Rolex remains one of the most sought-after luxury watch brands in the world, with certain models becoming nearly impossible to obtain through authorized dealers. Whether due to limited production, high demand, or collector hype, these timepieces dominate waitlists and command significant premiums on the secondary market. Here’s a ranked list of the 23 hardest-to-get Rolex watches in 2025.
1. Rolex Daytona "Panda" (Ref. 126500LN)
Dial Color: White
Bezel: Black
MSRP: $15,500
Secondary Market Price: $30K - $40K
2. Rolex Daytona "Darth Vader" (Ref. 126500LN)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black
MSRP: $15,500
Secondary Market Price: $30K - $40K
3. Rolex Sky-Dweller (Ref. 336934)
Dial Color: Green
Bezel: Fluted
MSRP: $16,150
Secondary Market Price: $32K - $39K
4. Rolex Sky-Dweller (Ref. 336934)
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel: Fluted
MSRP: $16,150
Secondary Market Price: $26K - $34K
5. Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" (Ref. 126710BLRO)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Red/Blue
MSRP: $10,800
Secondary Market Price: $20K - $27K
6. Rolex GMT-Master II "Batman" (Ref. 126710BLNR)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Blue/Black
MSRP: $10,800
Secondary Market Price: $18K - $24K
7. Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" (Ref. 126720VTNR)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Green/Black
MSRP: $11,250
Secondary Market Price: $18K - $24K
8. Rolex GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne" (Ref. 126710GRNR)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black/Gray
MSRP: $10,800
Secondary Market Price: $17K - $23K
9. Rolex GMT-Master II "Rootbeer" (126711CHNR)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black/Brown
MSRP: $17,500
Secondary Market Price: $20K - $25K
10. Rolex GMT-Master II “Zombie" (Ref. 126713GRNR)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black/Gray
MSRP: $17,850
Secondary Market Price: $21K - $26K
11. Rolex Submariner "Starbucks" (Ref. 126610LV)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Green
MSRP: $10,800
Secondary Market Price: $17K - $23K
12. Rolex Submariner "Sub" (Ref. 126610LN)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black
MSRP: $10,400
Secondary Market Price: $15K - $18K
13. Rolex Deepsea "Challenger" (Ref. 126067)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black
MSRP: $27,300
Secondary Market Price: $40K - $50K
14. Rolex Deepsea "James Cameron" (Ref. 136660)
Dial Color: Blue to Black Gradient
Bezel: Black Ceramic
MSRP: $14,150
Secondary Market Price: $18K - $25K
15. Rolex Yacht-Master “Rhodium Yacht” (Ref. 126622)
Dial Color: Gray
Bezel: Gray
MSRP: $12,400
Secondary Market Price: $15K - $20K
16. Rolex Submariner "Bluesy" (Ref. 126613LB)
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel: Blue
MSRP: $17,000
Secondary Market Price: $20K - $25K
17. Rolex Submariner "No Date" (Ref. 124060)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Black
MSRP: $9,400
Secondary Market Price: $12K - $15K
18. Rolex Explorer II “Polar Bear” (Ref. 226570)
Dial Color: White
Bezel: Gray
MSRP: $9,750
Secondary Market Price: $12K - $15K
19. Rolex Air King (Ref. 126900)
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Smooth
MSRP: $7,750
Secondary Market Price: $10K - $14K
20. Rolex Datejust 41mm "DJ41" (Ref. 126334)
Dial Color: Green
Bezel: Fluted
MSRP: $10,800
Secondary Market Price: $15K - $19K
21. Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Tiffany" (Ref. 124300)
Dial Color: Turquoise
Bezel: Smooth
MSRP: Discontinued
Secondary Market Price: $25K - $40K
22. Rolex Submariner "Hulk" (Ref. 116610LV)
Dial Color: Green
Bezel: Green
MSRP: Discontinued
Secondary Market Price: $22K - $30K
23. Rolex Milgaus (Ref. 116400GV)
Dial Color: Green/Blue
Bezel: Smooth
MSRP: Discontinued
Secondary Market Price: $11K - $16K
Why These Rolex Models Are So Scarce
Several factors contribute to the extreme difficulty in obtaining these watches:
Limited Production: Rolex carefully controls its output, ensuring demand always outpaces supply.
High Demand: Some models, like the Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master II, have legendary status among collectors.
Investment Potential: Many buyers see Rolex watches as appreciating assets, further tightening supply.
Dealer Allocation Policies: Rolex ADs (Authorized Dealers) often prioritize long-term customers and those with a purchase history, making it even harder for newcomers to acquire these watches.
How to Get Your Hands on One
Genesis Diamonds has one of the largest inventories of luxury pre-owned Rolexes in the Southeast. If you’re chasing one of these Rolex models in 2025, patience and strategy are key, but understanding the market dynamics can help you navigate the process more effectively. Stop by to speak with one of our expert Trusted Advisors today and learn how we can help you find exactly what you're looking for.