 1949, in two-tone steel and gold, yellow gold, and pink gold. The 35–36 mm cases carry different dial and bezel layouts. Catalogued movement descriptions vary between A.295, “Super Balance 730,” and 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements; each remains tied to its own example. [[Reference:5029|The reference article]] records the case-numbered evidence and disputed listings. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, lot 144] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295]

== Late small Bubbleback examples ==

Auction catalogues date individual ref. 5002 watches from circa 1945 to circa 1952, and ref. 5006 examples from 1948 into the 1950s. Dealer and auction listings also identify ref. 5045 examples around 1949–50; the Loupe This lot includes a photograph of the inner caseback stamp. The 5002 records describe 23–26 mm steel, two-tone, and gold cases; 5006 records give 29–30 mm steel and gold examples. For 5013, Doyle and Linckersdorff list solid-gold watches; Curious Curio, Cool Auction, and GMTBroker describe steel cases with gold bezels. The examined listings show several dial layouts, but do not establish their order or factory originality. Cool Auction assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA to its individual watch. A Rolex Forums chart gives 9.75 lignes, a size notation rather than a caliber. One marketplace listing describes a centre-seconds chapter-ring 5013, but its photograph shows no reference stamp or caseback, so that attribution is unverified. Ref. 5052 appears in two case-numbered auction records: Christie’s describes pink-gold case 653977 as self-winding and dates it to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates steel case 663654 to the 1950s. Both records give 32 mm. The available examples do not establish a production span or numbered caliber. See [[Reference:5052|the 5052 article]]. These dates and configurations belong to individual records, not production endpoints. Christie’s describes its circa-1940 ref. 6006 as a Bubble Back. Later Christie’s and Antiquorum catalogues document gold examples dated 1952–55, with both central and subsidiary seconds. The 1952 Antiquorum watch is case 927300, with Cal. 520 and a restored subsidiary-seconds dial. These lot dates do not establish production boundaries. See [[Reference:6006|the 6006 record]]. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1588049 Christie’s, circa-1940 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie’s, 1953 ref. 6006] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie’s, circa-1955 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, item 14105766] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, product 7593] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, lot 33] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 107] [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125] [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, 5013 listing] [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums model-to-caliber chart, 5013 row]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:5002|5002]] || Catalogue dates circa 1945–1952; run unverified || Automatic; Cal. 420 assignment uncertain because its catalogue describes centre-seconds, while 5002 lots describe subsidiary seconds || 23–26 mm in cited lots; steel, steel/pink gold, yellow gold, pink gold, and rose gold || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual with subsidiary seconds; Field Manual lists /7 and /8 suffix descriptions, not tied to observed lots
|-
| [[Reference:5003|5003]] || Individual catalogue estimates circa 1949–1953; later 1960s estimates and a weak circa-1972 transcription conflict; run unverified || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; numeric caliber unidentified || 23–27 mm; steel, steel/gold, 10K and 18K gold examples || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual; Field Manual lists /3, /7, /8 variants, not matched to auction examples
|-
| [[Reference:5006|5006]] || Individual records dated 1948 through the 1950s; run unverified || Automatic; Field Manual lists Chronometer Perpetual variants; numeric caliber unresolved || 29–30 mm; steel, steel with yellow- or rose-gold bezel, and gold listed || Mid-size suffix variants 5006/3 and 5006/7 in the Field Manual; auction dial descriptions differ
|-
| [[Reference:5010|5010]] || Catalogue examples circa 1945–1955; production span unverified || Automatic, centre seconds; 9¾-ligne size in catalogues, numbered caliber unresolved || Steel and two-tone; 31–33 mm in cited records || Dial descriptions include a salmon Arabic-and-baton layout and the circa-1948 Arabic-numeral/alpha-hand item SBUXYT2384; Phillips records a 1950 Anno Sancto bezel. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-856369 Christie's] [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, lot 1007] [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-two-tone-bubbleback-reference-5010 item SBUXYT2384] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]
|-
| [[Reference:5013|5013]] || Individual listings date examples to the 1940s; production span unknown || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; one seller assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA; reference-wide caliber unresolved || Approx. 32 mm; solid-gold and steel/gold examples listed || Cream Arabic-and-baton, Roman, wedge-marker, and silver Arabic dials appear in separate records; sequence and originality are not established
|-
| [[Reference:5045|5045]] || Individual examples dated circa 1949–50; production span unverified || Automatic; chart and dealer give different 9¾-line NA and 10½-line NA movement-size/family designations; no caliber established || 31–32 mm; steel and rose-gold or bi-color listings || Inner caseback stamp photographed on one example; silver 12-3-6-9 and wedge-marker dials appear in listings; one listing describes luminous markers around a circular minute track. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI] [https://timeanagram.com/products/12221 TIMEANAGRAM]
|-
| [[Reference:5052|5052]] || Christie’s dates case 653977 to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates case 663654 to the 1950s; production span unknown || Automatic in two auctioned examples; Rolex case table lists 9¾-ligne automatic movement; numbered caliber unresolved || Pink gold and steel; 32 mm in both case-numbered records || Christie’s records subsidiary seconds on case 653977; the automatic case 663654 has a conflicting manual-wind Cal. 635 attribution with an incomplete serial in a later catalogue
|-
| [[Reference:5018|5018]] || Auction catalogues date examples from 1948 into the 1950s; one case receives conflicting 1949 and circa-1959 dates || Automatic, centre seconds; catalogues report 9¾-line and 17/19 jewels; numbered caliber unresolved || 32–34 mm in cited lots; steel, 18K gold, and steel/yellow-gold || Auction titles use Bombé and Bombay; catalogues show varied dial layouts. Production span remains unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-23 Antiquorum, case 608519] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5367913 Christie’s, case 678865] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5018-oyster-perpetual-lot-344-297 Antiquorum, case 608632] [https://www.finarte.it/auction/fine-watches-milan-2025-06-09/rolex-oyster-perpetual-5018-137264?lang=en Finarte, case 670691]
|}

<span id="Triple_calendar_flagship_—_Padellone_(1949–1953)"></span>
== Triple calendar: Padellone (1949–1953) ==

"Padellone" means "big pan" in Italian, an augmentative of ''padella'' ("pan") that follows the same naming logic as Ovetto/Ovettone. Triple calendar (day, month, date) plus moonphase. The Padellone uses a snap caseback rather than the screw-down construction of an Oyster case.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:8171|8171]] || c.1949–1953 || Cal. A.295 CPL automatic triple calendar moonphase, in-house Aegler || 38mm non-Oyster snap caseback, 18K YG/PG, SS rare || Triple calendar + moonphase; ''Padellone''; published examples include stainless steel and gold cases
|}

== Ref. 4392 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4392 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1945 through one circa-1959 estimate. The records describe 31–32 mm steel and gold cases and identify Cal. 630 / 630NA in several watches. Antiquorum's case 607544 pairs a Cal. 630 catalogue attribution with a small-seconds dial it considers probably reprinted; its photos do not show the movement. [[Reference:4392|The reference article]] keeps these details tied to their individual catalogue records. [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/catalog-print.zx?ic5=CatalogHome-AucType-PrintableCatalog-071515&saleNo=5097 Heritage, lot 60319] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

== Ref. 4919 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4919 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1947 to the 1950s; Farsettiarte dates a caseback-marked example circa 1960. A secondary copy of an Antiquorum catalogue assigns one example to the 1930s, in conflict with those later dates; see [[Reference:4919|the 4919 article]] for the source and limits. None sets a production span. Auction descriptions and an undated technical table give an automatic 9¾-line movement, but no numeric caliber is confirmed. Collectors group 4919 with Bubblebacks. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1720329 Christie's] [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uploads/auctions/187-asta_257_Orologi_5_dicembre_2024.pdf Farsettiarte, lot 50] [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Rolex Boîtes Oyster table]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Catalogue dates !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4919|4919]] || One copied catalogue gives a 1930s outlier; others date examples circa 1947–1960; production span unknown || Automatic, 9¾-line in catalogues; numeric caliber unresolved || Steel with yellow- or pink-gold bezels; 31–34 mm in cited examples || Separate dial layouts include a Serpico y Laino-signed example; Tennants reports one caseback marked 4919 5011, unexplained
|}

== Post-Bubbleback / Super Oyster (1952–1953) ==

Cal. 1030, a bidirectional automatic, allowed Rolex to use a flatter caseback than the Bubbleback profile. A September 1953 letter from Bruno Vailati thanks Rolex for seven “Super Oyster” watches supplied to his Red Sea expedition; the letter does not identify them by reference. Perezcope attributes Vailati’s own watch to ref. 6098. Monaco Legend later used “Super Oyster” for ref. 6029, case 706020. Antiquorum dates that same case to 1950 and describes its domed, screw-down back. Abell Watchmakers calls a separately numbered ref. 6029 “Big Bubble Back.” These are source-specific labels, not evidence of a single model definition. [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, “Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches” (2023)] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2021, lot 181] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, 2007, lot 254] [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || “Super Oyster” wording in Vailati’s 1953 letter for expedition watches; Perezcope attributes his watch to 6098
|}

== Related references ==

The Bubbleback era connects forward to:
* [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Super Oyster, 60m water resistance in 1952; pre-Explorer and pre-Submariner ancestor)
* [[Reference:6150|6150]] (first Explorer, 1952)
* [[Reference:6204|6204]] (first Submariner, 1953)
* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; published labels vary. Dorotheum says period Rolex catalogues misprinted it as 4663; the ''Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' lists 4643 and 4663 separately, and the discrepancy remains unresolved.)
* 6305 (first Datejust with Cyclops, 1954)
* 6604 and 6605 (first Datejust with instantaneous date change, Cal. 1065, 1956–57)

== Related families ==

* [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] — the descendant line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 originating Air-Kings sit in the same Bubbleback case architecture and run on the same Aegler hand-wound calibers.
* [[Reference:prince|Prince]] — the parallel 1930s line. The Aegler-supplier relationship that powers the Prince also powers every Bubbleback caliber.
* [[Reference:daytona|Daytona]] — the chronograph ancestor. The pre-Daytona Antimagnetique, Monoblocco, and 4xxx tonneau Oyster chronographs share the same era and case lineage.

== Shared references ==

* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — early serial ranges and hallmark dating
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Bubbleback line
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

== Sources ==

===Primary and specialist===

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36789]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36,848]
* [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler Auktionen, ref. 2416, case 32342]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29894/lot/85/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-oyster-ref-3096-circa-1930/ Bonhams, ref. 3096, case 41164, circa 1930]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, ref. 3096, serial 41066, Glasgow import marks dated 1937]
* [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/323442/a-rolex-oyster-9ct-gold-cushion-shape-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, ref. 3096, caseback marked 4111/3096]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-6 Sotheby’s, Watches 2020, ref. 3096, lot 51, circa 1937]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/watch-9190889 EveryWatch transcription of Sotheby’s lot 51]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php David Boettcher, Rolex 2416 examples in Oyster Watch Co. cases]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Scanned Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/44 Watchnet Japan, ref. 2416 “England Dial” listing]
* [https://www.sandersonandson.com/51979.shtml Sanderson & Son, ref. 2416 Speedking listing]
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoystercase.php David Boettcher, "The Rolex Oyster Case — Hermetic, Submarine and the Borgel lineage", vintagewatchstraps.com]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A, “Improvements in keyless watches”]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH114948A/en Swiss patent CH114948A, “Winding watch”]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/2022/9/7/the-oyster-story Owen Lawton, "The Oyster Story (Part 1)", Wind Vintage, 2022]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/how-rolex-became-rolex-the-automatic-perpetual-movement-part-2 Charlie Dunne, "How Rolex Became Rolex: The Automatic Perpetual Movement, Part 2", Wind Vintage, 2023]
* [https://quillandpad.com/2019/04/09/the-golden-age-of-rolex-movements-part-i-sowing-the-seeds-of-greatness/ Tim Mosso, "The Golden Age of Rolex Movements, Part I", Quill & Pad, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction XII, lot 20 — ref. 1858, steel, bow-tie dial, c.1935", Phillips, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, "Mondani Collection, lot 229 — ref. 1858 Didactic, Bucherer-signed, 1933", Antiquorum, 2006]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, "Torino, lot 34 — Rolex Ovetto ref. 1858 Didactic", Aste Bolaffi, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, Geneva, lot 233 — ref. 1858 case 48191, circa 1935]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, lot 47 — ref. 1858 case 48449, circa 1930s]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — dealer-described 9K example]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — ref. 1858, Cal. 520, four-part case, 30.5 mm]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-83-146 Antiquorum, "Geneva, lot 146 — ref. 2136, steel cushion Oyster, c.1925", Antiquorum, 1999]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-online/rolex-ref-3372-bubbleback-retailed-by-serpico-y Sotheby's, "Watches Online, lot 71 — ref. 3372, salmon dial, retailed by Serpico y Laino, c.1945", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436 Antiquorum, New York 2001, lot 436 — ref. 3372, Cal. 630, centre seconds]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-79 Antiquorum, Geneva 2006, lot 79 — ref. 3372, steel and 18K gold, three-body case]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206 Phillips, Geneva 2015, lot 206 — ref. 3372, two-tone case, four-segment dial]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-8/reference-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-a Sotheby's, New York 2021, lot 166 — ref. 3372, steel, silvered dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75 Antiquorum, Hong Kong 2024, lot 75 — ref. 3372, steel, circa-1959 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/222 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction VII, lot 222 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, roulette date, c.1945", Phillips, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30160/lot/116/rolex-a-rare-18k-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-pre-datejust-oyster-perpetual-ref-4467-purchased-6th-august-1948/ Bonhams, "Lot 116 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, purchased 6 August 1948, with Bucherer receipt and chronometer certificate", Bonhams]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4467-datejust-souscription-lot-368-95 Antiquorum, "Hong Kong, lot 95 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, numbered souscription edition", Antiquorum, 2024]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080119/68 Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, "The Geneva Watch Auction NINE, 12 May 2019, lot 68 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', 18K yellow gold, case 762'159", Phillips, 2019]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5759044 Christie's, "Important Watches, New York, sale 2753, 17 December 2013, lot 186 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel with diamond-set numerals, case 902'514", Christie's, 2013]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Important Watches, Hong Kong, 9 October 2020, lot 2143 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel, case 686'356", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24235/lot/115/rolex-a-very-rare-18k-gold-automatic-triple-calendar-wristwatch-with-moon-phase-padellone-ref-8171-circa-1955/ Bonhams, "Fine Watches and Wristwatches, London New Bond Street, 13 December 2017, lot 115 — 18K gold ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', cal. A.295 CPL no. 20696", Bonhams, 2017]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum, "Ref. 3525 chronograph, Corporal Clive Nutting provenance", Geneva, 2007]
* [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, "Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches", 2023]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/ Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, "Catalogue usage — ''Ovetto'' for 32mm Bubblebacks, ''Ovettone'' for 36mm Big Bubblebacks", Pandolfini]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum Geneva, 1990, lot 397 — gold 6074 attribution]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum Vicenza, 1992, lot 67 — platinum 6074]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum Geneva, 2025, lot 223 — gold 6074 attribution]

===Editorial and market===
* [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762, “Big Bubble Back”]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, The Rolex Connoisseur's Collection Part Two, lot 181, ref. 6029, case 706020, 2021]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, Geneva, 11 November 2007, lot 254, ref. 6029, case 706020]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-prima-1925/ Vintage & Prestige, ref. 1925 stock W3770, Milanese bracelet and 1930 guarantee]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, ref. 2280 and Cal. 710 (Japanese, 2022)]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s New York, ref. 2280, lot 403]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Henrik Korpela, SJX Watches, 2015 — gold watch, movement and altered caseback]
* [https://www.watchlover.it/2016/09/21/rolex-ovettone-big-bubbleback/ Watchlover, 2016 — illustrated 6074 and smooth bezel]

* [https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/rolex-bubbleback-watches-collector-guide-1931-1950s-1235893131/ Robb Report, "A Collector's Guide to Rolex Bubbleback Watches, 1931–1950s", Robb Report]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, "Rolex Unicorns Part II — Ref. 8171 Triple Calendar ''Padellone'' in Steel", SJX Watches, 2019]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/what-makes-the-rolex-padellone-ref-8171-so-special/ Robert-Jan Broer, "What Makes The Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 So Special?", Fratello Watches, 2024]
* [https://www.hautetime.com/close-up-1-14-million-rolex-reference-8171-padellone/38057/ Adrienne Faurote, "Close Up: $1.14 Million Rolex Reference 8171 ''Padellone''", HauteTime, 2013]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-datejust-complete-history/ Monochrome Watches, "The Evergreens: Complete History of the Rolex Datejust", Monochrome]
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/datejust-a-closer-look-at-a-rolex-icon-2/ Edmond Saran, "Datejust: A Closer Look at a Rolex Icon", Le Monde Edmond]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3131 Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3131", Wind Vintage]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-in-18k Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3372 in 18K", Wind Vintage]
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-620/ Caliber Corner, "Rolex Caliber 620", Caliber Corner]
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-bubble-back.html Bob's Watches, "Rolex Bubble Back Collector's Guide", Bob's Watches]
* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/the-rolex-bubbleback-history-facts Everest Bands, "The Rolex Bubbleback: History and Facts", Everest Bands]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=230912 Rolex Forums community, "Bubbleback 3131 Owners Thread", Rolex Forums]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-24-533 Antiquorum 2001, ref. 6075 steel and gold]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, ref. 6075 restored Datejust dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, ref. 6075 A.295]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, ref. 6075 A.296]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, ref. 6075 steel and gold]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, circa 1935]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's, ref. 3351 Standard, case 118412, circa 1940s]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, case 118404]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent and movement photograph]
* [https://www.ebay.com/itm/227412128120 eBay seller watchnj, photographed ref. 3351 Seaforth / Observatory]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit r/rolex collector post, Seaforth ref. 3351, circa 1942 attribution]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor Vintage Watches, ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489]
* [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor's Vintage Watches, ref. 3351f]

* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]
* [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, ref. 5013, lot 1088]
* [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, ref. 5013, item 355515195857]
* [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, ref. 5013, stock CW-G346]
* [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, ref. 5013, stock 20125]
* [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, ref. 5013]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums, model-to-caliber chart, ref. 5013 row]
* [https://www.vetroplastica.it/referenze.html VetroPlastica, reference index, ref. 5013]
* [https://marketplace.watchcharts.com/listing/5477111-fs-rolex-5013-oyster-perpetual-chapter-ring-dial Marketplace listing, centre-seconds chapter-ring description; reference attribution unverified]

[[Category:Reference family]]
[[Category:Bubbleback]]

Reference:5010

2026-10-21T06:28:43Z

Admin: Clarify the cited 5010 dealer example

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 — Bubbleback reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Documented examples of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010, including its case, dial and 1950 Anno Sancto bezel.
|keywords=Rolex 5010, Oyster Perpetual 5010, Bubbleback, Anno Sancto
|image=Ref_5010_hero.webp
|image_alt=Steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 with a silvered baton dial
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]] → '''5010'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref_5010_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 with a silvered baton dial|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756. Catalogue estimate: circa 1949.]]
</div>

The 5010 is a self-winding Oyster Perpetual with centre seconds. Auction and dealer records place individual examples between circa 1945 and 1955, but they do not establish the production span. Documented watches include steel and two-tone cases, several dial layouts, and one bezel engraved for the 1950 Holy Year.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 5010
|-
| model line || Oyster Perpetual; grouped with Bubblebacks by collectors
|-
| production || Catalogue examples circa 1945–1955; production endpoints unverified.
|-
| movement || Self-winding, centre seconds; catalogues describe a 9¾-ligne movement size. A numbered caliber remains unconfirmed.
|-
| case || Steel cases and steel cases with pink- or yellow-gold parts appear in catalogues; reported diameters are 31–33 mm.
|-
| dial || Catalogue and dealer descriptions include black Arabic-and-dagger, salmon Arabic-and-baton, silvered baton, white gilt-marker, and Arabic-numeral layouts; factory range unknown.
|-
| bracelet || One auctioned example has a C&I expandable Oyster bracelet; original fitment and end-link numbers remain unestablished.
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Collectors group the 5010 with Bubblebacks, the early automatic Oyster watches with a domed back. The term is a collector label; see the [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster guide]].

==Production outline==

Christie’s dates a steel-and-pink-gold example circa 1945. Burstow & Hewett dates case 625463 circa 1947. Antiquorum and a Barnebys archive list separate cases, 646'799 and 646740, as 1948 examples; The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949, and Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950. Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These dates belong to individual watches; they do not establish the reference's production start or end.

==Movement notes==

Phillips gives the 1950 Anno Sancto watch an automatic 9¾-ligne movement with 18 jewels. Antiquorum lists a 9¾-ligne movement in its 1948 example; a 2004 Bonhams catalogue transcription gives 19 jewels for another 5010. Barnebys reports movement number N15018 in case 646740. Jewel counts and movement numbers belong to those individual watches.

The [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]] treats 9¾ lignes as a size class. The cited records give no numbered caliber for these specimens.

==Dial map==

Descriptions of individual watches include black Arabic-and-dagger, salmon Arabic-and-baton, silvered baton, white gilt-marker, and all-Arabic layouts. Christie’s describes applied dagger markers and Arabic numerals. Burstow & Hewett records a salmon-pink dial with quarterly Arabic numerals and batons, blued pencil hands, and red centre seconds; The Auction Room's circa-1949 watch has a silvered dial with gold-tone batons. Bonhams describes a circa-1955 white dial with gilt batons, alternating dart and Roman-numeral quarter markers, and gilt leaf hands. The circa-1948 listing for item SBUXYT2384 describes Arabic numerals and alpha hands. These are descriptions of separate watches; the factory range is not established.

[[File:Ref_5010_dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|220px|The Auction Room London, lot 20: silvered dial with gold-tone baton markers.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Catalogue diameters range from 31 to 33 mm: Phillips and Antiquorum give 32 mm, The Auction Room gives 31 mm, and a 2004 Bonhams record gives 33 mm. Christie’s describes hooded lugs. Antiquorum calls its 1948 case stainless steel and gold and identifies the watch as retailed by Serpico y Laino.

Christie’s and Austin describe screw-down crowns. The catalogue descriptions reviewed here do not identify the crystal material.

The records include plain bezels. Phillips also documents case 655'677 with an engraved bezel reading “ANNO SANCTO” and a Latin dedication to the Holy Year of 1950. That catalogue treats the inscription as a feature of this watch; a reference-wide bezel range is not established.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_commemorative.webp|Phillips, lot 282: bezel engraving on the 1950 Anno Sancto example
File:Ref_5010_profile.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756: side profile and leather strap
</gallery>

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Most cited catalogue records show a leather strap. Phillips lists a gold-plated Rolex buckle; Antiquorum lists a stainless-steel Rolex buckle. These records describe buckles rather than bracelets.

Austin Auction Gallery's 2026 listing pairs case 625221 with a riveted expandable Oyster bracelet and clasp marked C&I 1-66. The 1966 stamp dates the clasp component, not the watch head; the [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet guide]] explains the limits of clasp dating. The lot shows one bracelet paired with a 5010, but does not establish original delivery or a reference-wide end-link fit. A Rolex Forums owner example also shows a two-tone 5010 on a riveted bracelet, but supplies no factory documentation.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_bracelet.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: expandable bracelet paired with case 625221
File:Ref_5010_clasp.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: clasp marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, and 1-66
</gallery>

==Special branches==

Phillips records one 1950 “ANNO SANCTO” watch with an engraved bezel commemorating the Roman Catholic Holy Year and naming Pius XII. The catalogue describes a two-tone steel and yellow-gold case, a leather strap, and a gold-plated Rolex buckle.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! record !! details recorded !! limit
|-
| Christie’s, lot 856369 || Ref. 5010; circa 1945; stainless steel and pink gold; black Arabic-and-dagger dial; hooded lugs; 32 mm || Catalogue date and description apply to this watch; no serial or caliber is given in the text.
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva, 13 May 2018, lot 136 || Serpico y Laino; case 646'799; dated 1948; steel and gold; 9¾ lignes; 32 mm; patinated dial || Catalogue reports a stainless-steel Rolex buckle; it does not establish bracelet fitment.
|-
| The Auction Room London, lot 20 || Case 655756; estimated circa 1949; two-tone case; silvered baton dial; 31 mm || Listing supplies five photographs; no movement number or result is shown.
|-
| Burstow & Hewett, 27 February 2026, lot 1007 || Ref. 5010; case 625463; circa 1947; two-tone case; salmon-pink Arabic-and-baton dial; 32 mm || Catalogue description of one watch; no numbered caliber is given.
|-
| Barnebys archived lot || Ref. 5010 engraved between lugs; case 646740; circa 1948; movement N15018; 32 mm || Archive does not identify the auctioneer; bracelet is described as non-original.
|-
| Jones & Horan, lot 366 || Ref. 5010; serial 646754; stainless-steel case; refinished silvered dial toned tan || Archived catalogue transcription; no movement or date supplied.
|-
| Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction TWO, 7–8 November 2015, lot 282 || Case 655'677; movement 29377/N134; dated 1950; “ANNO SANCTO” engraved bezel; 9¾ lignes, 18 jewels; 32 mm || One commemorative example; estimate CHF 30,000–60,000; sold CHF 37,500.
|-
| Bonhams, New Bond Street, 20 April 2004, lot 259 || Ref. 5010; 1940s; two-tone case; silvered baton dial; 19-jewel automatic movement; 33 mm || Catalogue text does not name a caliber or give a case number.
|-
| Bonhams, Paris, 24 May 2022, lot 276 || Ref. 5010; estimated circa 1955; case 35873; inner caseback stamped II.55; movement N98383; white dial; 32 mm || Catalogue record for one stainless-steel watch; estimate does not establish a production endpoint.
|-
| Austin Auction Gallery, 3 May 2026 || Case serial 625221; black dial; gold-tone bezel; screw-down crown; 32 mm; expandable riveted Oyster bracelet; clasp C&I 1-66 || The clasp code dates the bracelet component, not the watch head or original fitment.
|}

==Related references==

See the [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster guide]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet guide]], [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]]. The case numbers listed here are individual catalogue observations; no 5010 serial chart has been established.

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_hero.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756: silvered baton dial and two-tone case
File:Ref_5010_caseback.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: external caseback
File:Ref_5010_dial-detail.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: dial detail
File:Ref_5010_commemorative.webp|Phillips, 2015, lot 282: Anno Sancto bezel engraving, a separate 1950 watch
File:Ref_5010_profile.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: side profile
File:Ref_5010_bracelet.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: C&I expandable Oyster bracelet paired with case 625221
File:Ref_5010_clasp.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: clasp marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, and 1-66
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-856369 Christie's, "Christie's, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, circa 1945", Christie's]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, "Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO, lot 282, Rolex ref. 5010 Anno Sancto", Phillips, 2015-11-08]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, lot 136, Rolex ref. 5010 retailed by Serpico y Laino", Antiquorum, 2018-05-13]
* [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, "The Auction Room London, ref. 5010, case 655756, lot 20", The Auction Room London via Easy Live Auction, 2026-09-29]
* [https://auctions.jones-horan.com/1602/html/1602_textonly.htm Jones & Horan, "Jones & Horan, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, lot 366", Jones & Horan]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-5010/lpi Bonhams, "Collector Square archive, Bonhams New Bond Street, 20 April 2004, lot 259, ref. 5010", Collector Square, reproducing Bonhams catalogue data, 2004-04-20]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, "Bonhams, Montres de Prestige, Paris, 24 May 2022, lot 276, ref. 5010", Bonhams, 2022-05-24]
* [https://www.austinauction.com/pastresults/lot/bidsquare-8949049 Austin Auction Gallery, "Austin Auction Gallery, estate Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, case 625221", Austin Auction Gallery, 2026-05-03]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/archive/index.php/t-138944.html Subexplorer and forum participants, "Rolex Forums, “Bubbleback (or Goldfinger’s Bubbleback)” discussion", Rolex Forums, 2010-08-16]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, "Burstow & Hewett, Luxury Watches, Jewellery and Silver, lot 1007 — ref. 5010", Burstow & Hewett via Easy Live Auction, 2026-02-27]
* [https://www.barnebys.com/auctions/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-gentleman-s-wristwatch-th-CSTBc3T-623098096 "Barnebys archive, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, case 646740", Barnebys; originating auctioneer unidentified]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-two-tone-bubbleback-reference-5010 Wind Vintage, "Wind Vintage, two-tone Rolex Bubbleback ref. 5010, item SBUXYT2384", Wind Vintage]

[[Category:Oyster-Perpetual]]

Reference:Serial-numbers

2026-10-21T06:25:49Z

Admin: Add dated 1947 and 1948 case observations for ref. 5010

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex serial numbers}}
{{#seo:|title=Rolex serial numbers: dating guide and limits | Rolexopedia|description=Numeric and letter-prefixed Rolex serial charts, with their limits. How to compare case numbers, hallmarks, caseback stamps and dated paperwork.}}
<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Serial numbers'''</small>

Rolex used numeric case serials, then letter-prefixed serials, and later randomized alphanumeric strings. Numeric and letter-prefixed ranges can suggest a production period. Randomized serials have no public year mapping. None of these systems establishes the originality of the dial, movement or bracelet.

== The three systems ==

Rolex restarted its numeric case sequence in the mid-1950s. The same short number can therefore fall in more than one period. Letter-prefixed serials appeared around 1987; randomized serials followed around 2010. Neither change happened as a simple one-year boundary across every reference.

== Finding the serial number ==

On many Oyster references made before the rehaut transition of the mid-2000s, the serial is engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, beneath the bracelet. The reference number is usually between the opposite lugs at 12 o'clock. Earlier case designs need reference-specific guidance.

The serial moved to the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial, during the 2000s. It appears at 6 o'clock. The change varied by reference; compare transition-period watches with documented examples of the same model. Serial placement alone does not establish a case replacement.
Rolex has not published a public year key for the randomized strings. A date assigned to one of those cases therefore comes from a guarantee, service record or dated sale, not from the characters alone.

Matching serials link a warranty card or guarantee paper to the case number, provided the document itself is authentic. They do not establish the originality of every component. The [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp]] uses a separate dating system. A movement can carry caliber designations, part references and an individual movement number; identify the marking before interpreting it.

== Numeric serials (≤1987) ==

The table transcribes selected entries from the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts reproduced in [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html these photographs]. These are unofficial collector charts. Dowling–Hess places serial 132,562 in III 1953; Pergola puts 63,425–139,166 in 1955. The disagreement cannot be resolved by averaging the dates.

The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year.

For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44].

For ref. [[Reference:5052|5052]], Christie’s gives case 653977 and dates its pink-gold watch to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk records steel case serial 663654 with a 1950s estimate. These nearby numbers do not fix the watches to those decades: the numeric sequence was reused, and the published dates remain catalogue estimates. Anderson & Garland's 5052-attributed watch has only the prefix 663xxx, so it cannot be matched to case 663654 from the number alone. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1472920 Christie’s, case 653977] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, case 663654] [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421]

For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart].

The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848]

For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864]

For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309]

For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389]

For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Burstow & Hewett dates case 625463 to circa 1947. Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; a Barnebys archive records ref. 5010 engraved between the lugs on case 646740 and dates that watch circa 1948. The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These dates belong to individual catalogue watches; the case numbers do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, lot 1007] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.barnebys.com/auctions/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-gentleman-s-wristwatch-th-CSTBc3T-623098096 Barnebys archive, case 646740] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]

For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407]

Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125]

The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report]

Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph].

Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217].

A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010]

Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010]

Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623]

=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===

Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111].

Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini].

Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950]

== Letter serials (1987–2010) ==

Letter-prefixed case serials usually contain one letter and six digits. The years below come from Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', page 27. These collector estimates overlap and should be checked against the individual reference.

{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix !! Years listed by White
|-
| R || 1987–1988
|-
| L || 1989
|-
| E || 1990
|-
| N || 1991
|-
| X || 1991
|-
| C || 1992
|-
| S || 1993–1994
|-
| W || 1995
|-
| T || 1996
|-
| U || 1997–1998
|-
| A || 1999
|-
| P || 2000
|-
| K || 2000–2001
|-
| Y || 2001–2002
|-
| F || 2003–2005
|-
| D || 2005–2006
|-
| Z || 2006–2007
|-
| M || 2007–2008
|-
| V || 2008–2009
|-
| G || 2010
|}

Phillips records Explorer 114270 case G030393 with a [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 guarantee dated 30 November 2010]. That records a transaction date; it does not date the manufacture of the case.

Case serial prefixes and clasp codes are different systems. A letter on the clasp cannot be read as the same letter in the case-serial table.

<span id="Random_serials_(mid-2010_onward)"></span>
== Random serials (around 2010 onward) ==

Rolex began using randomized case serials around 2010, during the period of the final letter prefixes. Mixed-letter-and-digit serials have no public year mapping. A guarantee can establish a recorded sale date, but the serial alone cannot give the exact production year.

For a modern watch, start with the production span of the reference and any dated paperwork. Randomized clasp codes also lack a public year mapping. The case serial remains useful for linking records to a particular watch.

<span id="Pre-1948_vintage_references_and_hallmark_dating"></span>
== Early references and hallmark dating ==

For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Ref. [[Reference:3068|3068]] illustrates the limits of its auction record: catalogues date individual watches from c.1935 to c.1950, while Sotheby’s and Antiquorum report different diameters and movement sizes for case 1008594. Antiquorum reads a Dublin import mark on case 1008656 as 1937. These object-level readings do not form a serial-year sequence or establish the reference’s production span.

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], Antiquorum dates case 146262 to circa 1937; Christie’s dates its 2002 example to circa 1938, and Sotheby’s later identifies that watch as case 142587. Monaco Legend dates case 142589 to circa 1941, while Sotheby’s dates case 146269 to circa 1942. The lower-numbered 142589 thus receives a later catalogue date than 146262. These are attributions to individual watches, not a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3346-zerographe-lot-339-292 Antiquorum, case 146262] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, dated c.1938] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s case-number survey] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-199 Monaco Legend, case 142589] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, case 146269]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], Christie’s dates cases 161’489 and 161’501 to circa 1939. Loupe This later dates case 161’501 to circa 1942. The shared case number shows that both records concern one watch. Treat the dates as conflicting catalogue estimates; neither establishes a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-centregraph-chronograph-3462-observatory-chronometer-mirror-track-luminous-dial Loupe This, lot 3040]

Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646]

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]

For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***]

=== Precision 3540 dated examples ===

Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775]

The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart.

Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42]

Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310]

Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836].

For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165].

For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59].

For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901].
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405].

For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's]

For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866]

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204]

Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055]

Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference].

A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries]

Catalogues for [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]] give case numbers 44,887 (Toovey’s, circa 1938) and 24,432 (Antiquorum, 1930s). These are two catalogue examples, not a serial-year sequence; the numbers cannot establish production dates for another 1072. Christie’s also catalogues an early Oyster with case no. 1072, which is a different use of the number. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum lot 481 archive]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203832 Christie’s case-number record]

The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher]

Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751]

Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240].

Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence.

[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578]

[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700].

For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example].

[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370].

For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links.

[[Reference:3599|Ref. 3599]] provides another case-level date conflict. Antiquorum's [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-254 2006 lot 254] dates case 45,032 to 1945/6. Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257795 2009 lot 346] identifies the same watch, cites the earlier Antiquorum sale as provenance, and dates it to 1939. Keep both estimates attached to this case; use watch-specific papers or comparison with documented examples when assessing another 3599.

[[Reference:1873|Ref. 1873]] shows why catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-oyster-royal-extra-precision-reference-1873 Sotheby’s] dates case 30,967 to circa 1930; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1873-royal-lot-338-233 Antiquorum] dates cases 48,634 and 100,498 to the 1930s; Bonhams dates case 81,343 to circa 1939; and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782241 Christie’s] dates case 100,459 to circa 1940. Bonhams records a London import mark dated 1937 on gold case 37,029; that is an assay/import date. [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/868-cambi_orologi_795_2022_11_eb.pdf Cambi] lists case 48.xxx as circa 1954, an outlier among these entries. The records do not establish a factory production range.

Two Antiquorum catalogue entries for [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] give case dimensions but no case serials, so they do not establish a serial range. The 3004 lot title claims 144 examples in 1937; that statement is not a serial anchor or an independently confirmed production total. Compare the case number with other examples, and use assay marks on precious-metal cases as a separate date clue.

Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself.

Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396].

Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery.

The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered.

Catalogue dates for ref. [[Reference:3668|3668]] also conflict with case-number order. Christie's dates case 45'998 to 1941, while Accademia Fine Art dates lower-numbered case 45,344 to 1945; Phillips dates cases 47'954 and 47'948 circa 1939; Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 circa 1946. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, case 45'998] [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, case 45,344] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, case 47'948] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, case 47'954] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, case 47'948]

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6034|6034]] examples across several case-number groups: 692'692 to circa 1950, 847'636 to 1951, 847'427 to circa 1952, 847'307 and 907'407 to circa 1953, 944'123 to 1954, and 92'379 and 97'436 to circa 1955. Another Christie's example, case 907'744, is dated circa 1952. These are catalogue estimates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart; they do not establish a production endpoint. Phillips estimates a roughly five-year run from 1950, while Christie's and Antiquorum publish broader dates into the early 1960s. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-321-669?page=1&q=Rolex Antiquorum, case 692'692]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643962 Christie's, case 847'636]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, case 847'427]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, case 847'307]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, case 907'407]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-30 Antiquorum, case 944'123]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/210525 Phillips, case 92'379]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-386-573 Antiquorum, case 97'436]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christie's, case 907'744].

Auction estimates for [[Reference:3372|ref. 3372]] also conflict. Sotheby's dates case 43,903 to circa 1938 ([2026 lot 2341](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4-2/oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-a-pink?locale=en)); Antiquorum dates case 481,380 to 1938 ([2017 lot 90](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-bubble-back-lot-310-90)); Phillips assigns circa 1945 to case 301,684 ([2015 lot 206](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206)); and Antiquorum dates case 424,291 to circa 1959 ([2024 lot 75](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75)). These dates do not form a reliable serial sequence and do not establish the factory production span.

Auction catalogues give case numbers [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 612627], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 612848], [https://www.arsvalue.com/it/lotti/114560/rolex-ref-5031rolex-oyster-perpetual-red-date-just-ref-5031-del 612967], 612990, [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2164---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar/?lot=2569007&sd=1 613514], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-17/rolex-bubbleback-oyster-perpetual-ref-5031 613853] and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-8/reference-5031-oyster-perpetual-a-pink-gold-and 613876] for individual [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] watches. Their dating differs: Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Tennants call examples circa 1948, while Antiquorum dates its 1999 lot to the 1950s and its 1995 lot to the 1960s. Those case numbers cluster, but the catalogues do not establish a production range. Bonhams listed case 612990 twice in 2025 with the same movement number 37574; it is one watch, not two serial anchors.

Phillips dates ref. [[Reference:6031|6031]] case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 683,837] to circa 1949; Sotheby’s dates case [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en 693,873] to circa 1950. These two auction-house date estimates do not establish a 6031 serial range or year-by-year sequence.

For [[Reference:6075|ref. 6075]], Antiquorum dates cases 685,082 and 714,441 to 1950, while Phillips dates case 714,440 to 1951. Antiquorum gives circa 1951 for case 715,511; Cambi Aste assigns circa 1961 to an incomplete case number 715.xxx. The catalogues conflict, and their estimates do not establish a serial range or prove a production end year. Compare the engraved case number, movement and any independent date evidence on the individual watch. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, lot 122]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, lot 107]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, lot 284]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum 2022, lot 147]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, lot 96].

For [[Reference:6074|ref. 6074]], Antiquorum and John Goldberger date a two-piece platinum commission to 1950, but publish no case serials for those watches. Antiquorum's 1990 gold lot gives a 1950s estimate without a case number; its 2025 gold lot says the case number was no longer visible. Henrik Korpela's restored gold example had 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them. These records do not form a serial sequence. Compare the individual case and movement marks; the 1-50 code in Goldberger's image dates the bracelet component. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum 1992]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum 1990]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum 2025]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Korpela, 2015].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1005 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1005 case 826,301 to 1962 or circa 1963; the two records appear to describe the same pink-gold watch. Other dated examples include cases 903,017 and 926,416 (circa 1962–63), 1,050,796 (circa 1964), 1,176,167 (inside caseback code II.65), 1,177,843 (circa 1966), 1,586,108 (catalogued 1971, with a guarantee booklet dated 22 December 1971), 1,801,509 (circa 1968), 3,021,909 (circa 1971), 3,367,203 (London import mark dated 1973), and 3,921,444 (circa 1974). Sotheby’s catalogued case 7,126,615 as circa 1995, but that date conflicts with the serial sequence and should not be treated as a secure production date. These are isolated auction and component dates, not a serial-year chart or production range.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1003 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1003 case 512,833 to circa 1960 and case 573,835 to circa 1960; the certificate accompanying case 573,835 is dated 22 December 1960, which dates the certificate rather than proving the case’s production date. Other catalogued examples include case 531,734 (circa 1966), case 1,197,501 (1964), case 3,044,042 (1972), case 3,960,865 (circa 1975), and case 5,426,177 (1977). A Glasgow import mark dates a 9K case to 1961, while a 1966 receipt accompanies a separate 9ct example. These individual records do not form a serial-year chart or establish production limits. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby’s, case 5,426,177]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, case 3,044,042]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 3,960,865].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1008 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples ===

Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples ===

Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1504 dated examples ===

Auction and dealer records date individual 1504 watches: Phillips dates white-gold case 1,420,737 to circa 1966; Estates Consignments dates yellow-gold case 2,537,128 to 1970; Eguchi lists case serial 2714*** as 1971; The W3674 listing assigns its masked 27xxxx serial to 1972; EveryWatch preserves a yellow-gold auction description dated circa the 1970s for case 2,472,771. Sotheby’s 2019 catalogue repeats Phillips’s case 1,420,737, so it is the same watch, not another dated specimen. These are lot and dealer dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, case 1,420,737]; [https://www.estatesconsignments.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1504-mens-18k-yellow-gold-moreau-gold-bezel-and-band-1970/ Estates Consignments, case 2,537,128]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, serial 2714***]; [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 listing, masked serial 27xxxx]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/1504/watch-2725687 EveryWatch archive, case 2,472,771].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1506 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]] case 1,117,252 to 1964, case 1,063,296 to circa 1965, and case 1,525,920 to 1967. The first two case numbers run opposite to their catalogue dates, so keep each date attached to its specific watch rather than treating these examples as a serial-year sequence. A seller-dated 1960 example has no visible case number in the available photographs. None of these records establishes the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158504 Christie’s, case 1,117,252]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-fine-18k-oyster-perpetual-date-watch-with-chine-finish-ref-1506-circa-1965/a/5538-54133.s Heritage Auctions, case 1,063,296]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-206-127 Antiquorum, case 1,525,920]

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1507 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues assign dates from circa 1962 to 1969 to individually numbered 1507 or 1503/1507 watches: case 928,501 (joint attribution) circa 1962; 1,144,916 circa 1964; 1,122,198 circa 1965; and 1,916,162 and 2,864,908 circa 1969. Sotheby’s’ circa-1964 estimate for 1,144,916 is later in the serial sequence than its circa-1965 estimate for 1,122,198. These estimates do not form a reliable serial chronology. A separate circa-1975 Christie's 1507 has no published case number. [https://www.barnebys.fr/ventes/objet/rolex-eYswah4-633694142 Barnebys archive of an Antiquorum listing, case 928,501]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/watches-l19070/lot.1.html Sotheby’s, case 1,144,916]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10/datejust-shantung-dial-pyramid-markers-reference Sotheby’s, case 1,122,198]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1507-oyster-perpetual-date-bark-finished-bezel-18k-gold-circa-1969/a/5422-54009.s Heritage, case 1,916,162]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-date-ref-150718k-gold-self-winding-case-5091508/ Christie’s, case 2,864,908].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 dated examples ===

Christie’s dates case 1,598,902 to circa 1965 and case 1,691,443 to 1967; Phillips dates case 1,901,206 to circa 1968; Monaco Legend dates case 2,223,098 to 1969. Phillips re-listed the same Ricciardi watch in 2026 with case number 1,906,206, while movement, retailer mark, clasp stamp and paper dates match its 2019 record. Christie's dates serial 2,860,900 to circa 1971, while Gazette Drouot uses the same number for a hand-wound watch dated 1955–58. The conflicting movements and dates leave this serial unusable as a production boundary. Catalogue dates apply to individual watches; serial-number chronology remains unresolved. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5841772 Christie’s, case 1,598,902]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5493400 Christie’s, case 1,691,443]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080319/4 Phillips 2019, case 1,901,206]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/236697 Phillips 2026, case 1,906,206]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-140 Monaco Legend, case 2,223,098]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-zephyr-ref-1510-285/183944 Christie’s, serial 2,860,900]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/25117066-rolex--22oyster-perpetual-date--- Gazette Drouot, serial 2,860,900].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1505|1505]] examples from circa 1960 to circa 1980: Heritage assigns case 1,351,111 to circa 1960, but Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1966 band. The date for that watch remains unresolved. Christie's records a separate circa-1969 example with an inside-caseback stamp II/69 and dates case 5,225,028 to 1977; Sotheby's dates cases 5,036,208 and 5,408,060 to circa 1977 and 1978; Christie's dates case 5,696,735 to circa 1980. Cambi dates a partial case 2,772.xxx to circa 1971, but its all-steel attribution conflicts with Rolex's 1980 catalogue description. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html photograph of Pergola's serial chart]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's, II/69]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's, case 5,225,028]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's, case 5,036,208]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 5,408,060]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5569805 Christie's, case 5,696,735]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi, case 2,772.xxx].

=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893]

=== Day-Date 6511 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744]

=== Day-Date 6612 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 platinum case 403,679] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 case 403,680] to 1958, [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 white-gold case 394,866] to 1958, and [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 platinum case 382,921] to circa 1958. Bonhams dates a [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ yellow-gold 6612/8] with serial 446*** to circa 1959. These are individual auction estimates, not a serial-number chronology; the clasp stamped 3.59 on case 403,680 and March 1959 clasp on the 446*** example date bracelets, not watch heads.

=== Day-Date 6612B case examples ===

Auction catalogues date yellow-gold case 384,933 to 1957; pink-gold case 395,916, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679 to circa 1958; platinum case 382,921 to circa 1958; and platinum case 446,052 to circa 1959. These are catalogue estimates, not a factory serial chart or proven production bounds. Christie's Dubai gives 446,062 for the last example, but Phillips and Sotheby's both list 446,052 and the Dubai entry refers to those sales. Phillips and Christie's list a clasp stamp of 1.59 on the platinum bracelet; that dates the bracelet, not the watch head. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, case 384,933]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731660 Christie's and https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6612b-day-date-lot-370-143?page=8 Antiquorum, case 395,916]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, case 394,866]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, case 403,679]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 Christie's, case 382,921]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips and https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/day-date-reference-6612b-a-platinum-and-diamond Sotheby's, case 446,052].

=== Day-Date 6611 case examples ===

Phillips dates yellow-gold case 214,124 to 1956 and white-gold 6611B case 401,546 to 1958. Antiquorum dates movement number 386,339 on a gold 6611B to about 1958. These catalogue dates fit the commonly published late-1950s sequence but do not form a factory serial chart. Two steel school-watch lots have no case number and give conflicting dates, 1954 and circa 1959; the 1963 engraving is a school dedication, not a case-production date. Compare each head and movement separately.

=== Glasgow and Edinburgh assay marks ===

British hallmarks can identify the assay office, metal standard, sponsor and assay year. The sponsor is the party responsible for submitting the item; the mark does not necessarily identify its manufacturer. Imported cases may carry different office marks from domestic work. Match the complete punch, including its shield and lettering, to the correct office and period.

For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care.

Ref. [[Reference:3078|3078]] shows why the case mark and watch date must stay separate. Christie's reports Dublin import marks dated 1937 on a 9ct-gold example but gives no case number. David Duggleby's caption reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 and case markings read as 3789/3078; the number has not been independently confirmed. The records may describe the same watch. The marks date the import records, not the reference's production or either watch's assembly date. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-892250 Christie's] [https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2300/Jewellery-Watches/104955/ David Duggleby, lot 2177]

Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37].

<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span>
=== Assay letters and case-serial prefixes ===

The R, L and later case-serial prefixes belong to a system introduced around 1987. They cannot decode assay letters on 1920s–1950s Prince cases. Those letters belong to the assay office's own sequence.

<span id="Prince_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Prince dating examples ===

The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. Christie’s, Bonhams, Piguet and Sotheby’s date four individual ref. 1855 cases from circa 1930 through circa 1940. Their published descriptions do not report a Glasgow or Edinburgh import mark, so those dates remain catalogue estimates for the watches; the numbers do not establish a production span. The Bonhams caseback also carries the parachute trademark David Boettcher attributes to Robert Meylan; his case-making company was registered in 1928 and the trademark in 1934. Those registration dates identify the maker’s marks, not the manufacture date of case 14368. Boettcher says the crowned SAR mark remains unexplained. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/myrolexpage.php David Boettcher, Rolex SAR and Robert Meylan case marks] The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,013 || platinum, Cal. 300 7½′′′ 18-jewel || c.1935 || Phillips Geneva V/X/XIV
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,047 || platinum || 1935 || Phillips 2015 Watch Auction One lot 210
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,077 || platinum || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2013
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 1,472 || Eaton 1/4 Century Club dial; catalogue descriptions of the metals differ || presentation inscription 1907–1932 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, July 2019, lot 156]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 60,206 || 9K two-colour gold || c.1934 || Antiquorum 2020 lot 235
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,196 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2015 lot 275
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,377 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Antiquorum 2006 lot 316
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,305 || 9K two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Bonhams NY 2017 lot 133
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,591 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1938 || Bonhams HK 2023 lot 644
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 13,009 || 18K yellow gold || Glasgow 1933 || Phillips NY 2023 NY080223/92
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 17,365 || steel + pink gold || Cal. T.S. 300 Ultra Prima, 1935 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 46
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 38,525 || steel + Bucherer-signed dial || c.1937 || Sotheby's Watches Online July 2019 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 58,115 || 18K (group lot with 1862) || c.1930 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14368 || steel + rose gold; 25 Records, SAR and parachute marks inside back || c.1930, catalogue date || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/21/ Bonhams, sale 23512 lot 21]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14382 || steel + pink gold || c.1930, Christie's catalogue date || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-4366792/ Christie's, lot 4366792]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14413 || steel + pink gold; movement 77395 || 1930s, Piguet catalogue date || [https://production-static.piguet.com/sales/2754ef55-9043-4cff-b435-c37aa576f58b/specials/3378e48b-2897-4bfb-b9cf-cdb2bb46994f/catalog.pdf Piguet, lot 1592]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 31705 || 9-carat yellow gold || c.1940, Sotheby's catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2017/watches-sale-l17053.html Sotheby's London, lot 128]
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,237 || 9K Glasgow + Cal. 527 || Glasgow 1934 || Christie's online lot 31 (sale 13523)
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,663 || 18K (group lot with 1490) || c.1938 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 280,124 || 18K yellow (1862A variant) || c.1930 || Sotheby's NY 2018 n09911 lot 53

|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36283 || 9ct gold || An archived Bonhams 2010 description reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1938; this dates the case mark, not production || [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Bonhams 2010 lot 162, archived listing]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36443 || Yellow gold || Sotheby's reports a Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; case-level date only || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015 lot 129]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36465 || 18K yellow gold || Antiquorum reports Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; case-level date only || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008 lot 687]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || 1,578 || 9K white gold, Bucherer-retailed || invoice dated 1945 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 Antiquorum, March 2008, lot 692]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6
|-
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170]
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6,920 || white and pink gold; catalogued as 1527 M || c.1930s || Drouot, lot 182
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6936 || 18K white + pink stepped || Glasgow 1931 || EveryWatch lot 378
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || not given || steel + gold-filled stepped Railway || 1940s || Bonhams NY 2006 sale 15217 lot 9
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010271 || “rolesium,” two-tone dial || c.1930, as dated by Aguttes || [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, lot 12]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010345 || two-colour case; fixed bar lugs || c.1930, as dated by Kaplans || [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Watches 59]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010353 || steel; caseback stamped Rolesium Registered Inalterable || c.1930s, as dated by Antiquorum || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-prince-lot-361-47 Antiquorum, June 2023, lot 47]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 12'672 || steel and rose gold; stepped case || 1930s, as dated by Pandolfini || [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, lot 406]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 14069 || steel and pink gold; pink two-tone dial || 1930s, as dated by Monaco Legend || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-119 Monaco Legend, lot 119]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 019784 / 019794 || steel; Antiquorum lists a 15-jewel T.S. 300 for 019784; Muser’s photograph of 019794 shows an Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies || Antiquorum dates 019784 to 1938 and lists a timing certificate; Muser dates 019794 circa 1930. Similar watch-and-box photographs suggest a possible repeat listing, but the case numbers differ by one digit. || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, May 2017, lot 118]; [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, May 2023, lot 266]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,568 || 18K yellow gold Aerodynamic || dated 1952 (Mondani Collection) || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-210 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 210]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,677 || 18K pink gold Aerodynamic with monogrammed escutcheon || dated 1952 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-209 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 209]
|-
| 3362 || 62,482 || 14K pink gold || c.1935, as dated by Antiquorum || Antiquorum, May 2015, sale 291, lot 109
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || 64,190 || 14K yellow gold Rams Horn || 1938 || Bonhams 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || not given || 14K yellow gold, Eaton 1/4 Century Club || Garbett presentation inscription 1926–1951 || Sotheby's NY 2020 lot 73
|-
| 6222 (Eaton presentation) || not given || automatic Oyster || presentation inscription 1929–1954 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2005, sale 86, lot 19
|}

Christie’s gives “No. 015759 1880” on a steel caseback and “no. 1880 8829” in the title of a pink-gold watch. The title does not identify 1880 as a reference. Christie’s dates the latter watch’s Glasgow import mark to 1932.

These examples use several case-number ranges across different materials and references. A high number does not establish a later production date across the whole Prince family. Antiquorum dates the two 3361 cases numbered 899,568 and 899,677 to 1952; the presentation dates on Eaton watches record later events in their ownership. None of these observations establishes a family-wide production endpoint.

=== Caseback engraving conventions ===

Keep case and reference stamps separate from personal inscriptions. An engraved name or service anniversary records a presentation or ownership claim. It cannot establish the date of the case, and hand engraving alone does not establish a replacement. Monaco Legend's 971, case 1,472, bears an Eaton service inscription ending in 1932.

<span id="Vintage_Submariner_/_Explorer_/_GMT_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Padellone 8171: anomalous numbers and conflicting dates ===

Reference [[Reference:8171|8171]] has a shallow case number and coronet engraved on the outside of its snap-on back. Wear and polishing can reduce their legibility. The case number, movement number and a dated certificate should be recorded separately. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, illustrated 8171 study]

Phillips catalogued steel case 1977074 as circa 1950 despite its unusually high number. Its essay and SJX discuss later manufacture or assembly, but provide no factory record resolving the discrepancy. A general serial chart cannot settle the date of this particular watch. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019]

Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72]

=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596]

== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==

The following table compares catalogue dates with case numbers on selected Submariner, Explorer and GMT watches. Dates without an identified hallmark, stamp or document are the named source's estimates. A cluster of nearby numbers does not establish a production total or guarantee dating to within a year or two.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Catalogue configuration !! Date or dated mark reported by source !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] (Submariner) || 949,136 || honeycomb dial || 1953 || Phillips Geneva XII 2020 lot 177
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,613 || gilt, US Navy provenance || c.1953–54 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 250
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,773 || Sub-Aqua, end-link 65 || 1954 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO 2015 lot 292
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,923 || pencil hands, gilt || c.1954, clasp 2.53 || Phillips NY Watch Auction 2021 lot 79
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,929 || Sub-Aqua tropical || 1954 || Antiquorum Geneva 2013 lot 577
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 42,439 || Sub-Aqua dial; catalogued as a prototype || 1954 || Monaco Legend 2019 lot 69
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] (Submariner) || 21,354 || pencil hands, no-Submariner dial, riveted Oyster end-link 65 || c.1954, Series 1 || Phillips Game Changers NY 2019 lot 54
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,442 || Mercedes hands, gilt gloss, stretch riveted bracelet || c.1954–55 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2022 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,644 || re-lumed reprinted no-Submariner dial || 1954–55 || Antiquorum Geneva 2025 lot 377-180
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 85,972 || Mercedes, gilt no depth (Series 2) || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches NY 2019 lot 178
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 86,033 || Atelier de Restauration 2023 restoration || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2025 lot 336
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] (Submariner) || 320,xxx–322,xxx || Big Crown 8mm Brevet, A296, Explorer or red depth || 1954–56 || Nicholas Foulkes, ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner'' (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] (Submariner) || 112,256 || caseback stamped "4 55", Jubilee bracelet stamped 1960 || 1955 || Sotheby's 2021 lot 35
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 112,341 || Red Depth, IV.55 caseback || 1955 || Bonhams Dec 2021 lot 36
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 155,502 || caseback stamped II.56, on 7206 rivet bracelet || 1956 || Phillips Geneva V 2017 lot 102
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 229,640 || I.57 caseback || 1957 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 215
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] (parent) || 306,706 || gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel || March 1957 || Bonhams London 2012 lot 116
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 306,989 || III.57 caseback, no-hash red triangle, glossy gilt || 1957 || Sotheby's NY 2018 lot 252
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 399,228 || brown tropical dial || c.1959 || Sotheby's London 2019 lot 121
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] (Submariner) || 140,300–140,500 (Series 1) || case-number band proposed by Blackbird || c.1956 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 158,100–158,400 (Series 2) || four-line OCC dial concentration || c.1957–58 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 307,100–307,600 (Series 3) || two-line gilt || 1958 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 426,000–449,300 (Series 4) || fourth group in Blackbird's classification || late 1958 / 1959 || Blackbird; Sotheby's Olmsted 2024 lot 170 case 449,004
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] (Submariner big crown) || 362,153 || Explorer dial, fixed bars; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2023 lot 107
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,187 || reprinted Explorer dial; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Antiquorum Monaco 2018 lot 314-248
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,252 || privately purchased watch used by a Royal Navy diver; later 93150/580 bracelet || Bonhams dates manufacture and purchase to 1958; caseback 1.1958 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, June 2009, lot 140]
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] (Submariner small crown) || 361,650 || black gilt, red triangle insert || 1958 || Phillips Geneva NINE 2019 lot 213
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 400,505 || tropical dial, 1960 papers || 1958 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 489,831 || black dial || 1959 || Sotheby's Watches Online 2020
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 490,575 || faded bezel insert, rivet bracelet '63 || 1958 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 333-422
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 762,896 || exclamation gilt, II.62 caseback, 7206/64 bracelet || 1962 || Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 764,524 || exclamation, 6636 clasp 4/64 || 1962 || Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Pre-Explorer / Oyster Perpetual) || 912,378 || steel + Sesto Continente "Super Oyster" provenance, IV.52 caseback || caseback IV.52; source dates the watch to 1952 || Vailati 1953 letter to Rolex Archives (Perezcope)
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] (Pre-Explorer) || 931,134 || H.S.10 CD Royal Navy with crow's foot || c.1953 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2025 L25713
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,811 || H.S.10 CD, Burford matte-black Swiss T Precision printing, MOD broad-arrow || February 1953 || Bonhams 18849/181
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,925 || "Oyster Perpetual Precision" dial || 1953 || Antiquorum Geneva 2022 lot 349-152
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,021 || "KANGCHENJUNGA 1955 G.C BAND" caseback engraving || 1953 case, 1955 expedition gift || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction SIX 2017 lot 244
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,096 || A296 18j, Oyster expandable bracelet || c.1953 || Sotheby's 2022 / 2024 (same example reoffered)
|-
| [[Reference:6350|6350]] || 955,761 || Douglas Prior 1956 Royal Society Antarctic Expedition, Cal. 775 service replacement || 1953 case || Antiquorum Geneva 2018 lot 317-570
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (Submariner, no-date) || 765,450 || gloss black "exclamation" Explorer dial, cal. 1530; riveted Oyster 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.62 || c.1962 (I.62) || Phillips Geneva EIGHT lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 979,313 || gilt / gloss underline Explorer dial; folded Oyster 9315 / 580 end-links || c.1963 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 991,837 || underline double-Swiss gilt dial; Oyster 6636, clasp dated Q1 1964 || 1963 (III.63) || Phillips Geneva THREE lot 106
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 1,023,362 || gloss Explorer (3-6-9) dial, Garrard guarantee 23 March 1965; Jubilee bracelet || c.1964 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2020 lot 377
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 6,2XX,XXX || Mark III "maxi" dial, cal. 1520; 93150 Oyster, service-replacement clasp S6 || c.1979 || Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches 2019 lot 103
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (COMEX) || 2,833,552 || helium escape valve; COMEX 24 || 1970 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum Geneva, November 2006, lot 323]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 3,804,841 || helium escape valve; dial without COMEX logo || 1972 || Antiquorum New York, 2009, sale 223, lot 373
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,089,919 || COMEX 377, matte black, 9315 bracelet, Henry Hudson letter || 1975 || Phillips NY Watch Auction SIX 2022 lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,155,901 || COMEX 446; caseback also engraved 68504-Ci, attributed to the Argentine Navy by Phillips || 1974 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips Geneva TWO, 2015, lot 145]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 5,230,258 || COMEX 878, "Big Numbers" wrap-around caseback || 1977 || Antiquorum Monaco 2025 lot 383-172
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] (MilSub, Royal Navy / Army) || around 3,926,000 || 5513-only and 5513/5517 double-reference; issue years 77/79 || 1972–1975 || Phillips New York 2019 lot 28 case 3,926,768; Phillips HK 2017 lot 807 case 3,926,923; Antiquorum Monaco 2022 lot 77 case 3,926,842
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || around 5,339,000 || 5517-only between-lugs engraving, sword hands, full 60-min bezel; issue year 78 || 1977–1978 || Phillips Geneva XIV 2021 lot 152 case 5,339,827; Sotheby's 2023 lot 3 case 5,339,705 issue 853/78
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] (Submariner Date, Red Sub) || 2,241,069 || Mark II "tropical" meters-first dial, red Submariner text; Oyster 9315, clasp 3.71 || c.1969 (III.69) || Phillips WINNING ICONS lot 4
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,421,653 || Mark IV "tropical" Red Sub, feet-first "open 6s"; folded Oyster 9315, 280 end-links, clasp 4.70 || c.1970 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 155
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,631,521 || Mark IV red dial, cream indexes; Oyster 7836, clasp 3-69 || 1970 (I.70) || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 108
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,184,430 || single-red Submariner dial; 93150 Oyster, clasp CL9 || c.1972 || Bonhams London Fine Watches 2025 lot 18
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,740,344 || feet-first Red Sub dial, Tiffany & Co. retailer signature || c.1974 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2024
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 5,429,380 || ref. 1680/8 18k yellow gold, blue sunray dial; gold Oyster, clasp 3.71 || c.1978 || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 238
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 6,1XX,XXX || Mark 1 "White Submariner" (closed 6s), white-text dial || c.1979 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2022 lot 928
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] (Submariner Date, 18k yellow gold) || 6,412,142 || black nipple dial; guarantee dated 10 August 1982 || c.1979 || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, lot 6539583]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 6,667,544 || calibre 3035; inside caseback stamped 16800; clasp stamped 92908, end links 46; later guarantee dated 9 September 1987 || c.1981 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158613 Phillips, lot 15]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 7,538,212 || blue nipple dial; catalogue describes tropical brown change || 1982 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-220 Monaco Legend, lot 220]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 9,623,728 || blue nipple dial catalogued as tropical brown || c.1987 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-6/nipple-dial-submariner-ref-16808-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, lot 8]
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] (GMT-Master, red-and-blue bezel) || 1,004,133 || underline + double-Swiss gilt dial, pointed crown guards, cal. 1560; bracelet 6636 / 80 end-links, clasp 3.64 || c.1963 (IV.63) || Phillips "Rolex Milestones" lot 810
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,323,448 || MK III late-gilt gloss dial (SWISS - T<25), cal. 1570; bracelet 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.65 || c.1965 (IV.65) || Phillips Hong Kong Sessions Spring 2026 lot 8019
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,686,416 || matte black dial, steel red-and-blue bezel, cal. 1570 || c.1967 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 76
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,796,673 || matte black "Fuchsia" insert, cal. 1570, movement D091203 with ROW marking; clasp 7-68 || 1967 (II.67) || Phillips New York Watch Auction SEVEN lot 25
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 5,468,961 || 18k yellow gold, black dial, President bracelet, cal. 1570 || c.1978 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 77
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] (GMT-Master, first quickset) || 6,250,744 || matte black dial, black bezel insert (spare red-and-blue bezel included), cal. 3075; 93150 Oyster, clasp VC || c.1981 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2024 lot 95
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 7,625,315 || black dial, Omani police emblem, cal. 3075; 62510H Jubilee / 555 end-links, clasp G4 || c.1983 || Bonhams Fine Watches 2021 lot 68
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 8,631,078 || glossy dial with cracked lacquer, cal. 3075; 78360 Oyster / 580 end-links, clasp I6 || c.1984 || Phillips Hong Kong EIGHT lot 1180
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8399062 || black raised-marker “bicchierini” dial; cal. 3085 || 1983 (Christie’s catalogue date) || Christie’s lot 217; date and prototype story are the auction essay’s account
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8584610 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1984 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 250; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || serial B431181 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1985 || Antiquorum Monaco 2017 lot 274
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9376077 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1986 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021 lot 244; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9,673,878 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1987 || Sotheby’s Watches Weekly 2020 lot 2
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case R828043 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1988 || Sotheby’s Geneva 2020 lot 652
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || R672618 || gloss black dial, R-prefix || c.1988 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2019 lot 845
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] (GMT-Master II) || 8,463,283 || red-and-black bezel, cal. 3085 27j || c.1984 || Sotheby's Important Watches HK 2021 lot 2004
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R275863 || red-and-black bezel, mvt 1994435, 78790 service-replacement bracelet || c.1988 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2023 lot 28031/167
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R434190 || full set with Merksamer Jewelers guarantee, mvt 2102621 || c.1988 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction X 2019 lot 149
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] (GMT-Master) || R-serial || 1988 red-and-blue bezel, 78360 / RS11 clasp || 1988 || Bonhams 25956/4
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T254282 || 1996 red-and-blue bezel delivered Dec 1996, full set with Beyer receipt || 1996 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 329-88
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T848499 || c.1996 red-and-blue bezel, with extra black bezel, cal. 3175 || 1996 || Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches 2019 lot 10
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || W752611 || c.1995 red-and-blue bezel, faded bezel, tritium dial || 1995 || Sotheby's Fine Watches Online 2024 lot 417
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U443556 || 1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 14/50, Bell X-1 1947 caseback || 1997 || Bonhams 25232/969
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U453541 || c.1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 21/50 || 1997 || Phillips Hong Kong XI 2020 lot 862
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || A245609 || c.1999 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's || 1999 || Sotheby's Hong Kong 2019 lot 2023
|}

Record an inside-caseback stamp exactly as it appears. Roman numerals I–IV are often read as quarters, but the [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html Caseback date codes guide describes a VI 1966 stamp] that does not fit that convention. A dated caseback is a component observation. Service replacements and exchanged backs can separate its date from the rest of the watch.

<span id="Cross-referencing_for_full_dating"></span>
== Comparing the components ==

An early serial range suggests a case date. Compare the bracelet reference, dial and [[Reference:Movements|movement]] separately. A [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp code]] dates the marked component, and a replacement clasp or bracelet does not change the case date.

A bracelet from the same period as the case may be period-correct without being original to that watch. Matching date estimates alone cannot establish original delivery.

== Per-reference serial detail ==

For chronograph ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips identifies case 12'271 and dates it circa 1938; a 2026 FutureGrail caseback photograph shows the same number, while its catalogue transcription dates it circa 1927. Phillips' 2023 ref. 2022 catalogue refers back to the 2057 as case 12'272, one digit different. Preserve the discrepancy; these records do not establish a serial sequence or production span. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080218/40 Phillips, 2018, lot 40]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2057/watch-32733221 EveryWatch transcription of FutureGrail, 2026, lot 32]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080223/170 Phillips, 2023, lot 170]

For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart].

For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates its gold-plated steel case, numbered 769***, to circa 1951. Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962; that number is consistent with Bonhams' masked prefix, but the catalogues do not confirm that their listings describe the same watch. Pergola assigns 769199 to its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart gives 710,776 for 1951 and 840,396 for 1952; it has no entry for 769199. These auction dates and chart estimates describe individual records, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs].

For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321]

For ref. [[Reference:6719|6719]], Antiquorum dates case 6,703,003 to circa 1981. Leland Little dates serial 7,350,177 to circa 1982, and its photographs show the same number on the accompanying guarantee paper. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not production limits. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, ref. 6719]; [https://www.lelandlittle.com/items/568411/lady-s-stainless-steel-and-gold-i-oyster-perpetual-i-watch-rolex/ Leland Little, lot 1089]

For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363].

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run.

=== Day-Date 1803 dating ===

For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s].

The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration.

For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494].

For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks.

For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25].

For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread]

For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits.

For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001].

A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct.

Auction catalogues date ref. 18039 case 5,302,014 to circa 1977, case 5,507,421 to circa 1978, case 6,739,240 to 1981, and case 7,522,088 to 1983. The 5,507,421 watch has a warranty recording a German retail sale in November 1980; that date records the sale, not the case manufacture. See [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-324-171 Antiquorum lot 171 (2019)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-340-158 lot 158 (2021)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-18038-lot-289-292 lot 292 (2015)], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-stella-dial-white-gold-lot-383-147 lot 147 (2025)].

Auction catalogues also give date estimates for individual Day-Date 18049 cases: 5,724,546 (circa 1978), 6,041,581 (1979), 6,654,074 (circa 1981), 6,768,020 (circa 1980), 7,644,551 (circa 1983), 8,272,377 (circa 1984), and R509431 (circa 1988). These are catalogue associations between a case number and a lot date, not a serial-number year chart or proof of the reference’s production limits. Sources: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches/reference-18049-day-date-a-white-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 5,724,546]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-270 Monaco Legend, ref. 18049 case 6,041,581]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-18049-gold-diamond-set-automatic-wristwatch-khanjar-89/181697 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,654,074]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4814219 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,768,020]; [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/ad86e74c-7057-4843-848c-3fbcabe7ff96/lots/30281a3f-52a9-45aa-9d06-c9a6baf6ddee Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 7,644,551]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18049-day-date-lot-361-98 Antiquorum, ref. 18049 case 8,272,377]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6558374 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case R509431].

Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504].

Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167].

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-rare-and-unusual-stainless-5892958/ Christie's, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it circa 1935 and identifies its 2006 Antiquorum appearance]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-35/lot-220 Monaco Legend, 2024, ref. 6511 case 166,725]

== Sources ==

* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952]
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611B case 401,546, dated 1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611b-lot-307-136 Antiquorum 2017, ref. 6611B, movement 386,339]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum 2002 steel school-watch lot, catalogued circa 1959]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum 2013 steel school-watch lot, catalogued as 1954]

* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee: 8171 case markings]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175: 8171 case 1977074]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019: 8171 serial anomaly]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2020, lot 2143: 8171 case 686356]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72: 8171 case 667005 and dated certificate]

* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate.
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table.
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
* [https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/what-is-a-hallmark Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, What is a hallmark?]: the meaning of office, sponsor, fineness and date marks.
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher, British import hallmarks]: historical office marks and date-letter cycles.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930.
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939.
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold.
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, Submariner 5510, June 2009, lot 140]: case 362,252, purchase history and the bracelet recorded at auction.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, COMEX 5513, November 2006, lot 323]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips, COMEX 5514, Geneva TWO, lot 145]: reference, case-number and inscription details.
* The tables identify further auction and specialist sources beside each observation; see the linked reference articles for additional lot records.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 6075 case 685082]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
* [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, Prince 1768 case 010271, c.1930]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Prince 1768 case 010345, c.1930]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, Prince 1768 case 019784, dated 1938]
* [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, Prince 1768 case 01028, circa 1927]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, Prince 1768 case 12'672, 1930s]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930]
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940]

* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]

* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]

Reference:bubbleback

2026-10-21T06:25:48Z

Admin: Add documented 5010 dial examples to the Bubbleback index

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex bubbleback}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex bubbleback — Production, Dial Variants, Serial Ranges | Rolexopedia
|description=Early Rolex Oyster Perpetual references with domed casebacks, documented examples, and catalogue dates into the late 1950s.
|keywords=Rolex Bubbleback, Ovetto, Ovettone, Padellone, Oyster Perpetual, Monoblocco, Submarine Hermetique, 1858, 3131, 3372, 4467, 3666, 6098, 8171, 3525, 3003, 6105, Datejust, Precision, Cal. 520, Cal. 620, Cal. 630, Cal. 1030, vintage Rolex, collector guide
|image=Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement with an Oyster Perpetual watch
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-04-17T21:11:45Z
|modified_time=2026-07-18T12:59:54Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

== Rolex Oyster & Bubbleback ==

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement|Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement]]
</div>

The Bubbleback is Rolex's early Oyster Perpetual family. The automatic rotor needed a deeper case than a hand-wound movement, so Rolex domed the back over the mechanism. Later references with thinner movements could use flatter backs. Auction catalogues date some large no-date examples, including ref. 5026, into the late 1950s; those estimates do not set an endpoint for the whole family. Italian collectors call the standard 32mm case Ovetto and the 36mm cases Ovettone.

== Common entry points ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a first-generation Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1858|1858]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Catalogued watches carry dates of 1933, circa 1935, and the 1930s.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a two-piece case Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3131|3131]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First two-piece case Bubbleback. The 1936 case simplification, precious-metal only (9K, 14K, 18K yellow and pink gold), Cal 620 with sub-seconds.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from a Luxury Model dial photo?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3372|3372]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The "Luxury Model" name appears in period advertising; documented examples and manual entries show several bezel and seconds configurations.</div></div></div>
</div>

== Pre-Oyster / Submarine (1922–1926) ==

Rolex dates its Submarine to 1922 and describes a watch hinged inside a second case, with a screw-down bezel and crystal; reaching the crown required opening the outer case. David Boettcher distinguishes Hermetic watches sold under the Submarine name from watches branded Rolex. Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent CH 89276 describes a stem-wound watch with a protective case. Boettcher notes that Wilsdorf's 1922 British patent describes the same case design but does not name Finger. [https://www.rolex.com/oyster-story/visionary-undertaking/building-an-impenetrable-defence Rolex, “Building an impenetrable defence”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexhermetic.php Boettcher, “Rolex Hermetic”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexsubmarine.php Boettcher, “Rolex Submarine?”]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || Cargills catalogue: 1924; Bonhams: circa 1925 || Manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || Cargills calls its watch “Submarine Hermetique” and reports Rolex signatures; Phillips catalogues a separate 1940 chronograph as ref. 3666 ([https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Bold Timepieces]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/watchesofknightsbridge/catalogue-id-srwatc10008/pdfexport Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 376]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080216/54 Phillips])
|}

== Pre-Perpetual Oyster ==

Before the Bubbleback, Rolex produced manual-wind Oysters. Auction catalogues identify several with 10½- or 9¾-ligne Aegler Hunter movements at Prima, Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots also name Prima and Ultra Prima grades, but do not assign a numeric caliber. Glasgow import hallmarks recur on British-market examples; the assay date belongs to the case, not necessarily the watch’s manufacture.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Lot-specific dials; Vintage & Prestige stock W3770 reproduces a 1930 guarantee recording sale on a Milanese band; 260554 is a British winding-crown patent number, while its role in the Bonhams watch’s catalogue field remains unverified
|-
| [[Reference:2081|2081]] || Auction dates range from the 1920s to 1948; span unproved || 10-ligne/15-jewel Prima and 10½-ligne/17-jewel lots; one 1947 lot names Cal. 700, 10½-ligne/15-jewel Extra-Prima || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless steel, 9K gold and chrome-plated examples || “Standard Oyster,” “Oyster Imperial” and “Oyster Chronometer” catalogue labels; Antiquorum’s steel-only note conflicts with gold and chrome-plated lots
|-
| [[Reference:1069|1069]] || Antiquorum dates lots to 1920s; Christie's circa 1930; span unproved || Manual; 11-ligne/15j movement reported once; other descriptions differ || Cushion; catalogued 30–32mm, steel and silver-plated examples || Solar Aqua/Anti-Magnetic dial; caseback 21836 has a conflicting 1940s seller date
|-
| [[Reference:1072|1072]] || Auctions date examples to the 1930s, circa 1938, and 1940s; one dealer assigns circa 1927, span unresolved || 10-ligne/18j and 15-jewel Prima descriptions; caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, 31–34mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Silvered Arabic, gilt-baton, two-tone 24-hour, and one Bucherer-signed dealer dial record
|-
| [[Reference:1073|1073]] || Antiquorum circa 1926; Christie's circa 1930; Bonhams 1930s; dealer 1934; production span unproved || Antiquorum: 10½-ligne Extra Prima, 15j; other auction lots name Prima grades || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Enamel Breguet, silvered Arabic, Roman, and one dealer-described California dial
|-
| [[Reference:2136|2136]] || c.1926–1940 || 10½′′′ Hunter, 15j manual || 32–34mm octagonal / cushion || Early manual-wind gold Oyster; Borgel-lineage three-piece construction; same reference reused c.1960 for a Cal. 1400 Precision
|-
| [[Reference:34075|34075]] || Christie’s dates the individual watch 1926; Sotheby’s reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927; production series unproved || 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, 17j (Sotheby’s) || 9ct gold octagonal case, wire lugs, 31 × 27mm (Christie’s) || Gleitze’s ‘Companion Oyster’; Christie’s calls it No. 34075, Sotheby’s calls it reference 34075; single object record
|-
| [[Reference:2849|2849]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1936, 1938 and 1940; Antiquorum dates two cases to 1937; production span unproved || Christie’s describes 18-jewel lever/Hunter movements; Antiquorum attributes 17-jewel Cal. 500 to two 1937 watches, with one lot’s stated caliber dates conflicting || 32–33mm; steel examples and one steel-and-gold catalogue description, disputed against a steel-only note || Broad stepped bezel; period “Oyster De Luxe” wording and later “Lifesaver” nickname
|-
| [[Reference:3003|3003]] · [[Reference:3004|3004]] || 1937 launch || Manual lever movements; two auction lots describe 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples || One catalogued 3003 is 27mm steel/pink gold; one 3004 is 30mm steel || First pair listed under Oyster Precision; documented examples differ in case and seconds layout
|-
| [[Reference:1873|1873]] || Most auction dates c.1930–1940; Cambi lists c.1954 || Manual; 15–18j; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades || 31–32mm; seven steel entries, one 9K gold; tonneau-form cases catalogued || Eight auction entries; one flat-back title; Cambi describes central seconds
|}

== Other manual-wind Oyster references ==

Manual-wind Oyster references ran alongside the automatic Bubbleback. Auction records describe tonneau or cushion cases and manual movements; the automatic Bubbleback line used rotor movements.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1573|1573]] || Auction examples dated circa 1930 through the 1940s; production span unknown || Manual; Antiquorum photo shows 15 jewels; Master of Time assigns Cal. 600 (17 jewels) to one Viceroy example; not confirmed across the reference || Tonneau/tortue; 28–29 × 38–39mm across catalogues; steel, steel/gold-bezel and 9ct gold examples || BEYER-signed black dial and Dobbies attribution documented; Imperial and Viceroy are sale names, not established production variants
|-
| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33 mm; steel, including one with a pink-gold bezel || Catalogue titles include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory, Royalite, Majestic Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials
|-
| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; Christie’s also describes an Ultra Prima movement; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; one white Roman-numeral dial with soldered lugs; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported
|-
| [[Reference:3139|3139]] || c.1940–1942 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm cushion Oyster, 3-piece || Only Rolex with "Army" on the dial; cushion case in the Borgel-derived 1920s family; documented British military and civilian examples
|-
| [[Reference:3351|3351]] || Auction dates circa 1935 and 1940s; Dawsons estimates circa 1942; a collector post dates a pictured Seaforth circa 1942; run unknown ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit]) || Cal. 59 reported on Standard/Regent/Lincoln examples; separate Extra Prima ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor 3351-F]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) || 28–29mm; circular hooded-lug or cushion; steel, gilt/gold-filled and two-tone cases || Standard, Regent, Lincoln and Extra Precision labels; Seaforth/Observatory dial. Dealer archives write 3351-F/3351f; suffix meaning unresolved ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor])
|-
| [[Reference:3359|3359]] || c.1939–1947 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm tonneau Oyster, two-tone SS + pink gold || ''Viceroy''-signed dial; two-tone SS case with pink gold bezel; applied luminous numerals
|-
| [[Reference:3358|3358]] || auction examples dated c.1940 and 1942; range unproved || Cal. 700 directly named on one lot; manual movement on another || Steel three-body Oyster with pink-gold bezel; catalogued diameters 28, 29 and 30mm || Separate ''Viceroy'' and ''Oyster Chronomètre'' dial descriptions; not an automatic Bubbleback
|-
| [[Reference:2765|2765]] || c.1939–1942 catalogue dates; range unproved || 10–10½-ligne manual, 17–18j; caliber unresolved || 31–32mm steel tonneau Oyster; screw-down back and crown || Misclassified as a Bubbleback on collector lists; ten auction appearances represent eight watches
|-
| [[Reference:2784|2784]] || individual catalogue estimates c.1930–1945; range unproved || Manual, 15–17j; FHF 30 is a family-level possibility (Tudor Cal. 59); no original 2784 movement confirms it || Usually 30–31mm barrel Oyster; steel and steel/gold documented || Junior Sport, Lipton, Viceroy, Raleigh, Centregraph and photographed Solar Aqua names
|-
| [[Reference:3009|3009]] || range unproved; Glasgow import mark 1937 and presentation inscription 1947 || Mostly catalogued manual, 17–18j; Cal. 700 family attribution probable; two repeated LSK automatic descriptions unresolved || 30–33mm precious-metal tonneau Oyster || White enamel Scientific dial plus Observatory, 24-hour, California and silvered layouts
|-
| [[Reference:3096|3096]] || Bonhams c.1930; Sotheby’s c.1937; span unproved. Gardiner Houlgate reports 1937 Glasgow import marks on the watch with serial 41066 || Manual winding on Bonhams example; 18-jewel/six-position and jewelled-lever descriptions elsewhere; caliber unconfirmed || 30mm gold cushion case; 9ct/9K in three records; Gardiner Houlgate describes hooded lugs || “Oyster Chronometer” wording; central seconds on one example and subsidiary seconds on three
|-
| [[Reference:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; a documented 1940s small-Oyster manual-wind configuration
|}

== First Bubbleback ==

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Vintage & Prestige also lists Cal. 520 for stock W2107; Hodinkee's 2024 family guide assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Antiquorum dates one example to 1933 and another to circa 1935; Phillips dates case 52,736 to circa 1935, while Antiquorum Hong Kong gives circa 1930s. WatchNet Japan lists a stainless-steel example, product A-6378, at 30.5 mm with a four-part case. Antiquorum, Aste Bolaffi, and WatchNet describe engraved watchmaker instructions on individual watches.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1858|1858]] || Catalogued examples dated 1933, circa 1935, and 1930s || Field Manual and dealer listings attribute Cal. 520; Hodinkee assigns Cal. 620 to the first series; catalogues report 8¾ or 9¾ line and 17 or 19 jewels || 30.5–32 mm in individual listings; three-body and four-part cases || First Bubbleback per the Field Manual; instructions engraved on several catalogued movements
|}

== Two-piece case era (1936–1944) ==

Rolex introduced a two-piece Bubbleback case with refs. 3131 and 3132 in 1936. Other references still appear in catalogues as three-body cases, including the 3134. Cal. 620 (subsidiary seconds) and Cal. 630 (sweep seconds) became the dominant automatic calibers, developed by Emile Borer at Aegler.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:2240|2240]] || 1930s–1940s catalogue dates; range unproved || 9¾-ligne automatic, 19j, centre seconds; caliber unresolved || 32mm steel tonneau; back profile unshown on specialist-catalogued examples || Bubbleback classification probable; a separately attributed watch has a domed back but no published reference engraving
|-
| [[Reference:3131|3131]] || 1936–1948 || Cal. 620, 17j, sub-seconds || 32mm tonneau, 2-piece || First two-piece case Bubbleback; precious-metal only (9K/14K/18K YG & PG)
|-
| [[Reference:3134|3134]] || c.1939–1957 catalogue dates; production span unknown || Automatic; 9½ and 9¾ lignes reported; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32 mm in most catalogues, with 30, 32.5 and 33 mm outliers; tonneau, three-body descriptions || Steel, a steel/yellow-gold case and two steel/gold listings with alloy unspecified; California-dial originality unconfirmed
|-
| [[Reference:3135|3135]] || 1938–c.1945 catalogue dates || 9¾-ligne automatic family; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32–33mm steel tonneau; one example catalogued as two-body || Sector, Roman, radium, pink and 24-hour dials documented; manual-wind listing is a probable 3135/3136 catalogue error
|-
| [[Reference:3599|3599]] || 1939–1946 catalogue dates || Early Perpetual family; Cal. 635 documented with subsidiary seconds || 31–34mm catalogued, fitted hood covers || Mainly steel; wide flat bezel; fluted and smooth hoods; centre-seconds auction examples have unresolved caliber and factory status
|-
| [[Reference:3372|3372]] || auction estimates c.1938–c.1959; factory range unconfirmed || Cal. 630 listed by Field Manual and named in one lot; other catalogues give 9¾-ligne / N 1411; centre and subsidiary seconds recorded || tonneau case; 32–33mm in cited lots; case and bezel variants || "Luxury Model" name reported in period advertising; 3372/0 listed with smooth polished bezel; dials need lot-specific originality checks
|}

== Straight-lug Empire Oyster ==

Collector Marcus Siems groups the straight-lug refs. 3548 and 3716 under the name Empire; Antiquorum says period advertisements used the Italian form “Impero.” The 3548 has centre seconds and the 3716 subsidiary seconds. Catalogue dates for 3716 examples range from circa 1940 to an outlying 1950s attribution, so the group does not supply a confirmed production span. See [[Reference:3548|3548]] and [[Reference:3716|3716]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3716|3716]] || Catalogued circa 1940–46; one 1989 catalogue gives a 1950s date || 9¾-ligne automatic; Cal. 620 / 635 assignments conflict || 31–32 mm straight-lug case; steel, yellow and pink gold examples || Subsidiary seconds; paired in collector sources with centre-seconds ref. 3548
|}

== Early two-pusher Oyster chronograph (1939–mid-1940s) ==

The 3525 is commonly described as the first two-pusher chronograph in Rolex’s Oyster case; earlier Oyster-cased monopusher chronographs existed. Its one-piece upper case gave rise to the collector term ''Monoblocco''. Some surviving examples have documented wartime orders and deferred payment, including those catalogued for Clive Nutting and Leon Brownlee.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] || catalogue examples c.1940–1945; factory span unconfirmed || Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23 family, manual chronograph || ~35mm monobloc Oyster SS/gold || Commonly described as an early two-pusher Oyster chronograph; earlier Oyster monopushers existed. Nutting example offered in 2007 with CHF 130,000–160,000 estimate; result not shown
|}

== First Datejust / Ovettone (1945–1953) ==

The 4467 launched in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary. The 4467 article covers the early Datejust, its 36mm case, Jubilee bracelet and documented examples.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4467|4467]] || 1945–1949 || Cal. A.295 (= 740/745), 18j || 36mm 18K YG/PG tonneau, 2-piece || Early Datejust; early Jubilee and solid end-link configuration; ''Ovettone''; date wheel evolves all-black → all-red → roulette
|-
| [[Reference:4984|4984]] || Christie's/HENRY's c.1940s–c.1945 (likely same watch); About Time estimates c.1947; span unknown || Automatic; caliber not identified; movement nos. N15927 (likely repeat sale) and N880639 || ~32mm; pink- and yellow-gold examples || Two photographed watches; individual two-tone and silver dial descriptions; no factory variant range established
|-
| [[Reference:5030|5030]] || circa 1948 || Cal. A.295 / 740 (see reference-specific sources) || 36mm; solid gold examples || Early date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; paired with the 5031 in some collector usage
|-
| [[Reference:5031|5031]] || auction dates range from circa 1948 to the 1960s || Automatic in sale catalogues; caliber unresolved || 34–36mm in catalogues; steel and pink or yellow gold described || Date at 3; movement and case details vary by example
|-
| [[Reference:6031|6031]] || auction dates include circa 1949–1950 and the 1950s || Automatic in catalogues; caliber unresolved || 35–36mm; 18K yellow and pink gold catalogued || Date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; left-hand examples catalogued with crown at 9
|-
| [[Reference:6074|6074]] || Platinum commission dated 1950; gold attributions circa 1950s unresolved || Cal. 630 NA on one gold watch with reworked caseback; 9¾-ligne/17j on platinum lot; no reference-wide assignment || 34–36mm in separate catalogues || Platinum example has smooth bezel; gold examples need attribution checks
|-
| [[Reference:6075|6075]] || Auction dates include 1950–51; one c.1961 estimate conflicts || A.295 and A.296 attributed in separate catalogues || 35–36mm; 18K YG/PG and steel + YG; one 10K YG catalogue description || Gold, pink-gold and two-tone cases; one photographed Datejust dial is graded restored
|-
| [[Reference:6105|6105]] || Early 1950s; catalogue dates vary || A.296 and 745-attributed examples || 36mm; gold and two-tone examples || Early dial-signed Datejust; often credited as first, but factory first use is not settled by the 6075 restored dial
|}

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5026 ==

Ref. 5026 is documented in 36 mm steel automatic examples with subsidiary seconds. Auction catalogues date individual watches from circa 1946 to circa 1958, but those estimates do not define the reference's production span. Aste Bolaffi assigns automatic Cal. 720/18 jewels to case 443371; other catalogues do not name a caliber. [[Reference:5026|The reference article]] records the case, dial, movement, and bracelet evidence. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-time-travel/rolex-steel-bubble-back-enamel-dial-ref-5026-123/71687 Christie's, lot 123] [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5026-lot-297-239 Antiquorum, lot 239]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5028 ==

Ref. 5028 is a large, no-date automatic Oyster Perpetual catalogued in steel and 18K gold, usually grouped with the Ovettone Bubblebacks. Case measurements in sale records are 35–36 mm. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945; Christie's gives circa 1946 for that same case and dates case 493076 to 1946. Other dated examples include Monaco Legend case 411813 (1958) and an unnumbered Antiquorum watch dated to the 1960s. These catalogue dates do not establish a production span. Records show centre-seconds and dual-seconds dials; movement descriptions vary between 10½ and 11 lignes and do not settle a single caliber. See [[Reference:5028|the case and dial record for ref. 5028]]. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, 2023, lot 47] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, New York 2026, lot 98] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, Geneva 2006, lot 32] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 126] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5029 ==

Auction catalogues document separate 5029 examples dated circa 1947 and 1949, in two-tone steel and gold, yellow gold, and pink gold. The 35–36 mm cases carry different dial and bezel layouts. Catalogued movement descriptions vary between A.295, “Super Balance 730,” and 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements; each remains tied to its own example. [[Reference:5029|The reference article]] records the case-numbered evidence and disputed listings. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, lot 144] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295]

== Late small Bubbleback examples ==

Auction catalogues date individual ref. 5002 watches from circa 1945 to circa 1952, and ref. 5006 examples from 1948 into the 1950s. Dealer and auction listings also identify ref. 5045 examples around 1949–50; the Loupe This lot includes a photograph of the inner caseback stamp. The 5002 records describe 23–26 mm steel, two-tone, and gold cases; 5006 records give 29–30 mm steel and gold examples. For 5013, Doyle and Linckersdorff list solid-gold watches; Curious Curio, Cool Auction, and GMTBroker describe steel cases with gold bezels. The examined listings show several dial layouts, but do not establish their order or factory originality. Cool Auction assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA to its individual watch. A Rolex Forums chart gives 9.75 lignes, a size notation rather than a caliber. One marketplace listing describes a centre-seconds chapter-ring 5013, but its photograph shows no reference stamp or caseback, so that attribution is unverified. Ref. 5052 appears in two case-numbered auction records: Christie’s describes pink-gold case 653977 as self-winding and dates it to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates steel case 663654 to the 1950s. Both records give 32 mm. The available examples do not establish a production span or numbered caliber. See [[Reference:5052|the 5052 article]]. These dates and configurations belong to individual records, not production endpoints. Christie’s describes its circa-1940 ref. 6006 as a Bubble Back. Later Christie’s and Antiquorum catalogues document gold examples dated 1952–55, with both central and subsidiary seconds. The 1952 Antiquorum watch is case 927300, with Cal. 520 and a restored subsidiary-seconds dial. These lot dates do not establish production boundaries. See [[Reference:6006|the 6006 record]]. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1588049 Christie’s, circa-1940 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie’s, 1953 ref. 6006] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie’s, circa-1955 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, item 14105766] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, product 7593] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, lot 33] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 107] [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125] [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, 5013 listing] [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums model-to-caliber chart, 5013 row]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:5002|5002]] || Catalogue dates circa 1945–1952; run unverified || Automatic; Cal. 420 assignment uncertain because its catalogue describes centre-seconds, while 5002 lots describe subsidiary seconds || 23–26 mm in cited lots; steel, steel/pink gold, yellow gold, pink gold, and rose gold || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual with subsidiary seconds; Field Manual lists /7 and /8 suffix descriptions, not tied to observed lots
|-
| [[Reference:5003|5003]] || Individual catalogue estimates circa 1949–1953; later 1960s estimates and a weak circa-1972 transcription conflict; run unverified || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; numeric caliber unidentified || 23–27 mm; steel, steel/gold, 10K and 18K gold examples || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual; Field Manual lists /3, /7, /8 variants, not matched to auction examples
|-
| [[Reference:5006|5006]] || Individual records dated 1948 through the 1950s; run unverified || Automatic; Field Manual lists Chronometer Perpetual variants; numeric caliber unresolved || 29–30 mm; steel, steel with yellow- or rose-gold bezel, and gold listed || Mid-size suffix variants 5006/3 and 5006/7 in the Field Manual; auction dial descriptions differ
|-
| [[Reference:5010|5010]] || Catalogue examples circa 1945–1955; production span unverified || Automatic, centre seconds; 9¾-ligne size in catalogues, numbered caliber unresolved || Steel and two-tone; 31–33 mm in cited records || Dial descriptions include a salmon Arabic-and-baton layout and an Arabic-numeral/alpha-hand example; Phillips records a 1950 Anno Sancto bezel. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-856369 Christie's] [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, lot 1007] [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-two-tone-bubbleback-reference-5010 Wind Vintage] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]
|-
| [[Reference:5013|5013]] || Individual listings date examples to the 1940s; production span unknown || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; one seller assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA; reference-wide caliber unresolved || Approx. 32 mm; solid-gold and steel/gold examples listed || Cream Arabic-and-baton, Roman, wedge-marker, and silver Arabic dials appear in separate records; sequence and originality are not established
|-
| [[Reference:5045|5045]] || Individual examples dated circa 1949–50; production span unverified || Automatic; chart and dealer give different 9¾-line NA and 10½-line NA movement-size/family designations; no caliber established || 31–32 mm; steel and rose-gold or bi-color listings || Inner caseback stamp photographed on one example; silver 12-3-6-9 and wedge-marker dials appear in listings; one listing describes luminous markers around a circular minute track. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI] [https://timeanagram.com/products/12221 TIMEANAGRAM]
|-
| [[Reference:5052|5052]] || Christie’s dates case 653977 to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates case 663654 to the 1950s; production span unknown || Automatic in two auctioned examples; Rolex case table lists 9¾-ligne automatic movement; numbered caliber unresolved || Pink gold and steel; 32 mm in both case-numbered records || Christie’s records subsidiary seconds on case 653977; the automatic case 663654 has a conflicting manual-wind Cal. 635 attribution with an incomplete serial in a later catalogue
|-
| [[Reference:5018|5018]] || Auction catalogues date examples from 1948 into the 1950s; one case receives conflicting 1949 and circa-1959 dates || Automatic, centre seconds; catalogues report 9¾-line and 17/19 jewels; numbered caliber unresolved || 32–34 mm in cited lots; steel, 18K gold, and steel/yellow-gold || Auction titles use Bombé and Bombay; catalogues show varied dial layouts. Production span remains unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-23 Antiquorum, case 608519] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5367913 Christie’s, case 678865] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5018-oyster-perpetual-lot-344-297 Antiquorum, case 608632] [https://www.finarte.it/auction/fine-watches-milan-2025-06-09/rolex-oyster-perpetual-5018-137264?lang=en Finarte, case 670691]
|}

<span id="Triple_calendar_flagship_—_Padellone_(1949–1953)"></span>
== Triple calendar: Padellone (1949–1953) ==

"Padellone" means "big pan" in Italian, an augmentative of ''padella'' ("pan") that follows the same naming logic as Ovetto/Ovettone. Triple calendar (day, month, date) plus moonphase. The Padellone uses a snap caseback rather than the screw-down construction of an Oyster case.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:8171|8171]] || c.1949–1953 || Cal. A.295 CPL automatic triple calendar moonphase, in-house Aegler || 38mm non-Oyster snap caseback, 18K YG/PG, SS rare || Triple calendar + moonphase; ''Padellone''; published examples include stainless steel and gold cases
|}

== Ref. 4392 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4392 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1945 through one circa-1959 estimate. The records describe 31–32 mm steel and gold cases and identify Cal. 630 / 630NA in several watches. Antiquorum's case 607544 pairs a Cal. 630 catalogue attribution with a small-seconds dial it considers probably reprinted; its photos do not show the movement. [[Reference:4392|The reference article]] keeps these details tied to their individual catalogue records. [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/catalog-print.zx?ic5=CatalogHome-AucType-PrintableCatalog-071515&saleNo=5097 Heritage, lot 60319] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

== Ref. 4919 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4919 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1947 to the 1950s; Farsettiarte dates a caseback-marked example circa 1960. A secondary copy of an Antiquorum catalogue assigns one example to the 1930s, in conflict with those later dates; see [[Reference:4919|the 4919 article]] for the source and limits. None sets a production span. Auction descriptions and an undated technical table give an automatic 9¾-line movement, but no numeric caliber is confirmed. Collectors group 4919 with Bubblebacks. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1720329 Christie's] [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uploads/auctions/187-asta_257_Orologi_5_dicembre_2024.pdf Farsettiarte, lot 50] [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Rolex Boîtes Oyster table]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Catalogue dates !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4919|4919]] || One copied catalogue gives a 1930s outlier; others date examples circa 1947–1960; production span unknown || Automatic, 9¾-line in catalogues; numeric caliber unresolved || Steel with yellow- or pink-gold bezels; 31–34 mm in cited examples || Separate dial layouts include a Serpico y Laino-signed example; Tennants reports one caseback marked 4919 5011, unexplained
|}

== Post-Bubbleback / Super Oyster (1952–1953) ==

Cal. 1030, a bidirectional automatic, allowed Rolex to use a flatter caseback than the Bubbleback profile. A September 1953 letter from Bruno Vailati thanks Rolex for seven “Super Oyster” watches supplied to his Red Sea expedition; the letter does not identify them by reference. Perezcope attributes Vailati’s own watch to ref. 6098. Monaco Legend later used “Super Oyster” for ref. 6029, case 706020. Antiquorum dates that same case to 1950 and describes its domed, screw-down back. Abell Watchmakers calls a separately numbered ref. 6029 “Big Bubble Back.” These are source-specific labels, not evidence of a single model definition. [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, “Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches” (2023)] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2021, lot 181] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, 2007, lot 254] [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || “Super Oyster” wording in Vailati’s 1953 letter for expedition watches; Perezcope attributes his watch to 6098
|}

== Related references ==

The Bubbleback era connects forward to:
* [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Super Oyster, 60m water resistance in 1952; pre-Explorer and pre-Submariner ancestor)
* [[Reference:6150|6150]] (first Explorer, 1952)
* [[Reference:6204|6204]] (first Submariner, 1953)
* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; published labels vary. Dorotheum says period Rolex catalogues misprinted it as 4663; the ''Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' lists 4643 and 4663 separately, and the discrepancy remains unresolved.)
* 6305 (first Datejust with Cyclops, 1954)
* 6604 and 6605 (first Datejust with instantaneous date change, Cal. 1065, 1956–57)

== Related families ==

* [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] — the descendant line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 originating Air-Kings sit in the same Bubbleback case architecture and run on the same Aegler hand-wound calibers.
* [[Reference:prince|Prince]] — the parallel 1930s line. The Aegler-supplier relationship that powers the Prince also powers every Bubbleback caliber.
* [[Reference:daytona|Daytona]] — the chronograph ancestor. The pre-Daytona Antimagnetique, Monoblocco, and 4xxx tonneau Oyster chronographs share the same era and case lineage.

