A Rolex Datejust reference number tells you the watch’s generation, case size and metal. In the modern system, the leading digits identify the family and generation, and the last digit identifies the metal and bezel: 0 is steel with a smooth or engine-turned bezel, 3 is Yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold), 4 is White Rolesor (steel with a white gold bezel), 1 is Everose Rolesor and 8 is 18ct yellow gold. For example, a 126334 is a current-generation Datejust 41 in steel with a white gold fluted bezel.
How the reference number is structured
Most Datejust references from the late 1970s onward follow a consistent pattern. The first digits group the watch by family and era, the middle digits indicate the bezel or model variant, and the final digit indicates the metal combination. The table below shows the most common final digits on Datejusts.
| Last digit | Metal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Oystersteel | 126300, 116300 |
| 1 | Everose Rolesor (steel and rose gold) | 126331, 179171 |
| 3 | Yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold) | 16233, 126233, 179173 |
| 4 | White Rolesor (steel with white gold bezel) | 126334, 179174 |
| 8 | 18ct yellow gold | 69178, 279458RBR |
Letters after the number add detail. RBR, for example, indicates diamond-set bezel and dial details on gold models such as the Lady-Datejust 279458RBR.
Vintage four-digit references: the 1601 era
Early Datejusts used four-digit references. The best known is the 1601, the 36mm Datejust with a fluted bezel produced from around the late 1950s to the late 1970s. It has an acrylic crystal and a movement without quick-set date, so the date advances by rolling the hands through midnight. Its warm vintage character makes it a favourite with collectors. See our Datejust 1601.
Five-digit references: 160xx and 162xx
In the late 1970s Rolex moved to five-digit references. The 160xx generation, such as the 16013 and 16014, introduced a sapphire crystal and quick-set date. From the late 1980s the 162xx generation followed, including the hugely popular two-tone 16233 and the White Rolesor 16234. These watches are often considered the best balance of modern reliability and classic proportions, with hollow bracelet end links that give them a lighter feel than later models.
Six-digit references: 116xxx and Datejust II
Around 2004–2005 the 36mm Datejust moved to six-digit references such as the 116233 and 116234, with solid end links and a sturdier bracelet clasp. In 2009 Rolex introduced the Datejust II, a 41mm model in the 1163xx family, including the steel 116300. It has a wider bezel and bolder hour markers than the current Datejust 41 and was produced until about 2016.
Current references: 126xxx Datejust 36 and 41
Today’s Datejusts use 126 references and Rolex’s latest movements with around 70 hours of power reserve. The Datejust 41 arrived in 2016, with references such as the steel 126300, the White Rolesor 126334 and two-tone 126333 and 126331. The Datejust 36 moved to the 126 family around 2018, including the 126200 and the Yellow Rolesor 126233.
Ladies’ and midsize references
The 26mm Lady-Datejust progressed through references such as 69173, 79173 and 179173, then moved to 28mm in 2015 with the 279 family, such as the 279173 and gold 279458RBR. The 31mm midsize followed a similar path, from 68273 and 78273 to the 178 family, including the steel 178240, and then to the 278 references. The final-digit rules for metal still apply, so a 179174 is a White Rolesor Lady-Datejust.
Details the reference does not tell you
A reference number identifies the case, metal and bezel, but two watches with the same reference can still differ a lot. Dial colour and markers, such as Roman numerals, diamonds or the slate-and-green Wimbledon dial, are chosen separately, and so is the bracelet: the same reference may be fitted with a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet. Condition, service history and whether the original box and papers are included also change the price. That is why every listing on our site states the dial, bracelet and condition alongside the reference.
How to check a reference on a real watch
On older Rolex watches the reference is engraved between the lugs at 12 o’clock, under the bracelet. On newer watches the serial number is engraved on the rehaut, the inner ring around the dial at 6 o’clock. If the watch has papers, the reference and serial number on them should match the watch. Our pre-owned buying checklist explains what else to check.
Frequently asked questions
What does the last digit of a Rolex Datejust reference mean?
It indicates the metal: 0 for steel, 1 for Everose Rolesor, 3 for Yellow Rolesor, 4 for White Rolesor and 8 for 18ct yellow gold.
Is the Datejust II the same as the Datejust 41?
No. Both are 41mm, but the Datejust II (1163xx, 2009–2016) has a wider bezel and bolder markers, while the Datejust 41 (1263xx, from 2016) has slimmer proportions closer to the classic 36mm.
Which Datejust reference is best value pre-owned?
Five-digit 162xx models and the Datejust II often offer strong value. The right choice depends on your size, metal and budget; compare our Datejust price guide.
Find a reference in stock
Browse every Datejust by size, Datejust 41, Datejust 36, Datejust 31 and Lady-Datejust. Every listing states its reference where known. For the bigger picture, start with our complete Rolex Datejust guide.
Comparing prices before you buy is always worthwhile. Alongside our own stock, you can browse Bob’s Watches Australia’s pre-owned Rolex range to see how similar Rolex watches are priced across the Australian market.
Swiss Rolex Datejust is an independent pre-owned watch dealer and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Rolex SA. Rolex, Datejust, Day-Date, Oyster Perpetual and Rolesor are trademarks of Rolex SA.
