Rolex Bracelet Codes: What Do They Signify?

Rolex watch comes with several numbers and codes which tell you a lot about the luxury timepiece and help you determine whether the Rolex watch is genuine or not. These codes include the serial number, reference number, and bracelet codes.

The serial number and reference number are found between the lugs at 6’o clock position and 12 o’clock position respectively. Whereas, the bracelet codes are found on the inner side of the watch clasp and end links of the watch. In this article, we will focus only on the Rolex bracelet codes and find out what is it all about. So let’s begin!

Quick Navigations:

• Rolex Bracelet Code History
• Rolex Bracelet Chart
• How To Determine If The Rolex Bracelet Is Original Or Not?
• What Does The Extra ‘S’ Mean In The Bracelet Date Code? 
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Rolex Bracelet Code History

A Rolex bracelet code tells you about the manufacturing month and year of the bracelet. Prior to 1976, the codes were stamped in roman numerals followed by a number that shared the quarter and year in which the bracelet was produced. For example, a watch that was made in the 2nd quarter of 1960 will be stamped with the code II.60. However, Rolex stopped stamping their watch’s bracelets in the early 1970s but then again started to print them in 1976.

This time they started using alphabets instead of roman numerals and the quarter was changed by the month of production. So now if the watch is manufactured in March of 1977, it will have the following code on its clasp: B3 or VB3 where B is the year(1977) and 3 is the month(3rd month of the year).

All the Rolex watches manufactured from 1976 to 2010 will have these Rolex bracelet year codes. However, since 2011 they have started printing random codes on the watch clasp. You can find more information about these codes in the Rolex bracelet chart below.

Rolex Bracelet Chart

How To Determine If The Rolex Bracelet Is Original Or Not?

In most Rolex watches there are 3 codes printed on the bracelet and clasp of the Rolex watch. You can see these codes on the clasp, the last end link, and on the end of the bracelet which connects it to the clasp.

These numbers or codes let you determine the model of the bracelet, the year of manufacture, and the reference of the watch on which it was originally mounter. 

Credit: watch-deal.com

For a watch bracelet to be real, the code on the clasp should match the end link code. If the code matches then it means the bracelet is original and if it’s not then it means it may be a fake one.

In case the bracelet is not original then the price of the watch may go down by a good margin. So you need to be careful while purchasing a vintage or second-hand Rolex watch.

What Does The Extra ‘S’ Mean In The Bracelet Date Code?

A Bracelet date code is generally 2 or 3 characters long that depicts the year and month of the manufacture. However, if you find an extra ‘S’ printed on the end of the code then it means that the watch bracelet is changed while servicing (done at an authorized Rolex service center). So don’t worry if your watch bracelet code has an extra S, it will still be considered original and the value of the watch will not be affected.

Conclusion

Knowing how to read the Rolex bracelet code is important especially if you deal in second-hand luxury watches because a watch with a fake bracelet is not as valuable as the watch with the original one. Since the watch bracelets are fragile they don’t last as long as the watch does, so people generally change the bracelet quite often. Hence, you should know how to determine a fake one by reading the Rolex bracelet year codes.

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FAQs

Do Fake Rolex Have Bracelet Code?

Most fake Rolex watches don't have bracelet codes.

Are Rolex Bracelets Stamped?

Yes, all Rolex bracelets are stamped with numbers.

Can You Replace Rolex Bracelet?

Yes, but only get it replaced from an authorized dealer.