At first glance, it may look like an arbitrary string of Numbers, and the Rolex reference number is the key to unlocking information about the replica watch’s production age, model type, ring style and material. If you want to know why Rolex has been using different length reference Numbers over the years, then read our general guide for the differences between the 4,5, and 6-digit Rolex reference Numbers.
Vintage fake watches are typically classified as those more than 30 years old. Watches younger than three decades but not actually in production are sometimes called retro watches, but more often simply referred to as discontinued watches. Eventually, models that are part of the present Rolex catalog are regarded as current-production watches.
The number of digits in a Rolex reference number can indicate the general production age of the watch. Four-digit Rolex watches are usually made before the late 1980s and are therefore considered vintage.
Until recently, it was safe to assume that the six-digit Rolex meant it was the new production model. Starting around 2015, however, Rolex began to discontinue the six-digit model and replaced it with a new version, either with a new movement, an updated design detail, or both — but still in the six-digit format. Therefore, there are now discontinued models and current production Rolex models with six-digit reference figures.
Rolex also changed the type of crystals used to protect the dials of its watches. Originally, the company used acrylic crystals and today it uses sapphire crystals. The transition begun slowly in the 1970s, picked up steam in the 1980s, and was completed by 1990. Except for the Rolex Quartz 5100, the Datejust 1630, and the Rolex Date 1530, all four-digit Rolex reference number watches were originally fitted with acrylic crystals. What’s more, all rolex replica watches with six-digit reference numbers have sapphire crystals. Depending on the model, five-digit Rolex references can either have acrylic or sapphire crystals.
For most of its history, Rolex has used aluminum to make its bezel inserts. However, in 2005, Rolex introduced the Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert to the GMT-Master II collection. So, Rolex replaced all aluminum bezels with Cerachrom ceramic across the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Daytona collections. Eventually, if your replica Rolex has a ceramic bezel insert, then it is most definitely a six-digit reference. In short, the progress of the Rolex reference numbers from four, to five, to six digits mirrors the evolution of the watches themselves.