== Shared references ==

* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — early serial ranges and hallmark dating
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Bubbleback line
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

== Sources ==

===Primary and specialist===

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36789]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36,848]
* [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler Auktionen, ref. 2416, case 32342]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29894/lot/85/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-oyster-ref-3096-circa-1930/ Bonhams, ref. 3096, case 41164, circa 1930]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, ref. 3096, serial 41066, Glasgow import marks dated 1937]
* [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/323442/a-rolex-oyster-9ct-gold-cushion-shape-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, ref. 3096, caseback marked 4111/3096]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-6 Sotheby’s, Watches 2020, ref. 3096, lot 51, circa 1937]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/watch-9190889 EveryWatch transcription of Sotheby’s lot 51]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php David Boettcher, Rolex 2416 examples in Oyster Watch Co. cases]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Scanned Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/44 Watchnet Japan, ref. 2416 “England Dial” listing]
* [https://www.sandersonandson.com/51979.shtml Sanderson & Son, ref. 2416 Speedking listing]
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoystercase.php David Boettcher, "The Rolex Oyster Case — Hermetic, Submarine and the Borgel lineage", vintagewatchstraps.com]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A, “Improvements in keyless watches”]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH114948A/en Swiss patent CH114948A, “Winding watch”]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/2022/9/7/the-oyster-story Owen Lawton, "The Oyster Story (Part 1)", Wind Vintage, 2022]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/how-rolex-became-rolex-the-automatic-perpetual-movement-part-2 Charlie Dunne, "How Rolex Became Rolex: The Automatic Perpetual Movement, Part 2", Wind Vintage, 2023]
* [https://quillandpad.com/2019/04/09/the-golden-age-of-rolex-movements-part-i-sowing-the-seeds-of-greatness/ Tim Mosso, "The Golden Age of Rolex Movements, Part I", Quill & Pad, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction XII, lot 20 — ref. 1858, steel, bow-tie dial, c.1935", Phillips, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, "Mondani Collection, lot 229 — ref. 1858 Didactic, Bucherer-signed, 1933", Antiquorum, 2006]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, "Torino, lot 34 — Rolex Ovetto ref. 1858 Didactic", Aste Bolaffi, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, Geneva, lot 233 — ref. 1858 case 48191, circa 1935]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, lot 47 — ref. 1858 case 48449, circa 1930s]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — dealer-described 9K example]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — ref. 1858, Cal. 520, four-part case, 30.5 mm]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-83-146 Antiquorum, "Geneva, lot 146 — ref. 2136, steel cushion Oyster, c.1925", Antiquorum, 1999]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-online/rolex-ref-3372-bubbleback-retailed-by-serpico-y Sotheby's, "Watches Online, lot 71 — ref. 3372, salmon dial, retailed by Serpico y Laino, c.1945", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436 Antiquorum, New York 2001, lot 436 — ref. 3372, Cal. 630, centre seconds]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-79 Antiquorum, Geneva 2006, lot 79 — ref. 3372, steel and 18K gold, three-body case]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206 Phillips, Geneva 2015, lot 206 — ref. 3372, two-tone case, four-segment dial]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-8/reference-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-a Sotheby's, New York 2021, lot 166 — ref. 3372, steel, silvered dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75 Antiquorum, Hong Kong 2024, lot 75 — ref. 3372, steel, circa-1959 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/222 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction VII, lot 222 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, roulette date, c.1945", Phillips, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30160/lot/116/rolex-a-rare-18k-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-pre-datejust-oyster-perpetual-ref-4467-purchased-6th-august-1948/ Bonhams, "Lot 116 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, purchased 6 August 1948, with Bucherer receipt and chronometer certificate", Bonhams]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4467-datejust-souscription-lot-368-95 Antiquorum, "Hong Kong, lot 95 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, numbered souscription edition", Antiquorum, 2024]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080119/68 Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, "The Geneva Watch Auction NINE, 12 May 2019, lot 68 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', 18K yellow gold, case 762'159", Phillips, 2019]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5759044 Christie's, "Important Watches, New York, sale 2753, 17 December 2013, lot 186 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel with diamond-set numerals, case 902'514", Christie's, 2013]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Important Watches, Hong Kong, 9 October 2020, lot 2143 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel, case 686'356", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24235/lot/115/rolex-a-very-rare-18k-gold-automatic-triple-calendar-wristwatch-with-moon-phase-padellone-ref-8171-circa-1955/ Bonhams, "Fine Watches and Wristwatches, London New Bond Street, 13 December 2017, lot 115 — 18K gold ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', cal. A.295 CPL no. 20696", Bonhams, 2017]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum, "Ref. 3525 chronograph, Corporal Clive Nutting provenance", Geneva, 2007]
* [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, "Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches", 2023]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/ Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, "Catalogue usage — ''Ovetto'' for 32mm Bubblebacks, ''Ovettone'' for 36mm Big Bubblebacks", Pandolfini]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum Geneva, 1990, lot 397 — gold 6074 attribution]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum Vicenza, 1992, lot 67 — platinum 6074]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum Geneva, 2025, lot 223 — gold 6074 attribution]

===Editorial and market===
* [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762, “Big Bubble Back”]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, The Rolex Connoisseur's Collection Part Two, lot 181, ref. 6029, case 706020, 2021]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, Geneva, 11 November 2007, lot 254, ref. 6029, case 706020]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-prima-1925/ Vintage & Prestige, ref. 1925 stock W3770, Milanese bracelet and 1930 guarantee]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, ref. 2280 and Cal. 710 (Japanese, 2022)]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s New York, ref. 2280, lot 403]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Henrik Korpela, SJX Watches, 2015 — gold watch, movement and altered caseback]
* [https://www.watchlover.it/2016/09/21/rolex-ovettone-big-bubbleback/ Watchlover, 2016 — illustrated 6074 and smooth bezel]

* [https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/rolex-bubbleback-watches-collector-guide-1931-1950s-1235893131/ Robb Report, "A Collector's Guide to Rolex Bubbleback Watches, 1931–1950s", Robb Report]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, "Rolex Unicorns Part II — Ref. 8171 Triple Calendar ''Padellone'' in Steel", SJX Watches, 2019]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/what-makes-the-rolex-padellone-ref-8171-so-special/ Robert-Jan Broer, "What Makes The Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 So Special?", Fratello Watches, 2024]
* [https://www.hautetime.com/close-up-1-14-million-rolex-reference-8171-padellone/38057/ Adrienne Faurote, "Close Up: $1.14 Million Rolex Reference 8171 ''Padellone''", HauteTime, 2013]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-datejust-complete-history/ Monochrome Watches, "The Evergreens: Complete History of the Rolex Datejust", Monochrome]
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/datejust-a-closer-look-at-a-rolex-icon-2/ Edmond Saran, "Datejust: A Closer Look at a Rolex Icon", Le Monde Edmond]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3131 Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3131", Wind Vintage]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-in-18k Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3372 in 18K", Wind Vintage]
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-620/ Caliber Corner, "Rolex Caliber 620", Caliber Corner]
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-bubble-back.html Bob's Watches, "Rolex Bubble Back Collector's Guide", Bob's Watches]
* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/the-rolex-bubbleback-history-facts Everest Bands, "The Rolex Bubbleback: History and Facts", Everest Bands]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=230912 Rolex Forums community, "Bubbleback 3131 Owners Thread", Rolex Forums]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-24-533 Antiquorum 2001, ref. 6075 steel and gold]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, ref. 6075 restored Datejust dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, ref. 6075 A.295]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, ref. 6075 A.296]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, ref. 6075 steel and gold]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, circa 1935]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's, ref. 3351 Standard, case 118412, circa 1940s]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, case 118404]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent and movement photograph]
* [https://www.ebay.com/itm/227412128120 eBay seller watchnj, photographed ref. 3351 Seaforth / Observatory]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit r/rolex collector post, Seaforth ref. 3351, circa 1942 attribution]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor Vintage Watches, ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489]
* [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor's Vintage Watches, ref. 3351f]

* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]
* [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, ref. 5013, lot 1088]
* [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, ref. 5013, item 355515195857]
* [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, ref. 5013, stock CW-G346]
* [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, ref. 5013, stock 20125]
* [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, ref. 5013]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums, model-to-caliber chart, ref. 5013 row]
* [https://www.vetroplastica.it/referenze.html VetroPlastica, reference index, ref. 5013]
* [https://marketplace.watchcharts.com/listing/5477111-fs-rolex-5013-oyster-perpetual-chapter-ring-dial Marketplace listing, centre-seconds chapter-ring description; reference attribution unverified]

[[Category:Reference family]]
[[Category:Bubbleback]]

Reference:5010

2026-10-21T06:25:48Z

Admin: Add 1947 and 1948 examples, dial evidence, and bracelet photographs

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 — Bubbleback reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Documented examples of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010, including its case, dial and 1950 Anno Sancto bezel.
|keywords=Rolex 5010, Oyster Perpetual 5010, Bubbleback, Anno Sancto
|image=Ref_5010_hero.webp
|image_alt=Steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 with a silvered baton dial
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]] → '''5010'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref_5010_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5010 with a silvered baton dial|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756. Catalogue estimate: circa 1949.]]
</div>

The 5010 is a self-winding Oyster Perpetual with centre seconds. Auction and dealer records place individual examples between circa 1945 and 1955, but they do not establish the production span. Documented watches include steel and two-tone cases, several dial layouts, and one bezel engraved for the 1950 Holy Year.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 5010
|-
| model line || Oyster Perpetual; grouped with Bubblebacks by collectors
|-
| production || Catalogue examples circa 1945–1955; production endpoints unverified.
|-
| movement || Self-winding, centre seconds; catalogues describe a 9¾-ligne movement size. A numbered caliber remains unconfirmed.
|-
| case || Steel cases and steel cases with pink- or yellow-gold parts appear in catalogues; reported diameters are 31–33 mm.
|-
| dial || Catalogue and dealer descriptions include black Arabic-and-dagger, salmon Arabic-and-baton, silvered baton, white gilt-marker, and Arabic-numeral layouts; factory range unknown.
|-
| bracelet || One auctioned example has a C&I expandable Oyster bracelet; original fitment and end-link numbers remain unestablished.
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Collectors group the 5010 with Bubblebacks, the early automatic Oyster watches with a domed back. The term is a collector label; see the [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster guide]].

==Production outline==

Christie’s dates a steel-and-pink-gold example circa 1945. Burstow & Hewett dates case 625463 circa 1947. Antiquorum and a Barnebys archive list separate cases, 646'799 and 646740, as 1948 examples; The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949, and Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950. Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These dates belong to individual watches; they do not establish the reference's production start or end.

==Movement notes==

Phillips gives the 1950 Anno Sancto watch an automatic 9¾-ligne movement with 18 jewels. Antiquorum lists a 9¾-ligne movement in its 1948 example; a 2004 Bonhams catalogue transcription gives 19 jewels for another 5010. Barnebys reports movement number N15018 in case 646740. Jewel counts and movement numbers belong to those individual watches.

The [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]] treats 9¾ lignes as a size class. The cited records give no numbered caliber for these specimens.

==Dial map==

Descriptions of individual watches include black Arabic-and-dagger, salmon Arabic-and-baton, silvered baton, white gilt-marker, and all-Arabic layouts. Christie’s describes applied dagger markers and Arabic numerals. Burstow & Hewett records a salmon-pink dial with quarterly Arabic numerals and batons, blued pencil hands, and red centre seconds; The Auction Room's circa-1949 watch has a silvered dial with gold-tone batons. Bonhams describes a circa-1955 white dial with gilt batons, alternating dart and Roman-numeral quarter markers, and gilt leaf hands. Wind Vintage describes an approximately 1948 example with Arabic numerals and alpha hands. These are descriptions of separate watches; the factory range is not established.

[[File:Ref_5010_dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|220px|The Auction Room London, lot 20: silvered dial with gold-tone baton markers.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Catalogue diameters range from 31 to 33 mm: Phillips and Antiquorum give 32 mm, The Auction Room gives 31 mm, and a 2004 Bonhams record gives 33 mm. Christie’s describes hooded lugs. Antiquorum calls its 1948 case stainless steel and gold and identifies the watch as retailed by Serpico y Laino.

Christie’s and Austin describe screw-down crowns. The catalogue descriptions reviewed here do not identify the crystal material.

The records include plain bezels. Phillips also documents case 655'677 with an engraved bezel reading “ANNO SANCTO” and a Latin dedication to the Holy Year of 1950. That catalogue treats the inscription as a feature of this watch; a reference-wide bezel range is not established.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_commemorative.webp|Phillips, lot 282: bezel engraving on the 1950 Anno Sancto example
File:Ref_5010_profile.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756: side profile and leather strap
</gallery>

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Most cited catalogue records show a leather strap. Phillips lists a gold-plated Rolex buckle; Antiquorum lists a stainless-steel Rolex buckle. These records describe buckles rather than bracelets.

Austin Auction Gallery's 2026 listing pairs case 625221 with a riveted expandable Oyster bracelet and clasp marked C&I 1-66. The 1966 stamp dates the clasp component, not the watch head; the [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet guide]] explains the limits of clasp dating. The lot shows one bracelet paired with a 5010, but does not establish original delivery or a reference-wide end-link fit. A Rolex Forums owner example also shows a two-tone 5010 on a riveted bracelet, but supplies no factory documentation.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_bracelet.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: expandable bracelet paired with case 625221
File:Ref_5010_clasp.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: clasp marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, and 1-66
</gallery>

==Special branches==

Phillips records one 1950 “ANNO SANCTO” watch with an engraved bezel commemorating the Roman Catholic Holy Year and naming Pius XII. The catalogue describes a two-tone steel and yellow-gold case, a leather strap, and a gold-plated Rolex buckle.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! record !! details recorded !! limit
|-
| Christie’s, lot 856369 || Ref. 5010; circa 1945; stainless steel and pink gold; black Arabic-and-dagger dial; hooded lugs; 32 mm || Catalogue date and description apply to this watch; no serial or caliber is given in the text.
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva, 13 May 2018, lot 136 || Serpico y Laino; case 646'799; dated 1948; steel and gold; 9¾ lignes; 32 mm; patinated dial || Catalogue reports a stainless-steel Rolex buckle; it does not establish bracelet fitment.
|-
| The Auction Room London, lot 20 || Case 655756; estimated circa 1949; two-tone case; silvered baton dial; 31 mm || Listing supplies five photographs; no movement number or result is shown.
|-
| Burstow & Hewett, 27 February 2026, lot 1007 || Ref. 5010; case 625463; circa 1947; two-tone case; salmon-pink Arabic-and-baton dial; 32 mm || Catalogue description of one watch; no numbered caliber is given.
|-
| Barnebys archived lot || Ref. 5010 engraved between lugs; case 646740; circa 1948; movement N15018; 32 mm || Archive does not identify the auctioneer; bracelet is described as non-original.
|-
| Jones & Horan, lot 366 || Ref. 5010; serial 646754; stainless-steel case; refinished silvered dial toned tan || Archived catalogue transcription; no movement or date supplied.
|-
| Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction TWO, 7–8 November 2015, lot 282 || Case 655'677; movement 29377/N134; dated 1950; “ANNO SANCTO” engraved bezel; 9¾ lignes, 18 jewels; 32 mm || One commemorative example; estimate CHF 30,000–60,000; sold CHF 37,500.
|-
| Bonhams, New Bond Street, 20 April 2004, lot 259 || Ref. 5010; 1940s; two-tone case; silvered baton dial; 19-jewel automatic movement; 33 mm || Catalogue text does not name a caliber or give a case number.
|-
| Bonhams, Paris, 24 May 2022, lot 276 || Ref. 5010; estimated circa 1955; case 35873; inner caseback stamped II.55; movement N98383; white dial; 32 mm || Catalogue record for one stainless-steel watch; estimate does not establish a production endpoint.
|-
| Austin Auction Gallery, 3 May 2026 || Case serial 625221; black dial; gold-tone bezel; screw-down crown; 32 mm; expandable riveted Oyster bracelet; clasp C&I 1-66 || The clasp code dates the bracelet component, not the watch head or original fitment.
|}

==Related references==

See the [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster guide]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet guide]], [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]]. The case numbers listed here are individual catalogue observations; no 5010 serial chart has been established.

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_5010_hero.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20, case 655756: silvered baton dial and two-tone case
File:Ref_5010_caseback.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: external caseback
File:Ref_5010_dial-detail.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: dial detail
File:Ref_5010_commemorative.webp|Phillips, 2015, lot 282: Anno Sancto bezel engraving, a separate 1950 watch
File:Ref_5010_profile.webp|The Auction Room London, lot 20: side profile
File:Ref_5010_bracelet.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: C&I expandable Oyster bracelet paired with case 625221
File:Ref_5010_clasp.webp|Austin Auction Gallery, 2026: clasp marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, and 1-66
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-856369 Christie's, "Christie's, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, circa 1945", Christie's]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, "Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO, lot 282, Rolex ref. 5010 Anno Sancto", Phillips, 2015-11-08]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, lot 136, Rolex ref. 5010 retailed by Serpico y Laino", Antiquorum, 2018-05-13]
* [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, "The Auction Room London, ref. 5010, case 655756, lot 20", The Auction Room London via Easy Live Auction, 2026-09-29]
* [https://auctions.jones-horan.com/1602/html/1602_textonly.htm Jones & Horan, "Jones & Horan, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, lot 366", Jones & Horan]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-5010/lpi Bonhams, "Collector Square archive, Bonhams New Bond Street, 20 April 2004, lot 259, ref. 5010", Collector Square, reproducing Bonhams catalogue data, 2004-04-20]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, "Bonhams, Montres de Prestige, Paris, 24 May 2022, lot 276, ref. 5010", Bonhams, 2022-05-24]
* [https://www.austinauction.com/pastresults/lot/bidsquare-8949049 Austin Auction Gallery, "Austin Auction Gallery, estate Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, case 625221", Austin Auction Gallery, 2026-05-03]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/archive/index.php/t-138944.html Subexplorer and forum participants, "Rolex Forums, “Bubbleback (or Goldfinger’s Bubbleback)” discussion", Rolex Forums, 2010-08-16]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/e9838c676e54cc70d9068c7dbb7001d2/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1007/ Burstow & Hewett, "Burstow & Hewett, Luxury Watches, Jewellery and Silver, lot 1007 — ref. 5010", Burstow & Hewett via Easy Live Auction, 2026-02-27]
* [https://www.barnebys.com/auctions/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-gentleman-s-wristwatch-th-CSTBc3T-623098096 "Barnebys archive, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5010, case 646740", Barnebys; originating auctioneer unidentified]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-two-tone-bubbleback-reference-5010 Wind Vintage, "Wind Vintage, two-tone Rolex Bubbleback ref. 5010, item SBUXYT2384", Wind Vintage]

[[Category:Oyster-Perpetual]]

File:Ref 5010 clasp.webp

2026-10-21T06:25:47Z

Admin: Austin Auction Gallery, lot 8949049, 3 May 2026. Clasp paired with case 625221, marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, 1-66. The code dates the clasp component only. Uploaded at the site owner’s direction with attribution; no third-party license is claimed.

Austin Auction Gallery, lot 8949049, 3 May 2026. Clasp paired with case 625221, marked Rolex U.S.A., C&I, 1-66. The code dates the clasp component only. Uploaded at the site owner’s direction with attribution; no third-party license is claimed.

File:Ref 5010 bracelet.webp

2026-10-21T06:25:47Z

Admin: Austin Auction Gallery, lot 8949049, 3 May 2026. Case 625221 with expandable C&I Oyster bracelet. Original fitment is not established. Uploaded at the site owner’s direction with attribution; no third-party license is claimed.

Austin Auction Gallery, lot 8949049, 3 May 2026. Case 625221 with expandable C&I Oyster bracelet. Original fitment is not established. Uploaded at the site owner’s direction with attribution; no third-party license is claimed.

Reference:18108

2026-10-21T05:55:16Z

Admin: Add reviewed 3055 movement detail image

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Day-Date 18108 — Diamond-set bark bezel}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Day-Date 18108 — Diamond-set bark bezel | Rolexopedia
|description=Auction-documented Day-Date 18108: 18k yellow gold, caliber 3055, bark-finish diamond bezel, and recorded dial variants.
|keywords=Rolex 18108, Rolex Day-Date 18108, 3055, bark bezel, Stella dial, onyx dial, ruby numerals
|image=Ref_18108_hero.webp
|image_alt=Yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date 18108 with blue dial, diamond-set bark bezel and bark-finish President bracelet
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]] → '''18108'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref_18108_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date 18108 with blue dial, diamond-set bark bezel and bark-finish President bracelet|Ref. 18108, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.]]
</div>

The 18108 is an 18k yellow-gold Day-Date with a bark-finish bezel and President bracelet; the documented bezels are diamond-set. Auction catalogues record champagne dials with ruby numerals, turquoise or blue and oxblood lacquer, onyx, and wood. Their dates place individual watches around 1985–86; the reference’s production limits remain unknown.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
! Detail
! What the records show
|-
| Family
| Day-Date, five-digit generation
|-
| Dated examples
| Auction catalogues place individual watches in circa 1985 and 1986
|-
| Case
| 18k yellow gold; 36 mm in most catalogues, 35.5 mm in one
|-
| Bezel
| Bark finish with 12 diamonds documented on an onyx-dial example
|-
| Movement
| Caliber 3055 automatic; 27 jewels in several catalogues
|-
| Dial
| Champagne with ruby numerals; turquoise/blue and oxblood lacquer; onyx; wood
|-
| Bracelet
| President, with bark-finish centre links documented; bracelet details vary by lot
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

The 18108 belongs to the single-quickset 3055 generation. Auction catalogues describe diamond-set bezels on the examples here, including several with a bark finish.

==Production outline==

The dated examples cluster in the mid-1980s. Christie's dates the champagne-and-ruby and two onyx examples to circa 1985, and its wood-dial example to circa 1986. Sotheby's gives circa 1986 for the turquoise/blue watch. The reference's production limits remain unknown.

==Movement notes==

Christie's and Sotheby's identify the automatic movement as caliber 3055; catalogues that give a jewel count report 27. The 3055 corrects the date from the crown. To change the weekday, the hands must pass through midnight. The [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]] covers the 3055 and the later double-quickset 3155.

[[File:Ref 18108 movement.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Caliber 3055 movement inside a yellow-gold Rolex case, with 3055 engraved on the movement|Movement marked 3055, from a watch the listing identifies as ref. 18108.]]

==Dial map==

The catalogues record several dial configurations:

* Christie's lot 5841689 lists a champagne dial with ruby numerals. Its online lot 67 describes black onyx with diamond hour markers and identifies that dial as a service dial. A separate Christie's lot records another onyx example.
* Sotheby's describes one lacquer dial as turquoise in 2018 and blue in 2021, calling it “Stella” in both records. The matching case number identifies the same watch. Christie's separately uses “Stella” for an oxblood lacquer dial; these are catalogue labels for the pictured watches.
* Christie's circa-1986 lot lists a wood dial without identifying the species.

[[File:Ref_18108_dial.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Three-quarter view of the blue-dial 18108 with bark-finish bezel and bracelet|The same blue-dial example, shown at an angle; Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

Christie's gives a 36 mm diameter, screw-down crown and caseback for its circa-1986 example; lot 5841689 measures another watch at 35.5 mm. Crystal material is unrecorded in these catalogues.

Christie's specifies 12 diamonds on one onyx-dial watch; other listings describe diamond-set bark bezels without a count. The catalogues document these watches, while the setting across the full production run remains unknown.

Sotheby's titled its 2018 turquoise-dial lot “18108A” and reported caseback number 18000. Its 2021 listing calls the watch 18108 and repeats case number 9'342'167, identifying the same case in both sales. Christie's records 18200 stamped inside the caseback of another watch. The reason for the differing markings is unknown.

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging==

The catalogued watches have 18k yellow-gold President bracelets, several with bark-finish centre links. Christie's records clasp stamp 8723 and end links 55 on one bracelet; those marks date the bracelet, not the watch head. A wood-dial example has a concealed deployant clasp. Sotheby's gives an approximately 185 mm length for its blue-dial watch. The catalogues describe the fitted bracelets; original delivery is unrecorded.

[[File:Ref_18108_caseback.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Back view of a yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 and its opened President bracelet|Case and bracelet back of the same Sotheby's example. The image does not show a movement.]]

==Auction records==

The table covers six watches. Sotheby's listed the same case in 2018 and 2021, identified by case number 9'342'167. The 2018 listing gives movement number 1'438'362; the 2021 listing gives none.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Date assigned by the catalogue
! House and lot
! Recorded configuration
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's, lot 5841689
| 18k yellow gold, diamond-set bezel, champagne dial with ruby numerals
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's online, lot 67
| Black onyx dial and diamond markers; the dial is described as a service dial
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's, lot 6042612
| Onyx dial, bark President bracelet; clasp stamped 8723 and end links 55
|-
| circa 1986
| Christie's, lot 2363
| Wood dial and bark-finish President bracelet; 36 mm case, caliber 3055
|-
| circa 1986
| Sotheby's, lot 204 (2018); later listed as lot 2135 (2021)
| Same case number, 9'342'167; turquoise in 2018 and blue in 2021, both called “Stella”; 2018 record gives movement 1'438'362, 2021 record omits it
|-
| Date not stated
| Christie's, lot 6533554
| Case 8'961'548; oxblood lacquer dial described as “Stella”; bark-finish bezel and bracelet
|}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 18108 hero.webp|Blue-dial 18108, front view. Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.
Ref 18108 dial.webp|The same watch at an angle, showing the case and bracelet finish.
Ref 18108 movement.webp|Movement marked 3055, from the example listed as ref. 18108.
Ref 18108 caseback.webp|Case and bracelet back of the same watch; movement not shown.
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 5841689", Christie's]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, "Christie's Online — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 67", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042612 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 6042612", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 2363", Christie's]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.204.html Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108A, lot 204", Sotheby's, 2018-12-05]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 2135", Sotheby's, 2021-04-23]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6533554 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, oxblood Stella dial, lot 6533554", Christie's]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf "Rolex Technical Information, calibers 5035 and 5055", Rolex]
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/watches/rolex-president-day-date-yellow-gold-diamond-bark-finish-mens-watch-18108-68037/ "SwissWatchExpo, item 68037 — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108", SwissWatchExpo]

[[Category:Day-Date]]

File:Ref 18108 movement.webp

2026-10-21T05:55:03Z

Admin: Pipeline image-repair: hero/movement for Reference:18108, uploaded to the canonical filename the article already references. Source: https://cdn.swisswatchexpo.com/productphotos/2/4/rolex-president-day-date-yellow-gold-diamond-bark-finish-mens-watch-18108-68037_f1cd6.jpg

Pipeline image-repair: hero/movement for Reference:18108, uploaded to the canonical filename the article already references. Source: https://cdn.swisswatchexpo.com/productphotos/2/4/rolex-president-day-date-yellow-gold-diamond-bark-finish-mens-watch-18108-68037_f1cd6.jpg

Reference:day-date

2026-10-21T05:47:21Z

Admin: Update 18108 dial coverage and Day-Date index

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Day-Date}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Day-Date — References and Movements | Rolexopedia
|description=Rolex Day-Date references from the 1956 launch through the 118xxx generation, plus Day-Date II and Oysterquartz. Case finishes, calendar functions and dated examples.
|keywords=Rolex Day-Date, President, 6510, 6611, 1803, 18038, 118238, 218238, Stella, Stern, Buckley, Wide-Boy, Underline, Red Quarters, Sigma, Khanjar, Tiffany double-signed, Nasser, LBJ, Lyndon Johnson
|image=Ref day-date 1960-ad.webp
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Day-Date print advertisement
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-05-24T20:53:04Z
|modified_time=2026-10-11T11:30:00Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Day-Date'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref day-date 1960-ad.webp|thumb|center|400px|alt=Vintage Rolex Day-Date print advertisement showing the watch and its calendar displays|Vintage Rolex Day-Date advertisement.]]
</div>

The Day-Date is Rolex's calendar watch with the weekday written in full at twelve o'clock and the date at three. It launched in 1956. Gold and platinum are the regular case materials, and Rolex dates the three-piece-link President bracelet to the same launch.

Most vintage and earlier modern Day-Dates have a 36mm case. The 41mm Day-Date II arrived in 2008, followed by the Day-Date 40 in 2015. This guide covers selected references through the 118xxx generation, alongside Day-Date II and Oysterquartz.

== Common entry points ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">First generation</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:6510|6510]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Smooth-bezel Day-Date from the launch period. Early dates, bracelet fitment and caliber descriptions need to be checked against the individual watch.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Acrylic crystal, no quickset</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1803|1803]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The fluted-bezel reference of the 1960s and 1970s, with calibers 1555 and 1556 and a wide range of dial finishes.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">36mm with double quickset</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:118238|118238]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Yellow-gold Day-Date with caliber 3155. Both calendar displays can be corrected independently of the hands.</div></div></div>
</div>

== Originals era (1956–1959) ==

The smooth-bezel 6510 and fluted-bezel 6511 belong to the launch generation. The 66xx references followed during the late 1950s. Auction dates overlap the usual chronology: Phillips catalogues 6511 cases as 1955, Dorotheum gives case 166736 a 1956–57 model period, and another Dorotheum listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart places 166744 in its 1956 band. The lot photograph offers no readable serial, leaving the catalogue and chart estimates in conflict. Treat them as individual estimates; they do not define the factory timeline.

The earliest watches also appear with different bracelets. Jake Ehrlich’s Rolex Magazine labels a pictured 6511 “pre-Presidential” and shows it on a Jubilee bracelet; Phillips’s pink-gold 6511 in its 2015 sale has a President bracelet with a clasp stamped 2.57. The stamp dates the clasp; neither record proves which bracelet Rolex delivered with every watch.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Period !! Bezel !! Notes
|-
| [[Reference:6510|6510]] || Launch period, c.1956 || Smooth or domed || Early 36mm Day-Date
|-
| 6511 || Launch period, c.1956 || Fluted || Phillips also catalogues examples as 1955
|-
| 6611 || Late 1950s || Fluted || Phillips lot 50 is dated 1956 and has German chronometer wording
|-
| 6612 || Late 1950s || Smooth || Phillips documents a platinum example dated 1958
|-
| 6613 || Late 1950s || Gem-set || Gem-set member of the early family
|-
| 6611B || Late 1950s || Fluted || B-suffix designation encountered in cataloguing
|-
| 6612B || Late 1950s || Smooth || B-suffix designation encountered in cataloguing
|}

Caliber 1055 is associated with this generation, but catalogue entries conflict. Phillips lists 1555 for its 2015 lot 40, and Dorotheum lists 1555 for its 2026 lot 255; six other located non-prototype 6511 lots list 1055, including a 2017 Dorotheum lot for case 166744. Phillips dates Cal. 1555 to 1959, later than the dates assigned to the two 1555-labelled cases. Each entry is a catalogue attribution; keep the label tied to its lot pending movement inspection. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/247 Phillips on Cal. 1555]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, ref. 6511, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8]

== 4-digit era (1959–1977/78) ==

The 1803 is the fluted-bezel model of the acrylic-crystal generation. Monochrome dates its introduction to 1959; Sotheby's uses around 1960. Related references have smooth, engraved or gem-set bezels. Their individual production dates need not match the whole generation.

Early examples use caliber 1555, with 1556 appearing in the mid-1960s. The change was not a clean cutoff: Antiquorum catalogues a circa-1967 1811 with 1555. Neither movement has a direct calendar quickset.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Approximate period or dated example !! Movement !! Bezel or case finish !! Notes
|-
| [[Reference:1803|1803]] || Around 1960–1977/78 || 1555; later 1556 || Fluted || Lacquer, stone, printed Roman-numeral and other dial variants
|-
| [[Reference:1804|1804]] || 1960s–1970s || 1555 / 1556 || Gem-set || Gold and platinum examples; Phillips documents a platinum watch with Eastern-Arabic numerals
|-
| 1805 || Field Manual lists 1959–1987 || 1555 (Field Manual) || Diamond-and-sapphire (Field Manual) || Attributed textured-bezel examples leave original fitment unresolved
|-
| [[Reference:1806|1806]] || Documented c.1961 || 1555 / 1556 || Florentine || Engraved texture on bezel and lugs; matching textured bracelets are documented
|-
| [[Reference:1807|1807]] || 1960s–1970s || 1555 / 1556 || Bark || Textured bezel, often paired with textured bracelet centre links
|-
| [[Reference:1811|1811]] || Documented c.1967 || 1555 / 1556 || Hammered or Morellis || Decorated bezel; catalogues use differing finish names
|-
| [[Reference:1831|1831]] || Documented 1977 || 1566 in Phillips lot 51 || Platinum, diamond-set || Angular case and integrated bracelet; Phillips example numbered No.5
|}

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual describes ref. 1805 as a yellow-gold Day-Date with caliber 1555 and a diamond-and-sapphire bezel (printed pp. 180–181, 184). The 2025 article “Eastern Arabic Dial 1805 Rolex Day-Date” attributes a pink-gold watch with a textured “piranha” bezel to 1805. Archived item 334103 attributes a yellow-gold watch to the same reference; its photographs show a patterned bezel, though the listing text does not name the finish. Neither page shows a case-reference engraving or original papers, so original bezel fitment remains unresolved.

Phillips describes the 1831's proposed commission for the Shah of Iran's household as apparent. Its catalogue also presents the eight-watch production figure as a belief. Neither claim is a confirmed factory total or delivery record.

== 5-digit era (1977–1988) ==

The 180xx generation introduced sapphire crystals and caliber 3055. Its quickset corrects the date; changing the weekday still requires moving the hands through midnight. The periods below describe the generation, with individual sale and production dates sometimes overlapping its successors.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Material !! Bezel !! Notes
|-
| [[Reference:18038|18038]] || c.1977–1988 || 18k yellow gold || Fluted || Caliber 3055; lacquer, stone, wood and other dial variants
|-
| [[Reference:18028|18028]] || Late 1970s–1980s || 18k yellow gold || Smooth || Plain polished bezel
|-
| [[Reference:18048|18048]] || Late 1970s–1980s || 18k yellow gold || Gem-set || Diamond bezel; Phillips documents a green lacquered dial with red Omani emblem
|-
| [[Reference:18078|18078]] || Late 1970s–1980s || 18k yellow gold || Bark || Textured bezel and bracelet centre links
|-
| 18039 || Late 1970s–1980s || 18k white gold || Fluted || White-gold version
|-
| 18049 || Late 1970s–1980s || 18k white gold || Gem-set || White-gold diamond-bezel version
|-
| 18079 || Documented 1978 || 18k white gold || Bark || Phillips records bark on the bezel and bracelet centres
|-
| [[Reference:18108|18108]] || Documented c.1985–86 || 18k yellow gold || Bark, diamond-set || Christie's records champagne with ruby numerals; catalogues also show lacquer, onyx, and wood
|-
| 18026 || Documented c.1979 || Platinum || Smooth || Sotheby’s records caliber 3055 and a platinum President bracelet
|}

== Late 5-digit era (1988–2000) ==

Rolex introduced caliber 3155 in 1988. It adds independent correction of the weekday as well as the date, commonly called double quickset. These references retain the 36mm case.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Movement !! Material !! Bezel
|-
| 18238 || c.1988–2000 || 3155 || 18k yellow gold || Fluted
|-
| 18239 || c.1988–2000 || 3155 || 18k white gold || Fluted
|-
| [[Reference:18248|18248]] / 18249 || Late 1980s–1990s || 3155 || Yellow / white gold || Bark finish
|-
| [[Reference:18348|18348]] / 18349 || Late 1980s–1990s || 3155 || Yellow / white gold || Diamond-set
|-
| [[Reference:18208|18208]] / 18209 || Late 1980s–1990s || 3155 || Yellow / white gold || Smooth
|}

Bracelet finish and dial material vary within these references. Antiquorum's coral-dial 18208, for example, was sold in September 1996. Its smooth bezel is part of the reference description; the coral dial identifies one configuration.

== 6-digit era (2000–2019) ==

The 118xxx generation retained caliber 3155 and the 36mm diameter, with revised lugs and a heavier, solid-link bracelet. Engraved rehauts appeared during the run. Caliber 3255 replaced the 3155 in the 36mm line in 2019. A 118399 BR auction example carries a Rolex guarantee dated 2022; that date establishes the watch's paperwork, not when the reference entered or left production.

Pink gold needs a separate date check. Rolex introduced its Everose alloy in 2005, but Christie's records a pink-gold 118205 with a March 2001 guarantee. Sotheby's also catalogues a rose-gold 118235 as circa 2000. Its title calls the watch Everose, which conflicts with Rolex's alloy chronology.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Period or dated evidence !! Material !! Configuration
|-
| [[Reference:118238|118238]] || c.2000–2019 || 18k yellow gold || Fluted bezel; President bracelet
|-
| 118239 || 2000s–2010s || 18k white gold || Fluted bezel; President bracelet
|-
| [[Reference:118399|118399]] / 118399 BR || Rolex lists 118399 (2011); 118399 BR (2013, 2015); one example has a 2022 guarantee || 18k white gold || 60 baguette diamonds; Oyster or President options
|-
| [[Reference:118208|118208]] || 2000s–2010s || 18k yellow gold || Smooth or domed bezel; Oyster-bracelet examples documented
|-
| [[Reference:118138|118138]] || Introduced 2013 || 18k yellow gold || Fluted bezel; leather strap with gold folding clasp
|-
| [[Reference:118235|118235]] || Sotheby’s dates an example c.2000; later Everose models || 18k pink gold / Everose || Fluted bezel; President bracelet
|-
| 118205 || Documented sale in 2001; later Everose models || 18k pink gold / Everose || Smooth bezel; Oyster bracelet
|-
| 118206 || 2000s–2010s || 950 platinum || Smooth or domed bezel; President bracelet
|-
| 118135 / 118139 || Introduced 2013 || Everose / white gold || Leather-strap versions alongside the yellow-gold 118138
|}

The leather-strap models appeared at Baselworld 2013. The launch colours included green and cognac for yellow gold, with blue, cherry and chocolate among the other gold versions. The exact end of each configuration is separate from the 2019 movement-generation change.

== Day-Date II (2008–2015) ==

The Day-Date II used a 41mm case and caliber 3156, with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. It ran alongside the 36mm models. The 40mm successor arrived in 2015 with caliber 3255.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Material !! Configuration
|-
| 218238 || 2008–2015 || 18k yellow gold || 41mm; caliber 3156; fluted bezel
|-
| 218239 || 2008–2015 || 18k white gold || 41mm; caliber 3156; fluted bezel
|-
| 218235 || 2008–2015 || 18k Everose gold || 41mm; caliber 3156; fluted bezel
|-
| [[Reference:218206|218206]] || 2008–2015 || 950 platinum || 41mm; caliber 3156; smooth bezel
|}

<span id="Oysterquartz_Day-Date_(1977–2001)"></span>
== Oysterquartz Day-Date (1977–early 2000s) ==

The Oysterquartz Day-Date uses battery-powered caliber 5055 in an angular case with an integrated bracelet. Rolex's factory technical manual specifies a quickset for the date only. The weekday advances through the hands, as on caliber 3055.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Period or dated evidence !! Material !! Configuration
|-
| 19018 || From 1977; listed in 2001 || 18k yellow gold || Fluted bezel; integrated President bracelet
|-
| 19019 || Listed in 2001 || 18k white gold || Fluted bezel; integrated President bracelet
|-
| [[Reference:19028|19028]] || Documented c.1985; listed in 2001 || 18k yellow gold || Pyramid-faceted bezel and matching integrated bracelet
|}

Gary Frazier's Oysterquartz archive places gold models in the catalogue through 2003. It describes a 2001 manufacture stop as probable, based on the last quartz chronometer certificates. Catalogue presence does not establish the date of manufacture or final retail sale.

== Movement progression ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Caliber !! Calendar setting !! References or generation !! Notes
|-
| 1055 || No direct quickset || 6510 / 6511 and 66xx || Early catalogue caliber labels sometimes conflict
|-
| 1555 || No direct quickset || Early 1800-series watches || Continues in some watches catalogued in the later 1960s
|-
| 1556 || No direct quickset || Mid- and late 1800 series || Higher beat rate than 1555; later examples have stop-seconds
|-
| 1566 || No direct quickset || 1831 || Identified by Phillips in the numbered platinum example
|-
| 3055 || Date only || 180xx generation || Weekday corrected by moving the hands
|-
| 3155 || Day and date independently || 182xx / 183xx and 118xxx || Introduced in 1988
|-
| 3156 || Day and date independently || Day-Date II || Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock protection
|-
| 5055 || Date only || Oysterquartz Day-Date || Factory manual, printed pages 5–6
|-
| 3255 || Day and date independently || Day-Date 40 from 2015; Day-Date 36 from 2019 || Approximately 70-hour power reserve
|}

The [[Reference:Movements#cal-3155|movement guide]] gives the detailed caliber notes. A successor's introduction does not establish the last production date of every earlier reference.

== Special branches ==

Stella is the collector name for the brightly coloured lacquered dials found on vintage Day-Dates. Stone dials form a separate group: the material and configuration need to be identified for each watch. Printed Roman numerals are often called Buckley dials; Wide Boy refers to broad hour markers and hands. Original dial fitment needs evidence beyond a collector nickname.

Omani commissioned dials bear the national emblem, commonly called Khanjar by collectors. Phillips documents a red emblem on a green lacquered 18048 dial in its 2015 sale. The emblem alone does not establish a particular recipient or delivery through a named retailer.

Tiffany & Co. signatures and other retailer marks require their own evidence. Original delivery, a period-correct replacement and a later service part are different claims. A clasp code dates the clasp; boxes and papers need to be assessed against the watch's sale period.

== Auction record ==

Sotheby's offered Gamal Abdel Nasser's yellow-gold 1803 from his family in New York in December 2024. The lot has Arabic calendar displays and a caseback inscription naming Anwar El Sadat and dated 26 September 1963. The catalogue records family provenance and a letter from Nasser's grandson.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Sale !! Watch !! Reported result !! Source
|-
| 6 December 2024, Sotheby’s New York, lot 19 || Nasser-family 1803, case 880055 || USD 840,000; estimate USD 30,000–60,000 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1803-day-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Lot record]; result reported in [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s collector guide]
|}

== Notable misattributions ==

Phillips identifies Marlon Brando's watch from ''Apocalypse Now'' as a [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] 1675, with its bezel removed and his name engraved on the caseback.

Rolex identifies Dwight D. Eisenhower's yellow-gold watch as a Datejust. Lyndon B. Johnson is the American president associated with the Day-Date in Rolex's own chronology.

== Related families ==

* [[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]: dive watches with an elapsed-time bezel.
* [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]: watches with an additional 24-hour hand.
* [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]]: early self-winding Oyster watches.

== Shared references ==

* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]]: serial systems and dating limits.
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]]: caliber identification and technical details.
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet and clasp guide]]: bracelet types, end links and clasp codes.

== Sources ==

=== Primary and specialist ===

* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/day-date/those-who-shape-the-world Rolex, Day-Date chronology]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, Day-Date section and reference table, printed pp. 180–184]
* [https://assets.rolex.com/api/brochure/en/day-date/m128345rbr-0053.pdf Rolex, Day-Date brochure, President bracelet and Everose gold]
* [https://minus4plus6.com/RolexPricelist/2011/2011_usa_price_list.pdf Rolex, US price list effective 10 May 2011]
* [https://www.thewatch.co.il/image/users/190146/ftp/my_files/ROLEX/rolex-2013.pdf?id=13691453 Rolex, Day-Date “Sertie” Baselworld 2013 product material]
* [https://www.rolexforum.nl/prijslijst-rolex-NL2015.pdf Rolex, Netherlands price list, February 2015]
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/new-watches-2024/day-date Rolex, 2024 Day-Date announcement, caliber 3255 chronology]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf Rolex, Technical Information for calibers 5035 and 5055, printed pages 5–6]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 40, reference 6511]
* [https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2008/06/original-yellow-gold-rolex-day-date.html Jake Ehrlich, RolexMagazine.com, pictured 6511 with Jubilee bracelet]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511, lot 255]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8, case 166744]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/247 Phillips, Cal. 1555 context]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 41, pink-gold 6511]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 50, German-dial 6611]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/CH080115/43 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 43, platinum 6612]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/24 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 24, platinum 1804]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/51 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 51, platinum 1831 No.5]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/11 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 11, Omani-emblem 18048]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, Glamorous Day-Date lot 56, bark-finish 18079]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1806-1803-oyster-perpetual-day-date-superlative-chronometer-officially-certified-lot-353-162 Antiquorum, Monaco 2022 lot 162, Florentine-finish 1806]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1811-1601-oyster-perpetual-day-date-superlative-chronometer-officially-certified-lot-351-211 Antiquorum, Hong Kong 2022 lot 211, hammered 1811]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-4/day-date-reference-18026-a-platinum-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2022 platinum 18026, circa 1979]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-5/reference-18348-day-date-a-yellow-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, Fine Watches 2025 lot 105, reference 18348]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18208-day-date-lot-333-546 Antiquorum, Geneva 2020 lot 546, coral-dial 18208]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-118208-day-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, New York 2024 lot 131, garnet-dial 118208]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/_day-date-reference-a-rose-gold-automatic-wristwatch-with-day-and-date-circa-2000-139e Sotheby’s, rose-gold 118235 catalogued circa 2000]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/single-owner-watches-online-important-private-asian-collection-part-vi/rolex-pink-gold-day-date-meteorite-diamond-set-dial-ref-118205-1/113790 Christie’s, sale 19859 lot 1, pink-gold 118205 with 2001 guarantee]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/21934/lot/158/rolex-a-fine-18ct-gold-quartz-calendar-bracelet-watch-oysterquartz-day-date-ref19028-serial-no915-movement-no012-circa-1985/ Bonhams, London 2014 lot 158, pyramid-bezel 19028]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1803-day-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, New York 2024 lot 19, Nasser-family 1803]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/44804111/phillips-to-offer-marlon-brandos-long-lost-rolex-gmt-master-worn-in-apocalypse-now Phillips, Brando GMT-Master announcement, 2019]
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-au/watches/datejust/big-dates Rolex, Datejust chronology and Eisenhower’s watch]

=== Editorial and market ===

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s, Day-Date collector guide]
* [https://hairspring.com/blogs/finds/eastern-arabic-dial-1805-rolex-day-date 2025 article, “Eastern Arabic Dial 1805 Rolex Day-Date”]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/day-date/rolex-day-date-watch-in-yellow-gold-ref-1805-circa-1969-334103.html Archived Collector Square item 334103]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome, Day-Date history]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-2013-collection/ Robert-Jan Broer, Fratello, Day-Date 2013 Collection]
* [http://www.oysterquartz.net/faq.htm Gary Frazier, Oysterquartz.net FAQ]
* [http://www.oysterquartz.net/prices.htm Oysterquartz.net, 2001 price-list transcription]

[[Category:Day-Date]]
[[Category:Family Index]]

Reference:18108

2026-10-21T05:47:21Z

Admin: Update 18108 dial coverage and Day-Date index

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Day-Date 18108 — Diamond-set bark bezel}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Day-Date 18108 — Diamond-set bark bezel | Rolexopedia
|description=Auction-documented Day-Date 18108: 18k yellow gold, caliber 3055, bark-finish diamond bezel, and recorded dial variants.
|keywords=Rolex 18108, Rolex Day-Date 18108, 3055, bark bezel, Stella dial, onyx dial, ruby numerals
|image=Ref_18108_hero.webp
|image_alt=Yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date 18108 with blue dial, diamond-set bark bezel and bark-finish President bracelet
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]] → '''18108'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref_18108_hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date 18108 with blue dial, diamond-set bark bezel and bark-finish President bracelet|Ref. 18108, Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.]]
</div>

The 18108 is an 18k yellow-gold Day-Date with a bark-finish bezel and President bracelet; the documented bezels are diamond-set. Auction catalogues record champagne dials with ruby numerals, turquoise or blue and oxblood lacquer, onyx, and wood. They date individual watches to circa 1985–86, but do not establish the reference’s production limits.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
! Detail
! What the records show
|-
| Family
| Day-Date, five-digit generation
|-
| Dated examples
| Auction catalogues date examples to circa 1985 and 1986; no firm start or end date established
|-
| Case
| 18k yellow gold; 36 mm in most catalogues, 35.5 mm in one
|-
| Bezel
| Bark finish with 12 diamonds documented on an onyx-dial example
|-
| Movement
| Caliber 3055 automatic; 27 jewels in several catalogues
|-
| Dial
| Champagne with ruby numerals; turquoise/blue and oxblood lacquer; onyx; wood
|-
| Bracelet
| President, with bark-finish centre links documented; bracelet details vary by lot
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

The 18108 belongs to the single-quickset 3055 generation. The catalogued examples pair its bark-finish bezel with diamonds, though the lot descriptions do not establish whether every 18108 left the factory that way.

==Production outline==

The auction examples place the 18108 in the mid-1980s. Christie's dates the champagne-and-ruby and two onyx examples to circa 1985, and its wood-dial example to circa 1986. Sotheby's gives circa 1986 for the turquoise/blue watch. These dates apply to individual watches; the reference's production limits are not established.

==Movement notes==

Christie's and Sotheby's identify the automatic movement as caliber 3055; catalogues that give a jewel count report 27. The 3055 corrects the date from the crown. To change the weekday, the hands must pass through midnight. The [[Reference:Movements|movement guide]] covers the 3055 and the later double-quickset 3155.

==Dial map==

The catalogues record several dial configurations:

* Christie's lot 5841689 lists a champagne dial with ruby numerals. Another Christie's catalogue describes black onyx with diamond hour markers; its condition report calls the dial a service dial.
* Sotheby's describes one lacquer dial as turquoise in 2018 and blue in 2021, calling it “Stella” in both records. The matching case number identifies the same watch. Christie's separately uses “Stella” for an oxblood lacquer dial; these are catalogue labels for the pictured watches.
* Christie's circa-1986 lot lists a wood dial without identifying the species.

[[File:Ref_18108_dial.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Three-quarter view of the blue-dial 18108 with bark-finish bezel and bracelet|The same blue-dial example, shown at an angle; Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

Christie's gives a 36 mm diameter, screw-down crown and caseback for its circa-1986 example; lot 5841689 measures another watch at 35.5 mm. The catalogues leave the crystal material unspecified.

The catalogued examples pair a bark-textured bezel with diamonds. Christie's specifies 12 stones on one onyx-dial watch; other listings do not give a count. The available records show individual configurations rather than a reference-wide setting rule.

Sotheby's titled its 2018 turquoise-dial lot “18108A” and reported caseback number 18000. Its 2021 listing calls the watch 18108 and repeats case number 9'342'167, identifying the same case in both sales. Christie's records 18200 stamped inside the caseback of another watch. The catalogues do not explain these markings.

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging==

The catalogued watches have 18k yellow-gold President bracelets, several with bark-finish centre links. Christie's records clasp stamp 8723 and end links 55 on one bracelet; those marks date the bracelet, not the watch head. A wood-dial example has a concealed deployant clasp. Sotheby's gives an approximately 185 mm length for its blue-dial watch. The auction records describe fitted bracelets, not original delivery.

[[File:Ref_18108_caseback.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Back view of a yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 and its opened President bracelet|Case and bracelet back of the same Sotheby's example. The image does not show a movement.]]

==Auction records==

The table covers six watches. Sotheby's listed the same case in 2018 and 2021, identified by case number 9'342'167. The 2018 listing gives movement number 1'438'362; the 2021 listing gives none.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Date assigned by the catalogue
! House and lot
! Recorded configuration
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's, lot 5841689
| 18k yellow gold, diamond-set bezel, champagne dial with ruby numerals
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's online, lot 67
| Black onyx dial and diamond markers; the dial is described as a service dial
|-
| circa 1985
| Christie's, lot 6042612
| Onyx dial, bark President bracelet; clasp stamped 8723 and end links 55
|-
| circa 1986
| Christie's, lot 2363
| Wood dial and bark-finish President bracelet; 36 mm case, caliber 3055
|-
| circa 1986
| Sotheby's, lot 204 (2018); later listed as lot 2135 (2021)
| Same case number, 9'342'167; turquoise in 2018 and blue in 2021, both called “Stella”; 2018 record gives movement 1'438'362, 2021 record omits it
|-
| Date not stated
| Christie's, lot 6533554
| Case 8'961'548; oxblood lacquer dial described as “Stella”; bark-finish bezel and bracelet
|}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Ref 18108 hero.webp|Blue-dial 18108, front view. Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2021, lot 2135.
Ref 18108 dial.webp|The same watch at an angle, showing the case and bracelet finish.
Ref 18108 caseback.webp|Case and bracelet back of the same watch; movement not shown.
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 5841689", Christie's]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, "Christie's Online — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 67", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042612 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 6042612", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 2363", Christie's]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.204.html Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108A, lot 204", Sotheby's, 2018-12-05]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, lot 2135", Sotheby's, 2021-04-23]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6533554 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Day-Date ref. 18108, oxblood Stella dial, lot 6533554", Christie's]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf "Rolex Technical Information, calibers 5035 and 5055", Rolex]

[[Category:Day-Date]]

Reference:3668

2026-10-21T05:34:25Z

Admin: Add caseback stamp observation and attributed image

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Chronograph 3668 — Dials, Case and Auction Records | Rolexopedia
|description=Case-numbered records for the 35 mm Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668, including movement reports, dial variants, case construction and conflicting catalogue dates.
|keywords=Rolex 3668, Oyster Chronograph, Antimagnetic, Valjoux 23 VZ, vintage Rolex chronograph, Ronchi Milano
|image=Ref 3668 hero.webp
|image_alt=Pink-dial Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668 with steel and pink-gold bracelet, Sotheby's lot 2291
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Pre-Daytona chronographs]] → '''3668'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Pink-dial Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668 with steel and pink-gold bracelet|Ref. 3668, case 47'948. Sotheby's, lot 2291 (2025). Photo: Sotheby's.]]
</div>

Ref. 3668 is a 35 mm Oyster chronograph with two registers and an engine-turned gold bezel joined to a steel case. Auction catalogues show pink and yellow-gold bezels, several dial layouts, and both bracelets and straps. They date individual examples from circa 1939 to circa 1946, but the case-number and date pairings conflict; the factory production span is not established.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Documented record
|-
| Model || Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic, two-register layout
|-
| Reference || 3668
|-
| Case || Stainless steel with pink- or yellow-gold bezel and crown documented
|-
| Diameter || 35 mm in multiple auction catalogues
|-
| Movement || Manual, 17 jewels in published examples; Cal. 13 / VZ 23-family descriptions vary by lot
|-
| Dial || Pink, black and silvered examples; one retailer-signed Ronchi Milano dial
|-
| Crystal || Plexiglas listed for one 1945-catalogued example
|-
| Production span || Not established; catalogue dates apply to individual watches
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Christie's describes the 3668 as following ref. 3481 in the early Oyster chronograph line and calls it the larger model. Antiquorum compares the 3668's design with ref. 4500, which it identifies as Monoblocco. Published catalogues use both labels. Antiquorum describes case 45,343 as two-body and compares the reference with the 4500 Monoblocco. Phillips called case 47'948 “Monoblocco” in 2018. That same case later appeared at Sotheby's, which dated it circa 1946; Phillips dated it circa 1939. The catalogues do not resolve whether Monoblocco here names the model or its case construction.

The movement and two-register arrangement place the 3668 among Rolex's hand-wound chronographs before the round 6034 and 6234 generations. The dates assigned to the watches do not establish a neat production handoff from one reference to another.

==Production outline==

Auction catalogues provide scattered dates rather than a factory chronology. Phillips dates case 47'954 to circa 1939 and also dates case 47'948 to circa 1939; Antiquorum dates case 45,343 to 1940; Christie's gives 1941 to cases 47,130 and 45'998; and its case 279'352 is dated 1943. Accademia Fine Art dates case 45,344 to 1945, while Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 to circa 1946. Those assignments do not track case number consistently. Bonhams once catalogued an example circa 1956, but without a case number that isolated estimate cannot extend the production span.

The 1941 and 1945 dates assigned to cases 45'998 and 45,344 are an especially clear conflict: the lower-numbered case receives the later date. Treat these as catalogue estimates for separate watches, not as a serial-year chart.

==Movement notes==

Christie's identifies a 13′′′ 23 VZ, 17-jewel movement in case 279'352. Other Christie's and Antiquorum records give Cal. 13 or VZ, usually with 17 jewels; Sotheby's names a 17-jewel VZ without the 23 suffix. These catalogues support a Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23 VZ-family attribution for documented examples. Check the movement marking on the watch before assigning a suffix or assuming every example has the same configuration.

Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' (Morning Tundra) pairs ref. 3668 with Cal. 13 and lists twin pushers, twin registers, an engine-turned bezel and screw-down crown. Its table gives no case-numbered example or date range.

The movement drives constant seconds and a 30-minute chronograph register. The dials retain the two-counter layout across the documented examples. The broader lineage is in the [[Reference:Movements|Cal. 13 entry]].

==Dial map==

The documented dial layouts differ in color, scales and signatures. Christie's and Antiquorum describe pink dials with tachymeter and telemeter scales. Antiquorum also records a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and both scales. Christie's case 279'352 has a silvered dial without the tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer outer tracks. Accademia Fine Art's 1945 catalogue shows a dark-pink dial signed Ronchi Milano. These are documented examples, not a complete factory dial sequence.

Antiquorum graded the dial of case 145263 as reprinted. That is a condition note for one watch, not a separate factory variant.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3668 dial.webp|Pink dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales, case 47'954; Phillips, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|Pink dial and gold bezel on case 47'948; Sotheby's, lot 2291 (2025)
File:Ref 3668 black dial.webp|Black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and dual scales, case 279358; Antiquorum, lot 222 (2014)
</gallery>

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

Catalogues consistently give a 35 mm diameter. The documented case is steel, with a reeded or engine-turned bezel and crown in pink or yellow gold. Antiquorum describes case 45,343 as two-body, with concave lugs, a screwed-down back and crown, and a gold bezel joined to the steel case. Phillips catalogued case 47'948 as “Monoblocco”; the surviving descriptions do not settle whether that term refers to construction or model name. The case has two chronograph pushers in the band. A 2019 catalogue lists Plexiglas for case 45,344; the available records do not establish a reference-wide crystal specification.

Antiquorum's photograph of case 45342 shows both 45342 and 3668 stamped on the outside caseback. Those marks identify this photographed example; they do not provide a date for other cases.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3668 bezel.webp|Reeded bezel and dot-and-baton markers, case 47'954; Phillips, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 caseback.webp|Case 45342 with 45342 and 3668 stamped on the caseback; Antiquorum, lot 111 (2024)
</gallery>

==Bracelets, clasps, and packaging==

Auction records show steel-and-gold rice-grain, brick-link, expanding and Jubilee bracelets. Phillips lists a deployant clasp; Antiquorum records a steel buckle on case 45,343 and a steel/pink-gold deployant on case 145263. Accademia Fine Art lists a leather strap on the Ronchi Milano example. These records describe individual watches and do not prove which bracelet or strap was supplied at delivery. Phillips lists a Rolex presentation box with its lot; that does not make the box specific to ref. 3668.

[[File:Ref 3668 bracelet.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Steel and pink-gold ref. 3668 shown with its two-tone bracelet and case profile|Case and two-tone bracelet, case 47'954. Phillips, lot 191 (2022).]]

==Special branches==

The Ronchi Milano dial is the clearest retailer-signed example in the records reviewed. Accademia Fine Art's 2019 catalogue describes a dark-pink dial with the retailer's name, case 45,344, Cal. 13 with 17 jewels, Plexiglas and a leather strap. The catalogue does not establish whether the dial was supplied by Rolex or fitted for the retailer, so the signature should be treated as an observed configuration rather than a confirmed factory branch.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Catalogue !! Case !! Date assigned !! Recorded details
|-
| Phillips, New York, lot 97 (2018) || 47'948 || c.1939 || 35 mm; salmon dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales; manual VZ, 17 jewels; steel and pink gold; catalogued as Monoblocco
|-
| Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction XV, lot 191 (2022) || 47'954 || c.1939 || 35 mm; pink-gold bezel and steel case; pink dial; manual 17-jewel movement; two-tone Rolex bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 259 (2006) || 45,343 || 1940 || 35 mm; two-body case; pink-gold engine-turned bezel; 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement; steel buckle
|-
| Christie's, lot 4180735 || 47,130 || 1941 || 35 mm; gilt dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales; pink-gold reeded bezel; link bracelet
|-
| Christie's, lot 5731344 || 45'998 || 1941 || Pink dial with black tachymeter and blue telemeter scales; VZ 13′′′, 17 jewels; steel/pink-gold rice-grain bracelet
|-
| Christie's, lot 5130820 || 279'352 || 1943 || Cal. 13′′′ 23 VZ, 17 jewels; silvered dial without tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer outer scales
|-
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 434 (2010) || 145263 || 1940s || Pink dial graded reprinted; Cal. 13, 17 jewels; steel/pink-gold expanding bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 222 (2014) || 279358 || c.1944 || Black luminous Arabic dial; yellow-gold engine-turned bezel; Cal. 13, 17 jewels
|-
| Accademia Fine Art Monaco, lot 013 (2019) || 45,344 || 1945 || Dark-pink Ronchi Milano dial; Cal. 13, 17 jewels; Plexiglas; leather strap
|-
| Antiquorum Monaco, lot 111 (2024) || 45342 || c.1946 || Pink-gold-capped bezel; steel/pink-gold Jubilee bracelet; 35 mm
|-
| Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 2291 (2025) || 47'948 || c.1946 || Pink dial; 17-jewel VZ movement; steel/pink-gold brick-link bracelet; 35 mm
|-
| Bonhams, sale 11293 lot 164 (2004) || Not stated || c.1956 || Isolated late catalogue estimate; not used to extend the production span
|}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|Case 47'948, Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 2291 (2025)
File:Ref 3668 dial.webp|Case 47'954, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 bezel.webp|Reeded bezel and case detail, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 bracelet.webp|Case profile and bracelet, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 black dial.webp|Black-dial example, case 279358; Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 222 (2014)
File:Ref 3668 caseback.webp|Outside caseback of case 45342, stamped 45342 and 3668; Antiquorum Monaco, lot 111 (2024)
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, "Phillips, The Geneva Watch Auction: XV, lot 191 — Rolex ref. 3668, case 47'954", Phillips, 2022-05-07]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, "Phillips New York, December 2018, lot 97 — ref. 3668 case 47'948", Phillips, 2018-12-05]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4180735 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 47,130, lot 4180735", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 279'352, lot 5130820", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 45'998, lot 5731344", Christie's]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, May 2006, lot 259 — ref. 3668 case 45,343", Antiquorum, 2006-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-lot-280-222 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Hong Kong, February 2014, lot 222 — ref. 3668 case 279358", Antiquorum, 2014-02-22]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-434 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, November 2010, lot 434 — ref. 3668 case 145263", Antiquorum, 2010-11-13]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-oyster-chronograph-antimagnetic-lot-370-111 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Monaco, July 2024, lot 111 — ref. 3668 case 45342", Antiquorum, 2024-07-13]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Hong Kong, Important Watches 3, lot 2291 — ref. 3668 case 47'948", Sotheby's, 2025-10-21]
* [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, "Accademia Fine Art Monaco, 15 July 2019, lot 013 — ref. 3668 case 45,344", Accademia Fine Art, 2019-07-15]
* [https://www.hautetime.com/throwback-thursday-rolex-oyster-chronograph-reference-3668/ Martin Green, "Martin Green, Throwback Thursday: Rolex Oyster Chronograph Reference 3668", Haute Time, 2018-01-11]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=12749128 powerfunk, "Rolex Forums, Every Rolex chronograph reference ever made", Rolex Forums]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/11293/lot/164/rolex-an-attractive-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel-chronograph-wristwatchref-3668-circa-1956/ "Rolex Ref. 3668 pink gold and steel chronograph — Bonhams", Bonhams, 2004-05-17]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra]

[[Category:Chronograph]]

File:Ref 3668 caseback.webp

2026-10-21T05:34:07Z

Admin: Upload attributed ref. 3668 caseback detail

Photograph: Antiquorum, ref. 3668, lot 111 (2024). Source: https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-oyster-chronograph-antimagnetic-lot-370-111. Published with attribution under the repository S2 image convention; no open-use license is claimed.

Reference:Serial-numbers

2026-10-21T05:24:51Z

Admin: Add ref. 3668 catalogue-date conflict guidance

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex serial numbers}}
{{#seo:|title=Rolex serial numbers: dating guide and limits | Rolexopedia|description=Numeric and letter-prefixed Rolex serial charts, with their limits. How to compare case numbers, hallmarks, caseback stamps and dated paperwork.}}
<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Serial numbers'''</small>

Rolex used numeric case serials, then letter-prefixed serials, and later randomized alphanumeric strings. Numeric and letter-prefixed ranges can suggest a production period. Randomized serials have no public year mapping. None of these systems establishes the originality of the dial, movement or bracelet.

== The three systems ==

Rolex restarted its numeric case sequence in the mid-1950s. The same short number can therefore fall in more than one period. Letter-prefixed serials appeared around 1987; randomized serials followed around 2010. Neither change happened as a simple one-year boundary across every reference.

== Finding the serial number ==

On many Oyster references made before the rehaut transition of the mid-2000s, the serial is engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, beneath the bracelet. The reference number is usually between the opposite lugs at 12 o'clock. Earlier case designs need reference-specific guidance.

The serial moved to the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial, during the 2000s. It appears at 6 o'clock. The change varied by reference; compare transition-period watches with documented examples of the same model. Serial placement alone does not establish a case replacement.
Rolex has not published a public year key for the randomized strings. A date assigned to one of those cases therefore comes from a guarantee, service record or dated sale, not from the characters alone.

Matching serials link a warranty card or guarantee paper to the case number, provided the document itself is authentic. They do not establish the originality of every component. The [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp]] uses a separate dating system. A movement can carry caliber designations, part references and an individual movement number; identify the marking before interpreting it.

== Numeric serials (≤1987) ==

The table transcribes selected entries from the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts reproduced in [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html these photographs]. These are unofficial collector charts. Dowling–Hess places serial 132,562 in III 1953; Pergola puts 63,425–139,166 in 1955. The disagreement cannot be resolved by averaging the dates.

The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year.

For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44].

For ref. [[Reference:5052|5052]], Christie’s gives case 653977 and dates its pink-gold watch to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk records steel case serial 663654 with a 1950s estimate. These nearby numbers do not fix the watches to those decades: the numeric sequence was reused, and the published dates remain catalogue estimates. Anderson & Garland's 5052-attributed watch has only the prefix 663xxx, so it cannot be matched to case 663654 from the number alone. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1472920 Christie’s, case 653977] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, case 663654] [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421]

For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart].

The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848]

For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864]

For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309]

For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389]

For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These catalogue observations place individual watches across the decade; they do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]

For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407]

Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125]

The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report]

Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph].

Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217].

A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010]

Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010]

Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623]

=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===

Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111].

Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini].

Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950]

== Letter serials (1987–2010) ==

Letter-prefixed case serials usually contain one letter and six digits. The years below come from Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', page 27. These collector estimates overlap and should be checked against the individual reference.

{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix !! Years listed by White
|-
| R || 1987–1988
|-
| L || 1989
|-
| E || 1990
|-
| N || 1991
|-
| X || 1991
|-
| C || 1992
|-
| S || 1993–1994
|-
| W || 1995
|-
| T || 1996
|-
| U || 1997–1998
|-
| A || 1999
|-
| P || 2000
|-
| K || 2000–2001
|-
| Y || 2001–2002
|-
| F || 2003–2005
|-
| D || 2005–2006
|-
| Z || 2006–2007
|-
| M || 2007–2008
|-
| V || 2008–2009
|-
| G || 2010
|}

Phillips records Explorer 114270 case G030393 with a [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 guarantee dated 30 November 2010]. That records a transaction date; it does not date the manufacture of the case.

Case serial prefixes and clasp codes are different systems. A letter on the clasp cannot be read as the same letter in the case-serial table.

<span id="Random_serials_(mid-2010_onward)"></span>
== Random serials (around 2010 onward) ==

Rolex began using randomized case serials around 2010, during the period of the final letter prefixes. Mixed-letter-and-digit serials have no public year mapping. A guarantee can establish a recorded sale date, but the serial alone cannot give the exact production year.

For a modern watch, start with the production span of the reference and any dated paperwork. Randomized clasp codes also lack a public year mapping. The case serial remains useful for linking records to a particular watch.

<span id="Pre-1948_vintage_references_and_hallmark_dating"></span>
== Early references and hallmark dating ==

For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Ref. [[Reference:3068|3068]] illustrates the limits of its auction record: catalogues date individual watches from c.1935 to c.1950, while Sotheby’s and Antiquorum report different diameters and movement sizes for case 1008594. Antiquorum reads a Dublin import mark on case 1008656 as 1937. These object-level readings do not form a serial-year sequence or establish the reference’s production span.

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], Antiquorum dates case 146262 to circa 1937; Christie’s dates its 2002 example to circa 1938, and Sotheby’s later identifies that watch as case 142587. Monaco Legend dates case 142589 to circa 1941, while Sotheby’s dates case 146269 to circa 1942. The lower-numbered 142589 thus receives a later catalogue date than 146262. These are attributions to individual watches, not a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3346-zerographe-lot-339-292 Antiquorum, case 146262] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, dated c.1938] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s case-number survey] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-199 Monaco Legend, case 142589] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, case 146269]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], Christie’s dates cases 161’489 and 161’501 to circa 1939. Loupe This later dates case 161’501 to circa 1942. The shared case number shows that both records concern one watch. Treat the dates as conflicting catalogue estimates; neither establishes a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-centregraph-chronograph-3462-observatory-chronometer-mirror-track-luminous-dial Loupe This, lot 3040]

Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646]

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]

For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***]

=== Precision 3540 dated examples ===

Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775]

The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart.

Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42]

Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310]

Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836].

For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165].

For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59].

For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901].
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405].

For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's]

For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866]

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204]

Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055]

Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference].

A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries]

Catalogues for [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]] give case numbers 44,887 (Toovey’s, circa 1938) and 24,432 (Antiquorum, 1930s). These are two catalogue examples, not a serial-year sequence; the numbers cannot establish production dates for another 1072. Christie’s also catalogues an early Oyster with case no. 1072, which is a different use of the number. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum lot 481 archive]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203832 Christie’s case-number record]

The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher]

Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751]

Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240].

Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence.

[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578]

[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700].

For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example].

[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370].

For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links.

[[Reference:3599|Ref. 3599]] provides another case-level date conflict. Antiquorum's [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-254 2006 lot 254] dates case 45,032 to 1945/6. Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257795 2009 lot 346] identifies the same watch, cites the earlier Antiquorum sale as provenance, and dates it to 1939. Keep both estimates attached to this case; use watch-specific papers or comparison with documented examples when assessing another 3599.

[[Reference:1873|Ref. 1873]] shows why catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-oyster-royal-extra-precision-reference-1873 Sotheby’s] dates case 30,967 to circa 1930; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1873-royal-lot-338-233 Antiquorum] dates cases 48,634 and 100,498 to the 1930s; Bonhams dates case 81,343 to circa 1939; and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782241 Christie’s] dates case 100,459 to circa 1940. Bonhams records a London import mark dated 1937 on gold case 37,029; that is an assay/import date. [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/868-cambi_orologi_795_2022_11_eb.pdf Cambi] lists case 48.xxx as circa 1954, an outlier among these entries. The records do not establish a factory production range.

Two Antiquorum catalogue entries for [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] give case dimensions but no case serials, so they do not establish a serial range. The 3004 lot title claims 144 examples in 1937; that statement is not a serial anchor or an independently confirmed production total. Compare the case number with other examples, and use assay marks on precious-metal cases as a separate date clue.

Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself.

Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396].

Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery.

The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered.

Catalogue dates for ref. [[Reference:3668|3668]] also conflict with case-number order. Christie's dates case 45'998 to 1941, while Accademia Fine Art dates lower-numbered case 45,344 to 1945; Phillips dates cases 47'954 and 47'948 circa 1939; Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 circa 1946. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, case 45'998] [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, case 45,344] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, case 47'948] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, case 47'954] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, case 47'948]

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6034|6034]] examples across several case-number groups: 692'692 to circa 1950, 847'636 to 1951, 847'427 to circa 1952, 847'307 and 907'407 to circa 1953, 944'123 to 1954, and 92'379 and 97'436 to circa 1955. Another Christie's example, case 907'744, is dated circa 1952. These are catalogue estimates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart; they do not establish a production endpoint. Phillips estimates a roughly five-year run from 1950, while Christie's and Antiquorum publish broader dates into the early 1960s. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-321-669?page=1&q=Rolex Antiquorum, case 692'692]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643962 Christie's, case 847'636]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, case 847'427]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, case 847'307]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, case 907'407]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-30 Antiquorum, case 944'123]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/210525 Phillips, case 92'379]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-386-573 Antiquorum, case 97'436]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christie's, case 907'744].

Auction estimates for [[Reference:3372|ref. 3372]] also conflict. Sotheby's dates case 43,903 to circa 1938 ([2026 lot 2341](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4-2/oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-a-pink?locale=en)); Antiquorum dates case 481,380 to 1938 ([2017 lot 90](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-bubble-back-lot-310-90)); Phillips assigns circa 1945 to case 301,684 ([2015 lot 206](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206)); and Antiquorum dates case 424,291 to circa 1959 ([2024 lot 75](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75)). These dates do not form a reliable serial sequence and do not establish the factory production span.

Auction catalogues give case numbers [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 612627], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 612848], [https://www.arsvalue.com/it/lotti/114560/rolex-ref-5031rolex-oyster-perpetual-red-date-just-ref-5031-del 612967], 612990, [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2164---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar/?lot=2569007&sd=1 613514], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-17/rolex-bubbleback-oyster-perpetual-ref-5031 613853] and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-8/reference-5031-oyster-perpetual-a-pink-gold-and 613876] for individual [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] watches. Their dating differs: Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Tennants call examples circa 1948, while Antiquorum dates its 1999 lot to the 1950s and its 1995 lot to the 1960s. Those case numbers cluster, but the catalogues do not establish a production range. Bonhams listed case 612990 twice in 2025 with the same movement number 37574; it is one watch, not two serial anchors.

Phillips dates ref. [[Reference:6031|6031]] case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 683,837] to circa 1949; Sotheby’s dates case [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en 693,873] to circa 1950. These two auction-house date estimates do not establish a 6031 serial range or year-by-year sequence.

For [[Reference:6075|ref. 6075]], Antiquorum dates cases 685,082 and 714,441 to 1950, while Phillips dates case 714,440 to 1951. Antiquorum gives circa 1951 for case 715,511; Cambi Aste assigns circa 1961 to an incomplete case number 715.xxx. The catalogues conflict, and their estimates do not establish a serial range or prove a production end year. Compare the engraved case number, movement and any independent date evidence on the individual watch. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, lot 122]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, lot 107]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, lot 284]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum 2022, lot 147]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, lot 96].

