Rolex Off-Catalogue Watches

Decoding Off-Catalogue Models

Rolex may produce over a million watches a year, but it still guards a few secrets, one of those being their mysterious off‑catalogue models. They are ultra-exclusive pieces you won’t find on Rolex’s website or in any dealer showcase. Think of them as Rolex’s “secret menu” watches. They are made in extremely limited quantities for only the brand’s most elite and respected clients. Mainly, VIP collectors with extensive purchase histories.

In this guide, we’ll explore what defines an off-catalogue model, reveal every known off-catalogue Rolex ever made, dive into their celebrity sightings, and break down how much they cost both at MSRP and on the secondary market. Let’s dive into Rolex’s hidden vault.

What Are Rolex Off‑Catalogue Watches?

Off-catalogue Rolex watches are extremely rare timepieces not publicly listed on Rolex’s website or catalog. These models are reserved exclusively for clients with a deep purchase history and elite status with authorized dealers (ADs).

They feature lavish gem-setting, rare materials, and one-of-a-kind dials, often built in low volumes and offered by invitation only. They’re Rolex’s most extravagant and mysterious watches, ranging from rainbow themed Daytonas to emerald-encrusted Submariners, all carefully distributed through a tightly controlled client network.

In the U.S., access is typically granted via flagship boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, or Miami. For most collectors, these watches remain out of reach unless they show up later on the secondary market at significant markups.

Rolex Daytona Off‑Catalogue Models

The Rolex Daytona has served as the canvas for many of Rolex’s mystifying off-catalogue pieces. Below are the key models Rolex has produced under this category:

Daytona “Rainbow”

References: 116598RBOW (yellow gold), 116599RBOW (white gold), 116595RBOW (rose gold)

With its bezel set in 36 gradient-colored sapphires, diamond-laced lugs, and either black or pavé dials, the Rainbow Daytona is Rolex’s most iconic off-catalogue watch. Originally released in 2012 and updated in 2018, it’s beloved by celebrities including David Beckham, Post Malone, and Mark Wahlberg.

Secondary Market: $400,000+

Daytona "SACO"

References: 116578SACO, 116588SACO

Among Rolex’s most eccentric off-catalogue creations are the Daytona references with the “SACO” gem-code, short for saphirs cognac, indicating bezels set with cognac-colored sapphires. (For a deeper breakdown of Rolex reference numbers and gem-set codes, check out this detailed guide.) These models take the Daytona’s racing DNA and blend it with unapologetically lavish gems, creating watches that toe the line between haute horlogerie and experimental fashion.

Secondary Market: $200,000+ depending on condition and set

Daytona “Leopard”

Reference: 116598SACO

Launched in 2004, the Leopard Daytona features a leopard-print dial, matching strap, and cognac sapphire bezel. It's a polarizing watch among anything Rolex has ever offered, many feel the design is too distracting while others simply like the novelty.

Secondary Market: $100,000 – $150,000

Daytona “Eye of the Tiger”

Reference: 116588TBR, 116589TBR, 116598TBR

Launched in 2019, this dazzling Daytona has a tiger-striped diamond dial and a trapeze-cut diamond bezel. It comes on a black Oysterflex strap and has been spotted on the wrist of top celebrities like DJ Khaled, Conor McGregor, and LeBron James.

Secondary Market: $180,000 – $300,000+ (some auction sales were reportedly ~$700,000)

Daytona “Platinum Diamond-Paved”

Reference: 116576TBR

This icy platinum Daytona is covered in factory-set diamonds from bezel to dial. It is extremely rare and produced in very low numbers, definetely a "bucket-list" watch for many serious collectors.

Secondary Market: Varies widely (often privately traded)

Daytona "Ruby"

Reference: 126599TRU

Unveiled in 2023 and offered strictly off-catalogue, the Rolex Daytona 126599TRU stands out as one of the most visually striking off-catalogue Daytona watches. Crafted in 18k white gold, the watch features a brilliant bezel set with baguette-cut rubies and brilliant-cut lugs and crown guards, amplifying the brilliance from every angle.

Secondary Market: Often $250,000+ when available, though listings remain extremely rare

Daytona “Le Mans” Editions

References: 126529LN (white gold), 126528LN (yellow gold), 126525LN (rose gold)

These limited-edition Daytonas commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Featuring unique dials with subtle red accents, ceramic bezels, and Rolex’s first openwork caseback, they’re modern collector legends.

Secondary Market: $200,000–$450,000+

2025 Off‑Catalogue Rolex Models

For 2025, Rolex added to its off-catalogue Daytona lineup with three astounding creations, each more extravagant than the last. These models were not published on the brand’s website and are accessible only to the select few that Rolex deems worthy.

