Reference Number
A manufacturer-assigned identifier used to distinguish a particular watch model, version or configuration.
Also known as: Model reference, Ref., Reference
Definition
A reference number identifies a particular watch model, configuration or case family within a manufacturer’s catalogue. Depending on the brand, the reference may encode case material, bezel, dial, bracelet, generation or other attributes, while some brands use largely sequential codes. Reference numbers are crucial in collecting because watches sharing a marketing model name can differ materially by reference.
Why it matters
Accurate reference identification is essential for specifications, valuation, parts and authenticity research; a model name alone is often too broad.