All Rolex watches have a degree of exclusivity about them, but certain models are so rare or exclusive that they can be difficult to purchase, even from Rolex stores. This can often mean spending a lot of time looking up where to buy the watch you are looking for, and calling or visiting multiple different Rolex outlets, before finding one for sale.
Even then, with many of the more exclusive Rolex timepieces, you will likely have to spend considerable time on a waiting list, meaning it could be well over a year before you finally get your model. At Jaztime, we sell many of these watches at a slightly higher price, with no wait list, meaning you can have your desired Rolex watch sent right to your door, quickly, with minimal hassle. Below, we take a closer look at some of these rare models.
1. Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV Ceramic – No Wait List
The Rolex Submariner Hulk, officially known as the Submariner Reference 116610LV, was unveiled at Baselworld back in 2010 and is part of the brand’s iconic Submariner dive watch collection. However, what makes the watch distinctive from others in the collection is its green bezel and dial combination, hence the ‘Hulk’ nickname.
Green is one of the brand’s trademark colors, which means that in addition to its eye-catching novelty appearance, it also has clear appeal to Rolex enthusiasts. Although it is not technically a limited edition model, the Submariner Hulk is produced in low numbers and has become one of the single most sought-after models for collectors.
» check our ROLEX Submariner Green Hulk price list
2. Rolex GMT Batman 116710BLNR Ceramic – No Wait list
Another model that takes its nickname from a superhero, the Rolex GMT Batman is officially called the GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR. It was unveiled at Baselworld in 2013 and is part of the stainless steel line of the current generation of GMT-Master II models, which were first introduced in 2007.
While original stainless steel GMT-Master II models featured a black ceramic bezel, the GMT Batman is defined by its two-color bezel, which is black on the top half and blue on the bottom half, in an aesthetic that is somewhat reminiscent of the superhero from the DC Comics. It very quickly became an in-demand product, with long wait lists and even second-hand versions of the Reference 116710BLNR attract high prices.
» check our ROLEX GMT-Master II Batman price list
3. Rolex Deepsea Deep Blue 116660 James Cameron Available
Officially known as the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Reference 116660, the ‘James Cameron’ Deepsea model was created in honor of Cameron’s solo descent to the bottom of Challenger Deep, the deepest known point on Earth. It represented a first for the Rolex brand – a watch made in tribute to a person or event – and the model was also released outside of the standard Baselworld season, taking enthusiasts by surprise.
The watch itself is a modified version of the standard Reference 116660. The original black dial has been replaced by a stunning deep blue to black gradient dial, which becomes darker further down, mimicking the way oceans become darker the deeper you travel. Its unique nature had led to long waiting lists.
» check our ROLEX Deepsea price list
4. Rolex Daytona 116250 Stainless steel (Discontinued)
The Rolex Daytona collection has been associated with long waiting lists for decades, with lists growing extremely large by the late 1980s, due in part to Rolex fitting the models with Zenith movements, which were in short supply at the time. Today, however, Rolex controls the entire production and the wait time remains long, thanks to a combination of high demand and a policy of releasing the watches slowly to build up a sense of exclusivity.
Although gold Daytona models tend to sell well, the all stainless steel models are by far the most in-demand, due to their lower price, meaning supply does not keep pace with demand. As a result, it is not unusual for those wishing to purchase a stainless steel Daytona through an official Rolex store to have to wait as long as three to five years.
» check our ROLEX Daytona Stainless Steel price list
5. Rolex Sky-Dweller (Stainless Steel) – No Wait List
The Sky-Dweller is the most complicated watch currently produced by the Rolex brand and upon its release in 2012, it was available exclusively in precious metals like yellow gold and white gold. However, 2017 saw the release of a stainless steel version, officially known as the Sky-Dweller Reference 326934.
Unlike the aforementioned stainless steel Daytona, however, the Sky-Dweller is not entirely made from steel, as its bezel is actually made from white gold. Nevertheless, the use of steel instead of gold has made this an affordable option and it sold out very quickly with many stockists, resulting in significant waits.
» check our ROLEX Sky-Dweller price list
6. New 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 Black Ceramic 43mm
Finally, the new Rolex Sea-Dweller, officially known as the Sea-Dweller Reference 126600, was unveiled at Baselworld 2017 in celebration of the collection’s 50th anniversary. Despite this fact, its release took many by surprise, because the previous Sea-Dweller Reference was only released in 2014.
The new model is larger, with its case measuring 43mm in diameter, compared to the previous generation’s 40mm case size. It also now has a Cyclops lens over the date, improving legibility. These changes, coupled with the 50th anniversary tag itself, have ensured the 2017 model is in high demand and, given the Sea-Dweller is a complicated tool watch, it is being produced in relatively low numbers, increasing waiting times.