Daytona 126599TSA “Blue Sapphire”

The Daytona 126599TSA “Blue Sapphire”, is a masterclass in gem-setting and opulence. Made from 18k white gold, the watch features a bezel embellished with baguette-cut blue sapphires, along with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds set directly into the case and lugs. The main attraction, however, is the stunning silver-sheen obsidian dial. It's a rare natural material that gives each piece a unique look. There has been no word on an official retail price for this watch but estimates place its value in the high six-figure range on the secondary market.

Everose "Le Mans" Daytona 126525LN

The "Le Mans" Daytona in Everose Gold (ref. 126525LN), is a continuation of Rolex’s tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This model, housed in 18k rose gold, is the third of Rolex's "Le Mans" Daytona series. It retains the red “100” tachymeter marker introduced on the white gold Le Mans Daytona, a nod to the race’s 100-year legacy. One of its most distinctive features is the inclusion of a sapphire crystal caseback, a rare and modern design choice for Rolex. The watch is said to be sold for ~$72,000 from ADs but market listings place its value at around $420,000, reflecting both its extraordinary demand and extremely limited availability.

“Giraffe” Daytona

The third and most adventurous release is the “Giraffe” Daytona 126555TBR. Drawing inspiration from older off-catalogue Rolex watches like the “Eye of the Tiger” and "Leopard" Daytonas, this 2025 iteration features an intricate gem-set dial that resembles the pattern of a giraffe’s spots. Crafted in 18K rose gold, the Giraffe Daytona pushes Rolex’s high-jewelry design language further than ever before. As with many off-catalogue models, specific pricing details are unavailable, but watch experts anticipate secondary market figures well into the $250,000+ range, should one ever appear for sale.

With these three extraordinary Daytona references, Rolex has once again cemented itself as the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking. Each 2025 off-catalogue model appeals to distinct collector interests, yet these timepieces remain the kind most enthusiasts will only get a glimpse at from paparazzi shots or auction previews. Remarkably, Rolex has reinforced the narrative that these aren't just watches, they're high art.

Rolex GMT‑Master II Off‑Catalogue Models

The Rolex GMT‑Master II, known for its pilot-ready dual time zone feature and unique bezel colors, gets a high-jewelry twist in these rare, off-catalogue configurations. These watches blend technical functionality with high-level gem-setting craftsmanship.

GMT-Master II “SARU”

Reference: 126755SARU (rose gold), 116758SARU (yellow gold), 116759SARU (white gold)

This dazzling GMT features a “Pepsi” bezel crafted from red rubies and blue sapphires, with diamonds accenting the lugs and crown guards. A grandeur take on Rolex’s most iconic GMT.

Secondary Market: $130,000 – $200,000+

GMT-Master II “Ice”

Reference: 116769TBR

The most expensive GMT ever made. Crafted from 18k white gold, it’s encrusted with more than 30 carats of diamonds across the case, dial, bracelet, and bezel. It's a piece so bright it can light up a room.

Secondary Market: $500,000 – $700,000+

Rolex Submariner Off‑Catalogue Models

Even Rolex’s legendary dive watch has been transformed into high jewelry through its off-catalogue line. These Rolex Submariners may retain their technical specs, but they shine brightest as wearable art.

Submariner “SABR”

Reference: 116659SABR

Nicknamed the “Sapphire Submariner,” this white gold model features a bezel set with 36 blue sapphires and 12 diamonds, plus diamond-set lugs and crown guards. Available with a sunburst blue dial or full diamond pavé dial, lugs, and crown guards.

Secondary Market: $150,000+

Submariner “Emerald”

Reference: 116649EMBR

Released in 2010, this white gold model is set with vivid green baguette emeralds around the bezel and dial, often paired with a fully pavé diamond bracelet.

Secondary Market: $350,000 – $400,000+

Rolex Yacht-Master Off‑Catalogue Models

A surpising pick here from Rolex, the Rolex Yacht-Master got a colorful off-catalogue upgrade that turned heads at Watches & Wonders 2022.

Yacht-Master 40 “SABR”

Reference: 126679SABR

This white gold Yacht-Master dazzles with a bezel set in pink, purple, and blue sapphires, interspersed with diamonds. The lugs and crown guards are also diamond-set. Paired with a matte black dial and Oysterflex strap, it offers sporty luxury with bold gem-setting.

Secondary Market: $130,000+

Rolex Day‑Date Off‑Catalogue Models

The Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the “Rolex President”, is Rolex’s flagship of elegance. While precious metals are standard, off-catalogue Day-Dates introduce exquisite dial materials, gemstones, and unique concepts you won’t find anywhere else.

Day-Date 40 “Ruby Set”

Reference: 228398TRU

This 18k yellow gold Day-Date features a diamond pavé dial with ruby Roman numerals and a matching ruby bezel. It's one of Rolex’s most striking gem-set dress watches.

Secondary Market: Often exceeds $200,000 when available

Day-Date “Hardstone & Baguette” Variants

Reference: 18038, 18238, 128238, 128239, 228396TBR

Rolex has quietly produced Day-Date models featuring rare hardstone dials such as lapis lazuli, onyx, turquoise, and malachite, often paired with baguette diamond hour markers and bezels.

