Why the reference number matters
The reference number is the single most important identifier when buying or selling a pre-owned Rolex. It tells you exactly which variant you're looking at — case material, bezel type, dial colour, bracelet. Two watches that look similar in photos can differ by CHF 30,000 based on their reference. A steel Daytona (116500LN) and a white gold Daytona (116519LN) are very different purchases.
At LTW every listing includes the exact reference. We always encourage buyers to verify the reference physically on the watch, not just in the listing.
How to read Rolex references
The numeric part identifies the model family. Suffixes indicate material and bezel: LN = black ceramic (Lunette Noire), LB = blue ceramic, BLRO = blue/red ceramic (Pepsi), CHNR = brown/black ceramic, GV = green sapphire crystal. Examples:
126610LN — Submariner Date, steel, black ceramic bezel
126710BLRO — GMT-Master II, steel, red/blue Pepsi bezel
228238 — Day-Date 40, yellow gold (no suffix needed)
After you look up a reference
Verify that the physical watch matches. Rolex doesn't offer every dial on every reference — if something looks unusual, that's worth scrutinising. Contact us if you need help authenticating a specific piece.