Reference:Serial-numbers: Difference between revisions

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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].

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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.

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]

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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].

=== 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 ===

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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.

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].

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=== 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%;"

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|-

| [[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

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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: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

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== 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 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]

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 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].
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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.
+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]
@@ Line 259: / Line 265: @@
 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 ===
@@ Line 285: / Line 312: @@
 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].
@@ Line 296: / Line 325: @@
 === 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%;"
@@ Line 347: / Line 376: @@
 |-
 | [[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
@@ Line 362: / Line 399: @@
 |-
 | [[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
@@ Line 625: / Line 668: @@
 == 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 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]