Encyclopedic reference for Rolex watches. Production histories, dial variant taxonomies, serial range guides, movement specs, bracelet authentication, and collector context — organized by reference number. About →
Submariner
| Era | No-date | Date (steel) | Date (precious metal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 1953–59 |
6204 · 6205 · 6200 · 6536 · 6536/1 · 6538 | ||
| Crown-guard 1958–90 |
5508 · 5510 · 5512 · 5513 · 5514 · 5517 | 1680 | — |
| Five-digit 1979–2010 |
14060 · 14060M | 16800 · 16610 · 16610LV | 16803 · 16808 · 16613 · 16618 |
Collector landmarks: 6538 Bond Sub · 5513 27-year run · 1680 Red Sub · 5514 COMEX · 16610 23-year benchmark · 116610LV Hulk · 114060 last small Sub
→ Full Submariner index — every reference with specs, movement progression, and collector landmarks
Explorer
| Era | References |
|---|---|
| Pre-Explorer & early 1952–59 |
6150 · 6350 · 6610 |
| Foundation 1960–89 |
1016 |
| Modern 1989–2021 |
14270 · 114270 · 214270 |
Collector landmarks: 6350 first "Explorer" name · 1016 29-year run, gilt & matte eras · 14270 Blackout
→ Full Explorer index — every reference with specs, movement progression, and collector landmarks
Oyster & Bubbleback
| Era | References |
|---|---|
| Pre-Oyster / Submarine 1922–1926 |
3666 |
| Pre-Perpetual Oyster 1926–1937 |
2136 · 3003 · 3004 |
| First Bubbleback 1933–1935 |
1858 |
| Two-piece Bubbleback 1936–1944 |
3131 · 3372 |
| Oyster chronograph 1939–1945 |
3525 |
| First Datejust / Ovettone 1945–1953 |
4467 · 5030 · 5031 · 6031 · 6075 · 6105 |
| Triple calendar — Padellone 1949–1953 |
8171 |
| Super Oyster (pre-Submariner) 1952–1953 |
6098 |
Collector landmarks: 3666 pre-Oyster Submarine · 1858 first Bubbleback, Didactic · 3525 first Oyster chrono / POW watch · 4467 first Datejust · 6105 first Datejust-text dial · 8171 Padellone · 6098 Super Oyster, pre-Sub ancestor
→ Full Bubbleback index — every reference with specs, movement progression, and collector landmarks