For [[Reference:6074|ref. 6074]], Antiquorum and John Goldberger date a two-piece platinum commission to 1950, but publish no case serials for those watches. Antiquorum's 1990 gold lot gives a 1950s estimate without a case number; its 2025 gold lot says the case number was no longer visible. Henrik Korpela's restored gold example had 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them. These records do not form a serial sequence. Compare the individual case and movement marks; the 1-50 code in Goldberger's image dates the bracelet component. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum 1992]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum 1990]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum 2025]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Korpela, 2015].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1005 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1005 case 826,301 to 1962 or circa 1963; the two records appear to describe the same pink-gold watch. Other dated examples include cases 903,017 and 926,416 (circa 1962–63), 1,050,796 (circa 1964), 1,176,167 (inside caseback code II.65), 1,177,843 (circa 1966), 1,586,108 (catalogued 1971, with a guarantee booklet dated 22 December 1971), 1,801,509 (circa 1968), 3,021,909 (circa 1971), 3,367,203 (London import mark dated 1973), and 3,921,444 (circa 1974). Sotheby’s catalogued case 7,126,615 as circa 1995, but that date conflicts with the serial sequence and should not be treated as a secure production date. These are isolated auction and component dates, not a serial-year chart or production range.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1003 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1003 case 512,833 to circa 1960 and case 573,835 to circa 1960; the certificate accompanying case 573,835 is dated 22 December 1960, which dates the certificate rather than proving the case’s production date. Other catalogued examples include case 531,734 (circa 1966), case 1,197,501 (1964), case 3,044,042 (1972), case 3,960,865 (circa 1975), and case 5,426,177 (1977). A Glasgow import mark dates a 9K case to 1961, while a 1966 receipt accompanies a separate 9ct example. These individual records do not form a serial-year chart or establish production limits. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby’s, case 5,426,177]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, case 3,044,042]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 3,960,865].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1008 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples ===

Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples ===

Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1504 dated examples ===

Auction and dealer records date individual 1504 watches: Phillips dates white-gold case 1,420,737 to circa 1966; Estates Consignments dates yellow-gold case 2,537,128 to 1970; Eguchi lists case serial 2714*** as 1971; The W3674 listing assigns its masked 27xxxx serial to 1972; EveryWatch preserves a yellow-gold auction description dated circa the 1970s for case 2,472,771. Sotheby’s 2019 catalogue repeats Phillips’s case 1,420,737, so it is the same watch, not another dated specimen. These are lot and dealer dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, case 1,420,737]; [https://www.estatesconsignments.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1504-mens-18k-yellow-gold-moreau-gold-bezel-and-band-1970/ Estates Consignments, case 2,537,128]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, serial 2714***]; [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 listing, masked serial 27xxxx]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/1504/watch-2725687 EveryWatch archive, case 2,472,771].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1506 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]] case 1,117,252 to 1964, case 1,063,296 to circa 1965, and case 1,525,920 to 1967. The first two case numbers run opposite to their catalogue dates, so keep each date attached to its specific watch rather than treating these examples as a serial-year sequence. A seller-dated 1960 example has no visible case number in the available photographs. None of these records establishes the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158504 Christie’s, case 1,117,252]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-fine-18k-oyster-perpetual-date-watch-with-chine-finish-ref-1506-circa-1965/a/5538-54133.s Heritage Auctions, case 1,063,296]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-206-127 Antiquorum, case 1,525,920]

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1507 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues assign dates from circa 1962 to 1969 to individually numbered 1507 or 1503/1507 watches: case 928,501 (joint attribution) circa 1962; 1,144,916 circa 1964; 1,122,198 circa 1965; and 1,916,162 and 2,864,908 circa 1969. Sotheby’s’ circa-1964 estimate for 1,144,916 is later in the serial sequence than its circa-1965 estimate for 1,122,198. These estimates do not form a reliable serial chronology. A separate circa-1975 Christie's 1507 has no published case number. [https://www.barnebys.fr/ventes/objet/rolex-eYswah4-633694142 Barnebys archive of an Antiquorum listing, case 928,501]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/watches-l19070/lot.1.html Sotheby’s, case 1,144,916]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10/datejust-shantung-dial-pyramid-markers-reference Sotheby’s, case 1,122,198]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1507-oyster-perpetual-date-bark-finished-bezel-18k-gold-circa-1969/a/5422-54009.s Heritage, case 1,916,162]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-date-ref-150718k-gold-self-winding-case-5091508/ Christie’s, case 2,864,908].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 dated examples ===

Christie’s dates case 1,598,902 to circa 1965 and case 1,691,443 to 1967; Phillips dates case 1,901,206 to circa 1968; Monaco Legend dates case 2,223,098 to 1969. Phillips re-listed the same Ricciardi watch in 2026 with case number 1,906,206, while movement, retailer mark, clasp stamp and paper dates match its 2019 record. Christie's dates serial 2,860,900 to circa 1971, while Gazette Drouot uses the same number for a hand-wound watch dated 1955–58. The conflicting movements and dates leave this serial unusable as a production boundary. Catalogue dates apply to individual watches; serial-number chronology remains unresolved. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5841772 Christie’s, case 1,598,902]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5493400 Christie’s, case 1,691,443]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080319/4 Phillips 2019, case 1,901,206]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/236697 Phillips 2026, case 1,906,206]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-140 Monaco Legend, case 2,223,098]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-zephyr-ref-1510-285/183944 Christie’s, serial 2,860,900]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/25117066-rolex--22oyster-perpetual-date--- Gazette Drouot, serial 2,860,900].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1505|1505]] examples from circa 1960 to circa 1980: Heritage assigns case 1,351,111 to circa 1960, but Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1966 band. The date for that watch remains unresolved. Christie's records a separate circa-1969 example with an inside-caseback stamp II/69 and dates case 5,225,028 to 1977; Sotheby's dates cases 5,036,208 and 5,408,060 to circa 1977 and 1978; Christie's dates case 5,696,735 to circa 1980. Cambi dates a partial case 2,772.xxx to circa 1971, but its all-steel attribution conflicts with Rolex's 1980 catalogue description. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html photograph of Pergola's serial chart]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's, II/69]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's, case 5,225,028]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's, case 5,036,208]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 5,408,060]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5569805 Christie's, case 5,696,735]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi, case 2,772.xxx].

=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893]

=== Day-Date 6511 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744]

=== Day-Date 6612 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 platinum case 403,679] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 case 403,680] to 1958, [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 white-gold case 394,866] to 1958, and [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 platinum case 382,921] to circa 1958. Bonhams dates a [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ yellow-gold 6612/8] with serial 446*** to circa 1959. These are individual auction estimates, not a serial-number chronology; the clasp stamped 3.59 on case 403,680 and March 1959 clasp on the 446*** example date bracelets, not watch heads.

=== Day-Date 6612B case examples ===

Auction catalogues date yellow-gold case 384,933 to 1957; pink-gold case 395,916, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679 to circa 1958; platinum case 382,921 to circa 1958; and platinum case 446,052 to circa 1959. These are catalogue estimates, not a factory serial chart or proven production bounds. Christie's Dubai gives 446,062 for the last example, but Phillips and Sotheby's both list 446,052 and the Dubai entry refers to those sales. Phillips and Christie's list a clasp stamp of 1.59 on the platinum bracelet; that dates the bracelet, not the watch head. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, case 384,933]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731660 Christie's and https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6612b-day-date-lot-370-143?page=8 Antiquorum, case 395,916]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, case 394,866]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, case 403,679]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 Christie's, case 382,921]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips and https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/day-date-reference-6612b-a-platinum-and-diamond Sotheby's, case 446,052].

=== Day-Date 6611 case examples ===

Phillips dates yellow-gold case 214,124 to 1956 and white-gold 6611B case 401,546 to 1958. Antiquorum dates movement number 386,339 on a gold 6611B to about 1958. These catalogue dates fit the commonly published late-1950s sequence but do not form a factory serial chart. Two steel school-watch lots have no case number and give conflicting dates, 1954 and circa 1959; the 1963 engraving is a school dedication, not a case-production date. Compare each head and movement separately.

=== Glasgow and Edinburgh assay marks ===

British hallmarks can identify the assay office, metal standard, sponsor and assay year. The sponsor is the party responsible for submitting the item; the mark does not necessarily identify its manufacturer. Imported cases may carry different office marks from domestic work. Match the complete punch, including its shield and lettering, to the correct office and period.

For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care.

Ref. [[Reference:3078|3078]] shows why the case mark and watch date must stay separate. Christie's reports Dublin import marks dated 1937 on a 9ct-gold example but gives no case number. David Duggleby's caption reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 and case markings read as 3789/3078; the number has not been independently confirmed. The records may describe the same watch. The marks date the import records, not the reference's production or either watch's assembly date. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-892250 Christie's] [https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2300/Jewellery-Watches/104955/ David Duggleby, lot 2177]

Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37].

<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span>
=== Assay letters and case-serial prefixes ===

The R, L and later case-serial prefixes belong to a system introduced around 1987. They cannot decode assay letters on 1920s–1950s Prince cases. Those letters belong to the assay office's own sequence.

<span id="Prince_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Prince dating examples ===

The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. Christie’s, Bonhams, Piguet and Sotheby’s date four individual ref. 1855 cases from circa 1930 through circa 1940. Their published descriptions do not report a Glasgow or Edinburgh import mark, so those dates remain catalogue estimates for the watches; the numbers do not establish a production span. The Bonhams caseback also carries the parachute trademark David Boettcher attributes to Robert Meylan; his case-making company was registered in 1928 and the trademark in 1934. Those registration dates identify the maker’s marks, not the manufacture date of case 14368. Boettcher says the crowned SAR mark remains unexplained. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/myrolexpage.php David Boettcher, Rolex SAR and Robert Meylan case marks] The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,013 || platinum, Cal. 300 7½′′′ 18-jewel || c.1935 || Phillips Geneva V/X/XIV
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,047 || platinum || 1935 || Phillips 2015 Watch Auction One lot 210
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,077 || platinum || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2013
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 1,472 || Eaton 1/4 Century Club dial; catalogue descriptions of the metals differ || presentation inscription 1907–1932 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, July 2019, lot 156]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 60,206 || 9K two-colour gold || c.1934 || Antiquorum 2020 lot 235
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,196 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2015 lot 275
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,377 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Antiquorum 2006 lot 316
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,305 || 9K two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Bonhams NY 2017 lot 133
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,591 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1938 || Bonhams HK 2023 lot 644
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 13,009 || 18K yellow gold || Glasgow 1933 || Phillips NY 2023 NY080223/92
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 17,365 || steel + pink gold || Cal. T.S. 300 Ultra Prima, 1935 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 46
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 38,525 || steel + Bucherer-signed dial || c.1937 || Sotheby's Watches Online July 2019 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 58,115 || 18K (group lot with 1862) || c.1930 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14368 || steel + rose gold; 25 Records, SAR and parachute marks inside back || c.1930, catalogue date || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/21/ Bonhams, sale 23512 lot 21]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14382 || steel + pink gold || c.1930, Christie's catalogue date || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-4366792/ Christie's, lot 4366792]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14413 || steel + pink gold; movement 77395 || 1930s, Piguet catalogue date || [https://production-static.piguet.com/sales/2754ef55-9043-4cff-b435-c37aa576f58b/specials/3378e48b-2897-4bfb-b9cf-cdb2bb46994f/catalog.pdf Piguet, lot 1592]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 31705 || 9-carat yellow gold || c.1940, Sotheby's catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2017/watches-sale-l17053.html Sotheby's London, lot 128]
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,237 || 9K Glasgow + Cal. 527 || Glasgow 1934 || Christie's online lot 31 (sale 13523)
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,663 || 18K (group lot with 1490) || c.1938 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 280,124 || 18K yellow (1862A variant) || c.1930 || Sotheby's NY 2018 n09911 lot 53

|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36283 || 9ct gold || An archived Bonhams 2010 description reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1938; this dates the case mark, not production || [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Bonhams 2010 lot 162, archived listing]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36443 || Yellow gold || Sotheby's reports a Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; case-level date only || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015 lot 129]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36465 || 18K yellow gold || Antiquorum reports Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; case-level date only || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008 lot 687]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || 1,578 || 9K white gold, Bucherer-retailed || invoice dated 1945 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 Antiquorum, March 2008, lot 692]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6
|-
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170]
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6,920 || white and pink gold; catalogued as 1527 M || c.1930s || Drouot, lot 182
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6936 || 18K white + pink stepped || Glasgow 1931 || EveryWatch lot 378
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || not given || steel + gold-filled stepped Railway || 1940s || Bonhams NY 2006 sale 15217 lot 9
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010271 || “rolesium,” two-tone dial || c.1930, as dated by Aguttes || [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, lot 12]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010345 || two-colour case; fixed bar lugs || c.1930, as dated by Kaplans || [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Watches 59]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010353 || steel; caseback stamped Rolesium Registered Inalterable || c.1930s, as dated by Antiquorum || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-prince-lot-361-47 Antiquorum, June 2023, lot 47]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 12'672 || steel and rose gold; stepped case || 1930s, as dated by Pandolfini || [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, lot 406]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 14069 || steel and pink gold; pink two-tone dial || 1930s, as dated by Monaco Legend || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-119 Monaco Legend, lot 119]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 019784 / 019794 || steel; Antiquorum lists a 15-jewel T.S. 300 for 019784; Muser’s photograph of 019794 shows an Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies || Antiquorum dates 019784 to 1938 and lists a timing certificate; Muser dates 019794 circa 1930. Similar watch-and-box photographs suggest a possible repeat listing, but the case numbers differ by one digit. || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, May 2017, lot 118]; [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, May 2023, lot 266]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,568 || 18K yellow gold Aerodynamic || dated 1952 (Mondani Collection) || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-210 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 210]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,677 || 18K pink gold Aerodynamic with monogrammed escutcheon || dated 1952 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-209 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 209]
|-
| 3362 || 62,482 || 14K pink gold || c.1935, as dated by Antiquorum || Antiquorum, May 2015, sale 291, lot 109
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || 64,190 || 14K yellow gold Rams Horn || 1938 || Bonhams 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || not given || 14K yellow gold, Eaton 1/4 Century Club || Garbett presentation inscription 1926–1951 || Sotheby's NY 2020 lot 73
|-
| 6222 (Eaton presentation) || not given || automatic Oyster || presentation inscription 1929–1954 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2005, sale 86, lot 19
|}

Christie’s gives “No. 015759 1880” on a steel caseback and “no. 1880 8829” in the title of a pink-gold watch. The title does not identify 1880 as a reference. Christie’s dates the latter watch’s Glasgow import mark to 1932.

These examples use several case-number ranges across different materials and references. A high number does not establish a later production date across the whole Prince family. Antiquorum dates the two 3361 cases numbered 899,568 and 899,677 to 1952; the presentation dates on Eaton watches record later events in their ownership. None of these observations establishes a family-wide production endpoint.

=== Caseback engraving conventions ===

Keep case and reference stamps separate from personal inscriptions. An engraved name or service anniversary records a presentation or ownership claim. It cannot establish the date of the case, and hand engraving alone does not establish a replacement. Monaco Legend's 971, case 1,472, bears an Eaton service inscription ending in 1932.

<span id="Vintage_Submariner_/_Explorer_/_GMT_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Padellone 8171: anomalous numbers and conflicting dates ===

Reference [[Reference:8171|8171]] has a shallow case number and coronet engraved on the outside of its snap-on back. Wear and polishing can reduce their legibility. The case number, movement number and a dated certificate should be recorded separately. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, illustrated 8171 study]

Phillips catalogued steel case 1977074 as circa 1950 despite its unusually high number. Its essay and SJX discuss later manufacture or assembly, but provide no factory record resolving the discrepancy. A general serial chart cannot settle the date of this particular watch. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019]

Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72]

=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596]

== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==

The following table compares catalogue dates with case numbers on selected Submariner, Explorer and GMT watches. Dates without an identified hallmark, stamp or document are the named source's estimates. A cluster of nearby numbers does not establish a production total or guarantee dating to within a year or two.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Catalogue configuration !! Date or dated mark reported by source !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] (Submariner) || 949,136 || honeycomb dial || 1953 || Phillips Geneva XII 2020 lot 177
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,613 || gilt, US Navy provenance || c.1953–54 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 250
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,773 || Sub-Aqua, end-link 65 || 1954 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO 2015 lot 292
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,923 || pencil hands, gilt || c.1954, clasp 2.53 || Phillips NY Watch Auction 2021 lot 79
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,929 || Sub-Aqua tropical || 1954 || Antiquorum Geneva 2013 lot 577
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 42,439 || Sub-Aqua dial; catalogued as a prototype || 1954 || Monaco Legend 2019 lot 69
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] (Submariner) || 21,354 || pencil hands, no-Submariner dial, riveted Oyster end-link 65 || c.1954, Series 1 || Phillips Game Changers NY 2019 lot 54
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,442 || Mercedes hands, gilt gloss, stretch riveted bracelet || c.1954–55 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2022 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,644 || re-lumed reprinted no-Submariner dial || 1954–55 || Antiquorum Geneva 2025 lot 377-180
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 85,972 || Mercedes, gilt no depth (Series 2) || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches NY 2019 lot 178
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 86,033 || Atelier de Restauration 2023 restoration || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2025 lot 336
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] (Submariner) || 320,xxx–322,xxx || Big Crown 8mm Brevet, A296, Explorer or red depth || 1954–56 || Nicholas Foulkes, ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner'' (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] (Submariner) || 112,256 || caseback stamped "4 55", Jubilee bracelet stamped 1960 || 1955 || Sotheby's 2021 lot 35
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 112,341 || Red Depth, IV.55 caseback || 1955 || Bonhams Dec 2021 lot 36
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 155,502 || caseback stamped II.56, on 7206 rivet bracelet || 1956 || Phillips Geneva V 2017 lot 102
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 229,640 || I.57 caseback || 1957 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 215
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] (parent) || 306,706 || gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel || March 1957 || Bonhams London 2012 lot 116
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 306,989 || III.57 caseback, no-hash red triangle, glossy gilt || 1957 || Sotheby's NY 2018 lot 252
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 399,228 || brown tropical dial || c.1959 || Sotheby's London 2019 lot 121
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] (Submariner) || 140,300–140,500 (Series 1) || case-number band proposed by Blackbird || c.1956 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 158,100–158,400 (Series 2) || four-line OCC dial concentration || c.1957–58 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 307,100–307,600 (Series 3) || two-line gilt || 1958 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 426,000–449,300 (Series 4) || fourth group in Blackbird's classification || late 1958 / 1959 || Blackbird; Sotheby's Olmsted 2024 lot 170 case 449,004
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] (Submariner big crown) || 362,153 || Explorer dial, fixed bars; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2023 lot 107
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,187 || reprinted Explorer dial; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Antiquorum Monaco 2018 lot 314-248
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,252 || privately purchased watch used by a Royal Navy diver; later 93150/580 bracelet || Bonhams dates manufacture and purchase to 1958; caseback 1.1958 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, June 2009, lot 140]
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] (Submariner small crown) || 361,650 || black gilt, red triangle insert || 1958 || Phillips Geneva NINE 2019 lot 213
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 400,505 || tropical dial, 1960 papers || 1958 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 489,831 || black dial || 1959 || Sotheby's Watches Online 2020
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 490,575 || faded bezel insert, rivet bracelet '63 || 1958 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 333-422
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 762,896 || exclamation gilt, II.62 caseback, 7206/64 bracelet || 1962 || Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 764,524 || exclamation, 6636 clasp 4/64 || 1962 || Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Pre-Explorer / Oyster Perpetual) || 912,378 || steel + Sesto Continente "Super Oyster" provenance, IV.52 caseback || caseback IV.52; source dates the watch to 1952 || Vailati 1953 letter to Rolex Archives (Perezcope)
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] (Pre-Explorer) || 931,134 || H.S.10 CD Royal Navy with crow's foot || c.1953 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2025 L25713
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,811 || H.S.10 CD, Burford matte-black Swiss T Precision printing, MOD broad-arrow || February 1953 || Bonhams 18849/181
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,925 || "Oyster Perpetual Precision" dial || 1953 || Antiquorum Geneva 2022 lot 349-152
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,021 || "KANGCHENJUNGA 1955 G.C BAND" caseback engraving || 1953 case, 1955 expedition gift || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction SIX 2017 lot 244
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,096 || A296 18j, Oyster expandable bracelet || c.1953 || Sotheby's 2022 / 2024 (same example reoffered)
|-
| [[Reference:6350|6350]] || 955,761 || Douglas Prior 1956 Royal Society Antarctic Expedition, Cal. 775 service replacement || 1953 case || Antiquorum Geneva 2018 lot 317-570
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (Submariner, no-date) || 765,450 || gloss black "exclamation" Explorer dial, cal. 1530; riveted Oyster 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.62 || c.1962 (I.62) || Phillips Geneva EIGHT lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 979,313 || gilt / gloss underline Explorer dial; folded Oyster 9315 / 580 end-links || c.1963 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 991,837 || underline double-Swiss gilt dial; Oyster 6636, clasp dated Q1 1964 || 1963 (III.63) || Phillips Geneva THREE lot 106
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 1,023,362 || gloss Explorer (3-6-9) dial, Garrard guarantee 23 March 1965; Jubilee bracelet || c.1964 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2020 lot 377
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 6,2XX,XXX || Mark III "maxi" dial, cal. 1520; 93150 Oyster, service-replacement clasp S6 || c.1979 || Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches 2019 lot 103
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (COMEX) || 2,833,552 || helium escape valve; COMEX 24 || 1970 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum Geneva, November 2006, lot 323]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 3,804,841 || helium escape valve; dial without COMEX logo || 1972 || Antiquorum New York, 2009, sale 223, lot 373
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,089,919 || COMEX 377, matte black, 9315 bracelet, Henry Hudson letter || 1975 || Phillips NY Watch Auction SIX 2022 lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,155,901 || COMEX 446; caseback also engraved 68504-Ci, attributed to the Argentine Navy by Phillips || 1974 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips Geneva TWO, 2015, lot 145]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 5,230,258 || COMEX 878, "Big Numbers" wrap-around caseback || 1977 || Antiquorum Monaco 2025 lot 383-172
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] (MilSub, Royal Navy / Army) || around 3,926,000 || 5513-only and 5513/5517 double-reference; issue years 77/79 || 1972–1975 || Phillips New York 2019 lot 28 case 3,926,768; Phillips HK 2017 lot 807 case 3,926,923; Antiquorum Monaco 2022 lot 77 case 3,926,842
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || around 5,339,000 || 5517-only between-lugs engraving, sword hands, full 60-min bezel; issue year 78 || 1977–1978 || Phillips Geneva XIV 2021 lot 152 case 5,339,827; Sotheby's 2023 lot 3 case 5,339,705 issue 853/78
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] (Submariner Date, Red Sub) || 2,241,069 || Mark II "tropical" meters-first dial, red Submariner text; Oyster 9315, clasp 3.71 || c.1969 (III.69) || Phillips WINNING ICONS lot 4
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,421,653 || Mark IV "tropical" Red Sub, feet-first "open 6s"; folded Oyster 9315, 280 end-links, clasp 4.70 || c.1970 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 155
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,631,521 || Mark IV red dial, cream indexes; Oyster 7836, clasp 3-69 || 1970 (I.70) || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 108
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,184,430 || single-red Submariner dial; 93150 Oyster, clasp CL9 || c.1972 || Bonhams London Fine Watches 2025 lot 18
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,740,344 || feet-first Red Sub dial, Tiffany & Co. retailer signature || c.1974 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2024
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 5,429,380 || ref. 1680/8 18k yellow gold, blue sunray dial; gold Oyster, clasp 3.71 || c.1978 || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 238
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 6,1XX,XXX || Mark 1 "White Submariner" (closed 6s), white-text dial || c.1979 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2022 lot 928
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] (Submariner Date, 18k yellow gold) || 6,412,142 || black nipple dial; guarantee dated 10 August 1982 || c.1979 || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, lot 6539583]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 6,667,544 || calibre 3035; inside caseback stamped 16800; clasp stamped 92908, end links 46; later guarantee dated 9 September 1987 || c.1981 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158613 Phillips, lot 15]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 7,538,212 || blue nipple dial; catalogue describes tropical brown change || 1982 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-220 Monaco Legend, lot 220]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 9,623,728 || blue nipple dial catalogued as tropical brown || c.1987 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-6/nipple-dial-submariner-ref-16808-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, lot 8]
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] (GMT-Master, red-and-blue bezel) || 1,004,133 || underline + double-Swiss gilt dial, pointed crown guards, cal. 1560; bracelet 6636 / 80 end-links, clasp 3.64 || c.1963 (IV.63) || Phillips "Rolex Milestones" lot 810
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,323,448 || MK III late-gilt gloss dial (SWISS - T<25), cal. 1570; bracelet 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.65 || c.1965 (IV.65) || Phillips Hong Kong Sessions Spring 2026 lot 8019
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,686,416 || matte black dial, steel red-and-blue bezel, cal. 1570 || c.1967 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 76
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,796,673 || matte black "Fuchsia" insert, cal. 1570, movement D091203 with ROW marking; clasp 7-68 || 1967 (II.67) || Phillips New York Watch Auction SEVEN lot 25
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 5,468,961 || 18k yellow gold, black dial, President bracelet, cal. 1570 || c.1978 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 77
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] (GMT-Master, first quickset) || 6,250,744 || matte black dial, black bezel insert (spare red-and-blue bezel included), cal. 3075; 93150 Oyster, clasp VC || c.1981 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2024 lot 95
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 7,625,315 || black dial, Omani police emblem, cal. 3075; 62510H Jubilee / 555 end-links, clasp G4 || c.1983 || Bonhams Fine Watches 2021 lot 68
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 8,631,078 || glossy dial with cracked lacquer, cal. 3075; 78360 Oyster / 580 end-links, clasp I6 || c.1984 || Phillips Hong Kong EIGHT lot 1180
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8399062 || black raised-marker “bicchierini” dial; cal. 3085 || 1983 (Christie’s catalogue date) || Christie’s lot 217; date and prototype story are the auction essay’s account
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8584610 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1984 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 250; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || serial B431181 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1985 || Antiquorum Monaco 2017 lot 274
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9376077 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1986 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021 lot 244; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9,673,878 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1987 || Sotheby’s Watches Weekly 2020 lot 2
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case R828043 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1988 || Sotheby’s Geneva 2020 lot 652
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || R672618 || gloss black dial, R-prefix || c.1988 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2019 lot 845
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] (GMT-Master II) || 8,463,283 || red-and-black bezel, cal. 3085 27j || c.1984 || Sotheby's Important Watches HK 2021 lot 2004
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R275863 || red-and-black bezel, mvt 1994435, 78790 service-replacement bracelet || c.1988 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2023 lot 28031/167
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R434190 || full set with Merksamer Jewelers guarantee, mvt 2102621 || c.1988 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction X 2019 lot 149
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] (GMT-Master) || R-serial || 1988 red-and-blue bezel, 78360 / RS11 clasp || 1988 || Bonhams 25956/4
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T254282 || 1996 red-and-blue bezel delivered Dec 1996, full set with Beyer receipt || 1996 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 329-88
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T848499 || c.1996 red-and-blue bezel, with extra black bezel, cal. 3175 || 1996 || Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches 2019 lot 10
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || W752611 || c.1995 red-and-blue bezel, faded bezel, tritium dial || 1995 || Sotheby's Fine Watches Online 2024 lot 417
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U443556 || 1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 14/50, Bell X-1 1947 caseback || 1997 || Bonhams 25232/969
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U453541 || c.1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 21/50 || 1997 || Phillips Hong Kong XI 2020 lot 862
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || A245609 || c.1999 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's || 1999 || Sotheby's Hong Kong 2019 lot 2023
|}

Record an inside-caseback stamp exactly as it appears. Roman numerals I–IV are often read as quarters, but the [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html Caseback date codes guide describes a VI 1966 stamp] that does not fit that convention. A dated caseback is a component observation. Service replacements and exchanged backs can separate its date from the rest of the watch.

<span id="Cross-referencing_for_full_dating"></span>
== Comparing the components ==

An early serial range suggests a case date. Compare the bracelet reference, dial and [[Reference:Movements|movement]] separately. A [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp code]] dates the marked component, and a replacement clasp or bracelet does not change the case date.

A bracelet from the same period as the case may be period-correct without being original to that watch. Matching date estimates alone cannot establish original delivery.

== Per-reference serial detail ==

For chronograph ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips identifies case 12'271 and dates it circa 1938; a 2026 FutureGrail caseback photograph shows the same number, while its catalogue transcription dates it circa 1927. Phillips' 2023 ref. 2022 catalogue refers back to the 2057 as case 12'272, one digit different. Preserve the discrepancy; these records do not establish a serial sequence or production span. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080218/40 Phillips, 2018, lot 40]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2057/watch-32733221 EveryWatch transcription of FutureGrail, 2026, lot 32]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080223/170 Phillips, 2023, lot 170]

For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart].

For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates its gold-plated steel case, numbered 769***, to circa 1951. Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962; that number is consistent with Bonhams' masked prefix, but the catalogues do not confirm that their listings describe the same watch. Pergola assigns 769199 to its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart gives 710,776 for 1951 and 840,396 for 1952; it has no entry for 769199. These auction dates and chart estimates describe individual records, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs].

For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321]

For ref. [[Reference:6719|6719]], Antiquorum dates case 6,703,003 to circa 1981. Leland Little dates serial 7,350,177 to circa 1982, and its photographs show the same number on the accompanying guarantee paper. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not production limits. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, ref. 6719]; [https://www.lelandlittle.com/items/568411/lady-s-stainless-steel-and-gold-i-oyster-perpetual-i-watch-rolex/ Leland Little, lot 1089]

For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363].

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run.

=== Day-Date 1803 dating ===

For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s].

The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration.

For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494].

For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks.

For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25].

For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread]

For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits.

For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001].

A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct.

Auction catalogues date ref. 18039 case 5,302,014 to circa 1977, case 5,507,421 to circa 1978, case 6,739,240 to 1981, and case 7,522,088 to 1983. The 5,507,421 watch has a warranty recording a German retail sale in November 1980; that date records the sale, not the case manufacture. See [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-324-171 Antiquorum lot 171 (2019)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-340-158 lot 158 (2021)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-18038-lot-289-292 lot 292 (2015)], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-stella-dial-white-gold-lot-383-147 lot 147 (2025)].

Auction catalogues also give date estimates for individual Day-Date 18049 cases: 5,724,546 (circa 1978), 6,041,581 (1979), 6,654,074 (circa 1981), 6,768,020 (circa 1980), 7,644,551 (circa 1983), 8,272,377 (circa 1984), and R509431 (circa 1988). These are catalogue associations between a case number and a lot date, not a serial-number year chart or proof of the reference’s production limits. Sources: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches/reference-18049-day-date-a-white-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 5,724,546]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-270 Monaco Legend, ref. 18049 case 6,041,581]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-18049-gold-diamond-set-automatic-wristwatch-khanjar-89/181697 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,654,074]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4814219 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,768,020]; [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/ad86e74c-7057-4843-848c-3fbcabe7ff96/lots/30281a3f-52a9-45aa-9d06-c9a6baf6ddee Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 7,644,551]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18049-day-date-lot-361-98 Antiquorum, ref. 18049 case 8,272,377]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6558374 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case R509431].

Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504].

Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167].

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-rare-and-unusual-stainless-5892958/ Christie's, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it circa 1935 and identifies its 2006 Antiquorum appearance]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-35/lot-220 Monaco Legend, 2024, ref. 6511 case 166,725]

== Sources ==

* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952]
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611B case 401,546, dated 1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611b-lot-307-136 Antiquorum 2017, ref. 6611B, movement 386,339]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum 2002 steel school-watch lot, catalogued circa 1959]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum 2013 steel school-watch lot, catalogued as 1954]

* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee: 8171 case markings]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175: 8171 case 1977074]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019: 8171 serial anomaly]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2020, lot 2143: 8171 case 686356]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72: 8171 case 667005 and dated certificate]

* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate.
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table.
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
* [https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/what-is-a-hallmark Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, What is a hallmark?]: the meaning of office, sponsor, fineness and date marks.
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher, British import hallmarks]: historical office marks and date-letter cycles.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930.
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939.
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold.
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, Submariner 5510, June 2009, lot 140]: case 362,252, purchase history and the bracelet recorded at auction.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, COMEX 5513, November 2006, lot 323]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips, COMEX 5514, Geneva TWO, lot 145]: reference, case-number and inscription details.
* The tables identify further auction and specialist sources beside each observation; see the linked reference articles for additional lot records.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 6075 case 685082]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
* [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, Prince 1768 case 010271, c.1930]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Prince 1768 case 010345, c.1930]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, Prince 1768 case 019784, dated 1938]
* [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, Prince 1768 case 01028, circa 1927]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, Prince 1768 case 12'672, 1930s]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930]
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940]

* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]

* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]

Reference:Movements

2026-10-21T05:24:50Z

Admin: Document case-specific Cal. 13 records for ref. 3668

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Caliber & Movement Reference}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Movements & Calibers — Cross-Family Reference | Rolexopedia
|description=Cross-family caliber catalogue for vintage and discontinued Rolex watches, with selected modern lineages through the 2023 Explorer II and Daytona transitions.
|keywords=Rolex caliber, Rolex movement, cal 4030, cal 4130, cal 727, Valjoux 72, Zenith El Primero, cal 1570, cal 1575, cal 3035, cal 3135, cal 3185, cal 3186, Oysterquartz 5035, Rolex chronograph caliber, vintage Rolex movement
|type=Article
}}

<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Movements'''</small>

Find a caliber by family below, then compare its markings and specifications with the individual watch reference. Several early caliber attributions remain disputed; those entries name the competing descriptions.

== Quick jump ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince (shaped)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-300|300]] [[#cal-300-ts|7½ T.S. 300]] [[#cal-310|310]] [[#cal-360-hw|360 HW]] [[#cal-350-ts|350 T.S.]] [[#cal-1759|1759]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Perpetual automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1130-rolex-automatic|1130 OP]] [[#cal-1160|1160]] [[#cal-1161|1161]] [[#cal-2030|2030]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback / early automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-520|520]] [[#cal-420|420]] [[#cal-50|50]] [[#cal-620|620]] [[#cal-630|630]] [[#cal-635|635]] [[#cal-105-hunter|700/710]] [[#cal-600|600]] [[#cal-59|59]] [[#cal-a260|A260]] [[#cal-a296|A296]] [[#cal-a295|A.295]] [[#cal-645|645]] [[#cal-720-auto|720 automatic (lot attribution)]] [[#cal-740|740]] [[#cal-745|745]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Calendar / moonphase</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster (lot attribution)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-2849-note|2849 (Cal. 500 attribution)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster / Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1210|1210]] [[#cal-1215|1215]] [[#cal-1216|1216]] [[#cal-1220|1220]] [[#cal-1225|1225]] [[#cal-1200|1200]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Cellini and dress watches</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1600|1600]] [[#cal-7040|7040]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage sport (1950s–80s)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1030|1030]] [[#cal-1035|1035]] [[#cal-1036|1036]] [[#cal-1040|1040]] [[#cal-1050|1050]] [[#cal-1065|1065]] [[#cal-1066|1066]] [[#cal-1530|1530]] [[#cal-1520|1520]] [[#cal-1535|1535]] [[#cal-1525|1525]] [[#cal-1560|1560]] [[#cal-1565|1565]] [[#cal-1570|1570]] [[#cal-1575|1575]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern sport (1988–2023 coverage)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-3000|3000]] [[#cal-3035|3035]] [[#cal-3075|3075]] [[#cal-3085|3085]] [[#cal-3130|3130]] [[#cal-3132|3132]] [[#cal-3135|3135]] [[#cal-3175|3175]] [[#cal-3185|3185]] [[#cal-3186|3186]] [[#cal-3187|3187]] [[#cal-3230|3230]] [[#cal-3235|3235]] [[#cal-3285|3285]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Milgauss</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1080|1080]] [[#cal-1580|1580]] [[#cal-3131|3131]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-13|13]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Daytona chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-72|72]] [[#cal-72a|72A]] [[#cal-72b|72B]] [[#cal-722|722]] [[#cal-722-1|722-1]] [[#cal-727|727]] [[#cal-4030|4030]] [[#cal-4130|4130]] [[#cal-4131|4131]] [[#cal-4132|4132]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1055|1055]] [[#cal-1555|1555]] [[#cal-1556|1556]] [[#cal-1566|1566]] [[#cal-3055|3055]] [[#cal-3155|3155]] [[#cal-3156|3156]] [[#cal-3255|3255]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-5035|5035]] [[#cal-5055|5055]]</div></div>
</div>

== Rolex movements ==

This page covers calibers used by Rolex families in the wiki, including several numbers with no confirmed fitment. Reference pages document individual applications.

A caliber designation identifies a movement type. An individual movement number and the case serial belong to separate numbering systems. Comparing their numerical size does not establish which component was made first. The [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]] explains the limits of case dating.

Aegler in Bienne made most of the mechanical movements covered here. The firm supplied Rolex as an independent manufacturer before becoming its subsidiary in 2004.

The caliber entries describe balance materials, hairsprings and shock protection where documented. A technology's introduction at Rolex does not mean that every movement received it in the same year.

<span id="prince-family"></span>
== Early chronograph movement

The early Oyster chronograph records distinguish Rolex Cal. 13 from the Valjoux base designation. Ebauches S.A.’s technical guide labels a two-pusher, 13-ligne movement “VZ 23”; that nomenclature does not establish Rolex fitment. Auction catalogues identify Cal. 13 in individual ref. 3525 and 3668 watches. Christie's reports 13′′′ 23 VZ on 3668 case 279'352, while other 3668 lots use Cal. 13 or VZ. Treat these as lot-level identifications and check the movement marking on the watch. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's, case 279'352] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum, case 45,343] [https://myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Valjoux-VZ-23-Technical-Guide.pdf Ebauches S.A., Valjoux VZ 23 technical guide]

For ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips describes a manual movement. The 2026 FutureGrail catalogue transcription attributes a 13-ligne Valjoux base by Reymond Frères and 17 jewels; its photograph shows the Rolex signature and jewel count, while the caliber and maker remain unreadable. Treat this as a lot attribution, not a confirmed caliber assignment.

Ref. [[Reference:2021|2021]] is a pre-Oyster monopusher. Published descriptions give movement sizes from 13 to 16½ lignes; Uhrenkosmos names a Valjoux VZ in one early monopusher, while auction catalogues describe different executions. The available records do not support a reference-wide caliber assignment. Keep these descriptions separate from the Cal. 13 entry below. [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-daytona-seine-technik-und-geschichte/ Uhrenkosmos, early monopusher movement] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010] [https://www.cambiaste.com/it/asta-0795/rolex---rarissimo-cronografo-due-contatori-da-polso-monopulsante-in-ac-270066 Cambi, steel case 14xxx]

Auction records describe ref. [[Reference:2303|2303]] with 17-jewel lever movements; several Antiquorum lots measure them at 10½ lignes. Christie’s records a case-band pusher on one example, while other catalogues describe crown-operated monopushers. The lot descriptions leave caliber and maker unnamed, so a Valjoux 23 / Cal. 13 assignment would go beyond them. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-137 Antiquorum, case 17890] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4796029 Christie’s, case 022310]

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], the Field Manual lists a 10-ligne Hunter movement; Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s describe 10½-ligne manual movements in individual watches, with jewel counts of 17 or 18 in the catalogues. The book and Phillips call the movement in-house or patented, but the auction image sets reviewed here do not show a movement. No numbered caliber is established, and the size and jewel-count descriptions remain attached to their sources. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 71] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, 2002, 18-jewel description] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5674673 Christie’s, 2013] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/36 Phillips, 2016] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, 2024] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-365 Antiquorum, 2006, 18 jewels]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], auction catalogues also describe a manual 10½-ligne movement, with 17 or 18 jewels. White’s Field Manual gives 10 lignes for the 3346/3462 pair and calls the movement a Hunter. The catalogues identify movement size and jewel count, not a numeric caliber for the 3462. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-66-71 Antiquorum, lot 71]

<span id="cal-13"></span>
=== Cal. 13 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual chronograph
|-
| base family
| Valjoux 23; auction catalogues variously specify 23 VZ or only Cal. 13
|-
| size / jewels
| 13 lignes and 17 jewels in the 3525 Nutting and 3668 case 45,343 records; Christie's reports 13′′′ 23 VZ and 17 jewels on 3668 case 279'352
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] and [[Reference:3668|3668]] in individual catalogue records; confirm the movement marking on each watch
|}

Antiquorum identifies Cal. 13 and a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement in the 3525 delivered to Clive Nutting; its Leon Brownlee catalogue also names Cal. 13. For ref. 3668, Christie's names Cal. 13′′′ 23 VZ on case 279'352, while Antiquorum reports Cal. 13 and 17 jewels on cases 45,343 and 279358. Sotheby’s records a 17-jewel VZ movement on case 47'948. These are lot-level descriptions; confirm the caliber and suffix from the movement itself. Cal. 13 is Rolex’s designation in the cited records, not a claim that Rolex manufactured the Valjoux chronograph base. See the [[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|pre-Daytona chronograph guide]]. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's]

== Prince (shaped movements) ==

The Prince family uses Aegler shaped movements. Wilsdorf and Aegler patented the layout in 1927 as a "shaped watch movement with a seconds dial." It placed the winding barrel at one end of the rectangular movement and the balance at the other, leaving room for a larger balance wheel and mainspring barrel than rival shaped calibers of the period. The larger balance improved precision, while the larger barrel extended the power reserve.

Aegler remained an independent supplier until Rolex bought the company from the Borer family in April 2004. "Aegler" and "Rebberg" refer to the same firm; Rebberg was the street in Bienne where it stood. Aegler also made movements for Gruen. The architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold in the United States as the Gruen Techni-Quadron, designated Cal. 877. Gruen-stamped movements sometimes appear in Rolex Prince cases, but Cal. 877 was never a Rolex caliber number.

Prince grades run Prima → Extra Prima → Ultra Prima, with higher jewel counts, more adjustment positions, and stricter chronometer testing. Only Extra Prima and Ultra Prima watches carry "Chronometer" or "Observatory" dial marks. Rolex submitted Prince movements to the National Physical Laboratory at Kew for rate certificates independent of the Swiss Bureaux Officiels Suisse de Contrôle. Its often-cited 1914 Class A Kew certificate belongs to an earlier ladies' wristwatch movement, while Prince testing at Kew-Teddington began in 1928.

The Prince Imperial pocket watch, ref. [[Reference:1645|1645]], has a shaped manual movement. Sotheby’s records a 17-jewel Class A Observatory movement, number 1,000,823; Antiquorum describes other examples as 17-jewel Ultra Prima or Observatory movements in several line sizes. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 5096 in its caliber column for the 1645. Auction descriptions and the inspected movement photographs do not confirm that number on a movement, so it remains a book attribution rather than an established caliber.

<span id="cal-300"></span>
=== Cal. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo|alt=Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 (Prima) · 18 (Extra/Ultra Prima)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½ × 14½ lignes / 16.9 × 32.7mm
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| shock
| None
|}

Cal. 300 is the original Prince movement, made from 1928 to 1935. Christie's describes all three as the same movement base, with interchangeable parts and the balance bridge identifying the original execution. Prima movements have 15 jewels and six-position adjustment; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima versions have 18 jewels, six-position adjustment, and sometimes a Chronometer marking. David Boettcher identifies the additional jewels as two end-stones on the escape-wheel pivots and a top bearing on the centre wheel. Early movements carry the grade wording on the ratchet wheel, while later examples place it on the main train bridge. The photographed Extra Prima, marked "Observatory 6 Positions," shows the later convention.

Balance metallurgy changed gradually. Examples from 1928 use a bimetallic balance with a plain Breguet spring; by the mid-to-late 1930s, documented movements have both monometallic and bimetallic balances paired with Elinvar-alloy hairsprings. No exact transition year is established. "Patented Superbalance" on later ratchet wheels and bridges refers to Aegler's Swiss patent CH196706, filed in August 1936 and granted in March 1938. A movement carrying the mark postdates the grant. The recessed timing screws are often said to reduce air resistance, but Boettcher reads the patent as a way to maximize the balance's radius of gyration within the available space.

The Cal. 300 examples described here have no identified shock-protection system. Incabloc dates the start of its production to 1933 and the later lyre-spring design to 1938. Those dates alone cannot establish the fittings in a particular Prince.

Several UK auction catalogues treat the three- and four-digit numbers found on movements in refs 1862, 1490, and 1855 as calibers. The documented numbers are 510, 579, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439, with weaker evidence for 701 and a single record of 1759. They are almost certainly movement serials read from the plate. A 2024 Alexandre Landre listing of ref. 1855 calls another movement “Rolex 318”; its lot photographs do not show a readable marking, so this remains an unverified catalogue label. Continental catalogues identify the same movement class by grade and the T.S. size code instead. Cal. 414 and Cal. 527 have no documented connection to the Rolex Prince. The number 971A is a Prince case reference, not an established caliber designation; Antiquorum catalogued that reference in 1989 with a T.S./300-family movement. Fabsuisse labels the movement in its separate ref. 3937 dealer listing “Cal. 971A,” but the auction records reviewed here do not confirm that designation. Treat it as an unverified dealer attribution unless a readable movement marking supports it.

<span id="cal-300-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"|alt=Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

"T.S." is Rolex's size-family code for this 16.9 × 32.7mm architecture, catalogued by Christie's as "cal. T.S. Ref. 300." There is no support for the common expansion "Très Soigné." The six-position Ultra Prima execution ran from 1932 to 1938 with a lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, micrometer regulator, Breguet overcoil hairspring, and rhodium plating. On the [[Reference:1527|1527 Railway]], Extra Prima movements outnumber Ultra Prima examples, reversing the pattern seen on the 1490. An eight-position Ultra Prima marked "Officially Tested in Eight Ways" is documented on a 1931 bamboo-bracelet example sold by Mondani in 2006.

Antiquorum's 2017 listing for Prince ref. 1768 case 019784 describes a 7½-line T.S. 300 with 15 jewels; its listing has no movement photograph. Uhren-Muser's 2023 photograph of case 019794 shows an Extra Prima movement marked 17 Rubies. The watch and box images resemble Antiquorum's example, but the case numbers differ by one digit, so the lots may be repeat listings. The T.S. 300 illustrated here is marked 18 Rubies. Keep each count with its photographed or catalogued example. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, 2017, lot 118] [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, 2023, lot 266]

<span id="cal-310"></span>
=== Cal. 310 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular (19 × 49mm cased)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

Cal. 310 is the centre-seconds member of the T.S. family, used in the wedge-shaped [[Reference:3361|3361 Aerodynamic]], 3362, and [[Reference:3937|3937]] Prince group. Antiquorum described a 3361 in 2000 as a rhodium-plated 7½-ligne movement with 18 jewels, lateral lever escapement, six-position Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and micrometer regulator, in a 19 × 49mm case. That catalogue does not print the number 310, so the caliber attribution is less secure than the architecture and specifications. Movement production ended in 1938, but Aegler stock remained in Rolex cases through 1952. The difference between a movement number and case number does not independently prove a stockpiling interval.

<span id="cal-360-hw"></span>
=== Cal. 360 HW ===
[[File:Cal 360 HW movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"|alt=Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|}

The architecture of Cal. 360 is disputed. Christie's describes a 1938 ref. 2835 "Prince Elegant" with a tonneau-shaped 15-jewel movement, and Charles Jarman's ''The Rolex Reference Guide'' (4th edition) calls Cal. 360 a manual, small-seconds, tonneau-shaped movement with a SuperBalance. Watch Doctor’s online chart instead lists a rectangular, 18-jewel movement measuring 18 × 27mm. The page does not identify an underlying Rolex document.

Christie's also describes a rectangular 17-jewel Cal. 360 in 1937 Precision ref. 3140 case 41,362. Monaco Legend gives Cal. 360 for another 1937 ref. 3140, case 41,465, but no jewel count. These are catalogue attributions to individual watches; they do not settle the conflicting movement descriptions. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-9k-gold-rectangular-curved-wristwatch-5130486/ Christie’s, 2008 lot 13]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-219 Monaco Legend, 2024 lot 219]

Jarman dates Cal. 360 to 1937. The expansion of the HW designation remains unconfirmed; it should be retained as a designation rather than expanded to Hans Wilsdorf. The differing shape and jewel descriptions need comparison with the movement in the individual watch. Ineichen’s 2016 catalogue attributes C.360 to a Prince ref. 1880 and describes a nickel-plated lever movement. That is one lot-level attribution; it does not resolve the conflicting descriptions above. [https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/83c/fnnltq7byndm2n2lwa14zfgz3qzl1tuc.pdf Ineichen, Auction 164, lot 133]

<span id="cal-510"></span>
<span id="cal-579"></span>
<span id="cal-701"></span>
<span id="cal-841"></span>
<span id="cal-1004"></span>
<span id="cal-1130"></span>
<span id="cal-1439"></span>
=== Numbered Prince movements (510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, 1439) ===

Seven numbers circulate in Prince catalogues as "calibers": 510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439. In the Prince examples reviewed here, the bare numbers are most likely movement serials rather than caliber designations. This interpretation is specific to the Prince plates; auction catalogues separately identify a Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual [[Reference:6548|ref. 6548]] examples, discussed below.

Photographed Prince plates carry a grade legend, jewel count, "Swiss Made," and a bare number stamped beside the "NN RUBIES" wording, but no caliber designation. Grade legends include Prima, Extra Prima, Ultra Prima, Observatory Quality, Officially Tested in Eight Ways, Timed 6 Positions, and For All Climates. The bare number ranges from four to seven digits. Ultra Prima 18-jewel examples with otherwise matching plates carry 1260, 1439, and 1759 in that position, confirming that the stamp varies within one movement type.

Continental auction catalogues identify these movements by size code and grade, such as "cal. T.S. 300" or "7½′′′ T.S. 300, Observatory Quality." UK lots that print a "Cal." figure also give a separate case or serial number, indicating that the supposed caliber was read from the movement. The specifications also overlap: 1439 and 1759 both describe an 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement adjusted to six positions. A bare mainplate serial has likewise appeared in print as a "1240 calibre movement."

Auction descriptions use these numbers, but the available plate evidence points to movement serials.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
! number
! documented on
! catalogue text
! notes
|-
| 510
| Prince Brancard ref. 1855, case 14368 (Bonhams photograph); Christie’s separately identifies case 14382, circa 1930
| "17-jewel Cal.510 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions"
| Bonhams photograph shows 510 and 17 Rubies on case 14368; a separate Alexandre Landre listing calls another ref. 1855 movement Rolex 318, without a readable mark. [https://www.alexandrelandre.com/lot/148418/25180425-rolex-prince-ref-1855-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-deux Alexandre Landre, lot 30]
|-
| 579
| stainless steel ref. 1862, circa 1935, case No. 103
| "17-jewel Cal.579 manual wind movement" (Bonhams London)
| single lot; the trailing "T" in some listings is absent from Bonhams' catalogue text
|-
| 701
| one photograph showing "ROLEX PRINCE 701" on a 1930s piece
| none
| no recorded jewel count, adjustment count, or technical description; no auction or catalogue attribution
|-
| 841
| ref. 1862 circa 1930, case No. 10403
| "17-jewel Cal.841 manual wind" (Bonhams London; resold through Tajan in 2019, the same watch catalogued twice)
| a separate listing gives 15 jewels for a "Cal. 841T" on a different 1862; a caliber designation would not change jewel count
|-
| 1004
| ref. 1862, Glasgow import mark for 1936, serial 176**
| "17-jewel Cal.1004 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions" (Bonhams, December 2015)
| white gold bezel, fixed wire lugs, gilt brick-link bracelet
|-
| 1130
| 9K yellow gold ref. 1490, case 30280
| "cal. 1130 manual winding lever movement, 16 jewels"
| lowest jewel count recorded in the group
|-
| 1439
| Prince Chronometre ref. 1490, Glasgow import mark for 1937, serial 307**
| "18-jewel Cal.1439 manual wind movement timed to 6 positions" (Bonhams)
| same 18-jewel, 6-position Ultra Prima specification as Cal. 1759 below
|}

Cal. 1759 is the same phenomenon. It remains separate because the photographed watch preserves matching movement and caseback markings, but the number appears in the serial position on an Ultra Prima plate and is documented in only one regional UK auction.

<span id="cal-1759"></span>
=== Cal. 1759 ===
[[File:Cal 1759 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back|alt=Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|}

This circa 1937 Ultra Prima Chronometer has 18 jewels and six-position adjustment. Gardiner Houlgate catalogued it in a 9ct ref. 1862 with 1937 Glasgow import hallmarks as a "cal. 1759 Ultra Prima Chronometer 18 jewel movement timed 6 positions." The photographed example retains its matching caseback, engraved "1759, 18 Rubies, Ultra Prima" alongside "31 Records Universels" and a retailer stamp. The identification rests on this single regional UK auction lot.

<span id="cal-350-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 350 T.S. ===
[[File:Cal 350 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour|alt=Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 18 (documented both ways)
|-
| size
| 16.9 × 32.7mm (T.S.)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Cal. 350 is the jump-hour member of the T.S. family, alongside the small-seconds Cal. 300 and centre-seconds Cal. 310. Christie's and Sotheby's catalogue it in the [[Reference:1491|1491 Brancard Jumping Hour]] as an 18-jewel, chronometer-rated movement on the T.S. base. Another 1491 has a 15-jewel Extra Prima movement; Ultra Prima examples have 18 jewels. Jewel count varies with grade. The jump-hour disc works on much the same principle as the later Datejust date disc. Surviving examples carry Glasgow import hallmarks from 1930–31, consistent with the T.S. base's 1928–35 production window.

The 1491 has a deeper case than the 1490 to accommodate its jump-hour mechanism. Case depth is one comparison point; the movement, module and case markings must agree as well.

== Cellini and dress-watch calibers ==

Auction catalogues identify manually wound Cal. 1600 in late-1960s Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples. Rolex's 1978 service booklet supplies the movement dimensions and rate; the auction descriptions supply reference fitment and jewel count.

=== Cal. 1600 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual-wind, round
|-
| size
| 9¼ lignes
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 beats per hour
|-
| jewels
| 19 (Farsetti catalogue)
|-
| fitment documented here
| Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples in Farsetti and Fortuna auction records
|}

Rolex's 1978 ''Technical and Service Information'' lists Cal. 1600 as a round 9¼-ligne movement running at 19,800 beats per hour. Farsetti and Fortuna attribute Cal. 1600 to their respective 3735 watches; Farsetti lists 19 jewels. Since neither auction entry includes a movement photograph, these remain catalogue attributions for the individual examples.

''Sources:'' [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978)]; [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113].

=== Cal. 7040 ===

Rolex's archived Cellini Prince descriptions identify Cal. 7040 as a shaped, manually wound, chronometer-certified movement with Paraflex shock absorbers, a Breguet overcoil and about 72 hours of reserve. Rolex's 2015 price list gives 21 jewels; its archived product page gives 28,800 beats per hour.

{| class="wikitable"
! suffix !! reference !! Rolex's listed version
|-
| 7040-1 || 5440/8 || 18 ct yellow gold; Clou de Paris dial
|-
| 7040-3 || [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] || 18 ct white gold; silver Godron Circulaire or diamond-pavé Godron dial
|-
| 7040-2 || [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]] || Everose gold; Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|-
| 7040-4 || 5443/9 || 18 ct white gold; double Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|}

Rolex's model-specific text assigns Cal. 7040-3 to both 5441/9 dial versions. Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue calls case D758994 Cal. 7040-1; Christie's and Sotheby's identify other 5441/9 examples as 7040-3. Keep Antiquorum's label with that lot; the available record does not resolve it. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141220000635/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5441_9-0012.html Rolex archived Cellini Prince product page, 2014]; [https://www.rolexforum.nl/prijslijst-rolex-NL2015.pdf Rolex Netherlands price list, 2015]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-78 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5493261 Christie's, case D774253]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/important-watches-ge1001/lot.132.html Sotheby's, Geneva, 2010, lot 132].

Rolex's archived 5442/5 page assigns Cal. 7040-2, as do Christie's, Kaplans and Sotheby's examples. Antiquorum's 2008 and 2022 catalogues call two 5442/5 movements 7040-1. Retain those labels with their lots; the available images do not establish a separate reference-wide movement version. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141017054035/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5442_5-0001.html Rolex archived 5442/5 product page, 2014]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5196177 Christie's Geneva 2009, lot 315]; [https://www.kaplans.se/sv/auktioner/2592/vara/999631 Kaplans, Stockholm, 2013, lot 469]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-6/cellini-ref-5442-montre-bracelet-en-or-rose-pink Sotheby's, 2021]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-231 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008, lot 231]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5442-5-prince-cellini-lot-353-198 Antiquorum, Monaco, 2022, lot 198].

<span id="bubbleback-family"></span>
== Early manual-wind Oyster examples ==

The early cushion-case Oyster references used manual movements, but the available catalogue descriptions do not support one movement assignment for every reference. For [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]], Antiquorum describes a 15-jewel 11-ligne manual movement on its 2003 example; Christie's describes an unnamed 15-jewel lever movement, and a dealer-photographed example shows a 17-jewel Rolex movement. Keep each description with its watch. Aste Bolaffi's Marconi Oyster has a 15-jewel FHF 30-based movement and the number 1069 on its case, but the catalogue does not identify that number as the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-41-480 Antiquorum 2003]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3892839 Christie's]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ dealer photo set]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/268/87/detail Aste Bolaffi 2022]

For [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]], Antiquorum describes 10-ligne, 18-jewel movements in two examples. Bonhams calls a separate example a 15-jewel Prima. Cool Auction labels the movement Cal. 10½ and reports 15 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour and a maximum 38-hour reserve on a Bucherer-signed watch. The same dealer attributes a Superbalance and Breguet hairspring to that movement. Hess Fine Auctions reports a manual 15-jewel movement in its 2023 lot. Watch Collecting describes another example as manual-wind but gives no caliber or jewel count. Toovey’s title calls its circa-1938 example Ultra Prima but gives no movement specification. The Cool Auction caliber label has no corroboration in the other records; the lots do not establish a single movement assignment or grade across the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-96-82 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 1997]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum and Bonhams archive]; [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/23866/ Cool Auction]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/superior-rolex-oyster-1072-large-cushion-vintage_98542e8bd8 Hess Fine Auctions, lot 3211]; [https://collecting.com/for-sale/1938-rolex-oyster-2 Watch Collecting]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]

For [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]], Antiquorum names a 10½-ligne Extra Prima movement with 15 jewels. David Boettcher reports that Prima movements he has examined are generally 15-jewel, while the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima examples he has examined have 18 jewels. Antiquorum’s description is an exception to that pattern; its catalogue does not explain the mismatch. Christie's describes a 15-jewel Prima, and Bonhams calls another 15-jewel movement Ultra Prima. The lot descriptions give no shared caliber number or reference-wide grade. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie's]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://vintagewatchstraps.com/blogprima.php David Boettcher, movement-grade survey]

A scanned Oyster case-and-crown table lists ref. [[Reference:2416|2416]] at 10½ lignes in its “calibre size” column. TimeAnagram gives the same figure in a dealer movement field. A Hodinkee photograph of case 32342 shows a manual movement stamped “Rolex 15 rubies”; Bonhams describes case 37425 as a patented Superbalance. Christie’s identifies case 36776 with an Ultra Prima movement jewelled to the third. These catalogue descriptions give no numbered caliber for the reference. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]; [https://timeanagram.com/en/products/57171 TimeAnagram, ref. 2416 item 57171]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25954/lot/93/ Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]

<span id="cal-2849-note"></span>
For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], two Antiquorum catalogues identify 17-jewel Cal. 500 movements in separate watches dated 1937. Antiquorum’s 2006 note also says Cal. 500 was produced from 1943 to 1953, which conflicts with that lot’s own date and attribution. These attributions belong to those catalogue examples; the records do not settle the reference’s movement range. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618].

== Oyster Perpetual automatic movements ==

<span id="cal-1130-rolex-automatic"></span>
=== Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 ===

Auction catalogues identify an automatic Rolex Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] examples; Dorotheum and Antiquorum describe 26 jewels. This is separate from the bare 1130 number on the Prince plates above, where it appears in a movement-serial position.

Ranfft dates Cal. 1130 to 1955. Dorotheum lists it in a 6548 dated circa 1942/43, while Jones & Horan lists it in a circa-1957 6548 with serial 230918, only 334 higher than Dorotheum’s 230584. These records conflict; they do not establish a 6548 production interval or resolve which date or identification is wrong. The available sources also do not establish beat rate or a full technical specification. Verify the movement marking on the individual watch. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://ranfft.org/caliber/12808-Rolex-1130?from=manufacturer Ranfft]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-145 Antiquorum]

<span id="cal-1160"></span>
=== Cal. 1160 ===

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists Cal. 1160 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and a rate of 19,800 vph; its table gives 1968. Sotheby's and Cambi catalogue Cal. 1160 in ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] watches dated circa 1945 and circa 1957. Those lot dates conflict with the Field Manual entry. Its table is not a ref. 6548 fitment record, and the available sources do not resolve whether the discrepancy comes from a lot date or caliber identification. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby's, lot 8773]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi, lot 186]

<span id="cal-1161"></span>
=== Cal. 1161 ===

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1161 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and 19,800 vph; its table gives 1970. Sotheby's attributes Cal. 1161 to a ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] dated circa 1964. Bonhams assigns it to a circa-1968 watch catalogued jointly as refs. 6548/6549. These catalogue dates precede the manual's entry; the sources do not establish the 6548 fitment interval or resolve the conflict. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-6548-oyster-perpetual-mickey-mouse-2 Sotheby's]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, lot 161]

<span id="cal-2030"></span>
=== Cal. 2030 ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, sweep seconds
|-
| jewels
| 28
|-
| hacking
| Yes
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:6718|6718]]; [[Reference:6719|6719]]; exact-reference catalogues list Cal. 2030 in individual watches
|}

Rolex's 1978 Technical and Service Information describes Cal. 2030 as automatic, with sweep seconds, 28 jewels and hacking. It distinguishes the calendar-equipped Cal. 2035. Sotheby's and Antiquorum catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6718 watches. The exact-reference catalogues document those individual fitments; broader 6718 fitment and production dates remain unresolved. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex, Technical and Service Information, 3rd ed. (1978)]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, lot 8136]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, lot 252]

Christie's, Antiquorum, and Hindman also catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6719 watches; only Antiquorum and Hindman list 28 jewels. These lots document examples, not the full fitment span. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-ladies-18k-oyster-perpetual-ref-6719-162/73481 Christie's]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, lot 154]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/hindman-auctions/a-14-karat-yellow-gold-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-wristwatch-rolex-circa-1973-28537 Hindman, lot 3061]

== Bubbleback and early automatic ==

Bubbleback and early Oyster Perpetual references use a distinct family of self-winding calibers. They followed the Prince's manual shaped movements and preceded the standardized post-war automatic line. The "bubble" refers to the domed caseback needed to clear the full-rotor automatic mechanism. It was not a bumper system, although many competing automatics still used one.

<span id="cal-420"></span>
=== Cal. 420 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type / size
| Automatic centre-seconds; catalogue prints “7¾” and separately lists Ø 19.4 mm
|-
| reference attribution
| Possible ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] attribution from James Dowling; 5002 catalogue descriptions of subsidiary seconds conflict with Cal. 420’s centre-seconds description
|}

Rolex's parts catalogue establishes Cal. 420's type and specifications, but it does not list ref. 5002 as a fitment. James Dowling's reference-specific listing assigns the caliber to a 5002. The seconds-layout mismatch leaves that assignment uncertain; available auction images show no readable movement stamp. Antiquorum describes an 8-ligne movement size in one 5002 catalogue entry. [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex170/rolex%20170.pdf Rolex spare-parts catalogue ref. 170, Cal. 420]; [https://www.ukwatches.com/product/007-rolex-14k-1950s-oyster-perpetual-ladys-bubbleback/ James Dowling, ref. 5002 listing]

<span id="cal-520"></span>
=== Cal. 520 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic; listed for ref. 1858 in the Vintage Rolex Field Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17 in Aste Bolaffi lot 34 and Antiquorum’s 6006 lot 253; 19 in Antiquorum lots 229 and 233
|-
| movement size
| 8¾ line in several catalogues; 9¾ line in Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 47
|-
| other recorded details
| Lot-specific descriptions include a straight-line lever escapement, screwed balance, and Breguet hairspring
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 520 for ref. 1858; Antiquorum attributes it to the 1952 ref. 6006, case 927300, and reports 17 jewels. Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Hunter 8¾ (520), and Vintage & Prestige and WatchNet list Cal. 520 for their ref. 1858 examples. Hodinkee's 2024 family guide instead assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Phillips and Antiquorum's 2006 and 2013 lots list 8¾-line movements; Antiquorum's 2021 Hong Kong entry gives 9¾ line without naming a caliber. The lots report 17 jewels for Bolaffi movement 1143 and 19 for the two Antiquorum movements.

Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Cal. 520 in its lot description; the caliber stamp is not legible in its photograph. WatchNet's image of product A-6378 shows English service labels, including “CONNECTING CASE SCREWS.”

<span id="cal-50"></span>
=== Cal. 50 (3130 auction attribution) ===

Sotheby's catalogued one stainless-steel [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] as a manual-wind Cal. 50 with 17 jewels and subsidiary seconds ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)). The lot is the only application of Cal. 50 checked here. Its caliber attribution, jewel count and configuration should remain tied to that catalogue entry until a movement stamp is inspected; this page does not establish a production range or other reference fitment.

<span id="cal-620"></span>
=== Cal. 620 ===
[[File:Cal 620 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 620, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 620, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 35h
|-
| size
| 11½ lignes / 26.4mm × 7.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance (monometallic)
|}

Derived from the manual Cal. 600, Cal. 620 became the base for Rolex's early full-rotor automatic family. Antiquorum catalogues individual examples with 17 to 20 jewels, against the table's 17-jewel specification. Earlier 1940s movements have a swan-neck micrometer regulator without shock protection; by the early 1950s, an index regulator and shock absorber appear.

[https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/2fe/sy5t0kgrsmh01eycyb7x6dv935lixtef.pdf Ineichen’s Auction 166 catalogue] identifies Cal. 620 in one 1940s ref. [[Reference:4643|4643]], case A60906 (p. 143). Keep that attribution with the auction lot; it does not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

Marcus Siems assigns Cal. 620 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]] in his Empire study. That conflicts with Antiquorum's Cal. 635 listing for case 156649 and the Cal. 635 entry in Colin A. White's reference table. Catalogues describe several 3716 movements as 9¾ lignes, while the specification above gives Cal. 620 as 11½ lignes. The published records do not reconcile the caliber assignments. [https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/rolex-empire-oyster-guide Siems, “The Deceptive Oyster”]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284].

The rotor is a unidirectional "Perpetual" type that turns through 360 degrees without bumpers or buffers. It is engraved "ROLEX PERPETUAL / CHRONOMETER / SWISS MADE / PATENTED / SUPER-BALANCE," while the three-screw, 18mm cover plate reads "VIS TIRETTE / PATENTED / TRIGGER SCREW." Cal. 620 powered early Bubblebacks. Rolex dates the introduction of its Perpetual rotor to 1931, but that historical account does not name the caliber. Cal. 630 and the related 635 and 645 developed from the same architecture.

Published records for [[Reference:3134|3134]] show both subsidiary- and centre-seconds layouts; identify the caliber from its movement marking. Antiquorum’s 1995 Milan lot gives 9½ lignes; Antiquorum’s 1992 lot and Exclusive Timepieces lot 227 give 9¾. Klöter describes lot 443’s anchor movement as intact, without a caliber or winding type. Seconds layout alone cannot distinguish Cal. 620 from 635 or Cal. 630 from 645. See the [https://www.kloeter-auktionen.de/Katalog_185.pdf Klöter catalogue] and reference article for lot-level evidence.

<span id="cal-630"></span>
=== Cal. 630 ===
[[File:Cal 630 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 630, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 630, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 26.0mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Launched in 1937, Cal. 630 was chronometer-certified under the period Swiss testing system, adjusted to seven positions, and fitted with a Breguet hairspring. One secondary source gives 18 jewels rather than the table's 17. The movement developed directly from Cal. 620 and shares its "Vis Tirette *** Patented *** Trigger Screw" cover-plate marking. Its rotor and bridge also carry the same "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance" signature. The caliber number stamped in the small box on the bridge distinguishes the two.

Antiquorum catalogues ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]], case 607544, with Cal. 630 and a small-seconds dial. The same lot says the dial is probably reprinted, and its photographs do not show the movement. Keep the caliber and dial layout as a conflicting catalogue description, not a verified Cal. 630 small-seconds variant. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

The Field Manual also lists Cal. 630 against the 3372 suffix variants. Antiquorum explicitly names Cal. 630 in a 3372 with centre seconds ([New York lot 436](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436)). The same manual lists subsidiary seconds for one 3372/3 entry, while Christie's catalogue describes a 3372 with small seconds and a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement but gives no caliber number ([case 474309](https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometre-bubble-back-ref-5091692/?intObjectID=5091692&lid=1)). Keep those statements tied to their sources; they do not establish a Cal. 630 small-seconds variant.

Henrik Korpela identifies Cal. 630 NA in one gold watch catalogued as ref. [[Reference:6074|6074]]; its movement number is 56567. Korpela's photographs show 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them ([https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html SJX restoration]). Antiquorum's 1992 platinum 6074 lot gives a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement with antishock but names no caliber ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 lot 67]). Keep each description attached to its watch; the records do not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

<span id="cal-635"></span>
=== Cal. 635 ===

Cal. 635 belongs to the early automatic family related to Cal. 620. General movement references describe a subsidiary-seconds layout, 17 jewels and a larger movement than the 9¾-ligne measurements in two 3130 auction entries. Antiquorum catalogued 3130 cases 54932 and 474617 with Cal. 635, 19 jewels, 9¾ lignes and subsidiary seconds ([lot 256](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-256); [lot 169](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-169)). Christie's identified case 443093 as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels but centre seconds ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)). The latter catalogue description conflicts with the usual seconds layout. Without a visible caliber stamp, keep the centre-seconds attribution attached to that lot; do not treat it as a confirmed Cal. 635 variant. Anderson & Garland also attributes manual-wind Cal. 635 to a 5052 with an incomplete 663xxx case serial and movement no. 319xx. Stockholms Auktionsverk's case 663654 photographs show an automatic rotor and list movement no. 31883/F37.519. The similar serial prefix may refer to the same case, but the different movement number and winding descriptions leave the relationship unresolved. [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, lot 2105792]

Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue assigns Cal. 635 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], case 156649, and describes a 9¾-ligne, 19-jewel movement. That listing conflicts with the Cal. 620 attribution in Marcus Siems's Empire study; the movement-size description does not by itself establish a numeric caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, lot 284].

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots name Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Antiquorum describes a 9′′′, 15-jewel Prima; Christie’s names Prima on its 1928 example and Ultra Prima on a 1930s octagonal watch; Sterling Vault records a 15-jewel Ultra Prima. The auction record supplies grade names rather than a numeric caliber assignment. Antiquorum also describes a 1948 ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] with a 10-ligne, 15-jewel Prima; that lot does not name a caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-675 Antiquorum, lot 675]

<span id="cal-105-hunter"></span>
=== Cal. 10½ Hunter ===
[[File:Cal 700 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case|alt=Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Swan-neck micrometer
|}

This Aegler-supplied 10½-ligne hand-wound family uses the 700/710 architecture. It has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic Superbalance adjusted to six positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck micrometer regulator, with no documented shock protection. Antiquorum names Cal. 700 in its catalogue for ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], case 51,419, with 18 jewels; its ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] case 599,744 lot names the same caliber and grade but records 15 jewels. The discrepancy is unresolved, so the jewel count is left unspecified here. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-225 Antiquorum, ref. 3358] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-226 Antiquorum, ref. 2081] The movement powers the original Air-King 4925 and its Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant siblings, including the sub-seconds 4365, mid-size 4444, and 4647 Hunter Precision. Its architecture links the pre-war Prince and Bubbleback movements with the post-war automatic Cal. 1030. Cal. 700 and 710 are hand-wound movements; Cal. 720 belongs to the automatic branch. TimeAnagram lists Cal. 710 for a manual [[Reference:3121|ref. 3121]] and shows an open-movement photograph marked Rolex 15 Rubies and Superbalance, but no readable caliber number. Keep Cal. 710 as the seller’s attribution to that watch. White’s *The Vintage Rolex Field Manual* maps [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] to Cal. 710 in a reference table, but auction catalogues describe 5031 examples as automatic date watches. Christie’s [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 listing] records movement number 37519 but no caliber; Antiquorum’s [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-120-203 1995], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-53-191 1999] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 2009] entries do not name a caliber and report differing sizes and jewel counts. Sotheby’s 2020 and 2022 entries say only “automatic.” The available records do not resolve the conflict, so the 5031 is not assigned to Cal. 710, A.295, 740, or 745 here.

Auction catalogues identify manual Cal. 710 in three ref. 6082 watches: Antiquorum cases 784516 and 721396, and Monaco Legend case 810693. Colin White’s reference table also pairs 6082 with Cal. 710. Antiquorum’s Hong Kong 2021 narrative calls case 721396 self-winding, while its movement field names Cal. 710. Kibble Watches and Watch.de assign Cal. 1210 to separate examples; Watch.de reports case 721965, a 1961 date and movement no. 1162170. Neither dealer listing provides a readable movement photograph, so these remain seller attributions. [[Reference:6082|The 6082 article]] keeps the conflicting records tied to individual watches.

Catalogues describe hand-wound Kew A movements in refs. [[Reference:5056|5056]] and [[Reference:6210|6210]] as 10.5-ligne or Cal. 720 examples; Uhrenkosmos calls the 6210 Cal. 700. Bonhams describes ref. 5056 movement 4215 as a Cal. 700 base reworked into what Rolex called Cal. 720, and Vetroplastica describes the Kew movement as Cal. 700-based with Cal. 720 parts. These are source-specific labels for manual Kew A movements. The generic Cal. 720 entry above describes the automatic branch. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257637 Christie’s, ref. 6210] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29155/lot/19/rolex-an-extremely-rare-18k-gold-kew-a-manual-wind-wristwatch-rolex-oyster-observatory-chronometer-ref-6210-circa-1955/ Bonhams, ref. 6210] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica] [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-meilensteine-1952-bis-1955-wegweisend/ Uhrenkosmos]

White’s reference table also maps [[Reference:6031|ref. 6031]] to Cal. 710, but the auction records describe automatic date watches. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-17-555 Antiquorum’s 2001 lot] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-25-143 2002 lot] list 10½ lignes and 19 jewels without naming a caliber; the latter combines refs. 6031 and 6074. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 Phillips] records movement G3569, and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en Sotheby’s] G9307, but neither names a caliber. The assignment remains unresolved.

Antiquorum describes ref. [[Reference:2280|2280]] with a 10½-ligne, 17-jewel lever movement, Superbalance and self-compensating Breguet spring. Sotheby’s lists a 10½-size, 17-jewel movement for case 217’903 and a mechanical 17-jewel movement for case 123’375, without a size or caliber number. Watch LIFE News assigns Cal. 710 to its pictured ref. 2280. The image shows the watch but no movement view, so the caliber remains a source attribution for that example; auction catalogues describe others by jewel count or movement size. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-82-466 Antiquorum, ref. 2280, lot 466] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/watches-13/rolex-oyster-royal-reference-2280-a-stainless Sotheby’s, lot 8042] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 403] [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News, 2022] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 Bonhams 2012 lot 127 via EveryWatch, ref. 2280, case 79,895]

Toovey’s photograph of ref. [[Reference:2318|2318]], case 033015, shows a hand-wound movement marked “15 RUBIES.” Other listings give 15 jewels, and WatchNet reports 10¾ lignes for its example. None of the reviewed descriptions names a numbered caliber. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1934-rolex-stainless-steel-calatrava-case-bow-tie-dial-ref-2318-manual-wind Bold Timepieces] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet]

Auction catalogues describe compatible 10- to 10½-ligne manual movements in [[Reference:2765|2765]], [[Reference:2595|2595]] and [[Reference:3009|3009]], but none of the surfaced records shows a Cal. 700 stamp. All three reference pages therefore treat the assignment as plausible rather than confirmed. The eight catalogue entries for [[Reference:1873|1873]] identify manual movements with 15–18 jewels and Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades; the entries give no caliber designation.

Christie’s catalogues identify 18-jewel Ultra Prima chronometers timed to six positions in ref. [[Reference:2942|2942]] examples. Waecce describes the photographed movement as a 10½-line Hunter; these details support an Ultra Prima listing without a numbered-caliber assignment. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, 2000 lot 715] [https://www.waecce.com/products/rare-early-rolex-chronometre-scientific-wristwatch-ref-2942-c-1937 Waecce Watches]

Two Antiquorum catalogues from 1989 describe ref. [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] movements as 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples respectively. Neither entry names a caliber. These lot descriptions do not confirm Cal. 700 or 710 fitment in either reference.

[[Reference:6244|6244]] is the one reference in this group with a confirmed caliber stamp: Bonhams, Antiquorum, Christie's and Phillips all independently name Cal. 710 across watches spanning both of the reference's numeric case-serial bands. One Christie's catalogue instead describes the movement only by size, "Calibre 10¾," without giving the caliber number.

Watches of Knightsbridge catalogues a circa-1952 [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]] with a 17-jewel manual-wind Cal. 710. Eguchi Vintage lists a separate seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** and also names manual Cal. 710. Neither source provides a movement photograph; Eguchi says its movement was checked only. These are individual catalogue attributions, not verified reference-wide fitment. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge, 19 November 2016, lot 328]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage, ref. 6056 listing]

Two auction catalogues also assign manual Cal. 710 to ref. [[Reference:4364|4364]]: Dorotheum names it for movement 19229 in a circa-1950 watch, and Meeting Art names it for movement E66008 in case 554633. The second listing is mirrored by Gazette Drouot. These are catalogue attributions to two watches; neither provides a readable movement photograph, so keep the caliber assignment lot-specific. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10078639/ Dorotheum, 30 April 2026]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/ventes-aux-encheres/165819-asta-976-prima-sessione-orologi-moderni-e-d-epoca Meeting Art, 17 May 2025, lot 30]

<span id="cal-600"></span>
=== Cal. 600 ===
[[File:Cal 600 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 9¾ lignes (Sotheby’s description)
|-
| escapement
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| balance
| Patented Super Balance
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

Cal. 600 sits one size class below the 10½-ligne 700/710/720 family and carries a patented Super Balance. Sotheby's describes the movement in the [[Reference:34075|Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, No. 34075]] as a rhodium-finished 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, with 17 jewels. The catalogue records an upgrade but gives no date for it. Christie's calls the same watch Oyster Precision, No. 34075; Sotheby's describes it as a pre-production prototype and reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927. The caseback inscription names the Vindication Channel Swim of 21 October 1927. These details identify the individual watch, not a reference-wide Cal. 600 fitment.

Master of Time separately describes one Viceroy ref. 1573 as an Extra Prima Cal. 600 with 17 jewels and six adjustments. That is a dealer attribution to one watch, not evidence of reference-wide fitment. The Gleitze watch also came with a mid-1970s Rolex service box, but Sotheby's presents its association with a particular service as an assumption; the box does not date the movement upgrade.

The cited Sotheby’s description does not specify the escapement, regulator or shock protection. Those details need examination of the movement.

<span id="cal-59"></span>
=== Cal. 59 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes (Fontainemelon FHF 30 ébauche)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lots
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

The 10½-ligne FHF 30 was made by Fontainemelon. David Boettcher documents it in Oyster Watch Co. watches and identifies Cal. 59, with a centre-seconds 59SC version, as Tudor designations. That account does not establish a Rolex factory designation for Cal. 59. Auction catalogues use the name for individual watches: four ref. [[Reference:3478|3478]]s, one [[Reference:3121|3121]] Grenfell (case 43,475, 17 jewels), and two ref. [[Reference:3136|3136]]s. The 3121 record's structured year says circa 1938, while its notes call it a 1940s watch and attribute 1938 to the caseback. Heritage calls the FHF 30 in 3136 case 105063 “subsequently renamed Rolex caliber 59”; Waddington's labels case 147396 Cal. 59. Those are attributions in the named lot records, not proof of universal fitment or a factory naming rule.

Ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] adds further lot-level attributions. Heritage describes Cal. 59 in Regent case 118141; Dawsons names it in a Lincoln with serial 170648; and Wanna Buy A Watch lists it in a Standard with a masked serial. AntiWatchman's separate Regent photograph shows a movement marked 59. Darlor also lists Cal. 59 on a dealer-described 3351-F with serial 118,489. Christie's records an Extra Prima in another 3351 Extra Precision. These are attributions to individual watches, not one movement specification for the reference. ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch]; [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) Cal. 700/710 assignments below remain family-level matches rather than photographed or catalogued stamps.

Jewel count splits 15 and 17 across the four directly-named 3478 watches; the cited 3136 lots give 15 jewels. The 3478 sample does not track cleanly with any other documented variable. [[Reference:2784|2784]] carries the same family attribution, but only at the family level: no auction catalogue names Cal. 59 outright for that reference, and the one movement image tied to a visibly stamped 2784 case has a Tudor-signed bridge that may be a later replacement.

<span id="cal-a260"></span>
=== Cal. A260 ===
[[File:Cal A260 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented|alt=Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 19
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| Present (unnamed brand)
|}

A260 powered the first Submariner references, 6204 and 6205, from 1953 to 1955. "A.260" is Rolex's size-family code for this movement class, comparable to the Prince family's "T.S." code. Its non-butterfly rotor distinguishes it from the butterfly-rotor Cal. 1030. Hodinkee traces A260 to a movement used in earlier Oyster Perpetuals and later Bubblebacks, predating its Submariner fitment. The registry uses 17 jewels; some auction descriptions give 19, so the count should be checked against the individual movement. Auction catalogues use both labels on ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]] examples: Monaco Legend identifies case 803400 as A260, while Antiquorum names Cal. 645 in a separate 6106. These are specimen-level attributions, consistent with A.260 as a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name.

<span id="cal-a296"></span>
=== Cal. A296 ===
[[File:Cal A296 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer|alt=Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 (registry; 18–19 in catalogues, depending on module counting)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber (775-labelled lots only)
|}

Catalogues place A296 in the early 1950s, with the registry using a working window of 1953–1956. It powered the Big Crown 6200, early Explorers 6098, 6150 "Precision," 6298, and 6350, and early Datejusts 6104 and 6105. Phillips also identifies A.296 in one 6075, case 714440; other auction catalogues name A.295 in 6075 cases. That conflict is attached to the reference page rather than treated as a universal movement rule. Its full rotor winds in one direction; it is not a bumper caliber. The 6150 and 6350 use related movements in non-chronometer and chronometer-rated watches. COSC itself was founded later, in 1973. "A.296" is Rolex's size-family code and 775 its commercial number, so listings may use either designation for the same movement. Cal. 1030 replaced it in the mid-1950s with bidirectional winding, a butterfly rotor, and a thinner automatic module. Phillips identifies that reduced thickness as the change that eliminated the domed Bubbleback caseback.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Catalogues using the commercial number 775 also specify six-position adjustment and a shock absorber. A.296 is a broader designation than a unique caliber stamp; catalogue usage needs checking against the individual movement.

Christie's describes a 6150 balance as a "patented Super-balance," linking it to Aegler patent CH196706 and the recessed timing screws used on [[#cal-300|Cal. 300]]. Published jewel counts vary because some catalogues separate the going train from the automatic module. Figures of 18 and 19 appear for the base movement, with another two or seven assigned to the rotor module. One 6150 is described as a 19-jewel movement with a two-jewel automatic module. A bare jewel total in a reference table does not reveal which components were counted.

<span id="cal-645"></span>
=== Cal. 645 ===
[[File:Cal 645 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17–20
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 41h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, timed to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 645 belongs to the Cal. 600 family and shares the A.260 size code with Cal. 635. The distinctions are functional: Cal. 630 has sweep seconds without shock protection, Cal. 635 has small seconds with shock protection, and Cal. 645 combines sweep seconds with shock protection. Cal. 645 powered the semi-Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual refs 6084, 6085, and 6284 around 1948–1953. Hodinkee's listing for ref. 6108 case 803948 identifies Cal. 645. Antike Uhren Eder's 1952 listing for ref. 6108, item 7140rol, also identifies Cal. 645; it gives no case or serial number, so its identity relative to the other listed watches cannot be checked. Heritage's 2012 lot for case 803'752 lists the movement as F 64550, with no caliber designation. Auction catalogues give 17 to 20 jewels, consistent with both differing counting conventions and market-specific tariff variants found elsewhere in the family.

Catalogue labels for ref. 6085 do not agree. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-reference-6085-with-waffle-dial Hodinkee Shop] and [https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/shop/rolex-oyster-perpetual-6085/ a second dealer listing] call their examples A260; Christie’s, Phillips, Schmitt-Horan, and Dorotheum identify Cal. 645 in theirs. Since A.260 is a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name, keep each label tied to its listing unless the movement itself can be checked.

The movement uses a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Some catalogues use "monometallic balance timed to 6 positions" instead of Superbalance. Both terms describe a monometallic balance with recessed timing screws.

Watch Doctor’s chart groups Cal. 635 and 645 under A.260 and assigns both to 1950. That online entry is not an identified factory production record.

Antiquorum catalogued a subsidiary-seconds [[Reference:3599|ref. 3599]] as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels and described the caliber as 9¾ ligne, made from 1940 to 1951. The catalogue’s 1940–1951 span differs from Watch Doctor’s 1950 entry. Christie's also catalogued a visibly centre-seconds 3599 as Cal. 635, which conflicts with the caliber's small-seconds architecture. Without movement photographs, the Christie's caliber entry is best treated as a catalogue error rather than evidence for a centre-seconds Cal. 635.

Jewel counts also vary according to whether a catalogue includes the automatic module. Bonhams describes the related [[#cal-745|Cal. 745]] as "18 jewels plus 7 rotor jewels." Its 20-jewel description of a Cal. 645 in a 6085 should remain attached to that example; it does not establish a universal jewel count.

<span id="cal-720-auto"></span>
=== Cal. 720 (automatic lot attribution) ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as catalogued in one ref. 5026
|-
| jewels
| 18, according to Aste Bolaffi lot 4
|-
| other specifications
| Not recorded in the source
|-
| evidence
| Case 443371; no movement photograph
|}

Aste Bolaffi identifies an automatic Cal. 720 with 18 jewels in ref. [[Reference:5026|5026]], case 443371, dated circa 1958. This is one catalogue attribution; the lot has no movement photograph, and the other exact-reference records located do not name a caliber. Keep this use separate from the hand-wound Kew A reports that also use “Cal. 720” for a Cal. 700-based movement or components. [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica]

<span id="cal-740"></span>
=== Cal. 740 ===
[[File:Cal 740 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"|alt=Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in the cited Antiquorum lot
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes in the cited catalogue
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, adjusted to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited 740 lot
|-
| shock
| Not named in 740 lot text
|}

Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 740 in a Datejust ref. 4467 with a date display. Its Geneva 2002 lot 486 describes the reference as produced from 1945 to 1949. The catalogue supports the caliber identification in that watch; it does not establish the exact introduction date of every movement fitted during the reference's run.

The 10½-ligne rhodium-plated movement has a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, and self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Some catalogues substitute "monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions" for Superbalance, as they do for Cal. 645. No Cal. 740 description names the regulator. Antiquorum describes an index regulator on its A.295-attributed ref. 6075, case 714441 ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)); that is a separate catalogue attribution, not evidence that A.295 and Cal. 740 are interchangeable names.

Antiquorum gives 26 jewels for its Cal. 740 example. That count should be kept with the source's description. A different count in a reference table may reflect a counting convention or a different execution; the number alone does not settle which.

Antiquorum also assigns Cal. 740 to manual-wind [[Reference:6094|ref. 6094]], usually with 17 jewels. Its 2008 lot labels the case 6094/6294; the 2010 and 2012 lots identify ref. 6094 alone. The 2018 listing for case 882812 calls the watch self-winding in its headline while the specification field gives Cal. 740. Watch-Wiki lists Cal. 740 as an automatic 18-jewel Datejust movement; Antiquorum describes the ref. 4467 Cal. 740 documented here as automatic with 26 jewels. These records use Cal. 740 for different movement descriptions. A separate 6094 photograph shows Rolex and 17 jewels, but no legible caliber stamp; it cannot confirm the auction attribution. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, lot 530]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, lot 291]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://www.hashtagwatchco.com/products/1953-rolex-oysterdate-precision-6094-white-red-date-stainless-steel-manual-wristwatch HASHTAGWATCHCO, ref. 6094 listing photographs]; [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Rolex calibre index].

Surviving examples can have replacement movements or parts. A reference launch date should not be assigned automatically to the movement now inside a particular case.

The cited Cal. 740 lot does not identify a shock-protection system or regulator. Inspect those components rather than infer them from silence in a catalogue.

<span id="cal-a295"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 in Datejust auction records ===

Antiquorum identifies ref. 6075 case 714441 as A.295, with a 10½-ligne movement, 19 jewels and an index regulator ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)). Christie's also calls a circa-1950 ref. 6075 A.295 ([case 699455](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730)). Phillips, however, identifies ref. 6075 case 714440 as A.296 ([2015 lot 284](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284)). The catalogues do not establish whether this reflects a production change, differing usage or a later movement. Check the actual stamp before assigning a caliber.

Keep this A.295 attribution separate from [[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]], the complete calendar and moonphase movement catalogued in ref. 8171.

Ref. 5029 catalogue descriptions also differ: Hodinkee calls case 610727 A.295, while Phillips calls case 651'517 “Automatic, Super Balance, 730.” Antiquorum describes 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements in cases 673206 and 660596 without a caliber number. The lots do not include movement photographs for those cases, so these labels remain example-specific; the evidence does not support a new caliber entry or a 5029-wide assignment. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, lot 433]

<span id="cal-745"></span>
=== Cal. 745 ===
[[File:Cal 745 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 18 + 7 rotor
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 745 is an automatic calendar movement used in early Datejust references. Cal. 740 is also catalogued with a date display, so the calendar alone does not distinguish the two calibers.

Bonhams describes a Cal. 745 in a ref. 6305 as rhodium-plated, with 18 jewels plus seven rotor jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued-steel Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Eighteen base-movement jewels plus seven rotor jewels gives 25. That arithmetic does not explain a catalogue count of 26; compare the actual movement before treating the descriptions as equivalent.

Cal. 745 appears in the Datejust "Ovettone" group. Documented examples include a circa 1955 18K yellow-gold ref. 6305, case 97602; a ref. 6105 with 1952 Glasgow import marks and movement H78230; and a circa 1955 ref. 6304 with movement 99698/H46452. Other ref. 6105 examples use A296, placing the reference across the boundary between the A.295 and A.296 groups. The claimed Cal. 745 fitment in ref. 6039 is unverified; no supporting lot description or confirmed Rolex ref. 6039 has been identified.

