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Reference number

Also called ref number

A reference number identifies a watch model, including its specific configuration of case, dial, bezel, and material, as opposed to a serial number, which identifies one individual watch.

Dealers and collectors talk in references because two watches that look similar can be different models with very different values. The reference tells you what the watch should contain and look like.

Confirm the reference from the watch itself and its papers, not just the seller's description, and check that every part is consistent with it.

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