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The Rolex Bracelet Clasp Code

Why finding Rolex Clasp Code is important?

Rolex has a very specific coding in all parts that helps you recognise the authenticity of the watch and parts especially when you are buying a preloved watch. The market of preloved watches is booming and actually in just numbers is bigger and generates billions in a yearly bases it is considered massively bigger that the first hand market.

The reasons that this is happening are many. Firstly it is price oriented, in many cases you can buy your favorite watch without having to buy it full price and in many cases depending the condition of the watch you can shave up to 40%. The second reason is that watches are like money, the change hands a lot as their value goes up over the years and in many cases they can be considered a great investment. And last but not least you can find collective watches only to the preloved market that will add important value to your collection. In the articles published you can recognise the collectable watches and understand what makes them so unique.

Rolex Bracelet Clasp Code
Rolex Bracelet Clasp Code

Quick Look on The Rolex Bracelet Clasp Code and Year

In the table above you can spot the year of production and the Rolex Bracelet Clasp Code, this is really important especially if you choose to purchase a preloved watch as you need to check that all the parts of the watch are original and matches the production year as well as the model type.

For example in many cases you can find that the year of the bracelet doesnt match the year of the model of the watch in this case you should get in contact with your watch dealer and inform him regarding the miss match and ask either for a refund or for a replacement as this decreases the value of your watch. Don’t miss the amazing article regarding Rolex Bezel Code Numbers

TABLE FOR ROLEX BRACELET CLASP CODES

Want to learn the year of production for your Rolex Clasp? Find below the year according to the letter engraved on your clasp.

YEAR BRACELET Clasp CODE
1976 A OR VA
1977 B OR VB
1978 C OR VC
1979 D OR VD
1980 E OR VE
1981 F OR VF
1982 G
1983 H
1984 I
1985 J
1986 K
1987 L
1988 M
1989 N
1990 O
1991 P
1992 Q
1993 R
1994 S
1995 T OR W
1996 V
1997 Z
1998 U
1999 X
2000 AB
2001 DE
2002 DT
2003 AD
2004 CL
2005 MA
2006 OP
2007 EO
2008 PJ
2009 LT
2010 RS
201+ RANDOM

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH History

ROLEX introduced for the first time in the public Rolex Turn-O-Graph in 1953 under the Reference 6202, the characteristic of Turn-O-Graph that made the watch stand out was the rotating bezel that measured elapsed time and the pencil shaped hands.

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph ability to accurately record elapsed time made it quite popular among watch lovers and therefore was chosen by the Thunderbirds—the United States’ elite aerobatic squadron in order to help their pilots to calculate the time. For many Turn-O-Graph is considered the opening watch to the main category for Rolex of sports watches followed by GMT and Submariner.

 

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH
ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH

ROLEX TURN O GRAPH Movement

It used a A296 movement later replaced by A260 and had a depth rated at 50 meters. As it covered the same needs as GMT of world traveler in the next few years was totally replaced by Rolex GMT therefore its production years were limited to a decade until the early 1960s. In this decade of production the watches were accompanied by two movements A296 from the beginning till the mid of 1950 and A260 from that point till the end of production. 

ROLEX TURN O GRAPH Reference 6202

In 1953 Rolex introduced  Turn-O-Graph under the reference 6202. This marked a revolutionary step for Rolex, as the Turn-O-Graph was not only a timekeeping instrument but also featured a rotating bezel, setting it apart from traditional chronographs.

The reference 6202 Turn-O-Graph showcased Rolex’s commitment to innovation, combining the precision of a chronograph with the functionality of a rotating bezel. This feature, initially designed for timing intervals, laid the groundwork for future Rolex sports watches, particularly the iconic Submariner.

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH Design

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph’s distinctive design and functionality quickly gained popularity, earning it the nickname “Thunderbird” when it became the official watch of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team in the 1950s. This association added a touch of glamour and adventure to the timepiece, solidifying its place in both aviation and horological history.

As Rolex continued to refine its chronograph offerings, the Turn-O-Graph set the stage for the brand’s enduring legacy of creating timepieces that seamlessly blend form and function. The success of the Turn-O-Graph paved the way for subsequent Rolex sports watches, becoming a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

Want to learn more about Rolex History?

 

ROLEX ROOT BEER HISTORY

The Rolex “Root Beer” is a popular nickname given to certain watches that feature a distinct brown and gold color scheme. This nickname originated from the resemblance of the watch’s bezel to the color of root beer, a popular carbonated beverage.

Its history can be traced back to the 1960s, when Rolex introduced a new variation of their GMT-Master watch. The GMT-Master was originally designed for pilots and allowed them to track time in different time zones simultaneously. The watch featured a rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to read a second time zone by aligning it with the GMT hand.

By the time of the ’80s, Hollywood was beginning to create iconic stars, one of them was Clint Eastwood, who stated that the Root Beer was one of his favorites, he even used it in several of his films such as Firefox (Firefox, 1982), Tightrope (1984) and In the line of fire (1993)

ROLEX FISRT GMT

The first Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” made its debut in the 1960s  with reference 1675/3. It had a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. The brown color of the bezel was created by using anodized aluminum, which provided durability and a rich hue.

ROLEX ROOTBEER

Rolex GMT, Root Beer Ref. 1675

ROLEX ROOT BEER through the 70s

Rolex continued to produce different variations throughout the years. In the 1970s, they introduced the reference 16753, which featured a new case design that also had a date function. This model was also available in a two-tone configuration, with a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold.

In the 1980s, they updated the design with the introduction of the reference 16713. This model retained the brown and gold bezel but featured a slimmer case profile and improved movement. It was crafted from a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, giving it a luxurious and refined aesthetic.

RECENT YEARS

Rolex has reintroduced the theme in their GMT-Master II collection several years ago. At Baselworld 2018, they presented the GMT-Master II reference 126711CHNR, often referred to as the “Root Beer” or “Root Beer II.” This model featured a brown and black ceramic bezel with a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case and bracelet.

This collection has gained a strong following among watch enthusiasts due to its distinctive color scheme, luxurious materials, and Rolex’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and precision. The combination of brown and gold gives the watch a warm and sophisticated appeal, making it a sought-after timepiece in the luxury watch market.

The name has become synonymous with Rolex watches that feature a brown and gold bezel, and while the specific references and design details may vary over the years, the essence of the Root Beer remains an iconic and desirable part of the watchmaking legacy.

Today, however, Rolex makes a modern bezel in black and brown ceramic, fitted to Everose gold (ref. 126715CHNR) or two-tone Everose gold and steel GMT-Master II (ref. 126711CHNR) watches. CHNR is short for the French words for chocolate and black, “chocolat/noir”.

Important Milestones 

rolex, root beer, rolex root beer, rolex gmt

  1. Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 1675/3: This was one of the earliest iterations of the theme, introduced in the 1960s. It featured a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, crafted from anodized aluminum.
  2. Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 16753: This model was introduced in the 1970s and featured a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold construction. It had an updated case design and included a date function.
  3. Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 16713: Released in the 1980s, this version featured a brown and gold bezel along with a slimmer case profile. It was crafted from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, offering a luxurious appeal.
  4. Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 126711CHNR: This model was unveiled at Baselworld 2018 and is often referred to as the “Root Beer II.” It featured a brown and black ceramic bezel, a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case, and bracelet. It represented the modern interpretation of the theme.

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started

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