<span id="precision-family"></span>
<span id="calendar-moonphase"></span>
== Calendar and moonphase ==

<span id="cal-a295-cpl"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 CPL ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Detail !! Value
|-
| Type || Automatic complete calendar with moonphase
|-
| Size || 10½ lignes
|-
| Jewels || 18 in the cited examples
|-
| Seconds || Subsidiary seconds at 6, sharing the moonphase subdial
|-
| Reference || [[Reference:8171|8171 Padellone]]
|}

Auction catalogues call the 8171 movement A.295 CPL, A295 or simply 10½ lignes. Day and month appear in windows; a central pointer reads the outer date scale. Four recessed correctors adjust month (near 2), date (near 4), moonphase (near 8) and weekday (near 10). [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, 8171 case 685878]; [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, 2020]

The contemporary 6062 uses a different movement. Christie’s catalogues its 6062 case 916321 with caliber 655. Matching calendar displays do not establish interchangeable calibers. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s, 6062 case 916321]

== Oyster and Oysterdate Precision ==

Precision is Rolex's non-chronometer manual line, a 10½-ligne family built alongside the automatic Bubblebacks. The Oysterdate Precision 6694 remained in production through the end of the 1980s, a year beyond the hand-wound Daytona; one surviving lot includes a 1990/1991 Rolex calendar card. Rolex continued making manual-wind watches after the 6694: the Cellini Danaos used Cal. 1602 into 2008, and the chronometer-certified Cellini Prince used Cal. 7040 until about 2015. The small-seconds Cal. 1240 also carried this architecture into the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241. Seconds placement, date and beat rate distinguish the seven commercial numbers. Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the base for 1200, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240.

<span id="cal-1210"></span>
=== Cal. 1210 ===
[[File:Cal 1210 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case|alt=Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed and catalogued)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, screwed rim, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern on documented later examples; earliest examples may lack protection
|}

Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the family's architectural base and file the small-seconds 1200 as a derivative. The parts plates support Horbiter's identification of Cal. 1210 as the base; Fratello names Cal. 1200.

The jewel count remains unclear. Rolex specifies 18 jewels for the two no-date calibers and 17 for the date versions, yet known movements are signed "Seventeen Jewels" and major-house catalogues consistently give 17. Both counts are documented, but their distribution among watches has not been established. Contemporary American import duties taxed jewel count and also account for the "UNADJUSTED" stamps found on some movements.

The balance is Glucydur with a Breguet overcoil, as specified on the sibling Cal. 1200 plate. Regulation uses a conventional index and movable stud, with adjusting washers in five thicknesses. It is not free-sprung; Rolex reserved Microstella for its 12½-ligne chronometers.

The pallet fork runs in jewels, while the escape wheel has shock-mounted settings and cap jewels on both pivots, matching the treatment of the balance. Indirect centre seconds, driven from the fourth wheel through a friction-sprung pinion, can produce seconds-hand flutter even in a healthy movement. The earliest examples may lack shock protection; Antiquorum's 1946 ref. 4560 description names none.

Documented fitments include refs. 3745, 4560, 6420, 6422, [[Reference:6426|6426]]/6427, 6466, 6480, 6482, 6494, 9083 and 9659. Bonhams also records a ref. 6694 with a III.60 caseback date on Cal. 1210. Vintage Watch Centre also assigns Cal. 1210 to its ref. 4219, case 056827, but no caliber engraving is visible in the movement photo. The dealer dates the case circa 1948; White's Field Manual lists Cal. 1210 as 1954–1964 on PDF page 91. These conflicting attributions remain tied to that one watch. [[Reference:4219|The 4219 article]] records the discrepancy. [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-precision-ref-4219-c1948/ Vintage Watch Centre]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 91].

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1210 in ref. 8952 examples dated circa 1955 and 1956. Phillips also assigns Cal. 1210 to a ref. 8952 dated circa 1945, earlier than the Field Manual’s 1954–1964 range. Keep that date/caliber pair as an unresolved lot attribution. [[Reference:8952|The 8952 article]] records the examples and date conflict. [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1801/lot.263.html Sotheby’s, lot 263]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-57 Monaco Legend, lot 57]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101135 Phillips, lot 1037]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 91].

<span id="cal-1215"></span>
=== Cal. 1215 ===
[[File:Cal 1215 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service|alt=Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil (via base 1210) · flat in one lot
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1215 adds a calendar to the 1210, increasing movement height from 4.27mm to 5.07mm. Its two-page parts sheet covers only the calendar mechanism and defers the rest to Cal. 1210. Date discs came in champagne, silvered, and champagne with red-and-black printing.

The hairspring is disputed. The parts plates imply the 1210's Breguet overcoil because the 1215 sheet specifies no separate balance. Antiquorum describes one ref. 9996 with a flat hairspring and index regulator, but uses Breguet wording elsewhere. No catalogue describes the caliber as free-sprung.

Cal. 1215 uses a gradual date change rather than a direct quickset. The date begins moving before midnight and seats as the mechanism completes its cycle.

Christie's places the ref. 6494 changeover between a circa-1956 example with Cal. 1210 and a circa-1958 example with 1215. Other documented fitments include the Speedking 6430, early 6694 production, and refs. 9996/9919.

<span id="cal-1216"></span>
=== Cal. 1216 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual (assumed, by family)
|-
| jewels
| not documented
|-
| status
| Number attested in the parts trade only
|}

Almost nothing is known about Cal. 1216. The common description of it as a 17-jewel Cal. 1215 variant has no traceable support.

Rolex's surviving parts plates cover 1200, 1210, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240, but omit 1216. No major-house lot identifies a Rolex Cal. 1216, and Heritage's apparent example is a case reference. Confusion is also possible with Ronda's contemporary 1216 movement.

The parts trade nevertheless records it as a Rolex number. Cas-Ker's genuine-parts catalogue places 1216 between 1215 and 1220 and lists crown-wheel screw 1216.5420, following Rolex's caliber-prefixed numbering convention.

The parts catalogue attests the Cal. 1216 designation. Its jewel count, seconds layout, beat rate and fitments remain unknown. Published specifications derived from the 1215 are unconfirmed.

<span id="cal-1220"></span>
=== Cal. 1220 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed)
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|}

Cal. 1220 raises the 1210 platform to 21,600 vph and uses a different oscillator. Both its parts plate and the 1978 third edition of Rolex's ''Technical and Service Information'' give that rate. The sometimes-published 19,800 vph figure is unsupported.

The higher-beat generation replaces the 1210's screwed Glucydur balance and Breguet overcoil with a smooth-rimmed balance and flat hairspring. Gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks provide about ten seconds per day of fine adjustment across their range; the index handles larger corrections. Separate regulator, stud-support and regulating-stud parts confirm that this is an index-regulated movement, not a free-sprung one.

Cal. 1220 appears mainly in the oversize ref. 8029, but its dates conflict. Phillips gives 1950, Antiquorum dates case 714105 to about 1951, and Sotheby's dates that same case to about 1961 without naming its caliber. The earlier dates sit awkwardly beside the later-1960s siblings and remain unresolved. Phillips identifies a late [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]] movement as RB 1225. That catalogue supports the marking on this watch; whether it began as a Cal. 1220 and was re-marked has not been established.

<span id="cal-1225"></span>
=== Cal. 1225 ===
[[File:Cal 1225 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"|alt=Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1225 adds a calendar to the 1220 and carried the Oysterdate Precision 6694 through its final years. Rolex's plate specifies a timed flat hairspring with gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks, consistent with Antiquorum's descriptions of refs. 6426 and 6694. Published claims of a Breguet overcoil conflict with the factory plate and auction record. Bonhams' reference to a "Gyromax balance" is a cataloguing error; Gyromax is Patek Philippe's free-sprung system.

Rolex used "Precision" on uncertified manual and automatic movements, including the Air-King 5500. On Cal. 1225, the "UNADJUSTED" stamp records an import-duty classification.

The caliber does not hack. The 1210 parts plate contains no stop lever or hack spring, and Rolex's 1978 service book covers hacking only for the late 1500 series and the 2030/2035.

For an Oysterdate Precision with Cal. 1225, service requirements depend on the condition of the individual watch. Rolex’s published procedure begins with a watchmaker’s examination and an estimate. It does not promise routine acceptance of every vintage caliber or a particular rate and power reserve after service.

Documented fitments include [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]], 6466 and, most often, 6694 from the late 1960s through at least 1979. Comparison of a 1966 ref. 6694 with Cal. 1215 and a 1973 example with 1225 places the changeover around 1967.

<span id="cal-1200"></span>
=== Cal. 1200 ===
[[File:Cal 1200 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service|alt=Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 3.65mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork and staff
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| "Rolex Shockresisting" device
|}

Cal. 1200 is the family's small-seconds variant and, at 3.65mm, its thinnest member. Moving the seconds from the centre to a subdial requires a separate main plate and train-wheel bridge rather than an added module. The plate, bridge, third and fourth wheels, pallet fork and staff are jewelled.

The bilingual parts plate specifies Rolex's own "Shockresisting" device rather than a trade name. It lists a pivoted Glucydur balance with roller and a regulated Glucydur balance with Breguet hairspring, the 18,000-vph oscillator inherited by the 1210 and 1215.

The caliber number is engraved in the balance-wheel hub sinking rather than on a bridge or the main plate. The same document directs watchmakers to Cal. 1210 for all shared parts, confirming the family's parentage.

No major-house lot names Cal. 1200, so its fitments remain unestablished. The high-beat small-seconds Cal. 1240 is better documented in the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241, with a monometallic balance adjusted to four positions and a flat hairspring. That caliber kept the architecture in production for about a decade after the Oysterdate ended.

<span id="sport-vintage"></span>
== Vintage sport calibers (Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, Air-King) ==

The A-series and Cal. 1030 preceded the long-running 15xx family. Cal. 1520 became its main uncertified movement, while Cals. 1560 and 1570 supplied chronometer-rated sport references into the 1980s.

<span id="cal-1030"></span>
=== Cal. 1030 ===
[[File:Cal 1030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor|alt=Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1030 is a bidirectionally wound automatic used in 1950s Oyster references. Its 5.85mm profile ended the domed Bubbleback caseback, while the cutaway "butterfly" rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED is the usual visual identifier. Finishing includes perlage on the rhodium-plated main plate, brushed bridges, polished screw heads and red anodized-aluminium reversing wheels. A conventional index regulates the movement; the visible regulator arm distinguishes it from the later free-sprung 1560 and 1570. Documented fitments include ref. 6098 from 1952, Oyster Perpetual 6502, 6567 and 6584, Submariners 6536, 6536-1 and 6538, Explorer 6610 and Air-King 6552. Artcurial, Antiquorum and Sotheby’s catalogue 6502 examples with Cal. 1030; Watch-Wiki independently lists the association. The case 36701 records conflict: the Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend labels it 6502, while Phillips identifies that case as 6603. The competing catalogue attributions leave its reference unresolved. [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, lot 166]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, lot 254] Freeman’s and EBTH catalogue Cal. 1030 in gold [[Reference:6584|ref. 6584]] watches ([https://freemansauction.com/auction/2017-Summer-Edit-Watches-and-Luxury-Accessories/lot/2 Freeman’s, lot 2]; [https://www.ebth.com/items/11312569-vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-6584-14k-gold-automatic-wristwatch EBTH, item ITMG535812]). Artcurial’s archived catalogue assigns it to a steel 6584, and Antiquorum to a jointly listed 6080/6584 ([https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-6584/lpi Artcurial archive, lot 870]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-133 Antiquorum, lot 133]). These are lot-level attributions. The Field Manual and several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1030 in Oyster Perpetual 6567 examples; Ineichen lists Cal. 1050 for one 6567. Other catalogues assign Cal. 1050 to refs. 6564, 6569 and Submariner 6536/1. These are descriptions of individual watches; the Cal. 1050 entry records the competing attributions.

<span id="cal-1035"></span>
=== Cal. 1035 ===
[[File:Cal 1035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.66mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, temp + 5 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index (Cal. 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1035 adds a date to the 1030 and appeared in 1957. Documented fitments include Oyster Perpetual Date refs. 6518, 6530 and 6534. Auction catalogues for ref. 6609 name Cal. 1065 or 1066; Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. Rolex describes the 1035's non-quickset calendar as "progressive": the date moves gradually through the night, unlike the instant-change 1036 GMT.

The 1035 inherits the 1030's conventional index regulator. Although auction descriptions do not name the regulator, the production dates and shared base support the index arrangement.

Rolex stamped the 1035's self-winding bridge "1030," as it also did on the 1036. This causes auction catalogues to identify the same reference under both numbers. The calendar work and 6.66mm height distinguish the 1035 from the 5.85mm no-date 1030. A correct ref. 6534 contains a 1035 regardless of its bridge engraving.

<span id="cal-1040"></span>
=== Cal. 1040 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in examined catalogue descriptions
|-
| function
| Dead-beat centre seconds
|-
| base
| Modified Cal. 1030 architecture
|-
| documented fitment
| Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat ref. 6556
|}

Cal. 1040 powers the Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat [[Reference:6556|6556]]. Its centre seconds hand pauses at each marker and advances once per second. Christie’s calls it a modified Cal. 1030; watchmaker Aaron Berlow’s account of a single restoration identifies a longer second intermediate wheel for the dead-beat mechanism. His report supports the relationship between the two calibres, but does not establish that every 1030 part is interchangeable.

Christie’s, Phillips and Antiquorum catalogue 26 jewels on the examined examples. Phillips also catalogues one watch as ref. 6558 with an inner caseback stamped 6556 and Cal. 1040; that lot does not establish general 6558 fitment. The available records do not establish a changeover sequence, beat rate, power reserve, or full production interval for the 1040. Auction essays place the 6556 introduction in 1954 and often give 1959 as its end; later-dated 6556 lots make the cutoff uncertain. Those dates describe the watch reference and should not be treated as a verified movement production range.

Hodinkee’s 2016 review says the dead-beat function was often removed during service, though the photographed example still worked. Watchmaker Aaron Berlow wrote in 2015 that reports of Rolex replacing the 1040 module with 1030 parts were internet hearsay he had not seen first-hand. These accounts do not establish a service frequency or document a specific replaced movement.

The literature on the 6556’s proposed successor describes 1020 inconsistently. Antiquorum’s 2012 catalogue and Dr. Crott’s 2019 listing call it a new reference intended to replace the 6556, and say it was never produced. Crott’s 2012 catalogue instead calls 1020 a new caliber. White’s <i>The Vintage Rolex Field Manual</i> lists ref. 1020 with Cal. 1560, a smooth bezel, and a full-size case, but supplies no example or source for that row. The 1960 Rolex catalogue is not reproduced in these records, so they do not establish whether 1020 was only a plan or also identifies a separate Oyster Perpetual, or which movement it would have used.

<span id="cal-1050"></span>
=== Cal. 1050 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as described in the cited catalogues
|-
| jewels
| 25 in the Antiquorum 6564, Bonhams 6569, and Christie's 6536/1 descriptions
|-
| catalogue attributions
| Oyster Perpetual refs. 6564, 6567 and 6569; Submariner ref. 6536/1
|}

Several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1050 in watches dated to the 1950s. Antiquorum names it in a ref. 6564; Bonhams in a ref. 6569; Christie's in a Submariner 6536/1; and Ineichen in a ref. 6567. The 6564 and 6567 also appear in records naming Cal. 1030. These are catalogued assignments to individual watches. Cal. 1050’s technical relationship to Cal. 1030 and any changeover sequence remain unresolved. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, ref. 6564, lot 114] [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 6569, lot 312] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, Submariner ref. 6536/1] [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, ref. 6567, lot 4]

<span id="cal-1530"></span>
=== Cal. 1530 ===
[[File:Cal 1530 butterfly rotor.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped|alt=Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26 (market variants)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, club-tooth
|-
| balance
| Screwed Glucydur
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + micro-star fine-adjust screws
|-
| shock
| KIF, form-dependent (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1530 ran from 1957 to 1965. Its 17-, 25- and 26-jewel versions are concurrent market variants, not a chronological progression. Seventeen-jewel movements appear in a 1958-era ref. 5508 and a 5500, and Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, discusses the 1520 and 1530 families in its servicing instructions.

Cal. 1530 is the base for the 1520, 1560, 1570 and 1580. They share plates and many service parts, including interchangeable automatic-device bridges, so the engraved bridge number may not identify the movement beneath it. Balance-bridge and regulator form are more reliable.

Regulation combines an index for coarse adjustment with two pairs of micro-star fine-adjustment screws on the outer balance rim. Turning a screw clockwise draws it inward and gains rate. The system resembles Microstella, and Horotec lists the same adjustment tool for the 1530 and later Microstella calibers, but Rolex reserved the Micro-Stella name for its free-sprung 12½-ligne chronometer movements. The 1530 retains an index.

The form-1 balance cock uses KIF Flector; forms 3 and 4 use Elastor, with form 2 also assigned to Flector by specialist comparisons. Interchangeable bridges mean an individual movement's shock setting may not match its engraved caliber number.

The hairspring remains disputed. Antiquorum consistently describes a Breguet overcoil and index regulator, while much of the reference literature gives a flat hairspring with stick regulation. Reliable sources support both descriptions.

Chronometer status also varies. Sotheby's describes the 1530 as uncertified, while Phillips and Christie's identify chronometer examples in the 5504 family. Rare 5512 and 5508 watches with four-line chronometer dials and Cal. 1530 have been reported, though no major-house lot confirms them. Certification appears to have been occasional. The Microstella-equipped 1555 and 1560 became the regular chronometer alternatives used in early refs. 1675 and 1016.

The rotor changed from butterfly to half-moon during production. Later movements also gained blued automatic-bridge screws and coloured reversing wheels in place of brass-coloured gears. Rolex describes the red wheel finish as a hardening treatment for aluminium introduced in 1957; collector descriptions often call the wheels purple and Teflon-coated. Rotor and reversing-wheel form help date an example.

The 1530 first entered the Submariner in ref. 5508, followed by 5510; neither was chronometer-rated at launch. It replaced the 10-series in non-chronometer watches, including Precision models, the Air-King, ref. 5504 "Super-Precision" Explorer and the Canadian Explorer-Date with Cal. 1535. Certified models such as the 6542 GMT, 6610 Explorer, Datejust and Day-Date retained 10xx calibers for longer. Strongly documented fitments include refs. 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5500 and 5504. Single-lot support exists for 5501, 5502, 5506 and 5516. Bonhams listings for refs. 1002 and 1003 are internally inconsistent and remain unconfirmed. Bonhams lot 84 lists caliber 1530 in ref. 1003 case 573,835 and notes a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. The catalogue is the evidence for this individual attribution; it does not resolve why common reference tables omit the 1530 for 1003. Antiquorum’s 1996 Milan catalogue assigns Cal. 1530 to a 14ct Eaton’s watch catalogued as ref. 1011 and dated broadly to the 1950s. Loupe This photos show a 1530-stamped movement in a case marked 5590 on the flank and 5590/1011 inside. Antiquorum’s 2007 and Finarte’s 2024 catalogues also use the combined designation for Eaton’s watches. The 1996 and 2023 records may describe one watch; the 2007 and 2024 lots identify different named or case-numbered examples. Antiquorum’s 2002 catalogue assigns Cal. 1530, with 26 jewels, to one ref. 1014 example ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 lot 492]); see [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

Rolex specifies a 0.122–0.125mm mainspring for the 18,000-vph 1530 and 1560, against up to 0.125 or 0.128mm for the higher-beat 1520 and 1570. Early unjewelled barrel-bridge arbor holes can wear; Rolex prescribed closing the hole or reaming it for a jewel, while later production received a bushing. Rotor-axle wear is another known fault. On the 1560, a hard shock could push the hairspring into the regulator. Rolex supplied a safety pin free of charge and later made it standard, so both guarded and unguarded examples are correct.

<span id="cal-1520"></span>
=== Cal. 1520 ===
[[File:Cal 1520 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwless, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + two inertia blocks
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1963 to 1990, Cal. 1520 is the non-chronometer, higher-beat derivative of the 1530. Rolex pairs the 18,000-vph 1530 with the 1560, and the 19,800-vph 1520 with its certified counterpart, the 1570.

Rolex describes regulation by an index and two inertia blocks, one gilt and one nickel-plated, on a screwless balance with a flat hairspring. Turning their splits inward slows the movement and outward gains rate, with about ten seconds per day across the adjustment range. The index handles coarse changes. This differs from both the 1530's micro-star screws and the 1570's free-sprung Microstella system.

Certified calibers use free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1520 uses an index and inertia blocks.

Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, describes Cal. 1520’s regulator and inertia blocks. Two Bonhams descriptions call the 1520's balance "free-sprung Gyromax," an error that applies Patek Philippe's trademark to an index-regulated Rolex movement.

Auction descriptions consistently give a flat hairspring, apart from one 2013 Antiquorum outlier that says Breguet. Shock protection is KIF in Flector or Elastor form, identified by balance-bridge and regulator shape. That shape is more reliable than the engraved caliber number because bridges interchange across the series.

The 17-, 25- and 26-jewel counts are concurrent market variants. The 17-jewel version uses a different main plate and bridges, altered escape-wheel pivot geometry, and bushings in place of jewels in the automatic module. Jewel count alone does not establish the rate or condition of an individual movement. Dated examples place 17- and 26-jewel movements together from the mid-1960s, with 25-jewel examples running alongside them.

American tariffs rose sharply above 17 jewels, but Rolex did not document this as the reason for the low-jewel version. Seventeen-jewel movements also reached Europe and Asia, so general cost reduction remains another possibility. The American presentation ref. 7002 has a rotor marked "SEVENTEEN JEWELS" and "UN" for unadjusted, both relevant to the tariff schedule, but this does not settle the question.

Documented fitments include the 5513, 5514 COMEX, 5517 military Submariner, 5500 Air-King and 5520. Ref. 1002 uses chronometer calibers 1530 or 1570; apparent 1520 examples are ref. 5500 cases with 1002 stamped inside the caseback. Ref. 5501 remains unconfirmed. Hacking arrived as a running change around 1972 through parts 8073 and 8074. Two lines above six o'clock identify the non-chronometer dial, against four on certified models.

The barrel bridge and arbor hole are known wear points. Rolex prescribed closing a worn hole or reaming it for a 2.30mm jewel; a later beryllium bushing largely solved the problem. Rotor axles and autowinder wheels also wear, and replacement parts are scarce. Gritty manual winding is normal because the reversers run without lubrication.

<span id="cal-1535"></span>
=== Cal. 1535 ===
[[File:Cal 1535 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwed
|-
| regulator
| Index, pre-Microstella
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1535 is the non-chronometer date version of the 1530, introduced in 1957 for the Air-King-Date 5700/5701. Monochrome likewise assigns both calibers to the 5700, with 1535 first.

Auction houses usually catalogue refs. 5700 and 5701 under the base caliber. Antiquorum assigns a 1963 ref. 5700 to Cal. 1530 and a 1972 example to 1520, though neither base movement has a date. Those entries agree with Rolex's grouping of 1535 components under Cal. 1530 and 1525 components under Cal. 1520, but they do not identify the fitted caliber.

No auction lot identifies a Cal. 1535 directly, so the listed mechanical figures come from its Cal. 1530 base. Evidence for the hairspring conflicts: auction wording gives a flat spring, while Rolex balance assembly 7855 for the 1530 uses a Breguet overcoil. Repeated catalogue boilerplate is more likely than a separate variant. The 1535 predates Microstella and uses an index with a screwed balance, consistent with the 5700's Precision grade.

Although Cal. 1530 was phased out by 1965, its 1535 date derivative remained in the Air-King-Date into the late 1980s.

<span id="cal-1525"></span>
=== Cal. 1525 ===
[[File:Cal 1525 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1525 is the higher-beat, non-chronometer date version of the 1520. Introduced in 1965, it carried the Air-King-Date 5700/5701 through later production. Contemporary chronometer-rated Oyster Perpetual Date references used a related 1500-series caliber instead.

Auction catalogues often label the date-equipped Cal. 1525 as Cal. 1520. Antiquorum does so on a 1972 ref. 5700, while describing the expected flat hairspring and index-regulated architecture. The chronometer-grade 1560 and 1570 use a Breguet overcoil and Microstella. The Cal. 1525 uses the index regulation associated with the uncertified 5700.

Jewel counts of 17, 25 and 26 reflect parallel market executions. Rolex balance-assembly numbers confirm a flat hairspring for the 1520 and 1525, against a Breguet spring on the 1530 and Microstella on the 1560. The 1525 remains index-regulated. Waddington’s identifies Cal. 1520, 26 jewels, in a circa-1965 Eaton’s ¼ Century Club watch catalogued as ref. 1011, case 1,301,143. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]].

<span id="cal-1560"></span>
=== Cal. 1560 ===
[[File:Cal 1560 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 in some lot descriptions)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (pattern not named in lots)
|}

Cal. 1560 is commonly dated to 1959 as the chronometer-grade 15xx movement, with a free-sprung balance adjusted to temperature and five positions. Auction catalogues give both 25 and 26 jewels without establishing a pattern. Antiquorum usually describes a Breguet overcoil; its flat-hairspring description for one ref. 1502/1503 is an outlier.

Heritage catalogues Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1013 dated circa 1957, earlier than the commonly cited 1959 date. Both the date and caliber are Heritage’s lot attribution, so this example does not establish when Cal. 1560 entered production. Antiquorum also lists Cal. 1560 in a circa-1962 1013. These records do not date the later change to Cal. 1570. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]].

Antiquorum ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 2006 lot 323], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1014-lot-373-24 2024 lot 24]), [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams] and [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1014/a/5581-54111.s Heritage] also catalogue Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1014 examples. Bonhams dates its masked case 769*** to circa 1951; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans] later records serial 769199 as 1962. These are catalogue attributions, and the masked Bonhams number does not confirm that it is the same watch. See [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

The Oyster Perpetual ref. 1022 is documented with Cal. 1560 by Bonhams, Pandolfini, Adams, HODINKEE, and 1stDibs; Tajan describes an automatic movement but names no caliber. Bonhams and Adams report 25 jewels; 1stDibs lists 26. Watch-Wiki’s caliber index and Time Connection’s case-parts table also list Cal. 1570 for the 1022. The lists name Cal. 1570, while the five inspected 1022 sale/dealer examples identify Cal. 1560.

Gardiner Houlgate catalogues Cal. 1560 in one ref. 1023, serial 1136xxx, dated circa 1964. Time Connection II’s replacement-parts table lists both Cal. 1560 and 1570 under the reference, without dates or a sequence. The auction record documents one Cal. 1560 example; it does not establish when either caliber entered production.

Matthew Bain lists Cal. 1560 in its circa-1963 ref. 1026. Time Connection II lists 1560/1570 for 1026 in a replacement-parts table, while Bachmann & Scher gives no caliber. The 1560 identification is one dealer attribution; the parts table is compatibility data, not a documented Cal. 1570 installation or changeover. See [[Reference:1026|ref. 1026]]. [https://www.matthewbaininc.com/product-page/rare-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1026 Matthew Bain Inc., item 28122]; [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1026 row].

Auction catalogues also identify Cal. 1560 in ref. 1024 examples dated circa 1965/66 and circa 1970. Antiquorum lists Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1011 dated 1960, case 546423, and in two lots jointly catalogued as refs. 1010/1011, dated 1960 and 1962. Heritage also lists Cal. 1560 in an undated ref. 1011 sold in 2012. Heritage and Bonhams list Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1010 lots dated circa 1962 and circa 1967; Antiquorum lists Cal. 1570 in an individual ref. 1010 circa 1968. The Field Manual lists Cal. 1560 for ref. 1010. A 1stDibs item text also names Cal. 1560 for its claimed 1010, though the page title says 1011; treat it as seller-level evidence. These records document both attributions for ref. 1010, and its changeover year remains open; see [[Reference:1010|ref. 1010]]. Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 1560 in ref. 1501 examples dated 1962 (case 761,220) and 1963 (case 953,774); see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 the 1962 lot], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 the 1963 lot].

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual assigns Cal. 1560 to proposed monopusher refs. 1074 and 1223, but cites no identified watch or movement evidence for either link. [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex’s standard Cal. 1560 parts sheet] describes a self-winding, sweep-seconds movement and does not document chronograph works. Christie’s catalogues two 1074 wristwatches without naming a caliber. A separate [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s 1920s monopusher listing] gives 1223 as the case number, not as a verified reference; a [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph] uses 1223 as its movement number. Treat both Field Manual caliber assignments as unverified. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074 case 25433]

Cal. 1560 uses free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1530 uses an index. Watches made from 1959 to 1965 were tested by the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres, usually under collective certificates and to a standard around −1/+10 seconds per day in five positions. COSC did not exist until September 1973, so describing an early 1560 as COSC-certified is anachronistic.

Factory balance 7980 is used in the 18,000-vph chronometer group: 1555, 1556, 1560 and 1565. Later replacement part 8106 and balance bridge 8102 span both 18,000- and 19,800-vph family members, so a serviced 1560 may carry the later balance. Documented fitments include the four-line 5512, 5504 and Explorer 1016. The GMT-Master 1675 instead used the 1565 to about the 1.4-million serial range and the 1575 thereafter. Family-wide bridge engravings explain 1675 movements marked 1560 or 1570; a base 1560 lacks both calendar and 24-hour works. Although 1570 became the new fitment in 1965, 1560 movements appear in Explorers until about 1967.

<span id="cal-1565"></span>
=== Cal. 1565 ===
[[File:Cal 1565 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25–26 (sources disagree)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1959 to 1965, Cal. 1565 is the early ref. 1675's "caller" GMT movement: its 24-hour hand remains linked to the main hour hand rather than independently adjustable. Rolex kept that layout until Cal. 3085. The 1565 introduced a free-sprung Breguet overcoil with Microstella regulation to this lineage, replacing the index used by earlier sport calibers. Rolex's [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Cal. 1565 parts sheet] describes an automatic calendar movement, shows "1560" engraved on its self-winding bridge, and lists part 7956, the date-indicator seating, for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. The [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for those same case references. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual also lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] in its Cal. 1565 Date table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]). These factory lists document service-parts applications; movement-level inspection determines the caliber fitted to a particular watch. Auction catalogues call refs. 1501 and 1507 Cal. 1560 or 1570, matching the bridge numbers shown in the 1565 and 1575 parts sheets. For the 1507, the auction examples include joint 1503/1507 attributions; no movement photograph confirms the exact caliber. The records leave watch-specific fitment and changeover years unresolved. See [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]], [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [[Reference:1503|ref. 1503]] and [[Reference:1507|ref. 1507]].

<span id="cal-1570"></span>
=== Cal. 1570 ===
[[File:Cal 1570 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1570, open caseback|alt=Cal. 1570, open caseback]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 12.5′′′ (28.2mm)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1570 is the 19,800-vph revision of the 1560, introduced in 1965. Christie’s identifies Cal. 1570 in ref. 1011 case 692498, dated circa 1962; its lot chronology overlaps the ref. 1011 Cal. 1560 examples and does not establish a changeover. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]]. Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1570 in a 1966 pink-gold 1013, Gazette Drouot in a circa-1968 example and Rago in a 1978 example. The 1013 records document both calibers but leave their changeover unresolved. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]]. One Artcurial ref. 1005 lot is catalogued with Cal. 1550, despite a chronometer-dial description; other 1005 catalogues list 1560 or 1570. This single lot does not establish a 1005 movement variant or resolve whether the movement is original. It retains the free-sprung Breguet overcoil and Microstella regulation, with adjustment to temperature and five positions. Family-wide bridge engraving causes date movements such as the 1575 in a ref. 1665 to appear marked 1570; the engraving alone does not identify the exact caliber. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in a circa-1985 ref. 1024, while Dorotheum lists it on a circa-1965/70 example; those ref. 1024 dates overlap its Cal. 1560 records. Christie’s, Antiquorum, Phillips, Dorotheum and Bonhams also catalogue Cal. 1570 in ref. 1501 examples; see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]]. These lot labels do not establish a 1501 changeover year. Heritage (circa 1960; its case serial conflicts with the chart date), Christie's (circa 1969 and 1977), Sotheby's (circa 1977 and 1978), and Cambi (circa 1971, with a disputed all-steel attribution) identify Cal. 1570 in individual ref. 1505 watches. These lot descriptions document reported fitment, not a reference-wide caliber rule or changeover. See [[Reference:1505|ref. 1505]]. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi]. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in the white-gold ref. [[Reference:1504|1504]] sold in 2016; Eguchi lists the caliber, and the photographed W3674 example shows the same bridge marking in a yellow-gold watch. These records document individual watches, not a caliber changeover. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, lot 1068] [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, item 287626] [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 item listing].

Waddington’s lists Cal. 1570 in ref. 1023/8B and dates it circa 1964. That estimate predates the 1965 start date used here for Cal. 1570; Pergola’s unofficial chart places serial 902827 in 1962. Hess and Watch.de identify Cal. 1570 on other 1023 listings, and a 2022 Rolex Forums photograph shows a rotor marked 1570 inside an outer case stamped 1023. Kaplans also lists Cal. 1570 for serial 2,186,841; Watch.de masks its serial as 2186xxx, and their other matching details suggest a repeat listing. These records document the caliber on individual watches, but they do not establish first fitment or a changeover; see [[Reference:1023|1023]].

The balance has four Microstella screws in two opposing pairs, not two. Rolex required equal adjustment within each pair to preserve poise. The larger pair changes rate by about two seconds per day and the smaller by about one. On this family the screws sit in the balance rim; the later 3135 platform moves its Microstella nuts to the inner rim.

KIF's circa-1972 material catalogue lists Flector and Elastor settings for Rolex; it does not list Ultraflex. Auction catalogues name only a shock absorber, while Rolex part 8065 serves the upper balance setting across the 1520, 1530, 1560 and 1570. The available records support Flector and Elastor.

Hacking appeared gradually around 1971–72, with timing varying by model. Cal. 3035 began replacing the 1570 in new production from 1977, but the Explorer 1016 retained it until 1988–89. The documented diameter is 12.5 lignes, or 28.2mm; the often-published 28.5mm is a rounded conversion. Published heights conflict.

<span id="cal-1575"></span>
=== Cal. 1575 ===
[[File:Cal 1575 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 per Ashton Tracy)
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws (1570 balance)
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1575 adds calendar work to the 1570; the GMT execution also adds a 24-hour train. Antiquorum and Sotheby's give 26 jewels, while watchmaker Ashton Tracy's 2018 ''Quill & Pad'' study gives 25. Tracy records a 48-hour power reserve; the often-published 50-hour figure lacks support.

Rolex engraved the 1575 bridge "1570," so that marking on a ref. 1680 or 1675 identifies the caliber family. Factory parts records distinguish 1565G, 1575, 1575G and 1575GMT. Date and GMT versions are separately catalogued builds, and the GMT parts also circulated as a conversion set for a standard 1560 or 1570.

The 1575 shares factory balance assembly 8106 with the 1570 and related family members. It has shock protection on the escape wheel on both dial and movement sides, as well as on the balance. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] as a Date fitment in its Cal. 1575 table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]); a [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. Auction catalogues more often describe 1500 examples as Cal. 1570. [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/vintage-week-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-date-ref-1500.html Bob’s Watches] explains the 1570 bridge engraving on date-equipped 1575-family movements; the engraving alone does not establish the caliber beneath it. The available records do not identify a watch-specific changeover. For ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]], two auction catalogues identify Cal. 1570; one seller lists 1575 although its movement photograph shows a 1570-marked bridge. The inner caseback in that photograph is stamped 1503. These are object-level records and do not establish a caliber sequence for the reference. Other documented fitments include the Submariner 1680, GMT-Master 1675 from about the 1.4-million serial range, Explorer II 1655 and Sea-Dweller 1665. Auction catalogues identify the date-equipped [[Reference:1510|ref. 1510]] as Cal. 1570, and Monaco Legend’s movement photo shows a 1570-marked bridge with 26 jewels. The cited parts lists contain no ref. 1510 entry. Cal. 1570 remains the auction-house attribution, and the photographed marking is object-level evidence; exact reference fitment is unconfirmed.

<span id="gmt-branch"></span>
== GMT-Master line ==

Early GMT-Master movements synchronized the hour hands. Published references and auction catalogues name calibres 1030, 1036, 1065 and 1066 for the 6542; the sources do not give a consistent changeover chronology. Cal. 1565, 1575 and 3075 retained the synchronized, or "caller," layout through the 1675 and 16750 generations. Cal. 3085 introduced an independently adjustable local-hour hand. Cal. 3175 kept the synchronized layout in the 16700 until 1999, alongside calibres 3185 and 3186 in the 16710.

<span id="cal-1036"></span>
=== Cal. 1036 ===
[[File:Cal 1036 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1036 for the 6542, and Monochrome describes it as a Cal. 1030 with a 24-hour train. Sotheby's catalogues identify several individual 6542s with Cal. 1030, while other lots name 1065 or 1066. These attributions leave the 1036's place in the reference's production run unresolved. Period chronometer certificates came from the Bureaux Officiels; COSC began in 1973.

Published chronologies differ: a Phillips catalogue essay dates the 6542 release to 1954, while Rolex places the GMT-Master in 1955. The relationship between those dates remains unresolved in the cited sources.

The listed escapement, balance and shock protection are inferred from the Cal. 1030 base; no Cal. 1036 source documents them directly. Auction catalogues seldom identify a 6542 movement as Cal. 1036, so those three specifications remain provisional.

<span id="cal-1065"></span>
=== Cal. 1065 ===
[[File:Cal 1065 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1065 in individual 6542 and 6609 examples as an automatic movement with 25 jewels. The Field Manual also lists it for the 6542. For ref. 6609, Sotheby's, Monaco Legend and Phillips identify Cal. 1065; Christie's and Antiquorum name Cal. 1066, and Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. These are lot-level attributions; they do not settle the 6609 changeover or Cal. 1065's production dates and position relative to calibres 1030, 1036 and 1066. Published 42-hour reserve figures come from secondary sources.

The escapement, balance, and shock rows likewise derive from the Cal. 1030 base. Cal. 1066 cataloguing supports that family relationship, but these details have not been documented directly on a Cal. 1065.

<span id="cal-1066"></span>
=== Cal. 1066 ===
[[File:Cal 1066 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1066 in steel and gold 6542 examples, including watches dated circa 1958 and 1959. Christie's and Antiquorum also catalogue individual 6609 examples with Cal. 1066. The Field Manual lists the caliber for the 6542 as well. Its published specification is 18,000 vph and 25 jewels; Antiquorum describes a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock absorber, and self-compensating Breguet hairspring. The available records place Cal. 1066 in late examples, but do not establish it as the final fitment or date a change from Cal. 1065.

The regulator and balance specification remain uncertain. Cal. 1030 descriptions name an index regulator, while Cal. 1066 descriptions omit it; one 6542 is catalogued with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. This may mark a running change or inconsistent cataloguing. A circa-1959 Phillips example directly confirms the Cal. 1066's butterfly rotor.

Published examples dated circa 1958 and 1959 carry different movement labels. A steel watch has a IV.1958 caseback; auction catalogues date two gold watches to 1959. These individual records show more than one caliber in late examples.

<span id="cal-3075"></span>
=== Cal. 3075 ===
[[File:Cal 3075 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| balance support
| Balance cock (3035 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred; lots record only "shock absorber")
|}

Cal. 3075 carried the synchronized "caller" GMT layout into the 16750 generation. It has 27 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, a free-sprung Breguet hairspring regulated by Microstella screws, hacking, and quickset. The quickset advances only the date wheel.

The balance is monometallic, not Glucydur. Catalogue descriptions identify Microstella screws but do not record their count, material, or position on the rim. They also name a shock absorber without identifying its maker, so the KIF attribution remains inferred from Rolex practice of the period.

The 3075 belongs to the 3035 generation and uses its cantilevered balance cock. Cal. 3175 and 3185 later introduced a balance bridge anchored at both ends. Its start date is disputed: the 16750 did not appear in a Rolex catalogue until 1981, while Antiquorum dates production of the 16758 to 1979. Known fitments are the steel 16750, steel-and-gold 16753, and gold 16758. The 3075 also moved the GMT hand above the hour hand, reversing the Cal. 1575 stack; later GMT calibers retained that arrangement.

<span id="cal-3085"></span>
=== Cal. 3085 ===
[[File:Cal 3085 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.3–7.2mm (sources disagree)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF (per published specs, unconfirmed)
|}

Cal. 3085 ran from 1983 to 1989 on the Cal. 3035 platform, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. It was the first Rolex caliber to separate the local-hour hand from the 24-hour hand. The crown jumps the local hour forward or backward in one-hour steps without disturbing the minutes, seconds, or home-time hand. The date advances only by cycling the local-hour hand, so the movement has no direct quickset date.

Published thickness figures conflict. Grail Watch Reference gives 6.3mm, while Caliber Corner gives 7.2mm against the Cal. 3185's 6.45mm. The 16760's thick movement and case produced the "Fat Lady" and "Sophia Loren" nicknames. Cal. 3085 appeared only in the 16760 GMT-Master II and 16550 Explorer II. Published specifications agree on a Breguet hairspring and Microstella regulation, but KIF shock protection has not been confirmed by an auction description or Rolex document.

<span id="cal-3175"></span>
=== Cal. 3175 ===
[[File:Cal 3175 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| balance support
| Balance bridge (3135 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor (3100-family text, not lot-confirmed)
|}

Cal. 3175 ran from 1988 to 1999 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. Auction descriptions confirm the jewel count and adjustment to temperature and five positions. Published 3100-family specifications support a free-sprung Glucydur balance, Microstella regulation, Breguet hairspring and KIF Elastor setting. No examined Cal. 3175 lot confirms KIF Elastor.

Architecturally, Cal. 3175 is a Cal. 3135 with a fixed 24-hour hand. It uses the 3135's balance bridge, anchored at both ends, where Cal. 3075 used a cantilevered cock. The 24-hour hand remains linked to the local hour hand, so a second time zone is read from the rotating bezel. The 16700 kept this synchronized layout while the rest of the line moved to the jumping-hour Cal. 3185.

Cal. 3175 appeared only in the 16700 and was Rolex's last fixed GMT movement. Reports of factory Cal. 3185 fitment in late 16700s rest on a contradictory parts listing and a rebuilt watch; documented Cal. 3185 fitment belongs to the 16710. Sotheby's has incorrectly described Cal. 3175 as having an independent GMT hand. The accepted 16700 production span is 1988–1999, although Fratello gives 2001 in one account. The 1997 change from tritium to Super-LumiNova affected the dial, not the movement.

<span id="cal-3185"></span>
=== Cal. 3185 ===
[[File:Cal 3185 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"|alt=Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 6.45mm
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|}

Cal. 3185 ran from 1989 to about 2007. Derived from Cal. 3135 with added 24-hour work, it has 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, chronometer certification, and KIF Elastor shock protection. It powered the 16710, 16713, 16718, and 16570, replacing Cal. 3085 in the GMT-Master II and Explorer II.

The balance carries four Microstella nuts arranged as two opposing pairs of different sizes. Rolex's Microstella wrench instructions require equal adjustment of both nuts in a pair to preserve the balance-wheel poise. Adjusting one without its opposite puts the wheel out of poise.

Published Cal. 3085 thickness figures span 6.3 to 7.2mm. Cal. 3185 is 6.45mm, so it is thinner than the thicker 16760 specification but not every published 3085 measurement. That helped the 16710 sit flatter than the "Fat Lady" 16760. During setting, the 24-hour hand may twitch as the local hour jumps; this is a screening clue, not proof of caliber identity.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3186"></span>
=== Cal. 3186 ===
[[File:Cal 3186 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"|alt=Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 50h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.45mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber, pre-Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3186 predates the steel GMT-Master II transition of 2007; the gold example discussed below was sold in 2006. It added a Parachrom hairspring to the Cal. 3185 base while retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, and chronometer certification; reserve increased to 50 hours. It powered late 16710 production and the ceramic-bezel 116710LN, 116710BLNR, and 116719BLRO.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, a free-sprung Breguet-form hairspring, Microstella regulation, and hacking. One Antiquorum description calls the hairspring blued steel, but Cal. 3186 uses Parachrom, a niobium-zirconium alloy coloured by an oxide layer rather than tempering.

Cal. 3186 retains the Cal. 3135 architecture used by the 3185: 28.5mm diameter, 6.45mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. It also keeps the plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle, part 568, shared with Cal. 3130, 3135, 3155, and 3175. Axle condition must be assessed during service.

Rolex introduced Cal. 3186 as a running change, leaving its start date unsettled. Steel 16710 examples begin among late Z- and M-series cases; the lowest documented example is Z 5786xx, but higher Z-series watches can still contain Cal. 3185. Gold references changed earlier. A D-series 116718 catalogued with Cal. 3186 was sold in August 2006, placing the movement in production before the commonly cited 2007 steel transition.

Auction catalogues conflict on the 116758 SARU. Christie's assigns Cal. 3185 to examples dated circa 2006 and 2007 ([https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 lot 6042618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 lot 6248960]); Sotheby's assigns Cal. 3186 to a circa-2007 watch ([https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf lot 45]). Phillips ([https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 lot 14]) and a later Christie's lot ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 lot 6167024]) also list 3186. Rolex's [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf 2008 US catalogue] specifies a 31-jewel chronometer without a calibre number. These records leave the reference's movement transition undated.

Both Cal. 3185 and 3186 index the local-hour hand with a jumping-hour click. Cal. 3186 reworked the parts and reduced slack between the drive-train wheels. On Cal. 3185, the 24-hour hand twitches when the local hour jumps; on Cal. 3186, it remains still. Treat this as a screening clue and confirm the caliber by inspecting the movement.

Failure of the local-hour hand to index in one-hour steps calls for examination of the setting mechanism. The symptom alone does not identify which part needs replacement.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3187"></span>
=== Cal. 3187 ===
[[File:Cal 3187 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance|alt=Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48–50h (sources disagree)
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3187 is an enlarged Cal. 3186, widened to move the date window outward in the 42mm Explorer II case. It powered only the 216570 from 2011 to 2021, before Cal. 3285 replaced it in the 226570. The Parachrom hairspring, Breguet overcoil, and independently adjustable local-hour hand carry over from the GMT lineage. Paraflex is new here, replacing the KIF Elastor used by Cal. 3185. Within the GMT and Explorer II lineage covered on this page, Cal. 3187 is the first entry listed with Paraflex.

Cal. 3187 uses a larger baseplate and reworked surrounding parts but retains the Cal. 3186 regulating organ: a straight-line lever escapement, free-sprung monometallic balance under a full bridge, and Microstella regulation without an index. Auction catalogues confirm 31 jewels but do not itemize those inherited components.

Rolex launched the 216570 and Cal. 3187 together in March 2011 for the Explorer II's fortieth anniversary. The 42mm case required the larger movement, while the orange 24-hour hand recalled the 1655. Both remained in production until 2021, and no other reference used the caliber.

Two documented unit commissions use Cal. 3187. A 2012 white-dial 216570 made for members of the British Special Air Service carries "Who Dares Wins," the winged-dagger badge, and its owner's identifiers. A circa-2015 example numbered 40/48 was made for the UK Attack Helicopter Force. These were unit commissions rather than ministry-issued watches and should not be classified with the 5513 MilSub.

The local-hour hand should index in one-hour steps during setting. Irregular movement requires inspection of the mechanism.

The −2/+2 rating applies only after Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015. Earlier watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard for the uncased movement; later examples were tested again by Rolex as complete watches. The underlying caliber did not change beyond regulation.

<span id="sport-modern"></span>
<span id="Modern_sport_calibers_(1988–2020)"></span>
== Modern sport calibers (1988–2023 coverage) ==

Cal. 3000 introduced a 28,800-vph no-date movement, followed by Cals. 3130 and 3132. Cal. 3135 powered three decades of Submariner Date production.

<span id="cal-3000"></span>
=== Cal. 3000 ===
[[File:Cal 3000 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3000|alt=Cal. 3000]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (48h in some sources)
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.8mm
|-
| balance
| Adjustable-mass, flat hairspring
|}

Cal. 3000 is the no-date member of the 3000 family, used from about 1990 to 2001 in the Air-King 14000 and 14010, Submariner 14060, and Explorer 14270. The often-quoted 1988 start belongs to Cal. 3135. The Air-King changed to reference 14000M in 2000, while the Explorer became the 114270 and the Submariner adopted Cal. 3130 in 2001. Published power-reserve figures conflict at 42 and 48 hours; no Rolex figure settles the difference.

Cal. 3000 uses a flat hairspring, a useful distinction from the Breguet overcoil in Cal. 3130. Microstella adjustment sets the rate without an index, the hairspring is glued to the balance stud, and shock protection is KIF. COSC certification used the standard −4/+6 seconds-per-day tolerance.

<span id="cal-3035"></span>
=== Cal. 3035 ===
[[File:Cal 3035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3035 ran from 1977 to 1988 in the 16800, 168000, 16808, and 16803. It was the first quickset Submariner caliber, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. Compared with the Cal. 1570 generation, it increased frequency from 19,800 vph and added a crown position that advances the date wheel directly. Its free-sprung Nivarox Breguet overcoil is regulated by four Microstella screws and protected by KIF Elastor.

Exact-reference auction catalogues identify Cal. 3035 in Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]] and Oyster Perpetual Date ref. [[Reference:15003|15003]] examples. Christie's and Noonans name Cal. 3035 in their 15003 lots. The 1977–1988 dates above apply to the listed Submariner references, not to the caliber’s full use across Rolex models. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, case 5,880,264]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, serial 5,230,455]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-two-tone-date-chevron-ref-15003-187/73507 Christie's, 15003 lot 187]; [https://www.noonans.co.uk/archive/past-catalogues/681/catalogue/457378/?offset=440 Noonans, 15003 lot 441].

Two construction details separate it from Cal. 3135. Its balance sits on a cantilevered cock, and its hairspring is glued to the stud. Cal. 3135 uses a bridge anchored at both ends and a laser-welded hairspring stud.

<span id="cal-3130"></span>
=== Cal. 3130 ===
[[File:Cal 3130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3130 is the time-only successor to Cal. 3000, used in the 14060M, 114060, 114270, and 114200. It brought a full balance bridge, a larger balance wheel, and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Rolex's parts sheet identifies Cal. 3135 as the base and gives 28.5mm diameter, 5.85mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. Published introduction dates range from 1999 to 2001; the precise year remains unsettled.

Cal. 3000 supports its balance from a cock anchored on one side; the 3130 uses a bridge secured at both ends, which stabilizes endshake under lateral shock. Its Glucydur balance is free-sprung, with Microstella nuts setting the rate without an index. KIF Elastor shock protection distinguishes it from the Paraflex-equipped Cal. 3132. At 5.85mm it is 0.15mm thinner than Cal. 3135 because it omits the date mechanism. The main plate is the dedicated part 3130-100, although some smaller components retain 3135 part numbers.

The 14060M initially used Cal. 3130 without COSC certification and carried a two-line dial. Certification arrived in late 2007, adding the two-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription. The movement itself did not change.

The oscillating-weight axle uses a plain bearing. A service assessment should check the rotor and its bearing for wear and contact with surrounding parts.

Cal. 3131, announced in 2007, adapts the 3130 for magnetic resistance with a blue Parachrom hairspring, a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escapement, and a two-part soft-iron shield around the movement. It powered the Milgauss 116400 and 116400GV, then the Air-King 116900.

<span id="cal-3132"></span>
=== Cal. 3132 ===
[[File:Cal 3132 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3132|alt=Cal. 3132]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3132 powered the 39mm Explorer 214270 from 2010 until the 36mm successor arrived in 2021. It is a Cal. 3130 with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock protection, retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification.

The base architecture remains a straight-line lever escapement with a free-sprung Glucydur balance under a full bridge, Microstella regulation, and no index. Paraflex replaced the 3130's KIF Elastor settings; Rolex's published material claims up to 50 per cent greater shock resistance than KIF. That comparison is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. The blue Parachrom hairspring replaced Nivarox with a paramagnetic niobium-zirconium alloy whose colour comes from a patented oxide treatment.

Cal. 3132 brought Parachrom and Paraflex to the time-only professional line. Parachrom had appeared in Cal. 4130 in 2000, but the Submariner did not receive both features until Cal. 3230 in 2020.

Both dial generations of the 214270 use Cal. 3132. The 2016 revision lengthened the hands and added luminous filling to the 3, 6, and 9 numerals, without changing the movement. Cal. 3132 also retains the 3130’s plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle.

Rolex’s product sheet lists Cal. 3132 for the Oyster Perpetual 39 ref. 114300. Phillips catalogues a white-dial 114300, case P470X511, as Cal. 3230 in its [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/189941 2023 Geneva lot 21] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080125/8048 2025 Hong Kong lot 8048]; the matching case number and June 2020 guarantee suggest the records concern one watch. It also catalogues a circa-2015 blue-dial 114300, case 908YN729, as Cal. 3230 in [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/225422 2025 Hong Kong lot 924]. The catalogue descriptions conflict with Rolex’s [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/oyster-perpetual/m114300-0004.pdf 114300 product sheet] and do not establish factory fitment; replacement or catalogue error remains unresolved. See [[Reference:114300]].

Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015, changing the guaranteed rate from COSC's −4/+6 seconds per day on the uncased movement to −2/+2 on the cased watch after additional in-house testing. The movement did not change, so early and late 214270 examples carry different rate guarantees.

<span id="cal-3135"></span>
=== Cal. 3135 ===
[[File:Cal 3135 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels|alt=Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF (never Paraflex)
|}

Cal. 3135 ran from 1988 to 2021 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. It powered the 16610, 16613, and 16618 through the 116610 generation. The Submariner changed to Cal. 3235 with the 126610 on 1 September 2020, but the Oyster Perpetual Date 34 references 115200 and 115234 kept Cal. 3135 in production into 2021. Later end dates conflate it with Cal. 3131. The movement has rhodium plating, bevelled and polished screws, and a two-piece axle-style bidirectional rotor.

The conventional Swiss lever escapement is paired with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. With no index or curb pins, four Microstella nuts on the inside of the rim set the rate by changing the wheel's inertia. Older 1530-family balances place their adjustment screws on the outside. Cal. 3135 uses a Breguet overcoil and laser-welds the hairspring to its stud, replacing the glued joint used by Cal. 3035.

The main architectural change from Cal. 3035 is the balance bridge. Part 3135-120 is secured at both ends and carries height-adjusting nuts, keeping the pivots aligned under load and allowing endshake adjustment without shims. It also prevents the hairspring from fouling a cantilevered balance cock, a known Cal. 3035 problem. Cal. 3135 increased the jewel count from 27 to 31 and uses a larger balance wheel.

Cal. 3135 used KIF shock protection throughout its run and never received Paraflex. Rolex assigned new caliber numbers to Paraflex versions: 3130 became 3132, 3155 became 3156, and 3186 became 3187. The larger Paraflex date movement for the Datejust II was Cal. 3136. A 16610 or 116610 described as having Paraflex is misidentified.

Parachrom arrived during the Cal. 3135 run, but the transition date is unsettled. The niobium-zirconium alloy receives a uniform anodised oxide layer about 50 nanometres thick, which gives the hairspring its blue colour and stabilizes its restoring torque. Published dates for its adoption in Cal. 3135 range from about 2005 to 2009, with transitional examples reported on both sides. The ceramic-bezel 116610 uses it consistently from 2010. The spring's colour provides only a rough dating marker.

The reversing wheels transmit winding power when the rotor turns in either direction. Rolex dates their patent to 1952 and the introduction of their red surface treatment to 1957. Their colour identifies the component type, not Cal. 3135 by itself.

Earlier movements carried COSC's −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. From 2015, Rolex applied its −2/+2 Superlative Chronometer test to the complete watch without changing the caliber. Derivatives include Cal. 3155, 3175, 3185, 3186, 3187, and the no-date 3130, 3131, and 3132.

<span id="milgauss-family"></span>
== Milgauss ==

Auction catalogues assign Cal. 1080 to early Milgauss examples, though a later catalogue labels the same 6541 movement number Cal. 1055. Cal. 1580 derives from the 1530 platform; Cal. 3131 derives from Cal. 3130.

<span id="cal-1080"></span>
=== Cal. 1080 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25 listed for Christie’s case 145'111 and Sotheby’s case 412'479
|-
| documented fitment
| Milgauss 6543 and 6541 examples; one 6541 movement number carries conflicting 1080 / 1055 catalogue labels
|-
| base relationship
| Revolution describes it as modified from Cal. 1030
|}

Christie’s lists Cal. 1080 in 6543 case 145'111. Revolution and Watch-Wiki also assign the caliber to the 6543; Revolution describes a Cal. 1030 relationship. Watch-Wiki is a secondary reference index, and it does not resolve Christie’s Cal. 1065 label for case 145'159. Sotheby’s called movement N726507 in 6541 case 412'479 Cal. 1080 in 2018; Phillips listed the same case and movement number as Cal. 1055 in 2026. The surviving records do not establish a caliber sequence.

<span id="cal-1580"></span>
=== Cal. 1580 ===
[[File:Cal 1580 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.75mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| regulator
| None — free-sprung
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1580 is associated exclusively with the [[Reference:1019|Milgauss 1019]] during its 1960–1988 run, subject to the early-production dating conflict below. It shares the 1530-derived platform with Cal. 1570 and 1575, and gained hacking around 1972. A soft-iron inner shield around the movement provides the magnetic protection, making the 1019 thicker than contemporary Submariner and GMT-Master cases using the same movement family. Parts interchange broadly across the 1520/1525/1530/1535/1555/1556/1560/1565/1570/1575/1580 group.

Cal. 1580 has 26 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, and a Breguet hairspring. Antiquorum describes the hairspring as free-sprung white metal with Microstella regulation. That matches Cal. 1560 and 1570 on the same platform, although no second auction house specifies the regulation system.

The case provides the magnetic shielding. A gilt-metal anti-magnetic cap and the surrounding inner case absorb the field. Cal. 1580 uses the standard 1530-family balance and hairspring inside the shielded case. Rolex added hacking in 1972 with the corresponding sport-caliber revision.

Watch Doctor’s chart assigns Cal. 1580 to 1963, later than the usual dating of the first 1019s to around 1960. That discrepancy does not establish that early 1019s contained a different caliber. A proposed alternative needs a documented watch or a Rolex record.

<span id="cal-3131"></span>
=== Cal. 3131 ===
[[File:Cal 3131 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels|alt=Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Nickel-phosphorus escape wheel & pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3131 is a no-date Cal. 3130 derivative announced at Baselworld 2007 for the [[Reference:116400|Milgauss 116400]] and 116400GV "Glace Verte." From 2016 it also powered the Air-King 40 reference 116900. Magnetic protection has three parts. A two-piece ferromagnetic shield encloses the movement, with one half secured on the dial side and the other beneath the outer caseback; the inner back carries a capital "B" and arrow, the symbol for magnetic flux density. The movement also uses a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and an amorphous nickel-phosphorus escape wheel and pallet fork.

Cal. 3131 remained COSC-certified throughout its run, with KIF shock protection and a conventional Swiss lever escapement. It never received Chronergy or Paraflex. Rolex applied the tighter −2/+2 seconds-per-day Superlative Chronometer standard from 2015, so later 116900 and 116400GV examples carry the revised rating without a corresponding movement change. The Air-King remained in production to 2022 and the Milgauss to 2023.

<span id="daytona-manual"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (manual-wind) ==

The manual-wind Daytona used Valjoux 72 architecture from 1963 through 1988. Across five caliber numbers, Rolex progressively refinished and re-rated the Valjoux 72 ébauche.

Valjoux joined the Ebauches SA group in 1944 and was later folded into ETA, though the Valjoux name remained in use through the end of Cal. 72 production in 1974. At least 62,000 Valjoux 72/23 movements are recorded in Rolex cases across more than 40 references, about 7 per cent of total output. Heuer, Universal Genève and Longines also used the base. Rolex examples differ in their finishing and adjustment.

<span id="cal-72"></span>
=== Cal. 72 ===
[[File:Cal 72 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA|alt=Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 72 in individual ref. 6034 watches dated circa 1952–1955. One Antiquorum lot instead lists a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement without a caliber name. These descriptions belong to the named watches; they do not establish one designation across every 6034. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, circa-1953 case 907407] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, circa-1952 case 847427] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, circa-1953 case 847307] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-11 Antiquorum, 13-ligne example]

Cal. 72 was also used in the pre-Daytona ref. 6234 from about 1955 to 1961, where it remained close to the Valjoux ébauche. Rolex retained its index regulator, flat hairspring and Incabloc protection. Auction records document the bare Cal. 72 designation on examples from 1957 and around 1960; published production dates for the 6234 end in either 1960 or about 1961.

<span id="cal-72a"></span>
=== Cal. 72A ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Cal. 72A appears in late ref. 6234s from the late 1950s to about 1961. It retains the index regulator and flat hairspring that Cal. 72B would replace, making it a Rolex-finished but otherwise conventional Valjoux 72 execution. The meaning of the ROW stamp remains uncertain: Sotheby's associates it with US importation, while Grail Watch Reference reads it as Rolex Werke. Neither interpretation is supported by a known Rolex document.

<span id="cal-72b"></span>
=== Cal. 72B ===
[[File:Cal 72B movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Used in the ref. 6238 and the last 6234s, Cal. 72B marks Rolex's first substantial reworking of the Valjoux base. The index regulator gave way to a Microstella adjustable-inertia balance, the flat hairspring to a Breguet overcoil, and Incabloc protection to KIF, often in its clover-shaped Flector form. The caliber also has the earlier screwed setting lever, later replaced by a pusher type.

The transition date is disputed. Dody Giussani's text for ''Ultimate Rolex Daytona'' dates the complete replacement of Cal. 72A to 1966, while auction records identify Cal. 72B in ref. 6234 examples from around 1961. Giussani finds no substantial mechanical difference between the 72B and 722 and notes that Rolex used both names in its technical documents. The regulating organ changed before Rolex consistently adopted the later caliber name.

<span id="cal-722"></span>
=== Cal. 722 ===
[[File:Cal 722 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Cal. 722 powered the refs. 6239, 6240 and 6241, including examples with "Paul Newman" dials. Its column wheel controls a horizontal clutch through a coupling yoke. Engagement can make the chronograph hand jump slightly forward or back at the start, a trait later removed by the vertical clutch in Cal. 4130.

The position of the "Rolex Genève" inscription on the dial-side plate distinguishes Cal. 722 from the 722-1 that followed. The designations otherwise overlap: Christie's records Cal. 72B, 722 and 722-1 across ref. 6241 production. The engraving on the movement is more reliable than a date-based attribution. Phillips and Sotheby’s catalogues also assign 72B, 722 and 722-1 to individual ref. 6240 watches dated circa 1965–1966. Those lot labels do not establish a serial-number changeover; read the movement engraving.

<span id="cal-722-1"></span>
=== Cal. 722-1 ===
[[File:Cal 722-1 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Microstella (inherited from 722)
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Often dated to 1967, Cal. 722-1 was the last 18,000 vph Daytona caliber before Cal. 727 raised the frequency. Sotheby’s catalogues a circa-1965 ref. 6240 with 722-1; that lot attribution does not establish when Rolex first used the caliber. Rolex described it as a Valjoux 72A-based mechanism with the same dimensions as its predecessor; the changes were internal.

The hour-recorder conveyor gained an eccentric pivot and wing-shaped spring, allowing more precise engagement with the hour wheel. A guard spring above the balance was intended to keep the hairspring on its stud support under shock. Giussani records that the guard had already appeared inconsistently on Cal. 722 and caused problems of its own, so many surviving examples of both calibers lack it.

<span id="cal-727"></span>
=== Cal. 727 ===
[[File:Cal 727 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope|alt=Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 727 raised the Valjoux 72 frequency from 18,000 to 21,600 vph and powered the refs. 6262, 6263, 6264 and 6265 from 1970 until 1988. A genuine example has a Breguet overcoil and a bevelled inner edge on the KIF shock-spring retaining ring. These details, together with the engraved caliber number, help distinguish an original movement from a substituted or counterfeit one.

<span id="daytona-auto"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (automatic) ==

<span id="cal-4030"></span>
=== Cal. 4030 ===
[[File:Cal 4030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels|alt=Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 52–54h (sources disagree)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Breguet
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|}

Launched with the ref. 16520 in 1988, Cal. 4030 was a heavily reworked Zenith El Primero 400 and the last externally designed movement used by Rolex. Rolex removed the date, reduced the frequency from 36,000 to 28,800 vph and changed more than half of the components. A Breguet overcoil replaced the flat hairspring, while a free-sprung Glucydur balance with Microstella regulation and KIF protection replaced the Zenith oscillator. The chronograph retained a column wheel and horizontal clutch.

Published power-reserve figures split between 52 and 54 hours, with no known Rolex document settling the difference. The photographed movement is signed "MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWISS, ADJ. 5 POSITIONS TEMPERATURE, THIRTY-ONE JEWELS" and stamped "4030."

<span id="cal-4130"></span>
=== Cal. 4130 ===
[[File:Cal 4130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"|alt=Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 44
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 72h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four gold Microstella nuts
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 4130 was developed and manufactured by Rolex for the ref. 116520 in 2000. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/about-rolex/history/2000-2013 Rolex history, 2000–2013] Its column wheel and vertical clutch avoid the hand jump reported for Cal. 4030 when the chronograph starts. The movement uses 201 components, about 20 per cent fewer than its predecessor, and twelve types of screw rather than more than forty.

The rotor runs on a ball bearing; the Cal. 3135 generation uses a jewelled sleeve. Claims that the bearing is ceramic lack support from Rolex or specialist documentation. The free-sprung balance sits under a transversal bridge and uses KIF protection. Chronergy, Paraflex, an optimised rotor bearing and Côtes de Genève arrived with Cal. 4131 in 2023. The display back also belongs to that successor and was limited to platinum; every Cal. 4130 Daytona has a solid caseback.

Parachrom was fitted from launch, but the blue version is variously dated between about 2005 and 2007 without a supporting Rolex document. Later examples were rated to Rolex's −2/+2 seconds-per-day standard after its introduction in 2015. Cal. 4130 continued through the ref. 116500LN until Cal. 4131 replaced it in March 2023.

<span id="cal-3230"></span>
=== Cal. 3230 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, no date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| 124060, 124270, 126000, 126900; catalogue conflicts for some 114300 lots are recorded above
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3230 in 2020 as the no-date member of its newer movement generation. Rolex describes the movement with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. The individual reference page remains the authority for a specific watch; catalogue attributions that conflict with Rolex product documentation are recorded as conflicts rather than silently normalized. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021]

<span id="cal-3235"></span>
=== Cal. 3235 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Datejust, Sea-Dweller and Submariner Date families
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3235 in 2015. It is the date-bearing member of the same generation as Cal. 3230, with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. Rolex's brochures describe the date as instantaneous and the watch as COSC-certified and retested after casing to Rolex's tighter standard. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/datejust/m126333-0010.pdf Rolex, Datejust 41 brochure]

<span id="cal-3255"></span>
=== Cal. 3255 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, day and date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3255 in 2015 for the Day-Date 40 and later Day-Date 36. The movement provides rapid-setting day and date displays, a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. It replaced Cal. 3156 in the Day-Date II successor generation; the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained a separate earlier movement. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021] [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/brochures/en/2022_information_sheet_day-date_en.pdf Rolex, Day-Date information sheet, 2022]

<span id="cal-3285"></span>
=== Cal. 3285 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic GMT
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| functions
| Independent rapid-setting local hour, 24-hour display, instantaneous date
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| GMT-Master II 126710, 126711, 126715, 126720 and related current references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3285 in 2018 for the GMT-Master II. Its GMT hand remains independent of the local hour, the date changes instantaneously, and the movement combines Chronergy, a blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/gmt-master-ii/m126715chnr-0001.pdf Rolex, GMT-Master II brochure]

<span id="cal-4131"></span>
=== Cal. 4131 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 72 hours
|-
| chronograph
| Column wheel and vertical clutch
|-
| escapement / shock
| Chronergy / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126500 and 2023-onward gold and platinum Daytona references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 4131 in 2023 as the successor to Cal. 4130. The movement keeps the column wheel and vertical clutch and adds the Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, a blue Parachrom hairspring and Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. Rolex gives an approximately 72-hour reserve. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/new-watches-2024/cosmograph-daytona Rolex Newsroom, Cosmograph Daytona]

<span id="cal-4132"></span>
=== Cal. 4132 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| special function
| 24-hour elapsed-time counter
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126529LN, the Le Mans anniversary model
|}

Cal. 4132 is the 4131 derivative used in the Le Mans anniversary Daytona. Rolex describes it as allowing the chronograph to count elapsed hours over 24 rather than the usual 12. The official history page does not publish a separate technical specification table, so the 4131 family specifications should not be copied into 4132 without a movement-specific source. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/beyond-the-racetrack Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona history]

<span id="day-date-family"></span>
== Day-Date ==

Day-Date calibers form their own family. Four-digit references set both calendar displays through the hands; five-digit references introduced quickset.

<span id="cal-1055"></span>
=== Cal. 1055 ===
[[File:Cal 1055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back|alt=Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1055 appears in catalogues for the first four-digit Day-Date references and is commonly dated 1956–1959. A 2017 Dorotheum listing pairs it with a 6511/8 dated circa 1965; Pergola’s unofficial chart places the case number in its 1956 band, and the lot photo has no readable serial. Treat the later date as an unresolved catalogue attribution. Cal. 1055 has rhodium-plated bridges with oeil-de-perdrix ("partridge-eye") circular graining rather than Côtes de Genève. Documented examples were adjusted to temperature and five positions.

Reference histories commonly date the 6611 to 1957 and associate it with the second, chronometer-certified 1055 generation. Phillips lists caliber 1055 on its 1956 gold 6611 and 1055B on its 1958 white-gold 6611B; catalogues do not use the suffix consistently. The dial wording changes to “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.”

6612 catalogues such as [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 Phillips lot 43], [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ Bonhams lot 353], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend lot 67] show the same naming problem: Phillips (1958 platinum case 403,680), Bonhams (circa-1959 gold 6612/8), and Monaco Legend (1958 6612B examples) list Cal. 1055, while [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie’s Dubai lot 65] uses B1055 and other catalogues use 1055B. Keep the calibre label attached to the specific watch and source; those descriptions do not establish that every 6612 retained its original movement.

For examples catalogued as 6612B, Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1055 on yellow-gold case 384,933, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679. Phillips lists B1055 on platinum case 446,052; Christie's Dubai uses B1055 while listing the case as 446,062. Treat these as lot-specific catalogue labels. The Dubai case number conflicts with Phillips and Sotheby's, which both give 446,052. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, lot 182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, lot 26]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, lot 67]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips, lot 155]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie's Dubai, lot 65].

The arrival of the free-sprung Microstella balance is disputed. The usual account places it with the 66xx revision, but an auction description identifies a first-generation 6511 as free-sprung. Neither generation has quickset or hacking.

Steel school-watch records create a separate problem: Antiquorum lists 1556 for a 2002 lot and 1066 for a 2013 lot, while Phillips describes later steel Day-Date prototypes with 1555-series movements. These are catalogue descriptions of disputed school/prototype watches, not confirmed 6611 production fitments. See [[Reference:6611|the 6611 record]] for the lot-level distinctions.

Auction catalogues disagree on the movement fitted to ref. 6511. Phillips lists Cal. 1555 for case 111,654, and Dorotheum lists Cal. 1555 for case 166736. Phillips lot 41, Antiquorum lot 81, Bonhams lot 156, Monaco Legend lots 22 and 220, and Dorotheum's 2017 lot for case 166744 list Cal. 1055. Phillips dates Cal. 1555 to 1959, later than the dates assigned to both 1555-labelled cases. The 2017 Dorotheum listing dates case 166744 circa 1965, while Pergola's unofficial chart puts the number in its 1956 band. Its front-view image offers no readable serial, leaving the two dates in conflict. Each entry is a catalogue attribution; keep it attached to its lot pending inspection of the movement.

<span id="cal-1555"></span>
=== Cal. 1555 ===
[[File:Cal 1555 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail|alt=Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 7.03mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever (Cal. 1530 train)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung beryllium-bronze, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector
|}

Cal. 1555 powered early four-digit Day-Dates, including the refs. 1803, 1804, 1806, 1807 and 1811, from 1959 to about 1967. It combines the day-and-date architecture of Cal. 1055 with the plate and most running components of Cal. 1530. Its distinct parts are concentrated in the motion and calendar work, some shared with the contemporary Datejust Cal. 1575.

The Swiss lever escapement comes from Cal. 1530 and uses KIF Flector protection. The free-sprung balance uses a Nivarox Breguet overcoil and screw-shaped Microstella adjusters. Rolex did not adopt the later nut-shaped Microstella components until 1983.

Cal. 1555 does not hack; unlike the 1972 revision of Cal. 1556, its parts list has no balance-stop spring. Wear in the mainspring-barrel bearing is a known fault. As the plate and bridge bores wear out of round, the barrel can tilt and reduce amplitude; Rolex supplied a replacement upper barrel bush for the repair.

Five stainless-steel Day-Dates are publicly known, none with a listed reference or case serial. Christie's records movement numbers 0004547, 0005073, DD411420, DD14749 and DD081221. Their casebacks are signed Rolex and stamped "Stainless Steel"; the known examples have French day discs, black hands and silvered dials, with provenance linked to former Rolex watchmakers. Christie's identifies them as workshop test pieces. Movement DD411420 is engraved 1555 but runs at the Cal. 1556 frequency of 19,800 vph, placing it between the two generations.

The prototype's jewel count is disputed. Antiquorum gives 25, matching the bridge signature, while Phillips gives 26, the figure for Cal. 1556. At 7.03mm, Cal. 1555 is the thickest member of the 1500 series. The stepped "pie-pan" dial remained in use until about 1970, outlasting the caliber.

<span id="cal-1556"></span>
=== Cal. 1556 ===
[[File:Cal 1556 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1556|alt=Cal. 1556]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector, both balance pivots
|}

Cal. 1556 succeeded the 1555 around 1965 and powered the mid- and late four-digit Day-Date until 1977 or 1978. A revised gear train raised the frequency, while a jewel at the top of the centre wheel brought the count to 26. Its rhodium-plated movement has perlage finishing, a full balance bridge and a screwed balance with two gold, star-shaped Microstella regulating screws. Hacking was added during production in 1972 without a new caliber designation; earlier examples do not hack. Sotheby’s 2024 listing for [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]] assigns Cal. 1556 to a watch described and photographed with a date-only dial. Rolex’s 1978 [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf service manual] defines Cal. 1556 as day-and-date, so this remains a catalogue conflict until the movement is inspected. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130].

<span id="cal-1566"></span>
=== Cal. 1566 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung Breguet spring
|}

Cal. 1566 was built for one case, the platinum [[Reference:1831|Day-Date 1831]] commissioned for the Shah of Iran and delivered from 1977. The rhodium-plated movement has a free-sprung Breguet hairspring, Microstella regulation and hacking. Sources record either eight or nine examples. One concordance assigns the ref. 1831 to Cal. 1556, while auction houses that examined the watches identify Cal. 1566.

<span id="cal-3055"></span>
=== Cal. 3055 ===
[[File:Cal 3055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc|alt=Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3055 powered refs. 18038, 18039, 18048, 18049, 18078, 18079, [[Reference:18108|18108]] and early 18238 in the 1977–1988 generation. It introduced quickset for the date, while the day still advanced through the motion of the hands. The balance cock provides the usual visual distinction from Cal. 3155, which uses a full transversal bridge. Common references give a height of 6.3mm, but Rolex's parts diagram specifies 7.11mm.

<span id="cal-3155"></span>
=== Cal. 3155 ===
[[File:Cal 3155 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3155 replaced the 3055 in 1988 and remained in production through 2019. It added independent correction of the day, giving the Day-Date a double quickset for both calendar displays.

The added quickset works raised the jewel count from 27 to 31. Published height figures vary between 6.00 and 6.45mm, with no known Rolex document settling the discrepancy. As elsewhere in the 31xx family, a full bridge and larger balance wheel replaced the older balance cock.

The hairspring stud is laser-welded rather than glued as on Cals. 3035 and 3055. Parachrom arrived between 2008 and 2010 according to Grail Watch Reference, or by 2013 according to Watch Wiki. Cal. 3155 retained KIF Elastor throughout and never received Paraflex, which Rolex fitted to the Day-Date II's Cal. 3156.

<span id="cal-3156"></span>
=== Cal. 3156 ===
[[File:Cal 3156 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image|alt=Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 31xx family (pre-Chronergy)
|-
| balance
| Parachrom hairspring (3155 base)
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, gold Microstella nuts, traversing bridge
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3156 is a widened Cal. 3155 derivative built for the 41mm Day-Date II from 2008 to 2015. It adds a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex protection and powers the refs. 218238, 218239, 218206 and 218235. Its 30.97mm main plate carries the enlarged calendar wheels needed to move the date window outward. The same wider format appears on Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187. Published specifications often give the standard 28.5mm width, but Rolex's promotional photography shows the additional flange recorded by Stephen Foskett's Grail Watch Reference.

Only the plate-and-bridge layer is oversized. The running train, escapement, keyless works and date mechanism use standard 31xx-family components, while structural parts such as the barrel bridge are shared with the wider Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187 rather than the 3155.

The oscillator comes from Cal. 3155: a large free-sprung balance with gold Microstella nuts, a Breguet overcoil and a height-adjustable transversal bridge. Below it is the conventional Swiss lever escapement used across the 31xx family. Its 2015 successor, Cal. 3255, introduced the paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement. Rolex credits that design with a 15 per cent efficiency gain and about half of the increase from 48 to 70 hours of power reserve.

Cal. 3156 uses Paraflex shock protection; Cal. 3155 retains KIF Elastor. Rolex filed the design in 2005, and the European patent was granted in 2008. Its spring connects to the bearing body through four arms arranged around a central support, replacing the two-arm layout common to earlier systems. Rolex claims up to 50 per cent greater shock absorption than KIF; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Rolex patent US7234859B2]

Cal. 3156 was confined to the 41mm Day-Date II. Rolex retired both in 2015, replacing them with the 40mm Day-Date and Cal. 3255, while the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained in production until 2019. Most Cal. 3156 watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. Rolex adopted its −2/+2 rating in the caliber's final year, 2015.

<span id="oysterquartz-family"></span>
== Oysterquartz ==

Secondary collector references place total Oysterquartz production just under 25,000 watches, but no factory production total is cited here. The line followed the Beta 21-powered ref. 5100 of 1970, developed through the Centre Electronique Horloger consortium. The Beta 21 would not fit an Oyster case. Rolex left the consortium in 1972 and spent five years developing Cals. 5035 and 5055 in-house.

<span id="cal-5035"></span>
=== Cal. 5035 ===
[[File:Cal 5035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 6.35mm high
|}

Cal. 5035 powered Oysterquartz Datejust and Oyster Perpetual references, including the 17000, 17013 and 17014, from 1977 to 2001. Its date mechanism follows the same principle as the mechanical Cal. 3035 introduced in the same year.

Rolex calls the drive a mobile-frame step-by-step motor. Unlike a conventional quartz stepper, its coil moves while the magnets remain fixed. A polarised pulse swings the coil frame once per second, and a finger on the frame drives a pallet fork connected directly to the seconds wheel. The pallet locks the wheel between pulses. Its audible tick comes from that engagement and sounds closer to a mechanical escapement than a conventional quartz motor.

The C-MOS module contains the oscillator, a binary divider that reduces 32,768 Hz to one pulse per second, and the motor's impulse amplifier. A trimmer provides a total adjustment range of about two seconds per day. Rolex specified regulation to ±0.05 seconds per day at about 28°C.

Temperature compensation remains uncertain. Secondary accounts describe a thermocompensated oscillator with a thermistor, but Rolex's technical document mentions neither. It instead shows a parabolic rate curve with an inversion point at 26 ±2°C and specifies adjustment near the 28°C temperature of a worn watch. The document may predate a later revision, but it does not support the usual thermistor claim.

Rolex specified accuracy within one minute per year under normal wear and battery life beyond 24 months. The movement draws no more than 9 microamps, of which the electronics use at most 3. There is no battery end-of-life indication; erratic running is the warning. Hacking cuts current to the motor, and the seconds hand restarts one second after the crown returns to its running position.

The electronic module and motor are sensitive to contamination, and the mobile-frame pivots run dry. Rolex supplied the motor only as a complete unit rather than as separate components.

<span id="cal-5055"></span>
=== Cal. 5055 ===
[[File:Cal 5055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 7.11mm high
|}

Cal. 5055 is the Day-Date counterpart to Cal. 5035. The two share their motor and electronic module, while the 5055's calendar follows the principle of the mechanical Cal. 3055. Its day-disc stack increases the height from 6.35 to 7.11mm.

Catalogue descriptions treat Cal. 5055 as COSC-certified from early production. The exact certification and crystal changeover dates for Cal. 5055 and Cal. 5035 are not settled in the sources reviewed, so early Oysterquartz dial text should be checked against the individual watch.

Cal. 5055 adds the day mechanism and its stricter tolerances. Rolex specified hour-wheel endshake below 0.03mm and calendar change within two minutes of midnight. The day disc is a separate replaceable part, allowing the display language to be changed without altering the movement.

Cal. 5055 powers the yellow-gold [[Reference:19018|ref. 19018]], white-gold [[Reference:19019|ref. 19019]] and pyramid-bezel [[Reference:19028|ref. 19028]]. Claims about cancelled successor calibers are omitted because the cited factory material does not document them.

<span id="prince-appendix"></span>
== Related but not Rolex ==

Gruen Cal. 877 and the Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description are often misidentified as Rolex calibers. Gruen's Cal. 877, used in the Techni-Quadron, is an Aegler-built architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold under Gruen's name in the United States. It was never a Rolex commercial number. A Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description records only the movement's size class, not a distinct caliber designation. The three circa-1940 Christie’s ref. 3064 catalogues reviewed for this audit use the same size-class wording and do not name a caliber; keep the 3064 movement attribution tied to those lot descriptions.

== Sources ==

* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, “Rolex’s simple hand-wound models” (Japanese), 22 August 2022]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 list, ref. 1022 entry (1965–1974)]
* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart photograph, unofficial year bands]
* [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, ref. 1023/8B, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, ref. 1023 lot 12570, Cal. 1570]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive, ref. 1023, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=856109 Rolex Forums, 2022 ref. 1023 listing and movement photograph]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, 20 May 2025, lot 73, ref. 1023, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans Auktioner, 2 October 2021, ref. 1023 serial 2186841, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, ref. 1023 replacement-parts row]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-6139178/?intObjectID=6139178&lid=1 Christie’s, ref. 6556, case 138'822, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-restoration-of-a-rolex-tru-beat-caliber-1040-reference-6556 Aaron Berlow, Cal. 1040 restoration, Hodinkee, 2015]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-april-8-2016 Hodinkee, ref. 6556 dial and service observations, 2016]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-260-217 Antiquorum, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2012]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/de/Crott_86_D.pdf Dr. Crott, 86th auction catalogue, Tru Beat model history, 2012; calls 1020 a new caliber]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 162, Oyster Perpetual reference table, ref. 1020]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/archives/100/50452 Dr. Crott, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips, ref. 6556, 18K gold, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/139759 Phillips, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040 and steel case]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 Antiquorum, ref. 6556/0, Cal. 1040, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 Antiquorum, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040, 2021]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1066]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, Cal. 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 emblem-dial example, catalogued Cal. 1030]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, Cal. 1065]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-63 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 1956, Cal. 1030]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, 2000, ref. 6564, Cal. 1050]
* [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, 2025, ref. 6567, Cal. 1050]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, 2015, ref. 6569, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, circa 1955, Submariner ref. 6536/1, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.adams.ie/W103-lot-33-ROLEX-REF-1022-OYSTER-PERPETUAL-18K-YELLOW-GOLD-FLORENTINE-FINISH-CASE-A?auction_no=W103&page_no=3&sort_by=lot_no Adams, ref. 1022, 2025, Cal. 1560]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1022, 2015, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0036-1/orologio-da-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022--201405270143200 Pandolfini, ref. 1022, 2014, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.tajan.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-vers-1964-montre-_FA27968B44 Tajan, ref. 1022, 2014, automatic movement; caliber not stated]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE Shop, ref. 1022, 1963, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-online/prince-imperial-reference-1645-a-rolesium-steel Sotheby’s, 2023, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 331]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-prince-imperial-lot-357-321 Antiquorum, 2022, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 321]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-113-16 Antiquorum, 2006, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 16]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-lot-320-31 Antiquorum, 2019, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 31]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-266-70 Antiquorum, 2012, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 70]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/247 Phillips, Cal. 1555 chronology and experimental steel Day-Date]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips, 2015, 6611 case 214,124, caliber 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips, 2015, 6611B case 401,546, caliber 1055B]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum, 2002, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1556]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum, 2013, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/86237716/four-prototype-watches-from-the-geneva-watch-auction-xiv Phillips, 2021, steel Day-Date prototype account]

* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, lot 52: 8171 case 685878, A.295 CPL]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, Fratello, 2020: case construction and calendar correctors]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s: 6062 case 916321, caliber 655]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, ref. 1858 lot 34 — movement no. 1143 identified as Hunter 8¾ (520)]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — seller-attributed Cal. 520] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, ref. 6006, lot 253]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — seller-listed Cal. 520 / 8¾]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024 — movement-family account]

* [https://watchdoctor.biz/movements-and-calibers/ Watch Doctor: movements and calibers chart. Secondary compilation; no underlying Rolex document identified.]
* [https://www.incabloc.ch/en/history/ Incabloc: company history, production in 1933 and lyre-spring development in 1938.]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex: Technical and Service Information, third edition, pp. 3 and 7; scan hosted by the Vintage Rolex Field Manual.]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/the-companion-oyster-mercedes-gleitze-rolex-oyster Sotheby’s Geneva 2025, lot 134: Gleitze Oyster and its upgraded movement.]
* [https://www.cosc.swiss/terms-conditions COSC: organization established in 1973.]
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watch-care-and-service/the-rolex-servicing-procedure Rolex: examination and estimate before servicing.]

* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/perpetual-rotor Rolex: Perpetual rotor], mechanism introduced in 1931; caliber not specified.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-486 Antiquorum Geneva, 16 November 2002, lot 486], ref. 4467 catalogued with Cal. 740 and a date display.
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/explorer Rolex: Explorer history], return to 36mm in 2021.
* [https://media.rolex.com/rolexcom/media/user-guides/gmt-master-ii/rolex_gmt-master-ii_en-us Rolex GMT-Master II user guide], date linked to the independently adjustable local-hour hand.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-part-i/gmt-master-captain-warren-reference-6542-an-advert Sotheby's, circa-1958 6542, calibre 1030]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-6542-gmt-master-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, circa-1959 6542, case 451'698, calibre 1066]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841779 Christie's, circa-1959 gold 6542, case 486'469, calibre 1065]

* [https://revolutionwatch.com/a-movement-in-history-the-zenith-driven-rolex-daytona/ Revolution — A Movement in History: The Zenith-driven Rolex Daytona] (Ross Povey, 2018)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-part-1-3 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 1] (Paul Boutros, 2012)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-pt-23 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 2] (Paul Boutros, 2013)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-daytona-chronograph-1963-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Daytona] (Erik Slaven, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 1] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 2] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-from-1953-36mm-1016-14270-114270-214270-124270-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — The History of the Rolex Explorer] (Frank Geelen, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-ii-adventure-watch-gmt-1655-16550-16570-216570-226570-in-depth/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Explorer II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-14270-perfect-youngtimer-watch-vintage-corner/ Monochrome — Youngtimer Case Study, the Rolex Explorer 14270] (Frank Geelen, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-214270-vs-previous-214270-review-history-rolex-explorer/ Monochrome — Rolex Explorer 214270 In-Depth Review] (Brice Goulard, 2016)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-explorer-reference-points Hodinkee — A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I] (Jon Bues, 2022)
* [https://www.watchtime.com/brands/watches/tracking-the-rolex-daytona-a-53-year-history WatchTime — Tracking the Rolex Daytona: A 55-Year History]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-john-player-special-paul-newman-daytona-ref-6241/ Revolution — The Rolex "John Player Special" Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6241] (Bob Ridley, 2017)
* [https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/rolex-pre-daytona-forgotten-classic A Collected Man — Is the Rolex Pre-Daytona a Forgotten Classic?] (Russell Sheldrake, 2020)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/why-i-bought-the-rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-116520/ Fratello — Why I Bought The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520] (Ben Hodges, 2021)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-14060m/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 14060M Review]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-114060-review/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 114060 Review] (2019)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/ceramic-bezel-close-up-of-the-rolex-gmt-master-ii-ref-116710ln/ Fratello — Ceramic Bezel close-up of the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.252.html Sotheby's — Submariner Ref 6536/1, Stainless Steel Automatic With Bracelet, Circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/25e5416b-f436-484a-834e-1ba10a9dfc69/lots/9a553d3f-0450-465f-b767-7f1946a7bfc0 Sotheby's — Submariner Ref. 6538, Stainless Steel With 4-Line Tropical Dial, Circa 1958]
* [https://calibercorner.com Caliber Corner — per-caliber technical database]
* [https://wiki.grail-watch.com/index.php/Rolex_630 Grail Watch Wiki — Rolex 630]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com EmmyWatch — vintage restoration movement photography]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/complete-history-of-the-rolex-milgauss/ Monochrome — Complete History of the Rolex Milgauss]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'111, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'159, Cal. 1065]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-milgauss-one-in-a-thousand/ Revolution, Milgauss movement and 6543 history]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Stephen Foskett, Watch-Wiki Cal. 1080 reference index for 6543]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.256.html Sotheby’s, 6541 case 412'479, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/206388 Phillips, same case and movement number, Cal. 1055]
* [https://www.robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/most-expensive-rolex-watches-ever-sold-at-auction/ Robb Report — The Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever Sold at Auction] (Sotheby's Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, November 2025)
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss Antiquorum — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.christies.com Christie's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 3136 case 105063, FHF 30 / Cal. 59]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, ref. 3136 case 147396, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.sothebys.com Sotheby's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net Watch Wiki — reference concordance]
* [http://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf Montres Rolex SA — ''Technical Information No. 13: Calibre 5035 / Calibre 5055''] (factory service documentation, scan hosted by ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'')
* [https://www.oysterquartz.net/the_5035_movement.htm Oysterquartz.net — the 5035/5055 movement]
* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/reversing-wheels Rolex — Reversing Wheels, Watchmaking Features] (red anodised-aluminium finish, introduced 1957)
* [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/2024/brochures/features/en/02_rolex_superlative_english_2024.pdf Rolex — ''Superlative Chronometer Certification: Redefining Performance''] (brochure, 2024; certification redefined 2015)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US6503341B2/en Patent US6503341B2 — Self-compensating spiral for a spiral balance-wheel] (Montres Rolex SA; Jacques Baur and Patrick Sol; priority 1999, granted 2003 — the Parachrom hairspring)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Patent US7234859B2 / EP1705537 — Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece] (Montres Rolex SA; Mitchell Colle and Roman Voirol; priority 2005 — Paraflex)
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2021/08/rolex-parachrom-hairspring-explained.html SJX Watches — Explained: The Rolex Parachrom Hairspring] (Nb-Zr alloy, anodised oxide layer, frequency shift)
* [https://reference.grail-watch.com/movement/rolex-3136/ Grail Watch Reference — Rolex Cal. 3136] (Stephen Foskett; Paraflex fitted to the 3136 and not to the base 3135)
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-3131/ Caliber Corner — Rolex Caliber 3131] (Kif on the 3131, Paraflex on the 3132)
* [http://www.superlativetime.com/identification-of-rolex-calibres Superlative Time — Identification of Rolex Calibres 1520–1580] (balance-bridge forms 1–4; Kif Flector and Kif Elastor assignment)
* [https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/regulate-rolex-1520.160574/ NAWCC message board — Regulate Rolex 1520] (watchmakers on the inertia-block system and the free-sprung misreading)
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/history-of-1530-movement-t23616.html Vintage Rolex Forum — History of the 1530 movement] (introduction c.1957, butterfly rotor, chronometer status)
* [https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/28412-rolex-3135-510-drive-wheel-for-ratchet-appears-to-be-worn-not-winding-watch-enough/ Watch Repair Talk — Rolex 3135-510 ratchet drive wheel wear]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum Geneva, 3 April 2025, lot 219]: ref. 3121 Oyster Grenfell, case 43,475, circa 1938, Cal. 59, 17 jewels.
* [https://timeanagram.com/products/7507 TimeAnagram, item 7507]: ref. 3121 listed as manual Cal. 710; the movement image shows no readable caliber stamp.
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex Cal. 1560 spare-parts sheet no. 31; scan hosted by WatchGuy]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74, chronograph table]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074, 1920s example]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074, case 25433]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s, case no. 1223 monopusher]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 Christie’s, ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph, movement no. 1223]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum Geneva, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]: catalogued as A.295, with a 10½-ligne description.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips Geneva, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]: catalogued as A.296, 18 jewels.
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730 Christie’s, ref. 6075 case 699455]: catalogued as A.295.
* [https://live.mortonsubastas.com/en/online-auctions/morton-subastas/reloj-rolex-vintage-oyster-perpetual-en-acero-y-chapa-ref-1024-ca-1965---1966-movimiento-autom-tico-6579392 Morton Subastas, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/5/ Waddington's, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/5280014/ Dorotheum, ref. 1024, 2018, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080121/904 Phillips, ref. 1024, 2021, Cal. 1570]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-22 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 576171]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-213-465 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1962, Cal. 1560, case 933961]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1010-vintage-gold-oyster-perpetual-original-box-and-papers-circa-1962/a/5049-60215.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1010, circa 1962, Cal. 1560, case 646320]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1010, circa 1967, Cal. 1560, case 1659430]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1010-oyster-perpetual-lot-334-19 Antiquorum, ref. 1010, circa 1968, Cal. 1570, case 1,960,000]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs item text: claimed ref. 1010, Cal. 1560; title says ref. 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, ref. 1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 546423]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5496491 Christie’s, ref. 1011 case 692498, circa 1962, Cal. 1570]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1011-bombe-lugs-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual/a/171226-74030.s Heritage, ref. 1011, Cal. 1560, 2012]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, ref. 1011, Eaton’s presentation dial, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-143 Antiquorum Milan, 1996 Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1011-eaton-quarter-century-club-14k-yg Loupe This lot 2475, photo of Cal. 1530 in case marked 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-654 Antiquorum Geneva, 2004, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 17-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-34-139 Antiquorum New York, 2003, Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-257-412 Antiquorum New York, 2011, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 26-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-160-93 Antiquorum New York, 2007, Eaton’s ref. 5590/1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte Milan, 2024, Eaton’s ref. 5590-1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, 2008, lot 530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2010, lot 134]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2012, lot 291]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2018, lot 138]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, ref. 1768 case 019784, 2017: 7½-line T.S. 300 listed with 15 jewels]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, ref. 1768 case 019794, 2023: photographed Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies]

* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978), Cal. 1600]
* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363]
* [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, ref. 3735, lot 113]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 reference list, including 1022]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1022 case-parts row listing Cal. 1560 and 1570]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, ref. 1022, case 856242, Cal. 1560, 26 jewels]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Rolex Cal. 1565 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080319/903 Phillips, HK Auction NINE lot 903, exterior ref. 6558 / inner stamp 6556, Cal. 1040]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum Geneva 2006, ref. 6082 case 784516, Cal. 710]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021, ref. 6082 case 721396, Cal. 710]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend 2023, ref. 6082 case 810693, Cal. 710]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Colin A. White, The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, reference table: 6082 / Cal. 710]
* [https://www.kibblewatches.co.uk/products/1952-rolex-oyster-concentric-dial-manual-34mm-6082 Kibble Watches, concentric-dial ref. 6082 listing, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_germany/rolex-oyster-handaufzug-stahl-gelbgold-ref-6082-vintage.html Watch.de archive, ref. 6082 case 721965, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1013-large-18k-yellow-gold-non-date-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-circa-1957/a/5309-54155.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1013 case 488087, circa 1957, Cal. 1560]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1013-oyster-perpetual-lot-364-184 Antiquorum, ref. 1013 case 952437, circa 1962, Cal. 1560]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/MonacoLegendAuctions%20MC/202104%20catalogue_0024.pdf Monaco Legend Auctions, ref. 1013 case 1,368,354, 1966, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/27208550-rolex-montre-en-or-jaune- Gazette Drouot, ref. 1013, circa 1968, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/506 Rago, ref. 1013 serial 5,266,934, 1978, Cal. 1570]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/vintage-watches-sold/products/semi-bubble-back-ref-6108 Hodinkee Shop, ref. 6108 case 803948]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-steel-bubbleback-ref-6108/a/171206-74039.s Heritage Auctions, 2012, lot 74039, ref. 6108 case 803752]
* [https://www.uhreneder.de/en/wristwatches/vintage-rolex/rolex-oyster-perpetual Antike Uhren Eder, ref. 6108 item 7140rol]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, Cal. 59]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, Cal. 59]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard, Cal. 59]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent movement photograph]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described 3351-F, serial 118,489, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, Extra Prima]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2006, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2007, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf Sotheby's, ref. 116758 with SARU bezel, circa-2007, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 Phillips, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2009, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2010, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf Rolex USA, 2008 catalogue, 31-jewel chronometer specification without calibre number]

Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs

2026-10-21T05:24:49Z

Admin: Add ref. 3668 with case-specific catalogue dates and terminology

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex pre-Daytona chronographs}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Pre-Daytona Chronographs — 1920s–1968 Guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Rolex hand-wound chronographs from the early monopushers through the Antimagnetique and Oyster models to the 6238 and 6239.
|keywords=Rolex chronograph, Pre-Daytona, 2021, 2023, 3068, Antimagnetique, Monoblocco, Barilotto, 2508, 3525, 3668, 3833, 4099, 4500, 4537, 4767, 5034, 6034, 6234, 6238, Valjoux 23, Valjoux 72, vintage Rolex
|image=Pre-daytona chronographs vintage poster.webp
|image_alt=Rolex pre-Daytona chronograph reference photograph
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-04-30T03:24:59Z
|modified_time=2026-10-11T07:24:16Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]] › '''Pre-Daytona chronographs'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Pre-daytona chronographs vintage poster.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex pre-Daytona chronograph reference photograph|Pre-Daytona chronograph from the Phillips Rolex Milestones catalogue, Hong Kong 2016, lot 828.]]
</div>

This guide follows Rolex hand-wound chronographs, from early pocket and wrist monopushers through non-Oyster and Oyster wrist models to the later tonneau and round Oyster chronographs. The 6238 sits near the Cosmograph 6239 in case size, pump pushers, dial tachymeter and Valjoux 72 movement family. Collectors call it the Pre-Daytona; its production overlaps the 6239.

== Early single-button chronographs (catalogue dates c.1920–c.1950) ==

The 2021 is a large, hinged-case monopusher documented in gold and steel. Auction catalogues date individual examples from the 1920s into the 1930s, and disagree on movement size and the date of the same case. [[Reference:2021|See the reference file for the examples and source records.]]

Ref. [[Reference:2303|2303]] is another early monopusher. Hodinkee places it in the 1920s; MyWatch groups it with 1930s chronographs. Auction catalogues date individual examples c.1926–c.1936; the factory production span remains unverified. Its small round and tonneau cases differ from the hinged 2021; catalogues report 17-jewel lever movements and leave the caliber unnamed. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/understanding-the-rolex-non-paul-newman-daytona Hodinkee] [https://mywatch.ru/articles/art_1874.html MyWatch]

MyWatch tentatively places refs. 1074, 1219 and 1226 among monopushers seen on the market in the late 1920s and early 1930s, while noting that some early auction catalogues used model names that did not exist.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Dated examples !! Case !! Movement !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:2021|2021]] || 1920s–1930s catalogue estimates; start and end unconfirmed || 39–41mm, round hinged case; gold and steel examples || Manual chronograph; published dimensions and attribution vary || One side-mounted button; white-enamel, silvered and black dials documented
|-
| 1074 || Christie's dates one model 1074 listing to the 1920s and case no. 25433 as ref. 1074 to the 1930s || 32mm gold cushion case in both catalogue descriptions || Both Christie's listings describe a nickel-plated movement, jewelled to the centre, with a bimetallic balance; neither names a caliber || Crown-operated, two-register monopusher
|-
| [[Reference:2022|2022]] || Catalogue dates mostly in the 1930s; one Bonhams example circa 1947; factory span unconfirmed || 32mm cushion case; silver, steel and yellow gold examples || Manual 17-jewel column-wheel description on one lot; VZ 23 naming does not establish fitment || Crown-operated monopusher; Bonhams documents fixed wire lugs on one gold example
|-
| [[Reference:2057|2057]] || Phillips dates case 12'271 c.1938; 2026 transcription dates same case c.1927 || 32mm, 18K yellow-gold cushion case || Manual; 2026 catalogue attributes a 13-ligne Valjoux base, exact caliber unconfirmed || Two-register crown-pusher chronograph; French 30-pulsation dial
|-
| [[Reference:2226|2226]] || Individual catalogue estimates c.1920–c.1940; production span unverified || Round, open-face steel and gold cases, 47–48.2mm || Manual 17-line, 17-jewel movements described on several examples; caliber unconfirmed || Two-register single-button chronograph; catalogues label examples wristwatch or pocket watch
|-
| [[Reference:2303|2303]] || c.1926–c.1936 dated examples; endpoints unconfirmed || 26–30mm round or tonneau, snap-back; steel and gold || Manual lever, 17 jewels in cited examples; caliber not confirmed || Two registers; crown pusher on several examples, case-band pusher on one
| [[Reference:3068|3068]] || Individual catalogue dates c.1935–c.1950; production span unconfirmed || 48–49.5mm, open-face gold pocket-watch cases || Manual lever; 16.5 lignes and 17 jewels at Sotheby’s, 17 lignes at Antiquorum; caliber unidentified || Single crown-operated button; pale, black and two-tone rose-sector dials documented
|}

== Antimagnetique era (mid-1930s to late 1940s) ==

The early group includes both non-Oyster chronographs and Oyster monopushers. Ref. 2508 has two registers and two pushers; auction catalogues and specialist literature disagree on its movement and case details. Auction records describe ref. 3346 as an Oyster monopusher with a rotating bezel marked to 60, and date individual examples from circa 1937 to circa 1942. The 3525 belongs to the later two-pusher, two-register branch. Rolex’s wartime correspondence and later auction records document sales of 3525 chronographs to Allied prisoners of war; that history belongs to the individual watch and surviving archive.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Case !! Movement !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:2508|2508]] || c.1935–1947 dated examples; endpoints unconfirmed || 35–38mm round, snap-back, non-Oyster || Movement attribution disputed; see article || Two registers and two pushers; oval/olive and rectangular forms are documented; date and diameter overlap
|-
| [[Reference:3346|3346]] || Auction estimates for examples range c.1937–1942; factory span unconfirmed || Steel Oyster case, 31–32mm in auction catalogues; rotating 60-unit bezel || Manual; 10 lignes in the Field Manual and 10½ in auction descriptions; no numbered caliber established || One pusher and central seconds; hold-to-zero action in Christie's and Sotheby's descriptions, with Phillips wording differing; Zerographe and Centregraph names both occur

|-
| [[Reference:3462|3462]] || Individual catalogue dates: 1930s–c.1942; production span unknown || Steel Oyster case; 29–29.5mm in auction descriptions, 32mm in the Field Manual; milled or reeded bezel described || Manual, 10½-ligne in auction records and 10 lignes in the Field Manual; no numbered caliber established || Single pusher and central timing seconds; Centregraph name; dial layouts include Arabic and Roman numerals
|-
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] || 1939–1945 || ~35mm Monoblocco Oyster, screw-down crown and back; pump pushers || Rolex Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 VZ base) || One of Rolex’s earliest two-pusher Oyster chronographs; earlier Oyster monopushers existed; one-piece upper case (''Monoblocco'' / ''Barilotto''); the WWII POW reference; Corporal Clive James Nutting's Stalag Luft III watch (case 185,983) was documented as sold "gratis" to Nutting in 1943
|-
| [[Reference:3668|3668]] || Individual catalogues date examples c.1939–c.1946; production span unknown || 35mm Oyster; steel case with reeded pink- or yellow-gold bezel || Cal. 13 / VZ; Christie's names 13''' 23 VZ on case 279'352 || Two-register chronograph. Antiquorum calls case 45,343 two-body; Phillips labels case 47'948 Monoblocco. Phillips and Sotheby's assign conflicting dates to that same case.
|-
| 3833 || c.1942–1946 || Oyster || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 VZ base) || Less-documented sibling of the 3525; appears in the Pucci Papaleo and Mondani catalogues alongside the Monoblocco
|}

== Tonneau Oyster chronographs (late 1940s) ==

Post-war tonneau Oyster chronographs include the 4099, 4500, 4537, 4767 and 5034 in specialist and auction tables. Their cases and material combinations vary, and public sources do not provide a dependable production census. The Valjoux 23 family attribution is useful orientation; the movement and case should still be checked on each example.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Case !! Movement !! Key distinction
|-
| 4099 || c.1946–1948 || Tonneau Oyster, ~35mm || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 base) || Earliest of the post-war tonneau Oyster chronographs; very small production
|-
| 4500 || c.1947–1950 || Tonneau Oyster, ~36mm || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 base) || Documented in steel and yellow gold; the surviving record is not a complete production census
|-
| 4537 || c.1947–1950 || Tonneau Oyster || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 base) || Sibling reference; thin published record
|-
| 4767 || c.1948–1950 || Tonneau Oyster || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 base) || Late tonneau-era reference; the surviving auction record is limited
|-
| 5034 || c.1949–1952 || Tonneau Oyster || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 base) || Last of the tonneau Oyster chronographs; bridges into the 6034 generation
|}

== Pre-Cosmograph round Oyster chronographs (1950–1968) ==

Round Oyster chronographs in the 6034, 6234 and 6238 families use pump pushers in the cited descriptions. The 6234 is generally dated to 1955–1961, with approximately 500 made per year in published historical summaries. The 6238 is usually dated to the early-to-late 1960s and overlaps the first 6239 production. It retains the dial tachymeter and smooth bezel; the 6239 moves the scale to the bezel and introduces the Cosmograph name.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Case !! Movement !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:6034|6034]] || introduced c.1950; endpoint disputed || 34–37 mm reported; screw-back case; round pump pushers || Cal. 72 in multiple lots; one 13-ligne/17-jewel example has no caliber named || Dial and case-metal variants; case-construction terminology varies
|-
| [[Reference:6234|6234]] || 1955–1961 || 36mm round Oyster, pump pushers || Cal. 72B (Valjoux 72 base) || ~500 watches per year is a published estimate; the immediate predecessor of the 6238
|-
| [[Reference:6238|6238]] || 1962–1968 (overlap with the 6239) || 36mm Oyster, smooth bezel, pump pushers || Cal. 72B then Cal. 722 (Valjoux 72 base) || Pre-Daytona / Pre-Cosmograph; ~3,965 produced (Dewitte) across steel, 14k, and 18k yellow gold; the layout the 6239 inherits
|}

== Triple-calendar parallels ==

Two related references get grouped with the pre-Daytona chronographs but sit on a different mechanical platform, and neither belongs in the direct line that hands off to the Cosmograph Daytona.

The 6036 and 6236 carry the ''Jean-Claude Killy'' nickname, after the French Olympic skier who owned a 6236, and run the Valjoux 72C, the calendar variant of the Valjoux 72. The 6036 came first (c.1951–1957), then the 6236 (1958–1962). Both are chronograph triple-calendar watches, distinct triple-calendar branch. Pucci Papaleo's ''I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda'' treats them as their own family rather than a step in the Daytona lineage.

The [[Reference:8171|8171]] ''Padellone'' is a triple-calendar moonphase without a chronograph, and belongs in the pre-Daytona historical context only as a sibling complication.

== Movement and case lineage ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Era !! Movement !! Case construction !! Pushers !! References
|-
| Early monopusher (1920s–30s) || Case-specific descriptions vary; no shared caliber assigned || Round, hinged, non-Oyster; 39–41mm examples || One side button || [[Reference:2021|2021]]
|-
| Open-face single-button chronograph (dated examples c.1920–c.1940) || 17-line, 17-jewel manual movements on several catalogued watches; no numeric caliber identified || Round cases with snap-on backs in several records; 47–48.2mm || Crown-integrated button in Christie's lot || [[Reference:2226|2226]]
|-
| Early compact monopusher (1920s–30s) || 17-jewel lever movement reported; caliber unconfirmed || Round or tonneau, snap-back, non-Oyster; 26–30mm examples || Crown or case-band button || [[Reference:2303|2303]]
|-
| Cushion monopusher (1930s examples; later catalogue date) || Bonhams describes a 17-jewel column-wheel movement; VZ 23 nomenclature is documented, but fitment to ref. 2022 is unverified || Cushion case; 32mm Bonhams example with snap-on back and fixed wire lugs || One, coaxial with the winding crown || [[Reference:2022|2022]]
|-
| Ref. 2023 (examples catalogued c.1925, 1930, and 1930s; these dates do not establish a production span) || Antiquorum lists “Caliber 13” for one example; the Field Manual lists V23; Bonhams gives no caliber || Catalogued at 32–33mm in silver and gold || One button; coaxial with the crown on the 1992 example || 2023 (no article)
|-
| Non-Oyster two-pusher (1930s–40s) || Records name Valjoux 22, V23 or VZ; movement-size descriptions conflict on individual examples || Round snap-back, non-Oyster || Two; oval/olive or rectangular || [[Reference:2508|2508]]
|-
| Monoblocco Oyster (1939–1946) || Rolex Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23 VZ) || One-piece upper case, screw-down caseback || Pump || 3525, 3833
|-
| Gold-bezel Oyster chronograph (catalogue terminology varies) || Cal. 13; 13''' 23 VZ reported on one 3668 || Steel case with gold bezel; Antiquorum calls case 45,343 two-body, while Phillips calls case 47'948 Monoblocco || Pump || 3668
|-
| Tonneau Oyster (late 1940s) || Cal. 13 (Valjoux 23) || Three-piece Oyster, tonneau silhouette || Pump on most || 4099, 4500, 4537, 4767, 5034
|-
| Round Oyster chronographs || Cal. 72 is listed on individual 6034 lots; later references include 72A / 72B / 722 labels || Case dimensions and construction descriptions vary by reference || Pump pushers in cited descriptions || 6034, 6234, 6238
|}

The 1951 Ebauches S.A. technical guide labels a two-pusher, 13-line movement VZ 23; Stephen Foskett's Valjoux table lists V23 at 13 lignes and V22 at 14. Antiquorum's 14-ligne VZ attribution for case 49'412 conflicts with those references. The size data do not identify that watch's movement.

Published surveys describe a 72B-to-722 transition within the 6238 family, with the later 722 also used in early Cosmograph references. The exact movement marking should be read from the watch; service replacements are possible. Valjoux 72-family movements are manual wind chronographs and do not provide a date quickset. Detailed jewel counts, hacking status and adjustment grades belong to the individual caliber record.

== Why the line matters ==

The Oyster monopusher 3346 and two-pusher 3525 preceded later round Oyster chronographs. The cited records do not establish a direct mechanical lineage from the 3346 to the 6238 or 6239. The 6238 and 6239 overlap in published production dates, so “pre-Daytona” describes the 6238’s collector position rather than a clean factory succession. Auction records can document wartime provenance or a particular dial, but estimates and isolated results do not define the whole reference family.

[https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, ref. 6034, case 847'307] [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christies, ref. 6034, case 907'744]

== Related references ==

* [[Reference:daytona|Daytona family index]] (Cosmograph line beginning with the 1963 [[Reference:6239|6239]])
* [[Reference:2226|2226]] (early open-face single-button chronograph)
* [[Reference:2303|2303]] (early compact monopusher chronograph)
* Ref. 2023 (early monopusher; no reference article yet)
* [[Reference:3346|3346]] (Oyster monopusher)
* [[Reference:3525|3525]] (wartime Monoblocco chronograph)
* [[Reference:6234|6234]] (round Oyster chronograph)
* [[Reference:6238|6238]] (collector “Pre-Daytona”)
* [[Reference:6239|6239]] (first reference carrying the Daytona name)
* [[Reference:8171|8171 Padellone]] (triple-calendar moonphase sibling)
* [[Reference:Movements|Movements]] (Valjoux 23 and Valjoux 72 families)
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelets]] (early rivet bracelets and end links)
* [[Reference:2022|2022]] (cushion-case monopusher)

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3525 hero.webp|alt=Rolex 3525 Monoblocco chronograph|3525 — an early two-pusher Oyster chronograph, the WWII 'Monoblocco'
File:Ref 6234 hero.webp|alt=Rolex 6234 pre-Daytona chronograph|6234 — pump-pusher round Oyster, ~500 a year through the 1950s
File:Ref 6238 hero.webp|alt=Rolex 6238 Pre-Daytona chronograph|6238 — the "Pre-Daytona," direct predecessor to the 6239
</gallery>

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, ref. 3668 case 47'948] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, ref. 3668 case 47'954, lot 191]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4180735 Christie's, ref. 3668 case 47,130]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's, ref. 3668 case 279'352]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, ref. 3668 case 45'998]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum, ref. 3668 case 45,343]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-lot-280-222 Antiquorum, ref. 3668 case 279358]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-434 Antiquorum, ref. 3668 case 145263]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-oyster-chronograph-antimagnetic-lot-370-111 Antiquorum, ref. 3668 case 45342]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3668 case 47'948]
* [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 15 July 2019, lot 013, ref. 3668 case 45,344]
== Sources ==
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/understanding-the-rolex-non-paul-newman-daytona Danny Milton, "Understanding The Rolex (Non-Paul Newman) Daytona"] — Hodinkee (9 November 2022). Places ref. 2303 in the 1920s; does not cite the underlying advertisement.
* [https://mywatch.ru/articles/art_1874.html "Rolex Chronographs, Part One"] — MyWatch (21 October 2012). Groups ref. 2303 with 1930s chronographs and warns that early reference dates are uncertain.
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie's, model 1074, London, 18 March 1998, lot 140]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie's, ref. 1074 case 25433, London, 9 June 1999, lot 282]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-daytona Sotheby's, "The Rolex Daytona: A Complete Collector's Guide"]

* [https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/rolex-pre-daytona-forgotten-classic Is the Rolex Pre-Daytona a Forgotten Classic?] — Russell Sheldrake, A Collected Man (2020). Most thorough English-language Pre-Daytona survey, built on first-hand interviews with Aurel Bacs, Edmond Saran, and Teddy Dewitte.
* [https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/interview-aurel-bacs Interview: Aurel Bacs] — A Collected Man (October 2017). Bacs's framing of the 6238 as a Daytona sibling rather than a clean predecessor.
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-daytona-chronograph-1963-in-depth-review/ In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Daytona, The Emblematic Racing Chronograph] — Erik Slaven, Monochrome (December 2024). Family-level long-form covering the Pre-Daytona handoff.
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/in-depth-review-rolex-6238-pre-daytona/ In-Depth Review: Rolex 6238 Pre-Daytona] — Edmond Saran, Le Monde Edmond (June 2016). First major scholarly examination of the 6238; cataloged 14 distinct dial / case iterations.
* ''I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda'' — Pucci Papaleo. Italian-language reference catalogue covering the full chronograph line including the Antimagnetique era and the Jean-Claude Killy 6036 / 6236.
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra.
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=valjoux_calibres Stephen Foskett, "Valjoux calibres"] — Watch Wiki. Lists Valjoux 22 at 14 lignes and Valjoux 23 at 13; used only to explain reported movement sizes, not to identify any one 2508 movement.
* [https://myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Valjoux-VZ-23-Technical-Guide.pdf Ebauches S.A., ''Valjoux VZ 23: Technical and Practical Communication for the Guidance of Watch Repairers'', 2nd edition, March 1953 (copyright 1951)]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-2?page=1 Antiquorum, ref. 2023, lot 2] (Vicenza Oro, 18 January 1992). Catalogue describes a 33mm gold monopusher with black dial and crown-mounted pusher.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2023-chronograph-monopoussoir-lot-314-381 Antiquorum, ref. 2023, lot 381] (Monaco, 17 July 2018). Catalogue identifies case 130016, a 32mm silver example and “Caliber 13.”
* [[Reference:2022|Rolex ref. 2022]] — dated examples, movement conflict and source-by-source auction record; includes Bonhams London, 14 December 2016, lot 83.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/83/rolex-an-18k-gold-manual-wind-single-button-chronograph-cushion-form-wristwatch-ref2022-serial-no618-circa-1947/ Bonhams, ref. 2022, serial 618***, London, 14 December 2016, lot 83]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30004/lot/840/rolex-or-ref2023-a-yellow-gold-monopusher-chronograph-wristwatch-circa-1925/ Bonhams, ref. 2023, lot 840] (Hong Kong, 29 November 2024). Bonhams dates the watch to circa 1925, identifies its case as 90267, and shows “2023” engraved on the outer caseback.
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolex Wikipedia, "Rolex" — Rolex chronograph and wartime history] Comprehensive vintage Rolex reference covering 1442 references, including the pre-Daytona chronograph line.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum — Clive Nutting's POW Stalag Luft III watch, ref. 3525 case 185,983] (Geneva, 13 May 2007). Sold "gratis" to Nutting in 1943; full wartime archive; estimate CHF 130,000–160,000.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3525-monoblocco-lot-360-319 Antiquorum — 3525 POW watch delivered to USAAF 1st Lt Leon W. Brownlee] (Geneva, 15 May 2023). Stalag VII-A Moosburg; estimate CHF 60,000+.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-128 Antiquorum — 3525 Monoblocco, case 147,854, pink gold] (The Mondani Collection, Geneva, 14 May 2006).
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/ Sotheby's — 3525 Monoblocco lot] (2019). Glossy black gilt steel example, case 186,144, c.1942.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/ Sotheby's — 3525 Monoblocco lot] (2020). Silvered dial steel example, case 372,822, c.1945.
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, ref. 3462, case 161’501, 2008]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, ref. 3462, case 161’489, 2017]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-140-184 Antiquorum, ref. 3462, lot 184, 1992]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-66-71 Antiquorum, ref. 3462, lot 71, 2000]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/116718 Phillips, ref. 3462, Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX]
* [https://www.phillips.com/auctions/watches Phillips — 3525 Dickins POW lot]. RAF Wing Commander Douglas S. Dickins.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/11293/lot/164/rolex-an-attractive-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel-chronograph-wristwatchref-3668-circa-1956/ Bonhams — 3668 pink gold and steel chronograph] (17 May 2004). Catalogued "circa 1956"; estimate CHF 40,000.
* [https://alpha-hands.com/ Alpha Hands — 3525 case-number research]. Project recording case-number bands across the 1939–1945 production window.
* [https://www.windvintage.com/ Wind Vintage — 3525 POW research].

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie's, ref. 2226 case 1004619, London 2000 lot 713]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Collector Square archive of Antiquorum Geneva 2011 lot 203, case 1004626]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum Geneva 2023 lot 504, case 1005651]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum Geneva 2024 lot 10, case 1004623]

[[Category:Chronograph]]
[[Category:Daytona]]
[[Category:Family Index]]

Reference:3668

2026-10-21T05:24:48Z

Admin: Create researched reference article for ref. 3668

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Chronograph 3668 — Dials, Case and Auction Records | Rolexopedia
|description=Case-numbered records for the 35 mm Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668, including movement reports, dial variants, case construction and conflicting catalogue dates.
|keywords=Rolex 3668, Oyster Chronograph, Antimagnetic, Valjoux 23 VZ, vintage Rolex chronograph, Ronchi Milano
|image=Ref 3668 hero.webp
|image_alt=Pink-dial Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668 with steel and pink-gold bracelet, Sotheby's lot 2291
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Pre-Daytona chronographs]] → '''3668'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Pink-dial Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3668 with steel and pink-gold bracelet|Ref. 3668, case 47'948. Sotheby's, lot 2291 (2025). Photo: Sotheby's.]]
</div>

Ref. 3668 is a 35 mm Oyster chronograph with two registers and an engine-turned gold bezel joined to a steel case. Auction catalogues show pink and yellow-gold bezels, several dial layouts, and both bracelets and straps. They date individual examples from circa 1939 to circa 1946, but the case-number and date pairings conflict; the factory production span is not established.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Documented record
|-
| Model || Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic, two-register layout
|-
| Reference || 3668
|-
| Case || Stainless steel with pink- or yellow-gold bezel and crown documented
|-
| Diameter || 35 mm in multiple auction catalogues
|-
| Movement || Manual, 17 jewels in published examples; Cal. 13 / VZ 23-family descriptions vary by lot
|-
| Dial || Pink, black and silvered examples; one retailer-signed Ronchi Milano dial
|-
| Crystal || Plexiglas listed for one 1945-catalogued example
|-
| Production span || Not established; catalogue dates apply to individual watches
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Christie's describes the 3668 as following ref. 3481 in the early Oyster chronograph line and calls it the larger model. Antiquorum compares the 3668's design with ref. 4500, which it identifies as Monoblocco. Published catalogues use both labels. Antiquorum describes case 45,343 as two-body and compares the reference with the 4500 Monoblocco. Phillips called case 47'948 “Monoblocco” in 2018. That same case later appeared at Sotheby's, which dated it circa 1946; Phillips dated it circa 1939. The catalogues do not resolve whether Monoblocco here names the model or its case construction.

The movement and two-register arrangement place the 3668 among Rolex's hand-wound chronographs before the round 6034 and 6234 generations. The dates assigned to the watches do not establish a neat production handoff from one reference to another.

==Production outline==

Auction catalogues provide scattered dates rather than a factory chronology. Phillips dates case 47'954 to circa 1939 and also dates case 47'948 to circa 1939; Antiquorum dates case 45,343 to 1940; Christie's gives 1941 to cases 47,130 and 45'998; and its case 279'352 is dated 1943. Accademia Fine Art dates case 45,344 to 1945, while Sotheby's dates the same case 47'948 to circa 1946. Those assignments do not track case number consistently. Bonhams once catalogued an example circa 1956, but without a case number that isolated estimate cannot extend the production span.

The 1941 and 1945 dates assigned to cases 45'998 and 45,344 are an especially clear conflict: the lower-numbered case receives the later date. Treat these as catalogue estimates for separate watches, not as a serial-year chart.

==Movement notes==

Christie's identifies a 13′′′ 23 VZ, 17-jewel movement in case 279'352. Other Christie's and Antiquorum records give Cal. 13 or VZ, usually with 17 jewels; Sotheby's names a 17-jewel VZ without the 23 suffix. These catalogues support a Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23 VZ-family attribution for documented examples. Check the movement marking on the watch before assigning a suffix or assuming every example has the same configuration.

Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' (Morning Tundra) pairs ref. 3668 with Cal. 13 and lists twin pushers, twin registers, an engine-turned bezel and screw-down crown. Its table gives no case-numbered example or date range.

The movement drives constant seconds and a 30-minute chronograph register. The dials retain the two-counter layout across the documented examples. The broader lineage is in the [[Reference:Movements|Cal. 13 entry]].

==Dial map==

The documented dial layouts differ in color, scales and signatures. Christie's and Antiquorum describe pink dials with tachymeter and telemeter scales. Antiquorum also records a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and both scales. Christie's case 279'352 has a silvered dial without the tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer outer tracks. Accademia Fine Art's 1945 catalogue shows a dark-pink dial signed Ronchi Milano. These are documented examples, not a complete factory dial sequence.

Antiquorum graded the dial of case 145263 as reprinted. That is a condition note for one watch, not a separate factory variant.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3668 dial.webp|Pink dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales, case 47'954; Phillips, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|Pink dial and gold bezel on case 47'948; Sotheby's, lot 2291 (2025)
File:Ref 3668 black dial.webp|Black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and dual scales, case 279358; Antiquorum, lot 222 (2014)
</gallery>

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==

Catalogues consistently give a 35 mm diameter. The documented case is steel, with a reeded or engine-turned bezel and crown in pink or yellow gold. Antiquorum describes case 45,343 as two-body, with concave lugs, a screwed-down back and crown, and a gold bezel joined to the steel case. Phillips catalogued case 47'948 as “Monoblocco”; the surviving descriptions do not settle whether that term refers to construction or model name. The case has two chronograph pushers in the band. A 2019 catalogue lists Plexiglas for case 45,344; the available records do not establish a reference-wide crystal specification.

[[File:Ref 3668 bezel.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Close view of the reeded gold bezel, hour markers and dial scales on ref. 3668 case 47'954|Reeded bezel and dot-and-baton markers, case 47'954. Phillips, lot 191 (2022).]]

==Bracelets, clasps, and packaging==

Auction records show steel-and-gold rice-grain, brick-link, expanding and Jubilee bracelets. Phillips lists a deployant clasp; Antiquorum records a steel buckle on case 45,343 and a steel/pink-gold deployant on case 145263. Accademia Fine Art lists a leather strap on the Ronchi Milano example. These records describe individual watches and do not prove which bracelet or strap was supplied at delivery. Phillips lists a Rolex presentation box with its lot; that does not make the box specific to ref. 3668.

[[File:Ref 3668 bracelet.webp|thumb|right|250px|alt=Steel and pink-gold ref. 3668 shown with its two-tone bracelet and case profile|Case and two-tone bracelet, case 47'954. Phillips, lot 191 (2022).]]

==Special branches==

The Ronchi Milano dial is the clearest retailer-signed example in the records reviewed. Accademia Fine Art's 2019 catalogue describes a dark-pink dial with the retailer's name, case 45,344, Cal. 13 with 17 jewels, Plexiglas and a leather strap. The catalogue does not establish whether the dial was supplied by Rolex or fitted for the retailer, so the signature should be treated as an observed configuration rather than a confirmed factory branch.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Catalogue !! Case !! Date assigned !! Recorded details
|-
| Phillips, New York, lot 97 (2018) || 47'948 || c.1939 || 35 mm; salmon dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales; manual VZ, 17 jewels; steel and pink gold; catalogued as Monoblocco
|-
| Phillips, Geneva Watch Auction XV, lot 191 (2022) || 47'954 || c.1939 || 35 mm; pink-gold bezel and steel case; pink dial; manual 17-jewel movement; two-tone Rolex bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 259 (2006) || 45,343 || 1940 || 35 mm; two-body case; pink-gold engine-turned bezel; 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement; steel buckle
|-
| Christie's, lot 4180735 || 47,130 || 1941 || 35 mm; gilt dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales; pink-gold reeded bezel; link bracelet
|-
| Christie's, lot 5731344 || 45'998 || 1941 || Pink dial with black tachymeter and blue telemeter scales; VZ 13′′′, 17 jewels; steel/pink-gold rice-grain bracelet
|-
| Christie's, lot 5130820 || 279'352 || 1943 || Cal. 13′′′ 23 VZ, 17 jewels; silvered dial without tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer outer scales
|-
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 434 (2010) || 145263 || 1940s || Pink dial graded reprinted; Cal. 13, 17 jewels; steel/pink-gold expanding bracelet
|-
| Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 222 (2014) || 279358 || c.1944 || Black luminous Arabic dial; yellow-gold engine-turned bezel; Cal. 13, 17 jewels
|-
| Accademia Fine Art Monaco, lot 013 (2019) || 45,344 || 1945 || Dark-pink Ronchi Milano dial; Cal. 13, 17 jewels; Plexiglas; leather strap
|-
| Antiquorum Monaco, lot 111 (2024) || 45342 || c.1946 || Pink-gold-capped bezel; steel/pink-gold Jubilee bracelet; 35 mm
|-
| Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 2291 (2025) || 47'948 || c.1946 || Pink dial; 17-jewel VZ movement; steel/pink-gold brick-link bracelet; 35 mm
|-
| Bonhams, sale 11293 lot 164 (2004) || Not stated || c.1956 || Isolated late catalogue estimate; not used to extend the production span
|}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3668 hero.webp|Case 47'948, Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 2291 (2025)
File:Ref 3668 dial.webp|Case 47'954, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 bezel.webp|Reeded bezel and case detail, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 bracelet.webp|Case profile and bracelet, Phillips Geneva, lot 191 (2022)
File:Ref 3668 black dial.webp|Black-dial example, case 279358; Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 222 (2014)
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips, "Phillips, The Geneva Watch Auction: XV, lot 191 — Rolex ref. 3668, case 47'954", Phillips, 2022-05-07]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/NY080118/97 Phillips, "Phillips New York, December 2018, lot 97 — ref. 3668 case 47'948", Phillips, 2018-12-05]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4180735 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 47,130, lot 4180735", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130820 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 279'352, lot 5130820", Christie's]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731344 Christie's, "Christie's, ref. 3668 case 45'998, lot 5731344", Christie's]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-259 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, May 2006, lot 259 — ref. 3668 case 45,343", Antiquorum, 2006-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-lot-280-222 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Hong Kong, February 2014, lot 222 — ref. 3668 case 279358", Antiquorum, 2014-02-22]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-434 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, November 2010, lot 434 — ref. 3668 case 145263", Antiquorum, 2010-11-13]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-oyster-chronograph-antimagnetic-lot-370-111 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Monaco, July 2024, lot 111 — ref. 3668 case 45342", Antiquorum, 2024-07-13]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Hong Kong, Important Watches 3, lot 2291 — ref. 3668 case 47'948", Sotheby's, 2025-10-21]
* [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, "Accademia Fine Art Monaco, 15 July 2019, lot 013 — ref. 3668 case 45,344", Accademia Fine Art, 2019-07-15]
* [https://www.hautetime.com/throwback-thursday-rolex-oyster-chronograph-reference-3668/ Martin Green, "Martin Green, Throwback Thursday: Rolex Oyster Chronograph Reference 3668", Haute Time, 2018-01-11]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=12749128 powerfunk, "Rolex Forums, Every Rolex chronograph reference ever made", Rolex Forums]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/11293/lot/164/rolex-an-attractive-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel-chronograph-wristwatchref-3668-circa-1956/ "Rolex Ref. 3668 pink gold and steel chronograph — Bonhams", Bonhams, 2004-05-17]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra]

[[Category:Chronograph]]

File:Ref 3668 bracelet.webp

2026-10-21T05:24:48Z

Admin: Reference 3668 — bracelet. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

Reference 3668 — bracelet. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

File:Ref 3668 bezel.webp

2026-10-21T05:24:47Z

Admin: Reference 3668 — bezel. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

Reference 3668 — bezel. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

File:Ref 3668 black dial.webp

2026-10-21T05:24:47Z

Admin: Reference 3668 — dial variant black. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-lot-280-222 Antiquorum]

Reference 3668 — dial variant black. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3668-lot-280-222 Antiquorum]

File:Ref 3668 dial.webp

2026-10-21T05:24:47Z

Admin: Reference 3668 — dial. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

Reference 3668 — dial. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080122/191 Phillips]

File:Ref 3668 hero.webp

2026-10-21T05:24:46Z

Admin: Reference 3668 — hero. Source: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's]

Reference 3668 — hero. Source: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-3/reference-3668-a-pink-gold-and-stainless-steel Sotheby's]

Reference:bubbleback

2026-10-21T04:53:24Z

Admin: Separate ref. 6029 evidence from the 1952–53 ref. 6098 chronology

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex bubbleback}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex bubbleback — Production, Dial Variants, Serial Ranges | Rolexopedia
|description=Early Rolex Oyster Perpetual references with domed casebacks, documented examples, and catalogue dates into the late 1950s.
|keywords=Rolex Bubbleback, Ovetto, Ovettone, Padellone, Oyster Perpetual, Monoblocco, Submarine Hermetique, 1858, 3131, 3372, 4467, 3666, 6098, 8171, 3525, 3003, 6105, Datejust, Precision, Cal. 520, Cal. 620, Cal. 630, Cal. 1030, vintage Rolex, collector guide
|image=Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement with an Oyster Perpetual watch
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|published_time=2026-04-17T21:11:45Z
|modified_time=2026-07-18T12:59:54Z
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

== Rolex Oyster & Bubbleback ==

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Bubbleback_vintage_poster.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement|Vintage Rolex Bubbleback advertisement]]
</div>

The Bubbleback is Rolex's early Oyster Perpetual family. The automatic rotor needed a deeper case than a hand-wound movement, so Rolex domed the back over the mechanism. Later references with thinner movements could use flatter backs. Auction catalogues date some large no-date examples, including ref. 5026, into the late 1950s; those estimates do not set an endpoint for the whole family. Italian collectors call the standard 32mm case Ovetto and the 36mm cases Ovettone.

== Common entry points ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a first-generation Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1858|1858]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Catalogued watches carry dates of 1933, circa 1935, and the 1930s.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a two-piece case Bubbleback?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3131|3131]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First two-piece case Bubbleback. The 1936 case simplification, precious-metal only (9K, 14K, 18K yellow and pink gold), Cal 620 with sub-seconds.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from a Luxury Model dial photo?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:3372|3372]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The "Luxury Model" name appears in period advertising; documented examples and manual entries show several bezel and seconds configurations.</div></div></div>
</div>

== Pre-Oyster / Submarine (1922–1926) ==

Rolex dates its Submarine to 1922 and describes a watch hinged inside a second case, with a screw-down bezel and crystal; reaching the crown required opening the outer case. David Boettcher distinguishes Hermetic watches sold under the Submarine name from watches branded Rolex. Jean Finger's 1921 Swiss patent CH 89276 describes a stem-wound watch with a protective case. Boettcher notes that Wilsdorf's 1922 British patent describes the same case design but does not name Finger. [https://www.rolex.com/oyster-story/visionary-undertaking/building-an-impenetrable-defence Rolex, “Building an impenetrable defence”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexhermetic.php Boettcher, “Rolex Hermetic”]; [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogrolexsubmarine.php Boettcher, “Rolex Submarine?”]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3666|3666]] || Cargills catalogue: 1924; Bonhams: circa 1925 || Manual, 15 jewels in catalogues; caliber unconfirmed || 32–33mm silver hinged-case Hermetique || Cargills calls its watch “Submarine Hermetique” and reports Rolex signatures; Phillips catalogues a separate 1940 chronograph as ref. 3666 ([https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Bold Timepieces]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/watchesofknightsbridge/catalogue-id-srwatc10008/pdfexport Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 376]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080216/54 Phillips])
|}

== Pre-Perpetual Oyster ==

Before the Bubbleback, Rolex produced manual-wind Oysters. Auction catalogues identify several with 10½- or 9¾-ligne Aegler Hunter movements at Prima, Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots also name Prima and Ultra Prima grades, but do not assign a numeric caliber. Glasgow import hallmarks recur on British-market examples; the assay date belongs to the case, not necessarily the watch’s manufacture.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1925|1925]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1925, 1928 and to the 1930s; Antiquorum: 1920s; production span unknown || Prima (9′′′/15j and six-position description) and Ultra Prima (15j); caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, faceted tonneau and octagonal; 28 × 28 to 32 × 31mm; gold, silver, nickel || Lot-specific dials; Vintage & Prestige stock W3770 reproduces a 1930 guarantee recording sale on a Milanese band; 260554 is a British winding-crown patent number, while its role in the Bonhams watch’s catalogue field remains unverified
|-
| [[Reference:2081|2081]] || Auction dates range from the 1920s to 1948; span unproved || 10-ligne/15-jewel Prima and 10½-ligne/17-jewel lots; one 1947 lot names Cal. 700, 10½-ligne/15-jewel Extra-Prima || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless steel, 9K gold and chrome-plated examples || “Standard Oyster,” “Oyster Imperial” and “Oyster Chronometer” catalogue labels; Antiquorum’s steel-only note conflicts with gold and chrome-plated lots
|-
| [[Reference:1069|1069]] || Antiquorum dates lots to 1920s; Christie's circa 1930; span unproved || Manual; 11-ligne/15j movement reported once; other descriptions differ || Cushion; catalogued 30–32mm, steel and silver-plated examples || Solar Aqua/Anti-Magnetic dial; caseback 21836 has a conflicting 1940s seller date
|-
| [[Reference:1072|1072]] || Auctions date examples to the 1930s, circa 1938, and 1940s; one dealer assigns circa 1927, span unresolved || 10-ligne/18j and 15-jewel Prima descriptions; caliber unconfirmed || Cushion, 31–34mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Silvered Arabic, gilt-baton, two-tone 24-hour, and one Bucherer-signed dealer dial record
|-
| [[Reference:1073|1073]] || Antiquorum circa 1926; Christie's circa 1930; Bonhams 1930s; dealer 1934; production span unproved || Antiquorum: 10½-ligne Extra Prima, 15j; other auction lots name Prima grades || Cushion, 31–32mm; stainless-steel and chrome descriptions || Enamel Breguet, silvered Arabic, Roman, and one dealer-described California dial
|-
| [[Reference:2136|2136]] || c.1926–1940 || 10½′′′ Hunter, 15j manual || 32–34mm octagonal / cushion || Early manual-wind gold Oyster; Borgel-lineage three-piece construction; same reference reused c.1960 for a Cal. 1400 Precision
|-
| [[Reference:34075|34075]] || Christie’s dates the individual watch 1926; Sotheby’s reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927; production series unproved || 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, 17j (Sotheby’s) || 9ct gold octagonal case, wire lugs, 31 × 27mm (Christie’s) || Gleitze’s ‘Companion Oyster’; Christie’s calls it No. 34075, Sotheby’s calls it reference 34075; single object record
|-
| [[Reference:2849|2849]] || Christie’s dates examples circa 1936, 1938 and 1940; Antiquorum dates two cases to 1937; production span unproved || Christie’s describes 18-jewel lever/Hunter movements; Antiquorum attributes 17-jewel Cal. 500 to two 1937 watches, with one lot’s stated caliber dates conflicting || 32–33mm; steel examples and one steel-and-gold catalogue description, disputed against a steel-only note || Broad stepped bezel; period “Oyster De Luxe” wording and later “Lifesaver” nickname
|-
| [[Reference:3003|3003]] · [[Reference:3004|3004]] || 1937 launch || Manual lever movements; two auction lots describe 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples || One catalogued 3003 is 27mm steel/pink gold; one 3004 is 30mm steel || First pair listed under Oyster Precision; documented examples differ in case and seconds layout
|-
| [[Reference:1873|1873]] || Most auction dates c.1930–1940; Cambi lists c.1954 || Manual; 15–18j; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades || 31–32mm; seven steel entries, one 9K gold; tonneau-form cases catalogued || Eight auction entries; one flat-back title; Cambi describes central seconds
|}

== Other manual-wind Oyster references ==

Manual-wind Oyster references ran alongside the automatic Bubbleback. Auction records describe tonneau or cushion cases and manual movements; the automatic Bubbleback line used rotor movements.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1573|1573]] || Auction examples dated circa 1930 through the 1940s; production span unknown || Manual; Antiquorum photo shows 15 jewels; Master of Time assigns Cal. 600 (17 jewels) to one Viceroy example; not confirmed across the reference || Tonneau/tortue; 28–29 × 38–39mm across catalogues; steel, steel/gold-bezel and 9ct gold examples || BEYER-signed black dial and Dobbies attribution documented; Imperial and Viceroy are sale names, not established production variants
|-
| [[Reference:2280|2280]] || Auction examples circa 1935–1943; production span unconfirmed || Manual; 15–17 jewels in catalogues; Watch LIFE News identifies one pictured example as Cal. 710 || Tonneau Oyster, 29–33 mm; steel, including one with a pink-gold bezel || Catalogue titles include Oyster Royal, Royal Observatory, Royalite, Majestic Observatory and Speedking; centre/subsidiary seconds, 12/24-hour and sector dials
|-
| [[Reference:2416|2416]] || Catalogue examples and marks mainly mid-1930s to circa 1940; range unproved || Manual; 15 jewels reported on several lots; Christie’s also describes an Ultra Prima movement; one parts table lists 10½ lignes; numbered caliber unconfirmed || Cushion case, 27–28mm in 9ct examples; one 18ct example || Murdock’s Cape Town signature; one white Roman-numeral dial with soldered lugs; dealer-described “England Dial” and Speedking inscriptions; Oyster Watch Co. cases with Rolex/Aegler movements reported
|-
| [[Reference:3139|3139]] || c.1940–1942 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm cushion Oyster, 3-piece || Only Rolex with "Army" on the dial; cushion case in the Borgel-derived 1920s family; documented British military and civilian examples
|-
| [[Reference:3351|3351]] || Auction dates circa 1935 and 1940s; Dawsons estimates circa 1942; a collector post dates a pictured Seaforth circa 1942; run unknown ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit]) || Cal. 59 reported on Standard/Regent/Lincoln examples; separate Extra Prima ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor 3351-F]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) || 28–29mm; circular hooded-lug or cushion; steel, gilt/gold-filled and two-tone cases || Standard, Regent, Lincoln and Extra Precision labels; Seaforth/Observatory dial. Dealer archives write 3351-F/3351f; suffix meaning unresolved ([https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor])
|-
| [[Reference:3359|3359]] || c.1939–1947 || 10½′′′ Hunter, manual || 32mm tonneau Oyster, two-tone SS + pink gold || ''Viceroy''-signed dial; two-tone SS case with pink gold bezel; applied luminous numerals
|-
| [[Reference:3358|3358]] || auction examples dated c.1940 and 1942; range unproved || Cal. 700 directly named on one lot; manual movement on another || Steel three-body Oyster with pink-gold bezel; catalogued diameters 28, 29 and 30mm || Separate ''Viceroy'' and ''Oyster Chronomètre'' dial descriptions; not an automatic Bubbleback
|-
| [[Reference:2765|2765]] || c.1939–1942 catalogue dates; range unproved || 10–10½-ligne manual, 17–18j; caliber unresolved || 31–32mm steel tonneau Oyster; screw-down back and crown || Misclassified as a Bubbleback on collector lists; ten auction appearances represent eight watches
|-
| [[Reference:2784|2784]] || individual catalogue estimates c.1930–1945; range unproved || Manual, 15–17j; FHF 30 is a family-level possibility (Tudor Cal. 59); no original 2784 movement confirms it || Usually 30–31mm barrel Oyster; steel and steel/gold documented || Junior Sport, Lipton, Viceroy, Raleigh, Centregraph and photographed Solar Aqua names
|-
| [[Reference:3009|3009]] || range unproved; Glasgow import mark 1937 and presentation inscription 1947 || Mostly catalogued manual, 17–18j; Cal. 700 family attribution probable; two repeated LSK automatic descriptions unresolved || 30–33mm precious-metal tonneau Oyster || White enamel Scientific dial plus Observatory, 24-hour, California and silvered layouts
|-
| [[Reference:3096|3096]] || Bonhams c.1930; Sotheby’s c.1937; span unproved. Gardiner Houlgate reports 1937 Glasgow import marks on the watch with serial 41066 || Manual winding on Bonhams example; 18-jewel/six-position and jewelled-lever descriptions elsewhere; caliber unconfirmed || 30mm gold cushion case; 9ct/9K in three records; Gardiner Houlgate describes hooded lugs || “Oyster Chronometer” wording; central seconds on one example and subsidiary seconds on three
|-
| [[Reference:4220|4220]] || c.1944–1948 || Cal. 59 manual, 17j || 30mm tonneau Oyster SS || ''Speedking'' line; California dial; a documented 1940s small-Oyster manual-wind configuration
|}

== First Bubbleback ==

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual identifies ref. 1858 as the first Bubbleback and lists Cal. 520. Vintage & Prestige also lists Cal. 520 for stock W2107; Hodinkee's 2024 family guide assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Antiquorum dates one example to 1933 and another to circa 1935; Phillips dates case 52,736 to circa 1935, while Antiquorum Hong Kong gives circa 1930s. WatchNet Japan lists a stainless-steel example, product A-6378, at 30.5 mm with a four-part case. Antiquorum, Aste Bolaffi, and WatchNet describe engraved watchmaker instructions on individual watches.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:1858|1858]] || Catalogued examples dated 1933, circa 1935, and 1930s || Field Manual and dealer listings attribute Cal. 520; Hodinkee assigns Cal. 620 to the first series; catalogues report 8¾ or 9¾ line and 17 or 19 jewels || 30.5–32 mm in individual listings; three-body and four-part cases || First Bubbleback per the Field Manual; instructions engraved on several catalogued movements
|}

== Two-piece case era (1936–1944) ==

Rolex introduced a two-piece Bubbleback case with refs. 3131 and 3132 in 1936. Other references still appear in catalogues as three-body cases, including the 3134. Cal. 620 (subsidiary seconds) and Cal. 630 (sweep seconds) became the dominant automatic calibers, developed by Emile Borer at Aegler.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:2240|2240]] || 1930s–1940s catalogue dates; range unproved || 9¾-ligne automatic, 19j, centre seconds; caliber unresolved || 32mm steel tonneau; back profile unshown on specialist-catalogued examples || Bubbleback classification probable; a separately attributed watch has a domed back but no published reference engraving
|-
| [[Reference:3131|3131]] || 1936–1948 || Cal. 620, 17j, sub-seconds || 32mm tonneau, 2-piece || First two-piece case Bubbleback; precious-metal only (9K/14K/18K YG & PG)
|-
| [[Reference:3134|3134]] || c.1939–1957 catalogue dates; production span unknown || Automatic; 9½ and 9¾ lignes reported; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32 mm in most catalogues, with 30, 32.5 and 33 mm outliers; tonneau, three-body descriptions || Steel, a steel/yellow-gold case and two steel/gold listings with alloy unspecified; California-dial originality unconfirmed
|-
| [[Reference:3135|3135]] || 1938–c.1945 catalogue dates || 9¾-ligne automatic family; caliber unresolved; subsidiary and centre seconds documented || 32–33mm steel tonneau; one example catalogued as two-body || Sector, Roman, radium, pink and 24-hour dials documented; manual-wind listing is a probable 3135/3136 catalogue error
|-
| [[Reference:3599|3599]] || 1939–1946 catalogue dates || Early Perpetual family; Cal. 635 documented with subsidiary seconds || 31–34mm catalogued, fitted hood covers || Mainly steel; wide flat bezel; fluted and smooth hoods; centre-seconds auction examples have unresolved caliber and factory status
|-
| [[Reference:3372|3372]] || auction estimates c.1938–c.1959; factory range unconfirmed || Cal. 630 listed by Field Manual and named in one lot; other catalogues give 9¾-ligne / N 1411; centre and subsidiary seconds recorded || tonneau case; 32–33mm in cited lots; case and bezel variants || "Luxury Model" name reported in period advertising; 3372/0 listed with smooth polished bezel; dials need lot-specific originality checks
|}

== Straight-lug Empire Oyster ==

Collector Marcus Siems groups the straight-lug refs. 3548 and 3716 under the name Empire; Antiquorum says period advertisements used the Italian form “Impero.” The 3548 has centre seconds and the 3716 subsidiary seconds. Catalogue dates for 3716 examples range from circa 1940 to an outlying 1950s attribution, so the group does not supply a confirmed production span. See [[Reference:3548|3548]] and [[Reference:3716|3716]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3716|3716]] || Catalogued circa 1940–46; one 1989 catalogue gives a 1950s date || 9¾-ligne automatic; Cal. 620 / 635 assignments conflict || 31–32 mm straight-lug case; steel, yellow and pink gold examples || Subsidiary seconds; paired in collector sources with centre-seconds ref. 3548
|}

== Early two-pusher Oyster chronograph (1939–mid-1940s) ==

The 3525 is commonly described as the first two-pusher chronograph in Rolex’s Oyster case; earlier Oyster-cased monopusher chronographs existed. Its one-piece upper case gave rise to the collector term ''Monoblocco''. Some surviving examples have documented wartime orders and deferred payment, including those catalogued for Clive Nutting and Leon Brownlee.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:3525|3525]] || catalogue examples c.1940–1945; factory span unconfirmed || Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23 family, manual chronograph || ~35mm monobloc Oyster SS/gold || Commonly described as an early two-pusher Oyster chronograph; earlier Oyster monopushers existed. Nutting example offered in 2007 with CHF 130,000–160,000 estimate; result not shown
|}

== First Datejust / Ovettone (1945–1953) ==

The 4467 launched in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary. The 4467 article covers the early Datejust, its 36mm case, Jubilee bracelet and documented examples.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4467|4467]] || 1945–1949 || Cal. A.295 (= 740/745), 18j || 36mm 18K YG/PG tonneau, 2-piece || Early Datejust; early Jubilee and solid end-link configuration; ''Ovettone''; date wheel evolves all-black → all-red → roulette
|-
| [[Reference:4984|4984]] || Christie's/HENRY's c.1940s–c.1945 (likely same watch); About Time estimates c.1947; span unknown || Automatic; caliber not identified; movement nos. N15927 (likely repeat sale) and N880639 || ~32mm; pink- and yellow-gold examples || Two photographed watches; individual two-tone and silver dial descriptions; no factory variant range established
|-
| [[Reference:5030|5030]] || circa 1948 || Cal. A.295 / 740 (see reference-specific sources) || 36mm; solid gold examples || Early date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; paired with the 5031 in some collector usage
|-
| [[Reference:5031|5031]] || auction dates range from circa 1948 to the 1960s || Automatic in sale catalogues; caliber unresolved || 34–36mm in catalogues; steel and pink or yellow gold described || Date at 3; movement and case details vary by example
|-
| [[Reference:6031|6031]] || auction dates include circa 1949–1950 and the 1950s || Automatic in catalogues; caliber unresolved || 35–36mm; 18K yellow and pink gold catalogued || Date-equipped Oyster Perpetual; left-hand examples catalogued with crown at 9
|-
| [[Reference:6074|6074]] || Platinum commission dated 1950; gold attributions circa 1950s unresolved || Cal. 630 NA on one gold watch with reworked caseback; 9¾-ligne/17j on platinum lot; no reference-wide assignment || 34–36mm in separate catalogues || Platinum example has smooth bezel; gold examples need attribution checks
|-
| [[Reference:6075|6075]] || Auction dates include 1950–51; one c.1961 estimate conflicts || A.295 and A.296 attributed in separate catalogues || 35–36mm; 18K YG/PG and steel + YG; one 10K YG catalogue description || Gold, pink-gold and two-tone cases; one photographed Datejust dial is graded restored
|-
| [[Reference:6105|6105]] || Early 1950s; catalogue dates vary || A.296 and 745-attributed examples || 36mm; gold and two-tone examples || Early dial-signed Datejust; often credited as first, but factory first use is not settled by the 6075 restored dial
|}

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5026 ==

Ref. 5026 is documented in 36 mm steel automatic examples with subsidiary seconds. Auction catalogues date individual watches from circa 1946 to circa 1958, but those estimates do not define the reference's production span. Aste Bolaffi assigns automatic Cal. 720/18 jewels to case 443371; other catalogues do not name a caliber. [[Reference:5026|The reference article]] records the case, dial, movement, and bracelet evidence. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-time-travel/rolex-steel-bubble-back-enamel-dial-ref-5026-123/71687 Christie's, lot 123] [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5026-lot-297-239 Antiquorum, lot 239]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5028 ==

Ref. 5028 is a large, no-date automatic Oyster Perpetual catalogued in steel and 18K gold, usually grouped with the Ovettone Bubblebacks. Case measurements in sale records are 35–36 mm. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945; Christie's gives circa 1946 for that same case and dates case 493076 to 1946. Other dated examples include Monaco Legend case 411813 (1958) and an unnumbered Antiquorum watch dated to the 1960s. These catalogue dates do not establish a production span. Records show centre-seconds and dual-seconds dials; movement descriptions vary between 10½ and 11 lignes and do not settle a single caliber. See [[Reference:5028|the case and dial record for ref. 5028]]. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, 2023, lot 47] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, New York 2026, lot 98] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, Geneva 2006, lot 32] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 126] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

== Large no-date Oyster Perpetual: ref. 5029 ==

Auction catalogues document separate 5029 examples dated circa 1947 and 1949, in two-tone steel and gold, yellow gold, and pink gold. The 35–36 mm cases carry different dial and bezel layouts. Catalogued movement descriptions vary between A.295, “Super Balance 730,” and 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements; each remains tied to its own example. [[Reference:5029|The reference article]] records the case-numbered evidence and disputed listings. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, lot 144] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295]

== Late small Bubbleback examples ==

Auction catalogues date individual ref. 5002 watches from circa 1945 to circa 1952, and ref. 5006 examples from 1948 into the 1950s. Dealer and auction listings also identify ref. 5045 examples around 1949–50; the Loupe This lot includes a photograph of the inner caseback stamp. The 5002 records describe 23–26 mm steel, two-tone, and gold cases; 5006 records give 29–30 mm steel and gold examples. For 5013, Doyle and Linckersdorff list solid-gold watches; Curious Curio, Cool Auction, and GMTBroker describe steel cases with gold bezels. The examined listings show several dial layouts, but do not establish their order or factory originality. Cool Auction assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA to its individual watch. A Rolex Forums chart gives 9.75 lignes, a size notation rather than a caliber. One marketplace listing describes a centre-seconds chapter-ring 5013, but its photograph shows no reference stamp or caseback, so that attribution is unverified. Ref. 5052 appears in two case-numbered auction records: Christie’s describes pink-gold case 653977 as self-winding and dates it to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates steel case 663654 to the 1950s. Both records give 32 mm. The available examples do not establish a production span or numbered caliber. See [[Reference:5052|the 5052 article]]. These dates and configurations belong to individual records, not production endpoints. Christie’s describes its circa-1940 ref. 6006 as a Bubble Back. Later Christie’s and Antiquorum catalogues document gold examples dated 1952–55, with both central and subsidiary seconds. The 1952 Antiquorum watch is case 927300, with Cal. 520 and a restored subsidiary-seconds dial. These lot dates do not establish production boundaries. See [[Reference:6006|the 6006 record]]. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1588049 Christie’s, circa-1940 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie’s, 1953 ref. 6006] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie’s, circa-1955 ref. 6006] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, item 14105766] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, product 7593] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, lot 33] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 107] [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125] [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, 5013 listing] [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums model-to-caliber chart, 5013 row]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production evidence !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:5002|5002]] || Catalogue dates circa 1945–1952; run unverified || Automatic; Cal. 420 assignment uncertain because its catalogue describes centre-seconds, while 5002 lots describe subsidiary seconds || 23–26 mm in cited lots; steel, steel/pink gold, yellow gold, pink gold, and rose gold || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual with subsidiary seconds; Field Manual lists /7 and /8 suffix descriptions, not tied to observed lots
|-
| [[Reference:5003|5003]] || Individual catalogue estimates circa 1949–1953; later 1960s estimates and a weak circa-1972 transcription conflict; run unverified || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; numeric caliber unidentified || 23–27 mm; steel, steel/gold, 10K and 18K gold examples || Ladies’ Oyster Perpetual; Field Manual lists /3, /7, /8 variants, not matched to auction examples
|-
| [[Reference:5006|5006]] || Individual records dated 1948 through the 1950s; run unverified || Automatic; Field Manual lists Chronometer Perpetual variants; numeric caliber unresolved || 29–30 mm; steel, steel with yellow- or rose-gold bezel, and gold listed || Mid-size suffix variants 5006/3 and 5006/7 in the Field Manual; auction dial descriptions differ
|-
| [[Reference:5010|5010]] || Catalogue examples circa 1945–1955; production span unverified || Automatic, centre seconds; 9¾-ligne size in catalogues, numbered caliber unresolved || Steel and two-tone; 31–33 mm in cited records || Oyster Perpetual grouped with Bubblebacks by collectors; Phillips records a 1950 Anno Sancto bezel. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-856369 Christie's] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]
|-
| [[Reference:5013|5013]] || Individual listings date examples to the 1940s; production span unknown || Automatic, subsidiary seconds; one seller assigns Cal. 630 / 630NA; reference-wide caliber unresolved || Approx. 32 mm; solid-gold and steel/gold examples listed || Cream Arabic-and-baton, Roman, wedge-marker, and silver Arabic dials appear in separate records; sequence and originality are not established
|-
| [[Reference:5045|5045]] || Individual examples dated circa 1949–50; production span unverified || Automatic; chart and dealer give different 9¾-line NA and 10½-line NA movement-size/family designations; no caliber established || 31–32 mm; steel and rose-gold or bi-color listings || Inner caseback stamp photographed on one example; silver 12-3-6-9 and wedge-marker dials appear in listings; one listing describes luminous markers around a circular minute track. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI] [https://timeanagram.com/products/12221 TIMEANAGRAM]
|-
| [[Reference:5052|5052]] || Christie’s dates case 653977 to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk dates case 663654 to the 1950s; production span unknown || Automatic in two auctioned examples; Rolex case table lists 9¾-ligne automatic movement; numbered caliber unresolved || Pink gold and steel; 32 mm in both case-numbered records || Christie’s records subsidiary seconds on case 653977; the automatic case 663654 has a conflicting manual-wind Cal. 635 attribution with an incomplete serial in a later catalogue
|-
| [[Reference:5018|5018]] || Auction catalogues date examples from 1948 into the 1950s; one case receives conflicting 1949 and circa-1959 dates || Automatic, centre seconds; catalogues report 9¾-line and 17/19 jewels; numbered caliber unresolved || 32–34 mm in cited lots; steel, 18K gold, and steel/yellow-gold || Auction titles use Bombé and Bombay; catalogues show varied dial layouts. Production span remains unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-23 Antiquorum, case 608519] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5367913 Christie’s, case 678865] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5018-oyster-perpetual-lot-344-297 Antiquorum, case 608632] [https://www.finarte.it/auction/fine-watches-milan-2025-06-09/rolex-oyster-perpetual-5018-137264?lang=en Finarte, case 670691]
|}

<span id="Triple_calendar_flagship_—_Padellone_(1949–1953)"></span>
== Triple calendar: Padellone (1949–1953) ==

"Padellone" means "big pan" in Italian, an augmentative of ''padella'' ("pan") that follows the same naming logic as Ovetto/Ovettone. Triple calendar (day, month, date) plus moonphase. The Padellone uses a snap caseback rather than the screw-down construction of an Oyster case.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:8171|8171]] || c.1949–1953 || Cal. A.295 CPL automatic triple calendar moonphase, in-house Aegler || 38mm non-Oyster snap caseback, 18K YG/PG, SS rare || Triple calendar + moonphase; ''Padellone''; published examples include stainless steel and gold cases
|}

== Ref. 4392 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4392 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1945 through one circa-1959 estimate. The records describe 31–32 mm steel and gold cases and identify Cal. 630 / 630NA in several watches. Antiquorum's case 607544 pairs a Cal. 630 catalogue attribution with a small-seconds dial it considers probably reprinted; its photos do not show the movement. [[Reference:4392|The reference article]] keeps these details tied to their individual catalogue records. [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/catalog-print.zx?ic5=CatalogHome-AucType-PrintableCatalog-071515&saleNo=5097 Heritage, lot 60319] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

== Ref. 4919 ==

Auction catalogues identify ref. 4919 as an Oyster Perpetual and date individual examples from circa 1947 to the 1950s; Farsettiarte dates a caseback-marked example circa 1960. A secondary copy of an Antiquorum catalogue assigns one example to the 1930s, in conflict with those later dates; see [[Reference:4919|the 4919 article]] for the source and limits. None sets a production span. Auction descriptions and an undated technical table give an automatic 9¾-line movement, but no numeric caliber is confirmed. Collectors group 4919 with Bubblebacks. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1720329 Christie's] [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uploads/auctions/187-asta_257_Orologi_5_dicembre_2024.pdf Farsettiarte, lot 50] [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Rolex Boîtes Oyster table]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Catalogue dates !! Movement !! Case evidence !! Distinction
|-
| [[Reference:4919|4919]] || One copied catalogue gives a 1930s outlier; others date examples circa 1947–1960; production span unknown || Automatic, 9¾-line in catalogues; numeric caliber unresolved || Steel with yellow- or pink-gold bezels; 31–34 mm in cited examples || Separate dial layouts include a Serpico y Laino-signed example; Tennants reports one caseback marked 4919 5011, unexplained
|}

The case-dated ref. 6029 examples cited here predate this period. Antiquorum and Monaco Legend identify the same case, 706020, and date it to 1950; Monaco Legend describes the reference as an early-1950s introduction and calls it “Super Oyster.” Abell lists a separately numbered example, case 685762, as ref. 6029 circa 1951 and calls it “Big Bubble Back.” These catalogue dates attach to individual watches, and the production span remains unknown. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, 2021, lot 181] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, 2007, lot 254] [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762]

== Cal. 1030 and ref. 6098 (1952–1953) ==

Cal. 1030, a bidirectional automatic, allowed Rolex to use a flatter caseback than the Bubbleback profile. A September 1953 letter records seven “Super Oyster” watches supplied to Bruno Vailati’s Red Sea expedition but leaves the references unspecified; Perezcope attributes Vailati’s own watch to ref. 6098. [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, “Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches” (2023)]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] || 1952–1953 || Cal. 1030 (or A.296), 25j, bi-directional || 36mm Oyster, flat caseback || “Super Oyster” wording in Vailati’s 1953 letter for expedition watches; Perezcope attributes his watch to 6098
|}

== Related references ==

The Bubbleback era connects forward to:
* [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Super Oyster, 60m water resistance in 1952; pre-Explorer and pre-Submariner ancestor)
* [[Reference:6150|6150]] (first Explorer, 1952)
* [[Reference:6204|6204]] (first Submariner, 1953)
* [[Reference:4643|4643]] (square Perpetual; published labels vary. Dorotheum says period Rolex catalogues misprinted it as 4663; the ''Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' lists 4643 and 4663 separately, and the discrepancy remains unresolved.)
* 6305 (first Datejust with Cyclops, 1954)
* 6604 and 6605 (first Datejust with instantaneous date change, Cal. 1065, 1956–57)

== Related families ==

* [[Reference:air-king|Air-King]] — the descendant line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 originating Air-Kings sit in the same Bubbleback case architecture and run on the same Aegler hand-wound calibers.
* [[Reference:prince|Prince]] — the parallel 1930s line. The Aegler-supplier relationship that powers the Prince also powers every Bubbleback caliber.
* [[Reference:daytona|Daytona]] — the chronograph ancestor. The pre-Daytona Antimagnetique, Monoblocco, and 4xxx tonneau Oyster chronographs share the same era and case lineage.

== Shared references ==

* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — early serial ranges and hallmark dating
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Bubbleback line
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

== Sources ==

===Primary and specialist===

* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36789]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, ref. 2416, case 36,848]
* [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler Auktionen, ref. 2416, case 32342]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29894/lot/85/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-oyster-ref-3096-circa-1930/ Bonhams, ref. 3096, case 41164, circa 1930]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, ref. 3096, serial 41066, Glasgow import marks dated 1937]
* [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/323442/a-rolex-oyster-9ct-gold-cushion-shape-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, ref. 3096, caseback marked 4111/3096]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-6 Sotheby’s, Watches 2020, ref. 3096, lot 51, circa 1937]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/watch-9190889 EveryWatch transcription of Sotheby’s lot 51]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php David Boettcher, Rolex 2416 examples in Oyster Watch Co. cases]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Scanned Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/44 Watchnet Japan, ref. 2416 “England Dial” listing]
* [https://www.sandersonandson.com/51979.shtml Sanderson & Son, ref. 2416 Speedking listing]
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoystercase.php David Boettcher, "The Rolex Oyster Case — Hermetic, Submarine and the Borgel lineage", vintagewatchstraps.com]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A, “Improvements in keyless watches”]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH114948A/en Swiss patent CH114948A, “Winding watch”]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/2022/9/7/the-oyster-story Owen Lawton, "The Oyster Story (Part 1)", Wind Vintage, 2022]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/blog/how-rolex-became-rolex-the-automatic-perpetual-movement-part-2 Charlie Dunne, "How Rolex Became Rolex: The Automatic Perpetual Movement, Part 2", Wind Vintage, 2023]
* [https://quillandpad.com/2019/04/09/the-golden-age-of-rolex-movements-part-i-sowing-the-seeds-of-greatness/ Tim Mosso, "The Golden Age of Rolex Movements, Part I", Quill & Pad, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction XII, lot 20 — ref. 1858, steel, bow-tie dial, c.1935", Phillips, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, "Mondani Collection, lot 229 — ref. 1858 Didactic, Bucherer-signed, 1933", Antiquorum, 2006]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, "Torino, lot 34 — Rolex Ovetto ref. 1858 Didactic", Aste Bolaffi, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, Geneva, lot 233 — ref. 1858 case 48191, circa 1935]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, lot 47 — ref. 1858 case 48449, circa 1930s]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — dealer-described 9K example]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — ref. 1858, Cal. 520, four-part case, 30.5 mm]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-83-146 Antiquorum, "Geneva, lot 146 — ref. 2136, steel cushion Oyster, c.1925", Antiquorum, 1999]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-online/rolex-ref-3372-bubbleback-retailed-by-serpico-y Sotheby's, "Watches Online, lot 71 — ref. 3372, salmon dial, retailed by Serpico y Laino, c.1945", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436 Antiquorum, New York 2001, lot 436 — ref. 3372, Cal. 630, centre seconds]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-79 Antiquorum, Geneva 2006, lot 79 — ref. 3372, steel and 18K gold, three-body case]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206 Phillips, Geneva 2015, lot 206 — ref. 3372, two-tone case, four-segment dial]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-8/reference-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-a Sotheby's, New York 2021, lot 166 — ref. 3372, steel, silvered dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75 Antiquorum, Hong Kong 2024, lot 75 — ref. 3372, steel, circa-1959 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/222 Phillips, "The Geneva Watch Auction VII, lot 222 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, roulette date, c.1945", Phillips, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30160/lot/116/rolex-a-rare-18k-gold-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch-pre-datejust-oyster-perpetual-ref-4467-purchased-6th-august-1948/ Bonhams, "Lot 116 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, purchased 6 August 1948, with Bucherer receipt and chronometer certificate", Bonhams]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4467-datejust-souscription-lot-368-95 Antiquorum, "Hong Kong, lot 95 — ref. 4467, 18K yellow gold, numbered souscription edition", Antiquorum, 2024]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080119/68 Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, "The Geneva Watch Auction NINE, 12 May 2019, lot 68 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', 18K yellow gold, case 762'159", Phillips, 2019]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5759044 Christie's, "Important Watches, New York, sale 2753, 17 December 2013, lot 186 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel with diamond-set numerals, case 902'514", Christie's, 2013]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Important Watches, Hong Kong, 9 October 2020, lot 2143 — ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', stainless steel, case 686'356", Sotheby's, 2020]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24235/lot/115/rolex-a-very-rare-18k-gold-automatic-triple-calendar-wristwatch-with-moon-phase-padellone-ref-8171-circa-1955/ Bonhams, "Fine Watches and Wristwatches, London New Bond Street, 13 December 2017, lot 115 — 18K gold ref. 8171 ''Padellone'', cal. A.295 CPL no. 20696", Bonhams, 2017]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Antiquorum, "Ref. 3525 chronograph, Corporal Clive Nutting provenance", Geneva, 2007]
* [https://perezcope.com/2023/06/19/pre-submariner-scuba-diving-with-rolex-oyster-watches/ Jose Pereztroika, "Pre-Submariner Scuba Diving With Rolex Oyster Watches", 2023]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/ Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, "Catalogue usage — ''Ovetto'' for 32mm Bubblebacks, ''Ovettone'' for 36mm Big Bubblebacks", Pandolfini]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum Geneva, 1990, lot 397 — gold 6074 attribution]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum Vicenza, 1992, lot 67 — platinum 6074]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum Geneva, 2025, lot 223 — gold 6074 attribution]

===Editorial and market===
* [https://www.abellwatchmakers.com/rolexservice.html Abell Watchmakers, ref. 6029, case 685762, “Big Bubble Back”]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-181 Monaco Legend Auctions, The Rolex Connoisseur's Collection Part Two, lot 181, ref. 6029, case 706020, 2021]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-177-254 Antiquorum, Geneva, 11 November 2007, lot 254, ref. 6029, case 706020]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-prima-1925/ Vintage & Prestige, ref. 1925 stock W3770, Milanese bracelet and 1930 guarantee]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, ref. 2280 and Cal. 710 (Japanese, 2022)]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s New York, ref. 2280, lot 403]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Henrik Korpela, SJX Watches, 2015 — gold watch, movement and altered caseback]
* [https://www.watchlover.it/2016/09/21/rolex-ovettone-big-bubbleback/ Watchlover, 2016 — illustrated 6074 and smooth bezel]

* [https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/rolex-bubbleback-watches-collector-guide-1931-1950s-1235893131/ Robb Report, "A Collector's Guide to Rolex Bubbleback Watches, 1931–1950s", Robb Report]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, "Rolex Unicorns Part II — Ref. 8171 Triple Calendar ''Padellone'' in Steel", SJX Watches, 2019]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/what-makes-the-rolex-padellone-ref-8171-so-special/ Robert-Jan Broer, "What Makes The Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 So Special?", Fratello Watches, 2024]
* [https://www.hautetime.com/close-up-1-14-million-rolex-reference-8171-padellone/38057/ Adrienne Faurote, "Close Up: $1.14 Million Rolex Reference 8171 ''Padellone''", HauteTime, 2013]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-datejust-complete-history/ Monochrome Watches, "The Evergreens: Complete History of the Rolex Datejust", Monochrome]
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/datejust-a-closer-look-at-a-rolex-icon-2/ Edmond Saran, "Datejust: A Closer Look at a Rolex Icon", Le Monde Edmond]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3131 Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3131", Wind Vintage]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-in-18k Wind Vintage, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Reference 3372 in 18K", Wind Vintage]
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-620/ Caliber Corner, "Rolex Caliber 620", Caliber Corner]
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-bubble-back.html Bob's Watches, "Rolex Bubble Back Collector's Guide", Bob's Watches]
* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/the-rolex-bubbleback-history-facts Everest Bands, "The Rolex Bubbleback: History and Facts", Everest Bands]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=230912 Rolex Forums community, "Bubbleback 3131 Owners Thread", Rolex Forums]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-24-533 Antiquorum 2001, ref. 6075 steel and gold]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, ref. 6075 restored Datejust dial]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, ref. 6075 A.295]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, ref. 6075 A.296]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, ref. 6075 steel and gold]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, circa 1935]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-4785368 Christie's, ref. 3351 Standard, case 118412, circa 1940s]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, case 118404]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent and movement photograph]
* [https://www.ebay.com/itm/227412128120 eBay seller watchnj, photographed ref. 3351 Seaforth / Observatory]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/fj0jvy Reddit r/rolex collector post, Seaforth ref. 3351, circa 1942 attribution]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor Vintage Watches, ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489]
* [https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5629-antique-rolex-oyster-cushion-case-with-sweep-seconds-circa-1930/ Trebor's Vintage Watches, ref. 3351f]

* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]
* [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, ref. 5013, lot 1088]
* [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, ref. 5013, item 355515195857]
* [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, ref. 5013, stock CW-G346]
* [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, ref. 5013, stock 20125]
* [https://www.gmtbroker.com/gallery/Anonimo/ROLEX---BubbleBack-5013-ovetto-silver-dial-1948-photo852821.html GMTBroker, ref. 5013]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82672&d=1250802852 Rolex Forums, model-to-caliber chart, ref. 5013 row]
* [https://www.vetroplastica.it/referenze.html VetroPlastica, reference index, ref. 5013]
* [https://marketplace.watchcharts.com/listing/5477111-fs-rolex-5013-oyster-perpetual-chapter-ring-dial Marketplace listing, centre-seconds chapter-ring description; reference attribution unverified]

[[Category:Reference family]]
[[Category:Bubbleback]]

Reference:6556

2026-10-21T04:44:57Z

Admin: Audit reference 6556: clarify evidence and add bracelet imagery

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556 — Reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Reference guide to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556, Cal. 1040, its dead-beat seconds, documented dial and case variants, and service caveats.
|keywords=Rolex 6556, Tru-Beat, caliber 1040, Oyster Perpetual, dead-beat seconds
|image=Ref 6556 hero.webp
|image_alt=Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556 with silvered crosshair dial and red seconds hand
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]] → '''6556'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 6556 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556 with silvered crosshair dial and red seconds hand|Steel ref. 6556, Antiquorum Geneva, lot 215 (2020)]]
</div>

The Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 6556 uses a mechanical seconds hand that stops at each marker and jumps forward once per second. Rolex paired that dead-beat display with automatic Cal. 1040. Auction houses date the model’s introduction to 1954; surviving records show steel and 18K gold cases, while the exact production end and dial range remain unsettled.

==Core facts==
{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
! detail
! value
|-
| reference
| 6556
|-
| model name
| Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat
|-
| family
| Oyster Perpetual, time-only
|-
| launch
| 1954, as reported by Christie's and Phillips
|-
| observed examples
| auction-dated 1955–1962; production span unconfirmed
|-
| movement
| automatic Cal. 1040; the examined catalogues list 26 jewels
|-
| case
| screw-back Oyster case; steel and 18K gold examples
|-
| diameter
| 34–35 mm in cited catalogues
|-
| crystal
| acrylic, as catalogued on individual examples
|-
| display
| hours, minutes, dead-beat centre seconds; no date
|}

==Where it sits in the line==
The 6556 is a time-only Oyster Perpetual with dead-beat seconds. Cal. 1040 adds the mechanism that advances the seconds hand once per second to the Cal. 1030 architecture. Christie's calls it a modified 1030; watchmaker Aaron Berlow’s restoration account identifies a longer second intermediate wheel unique to the 1040. A continuously sweeping seconds hand on a 6556 warrants inspection of the movement and service history.

Auction essays describe the ticking seconds as useful for counting a pulse. Phillips documents one watch with medals and a letter connecting it to Rolex watchmaker John Barnes and medical worker Daisy Cox. That is a clinical provenance story for one watch; the sources reviewed here leave the reference’s broader intended market unclear.

==Production outline==
Christie's and Phillips give 1954 as the launch year. The cited records include examples dated 1955 and 1956, plus steel and yellow-gold watches catalogued circa 1961 and 1962. Phillips and Christie's repeat a 1959 end date, while the later case-numbered examples extend the documented record. Auction dating can be imprecise, so the production cutoff remains uncertain.

The surviving auction record is sparse. Descriptions such as “few” and “rare” reflect what has appeared for sale; the factory production total remains unknown.

==Movement notes==
Cal. 1040 is automatic and built around the 1030 architecture, with added dead-second works. Christie’s, Phillips, Antiquorum and Sotheby’s list 26 jewels for the examples they describe. [[Reference:Movements|The movement guide]] covers the caliber and the conflicting accounts of ref. 1020.

The seconds mechanism uses a longer second intermediate wheel than the standard 1030. Berlow found that wheel intact in the 1040 he restored in 2015. He says parts of the worn automatic train can use 1030 components, and repeats collector reports that Rolex sometimes replaced the dead-beat module with 1030 parts; he had not seen such a replacement himself. Hodinkee’s 2016 review says the function was often removed during service, though its photographed watch still ticked. These secondary accounts leave the scale of the service work unclear, and none identifies a specific module replacement. A sweeping hand alone cannot show what work was done.

[[File:Ref_6556_movement.webp|thumb|right|240px|Cal. 1040 in Antiquorum’s 18K gold ref. 6556, lot 357 (2021).]]

==Dial map==
Photographed examples show silvered sector or crosshair dials with applied baton markers; several have a red seconds hand. A 1955 18K watch is catalogued with a gilt dial. The line divides the silvered dial into four quadrants in the examples shown. Wording below six includes “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” and “Superlative Chronometer by Official Test”; the records reviewed here leave their chronology unclear.

Christie’s says Rolex used “Tru-Beat” or “Metropolitan” according to market, and that the model name usually appeared on the dial. Monaco Legend’s 2026 catalogue describes a 1955 steel example with “Metropolitan” on its dial, silver sunburst finish, pink-gold markers and alpha hands. It calls the configuration U.S.-exclusive, though the catalogue gives no period Rolex source for that claim. Treat Metropolitan here as a market name; its status as a separate series or U.S.-exclusive option remains unresolved.

[[File:Ref_6556_dial-variant-metropolitan.webp|thumb|right|240px|Steel ref. 6556 dial signed “Metropolitan,” Monaco Legend Auctions lot 37.]]

Hodinkee’s 2016 review leaves the seconds hand on its photographed example unresolved. Auction images show appearance; originality to the case requires further evidence.

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==
The examined lots describe a screw-back Oyster case with a smooth bezel. Steel and gold examples measure 34 or 35 mm. Christie’s specifies a screw-down crown and plastic crystal on its 1955 gold watch. Other catalogues omit one or both details, so the 1955 description remains example-specific.

Christie’s, Phillips and Antiquorum document yellow-gold 6556s. Antiquorum describes steel as the predominant case metal and gold examples as few; that is an auction-house estimate, not a factory tally. Antiquorum also mentions pink gold; the cited records contain no photograph of a pink-gold 6556.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref_6556_dial-variant-gold.webp|Yellow-gold ref. 6556, Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 357 (2021).
File:Ref_6556_caseback-bracelet.webp|Inside caseback stamped 6556, same Antiquorum lot.
</gallery>

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==
Auction catalogues show riveted Oyster bracelets on steel and gold examples. Phillips describes an 18K bracelet with end link 57 on its 1956 gold 6556; Antiquorum identifies a gold ref. 7205/57 on its circa-1962 example. Christie’s records a steel bracelet, while Sotheby’s 2026 lot 2131 lists a steel Oyster bracelet without a reference number. A separate 1968 Antiquorum lot shows a steel 7205/57 bracelet by itself. These are observed auction combinations; factory delivery across the reference remains unproven.

Hodinkee’s 2016 photograph shows a gap at the end links, which the author judged incorrect for that watch. Check fit against the individual case. Boxes, guarantees and service papers appear with some lots; treat boxes as period accessories and papers as watch-specific only when they identify that watch.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6556 bracelet gold.webp|Gold 7205/57 bracelet attached to Phillips’s 1956 ref. 6556, lot 111.
File:Ref 6556 bracelet steel 7205-57.webp|Standalone steel 7205/57 bracelet, Antiquorum Geneva lot 310 (1968).
</gallery>

==Special branches==
Auction records show individual metal and dial combinations; the full factory-option list remains uncertain. Phillips catalogues one black-dial watch as ref. 6558, while its inside caseback is stamped 6556; the listing identifies Cal. 1040 with 26 jewels. The lot leaves 6558’s status unclear: the catalogue names the exterior 6558 and shows an inner 6556 stamp. The black dial remains a feature of that particular listing.

Antiquorum’s 2012 catalogue and Dr. Crott’s 2019 listing describe ref. 1020 as a planned 6556 successor that never launched, citing a 1960 Rolex catalogue. Neither listing reproduces the cited page. Crott’s 2012 catalogue instead calls 1020 a new caliber intended to replace Cal. 1040. Colin A. White’s ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' separately lists ref. 1020 with Cal. 1560, a smooth bezel and a full-size case; the book gives no example or citation. The surviving accounts leave open whether 1020 was only a proposal or also a separate Oyster Perpetual reference.