Secondary Market: Varies widely; many traded privately

Day-Date 36 “Puzzle Dial”

References: 128238 (yellow gold), 128235 (rose gold), 128239 (white gold)

Unveiled in 2023, the Puzzle Dial is Rolex’s most whimsical creation. Its dial features multi-colored enamel puzzle pieces, a window of daily positive words (e.g., “Happy,” “Eternity”), and emojis in place of dates. Accented by rainbow-colored sapphire hour markers. It's a model popular among celebrities.

Secondary Market: $200,000 – $300,000+

Celebrity Sightings and Pop Culture

One way these secretive watches have entered public awareness is through celebrity watch spotting. Off-catalogue Rolexes have become the ultimate flex in Hollywood, sports, and music circles. Their appearances on famous wrists often generate buzz because it signals the wearer is not just wealthy, but has an insider relationship with Rolex.

Rainbow Daytona

The Rainbow Daytona is a prime example. It became a pop culture phenomenon once A-list names started wearing it. Seen on David Beckham, Mark Wahlberg, Post Malone, Kevin Hart, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Rainbow Daytona often make headlines in watch blogs and style magazines, because the Rainbow’s look is impossible to ignore. Every time a star is photographed with that flash of rainbow sapphires on their wrist, it underscores how A-list the watch itself has become.

Eye of the Tiger Daytona

This watch has gained some notoriety from watch enthusiasts upon release, especially in the online space for its over-the-top appearance. It takes a person with a certain type of personality to match the watch, personalities like DJ Khaled, Conor McGregor, and LeBron James, each known for their bold style, out-spoken nature, and superstardom. These endorsements validate that even among celebrities who can afford any watch, owning a rare off-catalogue Rolex is a special marker of status. It’s one thing to have a gold Rolex but it’s another to have the Rolex that only a handful of people in the world could get from the source.

Puzzle Dial Day-Date

In 2023, the Day-Date Puzzle Dial created a stir by appearing on several famous wrists almost immediately after release. Notably, singer-songwriter (and avid watch collector) John Mayer was the first seen wearing it, followed by Tom Brady and LeBron James. Even “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O'Leary proudly showed off his on social media, calling it “crazy” in the best way. Seeing it on such a cross-section of celebrities (sports, music, business) reinforced that Rolex had created a hit that symbolized fun and exclusivity in equal measure.

Beyond individual celebs, off-catalogue Rolexes have appeared at red carpet events and championship celebrations. Before the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2025 NBA Championship, Shai Gilgeous Alexander gifted his teammates Rolexes, had he gifted an off-catalogue piece, it would have signified “inner circle of the inner circle.” That’s essentially what these watches are in pop culture: symbols of having “made it” to the inner circle. They carry an aura of extreme rarity that even among multi-millionaires sets the wearer apart.

Pricing: MSRP vs. Secondary Market

Off-catalogue Rolex watches are some of the most expensive timepieces the brand has ever produced and often appreciate dramatically after release. Rolex doesn’t publicly list their prices, but known figures from clients and secondary market sales provide insight. Virtually all off-catalogue pieces have a cost in the five-to-six-figure range at retail, and many are well into six figures. For example, the Rainbow Daytona in Everose gold retailed for about $97,000 when it came out, and the yellow/white gold Rainbows were around $90k. A standard gem-set Sub or GMT might be in the $75k–$150k range depending on the extent of diamonds.

However, getting an off-catalogue Rolex at retail is like finding a unicorn. The secondary market is where prices balloon due to extreme demand and limited supply. The Rainbow Daytona is a prime example. From its ~$90k retail, it now commands prices up to $500,000 pre-owned, a markup of several hundred percent.

Let’s look at a few more specific examples of market values (2024–2025):

Secondary Market: $130,000 – $1,000,000+, depending on rarity, condition, and sometimes owner

Examples

Model	MSRP	Secondary Market
Eye of the Tiger Daytona	~$100,000	$200,000 – $300,000+
Puzzle Dial Day-Date	~$60,000	$200,000 – $300,000+
GMT-Master II Ice	~$485,000	$500,000 – $700,000+
Le Mans Daytona 126528LN	~$70,000	~$350,000+

Overall, buying an off-catalogue Rolex at MSRP is like winning a golden ticket. If you manage that, you’ve essentially locked in a huge gain if you ever chose to resell. But for most collectors, the secondary market is the only access point.

Final Thoughts

Off-catalogue Rolex watches offer a rare glimpse into the brand’s most exclusive, creative, and boundary-pushing designs. These timepieces are not just watches but rather they are symbols of elite status, artistic innovation, and prestige.

Whether it’s the Rainbow Daytona shimmering with sapphires, the Emoji-laced Puzzle Dial, or the diamond-covered "Ice" GMT, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and privilege. For collectors, they represent the ultimate goal: access to an exclusive world where bonds and relationships are held the highest.