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Record ref. 2057 case-number and date discrepancy
 
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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.
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]
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: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]
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]
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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]
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]


Ref. [[Reference:2303|2303]] predates the later Oyster serial charts. For a gold example, use British assay marks when present; the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|Glasgow and Edinburgh method]] dates the case’s assay, which can precede movement fitting or sale. Both catalogues describe case 021187 as steel and give catalogue dates: Christie’s says circa 1928; Antiquorum says the 1930s. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674766 Christie’s, case 021187] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-111-95 Antiquorum, case 021187]
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]
 
For early Oyster ref. 2081, Antiquorum links case 599744 to its 1947 catalogue date and case 63715 to its 1948 date; Christie’s records case 37'271 with a Glasgow import letter for 1937. Toovey’s transcribes “5557 CH” over “2081” on another caseback. These remain individual object records rather than entries in a year chart. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-226 Antiquorum, case 599744] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-675 Antiquorum, case 63715] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5130485 Christie’s, case 37'271] [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/536665/a-rolex-oyster-chrome-plated-cushion-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, caseback inscription]
 
Ref. 2280 auction catalogues associate case 81,877 with circa 1936, case 79,895 with circa 1939, case 77585 with circa 1940, cases 130’527 and 123’375 with circa 1941, and cases 159,151 and 217’903 with circa 1942. Toovey’s photographs 159151 over the reference number. These are dates assigned to separate watches by their cataloguers; they do not establish a serial sequence or production-year boundaries. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17938/lot/244/rolex-a-stainless-steel-manual-wind-wristwatchroyal-ref-2280-case-number-81877-retailed-by-murdocks-capetown-circa-1936/ Bonhams, case 81,877] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/2280/watch-9112655 EveryWatch mirror of Bonhams, case 79,895] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4403759 Christie’s, case 153,193] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/131663 Phillips, case 130’527] [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/478633/a-rolex-oyster-majestic-observatory-steel-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s, case 159,151] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2280-oyster-royal-lot-381-214 Antiquorum, case 77585] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/watches-13/rolex-oyster-royal-reference-2280-a-stainless Sotheby’s, case 217’903] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-2280-oyster-royal-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 123’375]
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Serial / range in source !! Date assigned by source !! Chart
|-
| 23,969 || 1928 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 28,290 || 1930 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 35,365 || 1935 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 99,775 || 1940 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 143,509 || 1942 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 387,216 || 1946 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 529,163 || 1947 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 628,840 || 1948 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 710,776 || 1951 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 840,396 || 1952 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 927,301–929,261 || 1952/1953 || Pergola
|-
| 929,262–974,681 || 1953 || Pergola
|-
| 974,682–982,114 || 1953/1954 || Pergola
|-
| 982,115–999,999 || 1954 || Pergola
|-
| 10,001–32,180 || 1954 || Pergola, restarted sequence
|-
| 32,181–63,424 || 1954/1955 || Pergola
|-
| 63,425–139,166 || 1955 || Pergola
|-
| 139,167–147,690 || 1955/1956 || Pergola
|-
| 147,691–261,715 || 1956 || Pergola
|-
| 272,289–360,987 || 1957 || Pergola
|-
| 381,923–426,480 || 1958 || Pergola
|-
| 437,255–530,168 || 1959 || Pergola
|-
| 539,969–663,484 || 1960 || Pergola
|-
| 688,767–785,296 || 1961 || Pergola
|-
| 840,046–919,916 || 1962 || Pergola
|-
| 950,451–974,197 || 1963 || Pergola, after the reset
|-
| 997,136–1,104,068 || 1964 || Pergola
|-
| 1,141,050–1,269,458 || 1965 || Pergola
|-
| 1,284,790–1,503,591 || 1966 || Pergola
|-
| 1,534,083–1,695,119 || 1967 || Pergola
|-
| 1,720,977–1,938,064 || 1968 || Pergola
|-
| 1,958,607–2,236,978 || 1969 || Pergola
|-
| 2,357,480–2,558,656 || 1970 || Pergola
|-
| 2,558,657–2,591,204 || 1970/1971 || Pergola
|-
| 3,215,500 || 1971 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 3,478,400 || 1972 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 3,741,300 || 1973 || Dowling and Hess
|-
| 4,004,200 || 1974 || Dowling and Hess
|}
 
<span id="The_mid-1950s_reset_in_practice:_Reference_6244"></span>
=== Conflicting catalogue dates: reference 6244 ===
 
Catalogue dates differ even for nearby case numbers on the [[Reference:6244|Oyster Royal 6244]]. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips dates case 834,991 to 1952]. Christie's gives [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 circa 1959 for case 836,438] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 1962 for case 836,447], only nine numbers apart. These catalogue dates do not establish a continuous production sequence. The reference page lists further examples.


=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===
=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases ===
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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].
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 serials (1987–2010) ==
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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.
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]
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]
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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: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: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]
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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: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 three different lot dates: Bonhams gives circa 1952 for 881574 and records IV.52 inside its caseback, Antiquorum assigns 1962 to 882812, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for 882963. Treat IV.52 as a caseback date and each year as a catalogue estimate for its lot. [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://www.bonhams.com/auction/29893/lot/85/ 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].
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]
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]
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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.
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 ===
=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples ===
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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].
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 ===
=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples ===
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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.
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].
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].
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=== Prince dating examples ===
=== 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. 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]
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%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
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|-
|-
| [[Reference:1490|1490]] || 73,910 || steel || c.1936 || Bonhams Nov 2023 lot 50
| [[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]] || 1,608 || 9K || Glasgow 1934 || Antiquorum 249-98
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|-
|-
| [[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: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]] || not given || 18K yellow gold jump-hour Brancard || Glasgow Import mark 1930 || Bonhams sale 29152 lot 23
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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]
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 ==
== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples ==
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== Per-reference serial detail ==
== 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 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 a gold-plated steel watch with masked case number 769*** to circa 1951. Bellmans later records serial 769199 and dates that watch to 1962; the masked number could match, but the catalogues do not confirm one object. Pergola's chart places 769199 in its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart lists 710,776 in 1951 and 840,396 in 1952, but does not list 769199, so it gives no direct date for this case. These are lot and chart attributions, 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 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].
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].
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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.
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 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.
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.
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== Sources ==
== 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.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.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956]
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* [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://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.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/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956]
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* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above.
* [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.
* 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://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps.
Line 765: Line 781:
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date]
* [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://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29893/lot/85/ Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp]
* [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://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.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963]
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* [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.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30]
* [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, ref. 3735, case serial 1,809,871]
 
* [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]
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