New movement = New reference #?

[Watch This]

Question... historically, when Rolex updates a movement is a new reference # always assigned or does that typically occur concurrent with other changes to a model such as case shape or bezel material? If there are no other changes other than the movement, would the reference number remain the same?

[Rashid.bk]

Anytime they change something they change the reference number. Makes it easy to control what model was "born" in what configuration. Otherwise people could theoretically add the update and you wouldn't know, even with papers.

[037]

If only the movements changed, reference numbers historically remained the same. The 16570 and 16710 received the 3186 but reference numbers didn't change. Same with some Datejust models. The 14060 with a caliber 3000 changed to the 14060M with a caliber 3130, but the case also went from 316L to 904L.

With the inevitable GMT and Sub updates, it's more likely that they'll change to 126xxx references since the 3285 GMTs do have minuscule changes in the 126710/11/15 lug hole dimensions and endlink shelves. The Sub could be updated in a way to make previous bracelets incompatible be it wider endlinks or geometry.

We won't know until it happens.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Anytime they change something they change the reference number. Makes it easy to control what model was "born" in what configuration........

Except when they don't.

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by zengineer

Except when they don't.

For instance, 214270 only changed in Dial Lume on 3-6-9, Longer & Fatter hands, and the inside if the clasp finish.

There was no change in case or movement.

[breitlings]

Sometimes they do update watches with new movements without changing serial numbers. GMT 16710 with 3186 for example.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by WatchGuy1966

For instance, 214270 only changed in Dial Lume on 3-6-9, Longer & Fatter hands, and the inside if the clasp finish.

There was no change in case or movement.

Originally Posted by breitlings

Sometimes they do update watches with new movements without changing serial numbers. GMT 16710 with 3186 for example.

These are very good examples of what the op asked especially the GMTs with the 3186 caliber.
Overlooked those, so there's definitely a presedence now.