==Historical market and auction record==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! date assigned
! example
! catalogue record
|-
| 1955
| 18K gold, gilt dial, Cal. 1040, 34 mm
| Christie’s, case 112846
|-
| 1956
| 18K yellow gold, Cal. 1040, bracelet stamped 57, 35 mm
| Phillips, case 139606; sold CHF 27,500
|-
| circa 1956
| steel, Cal. 1040, 26 jewels, 35 mm, Oyster bracelet
| Sotheby’s, case 139035, lot 2131
|-
| 1956
| steel, Cal. 1040, 26 jewels, 35 mm
| Antiquorum, case 139412, lot 120
|-
| circa 1961
| steel, silver sector dial, red seconds, 35 mm
| Antiquorum, case 731422; sold CHF 9,375
|-
| circa 1961
| steel example with medals, letter and service receipt
| Phillips, case 138763; sold CHF 28,750
|-
| circa 1962
| 18K yellow gold, bracelet 7205/57, 35 mm
| Antiquorum, case 739524; sold HKD 512,500
|}

Case 731422 appears in both Antiquorum’s 2020 and Sotheby’s 2024 listings, so those catalogue entries describe one watch. Prices belong to the individual sale records.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6556 hero.webp|Steel 6556 with silvered crosshair dial and red seconds, Antiquorum Geneva lot 215 (2020).
File:Ref_6556_dial-variant-metropolitan.webp|Steel dial signed Metropolitan, Monaco Legend lot 37.
File:Ref_6556_dial-variant-gold.webp|Yellow-gold example, Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 357.
File:Ref_6556_movement.webp|Cal. 1040, Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 357.
File:Ref_6556_caseback-bracelet.webp|Inside caseback stamped 6556, Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 357.
File:Ref 6556 bracelet gold.webp|Gold 7205/57 bracelet with Phillips’s 1956 ref. 6556, lot 111.
File:Ref 6556 bracelet steel 7205-57.webp|Standalone steel 7205/57 bracelet, Antiquorum Geneva lot 310 (1968).
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 "Geneva Watch Auction FOUR, lot 111 — ref. 6556 in 18K yellow gold", Phillips, 2016]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/139759 "Geneva Watch Auction XI — ref. 6556, case 138763, Daisy Cox provenance", Phillips, 2016]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 "Geneva, 21 March 2020, lot 215 — steel ref. 6556/0", Antiquorum, 2020-03-21]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 "Hong Kong, 5 December 2021, lot 357 — yellow-gold ref. 6556", Antiquorum, 2021-12-05]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-364-120 "Geneva, 4 November 2023, lot 120 — steel ref. 6556", Antiquorum, 2023-11-04]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1445413 "Ref. 6556 called Tru-Beat or Metropolitan by market", Christie’s, 1997-09-30]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-37 "Lot 37 — steel 6556 described as Metropolitan", Monaco Legend Auctions]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080319/903 "HK Auction NINE, lot 903 — exterior 6558, inner stamp 6556", Phillips, 2019-11-26]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130834 "Ref. 6556, case 112846, 18K gold, 1955", Christie’s]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-6139178/?intObjectID=6139178&lid=1 "Rolex Tru-Beat ref. 6556, case 138'822", Christie's, 2018]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-restoration-of-a-rolex-tru-beat-caliber-1040-reference-6556 Aaron Berlow, "Cal. 1040 restoration, 7 July 2015", Hodinkee, 2015-07-07]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-april-8-2016 "Bring a Loupe: ref. 6556, 8 April 2016", Hodinkee, 2016-04-08]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-7/tru-beat-reference-6556-a-stainless-steel "Ref. 6556, case 731422, 29 May 2024", Sotheby’s, 2024-05-29]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-260-217 "Geneva, 11 March 2012, lot 217 — Rolex Tru-Beat ref. 6556", Antiquorum, 2012-03-11]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/archives/100/50452 "15 November 2019, lot 96 — Rolex Tru-Beat ref. 6556", Dr. Crott / Uhren-Muser, 2019-11-15]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/de/Crott_86_D.pdf Dr. Crott, "Dr. Crott, 86th auction catalogue — Rolex Tru Beat history", Dr. Crott / Uhren-Muser, 2012]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4/oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-reference-6556-a Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Hong Kong, Important Watches, 24 April 2026, lot 2131 — steel ref. 6556", Sotheby's, 2026-04-24]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-7205-57-lot-360-310 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva, May 2023, lot 310 — Rolex 7205/57 steel riveted bracelet", Antiquorum, 2023-05-15]

[[Category:Oyster-Perpetual]]

File:Ref 6556 bracelet steel 7205-57.webp

2026-10-21T04:44:28Z

Admin: Reference 6556 — bracelet steel 7205 57. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-7205-57-lot-360-310 Antiquorum]

Reference 6556 — bracelet steel 7205 57. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-7205-57-lot-360-310 Antiquorum]

File:Ref 6556 bracelet gold.webp

2026-10-21T04:44:27Z

Admin: Reference 6556 — bracelet gold. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips]

Reference 6556 — bracelet gold. Source: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips]

File:Ref 6556 dial-variant-gold.webp

2026-10-21T04:44:26Z

Admin: Admin uploaded a new version of File:Ref 6556 dial-variant-gold.webp

Reference 6556 — dial variant gold. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 Antiquorum]

File:Ref 6556 hero.webp

2026-10-21T04:44:26Z

Admin: Admin uploaded a new version of File:Ref 6556 hero.webp

Reference 6556 — hero. Source: [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 Antiquorum]

Main Page

2026-10-21T04:26:54Z

Admin: Add researched ref. 116261 to the Datejust 36 index

__NOTOC__
<div style="display:none;">{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="display:none;">Rolexopedia</span>}}</div>
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Reference Encyclopedia {{!}} Rolexopedia
|description=Encyclopedic reference for Rolex watches. Vintage and discontinued Rolex references documented — specs, dial variants, serial ranges, production history.
|keywords=watch reference, Rolex, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Explorer, Rolex GMT-Master, Rolex Day-Date, President, Rolex Bubbleback, Rolex Prince, Brancard, Oyster, Ovettone, vintage Rolex, collector guide, watch history, production history, dial variants
|image=Bezelbase_main_poster.webp
|image_alt=Rolexopedia — vintage Rolex reference encyclopedia
|image_width=1280
|image_height=1280
|og_type=website
}}

<div class="rp-hero">
<div class="rp-hero-title">The Rolex reference encyclopedia</div>
<div class="rp-hero-lede">
Rolexopedia is a reference guide to vintage and discontinued Rolex watches. Browse a family to compare generations, or open a reference number for its production history, movement, dial variants and case details.

A reference number can cover decades of changes. The articles distinguish documented variants and later replacements, with sources for further reading. The serial-number, movement and bracelet guides help compare the parts of an individual watch. [[Rolexopedia:About|About the project →]]
</div>
<div class="rp-stats">
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}</b><span>wiki articles</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>12</b><span>families</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFFILES}}</b><span>image files</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>1920s onward</b><span>historical coverage</span></div>
</div>
</div>

== Browse by family ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Submariner vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:submariner|alt=Rolex Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early divers through the ceramic generations</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Big Crown models, the 5512 and 5513 dial changes, the Red Sub and the five-digit sapphire references.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Daytona vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:daytona|alt=Rolex Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual-wind, Zenith and in-house chronographs</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Manual-wind Valjoux chronographs, the Paul Newman exotic dials, the Zenith automatics and the in-house 4130 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref gmt-master chuck-yeager-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:gmt-master|alt=Rolex GMT-Master II Chuck Yeager advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">GMT-Master and GMT-Master II</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the Bakelite-bezel 6542 through the long 1675 run to the ceramic GMT-Master II.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer|alt=Rolex Explorer advertisement with Hillary and Tenzing on Everest]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Explorers and their sapphire successors</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The 6150 and 6350, the long-running 1016, and the later sapphire-crystal models.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer-ii vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer-ii|alt=Rolex Explorer II advertisement with Alain Hubert]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Fixed-bezel watches with a 24-hour hand</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The orange-hand 1655 Freccione, the transitional 16550 and the long-run 16570.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref sea-dweller deepstar-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:sea-dweller|alt=Rolex Deepstar 4000 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Saturation-diving references</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Single Red, Double Red and Great White 1665s, the Triple Six, later references and documented COMEX examples.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref day-date 1960-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:day-date|alt=Rolex Day-Date 1960 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Day and date displays, in gold or platinum</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The President from the 1956 originals through the 1803 era, five-digit sapphire, Day-Date II and Oysterquartz.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Milgauss vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:milgauss|alt=Rolex Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Magnetic protection across two production eras</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The lightning-bolt seconds hand of the 6541, the 1019 and the green-crystal 116400GV.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref air-king vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:air-king|alt=Rolex Air-King advertisement, steel is a precious metal]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Air-Kings through the 34mm sapphire models</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Early hand-wound models, the long-running 5500 and the sapphire-crystal 14000 line.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img">[[File:Ref 1002 hero.webp|400px|link=Reference:oyster-perpetual|alt=Rolex Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Time-only automatic Oysters</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The plain-dial Oyster: classic four-digit 1002 to 1018, five-digit and the last pre-refresh 116000 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref oyster 1929-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:bubbleback|alt=Rolex Oyster 1929 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual Oysters and early automatics</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The first waterproof Oysters, the domed-caseback automatics, the [[Reference:padellone|Padellone]], manual-wind Oyster Precision models such as the [[Reference:6082|6082]], and later Oysterdate Precision references such as the [[Reference:6094|6094]]. The documented [[Reference:5052|5052]] appears in both pink gold and steel. A separate round dress watch, [[Reference:3540|ref. 3540]], is catalogued as a manual-wind Rolex Precision.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref prince 1932-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:prince|alt=Rolex Prince 1932 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Rectangular and shaped cases</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rectangular Art-Deco chronometers: Classic 1343, Brancard 971, Railway and Tigre variants.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

{{Homepage featured}}

== Reference guides ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Serial systems and dating limits</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Numeric and letter-prefix year ranges, hallmark dating for early watches, and the limits of randomized serials.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelets]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Bracelets, end links, clasps</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rivet, folded and solid Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets, end-link numbers and the clasp date-code key.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Movements|Movements]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Calibers across the watch families</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the early manual-wind Oyster calibers through the 1500 and 3000 series to the Zenith and in-house chronographs.</div>
</div></div>
</div>

== Every reference, by era ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:submariner|Full Submariner index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-five-digit<small>1953–90</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6204|6204]] [[Reference:6205|6205]] [[Reference:6200|6200]] [[Reference:6536|6536]] [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] [[Reference:6538|6538]] [[Reference:5508|5508]] [[Reference:5510|5510]] [[Reference:5512|5512]] [[Reference:5513|5513]] [[Reference:5514|5514]] [[Reference:5517|5517]] [[Reference:1680|1680]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit<small>1979–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14060|14060]] [[Reference:14060M|14060M]] [[Reference:16800|16800]] [[Reference:16610|16610]] [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] [[Reference:16803|16803]] [[Reference:16808|16808]] [[Reference:16613|16613]] [[Reference:16618|16618]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2020–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126610LN|126610LN]] [[Reference:126610LV|126610LV]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:daytona|Full Daytona index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind chronograph<small>1962–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6238|6238]] [[Reference:6239|6239]] [[Reference:6240|6240]] [[Reference:6241|6241]] [[Reference:6262|6262]] [[Reference:6263|6263]] [[Reference:6264|6264]] [[Reference:6265|6265]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Zenith automatic<small>1988–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16520|16520]] [[Reference:16518|16518]] [[Reference:16519|16519]] [[Reference:16523|16523]] [[Reference:16528|16528]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">In-house cal 4130<small>2000–2016</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116520|116520]] [[Reference:116523|116523]] [[Reference:116528|116528]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Pre-Daytona chronographs]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Full family guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early single-button<small>Catalogue dates c.1920–c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3068|3068]] [[Reference:2021|2021]] [[Reference:2057|2057]] [[Reference:2226|2226]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster monopusher<small>Catalogue dates c.1937–1942</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3346|3346]] [[Reference:3462|3462]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early two-register<small>1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2508|2508]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round Oyster chronographs<small>from c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6034|6034]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:gmt-master|Full GMT-Master guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1955–99</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6542|6542]] [[Reference:1675|1675]] [[Reference:16750|16750]] [[Reference:16753|16753]] [[Reference:16758|16758]] [[Reference:16700|16700]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">GMT-Master II<small>1983–2007</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16760|16760]] [[Reference:16710|16710]] [[Reference:16713|16713]] [[Reference:16718|16718]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Gem-set six-digit<small>from c.2006</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116758SARU|116758 SARU]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 116xxx<small>2005–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116718LN|116718LN]] [[Reference:116713LN|116713LN]] [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] [[Reference:116710BLNR|116710BLNR]] [[Reference:116719BLRO|116719BLRO]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 126xxx<small>2018–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126710BLRO|126710BLRO]] [[Reference:126711CHNR|126711CHNR]] [[Reference:126715CHNR|126715CHNR]] [[Reference:126710BLNR|126710BLNR]] [[Reference:126720VTNR|126720VTNR]] [[Reference:126713GRNR|126713GRNR]] [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] [[Reference:126710GRNR|126710GRNR]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer|Full Explorer index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1952–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6150|6150]] [[Reference:6350|6350]] [[Reference:6298|6298]] [[Reference:6610|6610]] [[Reference:1016|1016]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>1989–2021</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14270|14270]] [[Reference:114270|114270]] [[Reference:214270|214270]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2021–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:124270|124270]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Full Explorer II index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage Freccione<small>1971–1984</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1655|1655]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Transitional<small>1985–1989</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16550|16550]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern 40mm<small>1989–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16570|16570]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Full Sea-Dweller index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Single Red to Great White<small>1967–1983</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1665|1665]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Triple Six and 16600<small>1978–2008</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16660|16660]] [[Reference:16600|16600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic bezel<small>2014–2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116600|116600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">43 mm<small>2017–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126600|126600]] [[Reference:126603|126603]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Yacht-Master</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Yacht-Master 42<small>Introduced 2019</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:226659|226659]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:day-date|Full Day-Date index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Originals<small>1956–59</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6510|6510]] [[Reference:6511|6511]] [[Reference:6611|6611]] [[Reference:6612|6612]] [[Reference:6612B|6612B]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">4-digit President<small>1959–78</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1803|1803]] [[Reference:1804|1804]] [[Reference:1806|1806]] [[Reference:1807|1807]] [[Reference:1811|1811]] [[Reference:1831|1831]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">5-digit<small>1977–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:18038|18038]] [[Reference:18028|18028]] [[Reference:18048|18048]] [[Reference:18078|18078]] [[Reference:18238|18238]] [[Reference:18248|18248]] [[Reference:18348|18348]] [[Reference:18208|18208]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">6-digit Day-Date 36<small>2000–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:118238|118238]] [[Reference:118208|118208]] [[Reference:118235|118235]] [[Reference:118138|118138]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date II 41mm<small>2008–15</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:218238|218238]] [[Reference:218206|218206]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz<small>1977–2001</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:19018|19018]] [[Reference:19028|19028]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:milgauss|Full Milgauss index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early and CERN era<small>c.1955–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6543|6543]] [[Reference:6541|6541]] [[Reference:1019|1019]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>2007–2023</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116400|116400]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:air-king|Full Air-King index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Battle of Britain origin<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4925|4925]] [[Reference:4365|4365]] [[Reference:4499|4499]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">First automatic<small>1953–57</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6552|6552]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Long-run mainstay<small>1957–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5500|5500]] [[Reference:5501|5501]] [[Reference:5502|5502]] [[Reference:5504|5504]] [[Reference:5506|5506]] [[Reference:5520|5520]] [[Reference:5700|5700]] [[Reference:5701|5701]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Sapphire era<small>1989–2014</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14000|14000]] [[Reference:14000M|14000M]] [[Reference:114200|114200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Full Oyster Perpetual index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Earlier references<small>Catalogue dates conflict; no production span established</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4362|4362]] [[Reference:6548|6548]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Mid-century<small>Mostly 1950s catalogue dates; case 994893 has conflicting 1964 and 1954 estimates</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6106|6106]] [[Reference:6502|6502]] [[Reference:6567|6567]] [[Reference:6584|6584]] [[Reference:6609|6609]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Classic four-digit<small>1950s–1988 catalogue examples; limits vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1002|1002]] [[Reference:1003|1003]] [[Reference:1005|1005]] [[Reference:1007|1007]] [[Reference:1008|1008]] [[Reference:1009|1009]] [[Reference:1010|1010]] [[Reference:1011|1011]] [[Reference:1012|1012]] [[Reference:1013|1013]] [[Reference:1014|1014]] [[Reference:1018|1018]] [[Reference:1022|1022]] [[Reference:1023|1023]] [[Reference:1024|1024]] [[Reference:1025|1025]] [[Reference:1026|1026]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ladies' time-only<small>1972–82 catalogue examples; factory span unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6718|6718]] [[Reference:6719|6719]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue estimates circa 1960–1980; production limits unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1500|1500]] [[Reference:1501|1501]] [[Reference:1503|1503]] [[Reference:1504|1504]] [[Reference:1505|1505]] [[Reference:1506|1506]] [[Reference:1507|1507]] [[Reference:1510|1510]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue examples circa 1983–1986</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:15003|15003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Last pre-refresh generation<small>2007–2020</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116000|116000]] [[Reference:114300|114300]] [[Reference:177200|177200]] [[Reference:176200|176200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 36</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit<small>From 1959; Monochrome dates discontinuation to 1981</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1601|1601]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, acrylic crystal<small>Generation introduced 1977; reference end dates vary</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16003|16003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, sapphire crystal<small>Introduced 1988; published end dates differ</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16234|16234]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Six-digit Yellow Rolesor<small>Examples dated 2005–c.2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116233|116233]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Six-digit Turn-O-Graph<small>Rolex catalogue listings in 2011–12; production span unconfirmed</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116261|116261]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 41</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">White Rolesor<small>Introduced 2017; listed by Rolex in 2026</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126334|126334]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:bubbleback|Full Bubbleback and early Oyster index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-Oyster and Oyster<small>1922–37</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1925|1925]] [[Reference:2081|2081]] [[Reference:3666|3666]] [[Reference:2136|2136]] [[Reference:34075|34075]] [[Reference:3003|3003]] [[Reference:3004|3004]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>c.1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1573|1573]] [[Reference:2280|2280]] [[Reference:2416|2416]] [[Reference:2849|2849]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback era<small>1933–45</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1858|1858]] [[Reference:3131|3131]] [[Reference:3372|3372]] [[Reference:3525|3525]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Late Bubblebacks<small>selected catalogue estimates circa 1940–1955; dates do not set production spans</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5002|5002]] [[Reference:5003|5003]] [[Reference:5006|5006]] [[Reference:5010|5010]] [[Reference:5013|5013]] [[Reference:5018|5018]] [[Reference:5045|5045]] [[Reference:6006|6006]]</div></div>

<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Straight-lug Empire Oyster<small>catalogue dates circa 1940–1950s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3548|3548]] [[Reference:3716|3716]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Square Perpetual<small>1940s–1952 catalogue examples</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4643|4643]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Later Bubbleback examples<small>Catalogue estimates span circa 1945–60; 4919 has a disputed 1930s outlier</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4392|4392]] [[Reference:4919|4919]] [[Reference:5050|5050]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Large no-date Oyster Perpetual<small>catalogue estimates c.1946–58; production span unsettled</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5026|5026]] [[Reference:5028|5028]] [[Reference:5029|5029]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Datejust, Padellone, Super Oyster<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3478|3478]] [[Reference:6244|6244]] [[Reference:4467|4467]] [[Reference:5030|5030]] [[Reference:5031|5031]] [[Reference:6031|6031]] [[Reference:6075|6075]] [[Reference:6105|6105]] [[Reference:8171|8171]] [[Reference:6098|6098]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6082|6082]] [[Reference:6426|6426]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6094|6094]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:prince|Full Prince index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Brancard era<small>1928–mid-1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1343|1343]] [[Reference:971|971]] [[Reference:971U|971U]] [[Reference:1490|1490]] [[Reference:1491|1491]] [[Reference:1527|1527]] [[Reference:1855|1855]] [[Reference:1862|1862]] [[Reference:3361|3361]] [[Reference:3937|3937]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Other rectangular watches<small>Catalogue labels vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1768|1768]] [[Reference:1880|1880]] [[Reference:3059|3059]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince Imperial pocket watch<small>c.1930–1945</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1645|1645]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Other vintage references</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind, small seconds<small>catalogued 1929–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2318|2318]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Rectangular manual-wind<small>catalogued circa 1930–1938</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1381|1381]] [[Reference:1936|1936]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>catalogued 1930s–c.1955</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3096|3096]] [[Reference:3019|3019]] [[Reference:3116|3116]] [[Reference:3121|3121]] [[Reference:3136|3136]] [[Reference:3351|3351]] [[Reference:5056|5056 (Kew A Speedking)]] [[Reference:6210|6210 (Kew A)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Speedking<small>catalogued c.1952–1953</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6056|6056]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometre Scientific<small>1937 case marks; catalogued examples circa 1937</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2942|2942]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometer / Precision dress watch<small>catalogued c.1943–50; model classification unresolved</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4364|4364]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round gold Precision<small>catalogued examples c.1945–1968; early date disputed</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:8952|8952]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Cellini</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage dress watch<small>Catalogued examples dated 1967–69</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3735|3735]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern Cellini Prince</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5440/8|5440/8]] [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-footnote">Rolexopedia is an independent community reference and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rolex SA. "Rolex" and the model names on this site are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify the watches described. See the [[Rolexopedia:General disclaimer|disclaimer]].</div>

[[Category:Rolexopedia]]

Reference:116261

2026-10-21T04:26:53Z

Admin: Create researched reference article for Rolex 116261

=== Reference:116261 ===
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261 — Reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Rolex's 36 mm steel and pink-gold Datejust Turn-O-Graph, with a rotating fluted bezel, Cal. 3135, and documented Jubilee and Oyster bracelet options.
|keywords=Rolex 116261, Datejust Turn-O-Graph, Thunderbird, Caliber 3135, Jubilee 63601, Oyster 72601
|image=Ref 116261 hero.webp
|image_alt=Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261 with a black dial, pink-gold bezel and two-tone Oyster bracelet
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>Datejust → '''116261'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 116261 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261 with a black dial, pink-gold bezel and two-tone Oyster bracelet|Sotheby's, Hong Kong, lot 9019: circa-2006 example.]]
</div>

The 116261 is a 36 mm Datejust Turn-O-Graph in stainless steel and pink gold. Rolex's catalogues specify a rotating fluted bezel, sapphire crystal and 31-jewel chronometer movement; auction catalogues identify Cal. 3135 in individual examples. Rolex listed the reference in June 2012, while its last production date remains unconfirmed.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 116261
|-
| family || Datejust Turn-O-Graph
|-
| documented dates || Individual watches attributed to 2003–circa 2006; Rolex catalogue listing in June 2012 and a Japanese price compilation dated April 2014. Factory start and end dates not established.
|-
| case || 36 mm; stainless steel with pink-gold bezel
|-
| bezel || Rotating, fluted Turn-O-Graph bezel
|-
| crystal || Sapphire
|-
| movement || Cal. 3135 in auction examples; Rolex lists a 31-jewel chronometer movement
|-
| bracelet options || Jubilee 6320J / Oyster 72201 in the UK 2008 catalogue; Jubilee 63601 / Oyster 72601 in Rolex 2010–2012 catalogues
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

The 116261 pairs a steel case with a pink-gold bezel. In the six-digit Datejust Turn-O-Graph group, 116263 uses yellow gold and 116264 uses white gold. The Turn-O-Graph retains the Datejust case and date layout, with an added rotating timing bezel.

==Production outline==

Fratello places the six-digit generation in 2004, and Antiquorum dates one example to that year. The Watch Club attributes a 116261 to 2003 and reports a December 2003 warranty card, but the date is not legible in its photographs. The factory start date remains unconfirmed.

Fratello gives 2011 as the end of the generation. Rolex's June 2012 US catalogue still lists 116261 with both bracelet options, and Fulleos's April 2014 Japanese price table lists Jubilee and Oyster versions. These later listings establish catalogue availability, not continued manufacture; the final factory year remains unconfirmed.

Rolex's October 2008 UK list calls the model Everose Rolesor; its 2011 US list describes a special 18k pink-gold bezel. Rolex dates the introduction of Everose to 2005. The Watch Club's reported 2003 example is also labelled Everose, but its card date and the bezel's alloy are not independently legible in the listing photographs. Pink gold is the sound general description for the reference.

==Movement notes==

Rolex's 2011 and 2012 catalogues specify a 31-jewel chronometer movement. Antiquorum and Sotheby's identify Cal. 3135 in their 116261 examples. These identifications describe the watches at inspection; any surviving watch's movement should be checked individually.

==Dial map==

A collector's transcription of the 2012 Rolex price list gives white, silver and black configurations. The R-L-X owner report and Watch Club listing show silver-toned dials; the dealer calls its example sundust. Antiquorum describes a red date on its 2004 watch. Sotheby's photographs show a black dial with pink-gold baton markers and hands, a red seconds hand, red Turn-O-Graph text and red date numerals. Heritage catalogues a white-dial example. The transcription is a partial record rather than the underlying Rolex document, so it does not settle the full factory dial range.

The cited catalogues do not map lume material or changes to the hand set across the run.

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Rolex specifies a 36 mm steel case, pink-gold rotating fluted bezel and sapphire crystal. The 2011 list calls it the “turn-o-graph” bezel; the June 2012 list describes it as rotatable and fluted. Exact-reference photographs show the same graduated layout. Rolex's catalogues do not describe a crown variant.

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Rolex's UK October 2008 list pairs the 116261 with Jubilee 6320J or Oyster 72201. Its 2010 European and 2011 and 2012 US lists give Jubilee 63601 or Oyster 72601. The 2012 list describes the Jubilee as 20 mm with 24 links and a Crownclasp; the Oyster is 20 mm with 13 links and an Oysterclasp with Easylink.

Auction records and owner reports document individual watches on both bracelet styles. The 2005 R-L-X owner describes a Jubilee; a 2018 Rolex Forums owner says his black-dial 116261 was on Oyster. These are as-worn examples, not proof of each watch's original delivery bracelet. The Watch Club lists a box, booklets and warranty card with its reported 2003 example; Sotheby's lists a Rolex guarantee with the circa-2006 watch. The date on the Watch Club card is unreadable in its photographs, and these accessories describe individual sale sets rather than a standard package.

==Special branches==

Fratello identifies the green-accented Japan-market Turn-O-Graph as 116263, the yellow-gold-bezel model. The article reports 300 white-dial and 300 black-dial examples. That count is a secondary report rather than a Rolex production figure.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! record !! catalogue details !! use
|-
| Antiquorum, New York, 2012, lot 261 || Case F633345; catalogued as made in 2004; Cal. 3135; red date; Oyster bracelet 72201 || Early dated example; bracelet and condition apply to this lot
|-
| Heritage, 2012, lot 60246 || Catalogued circa 2005; photographed steel and pink-gold example || Adds a separate early market record
|-
| Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 2026, lot 9019 || Case D577130; circa 2006; black dial; Cal. 3135, 31 jewels; two-tone Oyster bracelet || Photographs document the black dial and bracelet on this example
|-
| Heritage, 2026, lot 13008 || Case F616854; white dial; Cal. 3135; 36 mm || A separate white-dial example; bracelet catalogue text is not used
|}

== Sources ==

* [https://minus4plus6.com/RolexPricelist/2011/2011_usa_price_list.pdf Rolex, "Rolex Oyster Watches USA price list, effective 10 May 2011", Rolex; archival scan hosted by Minus4Plus6, 2011-05-10]
* [https://www.thewatch.co.il/image/users/190146/ftp/my_files/ROLEX/Rolex-Price-List%20-June-2012%20-usa.pdf?id=13123753 Rolex, "Rolex Oyster Watches USA price list, effective 1 June 2012 — ref. 116261", Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc.; archival scan hosted by The Watch Co., 2012-06-01]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=42722&d=1225104520 Rolex, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual price list, United Kingdom, October 2008 — ref. 116261 entry", Rolex; archival copy hosted by Rolex Forums, 2008-10]
* [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/2010EuropeanPriceList.pdf Rolex, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual European price list, 2010 — ref. 116261", Rolex; archival scan hosted by Minus4Plus6, 2010]
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-my/watchmaking/features/materials/everose Rolex, "Rolex, Everose gold material guide", Rolex]
* [https://www.watchclub.com/rolex/datejust/116261-turn-o-graph-ref-116261-year-2003 The Watch Club, "The Watch Club, Datejust Turn-O-Graph ref. 116261, stock 15750", The Watch Club]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-17 "Antiquorum New York, 25 April 2012, lot 261 — Rolex ref. 116261", Antiquorum, 2012-04-25]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-11/datejust-turn-o-graph-reference-116261-a-pink-gold "Sotheby's Hong Kong, Fine Watches 11, lot 9019 — Rolex ref. 116261", Sotheby's, 2026-09-22]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-116261-steel-and-pink-gold-turn-o-graph-circa-2005/a/5097-60246.s Heritage Auctions, "Heritage Auctions, Timepieces Signature Auction, 19 May 2012, lot 60246 — Rolex ref. 116261", Heritage Auctions, 2012-05-19]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-datejust-turn-o-graph-two-tone-steel-and-18k-everose-gold-ref-116261/a/21194-13008.s Heritage Auctions, "Heritage Auctions, 24 August 2026, lot 13008 — Rolex ref. 116261", Heritage Auctions, 2026-08-24]
* [https://www.r-l-x.de/forum/showthread.php/54327-A-little-bit-unusual-The-Turn-O-Graph-Ref-116261 Prof. Rolex, "R-L-X Forum, A little bit unusual: The Turn-O-Graph Ref. 116261", R-L-X Forum, 2007-05-30]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=741443 Powerfunk and forum participants, "Rolex Forums, 12 May 2020 — Turn-O-Graph references", Rolex Forums, 2020-05-12]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/my-favorite-rolex-datejust-turn-o-graph-ref-116263/ Lex Stolk, "Fratello, My Favorite Rolex Datejust Is An ‘Adopted’ One: The Turn-O-Graph Ref. 116263", Fratello, 2025-08-02]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=3322268 kilyung, "Rolex Forums — 2012 retail price list transcription for 116261 dial configurations", Rolex Forums, 2012-05-29]
* [https://www.fulleos.com/price/Regular-price-2014-04.html "Fulleos, Rolex price list, April 2014 — Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261", Fulleos, 2014-04]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=624102 forum participant (screen name not confirmed), "Rolex Forums, Unloved Turn-o-graph?, owner report on ref. 116261", Rolex Forums, 2018-08-24]

[[Category:Turn-O-Graph]]

--- 9772 chars, 0 images ---

File:Ref 116261 hero.webp

2026-10-21T04:26:53Z

Admin: {{Information |description=Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph reference 116261, circa 2006, Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 9019. |source=https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-11/datejust-turn-o-graph-reference-116261-a-pink-gold |author=Sotheby's |permission=Auction catalogue image; attribution recorded, reuse status not independently established. |other_versions= }}

{{Information
|description=Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph reference 116261, circa 2006, Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 9019.
|source=https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-11/datejust-turn-o-graph-reference-116261-a-pink-gold
|author=Sotheby's
|permission=Auction catalogue image; attribution recorded, reuse status not independently established.
|other_versions=
}}

Main Page

2026-10-21T03:44:38Z

Admin: Add newly published ref. 2057 to chronograph index

__NOTOC__
<div style="display:none;">{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="display:none;">Rolexopedia</span>}}</div>
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Reference Encyclopedia {{!}} Rolexopedia
|description=Encyclopedic reference for Rolex watches. Vintage and discontinued Rolex references documented — specs, dial variants, serial ranges, production history.
|keywords=watch reference, Rolex, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Explorer, Rolex GMT-Master, Rolex Day-Date, President, Rolex Bubbleback, Rolex Prince, Brancard, Oyster, Ovettone, vintage Rolex, collector guide, watch history, production history, dial variants
|image=Bezelbase_main_poster.webp
|image_alt=Rolexopedia — vintage Rolex reference encyclopedia
|image_width=1280
|image_height=1280
|og_type=website
}}

<div class="rp-hero">
<div class="rp-hero-title">The Rolex reference encyclopedia</div>
<div class="rp-hero-lede">
Rolexopedia is a reference guide to vintage and discontinued Rolex watches. Browse a family to compare generations, or open a reference number for its production history, movement, dial variants and case details.

A reference number can cover decades of changes. The articles distinguish documented variants and later replacements, with sources for further reading. The serial-number, movement and bracelet guides help compare the parts of an individual watch. [[Rolexopedia:About|About the project →]]
</div>
<div class="rp-stats">
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}</b><span>wiki articles</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>12</b><span>families</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>{{NUMBEROFFILES}}</b><span>image files</span></div>
<div class="rp-stat"><b>1920s onward</b><span>historical coverage</span></div>
</div>
</div>

== Browse by family ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Submariner vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:submariner|alt=Rolex Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early divers through the ceramic generations</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Big Crown models, the 5512 and 5513 dial changes, the Red Sub and the five-digit sapphire references.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Daytona vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:daytona|alt=Rolex Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual-wind, Zenith and in-house chronographs</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Manual-wind Valjoux chronographs, the Paul Newman exotic dials, the Zenith automatics and the in-house 4130 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref gmt-master chuck-yeager-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:gmt-master|alt=Rolex GMT-Master II Chuck Yeager advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">GMT-Master and GMT-Master II</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the Bakelite-bezel 6542 through the long 1675 run to the ceramic GMT-Master II.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer|alt=Rolex Explorer advertisement with Hillary and Tenzing on Everest]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Explorers and their sapphire successors</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The 6150 and 6350, the long-running 1016, and the later sapphire-crystal models.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref explorer-ii vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:explorer-ii|alt=Rolex Explorer II advertisement with Alain Hubert]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Fixed-bezel watches with a 24-hour hand</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The orange-hand 1655 Freccione, the transitional 16550 and the long-run 16570.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref sea-dweller deepstar-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:sea-dweller|alt=Rolex Deepstar 4000 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Saturation-diving references</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Single Red, Double Red and Great White 1665s, the Triple Six, later references and documented COMEX examples.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref day-date 1960-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:day-date|alt=Rolex Day-Date 1960 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Day and date displays, in gold or platinum</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The President from the 1956 originals through the 1803 era, five-digit sapphire, Day-Date II and Oysterquartz.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover">[[File:Milgauss vintage poster.webp|400px|link=Reference:milgauss|alt=Rolex Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Magnetic protection across two production eras</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The lightning-bolt seconds hand of the 6541, the 1019 and the green-crystal 116400GV.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref air-king vintage-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:air-king|alt=Rolex Air-King advertisement, steel is a precious metal]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Early Air-Kings through the 34mm sapphire models</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Early hand-wound models, the long-running 5500 and the sapphire-crystal 14000 line.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img">[[File:Ref 1002 hero.webp|400px|link=Reference:oyster-perpetual|alt=Rolex Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Time-only automatic Oysters</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The plain-dial Oyster: classic four-digit 1002 to 1018, five-digit and the last pre-refresh 116000 generation.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref oyster 1929-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:bubbleback|alt=Rolex Oyster 1929 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Manual Oysters and early automatics</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">The first waterproof Oysters, the domed-caseback automatics, the [[Reference:padellone|Padellone]], manual-wind Oyster Precision models such as the [[Reference:6082|6082]], and later Oysterdate Precision references such as the [[Reference:6094|6094]]. The documented [[Reference:5052|5052]] appears in both pink gold and steel. A separate round dress watch, [[Reference:3540|ref. 3540]], is catalogued as a manual-wind Rolex Precision.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="rp-card">
<div class="rp-card-img rp-cover rp-cover-top">[[File:Ref prince 1932-ad.webp|400px|link=Reference:prince|alt=Rolex Prince 1932 advertisement]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Rectangular and shaped cases</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rectangular Art-Deco chronometers: Classic 1343, Brancard 971, Railway and Tigre variants.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

{{Homepage featured}}

== Reference guides ==

<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Serial systems and dating limits</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Numeric and letter-prefix year ranges, hallmark dating for early watches, and the limits of randomized serials.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelets]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Bracelets, end links, clasps</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">Rivet, folded and solid Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets, end-link numbers and the clasp date-code key.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body">
<div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:Movements|Movements]]</div>
<div class="rp-card-meta">Calibers across the watch families</div>
<div class="rp-card-text">From the early manual-wind Oyster calibers through the 1500 and 3000 series to the Zenith and in-house chronographs.</div>
</div></div>
</div>

== Every reference, by era ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:submariner|Submariner]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:submariner|Full Submariner index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-five-digit<small>1953–90</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6204|6204]] [[Reference:6205|6205]] [[Reference:6200|6200]] [[Reference:6536|6536]] [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] [[Reference:6538|6538]] [[Reference:5508|5508]] [[Reference:5510|5510]] [[Reference:5512|5512]] [[Reference:5513|5513]] [[Reference:5514|5514]] [[Reference:5517|5517]] [[Reference:1680|1680]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit<small>1979–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14060|14060]] [[Reference:14060M|14060M]] [[Reference:16800|16800]] [[Reference:16610|16610]] [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] [[Reference:16803|16803]] [[Reference:16808|16808]] [[Reference:16613|16613]] [[Reference:16618|16618]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2020–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126610LN|126610LN]] [[Reference:126610LV|126610LV]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:daytona|Daytona]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:daytona|Full Daytona index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind chronograph<small>1962–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6238|6238]] [[Reference:6239|6239]] [[Reference:6240|6240]] [[Reference:6241|6241]] [[Reference:6262|6262]] [[Reference:6263|6263]] [[Reference:6264|6264]] [[Reference:6265|6265]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Zenith automatic<small>1988–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16520|16520]] [[Reference:16518|16518]] [[Reference:16519|16519]] [[Reference:16523|16523]] [[Reference:16528|16528]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">In-house cal 4130<small>2000–2016</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116520|116520]] [[Reference:116523|116523]] [[Reference:116528|116528]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Pre-Daytona chronographs]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|Full family guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early single-button<small>Catalogue dates c.1920–c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3068|3068]] [[Reference:2021|2021]] [[Reference:2057|2057]] [[Reference:2226|2226]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster monopusher<small>Catalogue dates c.1937–1942</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3346|3346]] [[Reference:3462|3462]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early two-register<small>1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2508|2508]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round Oyster chronographs<small>from c.1950</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6034|6034]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:gmt-master|Full GMT-Master guide →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1955–99</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6542|6542]] [[Reference:1675|1675]] [[Reference:16750|16750]] [[Reference:16753|16753]] [[Reference:16758|16758]] [[Reference:16700|16700]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">GMT-Master II<small>1983–2007</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16760|16760]] [[Reference:16710|16710]] [[Reference:16713|16713]] [[Reference:16718|16718]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Gem-set six-digit<small>from c.2006</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116758SARU|116758 SARU]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 116xxx<small>2005–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116718LN|116718LN]] [[Reference:116713LN|116713LN]] [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] [[Reference:116710BLNR|116710BLNR]] [[Reference:116719BLRO|116719BLRO]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic 126xxx<small>2018–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126710BLRO|126710BLRO]] [[Reference:126711CHNR|126711CHNR]] [[Reference:126715CHNR|126715CHNR]] [[Reference:126710BLNR|126710BLNR]] [[Reference:126720VTNR|126720VTNR]] [[Reference:126713GRNR|126713GRNR]] [[Reference:126718GRNR|126718GRNR]] [[Reference:126710GRNR|126710GRNR]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer|Explorer]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer|Full Explorer index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage<small>1952–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6150|6150]] [[Reference:6350|6350]] [[Reference:6298|6298]] [[Reference:6610|6610]] [[Reference:1016|1016]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>1989–2021</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14270|14270]] [[Reference:114270|114270]] [[Reference:214270|214270]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Current<small>2021–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:124270|124270]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Explorer II]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:explorer-ii|Full Explorer II index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage Freccione<small>1971–1984</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1655|1655]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Transitional<small>1985–1989</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16550|16550]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern 40mm<small>1989–2010</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16570|16570]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:sea-dweller|Full Sea-Dweller index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Single Red to Great White<small>1967–1983</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1665|1665]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Triple Six and 16600<small>1978–2008</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16660|16660]] [[Reference:16600|16600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ceramic bezel<small>2014–2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116600|116600]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">43 mm<small>2017–present</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126600|126600]] [[Reference:126603|126603]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Yacht-Master</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Yacht-Master 42<small>Introduced 2019</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:226659|226659]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:day-date|Day-Date]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:day-date|Full Day-Date index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Originals<small>1956–59</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6510|6510]] [[Reference:6511|6511]] [[Reference:6611|6611]] [[Reference:6612|6612]] [[Reference:6612B|6612B]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">4-digit President<small>1959–78</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1803|1803]] [[Reference:1804|1804]] [[Reference:1806|1806]] [[Reference:1807|1807]] [[Reference:1811|1811]] [[Reference:1831|1831]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">5-digit<small>1977–2000</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:18038|18038]] [[Reference:18028|18028]] [[Reference:18048|18048]] [[Reference:18078|18078]] [[Reference:18238|18238]] [[Reference:18248|18248]] [[Reference:18348|18348]] [[Reference:18208|18208]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">6-digit Day-Date 36<small>2000–19</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:118238|118238]] [[Reference:118208|118208]] [[Reference:118235|118235]] [[Reference:118138|118138]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date II 41mm<small>2008–15</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:218238|218238]] [[Reference:218206|218206]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz<small>1977–2001</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:19018|19018]] [[Reference:19028|19028]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:milgauss|Milgauss]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:milgauss|Full Milgauss index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early and CERN era<small>c.1955–1988</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6543|6543]] [[Reference:6541|6541]] [[Reference:1019|1019]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern<small>2007–2023</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116400|116400]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:air-king|Air-King]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:air-king|Full Air-King index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Battle of Britain origin<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4925|4925]] [[Reference:4365|4365]] [[Reference:4499|4499]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">First automatic<small>1953–57</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6552|6552]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Long-run mainstay<small>1957–89</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5500|5500]] [[Reference:5501|5501]] [[Reference:5502|5502]] [[Reference:5504|5504]] [[Reference:5506|5506]] [[Reference:5520|5520]] [[Reference:5700|5700]] [[Reference:5701|5701]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Sapphire era<small>1989–2014</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:14000|14000]] [[Reference:14000M|14000M]] [[Reference:114200|114200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Full Oyster Perpetual index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Earlier references<small>Catalogue dates conflict; no production span established</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4362|4362]] [[Reference:6548|6548]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Mid-century<small>Mostly 1950s catalogue dates; case 994893 has conflicting 1964 and 1954 estimates</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6106|6106]] [[Reference:6502|6502]] [[Reference:6567|6567]] [[Reference:6584|6584]] [[Reference:6609|6609]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Classic four-digit<small>1950s–1988 catalogue examples; limits vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1002|1002]] [[Reference:1003|1003]] [[Reference:1005|1005]] [[Reference:1007|1007]] [[Reference:1008|1008]] [[Reference:1009|1009]] [[Reference:1010|1010]] [[Reference:1011|1011]] [[Reference:1012|1012]] [[Reference:1013|1013]] [[Reference:1014|1014]] [[Reference:1018|1018]] [[Reference:1022|1022]] [[Reference:1023|1023]] [[Reference:1024|1024]] [[Reference:1025|1025]] [[Reference:1026|1026]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Ladies' time-only<small>1972–82 catalogue examples; factory span unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6718|6718]] [[Reference:6719|6719]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue estimates circa 1960–1980; production limits unknown</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1500|1500]] [[Reference:1501|1501]] [[Reference:1503|1503]] [[Reference:1504|1504]] [[Reference:1505|1505]] [[Reference:1506|1506]] [[Reference:1507|1507]] [[Reference:1510|1510]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit Date Oyster Perpetual<small>Catalogue examples circa 1983–1986</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:15003|15003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Last pre-refresh generation<small>2007–2020</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116000|116000]] [[Reference:114300|114300]] [[Reference:177200|177200]] [[Reference:176200|176200]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 36</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Four-digit<small>From 1959; Monochrome dates discontinuation to 1981</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1601|1601]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, acrylic crystal<small>Generation introduced 1977; reference end dates vary</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16003|16003]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Five-digit, sapphire crystal<small>Introduced 1988; published end dates differ</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:16234|16234]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Six-digit Yellow Rolesor<small>Examples dated 2005–c.2017</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:116233|116233]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Datejust 41</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">White Rolesor<small>Introduced 2017; listed by Rolex in 2026</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:126334|126334]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback and early Oyster]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:bubbleback|Full Bubbleback and early Oyster index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Pre-Oyster and Oyster<small>1922–37</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1925|1925]] [[Reference:2081|2081]] [[Reference:3666|3666]] [[Reference:2136|2136]] [[Reference:34075|34075]] [[Reference:3003|3003]] [[Reference:3004|3004]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>c.1930s–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1573|1573]] [[Reference:2280|2280]] [[Reference:2416|2416]] [[Reference:2849|2849]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback era<small>1933–45</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1858|1858]] [[Reference:3131|3131]] [[Reference:3372|3372]] [[Reference:3525|3525]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Late Bubblebacks<small>selected catalogue estimates circa 1940–1955; dates do not set production spans</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5002|5002]] [[Reference:5003|5003]] [[Reference:5006|5006]] [[Reference:5010|5010]] [[Reference:5013|5013]] [[Reference:5018|5018]] [[Reference:5045|5045]] [[Reference:6006|6006]]</div></div>

<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Straight-lug Empire Oyster<small>catalogue dates circa 1940–1950s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3548|3548]] [[Reference:3716|3716]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Square Perpetual<small>1940s–1952 catalogue examples</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4643|4643]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Later Bubbleback examples<small>Catalogue estimates span circa 1945–60; 4919 has a disputed 1930s outlier</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4392|4392]] [[Reference:4919|4919]] [[Reference:5050|5050]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Large no-date Oyster Perpetual<small>catalogue estimates c.1946–58; production span unsettled</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5026|5026]] [[Reference:5028|5028]] [[Reference:5029|5029]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Datejust, Padellone, Super Oyster<small>1945–53</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3478|3478]] [[Reference:6244|6244]] [[Reference:4467|4467]] [[Reference:5030|5030]] [[Reference:5031|5031]] [[Reference:6031|6031]] [[Reference:6075|6075]] [[Reference:6105|6105]] [[Reference:8171|8171]] [[Reference:6098|6098]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6082|6082]] [[Reference:6426|6426]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6094|6094]]</div></div>
</div>
<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">[[Reference:prince|Prince]]</div><div class="rp-index-more">[[Reference:prince|Full Prince index →]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Brancard era<small>1928–mid-1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1343|1343]] [[Reference:971|971]] [[Reference:971U|971U]] [[Reference:1490|1490]] [[Reference:1491|1491]] [[Reference:1527|1527]] [[Reference:1855|1855]] [[Reference:1862|1862]] [[Reference:3361|3361]] [[Reference:3937|3937]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Other rectangular watches<small>Catalogue labels vary by reference</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1768|1768]] [[Reference:1880|1880]] [[Reference:3059|3059]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince Imperial pocket watch<small>c.1930–1945</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1645|1645]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Other vintage references</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind, small seconds<small>catalogued 1929–1940s</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2318|2318]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Rectangular manual-wind<small>catalogued circa 1930–1938</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:1381|1381]] [[Reference:1936|1936]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Manual-wind Oyster<small>catalogued 1930s–c.1955</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3096|3096]] [[Reference:3019|3019]] [[Reference:3116|3116]] [[Reference:3121|3121]] [[Reference:3136|3136]] [[Reference:3351|3351]] [[Reference:5056|5056 (Kew A Speedking)]] [[Reference:6210|6210 (Kew A)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Speedking<small>catalogued c.1952–1953</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:6056|6056]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometre Scientific<small>1937 case marks; catalogued examples circa 1937</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:2942|2942]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Chronometer / Precision dress watch<small>catalogued c.1943–50; model classification unresolved</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:4364|4364]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Round gold Precision<small>catalogued examples c.1945–1968; early date disputed</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:8952|8952]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-index-head"><div class="rp-index-title">Cellini</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage dress watch<small>Catalogued examples dated 1967–69</small></div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:3735|3735]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern Cellini Prince</div><div class="rp-chips">[[Reference:5440/8|5440/8]] [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]]</div></div>
</div>

<div class="rp-footnote">Rolexopedia is an independent community reference and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rolex SA. "Rolex" and the model names on this site are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify the watches described. See the [[Rolexopedia:General disclaimer|disclaimer]].</div>

[[Category:Rolexopedia]]

Reference:Serial-numbers

2026-10-21T03:44:38Z

Admin: Record ref. 2057 case-number and date discrepancy

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex serial numbers}}
{{#seo:|title=Rolex serial numbers: dating guide and limits | Rolexopedia|description=Numeric and letter-prefixed Rolex serial charts, with their limits. How to compare case numbers, hallmarks, caseback stamps and dated paperwork.}}
<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Serial numbers'''</small>

Rolex used numeric case serials, then letter-prefixed serials, and later randomized alphanumeric strings. Numeric and letter-prefixed ranges can suggest a production period. Randomized serials have no public year mapping. None of these systems establishes the originality of the dial, movement or bracelet.

== The three systems ==

Rolex restarted its numeric case sequence in the mid-1950s. The same short number can therefore fall in more than one period. Letter-prefixed serials appeared around 1987; randomized serials followed around 2010. Neither change happened as a simple one-year boundary across every reference.

== Finding the serial number ==

On many Oyster references made before the rehaut transition of the mid-2000s, the serial is engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock, beneath the bracelet. The reference number is usually between the opposite lugs at 12 o'clock. Earlier case designs need reference-specific guidance.

The serial moved to the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial, during the 2000s. It appears at 6 o'clock. The change varied by reference; compare transition-period watches with documented examples of the same model. Serial placement alone does not establish a case replacement.
Rolex has not published a public year key for the randomized strings. A date assigned to one of those cases therefore comes from a guarantee, service record or dated sale, not from the characters alone.

Matching serials link a warranty card or guarantee paper to the case number, provided the document itself is authentic. They do not establish the originality of every component. The [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp]] uses a separate dating system. A movement can carry caliber designations, part references and an individual movement number; identify the marking before interpreting it.

== Numeric serials (≤1987) ==

The table transcribes selected entries from the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts reproduced in [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html these photographs]. These are unofficial collector charts. Dowling–Hess places serial 132,562 in III 1953; Pergola puts 63,425–139,166 in 1955. The disagreement cannot be resolved by averaging the dates.

The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year.

For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44].

For ref. [[Reference:5052|5052]], Christie’s gives case 653977 and dates its pink-gold watch to the 1940s; Stockholms Auktionsverk records steel case serial 663654 with a 1950s estimate. These nearby numbers do not fix the watches to those decades: the numeric sequence was reused, and the published dates remain catalogue estimates. Anderson & Garland's 5052-attributed watch has only the prefix 663xxx, so it cannot be matched to case 663654 from the number alone. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1472920 Christie’s, case 653977] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, case 663654] [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421]

For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart].

The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848]

For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864]

For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360]

For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309]

For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389]

For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These catalogue observations place individual watches across the decade; they do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276]

For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407]

Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125]

The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report]

Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph].

Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217].

A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010]

Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010]

Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623]

=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===

Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111].

Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini].

Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950]

== Letter serials (1987–2010) ==

Letter-prefixed case serials usually contain one letter and six digits. The years below come from Colin A. White's ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', page 27. These collector estimates overlap and should be checked against the individual reference.

{| class="wikitable"
! Prefix !! Years listed by White
|-
| R || 1987–1988
|-
| L || 1989
|-
| E || 1990
|-
| N || 1991
|-
| X || 1991
|-
| C || 1992
|-
| S || 1993–1994
|-
| W || 1995
|-
| T || 1996
|-
| U || 1997–1998
|-
| A || 1999
|-
| P || 2000
|-
| K || 2000–2001
|-
| Y || 2001–2002
|-
| F || 2003–2005
|-
| D || 2005–2006
|-
| Z || 2006–2007
|-
| M || 2007–2008
|-
| V || 2008–2009
|-
| G || 2010
|}

Phillips records Explorer 114270 case G030393 with a [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 guarantee dated 30 November 2010]. That records a transaction date; it does not date the manufacture of the case.

Case serial prefixes and clasp codes are different systems. A letter on the clasp cannot be read as the same letter in the case-serial table.

<span id="Random_serials_(mid-2010_onward)"></span>
== Random serials (around 2010 onward) ==

Rolex began using randomized case serials around 2010, during the period of the final letter prefixes. Mixed-letter-and-digit serials have no public year mapping. A guarantee can establish a recorded sale date, but the serial alone cannot give the exact production year.

For a modern watch, start with the production span of the reference and any dated paperwork. Randomized clasp codes also lack a public year mapping. The case serial remains useful for linking records to a particular watch.

<span id="Pre-1948_vintage_references_and_hallmark_dating"></span>
== Early references and hallmark dating ==

For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence.

Ref. [[Reference:3068|3068]] illustrates the limits of its auction record: catalogues date individual watches from c.1935 to c.1950, while Sotheby’s and Antiquorum report different diameters and movement sizes for case 1008594. Antiquorum reads a Dublin import mark on case 1008656 as 1937. These object-level readings do not form a serial-year sequence or establish the reference’s production span.

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], Antiquorum dates case 146262 to circa 1937; Christie’s dates its 2002 example to circa 1938, and Sotheby’s later identifies that watch as case 142587. Monaco Legend dates case 142589 to circa 1941, while Sotheby’s dates case 146269 to circa 1942. The lower-numbered 142589 thus receives a later catalogue date than 146262. These are attributions to individual watches, not a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3346-zerographe-lot-339-292 Antiquorum, case 146262] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, dated c.1938] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s case-number survey] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-199 Monaco Legend, case 142589] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, case 146269]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], Christie’s dates cases 161’489 and 161’501 to circa 1939. Loupe This later dates case 161’501 to circa 1942. The shared case number shows that both records concern one watch. Treat the dates as conflicting catalogue estimates; neither establishes a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-centregraph-chronograph-3462-observatory-chronometer-mirror-track-luminous-dial Loupe This, lot 3040]

Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646]

Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165]

For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624]

For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495]

Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]

For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***]

=== Precision 3540 dated examples ===

Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775]

The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart.

Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42]

Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310]

Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836].

For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165].

For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59].

For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901].
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405].

For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's]

For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866]

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204]

Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055]

Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference].

A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries]

Catalogues for [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]] give case numbers 44,887 (Toovey’s, circa 1938) and 24,432 (Antiquorum, 1930s). These are two catalogue examples, not a serial-year sequence; the numbers cannot establish production dates for another 1072. Christie’s also catalogues an early Oyster with case no. 1072, which is a different use of the number. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum lot 481 archive]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203832 Christie’s case-number record]

The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher]

Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751]

Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240].

Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence.

[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578]

[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700].

For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example].

[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370].

For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links.

[[Reference:3599|Ref. 3599]] provides another case-level date conflict. Antiquorum's [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-254 2006 lot 254] dates case 45,032 to 1945/6. Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257795 2009 lot 346] identifies the same watch, cites the earlier Antiquorum sale as provenance, and dates it to 1939. Keep both estimates attached to this case; use watch-specific papers or comparison with documented examples when assessing another 3599.

[[Reference:1873|Ref. 1873]] shows why catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches/rolex-oyster-royal-extra-precision-reference-1873 Sotheby’s] dates case 30,967 to circa 1930; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1873-royal-lot-338-233 Antiquorum] dates cases 48,634 and 100,498 to the 1930s; Bonhams dates case 81,343 to circa 1939; and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782241 Christie’s] dates case 100,459 to circa 1940. Bonhams records a London import mark dated 1937 on gold case 37,029; that is an assay/import date. [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/868-cambi_orologi_795_2022_11_eb.pdf Cambi] lists case 48.xxx as circa 1954, an outlier among these entries. The records do not establish a factory production range.

Two Antiquorum catalogue entries for [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] give case dimensions but no case serials, so they do not establish a serial range. The 3004 lot title claims 144 examples in 1937; that statement is not a serial anchor or an independently confirmed production total. Compare the case number with other examples, and use assay marks on precious-metal cases as a separate date clue.

Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself.

Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396].

Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery.

The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered.

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6034|6034]] examples across several case-number groups: 692'692 to circa 1950, 847'636 to 1951, 847'427 to circa 1952, 847'307 and 907'407 to circa 1953, 944'123 to 1954, and 92'379 and 97'436 to circa 1955. Another Christie's example, case 907'744, is dated circa 1952. These are catalogue estimates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart; they do not establish a production endpoint. Phillips estimates a roughly five-year run from 1950, while Christie's and Antiquorum publish broader dates into the early 1960s. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-321-669?page=1&q=Rolex Antiquorum, case 692'692]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643962 Christie's, case 847'636]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, case 847'427]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, case 847'307]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, case 907'407]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-30 Antiquorum, case 944'123]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/210525 Phillips, case 92'379]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6034-oyster-chronograph-lot-386-573 Antiquorum, case 97'436]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-6200134/?intObjectID=6200134&lid=3 Christie's, case 907'744].

Auction estimates for [[Reference:3372|ref. 3372]] also conflict. Sotheby's dates case 43,903 to circa 1938 ([2026 lot 2341](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4-2/oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-reference-3372-a-pink?locale=en)); Antiquorum dates case 481,380 to 1938 ([2017 lot 90](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-bubble-back-lot-310-90)); Phillips assigns circa 1945 to case 301,684 ([2015 lot 206](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080215/206)); and Antiquorum dates case 424,291 to circa 1959 ([2024 lot 75](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3372-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-lot-367-75)). These dates do not form a reliable serial sequence and do not establish the factory production span.

Auction catalogues give case numbers [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 612627], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 612848], [https://www.arsvalue.com/it/lotti/114560/rolex-ref-5031rolex-oyster-perpetual-red-date-just-ref-5031-del 612967], 612990, [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2164---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-calendar/?lot=2569007&sd=1 613514], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-17/rolex-bubbleback-oyster-perpetual-ref-5031 613853] and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-8/reference-5031-oyster-perpetual-a-pink-gold-and 613876] for individual [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] watches. Their dating differs: Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Tennants call examples circa 1948, while Antiquorum dates its 1999 lot to the 1950s and its 1995 lot to the 1960s. Those case numbers cluster, but the catalogues do not establish a production range. Bonhams listed case 612990 twice in 2025 with the same movement number 37574; it is one watch, not two serial anchors.

Phillips dates ref. [[Reference:6031|6031]] case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 683,837] to circa 1949; Sotheby’s dates case [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en 693,873] to circa 1950. These two auction-house date estimates do not establish a 6031 serial range or year-by-year sequence.

For [[Reference:6075|ref. 6075]], Antiquorum dates cases 685,082 and 714,441 to 1950, while Phillips dates case 714,440 to 1951. Antiquorum gives circa 1951 for case 715,511; Cambi Aste assigns circa 1961 to an incomplete case number 715.xxx. The catalogues conflict, and their estimates do not establish a serial range or prove a production end year. Compare the engraved case number, movement and any independent date evidence on the individual watch. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum 2006, lot 122]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum 2014, lot 107]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips 2015, lot 284]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum 2022, lot 147]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste 2022, lot 96].

For [[Reference:6074|ref. 6074]], Antiquorum and John Goldberger date a two-piece platinum commission to 1950, but publish no case serials for those watches. Antiquorum's 1990 gold lot gives a 1950s estimate without a case number; its 2025 gold lot says the case number was no longer visible. Henrik Korpela's restored gold example had 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them. These records do not form a serial sequence. Compare the individual case and movement marks; the 1-50 code in Goldberger's image dates the bracelet component. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 Antiquorum 1992]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-155-397 Antiquorum 1990]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6074-datejust-ovettone-lot-381-223 Antiquorum 2025]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html Korpela, 2015].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1005 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1005 case 826,301 to 1962 or circa 1963; the two records appear to describe the same pink-gold watch. Other dated examples include cases 903,017 and 926,416 (circa 1962–63), 1,050,796 (circa 1964), 1,176,167 (inside caseback code II.65), 1,177,843 (circa 1966), 1,586,108 (catalogued 1971, with a guarantee booklet dated 22 December 1971), 1,801,509 (circa 1968), 3,021,909 (circa 1971), 3,367,203 (London import mark dated 1973), and 3,921,444 (circa 1974). Sotheby’s catalogued case 7,126,615 as circa 1995, but that date conflicts with the serial sequence and should not be treated as a secure production date. These are isolated auction and component dates, not a serial-year chart or production range.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1003 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date 1003 case 512,833 to circa 1960 and case 573,835 to circa 1960; the certificate accompanying case 573,835 is dated 22 December 1960, which dates the certificate rather than proving the case’s production date. Other catalogued examples include case 531,734 (circa 1966), case 1,197,501 (1964), case 3,044,042 (1972), case 3,960,865 (circa 1975), and case 5,426,177 (1977). A Glasgow import mark dates a 9K case to 1961, while a 1966 receipt accompanies a separate 9ct example. These individual records do not form a serial-year chart or establish production limits. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby’s, case 5,426,177]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, case 3,044,042]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 3,960,865].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1008 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples ===

Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143].

=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch.

=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples ===

Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1504 dated examples ===

Auction and dealer records date individual 1504 watches: Phillips dates white-gold case 1,420,737 to circa 1966; Estates Consignments dates yellow-gold case 2,537,128 to 1970; Eguchi lists case serial 2714*** as 1971; The W3674 listing assigns its masked 27xxxx serial to 1972; EveryWatch preserves a yellow-gold auction description dated circa the 1970s for case 2,472,771. Sotheby’s 2019 catalogue repeats Phillips’s case 1,420,737, so it is the same watch, not another dated specimen. These are lot and dealer dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, case 1,420,737]; [https://www.estatesconsignments.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-ref-1504-mens-18k-yellow-gold-moreau-gold-bezel-and-band-1970/ Estates Consignments, case 2,537,128]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, serial 2714***]; [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 listing, masked serial 27xxxx]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/1504/watch-2725687 EveryWatch archive, case 2,472,771].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1506 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]] case 1,117,252 to 1964, case 1,063,296 to circa 1965, and case 1,525,920 to 1967. The first two case numbers run opposite to their catalogue dates, so keep each date attached to its specific watch rather than treating these examples as a serial-year sequence. A seller-dated 1960 example has no visible case number in the available photographs. None of these records establishes the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5158504 Christie’s, case 1,117,252]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-fine-18k-oyster-perpetual-date-watch-with-chine-finish-ref-1506-circa-1965/a/5538-54133.s Heritage Auctions, case 1,063,296]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-206-127 Antiquorum, case 1,525,920]

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1507 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues assign dates from circa 1962 to 1969 to individually numbered 1507 or 1503/1507 watches: case 928,501 (joint attribution) circa 1962; 1,144,916 circa 1964; 1,122,198 circa 1965; and 1,916,162 and 2,864,908 circa 1969. Sotheby’s’ circa-1964 estimate for 1,144,916 is later in the serial sequence than its circa-1965 estimate for 1,122,198. These estimates do not form a reliable serial chronology. A separate circa-1975 Christie's 1507 has no published case number. [https://www.barnebys.fr/ventes/objet/rolex-eYswah4-633694142 Barnebys archive of an Antiquorum listing, case 928,501]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/watches-l19070/lot.1.html Sotheby’s, case 1,144,916]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10/datejust-shantung-dial-pyramid-markers-reference Sotheby’s, case 1,122,198]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1507-oyster-perpetual-date-bark-finished-bezel-18k-gold-circa-1969/a/5422-54009.s Heritage, case 1,916,162]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-date-ref-150718k-gold-self-winding-case-5091508/ Christie’s, case 2,864,908].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 dated examples ===

Christie’s dates case 1,598,902 to circa 1965 and case 1,691,443 to 1967; Phillips dates case 1,901,206 to circa 1968; Monaco Legend dates case 2,223,098 to 1969. Phillips re-listed the same Ricciardi watch in 2026 with case number 1,906,206, while movement, retailer mark, clasp stamp and paper dates match its 2019 record. Christie's dates serial 2,860,900 to circa 1971, while Gazette Drouot uses the same number for a hand-wound watch dated 1955–58. The conflicting movements and dates leave this serial unusable as a production boundary. Catalogue dates apply to individual watches; serial-number chronology remains unresolved. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5841772 Christie’s, case 1,598,902]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5493400 Christie’s, case 1,691,443]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080319/4 Phillips 2019, case 1,901,206]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/236697 Phillips 2026, case 1,906,206]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-140 Monaco Legend, case 2,223,098]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-zephyr-ref-1510-285/183944 Christie’s, serial 2,860,900]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/25117066-rolex--22oyster-perpetual-date--- Gazette Drouot, serial 2,860,900].

=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1505|1505]] examples from circa 1960 to circa 1980: Heritage assigns case 1,351,111 to circa 1960, but Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1966 band. The date for that watch remains unresolved. Christie's records a separate circa-1969 example with an inside-caseback stamp II/69 and dates case 5,225,028 to 1977; Sotheby's dates cases 5,036,208 and 5,408,060 to circa 1977 and 1978; Christie's dates case 5,696,735 to circa 1980. Cambi dates a partial case 2,772.xxx to circa 1971, but its all-steel attribution conflicts with Rolex's 1980 catalogue description. These are lot-level estimates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html photograph of Pergola's serial chart]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's, II/69]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's, case 5,225,028]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's, case 5,036,208]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 5,408,060]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5569805 Christie's, case 5,696,735]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi, case 2,772.xxx].

=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===

Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893]

=== Day-Date 6511 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744]

=== Day-Date 6612 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 platinum case 403,679] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 case 403,680] to 1958, [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 white-gold case 394,866] to 1958, and [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 platinum case 382,921] to circa 1958. Bonhams dates a [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ yellow-gold 6612/8] with serial 446*** to circa 1959. These are individual auction estimates, not a serial-number chronology; the clasp stamped 3.59 on case 403,680 and March 1959 clasp on the 446*** example date bracelets, not watch heads.

=== Day-Date 6612B case examples ===

Auction catalogues date yellow-gold case 384,933 to 1957; pink-gold case 395,916, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679 to circa 1958; platinum case 382,921 to circa 1958; and platinum case 446,052 to circa 1959. These are catalogue estimates, not a factory serial chart or proven production bounds. Christie's Dubai gives 446,062 for the last example, but Phillips and Sotheby's both list 446,052 and the Dubai entry refers to those sales. Phillips and Christie's list a clasp stamp of 1.59 on the platinum bracelet; that dates the bracelet, not the watch head. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, case 384,933]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731660 Christie's and https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6612b-day-date-lot-370-143?page=8 Antiquorum, case 395,916]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, case 394,866]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, case 403,679]; [https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-6590177 Christie's, case 382,921]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips and https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/day-date-reference-6612b-a-platinum-and-diamond Sotheby's, case 446,052].

=== Day-Date 6611 case examples ===

Phillips dates yellow-gold case 214,124 to 1956 and white-gold 6611B case 401,546 to 1958. Antiquorum dates movement number 386,339 on a gold 6611B to about 1958. These catalogue dates fit the commonly published late-1950s sequence but do not form a factory serial chart. Two steel school-watch lots have no case number and give conflicting dates, 1954 and circa 1959; the 1963 engraving is a school dedication, not a case-production date. Compare each head and movement separately.

=== Glasgow and Edinburgh assay marks ===

British hallmarks can identify the assay office, metal standard, sponsor and assay year. The sponsor is the party responsible for submitting the item; the mark does not necessarily identify its manufacturer. Imported cases may carry different office marks from domestic work. Match the complete punch, including its shield and lettering, to the correct office and period.

For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care.

Ref. [[Reference:3078|3078]] shows why the case mark and watch date must stay separate. Christie's reports Dublin import marks dated 1937 on a 9ct-gold example but gives no case number. David Duggleby's caption reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 and case markings read as 3789/3078; the number has not been independently confirmed. The records may describe the same watch. The marks date the import records, not the reference's production or either watch's assembly date. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-892250 Christie's] [https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2300/Jewellery-Watches/104955/ David Duggleby, lot 2177]

Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37].

<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span>
=== Assay letters and case-serial prefixes ===

The R, L and later case-serial prefixes belong to a system introduced around 1987. They cannot decode assay letters on 1920s–1950s Prince cases. Those letters belong to the assay office's own sequence.

<span id="Prince_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Prince dating examples ===

The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. Christie’s, Bonhams, Piguet and Sotheby’s date four individual ref. 1855 cases from circa 1930 through circa 1940. Their published descriptions do not report a Glasgow or Edinburgh import mark, so those dates remain catalogue estimates for the watches; the numbers do not establish a production span. The Bonhams caseback also carries the parachute trademark David Boettcher attributes to Robert Meylan; his case-making company was registered in 1928 and the trademark in 1934. Those registration dates identify the maker’s marks, not the manufacture date of case 14368. Boettcher says the crowned SAR mark remains unexplained. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/myrolexpage.php David Boettcher, Rolex SAR and Robert Meylan case marks] The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154]
|-
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,013 || platinum, Cal. 300 7½′′′ 18-jewel || c.1935 || Phillips Geneva V/X/XIV
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,047 || platinum || 1935 || Phillips 2015 Watch Auction One lot 210
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 6,077 || platinum || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2013
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 1,472 || Eaton 1/4 Century Club dial; catalogue descriptions of the metals differ || presentation inscription 1907–1932 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, July 2019, lot 156]
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 60,206 || 9K two-colour gold || c.1934 || Antiquorum 2020 lot 235
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,196 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1930 || Antiquorum 2015 lot 275
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 65,377 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Antiquorum 2006 lot 316
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,305 || 9K two-colour gold (971A) || c.1932 || Bonhams NY 2017 lot 133
|-
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 68,591 || 18K striped two-colour gold (971A) || c.1938 || Bonhams HK 2023 lot 644
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 13,009 || 18K yellow gold || Glasgow 1933 || Phillips NY 2023 NY080223/92
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 17,365 || steel + pink gold || Cal. T.S. 300 Ultra Prima, 1935 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 46
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 38,525 || steel + Bucherer-signed dial || c.1937 || Sotheby's Watches Online July 2019 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 58,115 || 18K (group lot with 1862) || c.1930 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14368 || steel + rose gold; 25 Records, SAR and parachute marks inside back || c.1930, catalogue date || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23512/lot/21/ Bonhams, sale 23512 lot 21]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14382 || steel + pink gold || c.1930, Christie's catalogue date || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-fine-and-rare-stainless-steel-4366792/ Christie's, lot 4366792]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 14413 || steel + pink gold; movement 77395 || 1930s, Piguet catalogue date || [https://production-static.piguet.com/sales/2754ef55-9043-4cff-b435-c37aa576f58b/specials/3378e48b-2897-4bfb-b9cf-cdb2bb46994f/catalog.pdf Piguet, lot 1592]
|-
| [[Reference:1855|1855]] || 31705 || 9-carat yellow gold || c.1940, Sotheby's catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2017/watches-sale-l17053.html Sotheby's London, lot 128]
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,237 || 9K Glasgow + Cal. 527 || Glasgow 1934 || Christie's online lot 31 (sale 13523)
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 16,663 || 18K (group lot with 1490) || c.1938 || Christie's Geneva 1395 lot 307
|-
| [[Reference:1862|1862]] || 280,124 || 18K yellow (1862A variant) || c.1930 || Sotheby's NY 2018 n09911 lot 53

|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410]
|-
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36283 || 9ct gold || An archived Bonhams 2010 description reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1938; this dates the case mark, not production || [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Bonhams 2010 lot 162, archived listing]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36443 || Yellow gold || Sotheby's reports a Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; case-level date only || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015 lot 129]
|-
| [[Reference:3059|3059]] || 36465 || 18K yellow gold || Antiquorum reports Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; case-level date only || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008 lot 687]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || 1,578 || 9K white gold, Bucherer-retailed || invoice dated 1945 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 Antiquorum, March 2008, lot 692]
|-
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6
|-
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170]
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6,920 || white and pink gold; catalogued as 1527 M || c.1930s || Drouot, lot 182
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 6936 || 18K white + pink stepped || Glasgow 1931 || EveryWatch lot 378
|-
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || not given || steel + gold-filled stepped Railway || 1940s || Bonhams NY 2006 sale 15217 lot 9
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010271 || “rolesium,” two-tone dial || c.1930, as dated by Aguttes || [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, lot 12]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010345 || two-colour case; fixed bar lugs || c.1930, as dated by Kaplans || [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Watches 59]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 010353 || steel; caseback stamped Rolesium Registered Inalterable || c.1930s, as dated by Antiquorum || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-prince-lot-361-47 Antiquorum, June 2023, lot 47]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 12'672 || steel and rose gold; stepped case || 1930s, as dated by Pandolfini || [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, lot 406]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 14069 || steel and pink gold; pink two-tone dial || 1930s, as dated by Monaco Legend || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-119 Monaco Legend, lot 119]
|-
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 019784 / 019794 || steel; Antiquorum lists a 15-jewel T.S. 300 for 019784; Muser’s photograph of 019794 shows an Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies || Antiquorum dates 019784 to 1938 and lists a timing certificate; Muser dates 019794 circa 1930. Similar watch-and-box photographs suggest a possible repeat listing, but the case numbers differ by one digit. || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, May 2017, lot 118]; [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, May 2023, lot 266]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,568 || 18K yellow gold Aerodynamic || dated 1952 (Mondani Collection) || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-210 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 210]
|-
| [[Reference:3361|3361]] || 899,677 || 18K pink gold Aerodynamic with monogrammed escutcheon || dated 1952 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-209 Antiquorum, May 2006, lot 209]
|-
| 3362 || 62,482 || 14K pink gold || c.1935, as dated by Antiquorum || Antiquorum, May 2015, sale 291, lot 109
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || 64,190 || 14K yellow gold Rams Horn || 1938 || Bonhams 2023 lot 50
|-
| [[Reference:3937|3937]] || not given || 14K yellow gold, Eaton 1/4 Century Club || Garbett presentation inscription 1926–1951 || Sotheby's NY 2020 lot 73
|-
| 6222 (Eaton presentation) || not given || automatic Oyster || presentation inscription 1929–1954 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2005, sale 86, lot 19
|}

Christie’s gives “No. 015759 1880” on a steel caseback and “no. 1880 8829” in the title of a pink-gold watch. The title does not identify 1880 as a reference. Christie’s dates the latter watch’s Glasgow import mark to 1932.

These examples use several case-number ranges across different materials and references. A high number does not establish a later production date across the whole Prince family. Antiquorum dates the two 3361 cases numbered 899,568 and 899,677 to 1952; the presentation dates on Eaton watches record later events in their ownership. None of these observations establishes a family-wide production endpoint.

=== Caseback engraving conventions ===

Keep case and reference stamps separate from personal inscriptions. An engraved name or service anniversary records a presentation or ownership claim. It cannot establish the date of the case, and hand engraving alone does not establish a replacement. Monaco Legend's 971, case 1,472, bears an Eaton service inscription ending in 1932.

<span id="Vintage_Submariner_/_Explorer_/_GMT_case-number_anchors"></span>
=== Padellone 8171: anomalous numbers and conflicting dates ===

Reference [[Reference:8171|8171]] has a shallow case number and coronet engraved on the outside of its snap-on back. Wear and polishing can reduce their legibility. The case number, movement number and a dated certificate should be recorded separately. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, illustrated 8171 study]

Phillips catalogued steel case 1977074 as circa 1950 despite its unusually high number. Its essay and SJX discuss later manufacture or assembly, but provide no factory record resolving the discrepancy. A general serial chart cannot settle the date of this particular watch. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175]; [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019]

Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72]

=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples ===

Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596]

== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==

The following table compares catalogue dates with case numbers on selected Submariner, Explorer and GMT watches. Dates without an identified hallmark, stamp or document are the named source's estimates. A cluster of nearby numbers does not establish a production total or guarantee dating to within a year or two.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Reference !! Case number !! Catalogue configuration !! Date or dated mark reported by source !! Source
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] (Submariner) || 949,136 || honeycomb dial || 1953 || Phillips Geneva XII 2020 lot 177
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,613 || gilt, US Navy provenance || c.1953–54 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 250
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,773 || Sub-Aqua, end-link 65 || 1954 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction TWO 2015 lot 292
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,923 || pencil hands, gilt || c.1954, clasp 2.53 || Phillips NY Watch Auction 2021 lot 79
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 988,929 || Sub-Aqua tropical || 1954 || Antiquorum Geneva 2013 lot 577
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 42,439 || Sub-Aqua dial; catalogued as a prototype || 1954 || Monaco Legend 2019 lot 69
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] (Submariner) || 21,354 || pencil hands, no-Submariner dial, riveted Oyster end-link 65 || c.1954, Series 1 || Phillips Game Changers NY 2019 lot 54
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,442 || Mercedes hands, gilt gloss, stretch riveted bracelet || c.1954–55 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2022 lot 13
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 21,644 || re-lumed reprinted no-Submariner dial || 1954–55 || Antiquorum Geneva 2025 lot 377-180
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 85,972 || Mercedes, gilt no depth (Series 2) || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches NY 2019 lot 178
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 86,033 || Atelier de Restauration 2023 restoration || 1955 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2025 lot 336
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] (Submariner) || 320,xxx–322,xxx || Big Crown 8mm Brevet, A296, Explorer or red depth || 1954–56 || Nicholas Foulkes, ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner'' (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] (Submariner) || 112,256 || caseback stamped "4 55", Jubilee bracelet stamped 1960 || 1955 || Sotheby's 2021 lot 35
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 112,341 || Red Depth, IV.55 caseback || 1955 || Bonhams Dec 2021 lot 36
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 155,502 || caseback stamped II.56, on 7206 rivet bracelet || 1956 || Phillips Geneva V 2017 lot 102
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 229,640 || I.57 caseback || 1957 || Sotheby's 2018 lot 215
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] (parent) || 306,706 || gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel || March 1957 || Bonhams London 2012 lot 116
|-
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || 306,989 || III.57 caseback, no-hash red triangle, glossy gilt || 1957 || Sotheby's NY 2018 lot 252
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 399,228 || brown tropical dial || c.1959 || Sotheby's London 2019 lot 121
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] (Submariner) || 140,300–140,500 (Series 1) || case-number band proposed by Blackbird || c.1956 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 158,100–158,400 (Series 2) || four-line OCC dial concentration || c.1957–58 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 307,100–307,600 (Series 3) || two-line gilt || 1958 || Blackbird Biebuyck (2019)
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 426,000–449,300 (Series 4) || fourth group in Blackbird's classification || late 1958 / 1959 || Blackbird; Sotheby's Olmsted 2024 lot 170 case 449,004
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] (Submariner big crown) || 362,153 || Explorer dial, fixed bars; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2023 lot 107
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,187 || reprinted Explorer dial; attributed to Royal Australian Navy use || 1958 || Antiquorum Monaco 2018 lot 314-248
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 362,252 || privately purchased watch used by a Royal Navy diver; later 93150/580 bracelet || Bonhams dates manufacture and purchase to 1958; caseback 1.1958 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, June 2009, lot 140]
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] (Submariner small crown) || 361,650 || black gilt, red triangle insert || 1958 || Phillips Geneva NINE 2019 lot 213
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 400,505 || tropical dial, 1960 papers || 1958 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 489,831 || black dial || 1959 || Sotheby's Watches Online 2020
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 490,575 || faded bezel insert, rivet bracelet '63 || 1958 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 333-422
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 762,896 || exclamation gilt, II.62 caseback, 7206/64 bracelet || 1962 || Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 764,524 || exclamation, 6636 clasp 4/64 || 1962 || Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160
|-
| [[Reference:6098|6098]] (Pre-Explorer / Oyster Perpetual) || 912,378 || steel + Sesto Continente "Super Oyster" provenance, IV.52 caseback || caseback IV.52; source dates the watch to 1952 || Vailati 1953 letter to Rolex Archives (Perezcope)
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] (Pre-Explorer) || 931,134 || H.S.10 CD Royal Navy with crow's foot || c.1953 || Sotheby's Fine Watches 2025 L25713
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,811 || H.S.10 CD, Burford matte-black Swiss T Precision printing, MOD broad-arrow || February 1953 || Bonhams 18849/181
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 944,925 || "Oyster Perpetual Precision" dial || 1953 || Antiquorum Geneva 2022 lot 349-152
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,021 || "KANGCHENJUNGA 1955 G.C BAND" caseback engraving || 1953 case, 1955 expedition gift || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction SIX 2017 lot 244
|-
| [[Reference:6150|6150]] || 945,096 || A296 18j, Oyster expandable bracelet || c.1953 || Sotheby's 2022 / 2024 (same example reoffered)
|-
| [[Reference:6350|6350]] || 955,761 || Douglas Prior 1956 Royal Society Antarctic Expedition, Cal. 775 service replacement || 1953 case || Antiquorum Geneva 2018 lot 317-570
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (Submariner, no-date) || 765,450 || gloss black "exclamation" Explorer dial, cal. 1530; riveted Oyster 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.62 || c.1962 (I.62) || Phillips Geneva EIGHT lot 23
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 979,313 || gilt / gloss underline Explorer dial; folded Oyster 9315 / 580 end-links || c.1963 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 991,837 || underline double-Swiss gilt dial; Oyster 6636, clasp dated Q1 1964 || 1963 (III.63) || Phillips Geneva THREE lot 106
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 1,023,362 || gloss Explorer (3-6-9) dial, Garrard guarantee 23 March 1965; Jubilee bracelet || c.1964 || Sotheby's Important Watches 2020 lot 377
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || 6,2XX,XXX || Mark III "maxi" dial, cal. 1520; 93150 Oyster, service-replacement clasp S6 || c.1979 || Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches 2019 lot 103
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] (COMEX) || 2,833,552 || helium escape valve; COMEX 24 || 1970 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum Geneva, November 2006, lot 323]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 3,804,841 || helium escape valve; dial without COMEX logo || 1972 || Antiquorum New York, 2009, sale 223, lot 373
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,089,919 || COMEX 377, matte black, 9315 bracelet, Henry Hudson letter || 1975 || Phillips NY Watch Auction SIX 2022 lot 153
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 4,155,901 || COMEX 446; caseback also engraved 68504-Ci, attributed to the Argentine Navy by Phillips || 1974 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips Geneva TWO, 2015, lot 145]
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 5,230,258 || COMEX 878, "Big Numbers" wrap-around caseback || 1977 || Antiquorum Monaco 2025 lot 383-172
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] (MilSub, Royal Navy / Army) || around 3,926,000 || 5513-only and 5513/5517 double-reference; issue years 77/79 || 1972–1975 || Phillips New York 2019 lot 28 case 3,926,768; Phillips HK 2017 lot 807 case 3,926,923; Antiquorum Monaco 2022 lot 77 case 3,926,842
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || around 5,339,000 || 5517-only between-lugs engraving, sword hands, full 60-min bezel; issue year 78 || 1977–1978 || Phillips Geneva XIV 2021 lot 152 case 5,339,827; Sotheby's 2023 lot 3 case 5,339,705 issue 853/78
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] (Submariner Date, Red Sub) || 2,241,069 || Mark II "tropical" meters-first dial, red Submariner text; Oyster 9315, clasp 3.71 || c.1969 (III.69) || Phillips WINNING ICONS lot 4
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,421,653 || Mark IV "tropical" Red Sub, feet-first "open 6s"; folded Oyster 9315, 280 end-links, clasp 4.70 || c.1970 || Phillips Geneva XIV lot 155
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 2,631,521 || Mark IV red dial, cream indexes; Oyster 7836, clasp 3-69 || 1970 (I.70) || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 108
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,184,430 || single-red Submariner dial; 93150 Oyster, clasp CL9 || c.1972 || Bonhams London Fine Watches 2025 lot 18
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 3,740,344 || feet-first Red Sub dial, Tiffany & Co. retailer signature || c.1974 || Sotheby's Important Watches II 2024
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 5,429,380 || ref. 1680/8 18k yellow gold, blue sunray dial; gold Oyster, clasp 3.71 || c.1978 || Phillips Geneva SEVEN lot 238
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 6,1XX,XXX || Mark 1 "White Submariner" (closed 6s), white-text dial || c.1979 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2022 lot 928
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] (Submariner Date, 18k yellow gold) || 6,412,142 || black nipple dial; guarantee dated 10 August 1982 || c.1979 || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, lot 6539583]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 6,667,544 || calibre 3035; inside caseback stamped 16800; clasp stamped 92908, end links 46; later guarantee dated 9 September 1987 || c.1981 || [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158613 Phillips, lot 15]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 7,538,212 || blue nipple dial; catalogue describes tropical brown change || 1982 || [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-220 Monaco Legend, lot 220]
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 9,623,728 || blue nipple dial catalogued as tropical brown || c.1987 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-6/nipple-dial-submariner-ref-16808-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, lot 8]
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] (GMT-Master, red-and-blue bezel) || 1,004,133 || underline + double-Swiss gilt dial, pointed crown guards, cal. 1560; bracelet 6636 / 80 end-links, clasp 3.64 || c.1963 (IV.63) || Phillips "Rolex Milestones" lot 810
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,323,448 || MK III late-gilt gloss dial (SWISS - T<25), cal. 1570; bracelet 7206 / 80 end-links, clasp 4.65 || c.1965 (IV.65) || Phillips Hong Kong Sessions Spring 2026 lot 8019
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,686,416 || matte black dial, steel red-and-blue bezel, cal. 1570 || c.1967 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 76
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 1,796,673 || matte black "Fuchsia" insert, cal. 1570, movement D091203 with ROW marking; clasp 7-68 || 1967 (II.67) || Phillips New York Watch Auction SEVEN lot 25
|-
| [[Reference:1675|1675]] || 5,468,961 || 18k yellow gold, black dial, President bracelet, cal. 1570 || c.1978 || Sotheby's Watches 2020 lot 77
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] (GMT-Master, first quickset) || 6,250,744 || matte black dial, black bezel insert (spare red-and-blue bezel included), cal. 3075; 93150 Oyster, clasp VC || c.1981 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2024 lot 95
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 7,625,315 || black dial, Omani police emblem, cal. 3075; 62510H Jubilee / 555 end-links, clasp G4 || c.1983 || Bonhams Fine Watches 2021 lot 68
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || 8,631,078 || glossy dial with cracked lacquer, cal. 3075; 78360 Oyster / 580 end-links, clasp I6 || c.1984 || Phillips Hong Kong EIGHT lot 1180
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8399062 || black raised-marker “bicchierini” dial; cal. 3085 || 1983 (Christie’s catalogue date) || Christie’s lot 217; date and prototype story are the auction essay’s account
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 8584610 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1984 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 250; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || serial B431181 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1985 || Antiquorum Monaco 2017 lot 274
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9376077 || black raised-marker dial; cal. 3085 || c.1986 || Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021 lot 244; catalogue calls it a prototype
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case 9,673,878 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1987 || Sotheby’s Watches Weekly 2020 lot 2
|-
| [[Reference:16550|16550]] || case R828043 || cream rail dial; cal. 3085 || c.1988 || Sotheby’s Geneva 2020 lot 652
|-
| [[Reference:16750|16750]] || R672618 || gloss black dial, R-prefix || c.1988 || Bonhams Hong Kong Watches 2019 lot 845
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] (GMT-Master II) || 8,463,283 || red-and-black bezel, cal. 3085 27j || c.1984 || Sotheby's Important Watches HK 2021 lot 2004
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R275863 || red-and-black bezel, mvt 1994435, 78790 service-replacement bracelet || c.1988 || Bonhams Knightsbridge 2023 lot 28031/167
|-
| [[Reference:16760|16760]] || R434190 || full set with Merksamer Jewelers guarantee, mvt 2102621 || c.1988 || Phillips Geneva Watch Auction X 2019 lot 149
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] (GMT-Master) || R-serial || 1988 red-and-blue bezel, 78360 / RS11 clasp || 1988 || Bonhams 25956/4
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T254282 || 1996 red-and-blue bezel delivered Dec 1996, full set with Beyer receipt || 1996 || Antiquorum Geneva 2020 lot 329-88
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || T848499 || c.1996 red-and-blue bezel, with extra black bezel, cal. 3175 || 1996 || Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches 2019 lot 10
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || W752611 || c.1995 red-and-blue bezel, faded bezel, tritium dial || 1995 || Sotheby's Fine Watches Online 2024 lot 417
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U443556 || 1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 14/50, Bell X-1 1947 caseback || 1997 || Bonhams 25232/969
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || U453541 || c.1997 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's No. 21/50 || 1997 || Phillips Hong Kong XI 2020 lot 862
|-
| [[Reference:16700|16700]] || A245609 || c.1999 Chuck Yeager / Real McCoy's || 1999 || Sotheby's Hong Kong 2019 lot 2023
|}

Record an inside-caseback stamp exactly as it appears. Roman numerals I–IV are often read as quarters, but the [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html Caseback date codes guide describes a VI 1966 stamp] that does not fit that convention. A dated caseback is a component observation. Service replacements and exchanged backs can separate its date from the rest of the watch.

