Different numbers on case and inside backcase

[Jru120]

Good day gentlemen.
Just like to know if the model number of the case should match the inside of the backcase? I just bought a DJ model 16220 but inside the backcase was 16200. The movement of my watch is 3135.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jru120

Good day gentlemen.
Just like to know if the model number of the case should match the inside of the backcase? I just bought a DJ model 16220 but inside the backcase was 16200. The movement of my watch is 3135.

They use one case back for several models only difference is the bezel 16200/16220 the ref number is between lugs.

[yessir69]

My 1603 from 1971 has a 1600 case back. I've heard it's fairly common.

[Jru120]

Originally Posted by padi56

They use one case back for several models only difference is the bezel 16200/16220 the ref number is between lugs.

Funny thing is , i think the bezel was change because it has a fluted bezel and is 18k white gold. My DJ is a "x" series. Made in 1991 i think.

[Jru120]

Originally Posted by yessir69

My 1603 from 1971 has a 1600 case back. I've heard it's fairly common.

Thank you sir.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Jru120

Funny thing is , i think the bezel was change because it has a fluted bezel and is 18k white gold. My DJ is a "x" series. Made in 1991 i think.

Yes, it has been changed if it is fluted.. The last digit of your model number tells you the bezel would originally be Stainless Steel. The Fluted bezel is gold and the last digit of the model number would be a 3 or 4 (for the SS model)

However, look again.. The next to last digit, 2, indicates an engraved (engine turned) bezel which looks very similar to a fluted bezel but instead of a smooth wavy look on the flutes it would have sharp edges to the hi/lo (engraved flute) pattern.

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by Tools

... The Fluted bezel is gold and the last digit of the model number would be a 3 (for the SS model)
...

The last digit would be a "3" for yellow gold, but should be a "4" for white gold.

In fact the last 2 digits would be "33" or "34" for YG or WG fluted bezel or "20" for engine turned SS bezel.




Regarding caseback, the number engraved is the ref# of the part, not of the Watch itself. As many models shares this same caseback, you find the same ref#.

The 1st chart shows that only full gold DJ 16238 have a different caseback ref#, because it uses the yellow gold version.


The 2nd chart shows the new ref# for these casebacks. Rolex changed the ref around year 2000.

[joe100]

Sometimes the case backs aren't even close to the reference number. If it fits, Rolex would use it.

[Jru120]

Thank you for your replies. Appreciated it a lot.