Use Rolex bracelet clasp code(s) to date your Rolex!
Rolex clasp codes can be found on two different locations on a Rolex timepiece. The first and most obvious is on the Rolex bracelet clasp, seen below. We have gathered a chart below with Rolex clasp code letter designations by year beginning in 1976 when Rolex began the practice. Each clasp code begins with one or two letters, followed by a number 1-12. The letter(s) indicates year, and 1-12 indicates month. The clasp code X4 seen here below denotes 1999 April.
Beginning in 2011, Rolex did away with the previous system of clasp code configurations, and switched to a completely random 3 digit clasp code system. The 3 digits can be all numbers, all letters, or both. Frankly, the new clasp code system is purposefully random, and designed to tell us nothing about production date. This change makes sense since Rolex switched to random serial numbers, the clasp code was the next in line to be made random/scrambled. See below for example of a new random clasp code on a new style 2013 model Rolex.
The second place to find clasp codes on a Rolex watch involves removing the bracelet from the watch. As seen in the example below, the clasp code DT (2002) along with the Rolex bracelet model number are engraved inside the end link.
Chart of Rolex clasp codes
Addendum: “U” clasp code can be found in Rolex watches produced in 1996, 1997, and as late as 1998 in the A serial number.
Difference between Rolex Warranty Cards in USA and Overseas Explained!
Below we have two Rolex warranty cards for two different Rolex model 214270 39mm Explorers. On the top we have a USA style warranty card, for a random serial beginning with Z Explorer to be sold in the USA market. On the bottom we have an overseas warranty card, for a G serial Explorer to be sold in Italy (country code 170). For an explanation and breakdown of different Rolex country codes, please refer to the next section on Rolex country codes.
Note the USA warranty card is in English, and lists the serial number (partially blotted out), model number, Rolex bracelet reference number, and dial design. The overseas warranty card is in French also lists 4 items: Rolex model and serial numbers like the American card, a country code called N client, and a “modele” category.
Common to both warranty cards, the name of the authorized dealer from which the Rolex timepiece was purchased from will be listed on the back. Below that will have space for the name, address, and date of purchase of the purchaser who first took ownership of the watch.
Even the folders that the two style warranty cards arrive in are different. The USA warranty cards are packaged in a paper folder with cutout for the relevant information, and the overseas warranty cards are presented in a faux leather card holder, also with cutout for the Rolex model number and serial number. See below for example.
Lastly, note that the USA cards are used for all Rolex timepieces sold by USA authorized dealers, and overseas Rolex warranty cards are used by every other region/country in the globe not in the USA, with special code designations to differentiate. See our next section for a full explanation of Rolex country codes.
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