<span id="Cross-referencing_for_full_dating"></span>
== Comparing the components ==

An early serial range suggests a case date. Compare the bracelet reference, dial and [[Reference:Movements|movement]] separately. A [[Reference:Bracelets|clasp code]] dates the marked component, and a replacement clasp or bracelet does not change the case date.

A bracelet from the same period as the case may be period-correct without being original to that watch. Matching date estimates alone cannot establish original delivery.

== Per-reference serial detail ==

For chronograph ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips identifies case 12'271 and dates it circa 1938; a 2026 FutureGrail caseback photograph shows the same number, while its catalogue transcription dates it circa 1927. Phillips' 2023 ref. 2022 catalogue refers back to the 2057 as case 12'272, one digit different. Preserve the discrepancy; these records do not establish a serial sequence or production span. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080218/40 Phillips, 2018, lot 40]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2057/watch-32733221 EveryWatch transcription of FutureGrail, 2026, lot 32]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080223/170 Phillips, 2023, lot 170]

For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart].

For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates its gold-plated steel case, numbered 769***, to circa 1951. Bellmans dates serial 769199 to 1962; that number is consistent with Bonhams' masked prefix, but the catalogues do not confirm that their listings describe the same watch. Pergola assigns 769199 to its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart gives 710,776 for 1951 and 840,396 for 1952; it has no entry for 769199. These auction dates and chart estimates describe individual records, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs].

For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321]

For ref. [[Reference:6719|6719]], Antiquorum dates case 6,703,003 to circa 1981. Leland Little dates serial 7,350,177 to circa 1982, and its photographs show the same number on the accompanying guarantee paper. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not production limits. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, ref. 6719]; [https://www.lelandlittle.com/items/568411/lady-s-stainless-steel-and-gold-i-oyster-perpetual-i-watch-rolex/ Leland Little, lot 1089]

For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363].

Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run.

=== Day-Date 1803 dating ===

For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s].

The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration.

For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494].

For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks.

For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25].

For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread]

For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits.

For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001].

A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct.

Auction catalogues date ref. 18039 case 5,302,014 to circa 1977, case 5,507,421 to circa 1978, case 6,739,240 to 1981, and case 7,522,088 to 1983. The 5,507,421 watch has a warranty recording a German retail sale in November 1980; that date records the sale, not the case manufacture. See [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-324-171 Antiquorum lot 171 (2019)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-lot-340-158 lot 158 (2021)], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-18038-lot-289-292 lot 292 (2015)], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18039-day-date-stella-dial-white-gold-lot-383-147 lot 147 (2025)].

Auction catalogues also give date estimates for individual Day-Date 18049 cases: 5,724,546 (circa 1978), 6,041,581 (1979), 6,654,074 (circa 1981), 6,768,020 (circa 1980), 7,644,551 (circa 1983), 8,272,377 (circa 1984), and R509431 (circa 1988). These are catalogue associations between a case number and a lot date, not a serial-number year chart or proof of the reference’s production limits. Sources: [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches/reference-18049-day-date-a-white-gold-and-diamond Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 5,724,546]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-270 Monaco Legend, ref. 18049 case 6,041,581]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-18049-gold-diamond-set-automatic-wristwatch-khanjar-89/181697 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,654,074]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4814219 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case 6,768,020]; [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/ad86e74c-7057-4843-848c-3fbcabe7ff96/lots/30281a3f-52a9-45aa-9d06-c9a6baf6ddee Sotheby’s, ref. 18049 case 7,644,551]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18049-day-date-lot-361-98 Antiquorum, ref. 18049 case 8,272,377]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6558374 Christie’s, ref. 18049 case R509431].

Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504].

Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167].

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-fine-rare-and-unusual-stainless-5892958/ Christie's, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it circa 1935 and identifies its 2006 Antiquorum appearance]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-35/lot-220 Monaco Legend, 2024, ref. 6511 case 166,725]

== Sources ==

* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966]
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951]
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952]
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611B case 401,546, dated 1958]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611b-lot-307-136 Antiquorum 2017, ref. 6611B, movement 386,339]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum 2002 steel school-watch lot, catalogued circa 1959]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum 2013 steel school-watch lot, catalogued as 1954]

* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in-depth-rolex-8171-padellone-moonphase Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee: 8171 case markings]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/175 Phillips Geneva X, lot 175: 8171 case 1977074]
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/10/rolex-8171-padellone-steel.html SJX, 2019: 8171 serial anomaly]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2020, lot 2143: 8171 case 686356]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72: 8171 case 667005 and dated certificate]

* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate.
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table.
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
* [https://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/hallmarking/what-is-a-hallmark Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, What is a hallmark?]: the meaning of office, sponsor, fineness and date marks.
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher, British import hallmarks]: historical office marks and date-letter cycles.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930.
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939.
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold.
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578.
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16805/lot/140/ Bonhams, Submariner 5510, June 2009, lot 140]: case 362,252, purchase history and the bracelet recorded at auction.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, COMEX 5513, November 2006, lot 323]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/90836 Phillips, COMEX 5514, Geneva TWO, lot 145]: reference, case-number and inscription details.
* The tables identify further auction and specialist sources beside each observation; see the linked reference articles for additional lot records.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-122 Antiquorum, 2006, ref. 6075 case 685082]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511]
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x]
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
* [https://www.aguttes.com/lot/montres-de-collection-69808257-ca1b-404b-ba18-d421d9badcaf/rolex-64c89c55-4320-40cc-84b9-bd7f8554c1ca Aguttes, Prince 1768 case 010271, c.1930]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3448/vara/1474228 Kaplans, Prince 1768 case 010345, c.1930]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, Prince 1768 case 019784, dated 1938]
* [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, Prince 1768 case 01028, circa 1927]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/uploads/auctions/20141125.pdf Pandolfini, Prince 1768 case 12'672, 1930s]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930]
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940]

* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775]

* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276]

Reference:Movements

2026-10-21T03:44:37Z

Admin: Add attributed ref. 2057 movement note

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Caliber & Movement Reference}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Movements & Calibers — Cross-Family Reference | Rolexopedia
|description=Cross-family caliber catalogue for vintage and discontinued Rolex watches, with selected modern lineages through the 2023 Explorer II and Daytona transitions.
|keywords=Rolex caliber, Rolex movement, cal 4030, cal 4130, cal 727, Valjoux 72, Zenith El Primero, cal 1570, cal 1575, cal 3035, cal 3135, cal 3185, cal 3186, Oysterquartz 5035, Rolex chronograph caliber, vintage Rolex movement
|type=Article
}}

<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Movements'''</small>

Find a caliber by family below, then compare its markings and specifications with the individual watch reference. Several early caliber attributions remain disputed; those entries name the competing descriptions.

== Quick jump ==

<div class="rp-index">
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Prince (shaped)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-300|300]] [[#cal-300-ts|7½ T.S. 300]] [[#cal-310|310]] [[#cal-360-hw|360 HW]] [[#cal-350-ts|350 T.S.]] [[#cal-1759|1759]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster Perpetual automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1130-rolex-automatic|1130 OP]] [[#cal-1160|1160]] [[#cal-1161|1161]] [[#cal-2030|2030]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Bubbleback / early automatic</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-520|520]] [[#cal-420|420]] [[#cal-50|50]] [[#cal-620|620]] [[#cal-630|630]] [[#cal-635|635]] [[#cal-105-hunter|700/710]] [[#cal-600|600]] [[#cal-59|59]] [[#cal-a260|A260]] [[#cal-a296|A296]] [[#cal-a295|A.295]] [[#cal-645|645]] [[#cal-720-auto|720 automatic (lot attribution)]] [[#cal-740|740]] [[#cal-745|745]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Calendar / moonphase</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early Oyster (lot attribution)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-2849-note|2849 (Cal. 500 attribution)]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oyster / Oysterdate Precision</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1210|1210]] [[#cal-1215|1215]] [[#cal-1216|1216]] [[#cal-1220|1220]] [[#cal-1225|1225]] [[#cal-1200|1200]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Cellini and dress watches</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1600|1600]] [[#cal-7040|7040]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Vintage sport (1950s–80s)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1030|1030]] [[#cal-1035|1035]] [[#cal-1036|1036]] [[#cal-1040|1040]] [[#cal-1050|1050]] [[#cal-1065|1065]] [[#cal-1066|1066]] [[#cal-1530|1530]] [[#cal-1520|1520]] [[#cal-1535|1535]] [[#cal-1525|1525]] [[#cal-1560|1560]] [[#cal-1565|1565]] [[#cal-1570|1570]] [[#cal-1575|1575]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Modern sport (1988–2023 coverage)</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-3000|3000]] [[#cal-3035|3035]] [[#cal-3075|3075]] [[#cal-3085|3085]] [[#cal-3130|3130]] [[#cal-3132|3132]] [[#cal-3135|3135]] [[#cal-3175|3175]] [[#cal-3185|3185]] [[#cal-3186|3186]] [[#cal-3187|3187]] [[#cal-3230|3230]] [[#cal-3235|3235]] [[#cal-3285|3285]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Milgauss</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1080|1080]] [[#cal-1580|1580]] [[#cal-3131|3131]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Early chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-13|13]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Daytona chronograph</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-72|72]] [[#cal-72a|72A]] [[#cal-72b|72B]] [[#cal-722|722]] [[#cal-722-1|722-1]] [[#cal-727|727]] [[#cal-4030|4030]] [[#cal-4130|4130]] [[#cal-4131|4131]] [[#cal-4132|4132]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Day-Date</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-1055|1055]] [[#cal-1555|1555]] [[#cal-1556|1556]] [[#cal-1566|1566]] [[#cal-3055|3055]] [[#cal-3155|3155]] [[#cal-3156|3156]] [[#cal-3255|3255]]</div></div>
<div class="rp-era"><div class="rp-era-name">Oysterquartz</div><div class="rp-chips">[[#cal-5035|5035]] [[#cal-5055|5055]]</div></div>
</div>

== Rolex movements ==

This page covers calibers used by Rolex families in the wiki, including several numbers with no confirmed fitment. Reference pages document individual applications.

A caliber designation identifies a movement type. An individual movement number and the case serial belong to separate numbering systems. Comparing their numerical size does not establish which component was made first. The [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial-number guide]] explains the limits of case dating.

Aegler in Bienne made most of the mechanical movements covered here. The firm supplied Rolex as an independent manufacturer before becoming its subsidiary in 2004.

The caliber entries describe balance materials, hairsprings and shock protection where documented. A technology's introduction at Rolex does not mean that every movement received it in the same year.

<span id="prince-family"></span>
== Early chronograph movement

The early Oyster chronograph references use Valjoux ébauches, with Rolex caliber designations that should be kept distinct from the maker’s base number. Available auction records support a limited Cal. 13 / Valjoux 23-family entry. Ebauches S.A.'s 1951 technical guide labels a two-pusher, 13-ligne movement “VZ 23” ([https://myretrowatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Valjoux-VZ-23-Technical-Guide.pdf technical guide, 2nd edition March 1953]). That nomenclature does not establish Rolex fitment. The Cal. 13 evidence discussed here concerns the 3525 and does not identify every early Rolex chronograph movement.

For ref. [[Reference:2057|2057]], Phillips describes a manual movement. The 2026 FutureGrail catalogue transcription attributes a 13-ligne Valjoux base by Reymond Frères and 17 jewels; its photograph shows the Rolex signature and jewel count, while the caliber and maker remain unreadable. Treat this as a lot attribution, not a confirmed caliber assignment.

Ref. [[Reference:2021|2021]] is a pre-Oyster monopusher. Published descriptions give movement sizes from 13 to 16½ lignes; Uhrenkosmos names a Valjoux VZ in one early monopusher, while auction catalogues describe different executions. The available records do not support a reference-wide caliber assignment. Keep these descriptions separate from the Cal. 13 entry below. [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-daytona-seine-technik-und-geschichte/ Uhrenkosmos, early monopusher movement] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010] [https://www.cambiaste.com/it/asta-0795/rolex---rarissimo-cronografo-due-contatori-da-polso-monopulsante-in-ac-270066 Cambi, steel case 14xxx]

Auction records describe ref. [[Reference:2303|2303]] with 17-jewel lever movements; several Antiquorum lots measure them at 10½ lignes. Christie’s records a case-band pusher on one example, while other catalogues describe crown-operated monopushers. The lot descriptions leave caliber and maker unnamed, so a Valjoux 23 / Cal. 13 assignment would go beyond them. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-137 Antiquorum, case 17890] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4796029 Christie’s, case 022310]

For [[Reference:3346|ref. 3346]], the Field Manual lists a 10-ligne Hunter movement; Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s describe 10½-ligne manual movements in individual watches, with jewel counts of 17 or 18 in the catalogues. The book and Phillips call the movement in-house or patented, but the auction image sets reviewed here do not show a movement. No numbered caliber is established, and the size and jewel-count descriptions remain attached to their sources. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 71] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2070687 Christie’s, 2002, 18-jewel description] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5674673 Christie’s, 2013] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/36 Phillips, 2016] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-3346-zerograph-an-extremely-rare-and?locale=en Sotheby’s, 2024] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-365 Antiquorum, 2006, 18 jewels]

For [[Reference:3462|ref. 3462]], auction catalogues also describe a manual 10½-ligne movement, with 17 or 18 jewels. White’s Field Manual gives 10 lignes for the 3346/3462 pair and calls the movement a Hunter. The catalogues identify movement size and jewel count, not a numeric caliber for the 3462. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091717 Christie’s, case 161’501] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6079995 Christie’s, case 161’489] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-66-71 Antiquorum, lot 71]

<span id="cal-13"></span>
=== Cal. 13 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual chronograph
|-
| base family
| Valjoux 23; auction catalogues variously specify 23 VZ or only Cal. 13
|-
| size / jewels
| 13 lignes and 17 jewels in the Antiquorum Nutting record; Sotheby’s records 17 jewels for case 372822
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:3525|3525]]; other early reference assignments require their own source check
|}

Antiquorum identifies Cal. 13 and a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement in the 3525 delivered to Clive Nutting; its Leon Brownlee catalogue also names Cal. 13. Sotheby’s 2020 catalogue for a 3525 gives manual winding and 17 jewels but no caliber number. The recurring Valjoux 23 attribution is supported by specialist references and auction descriptions, but the precise movement marking should be read from the individual watch. Cal. 13 is Rolex’s designation in these records; it is not a claim that Rolex manufactured the Valjoux chronograph base. See the [[Reference:pre-daytona-chronographs|pre-Daytona chronograph guide]].

== Prince (shaped movements) ==

The Prince family uses Aegler shaped movements. Wilsdorf and Aegler patented the layout in 1927 as a "shaped watch movement with a seconds dial." It placed the winding barrel at one end of the rectangular movement and the balance at the other, leaving room for a larger balance wheel and mainspring barrel than rival shaped calibers of the period. The larger balance improved precision, while the larger barrel extended the power reserve.

Aegler remained an independent supplier until Rolex bought the company from the Borer family in April 2004. "Aegler" and "Rebberg" refer to the same firm; Rebberg was the street in Bienne where it stood. Aegler also made movements for Gruen. The architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold in the United States as the Gruen Techni-Quadron, designated Cal. 877. Gruen-stamped movements sometimes appear in Rolex Prince cases, but Cal. 877 was never a Rolex caliber number.

Prince grades run Prima → Extra Prima → Ultra Prima, with higher jewel counts, more adjustment positions, and stricter chronometer testing. Only Extra Prima and Ultra Prima watches carry "Chronometer" or "Observatory" dial marks. Rolex submitted Prince movements to the National Physical Laboratory at Kew for rate certificates independent of the Swiss Bureaux Officiels Suisse de Contrôle. Its often-cited 1914 Class A Kew certificate belongs to an earlier ladies' wristwatch movement, while Prince testing at Kew-Teddington began in 1928.

The Prince Imperial pocket watch, ref. [[Reference:1645|1645]], has a shaped manual movement. Sotheby’s records a 17-jewel Class A Observatory movement, number 1,000,823; Antiquorum describes other examples as 17-jewel Ultra Prima or Observatory movements in several line sizes. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 5096 in its caliber column for the 1645. Auction descriptions and the inspected movement photographs do not confirm that number on a movement, so it remains a book attribution rather than an established caliber.

<span id="cal-300"></span>
=== Cal. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo|alt=Cal. 300, Extra Prima grade, rectangular Prince architecture, Bonhams lot photo]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 (Prima) · 18 (Extra/Ultra Prima)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½ × 14½ lignes / 16.9 × 32.7mm
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| shock
| None
|}

Cal. 300 is the original Prince movement, made from 1928 to 1935. Christie's describes all three as the same movement base, with interchangeable parts and the balance bridge identifying the original execution. Prima movements have 15 jewels and six-position adjustment; Extra Prima and Ultra Prima versions have 18 jewels, six-position adjustment, and sometimes a Chronometer marking. David Boettcher identifies the additional jewels as two end-stones on the escape-wheel pivots and a top bearing on the centre wheel. Early movements carry the grade wording on the ratchet wheel, while later examples place it on the main train bridge. The photographed Extra Prima, marked "Observatory 6 Positions," shows the later convention.

Balance metallurgy changed gradually. Examples from 1928 use a bimetallic balance with a plain Breguet spring; by the mid-to-late 1930s, documented movements have both monometallic and bimetallic balances paired with Elinvar-alloy hairsprings. No exact transition year is established. "Patented Superbalance" on later ratchet wheels and bridges refers to Aegler's Swiss patent CH196706, filed in August 1936 and granted in March 1938. A movement carrying the mark postdates the grant. The recessed timing screws are often said to reduce air resistance, but Boettcher reads the patent as a way to maximize the balance's radius of gyration within the available space.

The Cal. 300 examples described here have no identified shock-protection system. Incabloc dates the start of its production to 1933 and the later lyre-spring design to 1938. Those dates alone cannot establish the fittings in a particular Prince.

Several UK auction catalogues treat the three- and four-digit numbers found on movements in refs 1862, 1490, and 1855 as calibers. The documented numbers are 510, 579, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439, with weaker evidence for 701 and a single record of 1759. They are almost certainly movement serials read from the plate. A 2024 Alexandre Landre listing of ref. 1855 calls another movement “Rolex 318”; its lot photographs do not show a readable marking, so this remains an unverified catalogue label. Continental catalogues identify the same movement class by grade and the T.S. size code instead. Cal. 414 and Cal. 527 have no documented connection to the Rolex Prince. The number 971A is a Prince case reference, not an established caliber designation; Antiquorum catalogued that reference in 1989 with a T.S./300-family movement. Fabsuisse labels the movement in its separate ref. 3937 dealer listing “Cal. 971A,” but the auction records reviewed here do not confirm that designation. Treat it as an unverified dealer attribution unless a readable movement marking supports it.

<span id="cal-300-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300 ===
[[File:Cal 300 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"|alt=Cal. 7½′′′ T.S. 300, marked "Rolex World's Records," "Rolex Chronometer," "18 Rubies, Ultra Prima"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~50h
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

"T.S." is Rolex's size-family code for this 16.9 × 32.7mm architecture, catalogued by Christie's as "cal. T.S. Ref. 300." There is no support for the common expansion "Très Soigné." The six-position Ultra Prima execution ran from 1932 to 1938 with a lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, micrometer regulator, Breguet overcoil hairspring, and rhodium plating. On the [[Reference:1527|1527 Railway]], Extra Prima movements outnumber Ultra Prima examples, reversing the pattern seen on the 1490. An eight-position Ultra Prima marked "Officially Tested in Eight Ways" is documented on a 1931 bamboo-bracelet example sold by Mondani in 2006.

Antiquorum's 2017 listing for Prince ref. 1768 case 019784 describes a 7½-line T.S. 300 with 15 jewels; its listing has no movement photograph. Uhren-Muser's 2023 photograph of case 019794 shows an Extra Prima movement marked 17 Rubies. The watch and box images resemble Antiquorum's example, but the case numbers differ by one digit, so the lots may be repeat listings. The T.S. 300 illustrated here is marked 18 Rubies. Keep each count with its photographed or catalogued example. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, 2017, lot 118] [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, 2023, lot 266]

<span id="cal-310"></span>
=== Cal. 310 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|-
| size
| 7½′′′ rectangular (19 × 49mm cased)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Micrometer
|}

Cal. 310 is the centre-seconds member of the T.S. family, used in the wedge-shaped [[Reference:3361|3361 Aerodynamic]], 3362, and [[Reference:3937|3937]] Prince group. Antiquorum described a 3361 in 2000 as a rhodium-plated 7½-ligne movement with 18 jewels, lateral lever escapement, six-position Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and micrometer regulator, in a 19 × 49mm case. That catalogue does not print the number 310, so the caliber attribution is less secure than the architecture and specifications. Movement production ended in 1938, but Aegler stock remained in Rolex cases through 1952. The difference between a movement number and case number does not independently prove a stockpiling interval.

<span id="cal-360-hw"></span>
=== Cal. 360 HW ===
[[File:Cal 360 HW movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"|alt=Cal. 360 HW, marked "Rolex, 15 Rubies, Swiss Made"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|}

The architecture of Cal. 360 is disputed. Christie's describes a 1938 ref. 2835 "Prince Elegant" with a tonneau-shaped 15-jewel movement, and Charles Jarman's ''The Rolex Reference Guide'' (4th edition) calls Cal. 360 a manual, small-seconds, tonneau-shaped movement with a SuperBalance. Watch Doctor’s online chart instead lists a rectangular, 18-jewel movement measuring 18 × 27mm. The page does not identify an underlying Rolex document.

Christie's also describes a rectangular 17-jewel Cal. 360 in 1937 Precision ref. 3140 case 41,362. Monaco Legend gives Cal. 360 for another 1937 ref. 3140, case 41,465, but no jewel count. These are catalogue attributions to individual watches; they do not settle the conflicting movement descriptions. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-9k-gold-rectangular-curved-wristwatch-5130486/ Christie’s, 2008 lot 13]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-219 Monaco Legend, 2024 lot 219]

Jarman dates Cal. 360 to 1937. The expansion of the HW designation remains unconfirmed; it should be retained as a designation rather than expanded to Hans Wilsdorf. The differing shape and jewel descriptions need comparison with the movement in the individual watch. Ineichen’s 2016 catalogue attributes C.360 to a Prince ref. 1880 and describes a nickel-plated lever movement. That is one lot-level attribution; it does not resolve the conflicting descriptions above. [https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/83c/fnnltq7byndm2n2lwa14zfgz3qzl1tuc.pdf Ineichen, Auction 164, lot 133]

<span id="cal-510"></span>
<span id="cal-579"></span>
<span id="cal-701"></span>
<span id="cal-841"></span>
<span id="cal-1004"></span>
<span id="cal-1130"></span>
<span id="cal-1439"></span>
=== Numbered Prince movements (510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, 1439) ===

Seven numbers circulate in Prince catalogues as "calibers": 510, 579, 701, 841, 1004, 1130, and 1439. In the Prince examples reviewed here, the bare numbers are most likely movement serials rather than caliber designations. This interpretation is specific to the Prince plates; auction catalogues separately identify a Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual [[Reference:6548|ref. 6548]] examples, discussed below.

Photographed Prince plates carry a grade legend, jewel count, "Swiss Made," and a bare number stamped beside the "NN RUBIES" wording, but no caliber designation. Grade legends include Prima, Extra Prima, Ultra Prima, Observatory Quality, Officially Tested in Eight Ways, Timed 6 Positions, and For All Climates. The bare number ranges from four to seven digits. Ultra Prima 18-jewel examples with otherwise matching plates carry 1260, 1439, and 1759 in that position, confirming that the stamp varies within one movement type.

Continental auction catalogues identify these movements by size code and grade, such as "cal. T.S. 300" or "7½′′′ T.S. 300, Observatory Quality." UK lots that print a "Cal." figure also give a separate case or serial number, indicating that the supposed caliber was read from the movement. The specifications also overlap: 1439 and 1759 both describe an 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement adjusted to six positions. A bare mainplate serial has likewise appeared in print as a "1240 calibre movement."

Auction descriptions use these numbers, but the available plate evidence points to movement serials.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
! number
! documented on
! catalogue text
! notes
|-
| 510
| Prince Brancard ref. 1855, case 14368 (Bonhams photograph); Christie’s separately identifies case 14382, circa 1930
| "17-jewel Cal.510 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions"
| Bonhams photograph shows 510 and 17 Rubies on case 14368; a separate Alexandre Landre listing calls another ref. 1855 movement Rolex 318, without a readable mark. [https://www.alexandrelandre.com/lot/148418/25180425-rolex-prince-ref-1855-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-deux Alexandre Landre, lot 30]
|-
| 579
| stainless steel ref. 1862, circa 1935, case No. 103
| "17-jewel Cal.579 manual wind movement" (Bonhams London)
| single lot; the trailing "T" in some listings is absent from Bonhams' catalogue text
|-
| 701
| one photograph showing "ROLEX PRINCE 701" on a 1930s piece
| none
| no recorded jewel count, adjustment count, or technical description; no auction or catalogue attribution
|-
| 841
| ref. 1862 circa 1930, case No. 10403
| "17-jewel Cal.841 manual wind" (Bonhams London; resold through Tajan in 2019, the same watch catalogued twice)
| a separate listing gives 15 jewels for a "Cal. 841T" on a different 1862; a caliber designation would not change jewel count
|-
| 1004
| ref. 1862, Glasgow import mark for 1936, serial 176**
| "17-jewel Cal.1004 manual wind movement tested to 8 positions" (Bonhams, December 2015)
| white gold bezel, fixed wire lugs, gilt brick-link bracelet
|-
| 1130
| 9K yellow gold ref. 1490, case 30280
| "cal. 1130 manual winding lever movement, 16 jewels"
| lowest jewel count recorded in the group
|-
| 1439
| Prince Chronometre ref. 1490, Glasgow import mark for 1937, serial 307**
| "18-jewel Cal.1439 manual wind movement timed to 6 positions" (Bonhams)
| same 18-jewel, 6-position Ultra Prima specification as Cal. 1759 below
|}

Cal. 1759 is the same phenomenon. It remains separate because the photographed watch preserves matching movement and caseback markings, but the number appears in the serial position on an Ultra Prima plate and is documented in only one regional UK auction.

<span id="cal-1759"></span>
=== Cal. 1759 ===
[[File:Cal 1759 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back|alt=Cal. 1759, "1759, 18 RUBIES, ULTRA PRIMA," with its matching case back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18
|}

This circa 1937 Ultra Prima Chronometer has 18 jewels and six-position adjustment. Gardiner Houlgate catalogued it in a 9ct ref. 1862 with 1937 Glasgow import hallmarks as a "cal. 1759 Ultra Prima Chronometer 18 jewel movement timed 6 positions." The photographed example retains its matching caseback, engraved "1759, 18 Rubies, Ultra Prima" alongside "31 Records Universels" and a retailer stamp. The identification rests on this single regional UK auction lot.

<span id="cal-350-ts"></span>
=== Cal. 350 T.S. ===
[[File:Cal 350 TS movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour|alt=Cal. 350 T.S., Extra Prima grade, 15 rubies, timed to 6 positions, in a ref. 1491 jumping hour]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 18 (documented both ways)
|-
| size
| 16.9 × 32.7mm (T.S.)
|-
| escapement
| Lateral lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Cal. 350 is the jump-hour member of the T.S. family, alongside the small-seconds Cal. 300 and centre-seconds Cal. 310. Christie's and Sotheby's catalogue it in the [[Reference:1491|1491 Brancard Jumping Hour]] as an 18-jewel, chronometer-rated movement on the T.S. base. Another 1491 has a 15-jewel Extra Prima movement; Ultra Prima examples have 18 jewels. Jewel count varies with grade. The jump-hour disc works on much the same principle as the later Datejust date disc. Surviving examples carry Glasgow import hallmarks from 1930–31, consistent with the T.S. base's 1928–35 production window.

The 1491 has a deeper case than the 1490 to accommodate its jump-hour mechanism. Case depth is one comparison point; the movement, module and case markings must agree as well.

== Cellini and dress-watch calibers ==

Auction catalogues identify manually wound Cal. 1600 in late-1960s Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples. Rolex's 1978 service booklet supplies the movement dimensions and rate; the auction descriptions supply reference fitment and jewel count.

=== Cal. 1600 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual-wind, round
|-
| size
| 9¼ lignes
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 beats per hour
|-
| jewels
| 19 (Farsetti catalogue)
|-
| fitment documented here
| Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]] examples in Farsetti and Fortuna auction records
|}

Rolex's 1978 ''Technical and Service Information'' lists Cal. 1600 as a round 9¼-ligne movement running at 19,800 beats per hour. Farsetti and Fortuna attribute Cal. 1600 to their respective 3735 watches; Farsetti lists 19 jewels. Since neither auction entry includes a movement photograph, these remain catalogue attributions for the individual examples.

''Sources:'' [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978)]; [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113].

=== Cal. 7040 ===

Rolex's archived Cellini Prince descriptions identify Cal. 7040 as a shaped, manually wound, chronometer-certified movement with Paraflex shock absorbers, a Breguet overcoil and about 72 hours of reserve. Rolex's 2015 price list gives 21 jewels; its archived product page gives 28,800 beats per hour.

{| class="wikitable"
! suffix !! reference !! Rolex's listed version
|-
| 7040-1 || 5440/8 || 18 ct yellow gold; Clou de Paris dial
|-
| 7040-3 || [[Reference:5441/9|5441/9]] || 18 ct white gold; silver Godron Circulaire or diamond-pavé Godron dial
|-
| 7040-2 || [[Reference:5442/5|5442/5]] || Everose gold; Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|-
| 7040-4 || 5443/9 || 18 ct white gold; double Rayon Flammé de la Gloire dial
|}

Rolex's model-specific text assigns Cal. 7040-3 to both 5441/9 dial versions. Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue calls case D758994 Cal. 7040-1; Christie's and Sotheby's identify other 5441/9 examples as 7040-3. Keep Antiquorum's label with that lot; the available record does not resolve it. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141220000635/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5441_9-0012.html Rolex archived Cellini Prince product page, 2014]; [https://www.rolexforum.nl/prijslijst-rolex-NL2015.pdf Rolex Netherlands price list, 2015]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-78 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5493261 Christie's, case D774253]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/important-watches-ge1001/lot.132.html Sotheby's, Geneva, 2010, lot 132].

Rolex's archived 5442/5 page assigns Cal. 7040-2, as do Christie's, Kaplans and Sotheby's examples. Antiquorum's 2008 and 2022 catalogues call two 5442/5 movements 7040-1. Retain those labels with their lots; the available images do not establish a separate reference-wide movement version. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141017054035/http://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini-rolex-prince/m5442_5-0001.html Rolex archived 5442/5 product page, 2014]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5196177 Christie's Geneva 2009, lot 315]; [https://www.kaplans.se/sv/auktioner/2592/vara/999631 Kaplans, Stockholm, 2013, lot 469]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-6/cellini-ref-5442-montre-bracelet-en-or-rose-pink Sotheby's, 2021]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-205-231 Antiquorum, Geneva, 2008, lot 231]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5442-5-prince-cellini-lot-353-198 Antiquorum, Monaco, 2022, lot 198].

<span id="bubbleback-family"></span>
== Early manual-wind Oyster examples ==

The early cushion-case Oyster references used manual movements, but the available catalogue descriptions do not support one movement assignment for every reference. For [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]], Antiquorum describes a 15-jewel 11-ligne manual movement on its 2003 example; Christie's describes an unnamed 15-jewel lever movement, and a dealer-photographed example shows a 17-jewel Rolex movement. Keep each description with its watch. Aste Bolaffi's Marconi Oyster has a 15-jewel FHF 30-based movement and the number 1069 on its case, but the catalogue does not identify that number as the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-41-480 Antiquorum 2003]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3892839 Christie's]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ dealer photo set]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/268/87/detail Aste Bolaffi 2022]

For [[Reference:1072|ref. 1072]], Antiquorum describes 10-ligne, 18-jewel movements in two examples. Bonhams calls a separate example a 15-jewel Prima. Cool Auction labels the movement Cal. 10½ and reports 15 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour and a maximum 38-hour reserve on a Bucherer-signed watch. The same dealer attributes a Superbalance and Breguet hairspring to that movement. Hess Fine Auctions reports a manual 15-jewel movement in its 2023 lot. Watch Collecting describes another example as manual-wind but gives no caliber or jewel count. Toovey’s title calls its circa-1938 example Ultra Prima but gives no movement specification. The Cool Auction caliber label has no corroboration in the other records; the lots do not establish a single movement assignment or grade across the reference. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-96-82 Antiquorum, Hong Kong, 1997]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prima/lpi Antiquorum and Bonhams archive]; [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/23866/ Cool Auction]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/superior-rolex-oyster-1072-large-cushion-vintage_98542e8bd8 Hess Fine Auctions, lot 3211]; [https://collecting.com/for-sale/1938-rolex-oyster-2 Watch Collecting]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/613066/a-rolex-oyster-ultra-prima-chrome-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s]

For [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]], Antiquorum names a 10½-ligne Extra Prima movement with 15 jewels. David Boettcher reports that Prima movements he has examined are generally 15-jewel, while the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima examples he has examined have 18 jewels. Antiquorum’s description is an exception to that pattern; its catalogue does not explain the mismatch. Christie's describes a 15-jewel Prima, and Bonhams calls another 15-jewel movement Ultra Prima. The lot descriptions give no shared caliber number or reference-wide grade. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie's]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://vintagewatchstraps.com/blogprima.php David Boettcher, movement-grade survey]

A scanned Oyster case-and-crown table lists ref. [[Reference:2416|2416]] at 10½ lignes in its “calibre size” column. TimeAnagram gives the same figure in a dealer movement field. A Hodinkee photograph of case 32342 shows a manual movement stamped “Rolex 15 rubies”; Bonhams describes case 37425 as a patented Superbalance. Christie’s identifies case 36776 with an Ultra Prima movement jewelled to the third. These catalogue descriptions give no numbered caliber for the reference. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/OYSTER-CROWNS-GUIDE.pdf Oyster case-and-crown table, ref. 2416 row]; [https://timeanagram.com/en/products/57171 TimeAnagram, ref. 2416 item 57171]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25954/lot/93/ Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776, sale 5004 lot 98]

<span id="cal-2849-note"></span>
For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], two Antiquorum catalogues identify 17-jewel Cal. 500 movements in separate watches dated 1937. Antiquorum’s 2006 note also says Cal. 500 was produced from 1943 to 1953, which conflicts with that lot’s own date and attribution. These attributions belong to those catalogue examples; the records do not settle the reference’s movement range. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618].

== Oyster Perpetual automatic movements ==

<span id="cal-1130-rolex-automatic"></span>
=== Rolex automatic Cal. 1130 ===

Auction catalogues identify an automatic Rolex Cal. 1130 in Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] examples; Dorotheum and Antiquorum describe 26 jewels. This is separate from the bare 1130 number on the Prince plates above, where it appears in a movement-serial position.

Ranfft dates Cal. 1130 to 1955. Dorotheum lists it in a 6548 dated circa 1942/43, while Jones & Horan lists it in a circa-1957 6548 with serial 230918, only 334 higher than Dorotheum’s 230584. These records conflict; they do not establish a 6548 production interval or resolve which date or identification is wrong. The available sources also do not establish beat rate or a full technical specification. Verify the movement marking on the individual watch. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://ranfft.org/caliber/12808-Rolex-1130?from=manufacturer Ranfft]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-145 Antiquorum]

<span id="cal-1160"></span>
=== Cal. 1160 ===

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists Cal. 1160 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and a rate of 19,800 vph; its table gives 1968. Sotheby's and Cambi catalogue Cal. 1160 in ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] watches dated circa 1945 and circa 1957. Those lot dates conflict with the Field Manual entry. Its table is not a ref. 6548 fitment record, and the available sources do not resolve whether the discrepancy comes from a lot date or caliber identification. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby's, lot 8773]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi, lot 186]

<span id="cal-1161"></span>
=== Cal. 1161 ===

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1161 on base 1100, with automatic winding, 26 jewels and 19,800 vph; its table gives 1970. Sotheby's attributes Cal. 1161 to a ref. [[Reference:6548|6548]] dated circa 1964. Bonhams assigns it to a circa-1968 watch catalogued jointly as refs. 6548/6549. These catalogue dates precede the manual's entry; the sources do not establish the 6548 fitment interval or resolve the conflict. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-6548-oyster-perpetual-mickey-mouse-2 Sotheby's]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, lot 161]

<span id="cal-2030"></span>
=== Cal. 2030 ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, sweep seconds
|-
| jewels
| 28
|-
| hacking
| Yes
|-
| fitment documented here
| [[Reference:6718|6718]]; [[Reference:6719|6719]]; exact-reference catalogues list Cal. 2030 in individual watches
|}

Rolex's 1978 Technical and Service Information describes Cal. 2030 as automatic, with sweep seconds, 28 jewels and hacking. It distinguishes the calendar-equipped Cal. 2035. Sotheby's and Antiquorum catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6718 watches. The exact-reference catalogues document those individual fitments; broader 6718 fitment and production dates remain unresolved. [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex, Technical and Service Information, 3rd ed. (1978)]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, lot 8136]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, lot 252]

Christie's, Antiquorum, and Hindman also catalogue Cal. 2030 in individual 6719 watches; only Antiquorum and Hindman list 28 jewels. These lots document examples, not the full fitment span. [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-ladies-18k-oyster-perpetual-ref-6719-162/73481 Christie's]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-lot-342-154 Antiquorum, lot 154]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/hindman-auctions/a-14-karat-yellow-gold-ref-6719-oyster-perpetual-wristwatch-rolex-circa-1973-28537 Hindman, lot 3061]

== Bubbleback and early automatic ==

Bubbleback and early Oyster Perpetual references use a distinct family of self-winding calibers. They followed the Prince's manual shaped movements and preceded the standardized post-war automatic line. The "bubble" refers to the domed caseback needed to clear the full-rotor automatic mechanism. It was not a bumper system, although many competing automatics still used one.

<span id="cal-420"></span>
=== Cal. 420 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type / size
| Automatic centre-seconds; catalogue prints “7¾” and separately lists Ø 19.4 mm
|-
| reference attribution
| Possible ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] attribution from James Dowling; 5002 catalogue descriptions of subsidiary seconds conflict with Cal. 420’s centre-seconds description
|}

Rolex's parts catalogue establishes Cal. 420's type and specifications, but it does not list ref. 5002 as a fitment. James Dowling's reference-specific listing assigns the caliber to a 5002. The seconds-layout mismatch leaves that assignment uncertain; available auction images show no readable movement stamp. Antiquorum describes an 8-ligne movement size in one 5002 catalogue entry. [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex170/rolex%20170.pdf Rolex spare-parts catalogue ref. 170, Cal. 420]; [https://www.ukwatches.com/product/007-rolex-14k-1950s-oyster-perpetual-ladys-bubbleback/ James Dowling, ref. 5002 listing]

<span id="cal-520"></span>
=== Cal. 520 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic; listed for ref. 1858 in the Vintage Rolex Field Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17 in Aste Bolaffi lot 34 and Antiquorum’s 6006 lot 253; 19 in Antiquorum lots 229 and 233
|-
| movement size
| 8¾ line in several catalogues; 9¾ line in Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 47
|-
| other recorded details
| Lot-specific descriptions include a straight-line lever escapement, screwed balance, and Breguet hairspring
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 520 for ref. 1858; Antiquorum attributes it to the 1952 ref. 6006, case 927300, and reports 17 jewels. Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Hunter 8¾ (520), and Vintage & Prestige and WatchNet list Cal. 520 for their ref. 1858 examples. Hodinkee's 2024 family guide instead assigns Cal. 620 to the first series beginning with ref. 1858. Phillips and Antiquorum's 2006 and 2013 lots list 8¾-line movements; Antiquorum's 2021 Hong Kong entry gives 9¾ line without naming a caliber. The lots report 17 jewels for Bolaffi movement 1143 and 19 for the two Antiquorum movements.

Aste Bolaffi identifies movement 1143 as Cal. 520 in its lot description; the caliber stamp is not legible in its photograph. WatchNet's image of product A-6378 shows English service labels, including “CONNECTING CASE SCREWS.”

<span id="cal-50"></span>
=== Cal. 50 (3130 auction attribution) ===

Sotheby's catalogued one stainless-steel [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] as a manual-wind Cal. 50 with 17 jewels and subsidiary seconds ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)). The lot is the only application of Cal. 50 checked here. Its caliber attribution, jewel count and configuration should remain tied to that catalogue entry until a movement stamp is inspected; this page does not establish a production range or other reference fitment.

<span id="cal-620"></span>
=== Cal. 620 ===
[[File:Cal 620 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 620, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 620, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 35h
|-
| size
| 11½ lignes / 26.4mm × 7.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance (monometallic)
|}

Derived from the manual Cal. 600, Cal. 620 became the base for Rolex's early full-rotor automatic family. Antiquorum catalogues individual examples with 17 to 20 jewels, against the table's 17-jewel specification. Earlier 1940s movements have a swan-neck micrometer regulator without shock protection; by the early 1950s, an index regulator and shock absorber appear.

[https://ineichen.com/upload/iblock/2fe/sy5t0kgrsmh01eycyb7x6dv935lixtef.pdf Ineichen’s Auction 166 catalogue] identifies Cal. 620 in one 1940s ref. [[Reference:4643|4643]], case A60906 (p. 143). Keep that attribution with the auction lot; it does not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

Marcus Siems assigns Cal. 620 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]] in his Empire study. That conflicts with Antiquorum's Cal. 635 listing for case 156649 and the Cal. 635 entry in Colin A. White's reference table. Catalogues describe several 3716 movements as 9¾ lignes, while the specification above gives Cal. 620 as 11½ lignes. The published records do not reconcile the caliber assignments. [https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/rolex-empire-oyster-guide Siems, “The Deceptive Oyster”]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284].

The rotor is a unidirectional "Perpetual" type that turns through 360 degrees without bumpers or buffers. It is engraved "ROLEX PERPETUAL / CHRONOMETER / SWISS MADE / PATENTED / SUPER-BALANCE," while the three-screw, 18mm cover plate reads "VIS TIRETTE / PATENTED / TRIGGER SCREW." Cal. 620 powered early Bubblebacks. Rolex dates the introduction of its Perpetual rotor to 1931, but that historical account does not name the caliber. Cal. 630 and the related 635 and 645 developed from the same architecture.

Published records for [[Reference:3134|3134]] show both subsidiary- and centre-seconds layouts; identify the caliber from its movement marking. Antiquorum’s 1995 Milan lot gives 9½ lignes; Antiquorum’s 1992 lot and Exclusive Timepieces lot 227 give 9¾. Klöter describes lot 443’s anchor movement as intact, without a caliber or winding type. Seconds layout alone cannot distinguish Cal. 620 from 635 or Cal. 630 from 645. See the [https://www.kloeter-auktionen.de/Katalog_185.pdf Klöter catalogue] and reference article for lot-level evidence.

<span id="cal-630"></span>
=== Cal. 630 ===
[[File:Cal 630 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 630, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 630, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 26.0mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|}

Launched in 1937, Cal. 630 was chronometer-certified under the period Swiss testing system, adjusted to seven positions, and fitted with a Breguet hairspring. One secondary source gives 18 jewels rather than the table's 17. The movement developed directly from Cal. 620 and shares its "Vis Tirette *** Patented *** Trigger Screw" cover-plate marking. Its rotor and bridge also carry the same "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented, Super-Balance" signature. The caliber number stamped in the small box on the bridge distinguishes the two.

Antiquorum catalogues ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]], case 607544, with Cal. 630 and a small-seconds dial. The same lot says the dial is probably reprinted, and its photographs do not show the movement. Keep the caliber and dial layout as a conflicting catalogue description, not a verified Cal. 630 small-seconds variant. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105]

The Field Manual also lists Cal. 630 against the 3372 suffix variants. Antiquorum explicitly names Cal. 630 in a 3372 with centre seconds ([New York lot 436](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-23-436)). The same manual lists subsidiary seconds for one 3372/3 entry, while Christie's catalogue describes a 3372 with small seconds and a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement but gives no caliber number ([case 474309](https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometre-bubble-back-ref-5091692/?intObjectID=5091692&lid=1)). Keep those statements tied to their sources; they do not establish a Cal. 630 small-seconds variant.

Henrik Korpela identifies Cal. 630 NA in one gold watch catalogued as ref. [[Reference:6074|6074]]; its movement number is 56567. Korpela's photographs show 6030 and 6031 scratched out on the caseback before 6074 was stamped over them ([https://watchesbysjx.com/2015/05/explained-restoring-a-1950s-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6074.html SJX restoration]). Antiquorum's 1992 platinum 6074 lot gives a 9¾-ligne, 17-jewel movement with antishock but names no caliber ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-146-67 lot 67]). Keep each description attached to its watch; the records do not establish a reference-wide caliber assignment.

<span id="cal-635"></span>
=== Cal. 635 ===

Cal. 635 belongs to the early automatic family related to Cal. 620. General movement references describe a subsidiary-seconds layout, 17 jewels and a larger movement than the 9¾-ligne measurements in two 3130 auction entries. Antiquorum catalogued 3130 cases 54932 and 474617 with Cal. 635, 19 jewels, 9¾ lignes and subsidiary seconds ([lot 256](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-256); [lot 169](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-169)). Christie's identified case 443093 as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels but centre seconds ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)). The latter catalogue description conflicts with the usual seconds layout. Without a visible caliber stamp, keep the centre-seconds attribution attached to that lot; do not treat it as a confirmed Cal. 635 variant. Anderson & Garland also attributes manual-wind Cal. 635 to a 5052 with an incomplete 663xxx case serial and movement no. 319xx. Stockholms Auktionsverk's case 663654 photographs show an automatic rotor and list movement no. 31883/F37.519. The similar serial prefix may refer to the same case, but the different movement number and winding descriptions leave the relationship unresolved. [https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/lot/lot-421---a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-stainless-steel-wristwatch/?lot=371857&sd=1 Anderson & Garland, lot 421] [https://auctionet.com/fi/2105792-rolex-bubleback-rannekello-teras-automaatti-1950-luku Stockholms Auktionsverk, lot 2105792]

Antiquorum's 2008 catalogue assigns Cal. 635 to ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], case 156649, and describes a 9¾-ligne, 19-jewel movement. That listing conflicts with the Cal. 620 attribution in Marcus Siems's Empire study; the movement-size description does not by itself establish a numeric caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, lot 284].

Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] lots name Prima or Ultra Prima grades. Antiquorum describes a 9′′′, 15-jewel Prima; Christie’s names Prima on its 1928 example and Ultra Prima on a 1930s octagonal watch; Sterling Vault records a 15-jewel Ultra Prima. The auction record supplies grade names rather than a numeric caliber assignment. Antiquorum also describes a 1948 ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] with a 10-ligne, 15-jewel Prima; that lot does not name a caliber. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-675 Antiquorum, lot 675]

<span id="cal-105-hunter"></span>
=== Cal. 10½ Hunter ===
[[File:Cal 700 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case|alt=Cal. 700, the 10½-ligne Hunter, monometallic Superbalance, shown in its Oyster case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15–18
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, 6-position
|-
| regulator
| Swan-neck micrometer
|}

This Aegler-supplied 10½-ligne hand-wound family uses the 700/710 architecture. It has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic Superbalance adjusted to six positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck micrometer regulator, with no documented shock protection. Antiquorum names Cal. 700 in its catalogue for ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], case 51,419, with 18 jewels; its ref. [[Reference:2081|2081]] case 599,744 lot names the same caliber and grade but records 15 jewels. The discrepancy is unresolved, so the jewel count is left unspecified here. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-225 Antiquorum, ref. 3358] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-226 Antiquorum, ref. 2081] The movement powers the original Air-King 4925 and its Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant siblings, including the sub-seconds 4365, mid-size 4444, and 4647 Hunter Precision. Its architecture links the pre-war Prince and Bubbleback movements with the post-war automatic Cal. 1030. Cal. 700 and 710 are hand-wound movements; Cal. 720 belongs to the automatic branch. TimeAnagram lists Cal. 710 for a manual [[Reference:3121|ref. 3121]] and shows an open-movement photograph marked Rolex 15 Rubies and Superbalance, but no readable caliber number. Keep Cal. 710 as the seller’s attribution to that watch. White’s *The Vintage Rolex Field Manual* maps [[Reference:5031|ref. 5031]] to Cal. 710 in a reference table, but auction catalogues describe 5031 examples as automatic date watches. Christie’s [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204100 listing] records movement number 37519 but no caliber; Antiquorum’s [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-120-203 1995], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-53-191 1999] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-222-285 2009] entries do not name a caliber and report differing sizes and jewel counts. Sotheby’s 2020 and 2022 entries say only “automatic.” The available records do not resolve the conflict, so the 5031 is not assigned to Cal. 710, A.295, 740, or 745 here.

Auction catalogues identify manual Cal. 710 in three ref. 6082 watches: Antiquorum cases 784516 and 721396, and Monaco Legend case 810693. Colin White’s reference table also pairs 6082 with Cal. 710. Antiquorum’s Hong Kong 2021 narrative calls case 721396 self-winding, while its movement field names Cal. 710. Kibble Watches and Watch.de assign Cal. 1210 to separate examples; Watch.de reports case 721965, a 1961 date and movement no. 1162170. Neither dealer listing provides a readable movement photograph, so these remain seller attributions. [[Reference:6082|The 6082 article]] keeps the conflicting records tied to individual watches.

Catalogues describe hand-wound Kew A movements in refs. [[Reference:5056|5056]] and [[Reference:6210|6210]] as 10.5-ligne or Cal. 720 examples; Uhrenkosmos calls the 6210 Cal. 700. Bonhams describes ref. 5056 movement 4215 as a Cal. 700 base reworked into what Rolex called Cal. 720, and Vetroplastica describes the Kew movement as Cal. 700-based with Cal. 720 parts. These are source-specific labels for manual Kew A movements. The generic Cal. 720 entry above describes the automatic branch. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257637 Christie’s, ref. 6210] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29155/lot/19/rolex-an-extremely-rare-18k-gold-kew-a-manual-wind-wristwatch-rolex-oyster-observatory-chronometer-ref-6210-circa-1955/ Bonhams, ref. 6210] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica] [https://www.uhrenkosmos.com/rolex-meilensteine-1952-bis-1955-wegweisend/ Uhrenkosmos]

White’s reference table also maps [[Reference:6031|ref. 6031]] to Cal. 710, but the auction records describe automatic date watches. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-17-555 Antiquorum’s 2001 lot] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-25-143 2002 lot] list 10½ lignes and 19 jewels without naming a caliber; the latter combines refs. 6031 and 6074. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/160689 Phillips] records movement G3569, and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-pf2570/oyster-perpetual-reference-6031-montre-bracelet-en?locale=en Sotheby’s] G9307, but neither names a caliber. The assignment remains unresolved.

Antiquorum describes ref. [[Reference:2280|2280]] with a 10½-ligne, 17-jewel lever movement, Superbalance and self-compensating Breguet spring. Sotheby’s lists a 10½-size, 17-jewel movement for case 217’903 and a mechanical 17-jewel movement for case 123’375, without a size or caliber number. Watch LIFE News assigns Cal. 710 to its pictured ref. 2280. The image shows the watch but no movement view, so the caliber remains a source attribution for that example; auction catalogues describe others by jewel count or movement size. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-82-466 Antiquorum, ref. 2280, lot 466] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/watches-13/rolex-oyster-royal-reference-2280-a-stainless Sotheby’s, lot 8042] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 403] [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News, 2022] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 Bonhams 2012 lot 127 via EveryWatch, ref. 2280, case 79,895]

Toovey’s photograph of ref. [[Reference:2318|2318]], case 033015, shows a hand-wound movement marked “15 RUBIES.” Other listings give 15 jewels, and WatchNet reports 10¾ lignes for its example. None of the reviewed descriptions names a numbered caliber. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1934-rolex-stainless-steel-calatrava-case-bow-tie-dial-ref-2318-manual-wind Bold Timepieces] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet]

Auction catalogues describe compatible 10- to 10½-ligne manual movements in [[Reference:2765|2765]], [[Reference:2595|2595]] and [[Reference:3009|3009]], but none of the surfaced records shows a Cal. 700 stamp. All three reference pages therefore treat the assignment as plausible rather than confirmed. The eight catalogue entries for [[Reference:1873|1873]] identify manual movements with 15–18 jewels and Extra Prima or Ultra Prima grades; the entries give no caliber designation.

Christie’s catalogues identify 18-jewel Ultra Prima chronometers timed to six positions in ref. [[Reference:2942|2942]] examples. Waecce describes the photographed movement as a 10½-line Hunter; these details support an Ultra Prima listing without a numbered-caliber assignment. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, 2000 lot 715] [https://www.waecce.com/products/rare-early-rolex-chronometre-scientific-wristwatch-ref-2942-c-1937 Waecce Watches]

Two Antiquorum catalogues from 1989 describe ref. [[Reference:3003|3003]] and [[Reference:3004|3004]] movements as 10-line, 15- and 17-jewel examples respectively. Neither entry names a caliber. These lot descriptions do not confirm Cal. 700 or 710 fitment in either reference.

[[Reference:6244|6244]] is the one reference in this group with a confirmed caliber stamp: Bonhams, Antiquorum, Christie's and Phillips all independently name Cal. 710 across watches spanning both of the reference's numeric case-serial bands. One Christie's catalogue instead describes the movement only by size, "Calibre 10¾," without giving the caliber number.

Watches of Knightsbridge catalogues a circa-1952 [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]] with a 17-jewel manual-wind Cal. 710. Eguchi Vintage lists a separate seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** and also names manual Cal. 710. Neither source provides a movement photograph; Eguchi says its movement was checked only. These are individual catalogue attributions, not verified reference-wide fitment. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge, 19 November 2016, lot 328]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage, ref. 6056 listing]

Two auction catalogues also assign manual Cal. 710 to ref. [[Reference:4364|4364]]: Dorotheum names it for movement 19229 in a circa-1950 watch, and Meeting Art names it for movement E66008 in case 554633. The second listing is mirrored by Gazette Drouot. These are catalogue attributions to two watches; neither provides a readable movement photograph, so keep the caliber assignment lot-specific. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10078639/ Dorotheum, 30 April 2026]; [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/ventes-aux-encheres/165819-asta-976-prima-sessione-orologi-moderni-e-d-epoca Meeting Art, 17 May 2025, lot 30]

<span id="cal-600"></span>
=== Cal. 600 ===
[[File:Cal 600 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 600, manual, Super Balance — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 9¾ lignes (Sotheby’s description)
|-
| escapement
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| balance
| Patented Super Balance
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lot
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

Cal. 600 sits one size class below the 10½-ligne 700/710/720 family and carries a patented Super Balance. Sotheby's describes the movement in the [[Reference:34075|Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, No. 34075]] as a rhodium-finished 9¾-ligne Hunter upgraded to Cal. 600, with 17 jewels. The catalogue records an upgrade but gives no date for it. Christie's calls the same watch Oyster Precision, No. 34075; Sotheby's describes it as a pre-production prototype and reports Glasgow marks for 1926/1927. The caseback inscription names the Vindication Channel Swim of 21 October 1927. These details identify the individual watch, not a reference-wide Cal. 600 fitment.

Master of Time separately describes one Viceroy ref. 1573 as an Extra Prima Cal. 600 with 17 jewels and six adjustments. That is a dealer attribution to one watch, not evidence of reference-wide fitment. The Gleitze watch also came with a mid-1970s Rolex service box, but Sotheby's presents its association with a particular service as an assumption; the box does not date the movement upgrade.

The cited Sotheby’s description does not specify the escapement, regulator or shock protection. Those details need examination of the movement.

<span id="cal-59"></span>
=== Cal. 59 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 15 or 17
|-
| frequency
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes (Fontainemelon FHF 30 ébauche)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited lots
|-
| shock
| None documented
|}

The 10½-ligne FHF 30 was made by Fontainemelon. David Boettcher documents it in Oyster Watch Co. watches and identifies Cal. 59, with a centre-seconds 59SC version, as Tudor designations. That account does not establish a Rolex factory designation for Cal. 59. Auction catalogues use the name for individual watches: four ref. [[Reference:3478|3478]]s, one [[Reference:3121|3121]] Grenfell (case 43,475, 17 jewels), and two ref. [[Reference:3136|3136]]s. The 3121 record's structured year says circa 1938, while its notes call it a 1940s watch and attribute 1938 to the caseback. Heritage calls the FHF 30 in 3136 case 105063 “subsequently renamed Rolex caliber 59”; Waddington's labels case 147396 Cal. 59. Those are attributions in the named lot records, not proof of universal fitment or a factory naming rule.

Ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] adds further lot-level attributions. Heritage describes Cal. 59 in Regent case 118141; Dawsons names it in a Lincoln with serial 170648; and Wanna Buy A Watch lists it in a Standard with a masked serial. AntiWatchman's separate Regent photograph shows a movement marked 59. Darlor also lists Cal. 59 on a dealer-described 3351-F with serial 118,489. Christie's records an Extra Prima in another 3351 Extra Precision. These are attributions to individual watches, not one movement specification for the reference. ([https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage]; [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons]; [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch]; [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's]) Cal. 700/710 assignments below remain family-level matches rather than photographed or catalogued stamps.

Jewel count splits 15 and 17 across the four directly-named 3478 watches; the cited 3136 lots give 15 jewels. The 3478 sample does not track cleanly with any other documented variable. [[Reference:2784|2784]] carries the same family attribution, but only at the family level: no auction catalogue names Cal. 59 outright for that reference, and the one movement image tied to a visibly stamped 2784 case has a Tudor-signed bridge that may be a later replacement.

<span id="cal-a260"></span>
=== Cal. A260 ===
[[File:Cal A260 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented|alt=Cal. A260-era movement, engraved Rolex Self Winder, Jewels, Patented]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 19
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| Present (unnamed brand)
|}

A260 powered the first Submariner references, 6204 and 6205, from 1953 to 1955. "A.260" is Rolex's size-family code for this movement class, comparable to the Prince family's "T.S." code. Its non-butterfly rotor distinguishes it from the butterfly-rotor Cal. 1030. Hodinkee traces A260 to a movement used in earlier Oyster Perpetuals and later Bubblebacks, predating its Submariner fitment. The registry uses 17 jewels; some auction descriptions give 19, so the count should be checked against the individual movement. Auction catalogues use both labels on ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]] examples: Monaco Legend identifies case 803400 as A260, while Antiquorum names Cal. 645 in a separate 6106. These are specimen-level attributions, consistent with A.260 as a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name.

<span id="cal-a296"></span>
=== Cal. A296 ===
[[File:Cal A296 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer|alt=Cal. A296-era rotor component, engraved Rolex Perpetual Chronometer]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 (registry; 18–19 in catalogues, depending on module counting)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 36h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber (775-labelled lots only)
|}

Catalogues place A296 in the early 1950s, with the registry using a working window of 1953–1956. It powered the Big Crown 6200, early Explorers 6098, 6150 "Precision," 6298, and 6350, and early Datejusts 6104 and 6105. Phillips also identifies A.296 in one 6075, case 714440; other auction catalogues name A.295 in 6075 cases. That conflict is attached to the reference page rather than treated as a universal movement rule. Its full rotor winds in one direction; it is not a bumper caliber. The 6150 and 6350 use related movements in non-chronometer and chronometer-rated watches. COSC itself was founded later, in 1973. "A.296" is Rolex's size-family code and 775 its commercial number, so listings may use either designation for the same movement. Cal. 1030 replaced it in the mid-1950s with bidirectional winding, a butterfly rotor, and a thinner automatic module. Phillips identifies that reduced thickness as the change that eliminated the domed Bubbleback caseback.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Catalogues using the commercial number 775 also specify six-position adjustment and a shock absorber. A.296 is a broader designation than a unique caliber stamp; catalogue usage needs checking against the individual movement.

Christie's describes a 6150 balance as a "patented Super-balance," linking it to Aegler patent CH196706 and the recessed timing screws used on [[#cal-300|Cal. 300]]. Published jewel counts vary because some catalogues separate the going train from the automatic module. Figures of 18 and 19 appear for the base movement, with another two or seven assigned to the rotor module. One 6150 is described as a 19-jewel movement with a two-jewel automatic module. A bare jewel total in a reference table does not reveal which components were counted.

<span id="cal-645"></span>
=== Cal. 645 ===
[[File:Cal 645 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 645 winding bridge, engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super-Balance, Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17–20
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 41h
|-
| size
| 26.4mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, timed to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 645 belongs to the Cal. 600 family and shares the A.260 size code with Cal. 635. The distinctions are functional: Cal. 630 has sweep seconds without shock protection, Cal. 635 has small seconds with shock protection, and Cal. 645 combines sweep seconds with shock protection. Cal. 645 powered the semi-Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual refs 6084, 6085, and 6284 around 1948–1953. Hodinkee's listing for ref. 6108 case 803948 identifies Cal. 645. Antike Uhren Eder's 1952 listing for ref. 6108, item 7140rol, also identifies Cal. 645; it gives no case or serial number, so its identity relative to the other listed watches cannot be checked. Heritage's 2012 lot for case 803'752 lists the movement as F 64550, with no caliber designation. Auction catalogues give 17 to 20 jewels, consistent with both differing counting conventions and market-specific tariff variants found elsewhere in the family.

Catalogue labels for ref. 6085 do not agree. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-reference-6085-with-waffle-dial Hodinkee Shop] and [https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/shop/rolex-oyster-perpetual-6085/ a second dealer listing] call their examples A260; Christie’s, Phillips, Schmitt-Horan, and Dorotheum identify Cal. 645 in theirs. Since A.260 is a size-family code rather than a unique commercial caliber name, keep each label tied to its listing unless the movement itself can be checked.

The movement uses a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Some catalogues use "monometallic balance timed to 6 positions" instead of Superbalance. Both terms describe a monometallic balance with recessed timing screws.

Watch Doctor’s chart groups Cal. 635 and 645 under A.260 and assigns both to 1950. That online entry is not an identified factory production record.

Antiquorum catalogued a subsidiary-seconds [[Reference:3599|ref. 3599]] as Cal. 635 with 19 jewels and described the caliber as 9¾ ligne, made from 1940 to 1951. The catalogue’s 1940–1951 span differs from Watch Doctor’s 1950 entry. Christie's also catalogued a visibly centre-seconds 3599 as Cal. 635, which conflicts with the caliber's small-seconds architecture. Without movement photographs, the Christie's caliber entry is best treated as a catalogue error rather than evidence for a centre-seconds Cal. 635.

Jewel counts also vary according to whether a catalogue includes the automatic module. Bonhams describes the related [[#cal-745|Cal. 745]] as "18 jewels plus 7 rotor jewels." Its 20-jewel description of a Cal. 645 in a 6085 should remain attached to that example; it does not establish a universal jewel count.

<span id="cal-720-auto"></span>
=== Cal. 720 (automatic lot attribution) ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as catalogued in one ref. 5026
|-
| jewels
| 18, according to Aste Bolaffi lot 4
|-
| other specifications
| Not recorded in the source
|-
| evidence
| Case 443371; no movement photograph
|}

Aste Bolaffi identifies an automatic Cal. 720 with 18 jewels in ref. [[Reference:5026|5026]], case 443371, dated circa 1958. This is one catalogue attribution; the lot has no movement photograph, and the other exact-reference records located do not name a caliber. Keep this use separate from the hand-wound Kew A reports that also use “Cal. 720” for a Cal. 700-based movement or components. [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/257/4/detail Aste Bolaffi, lot 4] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/ Bonhams, ref. 5056] [https://www.vetroplastica.it/rolex-kew-a-18.html Vetroplastica]

<span id="cal-740"></span>
=== Cal. 740 ===
[[File:Cal 740 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"|alt=Cal. 740 in a reference 4467 Datejust, case back removed, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance, Vis Tirette"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in the cited Antiquorum lot
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Not recorded
|-
| size
| 10½ lignes in the cited catalogue
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance, adjusted to 6 positions
|-
| regulator
| Not specified in the cited 740 lot
|-
| shock
| Not named in 740 lot text
|}

Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 740 in a Datejust ref. 4467 with a date display. Its Geneva 2002 lot 486 describes the reference as produced from 1945 to 1949. The catalogue supports the caliber identification in that watch; it does not establish the exact introduction date of every movement fitted during the reference's run.

The 10½-ligne rhodium-plated movement has a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, and self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Some catalogues substitute "monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions" for Superbalance, as they do for Cal. 645. No Cal. 740 description names the regulator. Antiquorum describes an index regulator on its A.295-attributed ref. 6075, case 714441 ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)); that is a separate catalogue attribution, not evidence that A.295 and Cal. 740 are interchangeable names.

Antiquorum gives 26 jewels for its Cal. 740 example. That count should be kept with the source's description. A different count in a reference table may reflect a counting convention or a different execution; the number alone does not settle which.

Antiquorum also assigns Cal. 740 to manual-wind [[Reference:6094|ref. 6094]], usually with 17 jewels. Its 2008 lot labels the case 6094/6294; the 2010 and 2012 lots identify ref. 6094 alone. The 2018 listing for case 882812 calls the watch self-winding in its headline while the specification field gives Cal. 740. Watch-Wiki lists Cal. 740 as an automatic 18-jewel Datejust movement; Antiquorum describes the ref. 4467 Cal. 740 documented here as automatic with 26 jewels. These records use Cal. 740 for different movement descriptions. A separate 6094 photograph shows Rolex and 17 jewels, but no legible caliber stamp; it cannot confirm the auction attribution. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, lot 530]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, lot 291]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://www.hashtagwatchco.com/products/1953-rolex-oysterdate-precision-6094-white-red-date-stainless-steel-manual-wristwatch HASHTAGWATCHCO, ref. 6094 listing photographs]; [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Rolex calibre index].

Surviving examples can have replacement movements or parts. A reference launch date should not be assigned automatically to the movement now inside a particular case.

The cited Cal. 740 lot does not identify a shock-protection system or regulator. Inspect those components rather than infer them from silence in a catalogue.

<span id="cal-a295"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 in Datejust auction records ===

Antiquorum identifies ref. 6075 case 714441 as A.295, with a 10½-ligne movement, 19 jewels and an index regulator ([2014 lot 107](https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107)). Christie's also calls a circa-1950 ref. 6075 A.295 ([case 699455](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730)). Phillips, however, identifies ref. 6075 case 714440 as A.296 ([2015 lot 284](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284)). The catalogues do not establish whether this reflects a production change, differing usage or a later movement. Check the actual stamp before assigning a caliber.

Keep this A.295 attribution separate from [[#cal-a295-cpl|A.295 CPL]], the complete calendar and moonphase movement catalogued in ref. 8171.

Ref. 5029 catalogue descriptions also differ: Hodinkee calls case 610727 A.295, while Phillips calls case 651'517 “Automatic, Super Balance, 730.” Antiquorum describes 9¾-line, 18-jewel movements in cases 673206 and 660596 without a caliber number. The lots do not include movement photographs for those cases, so these labels remain example-specific; the evidence does not support a new caliber entry or a 5029-wide assignment. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, lot 295] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, lot 433]

<span id="cal-745"></span>
=== Cal. 745 ===
[[File:Cal 745 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 745, gilt rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Super Balance" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 18 + 7 rotor
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 29.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Superbalance
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 745 is an automatic calendar movement used in early Datejust references. Cal. 740 is also catalogued with a date display, so the calendar alone does not distinguish the two calibers.

Bonhams describes a Cal. 745 in a ref. 6305 as rhodium-plated, with 18 jewels plus seven rotor jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued-steel Breguet balance spring, and index regulator. Eighteen base-movement jewels plus seven rotor jewels gives 25. That arithmetic does not explain a catalogue count of 26; compare the actual movement before treating the descriptions as equivalent.

Cal. 745 appears in the Datejust "Ovettone" group. Documented examples include a circa 1955 18K yellow-gold ref. 6305, case 97602; a ref. 6105 with 1952 Glasgow import marks and movement H78230; and a circa 1955 ref. 6304 with movement 99698/H46452. Other ref. 6105 examples use A296, placing the reference across the boundary between the A.295 and A.296 groups. The claimed Cal. 745 fitment in ref. 6039 is unverified; no supporting lot description or confirmed Rolex ref. 6039 has been identified.

<span id="precision-family"></span>
<span id="calendar-moonphase"></span>
== Calendar and moonphase ==

<span id="cal-a295-cpl"></span>
=== Cal. A.295 CPL ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Detail !! Value
|-
| Type || Automatic complete calendar with moonphase
|-
| Size || 10½ lignes
|-
| Jewels || 18 in the cited examples
|-
| Seconds || Subsidiary seconds at 6, sharing the moonphase subdial
|-
| Reference || [[Reference:8171|8171 Padellone]]
|}

Auction catalogues call the 8171 movement A.295 CPL, A295 or simply 10½ lignes. Day and month appear in windows; a central pointer reads the outer date scale. Four recessed correctors adjust month (near 2), date (near 4), moonphase (near 8) and weekday (near 10). [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, 8171 case 685878]; [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, 2020]

The contemporary 6062 uses a different movement. Christie’s catalogues its 6062 case 916321 with caliber 655. Matching calendar displays do not establish interchangeable calibers. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s, 6062 case 916321]

== Oyster and Oysterdate Precision ==

Precision is Rolex's non-chronometer manual line, a 10½-ligne family built alongside the automatic Bubblebacks. The Oysterdate Precision 6694 remained in production through the end of the 1980s, a year beyond the hand-wound Daytona; one surviving lot includes a 1990/1991 Rolex calendar card. Rolex continued making manual-wind watches after the 6694: the Cellini Danaos used Cal. 1602 into 2008, and the chronometer-certified Cellini Prince used Cal. 7040 until about 2015. The small-seconds Cal. 1240 also carried this architecture into the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241. Seconds placement, date and beat rate distinguish the seven commercial numbers. Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the base for 1200, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240.

<span id="cal-1210"></span>
=== Cal. 1210 ===
[[File:Cal 1210 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case|alt=Cal. 1210 in a 1960 Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466, movement in case]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed and catalogued)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, screwed rim, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern on documented later examples; earliest examples may lack protection
|}

Rolex's parts plates identify Cal. 1210 as the family's architectural base and file the small-seconds 1200 as a derivative. The parts plates support Horbiter's identification of Cal. 1210 as the base; Fratello names Cal. 1200.

The jewel count remains unclear. Rolex specifies 18 jewels for the two no-date calibers and 17 for the date versions, yet known movements are signed "Seventeen Jewels" and major-house catalogues consistently give 17. Both counts are documented, but their distribution among watches has not been established. Contemporary American import duties taxed jewel count and also account for the "UNADJUSTED" stamps found on some movements.

The balance is Glucydur with a Breguet overcoil, as specified on the sibling Cal. 1200 plate. Regulation uses a conventional index and movable stud, with adjusting washers in five thicknesses. It is not free-sprung; Rolex reserved Microstella for its 12½-ligne chronometers.

The pallet fork runs in jewels, while the escape wheel has shock-mounted settings and cap jewels on both pivots, matching the treatment of the balance. Indirect centre seconds, driven from the fourth wheel through a friction-sprung pinion, can produce seconds-hand flutter even in a healthy movement. The earliest examples may lack shock protection; Antiquorum's 1946 ref. 4560 description names none.

Documented fitments include refs. 3745, 4560, 6420, 6422, [[Reference:6426|6426]]/6427, 6466, 6480, 6482, 6494, 9083 and 9659. Bonhams also records a ref. 6694 with a III.60 caseback date on Cal. 1210. Vintage Watch Centre also assigns Cal. 1210 to its ref. 4219, case 056827, but no caliber engraving is visible in the movement photo. The dealer dates the case circa 1948; White's Field Manual lists Cal. 1210 as 1954–1964 on PDF page 91. These conflicting attributions remain tied to that one watch. [[Reference:4219|The 4219 article]] records the discrepancy. [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-precision-ref-4219-c1948/ Vintage Watch Centre]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 91].

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1210 in ref. 8952 examples dated circa 1955 and 1956. Phillips also assigns Cal. 1210 to a ref. 8952 dated circa 1945, earlier than the Field Manual’s 1954–1964 range. Keep that date/caliber pair as an unresolved lot attribution. [[Reference:8952|The 8952 article]] records the examples and date conflict. [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1801/lot.263.html Sotheby’s, lot 263]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-57 Monaco Legend, lot 57]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101135 Phillips, lot 1037]; [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, p. 91].

<span id="cal-1215"></span>
=== Cal. 1215 ===
[[File:Cal 1215 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service|alt=Cal. 1215 in a movement holder, from a 1962 Oyster Date Precision ref. 6694 service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil (via base 1210) · flat in one lot
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1215 adds a calendar to the 1210, increasing movement height from 4.27mm to 5.07mm. Its two-page parts sheet covers only the calendar mechanism and defers the rest to Cal. 1210. Date discs came in champagne, silvered, and champagne with red-and-black printing.

The hairspring is disputed. The parts plates imply the 1210's Breguet overcoil because the 1215 sheet specifies no separate balance. Antiquorum describes one ref. 9996 with a flat hairspring and index regulator, but uses Breguet wording elsewhere. No catalogue describes the caliber as free-sprung.

Cal. 1215 uses a gradual date change rather than a direct quickset. The date begins moving before midnight and seats as the mechanism completes its cycle.

Christie's places the ref. 6494 changeover between a circa-1956 example with Cal. 1210 and a circa-1958 example with 1215. Other documented fitments include the Speedking 6430, early 6694 production, and refs. 9996/9919.

<span id="cal-1216"></span>
=== Cal. 1216 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual (assumed, by family)
|-
| jewels
| not documented
|-
| status
| Number attested in the parts trade only
|}

Almost nothing is known about Cal. 1216. The common description of it as a 17-jewel Cal. 1215 variant has no traceable support.

Rolex's surviving parts plates cover 1200, 1210, 1215, 1220, 1225 and 1240, but omit 1216. No major-house lot identifies a Rolex Cal. 1216, and Heritage's apparent example is a case reference. Confusion is also possible with Ronda's contemporary 1216 movement.

The parts trade nevertheless records it as a Rolex number. Cas-Ker's genuine-parts catalogue places 1216 between 1215 and 1220 and lists crown-wheel screw 1216.5420, following Rolex's caliber-prefixed numbering convention.

The parts catalogue attests the Cal. 1216 designation. Its jewel count, seconds layout, beat rate and fitments remain unknown. Published specifications derived from the 1215 are unconfirmed.

<span id="cal-1220"></span>
=== Cal. 1220 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 18 (factory plate) · 17 (as signed)
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 4.27mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF-pattern
|}

Cal. 1220 raises the 1210 platform to 21,600 vph and uses a different oscillator. Both its parts plate and the 1978 third edition of Rolex's ''Technical and Service Information'' give that rate. The sometimes-published 19,800 vph figure is unsupported.

The higher-beat generation replaces the 1210's screwed Glucydur balance and Breguet overcoil with a smooth-rimmed balance and flat hairspring. Gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks provide about ten seconds per day of fine adjustment across their range; the index handles larger corrections. Separate regulator, stud-support and regulating-stud parts confirm that this is an index-regulated movement, not a free-sprung one.

Cal. 1220 appears mainly in the oversize ref. 8029, but its dates conflict. Phillips gives 1950, Antiquorum dates case 714105 to about 1951, and Sotheby's dates that same case to about 1961 without naming its caliber. The earlier dates sit awkwardly beside the later-1960s siblings and remain unresolved. Phillips identifies a late [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]] movement as RB 1225. That catalogue supports the marking on this watch; whether it began as a Cal. 1220 and was re-marked has not been established.

<span id="cal-1225"></span>
=== Cal. 1225 ===
[[File:Cal 1225 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"|alt=Cal. 1225 in a ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Swiss"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 5.07mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Screwless, inertia blocks, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| KIF
|-
| date
| Non-quickset, dragging change
|}

Cal. 1225 adds a calendar to the 1220 and carried the Oysterdate Precision 6694 through its final years. Rolex's plate specifies a timed flat hairspring with gilt and nickel-plated inertia blocks, consistent with Antiquorum's descriptions of refs. 6426 and 6694. Published claims of a Breguet overcoil conflict with the factory plate and auction record. Bonhams' reference to a "Gyromax balance" is a cataloguing error; Gyromax is Patek Philippe's free-sprung system.

Rolex used "Precision" on uncertified manual and automatic movements, including the Air-King 5500. On Cal. 1225, the "UNADJUSTED" stamp records an import-duty classification.

The caliber does not hack. The 1210 parts plate contains no stop lever or hack spring, and Rolex's 1978 service book covers hacking only for the late 1500 series and the 2030/2035.

For an Oysterdate Precision with Cal. 1225, service requirements depend on the condition of the individual watch. Rolex’s published procedure begins with a watchmaker’s examination and an estimate. It does not promise routine acceptance of every vintage caliber or a particular rate and power reserve after service.

Documented fitments include [[Reference:6426|ref. 6426]], 6466 and, most often, 6694 from the late 1960s through at least 1979. Comparison of a 1966 ref. 6694 with Cal. 1215 and a 1973 example with 1225 places the changeover around 1967.

<span id="cal-1200"></span>
=== Cal. 1200 ===
[[File:Cal 1200 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service|alt=Cal. 1200, bridges marked "Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss, Seventeen 17 Jewels", from a Rolex Precision service]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| ~58h
|-
| size
| 10½′′′ / Ø23.80mm × 3.65mm height
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever, jewelled pallet fork and staff
|-
| balance
| Glucydur, Breguet overcoil
|-
| regulator
| Index with movable stud support
|-
| shock
| "Rolex Shockresisting" device
|}

Cal. 1200 is the family's small-seconds variant and, at 3.65mm, its thinnest member. Moving the seconds from the centre to a subdial requires a separate main plate and train-wheel bridge rather than an added module. The plate, bridge, third and fourth wheels, pallet fork and staff are jewelled.

The bilingual parts plate specifies Rolex's own "Shockresisting" device rather than a trade name. It lists a pivoted Glucydur balance with roller and a regulated Glucydur balance with Breguet hairspring, the 18,000-vph oscillator inherited by the 1210 and 1215.

The caliber number is engraved in the balance-wheel hub sinking rather than on a bridge or the main plate. The same document directs watchmakers to Cal. 1210 for all shared parts, confirming the family's parentage.

No major-house lot names Cal. 1200, so its fitments remain unestablished. The high-beat small-seconds Cal. 1240 is better documented in the platinum Cellinium 5240 and 5241, with a monometallic balance adjusted to four positions and a flat hairspring. That caliber kept the architecture in production for about a decade after the Oysterdate ended.

<span id="sport-vintage"></span>
== Vintage sport calibers (Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, Air-King) ==

The A-series and Cal. 1030 preceded the long-running 15xx family. Cal. 1520 became its main uncertified movement, while Cals. 1560 and 1570 supplied chronometer-rated sport references into the 1980s.

<span id="cal-1030"></span>
=== Cal. 1030 ===
[[File:Cal 1030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor|alt=Cal. 1030, engraved "1030," 25 jewels, butterfly rotor]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, blued Breguet spring
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1030 is a bidirectionally wound automatic used in 1950s Oyster references. Its 5.85mm profile ended the domed Bubbleback caseback, while the cutaway "butterfly" rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED is the usual visual identifier. Finishing includes perlage on the rhodium-plated main plate, brushed bridges, polished screw heads and red anodized-aluminium reversing wheels. A conventional index regulates the movement; the visible regulator arm distinguishes it from the later free-sprung 1560 and 1570. Documented fitments include ref. 6098 from 1952, Oyster Perpetual 6502, 6567 and 6584, Submariners 6536, 6536-1 and 6538, Explorer 6610 and Air-King 6552. Artcurial, Antiquorum and Sotheby’s catalogue 6502 examples with Cal. 1030; Watch-Wiki independently lists the association. The case 36701 records conflict: the Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend labels it 6502, while Phillips identifies that case as 6603. The competing catalogue attributions leave its reference unresolved. [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, lot 166]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, lot 254] Freeman’s and EBTH catalogue Cal. 1030 in gold [[Reference:6584|ref. 6584]] watches ([https://freemansauction.com/auction/2017-Summer-Edit-Watches-and-Luxury-Accessories/lot/2 Freeman’s, lot 2]; [https://www.ebth.com/items/11312569-vintage-rolex-oyster-perpetual-6584-14k-gold-automatic-wristwatch EBTH, item ITMG535812]). Artcurial’s archived catalogue assigns it to a steel 6584, and Antiquorum to a jointly listed 6080/6584 ([https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-6584/lpi Artcurial archive, lot 870]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-133 Antiquorum, lot 133]). These are lot-level attributions. The Field Manual and several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1030 in Oyster Perpetual 6567 examples; Ineichen lists Cal. 1050 for one 6567. Other catalogues assign Cal. 1050 to refs. 6564, 6569 and Submariner 6536/1. These are descriptions of individual watches; the Cal. 1050 entry records the competing attributions.

<span id="cal-1035"></span>
=== Cal. 1035 ===
[[File:Cal 1035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1035, rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.66mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, temp + 5 positions
|-
| regulator
| Index (Cal. 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1035 adds a date to the 1030 and appeared in 1957. Documented fitments include Oyster Perpetual Date refs. 6518, 6530 and 6534. Auction catalogues for ref. 6609 name Cal. 1065 or 1066; Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. Rolex describes the 1035's non-quickset calendar as "progressive": the date moves gradually through the night, unlike the instant-change 1036 GMT.

The 1035 inherits the 1030's conventional index regulator. Although auction descriptions do not name the regulator, the production dates and shared base support the index arrangement.

Rolex stamped the 1035's self-winding bridge "1030," as it also did on the 1036. This causes auction catalogues to identify the same reference under both numbers. The calendar work and 6.66mm height distinguish the 1035 from the 5.85mm no-date 1030. A correct ref. 6534 contains a 1035 regardless of its bridge engraving.

<span id="cal-1040"></span>
=== Cal. 1040 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 in examined catalogue descriptions
|-
| function
| Dead-beat centre seconds
|-
| base
| Modified Cal. 1030 architecture
|-
| documented fitment
| Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat ref. 6556
|}

Cal. 1040 powers the Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat [[Reference:6556|6556]]. Its centre seconds hand pauses at each marker and advances once per second. Christie’s calls it a modified Cal. 1030; watchmaker Aaron Berlow’s account of a single restoration identifies a longer second intermediate wheel for the dead-beat mechanism. His report supports the relationship between the two calibres, but does not establish that every 1030 part is interchangeable.

Christie’s, Phillips and Antiquorum catalogue 26 jewels on the examined examples. Phillips also catalogues one watch as ref. 6558 with an inner caseback stamped 6556 and Cal. 1040; that lot does not establish general 6558 fitment. The available records do not establish a changeover sequence, beat rate, power reserve, or full production interval for the 1040. Auction essays place the 6556 introduction in 1954 and often give 1959 as its end; later-dated 6556 lots make the cutoff uncertain. Those dates describe the watch reference and should not be treated as a verified movement production range.

Hodinkee’s 2016 review says the dead-beat function was often removed during service, though the photographed example still worked. Watchmaker Aaron Berlow wrote in 2015 that reports of Rolex replacing the 1040 module with 1030 parts were internet hearsay he had not seen first-hand. These accounts do not establish a service frequency or document a specific replaced movement.

The literature on the 6556’s proposed successor describes 1020 inconsistently. Antiquorum’s 2012 catalogue and Dr. Crott’s 2019 listing call it a new reference intended to replace the 6556, and say it was never produced. Crott’s 2012 catalogue instead calls 1020 a new caliber. White’s <i>The Vintage Rolex Field Manual</i> lists ref. 1020 with Cal. 1560, a smooth bezel, and a full-size case, but supplies no example or source for that row. The 1960 Rolex catalogue is not reproduced in these records, so they do not establish whether 1020 was only a plan or also identifies a separate Oyster Perpetual, or which movement it would have used.

<span id="cal-1050"></span>
=== Cal. 1050 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, as described in the cited catalogues
|-
| jewels
| 25 in the Antiquorum 6564, Bonhams 6569, and Christie's 6536/1 descriptions
|-
| catalogue attributions
| Oyster Perpetual refs. 6564, 6567 and 6569; Submariner ref. 6536/1
|}

Several auction catalogues identify Cal. 1050 in watches dated to the 1950s. Antiquorum names it in a ref. 6564; Bonhams in a ref. 6569; Christie's in a Submariner 6536/1; and Ineichen in a ref. 6567. The 6564 and 6567 also appear in records naming Cal. 1030. These are catalogued assignments to individual watches. Cal. 1050’s technical relationship to Cal. 1030 and any changeover sequence remain unresolved. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, ref. 6564, lot 114] [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 6569, lot 312] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, Submariner ref. 6536/1] [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, ref. 6567, lot 4]

<span id="cal-1530"></span>
=== Cal. 1530 ===
[[File:Cal 1530 butterfly rotor.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped|alt=Cal. 1530-era butterfly rotor halves, Rolex coronet stamped]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26 (market variants)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, club-tooth
|-
| balance
| Screwed Glucydur
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + micro-star fine-adjust screws
|-
| shock
| KIF, form-dependent (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1530 ran from 1957 to 1965. Its 17-, 25- and 26-jewel versions are concurrent market variants, not a chronological progression. Seventeen-jewel movements appear in a 1958-era ref. 5508 and a 5500, and Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, discusses the 1520 and 1530 families in its servicing instructions.

Cal. 1530 is the base for the 1520, 1560, 1570 and 1580. They share plates and many service parts, including interchangeable automatic-device bridges, so the engraved bridge number may not identify the movement beneath it. Balance-bridge and regulator form are more reliable.

Regulation combines an index for coarse adjustment with two pairs of micro-star fine-adjustment screws on the outer balance rim. Turning a screw clockwise draws it inward and gains rate. The system resembles Microstella, and Horotec lists the same adjustment tool for the 1530 and later Microstella calibers, but Rolex reserved the Micro-Stella name for its free-sprung 12½-ligne chronometer movements. The 1530 retains an index.

The form-1 balance cock uses KIF Flector; forms 3 and 4 use Elastor, with form 2 also assigned to Flector by specialist comparisons. Interchangeable bridges mean an individual movement's shock setting may not match its engraved caliber number.

The hairspring remains disputed. Antiquorum consistently describes a Breguet overcoil and index regulator, while much of the reference literature gives a flat hairspring with stick regulation. Reliable sources support both descriptions.

Chronometer status also varies. Sotheby's describes the 1530 as uncertified, while Phillips and Christie's identify chronometer examples in the 5504 family. Rare 5512 and 5508 watches with four-line chronometer dials and Cal. 1530 have been reported, though no major-house lot confirms them. Certification appears to have been occasional. The Microstella-equipped 1555 and 1560 became the regular chronometer alternatives used in early refs. 1675 and 1016.

The rotor changed from butterfly to half-moon during production. Later movements also gained blued automatic-bridge screws and coloured reversing wheels in place of brass-coloured gears. Rolex describes the red wheel finish as a hardening treatment for aluminium introduced in 1957; collector descriptions often call the wheels purple and Teflon-coated. Rotor and reversing-wheel form help date an example.

The 1530 first entered the Submariner in ref. 5508, followed by 5510; neither was chronometer-rated at launch. It replaced the 10-series in non-chronometer watches, including Precision models, the Air-King, ref. 5504 "Super-Precision" Explorer and the Canadian Explorer-Date with Cal. 1535. Certified models such as the 6542 GMT, 6610 Explorer, Datejust and Day-Date retained 10xx calibers for longer. Strongly documented fitments include refs. 5508, 5510, 5512, 5513, 5500 and 5504. Single-lot support exists for 5501, 5502, 5506 and 5516. Bonhams listings for refs. 1002 and 1003 are internally inconsistent and remain unconfirmed. Bonhams lot 84 lists caliber 1530 in ref. 1003 case 573,835 and notes a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. The catalogue is the evidence for this individual attribution; it does not resolve why common reference tables omit the 1530 for 1003. Antiquorum’s 1996 Milan catalogue assigns Cal. 1530 to a 14ct Eaton’s watch catalogued as ref. 1011 and dated broadly to the 1950s. Loupe This photos show a 1530-stamped movement in a case marked 5590 on the flank and 5590/1011 inside. Antiquorum’s 2007 and Finarte’s 2024 catalogues also use the combined designation for Eaton’s watches. The 1996 and 2023 records may describe one watch; the 2007 and 2024 lots identify different named or case-numbered examples. Antiquorum’s 2002 catalogue assigns Cal. 1530, with 26 jewels, to one ref. 1014 example ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-492 lot 492]); see [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

Rolex specifies a 0.122–0.125mm mainspring for the 18,000-vph 1530 and 1560, against up to 0.125 or 0.128mm for the higher-beat 1520 and 1570. Early unjewelled barrel-bridge arbor holes can wear; Rolex prescribed closing the hole or reaming it for a jewel, while later production received a bushing. Rotor-axle wear is another known fault. On the 1560, a hard shock could push the hairspring into the regulator. Rolex supplied a safety pin free of charge and later made it standard, so both guarded and unguarded examples are correct.

