[DanBC]

Not sure I understand - Vishay[1] MRS25 resistors are 1% and use a colour code. (http://www.vishay.com/docs/28724/mrs16m25.pdf)

They're generally pretty nice as resistors go. Do you spec better than that?

[1] I used these when they were Philips, which shows how long it is since I was doing this stuff.

[joe_bleau]

The 1% series has an extra value band, which throws off their multiplier. Example: 1k 5% is brown black red (gold), but 1k 1% is brown black black brown (brown).

We do use a few 0.1% values in some cal equipment--about $1 each!

[fnordfnordfnord]

Most SMT resistors use a number code. Also, colorblind people.