Vintage Caron Guide: Address & Batch Codes

Note: For general tips on dating packaging (barcodes, EMB codes) and storage, see our Vintage Perfume Collector's Handbook.

Caron is one of the most historic perfume houses, but dating vintage Caron bottles requires checking a combination of batch codes and addresses.

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1. Dating by Address (The Box Test)

The address printed on the box (or the paper insert inside) is often the fastest way to narrow down the decade.

Era	Address Clue	Location
1965 – Late 70s	"104 Rue de Richelieu"	Found on the paper insert inside the box. (Boxes usually had no address on the outside).
1992 – 1998	"3 Avenue Percier"	Printed on the box.
1999 – Present	"99 Faubourg St. Honoré"	Printed on the box. included "Made in France" line.

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2. Decoding Batch Codes

Era 1: 1960s – 1980 (The Last Digit)

• Format: 6 or 7 digits (numbers only).
• Method: Look at the Last Digit.
  • xxxxxx7 = 1967 or 1977. (Use box style/EMB code to distinguish).
  • Tip: EMB codes appeared on boxes around 1978. If no EMB, it's likely pre-1978.

Era 2: 1980 – 1985 (The Long Alphanumeric)

• Format: Long string with mixed numbers and letters (e.g., 3151-YTVJ-152).
• Method: Look at the 4th Digit of the first group.
  • 3151... --> 1 = 1981.
  • 3284... --> 4 = 1984.

Era 3: 1986 – 2001 (The Two-Row Code)

• Format: Often printed in two rows or a single long string of numbers (e.g., 174300 227 6).
• Method: Look at the Last Digit.
  • Last digit 6 = 1986 or 1996.
  • Check: Does the box have the "Avenue Percier" address? If yes = 1996. If no = 1986.

Era 4: 2002 – Present (Modern Codes)

• Format: 6 or 7 digits (e.g., 011047).
• Method: Last Digit is the year.
  • ...7 = 2007.
  • ...8 = 2008.

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3. Notable Caron Fragrances

• Pour Un Homme (1934): The classic lavender-vanilla.
• Yatagan (1976): A bold, piney, animalic masculine scent.
• Le 3ème Homme (1985): Also known as "The Third Man", a floral fougère.
• Nocturnes (1981): A classic floral aldehyde.
• Parfum Sacré (1990): A spicy, resinous rose.

[!TIP] List of Allergens: As with all EU perfumes, a long list of ingredients (allergens like Limonene, Geraniol, etc.) appearing on the box indicates a production year of 2005 or later.