<span id="cal-1520"></span>
=== Cal. 1520 ===
[[File:Cal 1520 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1520, engraved "1520," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25 / 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| size
| 12½′′′
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwless, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index (coarse) + two inertia blocks
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1963 to 1990, Cal. 1520 is the non-chronometer, higher-beat derivative of the 1530. Rolex pairs the 18,000-vph 1530 with the 1560, and the 19,800-vph 1520 with its certified counterpart, the 1570.

Rolex describes regulation by an index and two inertia blocks, one gilt and one nickel-plated, on a screwless balance with a flat hairspring. Turning their splits inward slows the movement and outward gains rate, with about ten seconds per day across the adjustment range. The index handles coarse changes. This differs from both the 1530's micro-star screws and the 1570's free-sprung Microstella system.

Certified calibers use free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1520 uses an index and inertia blocks.

Rolex’s Technical and Service Information, third edition, describes Cal. 1520’s regulator and inertia blocks. Two Bonhams descriptions call the 1520's balance "free-sprung Gyromax," an error that applies Patek Philippe's trademark to an index-regulated Rolex movement.

Auction descriptions consistently give a flat hairspring, apart from one 2013 Antiquorum outlier that says Breguet. Shock protection is KIF in Flector or Elastor form, identified by balance-bridge and regulator shape. That shape is more reliable than the engraved caliber number because bridges interchange across the series.

The 17-, 25- and 26-jewel counts are concurrent market variants. The 17-jewel version uses a different main plate and bridges, altered escape-wheel pivot geometry, and bushings in place of jewels in the automatic module. Jewel count alone does not establish the rate or condition of an individual movement. Dated examples place 17- and 26-jewel movements together from the mid-1960s, with 25-jewel examples running alongside them.

American tariffs rose sharply above 17 jewels, but Rolex did not document this as the reason for the low-jewel version. Seventeen-jewel movements also reached Europe and Asia, so general cost reduction remains another possibility. The American presentation ref. 7002 has a rotor marked "SEVENTEEN JEWELS" and "UN" for unadjusted, both relevant to the tariff schedule, but this does not settle the question.

Documented fitments include the 5513, 5514 COMEX, 5517 military Submariner, 5500 Air-King and 5520. Ref. 1002 uses chronometer calibers 1530 or 1570; apparent 1520 examples are ref. 5500 cases with 1002 stamped inside the caseback. Ref. 5501 remains unconfirmed. Hacking arrived as a running change around 1972 through parts 8073 and 8074. Two lines above six o'clock identify the non-chronometer dial, against four on certified models.

The barrel bridge and arbor hole are known wear points. Rolex prescribed closing a worn hole or reaming it for a 2.30mm jewel; a later beryllium bushing largely solved the problem. Rotor axles and autowinder wheels also wear, and replacement parts are scarce. Gritty manual winding is normal because the reversers run without lubrication.

<span id="cal-1535"></span>
=== Cal. 1535 ===
[[File:Cal 1535 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1535, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, screwed
|-
| regulator
| Index, pre-Microstella
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1535 is the non-chronometer date version of the 1530, introduced in 1957 for the Air-King-Date 5700/5701. Monochrome likewise assigns both calibers to the 5700, with 1535 first.

Auction houses usually catalogue refs. 5700 and 5701 under the base caliber. Antiquorum assigns a 1963 ref. 5700 to Cal. 1530 and a 1972 example to 1520, though neither base movement has a date. Those entries agree with Rolex's grouping of 1535 components under Cal. 1530 and 1525 components under Cal. 1520, but they do not identify the fitted caliber.

No auction lot identifies a Cal. 1535 directly, so the listed mechanical figures come from its Cal. 1530 base. Evidence for the hairspring conflicts: auction wording gives a flat spring, while Rolex balance assembly 7855 for the 1530 uses a Breguet overcoil. Repeated catalogue boilerplate is more likely than a separate variant. The 1535 predates Microstella and uses an index with a screwed balance, consistent with the 5700's Precision grade.

Although Cal. 1530 was phased out by 1965, its 1535 date derivative remained in the Air-King-Date into the late 1980s.

<span id="cal-1525"></span>
=== Cal. 1525 ===
[[File:Cal 1525 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1525, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 17 / 25
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, flat hairspring
|-
| regulator
| Index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber
|}

Cal. 1525 is the higher-beat, non-chronometer date version of the 1520. Introduced in 1965, it carried the Air-King-Date 5700/5701 through later production. Contemporary chronometer-rated Oyster Perpetual Date references used a related 1500-series caliber instead.

Auction catalogues often label the date-equipped Cal. 1525 as Cal. 1520. Antiquorum does so on a 1972 ref. 5700, while describing the expected flat hairspring and index-regulated architecture. The chronometer-grade 1560 and 1570 use a Breguet overcoil and Microstella. The Cal. 1525 uses the index regulation associated with the uncertified 5700.

Jewel counts of 17, 25 and 26 reflect parallel market executions. Rolex balance-assembly numbers confirm a flat hairspring for the 1520 and 1525, against a Breguet spring on the 1530 and Microstella on the 1560. The 1525 remains index-regulated. Waddington’s identifies Cal. 1520, 26 jewels, in a circa-1965 Eaton’s ¼ Century Club watch catalogued as ref. 1011, case 1,301,143. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]].

<span id="cal-1560"></span>
=== Cal. 1560 ===
[[File:Cal 1560 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1560, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 in some lot descriptions)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (pattern not named in lots)
|}

Cal. 1560 is commonly dated to 1959 as the chronometer-grade 15xx movement, with a free-sprung balance adjusted to temperature and five positions. Auction catalogues give both 25 and 26 jewels without establishing a pattern. Antiquorum usually describes a Breguet overcoil; its flat-hairspring description for one ref. 1502/1503 is an outlier.

Heritage catalogues Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1013 dated circa 1957, earlier than the commonly cited 1959 date. Both the date and caliber are Heritage’s lot attribution, so this example does not establish when Cal. 1560 entered production. Antiquorum also lists Cal. 1560 in a circa-1962 1013. These records do not date the later change to Cal. 1570. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]].

Antiquorum ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-151-323 2006 lot 323], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1014-lot-373-24 2024 lot 24]), [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams] and [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1014/a/5581-54111.s Heritage] also catalogue Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1014 examples. Bonhams dates its masked case 769*** to circa 1951; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans] later records serial 769199 as 1962. These are catalogue attributions, and the masked Bonhams number does not confirm that it is the same watch. See [[Reference:1014|ref. 1014]].

The Oyster Perpetual ref. 1022 is documented with Cal. 1560 by Bonhams, Pandolfini, Adams, HODINKEE, and 1stDibs; Tajan describes an automatic movement but names no caliber. Bonhams and Adams report 25 jewels; 1stDibs lists 26. Watch-Wiki’s caliber index and Time Connection’s case-parts table also list Cal. 1570 for the 1022. The lists name Cal. 1570, while the five inspected 1022 sale/dealer examples identify Cal. 1560.

Gardiner Houlgate catalogues Cal. 1560 in one ref. 1023, serial 1136xxx, dated circa 1964. Time Connection II’s replacement-parts table lists both Cal. 1560 and 1570 under the reference, without dates or a sequence. The auction record documents one Cal. 1560 example; it does not establish when either caliber entered production.

Matthew Bain lists Cal. 1560 in its circa-1963 ref. 1026. Time Connection II lists 1560/1570 for 1026 in a replacement-parts table, while Bachmann & Scher gives no caliber. The 1560 identification is one dealer attribution; the parts table is compatibility data, not a documented Cal. 1570 installation or changeover. See [[Reference:1026|ref. 1026]]. [https://www.matthewbaininc.com/product-page/rare-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1026 Matthew Bain Inc., item 28122]; [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1026 row].

Auction catalogues also identify Cal. 1560 in ref. 1024 examples dated circa 1965/66 and circa 1970. Antiquorum lists Cal. 1560 in a ref. 1011 dated 1960, case 546423, and in two lots jointly catalogued as refs. 1010/1011, dated 1960 and 1962. Heritage also lists Cal. 1560 in an undated ref. 1011 sold in 2012. Heritage and Bonhams list Cal. 1560 in individual ref. 1010 lots dated circa 1962 and circa 1967; Antiquorum lists Cal. 1570 in an individual ref. 1010 circa 1968. The Field Manual lists Cal. 1560 for ref. 1010. A 1stDibs item text also names Cal. 1560 for its claimed 1010, though the page title says 1011; treat it as seller-level evidence. These records document both attributions for ref. 1010, and its changeover year remains open; see [[Reference:1010|ref. 1010]]. Antiquorum catalogues Cal. 1560 in ref. 1501 examples dated 1962 (case 761,220) and 1963 (case 953,774); see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 the 1962 lot], and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 the 1963 lot].

The Vintage Rolex Field Manual assigns Cal. 1560 to proposed monopusher refs. 1074 and 1223, but cites no identified watch or movement evidence for either link. [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex’s standard Cal. 1560 parts sheet] describes a self-winding, sweep-seconds movement and does not document chronograph works. Christie’s catalogues two 1074 wristwatches without naming a caliber. A separate [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s 1920s monopusher listing] gives 1223 as the case number, not as a verified reference; a [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph] uses 1223 as its movement number. Treat both Field Manual caliber assignments as unverified. [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074 case 25433]

Cal. 1560 uses free-sprung Microstella regulation; Cal. 1530 uses an index. Watches made from 1959 to 1965 were tested by the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres, usually under collective certificates and to a standard around −1/+10 seconds per day in five positions. COSC did not exist until September 1973, so describing an early 1560 as COSC-certified is anachronistic.

Factory balance 7980 is used in the 18,000-vph chronometer group: 1555, 1556, 1560 and 1565. Later replacement part 8106 and balance bridge 8102 span both 18,000- and 19,800-vph family members, so a serviced 1560 may carry the later balance. Documented fitments include the four-line 5512, 5504 and Explorer 1016. The GMT-Master 1675 instead used the 1565 to about the 1.4-million serial range and the 1575 thereafter. Family-wide bridge engravings explain 1675 movements marked 1560 or 1570; a base 1560 lacks both calendar and 24-hour works. Although 1570 became the new fitment in 1965, 1560 movements appear in Explorers until about 1967.

<span id="cal-1565"></span>
=== Cal. 1565 ===
[[File:Cal 1565 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1565, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25–26 (sources disagree)
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (registry; 44h in some secondary tables)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Produced from 1959 to 1965, Cal. 1565 is the early ref. 1675's "caller" GMT movement: its 24-hour hand remains linked to the main hour hand rather than independently adjustable. Rolex kept that layout until Cal. 3085. The 1565 introduced a free-sprung Breguet overcoil with Microstella regulation to this lineage, replacing the index used by earlier sport calibers. Rolex's [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Cal. 1565 parts sheet] describes an automatic calendar movement, shows "1560" engraved on its self-winding bridge, and lists part 7956, the date-indicator seating, for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. The [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for those same case references. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual also lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] in its Cal. 1565 Date table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]). These factory lists document service-parts applications; movement-level inspection determines the caliber fitted to a particular watch. Auction catalogues call refs. 1501 and 1507 Cal. 1560 or 1570, matching the bridge numbers shown in the 1565 and 1575 parts sheets. For the 1507, the auction examples include joint 1503/1507 attributions; no movement photograph confirms the exact caliber. The records leave watch-specific fitment and changeover years unresolved. See [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]], [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]], [[Reference:1503|ref. 1503]] and [[Reference:1507|ref. 1507]].

<span id="cal-1570"></span>
=== Cal. 1570 ===
[[File:Cal 1570 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1570, open caseback|alt=Cal. 1570, open caseback]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 12.5′′′ (28.2mm)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1570 is the 19,800-vph revision of the 1560, introduced in 1965. Christie’s identifies Cal. 1570 in ref. 1011 case 692498, dated circa 1962; its lot chronology overlaps the ref. 1011 Cal. 1560 examples and does not establish a changeover. See [[Reference:1011|ref. 1011]]. Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1570 in a 1966 pink-gold 1013, Gazette Drouot in a circa-1968 example and Rago in a 1978 example. The 1013 records document both calibers but leave their changeover unresolved. See [[Reference:1013|ref. 1013]]. One Artcurial ref. 1005 lot is catalogued with Cal. 1550, despite a chronometer-dial description; other 1005 catalogues list 1560 or 1570. This single lot does not establish a 1005 movement variant or resolve whether the movement is original. It retains the free-sprung Breguet overcoil and Microstella regulation, with adjustment to temperature and five positions. Family-wide bridge engraving causes date movements such as the 1575 in a ref. 1665 to appear marked 1570; the engraving alone does not identify the exact caliber. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in a circa-1985 ref. 1024, while Dorotheum lists it on a circa-1965/70 example; those ref. 1024 dates overlap its Cal. 1560 records. Christie’s, Antiquorum, Phillips, Dorotheum and Bonhams also catalogue Cal. 1570 in ref. 1501 examples; see [[Reference:1501|ref. 1501]]. These lot labels do not establish a 1501 changeover year. Heritage (circa 1960; its case serial conflicts with the chart date), Christie's (circa 1969 and 1977), Sotheby's (circa 1977 and 1978), and Cambi (circa 1971, with a disputed all-steel attribution) identify Cal. 1570 in individual ref. 1505 watches. These lot descriptions document reported fitment, not a reference-wide caliber rule or changeover. See [[Reference:1505|ref. 1505]]. [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1505-early-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1960/a/5563-54188.s Heritage]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5257457 Christie's]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online/rolex-two-tone-date-ref-1505-227/67553 Christie's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches/date-reference-1505-montre-bracelet-en-acier-et-or Sotheby's]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-2/reference-1505-oyster-perpetual-date-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/1081-cambi_orologi_999_2024_12_eb.pdf Cambi]. Phillips identifies Cal. 1570 in the white-gold ref. [[Reference:1504|1504]] sold in 2016; Eguchi lists the caliber, and the photographed W3674 example shows the same bridge marking in a yellow-gold watch. These records document individual watches, not a caliber changeover. [https://www.dist.phillips.com/content/web/auctions/HK080216/HK080216_zh_1.pdf Phillips, lot 1068] [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/287626/ Eguchi, item 287626] [https://bulangandsons.de/products/rolex-oyster-perpetual-date-grey-brick-dial-moreau-finish-with-brick-bracelet-ref-1504-in-18-k-yellow-gold-w3674 W3674 item listing].

Waddington’s lists Cal. 1570 in ref. 1023/8B and dates it circa 1964. That estimate predates the 1965 start date used here for Cal. 1570; Pergola’s unofficial chart places serial 902827 in 1962. Hess and Watch.de identify Cal. 1570 on other 1023 listings, and a 2022 Rolex Forums photograph shows a rotor marked 1570 inside an outer case stamped 1023. Kaplans also lists Cal. 1570 for serial 2,186,841; Watch.de masks its serial as 2186xxx, and their other matching details suggest a repeat listing. These records document the caliber on individual watches, but they do not establish first fitment or a changeover; see [[Reference:1023|1023]].

The balance has four Microstella screws in two opposing pairs, not two. Rolex required equal adjustment within each pair to preserve poise. The larger pair changes rate by about two seconds per day and the smaller by about one. On this family the screws sit in the balance rim; the later 3135 platform moves its Microstella nuts to the inner rim.

KIF's circa-1972 material catalogue lists Flector and Elastor settings for Rolex; it does not list Ultraflex. Auction catalogues name only a shock absorber, while Rolex part 8065 serves the upper balance setting across the 1520, 1530, 1560 and 1570. The available records support Flector and Elastor.

Hacking appeared gradually around 1971–72, with timing varying by model. Cal. 3035 began replacing the 1570 in new production from 1977, but the Explorer 1016 retained it until 1988–89. The documented diameter is 12.5 lignes, or 28.2mm; the often-published 28.5mm is a rounded conversion. Published heights conflict.

<span id="cal-1575"></span>
=== Cal. 1575 ===
[[File:Cal 1575 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1575, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26 (25 per Ashton Tracy)
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws (1570 balance)
|-
| shock
| KIF (Flector or Elastor)
|}

Cal. 1575 adds calendar work to the 1570; the GMT execution also adds a 24-hour train. Antiquorum and Sotheby's give 26 jewels, while watchmaker Ashton Tracy's 2018 ''Quill & Pad'' study gives 25. Tracy records a 48-hour power reserve; the often-published 50-hour figure lacks support.

Rolex engraved the 1575 bridge "1570," so that marking on a ref. 1680 or 1675 identifies the caliber family. Factory parts records distinguish 1565G, 1575, 1575G and 1575GMT. Date and GMT versions are separately catalogued builds, and the GMT parts also circulated as a conversion set for a standard 1560 or 1570.

The 1575 shares factory balance assembly 8106 with the 1570 and related family members. It has shock protection on the escape wheel on both dial and movement sides, as well as on the balance. The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists [[Reference:1500|ref. 1500]] as a Date fitment in its Cal. 1575 table ([https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, caliber table]); a [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue] lists date-indicator parts for refs. 1500, 1501 and 1503. Auction catalogues more often describe 1500 examples as Cal. 1570. [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/vintage-week-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-date-ref-1500.html Bob’s Watches] explains the 1570 bridge engraving on date-equipped 1575-family movements; the engraving alone does not establish the caliber beneath it. The available records do not identify a watch-specific changeover. For ref. [[Reference:1506|1506]], two auction catalogues identify Cal. 1570; one seller lists 1575 although its movement photograph shows a 1570-marked bridge. The inner caseback in that photograph is stamped 1503. These are object-level records and do not establish a caliber sequence for the reference. Other documented fitments include the Submariner 1680, GMT-Master 1675 from about the 1.4-million serial range, Explorer II 1655 and Sea-Dweller 1665. Auction catalogues identify the date-equipped [[Reference:1510|ref. 1510]] as Cal. 1570, and Monaco Legend’s movement photo shows a 1570-marked bridge with 26 jewels. The cited parts lists contain no ref. 1510 entry. Cal. 1570 remains the auction-house attribution, and the photographed marking is object-level evidence; exact reference fitment is unconfirmed.

<span id="gmt-branch"></span>
== GMT-Master line ==

Early GMT-Master movements synchronized the hour hands. Published references and auction catalogues name calibres 1030, 1036, 1065 and 1066 for the 6542; the sources do not give a consistent changeover chronology. Cal. 1565, 1575 and 3075 retained the synchronized, or "caller," layout through the 1675 and 16750 generations. Cal. 3085 introduced an independently adjustable local-hour hand. Cal. 3175 kept the synchronized layout in the 16700 until 1999, alongside calibres 3185 and 3186 in the 16710.

<span id="cal-1036"></span>
=== Cal. 1036 ===
[[File:Cal 1036 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1036, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

The Field Manual lists Cal. 1036 for the 6542, and Monochrome describes it as a Cal. 1030 with a 24-hour train. Sotheby's catalogues identify several individual 6542s with Cal. 1030, while other lots name 1065 or 1066. These attributions leave the 1036's place in the reference's production run unresolved. Period chronometer certificates came from the Bureaux Officiels; COSC began in 1973.

Published chronologies differ: a Phillips catalogue essay dates the 6542 release to 1954, while Rolex places the GMT-Master in 1955. The relationship between those dates remains unresolved in the cited sources.

The listed escapement, balance and shock protection are inferred from the Cal. 1030 base; no Cal. 1036 source documents them directly. Auction catalogues seldom identify a 6542 movement as Cal. 1036, so those three specifications remain provisional.

<span id="cal-1065"></span>
=== Cal. 1065 ===
[[File:Cal 1065 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1065, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (secondary sources only)
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| balance
| Monometallic (inferred, 1030 base)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred)
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1065 in individual 6542 and 6609 examples as an automatic movement with 25 jewels. The Field Manual also lists it for the 6542. For ref. 6609, Sotheby's, Monaco Legend and Phillips identify Cal. 1065; Christie's and Antiquorum name Cal. 1066, and Phillips lot 118 lists Cal. 1030. These are lot-level attributions; they do not settle the 6609 changeover or Cal. 1065's production dates and position relative to calibres 1030, 1036 and 1066. Published 42-hour reserve figures come from secondary sources.

The escapement, balance, and shock rows likewise derive from the Cal. 1030 base. Cal. 1066 cataloguing supports that family relationship, but these details have not been documented directly on a Cal. 1065.

<span id="cal-1066"></span>
=== Cal. 1066 ===
[[File:Cal 1066 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1066, stamped "1066," butterfly rotor engraved "Rolex Perpetual Patented," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 1066 in steel and gold 6542 examples, including watches dated circa 1958 and 1959. Christie's and Antiquorum also catalogue individual 6609 examples with Cal. 1066. The Field Manual lists the caliber for the 6542 as well. Its published specification is 18,000 vph and 25 jewels; Antiquorum describes a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock absorber, and self-compensating Breguet hairspring. The available records place Cal. 1066 in late examples, but do not establish it as the final fitment or date a change from Cal. 1065.

The regulator and balance specification remain uncertain. Cal. 1030 descriptions name an index regulator, while Cal. 1066 descriptions omit it; one 6542 is catalogued with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. This may mark a running change or inconsistent cataloguing. A circa-1959 Phillips example directly confirms the Cal. 1066's butterfly rotor.

Published examples dated circa 1958 and 1959 carry different movement labels. A steel watch has a IV.1958 caseback; auction catalogues date two gold watches to 1959. These individual records show more than one caliber in late examples.

<span id="cal-3075"></span>
=== Cal. 3075 ===
[[File:Cal 3075 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3075, engraved "3075," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| balance support
| Balance cock (3035 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF (inferred; lots record only "shock absorber")
|}

Cal. 3075 carried the synchronized "caller" GMT layout into the 16750 generation. It has 27 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, a free-sprung Breguet hairspring regulated by Microstella screws, hacking, and quickset. The quickset advances only the date wheel.

The balance is monometallic, not Glucydur. Catalogue descriptions identify Microstella screws but do not record their count, material, or position on the rim. They also name a shock absorber without identifying its maker, so the KIF attribution remains inferred from Rolex practice of the period.

The 3075 belongs to the 3035 generation and uses its cantilevered balance cock. Cal. 3175 and 3185 later introduced a balance bridge anchored at both ends. Its start date is disputed: the 16750 did not appear in a Rolex catalogue until 1981, while Antiquorum dates production of the 16758 to 1979. Known fitments are the steel 16750, steel-and-gold 16753, and gold 16758. The 3075 also moved the GMT hand above the hour hand, reversing the Cal. 1575 stack; later GMT calibers retained that arrangement.

<span id="cal-3085"></span>
=== Cal. 3085 ===
[[File:Cal 3085 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3085, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.3–7.2mm (sources disagree)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF (per published specs, unconfirmed)
|}

Cal. 3085 ran from 1983 to 1989 on the Cal. 3035 platform, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. It was the first Rolex caliber to separate the local-hour hand from the 24-hour hand. The crown jumps the local hour forward or backward in one-hour steps without disturbing the minutes, seconds, or home-time hand. The date advances only by cycling the local-hour hand, so the movement has no direct quickset date.

Published thickness figures conflict. Grail Watch Reference gives 6.3mm, while Caliber Corner gives 7.2mm against the Cal. 3185's 6.45mm. The 16760's thick movement and case produced the "Fat Lady" and "Sophia Loren" nicknames. Cal. 3085 appeared only in the 16760 GMT-Master II and 16550 Explorer II. Published specifications agree on a Breguet hairspring and Microstella regulation, but KIF shock protection has not been confirmed by an auction description or Rolex document.

<span id="cal-3175"></span>
=== Cal. 3175 ===
[[File:Cal 3175 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3175, EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| balance support
| Balance bridge (3135 generation)
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor (3100-family text, not lot-confirmed)
|}

Cal. 3175 ran from 1988 to 1999 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. Auction descriptions confirm the jewel count and adjustment to temperature and five positions. Published 3100-family specifications support a free-sprung Glucydur balance, Microstella regulation, Breguet hairspring and KIF Elastor setting. No examined Cal. 3175 lot confirms KIF Elastor.

Architecturally, Cal. 3175 is a Cal. 3135 with a fixed 24-hour hand. It uses the 3135's balance bridge, anchored at both ends, where Cal. 3075 used a cantilevered cock. The 24-hour hand remains linked to the local hour hand, so a second time zone is read from the rotating bezel. The 16700 kept this synchronized layout while the rest of the line moved to the jumping-hour Cal. 3185.

Cal. 3175 appeared only in the 16700 and was Rolex's last fixed GMT movement. Reports of factory Cal. 3185 fitment in late 16700s rest on a contradictory parts listing and a rebuilt watch; documented Cal. 3185 fitment belongs to the 16710. Sotheby's has incorrectly described Cal. 3175 as having an independent GMT hand. The accepted 16700 production span is 1988–1999, although Fratello gives 2001 in one account. The 1997 change from tritium to Super-LumiNova affected the dial, not the movement.

<span id="cal-3185"></span>
=== Cal. 3185 ===
[[File:Cal 3185 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"|alt=Cal. 3185, engraved "3185"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 6.45mm
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|}

Cal. 3185 ran from 1989 to about 2007. Derived from Cal. 3135 with added 24-hour work, it has 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, chronometer certification, and KIF Elastor shock protection. It powered the 16710, 16713, 16718, and 16570, replacing Cal. 3085 in the GMT-Master II and Explorer II.

The balance carries four Microstella nuts arranged as two opposing pairs of different sizes. Rolex's Microstella wrench instructions require equal adjustment of both nuts in a pair to preserve the balance-wheel poise. Adjusting one without its opposite puts the wheel out of poise.

Published Cal. 3085 thickness figures span 6.3 to 7.2mm. Cal. 3185 is 6.45mm, so it is thinner than the thicker 16760 specification but not every published 3085 measurement. That helped the 16710 sit flatter than the "Fat Lady" 16760. During setting, the 24-hour hand may twitch as the local hour jumps; this is a screening clue, not proof of caliber identity.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3186"></span>
=== Cal. 3186 ===
[[File:Cal 3186 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"|alt=Cal. 3186, engraved "3186"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 50h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 6.45mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Shock-absorber, pre-Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3186 predates the steel GMT-Master II transition of 2007; the gold example discussed below was sold in 2006. It added a Parachrom hairspring to the Cal. 3185 base while retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, hacking, an independently adjustable local-hour hand, and chronometer certification; reserve increased to 50 hours. It powered late 16710 production and the ceramic-bezel 116710LN, 116710BLNR, and 116719BLRO.

The movement has a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, a free-sprung Breguet-form hairspring, Microstella regulation, and hacking. One Antiquorum description calls the hairspring blued steel, but Cal. 3186 uses Parachrom, a niobium-zirconium alloy coloured by an oxide layer rather than tempering.

Cal. 3186 retains the Cal. 3135 architecture used by the 3185: 28.5mm diameter, 6.45mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. It also keeps the plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle, part 568, shared with Cal. 3130, 3135, 3155, and 3175. Axle condition must be assessed during service.

Rolex introduced Cal. 3186 as a running change, leaving its start date unsettled. Steel 16710 examples begin among late Z- and M-series cases; the lowest documented example is Z 5786xx, but higher Z-series watches can still contain Cal. 3185. Gold references changed earlier. A D-series 116718 catalogued with Cal. 3186 was sold in August 2006, placing the movement in production before the commonly cited 2007 steel transition.

Auction catalogues conflict on the 116758 SARU. Christie's assigns Cal. 3185 to examples dated circa 2006 and 2007 ([https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 lot 6042618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 lot 6248960]); Sotheby's assigns Cal. 3186 to a circa-2007 watch ([https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf lot 45]). Phillips ([https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 lot 14]) and a later Christie's lot ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 lot 6167024]) also list 3186. Rolex's [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf 2008 US catalogue] specifies a 31-jewel chronometer without a calibre number. These records leave the reference's movement transition undated.

Both Cal. 3185 and 3186 index the local-hour hand with a jumping-hour click. Cal. 3186 reworked the parts and reduced slack between the drive-train wheels. On Cal. 3185, the 24-hour hand twitches when the local hour jumps; on Cal. 3186, it remains still. Treat this as a screening clue and confirm the caliber by inspecting the movement.

Failure of the local-hour hand to index in one-hour steps calls for examination of the setting mechanism. The symptom alone does not identify which part needs replacement.

The date is corrected by moving the local-hour hand through midnight; there is no separate direct quickset for the date disc.

<span id="cal-3187"></span>
=== Cal. 3187 ===
[[File:Cal 3187 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance|alt=Cal. 3187, official Rolex photo, engraved "3187," blue Parachrom hairspring, free-sprung Microstella balance]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48–50h (sources disagree)
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3187 is an enlarged Cal. 3186, widened to move the date window outward in the 42mm Explorer II case. It powered only the 216570 from 2011 to 2021, before Cal. 3285 replaced it in the 226570. The Parachrom hairspring, Breguet overcoil, and independently adjustable local-hour hand carry over from the GMT lineage. Paraflex is new here, replacing the KIF Elastor used by Cal. 3185. Within the GMT and Explorer II lineage covered on this page, Cal. 3187 is the first entry listed with Paraflex.

Cal. 3187 uses a larger baseplate and reworked surrounding parts but retains the Cal. 3186 regulating organ: a straight-line lever escapement, free-sprung monometallic balance under a full bridge, and Microstella regulation without an index. Auction catalogues confirm 31 jewels but do not itemize those inherited components.

Rolex launched the 216570 and Cal. 3187 together in March 2011 for the Explorer II's fortieth anniversary. The 42mm case required the larger movement, while the orange 24-hour hand recalled the 1655. Both remained in production until 2021, and no other reference used the caliber.

Two documented unit commissions use Cal. 3187. A 2012 white-dial 216570 made for members of the British Special Air Service carries "Who Dares Wins," the winged-dagger badge, and its owner's identifiers. A circa-2015 example numbered 40/48 was made for the UK Attack Helicopter Force. These were unit commissions rather than ministry-issued watches and should not be classified with the 5513 MilSub.

The local-hour hand should index in one-hour steps during setting. Irregular movement requires inspection of the mechanism.

The −2/+2 rating applies only after Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015. Earlier watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard for the uncased movement; later examples were tested again by Rolex as complete watches. The underlying caliber did not change beyond regulation.

<span id="sport-modern"></span>
<span id="Modern_sport_calibers_(1988–2020)"></span>
== Modern sport calibers (1988–2023 coverage) ==

Cal. 3000 introduced a 28,800-vph no-date movement, followed by Cals. 3130 and 3132. Cal. 3135 powered three decades of Submariner Date production.

<span id="cal-3000"></span>
=== Cal. 3000 ===
[[File:Cal 3000 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3000|alt=Cal. 3000]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h (48h in some sources)
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.8mm
|-
| balance
| Adjustable-mass, flat hairspring
|}

Cal. 3000 is the no-date member of the 3000 family, used from about 1990 to 2001 in the Air-King 14000 and 14010, Submariner 14060, and Explorer 14270. The often-quoted 1988 start belongs to Cal. 3135. The Air-King changed to reference 14000M in 2000, while the Explorer became the 114270 and the Submariner adopted Cal. 3130 in 2001. Published power-reserve figures conflict at 42 and 48 hours; no Rolex figure settles the difference.

Cal. 3000 uses a flat hairspring, a useful distinction from the Breguet overcoil in Cal. 3130. Microstella adjustment sets the rate without an index, the hairspring is glued to the balance stud, and shock protection is KIF. COSC certification used the standard −4/+6 seconds-per-day tolerance.

<span id="cal-3035"></span>
=== Cal. 3035 ===
[[File:Cal 3035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3035, engraved "3035," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3035 ran from 1977 to 1988 in the 16800, 168000, 16808, and 16803. It was the first quickset Submariner caliber, with 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification. Compared with the Cal. 1570 generation, it increased frequency from 19,800 vph and added a crown position that advances the date wheel directly. Its free-sprung Nivarox Breguet overcoil is regulated by four Microstella screws and protected by KIF Elastor.

Exact-reference auction catalogues identify Cal. 3035 in Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]] and Oyster Perpetual Date ref. [[Reference:15003|15003]] examples. Christie's and Noonans name Cal. 3035 in their 15003 lots. The 1977–1988 dates above apply to the listed Submariner references, not to the caliber’s full use across Rolex models. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, case 5,880,264]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, serial 5,230,455]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-keystone-collection/rolex-two-tone-date-chevron-ref-15003-187/73507 Christie's, 15003 lot 187]; [https://www.noonans.co.uk/archive/past-catalogues/681/catalogue/457378/?offset=440 Noonans, 15003 lot 441].

Two construction details separate it from Cal. 3135. Its balance sits on a cantilevered cock, and its hairspring is glued to the stud. Cal. 3135 uses a bridge anchored at both ends and a laser-welded hairspring stud.

<span id="cal-3130"></span>
=== Cal. 3130 ===
[[File:Cal 3130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3130, engraved "3130," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.85mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3130 is the time-only successor to Cal. 3000, used in the 14060M, 114060, 114270, and 114200. It brought a full balance bridge, a larger balance wheel, and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Rolex's parts sheet identifies Cal. 3135 as the base and gives 28.5mm diameter, 5.85mm height, 28,800 vph, and 31 jewels. Published introduction dates range from 1999 to 2001; the precise year remains unsettled.

Cal. 3000 supports its balance from a cock anchored on one side; the 3130 uses a bridge secured at both ends, which stabilizes endshake under lateral shock. Its Glucydur balance is free-sprung, with Microstella nuts setting the rate without an index. KIF Elastor shock protection distinguishes it from the Paraflex-equipped Cal. 3132. At 5.85mm it is 0.15mm thinner than Cal. 3135 because it omits the date mechanism. The main plate is the dedicated part 3130-100, although some smaller components retain 3135 part numbers.

The 14060M initially used Cal. 3130 without COSC certification and carried a two-line dial. Certification arrived in late 2007, adding the two-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription. The movement itself did not change.

The oscillating-weight axle uses a plain bearing. A service assessment should check the rotor and its bearing for wear and contact with surrounding parts.

Cal. 3131, announced in 2007, adapts the 3130 for magnetic resistance with a blue Parachrom hairspring, a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escapement, and a two-part soft-iron shield around the movement. It powered the Milgauss 116400 and 116400GV, then the Air-King 116900.

<span id="cal-3132"></span>
=== Cal. 3132 ===
[[File:Cal 3132 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3132|alt=Cal. 3132]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm (contested; 28.5mm also published)
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic Glucydur, free-sprung
|-
| regulator
| Microstella screws, no index
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3132 powered the 39mm Explorer 214270 from 2010 until the 36mm successor arrived in 2021. It is a Cal. 3130 with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock protection, retaining 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, and chronometer certification.

The base architecture remains a straight-line lever escapement with a free-sprung Glucydur balance under a full bridge, Microstella regulation, and no index. Paraflex replaced the 3130's KIF Elastor settings; Rolex's published material claims up to 50 per cent greater shock resistance than KIF. That comparison is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. The blue Parachrom hairspring replaced Nivarox with a paramagnetic niobium-zirconium alloy whose colour comes from a patented oxide treatment.

Cal. 3132 brought Parachrom and Paraflex to the time-only professional line. Parachrom had appeared in Cal. 4130 in 2000, but the Submariner did not receive both features until Cal. 3230 in 2020.

Both dial generations of the 214270 use Cal. 3132. The 2016 revision lengthened the hands and added luminous filling to the 3, 6, and 9 numerals, without changing the movement. Cal. 3132 also retains the 3130’s plain-bearing oscillating-weight axle.

Rolex’s product sheet lists Cal. 3132 for the Oyster Perpetual 39 ref. 114300. Phillips catalogues a white-dial 114300, case P470X511, as Cal. 3230 in its [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/189941 2023 Geneva lot 21] and [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080125/8048 2025 Hong Kong lot 8048]; the matching case number and June 2020 guarantee suggest the records concern one watch. It also catalogues a circa-2015 blue-dial 114300, case 908YN729, as Cal. 3230 in [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/225422 2025 Hong Kong lot 924]. The catalogue descriptions conflict with Rolex’s [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/oyster-perpetual/m114300-0004.pdf 114300 product sheet] and do not establish factory fitment; replacement or catalogue error remains unresolved. See [[Reference:114300]].

Rolex redefined Superlative Chronometer in 2015, changing the guaranteed rate from COSC's −4/+6 seconds per day on the uncased movement to −2/+2 on the cased watch after additional in-house testing. The movement did not change, so early and late 214270 examples carry different rate guarantees.

<span id="cal-3135"></span>
=== Cal. 3135 ===
[[File:Cal 3135 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels|alt=Cal. 3135, official Rolex photo, engraved "3135," 31 jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, four Microstella nuts
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, no index
|-
| shock
| KIF (never Paraflex)
|}

Cal. 3135 ran from 1988 to 2021 with 31 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, 48 hours of reserve, hacking, quickset, and chronometer certification. It powered the 16610, 16613, and 16618 through the 116610 generation. The Submariner changed to Cal. 3235 with the 126610 on 1 September 2020, but the Oyster Perpetual Date 34 references 115200 and 115234 kept Cal. 3135 in production into 2021. Later end dates conflate it with Cal. 3131. The movement has rhodium plating, bevelled and polished screws, and a two-piece axle-style bidirectional rotor.

The conventional Swiss lever escapement is paired with a free-sprung Glucydur balance. With no index or curb pins, four Microstella nuts on the inside of the rim set the rate by changing the wheel's inertia. Older 1530-family balances place their adjustment screws on the outside. Cal. 3135 uses a Breguet overcoil and laser-welds the hairspring to its stud, replacing the glued joint used by Cal. 3035.

The main architectural change from Cal. 3035 is the balance bridge. Part 3135-120 is secured at both ends and carries height-adjusting nuts, keeping the pivots aligned under load and allowing endshake adjustment without shims. It also prevents the hairspring from fouling a cantilevered balance cock, a known Cal. 3035 problem. Cal. 3135 increased the jewel count from 27 to 31 and uses a larger balance wheel.

Cal. 3135 used KIF shock protection throughout its run and never received Paraflex. Rolex assigned new caliber numbers to Paraflex versions: 3130 became 3132, 3155 became 3156, and 3186 became 3187. The larger Paraflex date movement for the Datejust II was Cal. 3136. A 16610 or 116610 described as having Paraflex is misidentified.

Parachrom arrived during the Cal. 3135 run, but the transition date is unsettled. The niobium-zirconium alloy receives a uniform anodised oxide layer about 50 nanometres thick, which gives the hairspring its blue colour and stabilizes its restoring torque. Published dates for its adoption in Cal. 3135 range from about 2005 to 2009, with transitional examples reported on both sides. The ceramic-bezel 116610 uses it consistently from 2010. The spring's colour provides only a rough dating marker.

The reversing wheels transmit winding power when the rotor turns in either direction. Rolex dates their patent to 1952 and the introduction of their red surface treatment to 1957. Their colour identifies the component type, not Cal. 3135 by itself.

Earlier movements carried COSC's −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. From 2015, Rolex applied its −2/+2 Superlative Chronometer test to the complete watch without changing the caliber. Derivatives include Cal. 3155, 3175, 3185, 3186, 3187, and the no-date 3130, 3131, and 3132.

<span id="milgauss-family"></span>
== Milgauss ==

Auction catalogues assign Cal. 1080 to early Milgauss examples, though a later catalogue labels the same 6541 movement number Cal. 1055. Cal. 1580 derives from the 1530 platform; Cal. 3131 derives from Cal. 3130.

<span id="cal-1080"></span>
=== Cal. 1080 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25 listed for Christie’s case 145'111 and Sotheby’s case 412'479
|-
| documented fitment
| Milgauss 6543 and 6541 examples; one 6541 movement number carries conflicting 1080 / 1055 catalogue labels
|-
| base relationship
| Revolution describes it as modified from Cal. 1030
|}

Christie’s lists Cal. 1080 in 6543 case 145'111. Revolution and Watch-Wiki also assign the caliber to the 6543; Revolution describes a Cal. 1030 relationship. Watch-Wiki is a secondary reference index, and it does not resolve Christie’s Cal. 1065 label for case 145'159. Sotheby’s called movement N726507 in 6541 case 412'479 Cal. 1080 in 2018; Phillips listed the same case and movement number as Cal. 1055 in 2026. The surviving records do not establish a caliber sequence.

<span id="cal-1580"></span>
=== Cal. 1580 ===
[[File:Cal 1580 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 1580, marked "26 Jewels, Adjusted Six 6 Positions" — EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm × 5.75mm
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella screws
|-
| regulator
| None — free-sprung
|-
| shock
| Shock absorber
|}

Cal. 1580 is associated exclusively with the [[Reference:1019|Milgauss 1019]] during its 1960–1988 run, subject to the early-production dating conflict below. It shares the 1530-derived platform with Cal. 1570 and 1575, and gained hacking around 1972. A soft-iron inner shield around the movement provides the magnetic protection, making the 1019 thicker than contemporary Submariner and GMT-Master cases using the same movement family. Parts interchange broadly across the 1520/1525/1530/1535/1555/1556/1560/1565/1570/1575/1580 group.

Cal. 1580 has 26 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, shock protection, and a Breguet hairspring. Antiquorum describes the hairspring as free-sprung white metal with Microstella regulation. That matches Cal. 1560 and 1570 on the same platform, although no second auction house specifies the regulation system.

The case provides the magnetic shielding. A gilt-metal anti-magnetic cap and the surrounding inner case absorb the field. Cal. 1580 uses the standard 1530-family balance and hairspring inside the shielded case. Rolex added hacking in 1972 with the corresponding sport-caliber revision.

Watch Doctor’s chart assigns Cal. 1580 to 1963, later than the usual dating of the first 1019s to around 1960. That discrepancy does not establish that early 1019s contained a different caliber. A proposed alternative needs a documented watch or a Rolex record.

<span id="cal-3131"></span>
=== Cal. 3131 ===
[[File:Cal 3131 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels|alt=Cal. 3131 from a Milgauss 116400GV, auto bridge and gold reversing wheels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 28.5mm
|-
| escapement
| Nickel-phosphorus escape wheel & pallet fork
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung monometallic, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3131 is a no-date Cal. 3130 derivative announced at Baselworld 2007 for the [[Reference:116400|Milgauss 116400]] and 116400GV "Glace Verte." From 2016 it also powered the Air-King 40 reference 116900. Magnetic protection has three parts. A two-piece ferromagnetic shield encloses the movement, with one half secured on the dial side and the other beneath the outer caseback; the inner back carries a capital "B" and arrow, the symbol for magnetic flux density. The movement also uses a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and an amorphous nickel-phosphorus escape wheel and pallet fork.

Cal. 3131 remained COSC-certified throughout its run, with KIF shock protection and a conventional Swiss lever escapement. It never received Chronergy or Paraflex. Rolex applied the tighter −2/+2 seconds-per-day Superlative Chronometer standard from 2015, so later 116900 and 116400GV examples carry the revised rating without a corresponding movement change. The Air-King remained in production to 2022 and the Milgauss to 2023.

<span id="daytona-manual"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (manual-wind) ==

The manual-wind Daytona used Valjoux 72 architecture from 1963 through 1988. Across five caliber numbers, Rolex progressively refinished and re-rated the Valjoux 72 ébauche.

Valjoux joined the Ebauches SA group in 1944 and was later folded into ETA, though the Valjoux name remained in use through the end of Cal. 72 production in 1974. At least 62,000 Valjoux 72/23 movements are recorded in Rolex cases across more than 40 references, about 7 per cent of total output. Heuer, Universal Genève and Longines also used the base. Rolex examples differ in their finishing and adjustment.

<span id="cal-72"></span>
=== Cal. 72 ===
[[File:Cal 72 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA|alt=Valjoux 72 ébauche, caliber "72" stamped at 6 o'clock beside the Valjoux logo, plate marked "Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted," stock index regulator with F/A–S/R scale — the untouched configuration Rolex fitted as Cal. 72. This example's chronograph bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Auction catalogues identify Cal. 72 in individual ref. 6034 watches dated circa 1952–1955. One Antiquorum lot instead lists a 13-ligne, 17-jewel movement without a caliber name. These descriptions belong to the named watches; they do not establish one designation across every 6034. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212811 Christie's, circa-1953 case 907407] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/important-watches-n08543/lot.116.html Sotheby's, circa-1952 case 847427] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080123/99 Phillips, circa-1953 case 847307] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-11 Antiquorum, 13-ligne example]

Cal. 72 was also used in the pre-Daytona ref. 6234 from about 1955 to 1961, where it remained close to the Valjoux ébauche. Rolex retained its index regulator, flat hairspring and Incabloc protection. Auction records document the bare Cal. 72 designation on examples from 1957 and around 1960; published production dates for the 6234 end in either 1960 or about 1961.

<span id="cal-72a"></span>
=== Cal. 72A ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| shock
| Incabloc
|}

Cal. 72A appears in late ref. 6234s from the late 1950s to about 1961. It retains the index regulator and flat hairspring that Cal. 72B would replace, making it a Rolex-finished but otherwise conventional Valjoux 72 execution. The meaning of the ROW stamp remains uncertain: Sotheby's associates it with US importation, while Grail Watch Reference reads it as Rolex Werke. Neither interpretation is supported by a known Rolex document.

<span id="cal-72b"></span>
=== Cal. 72B ===
[[File:Cal 72B movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Used in the ref. 6238 and the last 6234s, Cal. 72B marks Rolex's first substantial reworking of the Valjoux base. The index regulator gave way to a Microstella adjustable-inertia balance, the flat hairspring to a Breguet overcoil, and Incabloc protection to KIF, often in its clover-shaped Flector form. The caliber also has the earlier screwed setting lever, later replaced by a pusher type.

The transition date is disputed. Dody Giussani's text for ''Ultimate Rolex Daytona'' dates the complete replacement of Cal. 72A to 1966, while auction records identify Cal. 72B in ref. 6234 examples from around 1961. Giussani finds no substantial mechanical difference between the 72B and 722 and notes that Rolex used both names in its technical documents. The regulating organ changed before Rolex consistently adopted the later caliber name.

<span id="cal-722"></span>
=== Cal. 722 ===
[[File:Cal 722 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF (often Flector)
|}

Cal. 722 powered the refs. 6239, 6240 and 6241, including examples with "Paul Newman" dials. Its column wheel controls a horizontal clutch through a coupling yoke. Engagement can make the chronograph hand jump slightly forward or back at the start, a trait later removed by the vertical clutch in Cal. 4130.

The position of the "Rolex Genève" inscription on the dial-side plate distinguishes Cal. 722 from the 722-1 that followed. The designations otherwise overlap: Christie's records Cal. 72B, 722 and 722-1 across ref. 6241 production. The engraving on the movement is more reliable than a date-based attribution. Phillips and Sotheby’s catalogues also assign 72B, 722 and 722-1 to individual ref. 6240 watches dated circa 1965–1966. Those lot labels do not establish a serial-number changeover; read the movement engraving.

<span id="cal-722-1"></span>
=== Cal. 722-1 ===
[[File:Cal 722-1 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone|alt=Rolex-signed Valjoux 72-family movement, seventeen jewels — caliber sub-variant not distinguishable from the engraving alone]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Microstella (inherited from 722)
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Often dated to 1967, Cal. 722-1 was the last 18,000 vph Daytona caliber before Cal. 727 raised the frequency. Sotheby’s catalogues a circa-1965 ref. 6240 with 722-1; that lot attribution does not establish when Rolex first used the caliber. Rolex described it as a Valjoux 72A-based mechanism with the same dimensions as its predecessor; the changes were internal.

The hour-recorder conveyor gained an eccentric pivot and wing-shaped spring, allowing more precise engagement with the hour wheel. A guard spring above the balance was intended to keep the hairspring on its stud support under shock. Giussani records that the guard had already appeared inconsistently on Cal. 722 and caused problems of its own, so many surviving examples of both calibers lack it.

<span id="cal-727"></span>
=== Cal. 727 ===
[[File:Cal 727 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope|alt=Cal. 727 (right, engraved 727, Daytona ref 6265), specialist comparison photo via Perezcope]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Manual
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 17
|-
| frequency
| 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Microstella, adjustable inertia
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 727 raised the Valjoux 72 frequency from 18,000 to 21,600 vph and powered the refs. 6262, 6263, 6264 and 6265 from 1970 until 1988. A genuine example has a Breguet overcoil and a bevelled inner edge on the KIF shock-spring retaining ring. These details, together with the engraved caliber number, help distinguish an original movement from a substituted or counterfeit one.

<span id="daytona-auto"></span>
== Daytona chronograph (automatic) ==

<span id="cal-4030"></span>
=== Cal. 4030 ===
[[File:Cal 4030 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels|alt=Cal. 4030, engraved 4030, thirty-one jewels]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 52–54h (sources disagree)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Breguet
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|}

Launched with the ref. 16520 in 1988, Cal. 4030 was a heavily reworked Zenith El Primero 400 and the last externally designed movement used by Rolex. Rolex removed the date, reduced the frequency from 36,000 to 28,800 vph and changed more than half of the components. A Breguet overcoil replaced the flat hairspring, while a free-sprung Glucydur balance with Microstella regulation and KIF protection replaced the Zenith oscillator. The chronograph retained a column wheel and horizontal clutch.

Published power-reserve figures split between 52 and 54 hours, with no known Rolex document settling the difference. The photographed movement is signed "MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWISS, ADJ. 5 POSITIONS TEMPERATURE, THIRTY-ONE JEWELS" and stamped "4030."

<span id="cal-4130"></span>
=== Cal. 4130 ===
[[File:Cal 4130 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"|alt=Cal. 4130 movement detail, bridge marked "4130"]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| complication
| Chronograph
|-
| jewels
| 44
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 72h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung, four gold Microstella nuts
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 4130 was developed and manufactured by Rolex for the ref. 116520 in 2000. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/about-rolex/history/2000-2013 Rolex history, 2000–2013] Its column wheel and vertical clutch avoid the hand jump reported for Cal. 4030 when the chronograph starts. The movement uses 201 components, about 20 per cent fewer than its predecessor, and twelve types of screw rather than more than forty.

The rotor runs on a ball bearing; the Cal. 3135 generation uses a jewelled sleeve. Claims that the bearing is ceramic lack support from Rolex or specialist documentation. The free-sprung balance sits under a transversal bridge and uses KIF protection. Chronergy, Paraflex, an optimised rotor bearing and Côtes de Genève arrived with Cal. 4131 in 2023. The display back also belongs to that successor and was limited to platinum; every Cal. 4130 Daytona has a solid caseback.

Parachrom was fitted from launch, but the blue version is variously dated between about 2005 and 2007 without a supporting Rolex document. Later examples were rated to Rolex's −2/+2 seconds-per-day standard after its introduction in 2015. Cal. 4130 continued through the ref. 116500LN until Cal. 4131 replaced it in March 2023.

<span id="cal-3230"></span>
=== Cal. 3230 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, no date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| 124060, 124270, 126000, 126900; catalogue conflicts for some 114300 lots are recorded above
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3230 in 2020 as the no-date member of its newer movement generation. Rolex describes the movement with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. The individual reference page remains the authority for a specific watch; catalogue attributions that conflict with Rolex product documentation are recorded as conflicts rather than silently normalized. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021]

<span id="cal-3235"></span>
=== Cal. 3235 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Datejust, Sea-Dweller and Submariner Date families
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3235 in 2015. It is the date-bearing member of the same generation as Cal. 3230, with a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. Rolex's brochures describe the date as instantaneous and the watch as COSC-certified and retested after casing to Rolex's tighter standard. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/datejust/m126333-0010.pdf Rolex, Datejust 41 brochure]

<span id="cal-3255"></span>
=== Cal. 3255 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic, day and date
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3255 in 2015 for the Day-Date 40 and later Day-Date 36. The movement provides rapid-setting day and date displays, a Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and approximately 70 hours of reserve. It replaced Cal. 3156 in the Day-Date II successor generation; the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained a separate earlier movement. [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/about-rolex/history-of-rolex/02_rolex_history_english_2021.pdf Rolex, History of Rolex, 2021] [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/brochures/en/2022_information_sheet_day-date_en.pdf Rolex, Day-Date information sheet, 2022]

<span id="cal-3285"></span>
=== Cal. 3285 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic GMT
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 70 hours
|-
| functions
| Independent rapid-setting local hour, 24-hour display, instantaneous date
|-
| escapement
| Chronergy
|-
| hairspring / shock
| Blue Parachrom / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| GMT-Master II 126710, 126711, 126715, 126720 and related current references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 3285 in 2018 for the GMT-Master II. Its GMT hand remains independent of the local hour, the date changes instantaneously, and the movement combines Chronergy, a blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex protection and approximately 70 hours of reserve. [https://content.rolex.com/dam/media/brochures/gmt-master-ii/m126715chnr-0001.pdf Rolex, GMT-Master II brochure]

<span id="cal-4131"></span>
=== Cal. 4131 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| power reserve
| Approximately 72 hours
|-
| chronograph
| Column wheel and vertical clutch
|-
| escapement / shock
| Chronergy / Paraflex
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126500 and 2023-onward gold and platinum Daytona references
|}

Rolex introduced Cal. 4131 in 2023 as the successor to Cal. 4130. The movement keeps the column wheel and vertical clutch and adds the Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, a blue Parachrom hairspring and Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. Rolex gives an approximately 72-hour reserve. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/new-watches-2024/cosmograph-daytona Rolex Newsroom, Cosmograph Daytona]

<span id="cal-4132"></span>
=== Cal. 4132 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic chronograph
|-
| introduction
| 2023
|-
| special function
| 24-hour elapsed-time counter
|-
| documented fitment here
| Daytona 126529LN, the Le Mans anniversary model
|}

Cal. 4132 is the 4131 derivative used in the Le Mans anniversary Daytona. Rolex describes it as allowing the chronograph to count elapsed hours over 24 rather than the usual 12. The official history page does not publish a separate technical specification table, so the 4131 family specifications should not be copied into 4132 without a movement-specific source. [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/beyond-the-racetrack Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona history]

<span id="day-date-family"></span>
== Day-Date ==

Day-Date calibers form their own family. Four-digit references set both calendar displays through the hands; five-digit references introduced quickset.

<span id="cal-1055"></span>
=== Cal. 1055 ===
[[File:Cal 1055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back|alt=Cal. 1055, period parts-catalogue illustration, front and back]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 1055 appears in catalogues for the first four-digit Day-Date references and is commonly dated 1956–1959. A 2017 Dorotheum listing pairs it with a 6511/8 dated circa 1965; Pergola’s unofficial chart places the case number in its 1956 band, and the lot photo has no readable serial. Treat the later date as an unresolved catalogue attribution. Cal. 1055 has rhodium-plated bridges with oeil-de-perdrix ("partridge-eye") circular graining rather than Côtes de Genève. Documented examples were adjusted to temperature and five positions.

Reference histories commonly date the 6611 to 1957 and associate it with the second, chronometer-certified 1055 generation. Phillips lists caliber 1055 on its 1956 gold 6611 and 1055B on its 1958 white-gold 6611B; catalogues do not use the suffix consistently. The dial wording changes to “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.”

6612 catalogues such as [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/43 Phillips lot 43], [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20747/lot/353/ Bonhams lot 353], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend lot 67] show the same naming problem: Phillips (1958 platinum case 403,680), Bonhams (circa-1959 gold 6612/8), and Monaco Legend (1958 6612B examples) list Cal. 1055, while [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie’s Dubai lot 65] uses B1055 and other catalogues use 1055B. Keep the calibre label attached to the specific watch and source; those descriptions do not establish that every 6612 retained its original movement.

For examples catalogued as 6612B, Monaco Legend lists Cal. 1055 on yellow-gold case 384,933, white-gold case 394,866 and platinum case 403,679. Phillips lists B1055 on platinum case 446,052; Christie's Dubai uses B1055 while listing the case as 446,062. Treat these as lot-specific catalogue labels. The Dubai case number conflicts with Phillips and Sotheby's, which both give 446,052. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-182 Monaco Legend, lot 182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-26 Monaco Legend, lot 26]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-67 Monaco Legend, lot 67]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/151223 Phillips, lot 155]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-day-date-ref-6612b-extremely-rare-attractive-platinum-diamond-65/195872 Christie's Dubai, lot 65].

The arrival of the free-sprung Microstella balance is disputed. The usual account places it with the 66xx revision, but an auction description identifies a first-generation 6511 as free-sprung. Neither generation has quickset or hacking.

Steel school-watch records create a separate problem: Antiquorum lists 1556 for a 2002 lot and 1066 for a 2013 lot, while Phillips describes later steel Day-Date prototypes with 1555-series movements. These are catalogue descriptions of disputed school/prototype watches, not confirmed 6611 production fitments. See [[Reference:6611|the 6611 record]] for the lot-level distinctions.

Auction catalogues disagree on the movement fitted to ref. 6511. Phillips lists Cal. 1555 for case 111,654, and Dorotheum lists Cal. 1555 for case 166736. Phillips lot 41, Antiquorum lot 81, Bonhams lot 156, Monaco Legend lots 22 and 220, and Dorotheum's 2017 lot for case 166744 list Cal. 1055. Phillips dates Cal. 1555 to 1959, later than the dates assigned to both 1555-labelled cases. The 2017 Dorotheum listing dates case 166744 circa 1965, while Pergola's unofficial chart puts the number in its 1956 band. Its front-view image offers no readable serial, leaving the two dates in conflict. Each entry is a catalogue attribution; keep it attached to its lot pending inspection of the movement.

<span id="cal-1555"></span>
=== Cal. 1555 ===
[[File:Cal 1555 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail|alt=Cal. 1555, rotor bridge detail]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 25
|-
| frequency
| 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| size
| 7.03mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever (Cal. 1530 train)
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung beryllium-bronze, Microstella screws
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector
|}

Cal. 1555 powered early four-digit Day-Dates, including the refs. 1803, 1804, 1806, 1807 and 1811, from 1959 to about 1967. It combines the day-and-date architecture of Cal. 1055 with the plate and most running components of Cal. 1530. Its distinct parts are concentrated in the motion and calendar work, some shared with the contemporary Datejust Cal. 1575.

The Swiss lever escapement comes from Cal. 1530 and uses KIF Flector protection. The free-sprung balance uses a Nivarox Breguet overcoil and screw-shaped Microstella adjusters. Rolex did not adopt the later nut-shaped Microstella components until 1983.

Cal. 1555 does not hack; unlike the 1972 revision of Cal. 1556, its parts list has no balance-stop spring. Wear in the mainspring-barrel bearing is a known fault. As the plate and bridge bores wear out of round, the barrel can tilt and reduce amplitude; Rolex supplied a replacement upper barrel bush for the repair.

Five stainless-steel Day-Dates are publicly known, none with a listed reference or case serial. Christie's records movement numbers 0004547, 0005073, DD411420, DD14749 and DD081221. Their casebacks are signed Rolex and stamped "Stainless Steel"; the known examples have French day discs, black hands and silvered dials, with provenance linked to former Rolex watchmakers. Christie's identifies them as workshop test pieces. Movement DD411420 is engraved 1555 but runs at the Cal. 1556 frequency of 19,800 vph, placing it between the two generations.

The prototype's jewel count is disputed. Antiquorum gives 25, matching the bridge signature, while Phillips gives 26, the figure for Cal. 1556. At 7.03mm, Cal. 1555 is the thickest member of the 1500 series. The stepped "pie-pan" dial remained in use until about 1970, outlasting the caliber.

<span id="cal-1556"></span>
=== Cal. 1556 ===
[[File:Cal 1556 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 1556|alt=Cal. 1556]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| frequency
| 19,800 vph (2.8 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 42h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 52° lift angle
|-
| shock
| KIF Flector, both balance pivots
|}

Cal. 1556 succeeded the 1555 around 1965 and powered the mid- and late four-digit Day-Date until 1977 or 1978. A revised gear train raised the frequency, while a jewel at the top of the centre wheel brought the count to 26. Its rhodium-plated movement has perlage finishing, a full balance bridge and a screwed balance with two gold, star-shaped Microstella regulating screws. Hacking was added during production in 1972 without a new caliber designation; earlier examples do not hack. Sotheby’s 2024 listing for [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]] assigns Cal. 1556 to a watch described and photographed with a date-only dial. Rolex’s 1978 [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf service manual] defines Cal. 1556 as day-and-date, so this remains a catalogue conflict until the movement is inspected. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130].

<span id="cal-1566"></span>
=== Cal. 1566 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 26
|-
| escapement
| Straight-line lever
|-
| balance
| Monometallic, free-sprung Breguet spring
|}

Cal. 1566 was built for one case, the platinum [[Reference:1831|Day-Date 1831]] commissioned for the Shah of Iran and delivered from 1977. The rhodium-plated movement has a free-sprung Breguet hairspring, Microstella regulation and hacking. Sources record either eight or nine examples. One concordance assigns the ref. 1831 to Cal. 1556, while auction houses that examined the watches identify Cal. 1566.

<span id="cal-3055"></span>
=== Cal. 3055 ===
[[File:Cal 3055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc|alt=Cal. 3055, period parts-catalogue illustration with day-disc]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 27
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF
|}

Cal. 3055 powered refs. 18038, 18039, 18048, 18049, 18078, 18079, [[Reference:18108|18108]] and early 18238 in the 1977–1988 generation. It introduced quickset for the date, while the day still advanced through the motion of the hands. The balance cock provides the usual visual distinction from Cal. 3155, which uses a full transversal bridge. Common references give a height of 6.3mm, but Rolex's parts diagram specifies 7.11mm.

<span id="cal-3155"></span>
=== Cal. 3155 ===
[[File:Cal 3155 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 3155, engraved "3155," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| balance
| Free-sprung Glucydur, Microstella
|-
| shock
| KIF Elastor
|}

Cal. 3155 replaced the 3055 in 1988 and remained in production through 2019. It added independent correction of the day, giving the Day-Date a double quickset for both calendar displays.

The added quickset works raised the jewel count from 27 to 31. Published height figures vary between 6.00 and 6.45mm, with no known Rolex document settling the discrepancy. As elsewhere in the 31xx family, a full bridge and larger balance wheel replaced the older balance cock.

The hairspring stud is laser-welded rather than glued as on Cals. 3035 and 3055. Parachrom arrived between 2008 and 2010 according to Grail Watch Reference, or by 2013 according to Watch Wiki. Cal. 3155 retained KIF Elastor throughout and never received Paraflex, which Rolex fitted to the Day-Date II's Cal. 3156.

<span id="cal-3156"></span>
=== Cal. 3156 ===
[[File:Cal 3156 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image|alt=Cal. 3156, engraved "3156," Day-Date II official brochure image]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Automatic
|-
| jewels
| 31
|-
| frequency
| 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
|-
| power reserve
| 48h
|-
| size
| 30.97mm
|-
| escapement
| Swiss lever, 31xx family (pre-Chronergy)
|-
| balance
| Parachrom hairspring (3155 base)
|-
| regulator
| Free-sprung, gold Microstella nuts, traversing bridge
|-
| shock
| Paraflex
|}

Cal. 3156 is a widened Cal. 3155 derivative built for the 41mm Day-Date II from 2008 to 2015. It adds a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex protection and powers the refs. 218238, 218239, 218206 and 218235. Its 30.97mm main plate carries the enlarged calendar wheels needed to move the date window outward. The same wider format appears on Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187. Published specifications often give the standard 28.5mm width, but Rolex's promotional photography shows the additional flange recorded by Stephen Foskett's Grail Watch Reference.

Only the plate-and-bridge layer is oversized. The running train, escapement, keyless works and date mechanism use standard 31xx-family components, while structural parts such as the barrel bridge are shared with the wider Cals. 3132, 3136 and 3187 rather than the 3155.

The oscillator comes from Cal. 3155: a large free-sprung balance with gold Microstella nuts, a Breguet overcoil and a height-adjustable transversal bridge. Below it is the conventional Swiss lever escapement used across the 31xx family. Its 2015 successor, Cal. 3255, introduced the paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement. Rolex credits that design with a 15 per cent efficiency gain and about half of the increase from 48 to 70 hours of power reserve.

Cal. 3156 uses Paraflex shock protection; Cal. 3155 retains KIF Elastor. Rolex filed the design in 2005, and the European patent was granted in 2008. Its spring connects to the bearing body through four arms arranged around a central support, replacing the two-arm layout common to earlier systems. Rolex claims up to 50 per cent greater shock absorption than KIF; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test. [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Rolex patent US7234859B2]

Cal. 3156 was confined to the 41mm Day-Date II. Rolex retired both in 2015, replacing them with the 40mm Day-Date and Cal. 3255, while the 36mm Cal. 3155 remained in production until 2019. Most Cal. 3156 watches carried the COSC −4/+6 seconds-per-day standard. Rolex adopted its −2/+2 rating in the caliber's final year, 2015.

<span id="oysterquartz-family"></span>
== Oysterquartz ==

Secondary collector references place total Oysterquartz production just under 25,000 watches, but no factory production total is cited here. The line followed the Beta 21-powered ref. 5100 of 1970, developed through the Centre Electronique Horloger consortium. The Beta 21 would not fit an Oyster case. Rolex left the consortium in 1972 and spent five years developing Cals. 5035 and 5055 in-house.

<span id="cal-5035"></span>
=== Cal. 5035 ===
[[File:Cal 5035 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5035, engraved "5035," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," "1.55V," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 6.35mm high
|}

Cal. 5035 powered Oysterquartz Datejust and Oyster Perpetual references, including the 17000, 17013 and 17014, from 1977 to 2001. Its date mechanism follows the same principle as the mechanical Cal. 3035 introduced in the same year.

Rolex calls the drive a mobile-frame step-by-step motor. Unlike a conventional quartz stepper, its coil moves while the magnets remain fixed. A polarised pulse swings the coil frame once per second, and a finger on the frame drives a pallet fork connected directly to the seconds wheel. The pallet locks the wheel between pulses. Its audible tick comes from that engagement and sounds closer to a mechanical escapement than a conventional quartz motor.

The C-MOS module contains the oscillator, a binary divider that reduces 32,768 Hz to one pulse per second, and the motor's impulse amplifier. A trimmer provides a total adjustment range of about two seconds per day. Rolex specified regulation to ±0.05 seconds per day at about 28°C.

Temperature compensation remains uncertain. Secondary accounts describe a thermocompensated oscillator with a thermistor, but Rolex's technical document mentions neither. It instead shows a parabolic rate curve with an inversion point at 26 ±2°C and specifies adjustment near the 28°C temperature of a worn watch. The document may predate a later revision, but it does not support the usual thermistor claim.

Rolex specified accuracy within one minute per year under normal wear and battery life beyond 24 months. The movement draws no more than 9 microamps, of which the electronics use at most 3. There is no battery end-of-life indication; erratic running is the warning. Hacking cuts current to the motor, and the seconds hand restarts one second after the crown returns to its running position.

The electronic module and motor are sensitive to contamination, and the mobile-frame pivots run dry. Rolex supplied the motor only as a complete unit rather than as separate components.

<span id="cal-5055"></span>
=== Cal. 5055 ===
[[File:Cal 5055 movement.webp|thumb|right|220px|Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch|alt=Cal. 5055, engraved "5055," "11 ELEVEN JEWELS," EmmyWatch]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:280px; font-size:90%;"
! detail
! value
|-
| type
| Quartz
|-
| jewels
| 11
|-
| frequency
| 32,768 Hz crystal
|-
| drive
| Mobile-frame step-by-step motor, pallet fork, 1 beat/s
|-
| circuit
| C-MOS module: oscillator, binary divider, impulse amplifier
|-
| rate adjustment
| Trimmer, about 2 s/d total range
|-
| battery
| 1.55V silver-oxide, 24+ months
|-
| size
| 29.75mm diameter (29.00mm case-fitting), 7.11mm high
|}

Cal. 5055 is the Day-Date counterpart to Cal. 5035. The two share their motor and electronic module, while the 5055's calendar follows the principle of the mechanical Cal. 3055. Its day-disc stack increases the height from 6.35 to 7.11mm.

Catalogue descriptions treat Cal. 5055 as COSC-certified from early production. The exact certification and crystal changeover dates for Cal. 5055 and Cal. 5035 are not settled in the sources reviewed, so early Oysterquartz dial text should be checked against the individual watch.

Cal. 5055 adds the day mechanism and its stricter tolerances. Rolex specified hour-wheel endshake below 0.03mm and calendar change within two minutes of midnight. The day disc is a separate replaceable part, allowing the display language to be changed without altering the movement.

Cal. 5055 powers the yellow-gold [[Reference:19018|ref. 19018]], white-gold [[Reference:19019|ref. 19019]] and pyramid-bezel [[Reference:19028|ref. 19028]]. Claims about cancelled successor calibers are omitted because the cited factory material does not document them.

<span id="prince-appendix"></span>
== Related but not Rolex ==

Gruen Cal. 877 and the Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description are often misidentified as Rolex calibers. Gruen's Cal. 877, used in the Techni-Quadron, is an Aegler-built architectural sibling of Cal. 300 sold under Gruen's name in the United States. It was never a Rolex commercial number. A Bubbleback-era "9¾ ligne" description records only the movement's size class, not a distinct caliber designation. The three circa-1940 Christie’s ref. 3064 catalogues reviewed for this audit use the same size-class wording and do not name a caliber; keep the 3064 movement attribution tied to those lot descriptions.

== Sources ==

* [https://www.powerwatch.jp/2022/08/22/royal/ Watch LIFE News / LowBEAT, “Rolex’s simple hand-wound models” (Japanese), 22 August 2022]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch archive of Bonhams 2012 lot 127, ref. 2280 case 79,895]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 list, ref. 1022 entry (1965–1974)]
* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart photograph, unofficial year bands]
* [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, ref. 1023/8B, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, ref. 1023 lot 12570, Cal. 1570]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive, ref. 1023, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=856109 Rolex Forums, 2022 ref. 1023 listing and movement photograph]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, 20 May 2025, lot 73, ref. 1023, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans Auktioner, 2 October 2021, ref. 1023 serial 2186841, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, ref. 1023 replacement-parts row]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-6139178/?intObjectID=6139178&lid=1 Christie’s, ref. 6556, case 138'822, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-restoration-of-a-rolex-tru-beat-caliber-1040-reference-6556 Aaron Berlow, Cal. 1040 restoration, Hodinkee, 2015]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-april-8-2016 Hodinkee, ref. 6556 dial and service observations, 2016]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-260-217 Antiquorum, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2012]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/de/Crott_86_D.pdf Dr. Crott, 86th auction catalogue, Tru Beat model history, 2012; calls 1020 a new caliber]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 162, Oyster Perpetual reference table, ref. 1020]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/archives/100/50452 Dr. Crott, ref. 6556 and proposed ref. 1020, 2019]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/101269 Phillips, ref. 6556, 18K gold, Cal. 1040]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/139759 Phillips, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040 and steel case]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-0-oyster-perpetual-tru-beat-lot-327-215 Antiquorum, ref. 6556/0, Cal. 1040, 2020]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6556-tru-beat-lot-345-357 Antiquorum, ref. 6556, Cal. 1040, 2021]
* [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogoysterwatchco.php David Boettcher, “Oyster Watch Co.”; FHF 30 and Tudor Cal. 59/59SC]

* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609, circa 1956, Cal. 1066]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, Cal. 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 emblem-dial example, catalogued Cal. 1030]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, Cal. 1065]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, Cal. 1065]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-63 Antiquorum, ref. 6567, 1956, Cal. 1030]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-63-114 Antiquorum, 2000, ref. 6564, Cal. 1050]
* [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-83/4/ Ineichen, 2025, ref. 6567, Cal. 1050]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, 2015, ref. 6569, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-5892833/ Christie's, circa 1955, Submariner ref. 6536/1, Cal. 1050]
* [https://www.adams.ie/W103-lot-33-ROLEX-REF-1022-OYSTER-PERPETUAL-18K-YELLOW-GOLD-FLORENTINE-FINISH-CASE-A?auction_no=W103&page_no=3&sort_by=lot_no Adams, ref. 1022, 2025, Cal. 1560]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1022, 2015, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0036-1/orologio-da-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022--201405270143200 Pandolfini, ref. 1022, 2014, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.tajan.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-vers-1964-montre-_FA27968B44 Tajan, ref. 1022, 2014, automatic movement; caliber not stated]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE Shop, ref. 1022, 1963, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-online/prince-imperial-reference-1645-a-rolesium-steel Sotheby’s, 2023, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 331]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-prince-imperial-lot-357-321 Antiquorum, 2022, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 321]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-113-16 Antiquorum, 2006, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 16]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1645-lot-320-31 Antiquorum, 2019, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 31]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-266-70 Antiquorum, 2012, Prince Imperial 1645, lot 70]

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, movement listed as 1555]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/247 Phillips, Cal. 1555 chronology and experimental steel Day-Date]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692, movement listed as 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips, 2015, 6611 case 214,124, caliber 1055]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/154 Phillips, 2015, 6611B case 401,546, caliber 1055B]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-31-37 Antiquorum, 2002, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1556]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6611-lot-278-573 Antiquorum, 2013, steel school watch catalogued as 6611, caliber 1066]
* [https://www.phillips.com/article/86237716/four-prototype-watches-from-the-geneva-watch-auction-xiv Phillips, 2021, steel Day-Date prototype account]

* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5195914 Christie’s, lot 52: 8171 case 685878, A.295 CPL]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-few-complicated-rolex-watches-from-the-archives/ Giorgia Mondani, Fratello, 2020: case construction and calendar correctors]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6185890 Christie’s: 6062 case 916321, caliber 655]
* [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, ref. 1858 lot 34 — movement no. 1143 identified as Hunter 8¾ (520)]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, product A-6378 — seller-attributed Cal. 520] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, ref. 6006, lot 253]
* [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-1858/ Vintage & Prestige, stock W2107 — seller-listed Cal. 520 / 8¾]
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-bubbleback-and-why-it-still-matters Anthony Traina, Hodinkee, “The Rolex Bubbleback and Why It Still Matters”, 7 October 2024 — movement-family account]

* [https://watchdoctor.biz/movements-and-calibers/ Watch Doctor: movements and calibers chart. Secondary compilation; no underlying Rolex document identified.]
* [https://www.incabloc.ch/en/history/ Incabloc: company history, production in 1933 and lyre-spring development in 1938.]
* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex: Technical and Service Information, third edition, pp. 3 and 7; scan hosted by the Vintage Rolex Field Manual.]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/the-companion-oyster-mercedes-gleitze-rolex-oyster Sotheby’s Geneva 2025, lot 134: Gleitze Oyster and its upgraded movement.]
* [https://www.cosc.swiss/terms-conditions COSC: organization established in 1973.]
* [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watch-care-and-service/the-rolex-servicing-procedure Rolex: examination and estimate before servicing.]

* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/perpetual-rotor Rolex: Perpetual rotor], mechanism introduced in 1931; caliber not specified.
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-32-486 Antiquorum Geneva, 16 November 2002, lot 486], ref. 4467 catalogued with Cal. 740 and a date display.
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/explorer Rolex: Explorer history], return to 36mm in 2021.
* [https://media.rolex.com/rolexcom/media/user-guides/gmt-master-ii/rolex_gmt-master-ii_en-us Rolex GMT-Master II user guide], date linked to the independently adjustable local-hour hand.
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/important-watches-part-i/gmt-master-captain-warren-reference-6542-an-advert Sotheby's, circa-1958 6542, calibre 1030]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-6542-gmt-master-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, circa-1959 6542, case 451'698, calibre 1066]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841779 Christie's, circa-1959 gold 6542, case 486'469, calibre 1065]

* [https://revolutionwatch.com/a-movement-in-history-the-zenith-driven-rolex-daytona/ Revolution — A Movement in History: The Zenith-driven Rolex Daytona] (Ross Povey, 2018)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-part-1-3 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 1] (Paul Boutros, 2012)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-vintage-watch-nerds-critical-dissection-of-the-rolex-daytona-past-to-present-pt-23 Hodinkee — A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection of the Rolex Daytona, Part 2] (Paul Boutros, 2013)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-daytona-chronograph-1963-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Daytona] (Erik Slaven, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 1] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Monochrome — History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 2] (Tom Mulraney, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-from-1953-36mm-1016-14270-114270-214270-124270-in-depth-review/ Monochrome — The History of the Rolex Explorer] (Frank Geelen, 2024)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-explorer-ii-adventure-watch-gmt-1655-16550-16570-216570-226570-in-depth/ Monochrome — In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Explorer II]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-14270-perfect-youngtimer-watch-vintage-corner/ Monochrome — Youngtimer Case Study, the Rolex Explorer 14270] (Frank Geelen, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-explorer-214270-vs-previous-214270-review-history-rolex-explorer/ Monochrome — Rolex Explorer 214270 In-Depth Review] (Brice Goulard, 2016)
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-explorer-reference-points Hodinkee — A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I] (Jon Bues, 2022)
* [https://www.watchtime.com/brands/watches/tracking-the-rolex-daytona-a-53-year-history WatchTime — Tracking the Rolex Daytona: A 55-Year History]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-john-player-special-paul-newman-daytona-ref-6241/ Revolution — The Rolex "John Player Special" Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6241] (Bob Ridley, 2017)
* [https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/rolex-pre-daytona-forgotten-classic A Collected Man — Is the Rolex Pre-Daytona a Forgotten Classic?] (Russell Sheldrake, 2020)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/why-i-bought-the-rolex-cosmograph-daytona-reference-116520/ Fratello — Why I Bought The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520] (Ben Hodges, 2021)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-14060m/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 14060M Review]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-114060-review/ Fratello — Rolex Submariner 114060 Review] (2019)
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/ceramic-bezel-close-up-of-the-rolex-gmt-master-ii-ref-116710ln/ Fratello — Ceramic Bezel close-up of the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.252.html Sotheby's — Submariner Ref 6536/1, Stainless Steel Automatic With Bracelet, Circa 1957]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/25e5416b-f436-484a-834e-1ba10a9dfc69/lots/9a553d3f-0450-465f-b767-7f1946a7bfc0 Sotheby's — Submariner Ref. 6538, Stainless Steel With 4-Line Tropical Dial, Circa 1958]
* [https://calibercorner.com Caliber Corner — per-caliber technical database]
* [https://wiki.grail-watch.com/index.php/Rolex_630 Grail Watch Wiki — Rolex 630]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com EmmyWatch — vintage restoration movement photography]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/complete-history-of-the-rolex-milgauss/ Monochrome — Complete History of the Rolex Milgauss]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'111, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, ref. 6543 case 145'159, Cal. 1065]
* [https://revolutionwatch.com/rolex-milgauss-one-in-a-thousand/ Revolution, Milgauss movement and 6543 history]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Stephen Foskett, Watch-Wiki Cal. 1080 reference index for 6543]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.256.html Sotheby’s, 6541 case 412'479, Cal. 1080]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/206388 Phillips, same case and movement number, Cal. 1055]
* [https://www.robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/most-expensive-rolex-watches-ever-sold-at-auction/ Robb Report — The Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever Sold at Auction] (Sotheby's Mercedes Gleitze Oyster, November 2025)
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss Antiquorum — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.christies.com Christie's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 3136 case 105063, FHF 30 / Cal. 59]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, ref. 3136 case 147396, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.sothebys.com Sotheby's — auction lot catalogue]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net Watch Wiki — reference concordance]
* [http://www.vrfm.io/Scans/CALIBER-5035-5055-TECHNICAL-INFORMATION.pdf Montres Rolex SA — ''Technical Information No. 13: Calibre 5035 / Calibre 5055''] (factory service documentation, scan hosted by ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'')
* [https://www.oysterquartz.net/the_5035_movement.htm Oysterquartz.net — the 5035/5055 movement]
* [https://www.rolex.com/watchmaking/features/movements/reversing-wheels Rolex — Reversing Wheels, Watchmaking Features] (red anodised-aluminium finish, introduced 1957)
* [https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/2024/brochures/features/en/02_rolex_superlative_english_2024.pdf Rolex — ''Superlative Chronometer Certification: Redefining Performance''] (brochure, 2024; certification redefined 2015)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US6503341B2/en Patent US6503341B2 — Self-compensating spiral for a spiral balance-wheel] (Montres Rolex SA; Jacques Baur and Patrick Sol; priority 1999, granted 2003 — the Parachrom hairspring)
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US7234859B2/en Patent US7234859B2 / EP1705537 — Shock-absorbing bearing for a timepiece] (Montres Rolex SA; Mitchell Colle and Roman Voirol; priority 2005 — Paraflex)
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2021/08/rolex-parachrom-hairspring-explained.html SJX Watches — Explained: The Rolex Parachrom Hairspring] (Nb-Zr alloy, anodised oxide layer, frequency shift)
* [https://reference.grail-watch.com/movement/rolex-3136/ Grail Watch Reference — Rolex Cal. 3136] (Stephen Foskett; Paraflex fitted to the 3136 and not to the base 3135)
* [https://calibercorner.com/rolex-caliber-3131/ Caliber Corner — Rolex Caliber 3131] (Kif on the 3131, Paraflex on the 3132)
* [http://www.superlativetime.com/identification-of-rolex-calibres Superlative Time — Identification of Rolex Calibres 1520–1580] (balance-bridge forms 1–4; Kif Flector and Kif Elastor assignment)
* [https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/regulate-rolex-1520.160574/ NAWCC message board — Regulate Rolex 1520] (watchmakers on the inertia-block system and the free-sprung misreading)
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/history-of-1530-movement-t23616.html Vintage Rolex Forum — History of the 1530 movement] (introduction c.1957, butterfly rotor, chronometer status)
* [https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/28412-rolex-3135-510-drive-wheel-for-ratchet-appears-to-be-worn-not-winding-watch-enough/ Watch Repair Talk — Rolex 3135-510 ratchet drive wheel wear]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum Geneva, 3 April 2025, lot 219]: ref. 3121 Oyster Grenfell, case 43,475, circa 1938, Cal. 59, 17 jewels.
* [https://timeanagram.com/products/7507 TimeAnagram, item 7507]: ref. 3121 listed as manual Cal. 710; the movement image shows no readable caliber stamp.
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* [https://watchguy.co.uk/tmp/Rolex%201560.pdf Rolex Cal. 1560 spare-parts sheet no. 31; scan hosted by WatchGuy]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, printed p. 74, chronograph table]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-874668 Christie’s, model 1074, 1920s example]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473066 Christie’s, ref. 1074, case 25433]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204177 Christie’s, case no. 1223 monopusher]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6049981 Christie’s, ref. 28D1 pocket chronograph, movement no. 1223]

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-lot-283-107 Antiquorum Geneva, 2014, ref. 6075 case 714441]: catalogued as A.295, with a 10½-ligne description.
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips Geneva, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440]: catalogued as A.296, 18 jewels.
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6042730 Christie’s, ref. 6075 case 699455]: catalogued as A.295.
* [https://live.mortonsubastas.com/en/online-auctions/morton-subastas/reloj-rolex-vintage-oyster-perpetual-en-acero-y-chapa-ref-1024-ca-1965---1966-movimiento-autom-tico-6579392 Morton Subastas, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/5/ Waddington's, ref. 1024, 2024, Cal. 1560]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/5280014/ Dorotheum, ref. 1024, 2018, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080121/904 Phillips, ref. 1024, 2021, Cal. 1570]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-22 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 576171]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-213-465 Antiquorum, ref. 1010/1011, 1962, Cal. 1560, case 933961]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1010-vintage-gold-oyster-perpetual-original-box-and-papers-circa-1962/a/5049-60215.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1010, circa 1962, Cal. 1560, case 646320]
* [https://images3.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F23%2FS-22886-0-1.pdf Bonhams, ref. 1010, circa 1967, Cal. 1560, case 1659430]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1010-oyster-perpetual-lot-334-19 Antiquorum, ref. 1010, circa 1968, Cal. 1570, case 1,960,000]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs item text: claimed ref. 1010, Cal. 1560; title says ref. 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, ref. 1011, 1960, Cal. 1560, case 546423]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5496491 Christie’s, ref. 1011 case 692498, circa 1962, Cal. 1570]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1011-bombe-lugs-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual/a/171226-74030.s Heritage, ref. 1011, Cal. 1560, 2012]
* [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, ref. 1011, Eaton’s presentation dial, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-143 Antiquorum Milan, 1996 Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1011-eaton-quarter-century-club-14k-yg Loupe This lot 2475, photo of Cal. 1530 in case marked 1011]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-654 Antiquorum Geneva, 2004, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 17-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-34-139 Antiquorum New York, 2003, Eaton’s ref. 1011, Cal. 1520]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-257-412 Antiquorum New York, 2011, Eaton’s ref. 1011, 26-jewel Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-160-93 Antiquorum New York, 2007, Eaton’s ref. 5590/1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte Milan, 2024, Eaton’s ref. 5590-1011, Cal. 1530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, 2008, lot 530]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2010, lot 134]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2012, lot 291]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, 2018, lot 138]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1768-lot-307-118 Antiquorum, ref. 1768 case 019784, 2017: 7½-line T.S. 300 listed with 15 jewels]
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, ref. 1768 case 019794, 2023: photographed Extra Prima marked 17 Rubies]

* [https://www.vrfm.io/Scans/TECHNICAL-SERVICE-INFO-3RD-EDITION-1978.pdf Rolex Technical and Service Information, third edition (1978), Cal. 1600]
* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363]
* [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, ref. 3735, lot 113]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=Rolex_calibres Watch-Wiki, Cal. 1570 reference list, including 1022]
* [https://www.timeconnectioninc.com/pages/rolex-case-reference-list-1000-thru-1873 Time Connection II, 1022 case-parts row listing Cal. 1560 and 1570]
* [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, ref. 1022, case 856242, Cal. 1560, 26 jewels]
* [https://mastersoftime.com/product/rolex-oyster-viceroy/ Master of Time, Viceroy ref. 1573, dealer-attributed Cal. 600]
* [https://www.emmywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/watchsearch/inc/documents/rolex--1565--movement_parts.pdf Rolex Cal. 1565 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.clubderelojeria.com/comunicaciones/R/ROLEX/rolex1575/ROLEX%201575.pdf Rolex Cal. 1575 parts catalogue, Rolex technical department]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080319/903 Phillips, HK Auction NINE lot 903, exterior ref. 6558 / inner stamp 6556, Cal. 1040]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum Geneva 2006, ref. 6082 case 784516, Cal. 710]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum Hong Kong 2021, ref. 6082 case 721396, Cal. 710]
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend 2023, ref. 6082 case 810693, Cal. 710]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf Colin A. White, The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, reference table: 6082 / Cal. 710]
* [https://www.kibblewatches.co.uk/products/1952-rolex-oyster-concentric-dial-manual-34mm-6082 Kibble Watches, concentric-dial ref. 6082 listing, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://archive.watch.de/archive_germany/rolex-oyster-handaufzug-stahl-gelbgold-ref-6082-vintage.html Watch.de archive, ref. 6082 case 721965, seller identifies Cal. 1210]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1013-large-18k-yellow-gold-non-date-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-circa-1957/a/5309-54155.s Heritage Auctions, ref. 1013 case 488087, circa 1957, Cal. 1560]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1013-oyster-perpetual-lot-364-184 Antiquorum, ref. 1013 case 952437, circa 1962, Cal. 1560]
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/MonacoLegendAuctions%20MC/202104%20catalogue_0024.pdf Monaco Legend Auctions, ref. 1013 case 1,368,354, 1966, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/lots/27208550-rolex-montre-en-or-jaune- Gazette Drouot, ref. 1013, circa 1968, Cal. 1570]
* [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/506 Rago, ref. 1013 serial 5,266,934, 1978, Cal. 1570]
* [https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/vintage-watches-sold/products/semi-bubble-back-ref-6108 Hodinkee Shop, ref. 6108 case 803948]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-steel-bubbleback-ref-6108/a/171206-74039.s Heritage Auctions, 2012, lot 74039, ref. 6108 case 803752]
* [https://www.uhreneder.de/en/wristwatches/vintage-rolex/rolex-oyster-perpetual Antike Uhren Eder, ref. 6108 item 7140rol]

* [https://jewelry.ha.com/c/item.zx?ic16=ViewItem-Auction-Archive-JumpLot-PreviousLot-050318&lotNo=56280&saleNo=5242 Heritage Auctions, ref. 3351 Regent, case 118141, Cal. 59]
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, Cal. 59]
* [https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/rolex-oyster-standard-ref-3351-boys-size-circa-1941/ Wanna Buy A Watch, ref. 3351 Standard, Cal. 59]
* [https://antiwatchman.com/products/detail.php?product_id=14533 AntiWatchman, ref. 3351 Regent movement photograph]
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described 3351-F, serial 118,489, Cal. 59]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-3057585 Christie's, ref. 3351 Extra Precision, Extra Prima]
* [https://www.christies.com.cn/lot/lot-6042618 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2006, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6248960 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2007, Cal. 3185 attributed]
* [https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/2c/4a/bc2f942e47408a9fdafa1930caff/ge2301-important-watches-part-i.pdf Sotheby's, ref. 116758 with SARU bezel, circa-2007, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/14 Phillips, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2009, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6167024 Christie's, ref. 116758 SARU, circa-2010, Cal. 3186 attributed]
* [https://www.minus4plus6.com/pdf/Rolex2008.pdf Rolex USA, 2008 catalogue, 31-jewel chronometer specification without calibre number]