Every year Rolex will launch some of the off-catalogue special watches for some of lucky buyers or I should say SSVIP. As once in a whilst we could see some of the rare watches similar like this to be appeared at auction.
However, these pieces are not able to be seen at Boutique nor AD of Rolex. Some of us question do these really exist? Well, this is a kind of mystery, however if you are close to Rolex, you may tell me more...
To me these are off-catalogue and off my budget too!
By the way in 2016, I had a close contact with the sales manager Felix of Rolex boutique at HKIA (Hong Kong International Airport), on my request for a Coral Yellow gold Day Date, he asked Rolex HQs at Switzerland and they told him that there is a few left Coral dials to fit for a Rolex Day Date 118238. I told him we are interested to buy that, after two month the watch arrived Rolex HKIA and we bought it with about HK$275,000 coz now I can remember we exactly how much. We were so glad to get probably the last Coral dial Rolex Day Date by that time (118238 was produced between 2010-2019).
Paul Ip
Remarks
Courtesy pictures from Abel Huang's face book page, Abel had just been to Watches and Wonders.
The price difference between a pristine, running example and
one that is "not running fine" typically ranges from $1,500
to over $3,000. This gap accounts for both the direct cost of
mechanical repair and a "uncertainty penalty" that buyers apply when
a watch has unknown internal issues.
Value Comparison (Market Estimates as of April 2026)
Pristine Condition (Running Perfectly):
Market Value: Approximately $13,500 to $16,500 on the secondary market.
Criteria: The watch keeps time within
Superlative Chronometer standards (-2, +4 seconds
per day), has high amplitude, and includes the full set (box and papers).
Unworn "stickered" examples can reach the higher end of this range.
Poor Condition (Not Running Fine):
Market Value: Typically $10,000 to $12,500.
Criteria: Mechanical issues such as poor power
reserve, significant time loss/gain (e.g., losing 9+ seconds/day), or "subpar
amplitude" issues sometimes reported in the 32xx series movements.
Price Hit: A buyer will often subtract
the Rolex Service Center (RSC) overhaul cost
($800–$1,200+) plus an additional discount for the risk of undisclosed
damage like water entry or broken movement parts.
Key Cost Factors for "Not Running Fine"
Factor
Estimated
Cost/Impact
Official Overhaul (RSC)
$800 – $1,200+ for a standard
movement service.
Movement Parts
$300 – $700+ if specific components (e.g.,
balance bridge, mainspring) need replacement beyond the standard service.
Risk Discount
$500 – $1,000 additional
reduction applied by professional buyers to cover "unknowns" like
internal corrosion or magnetism.
Collectors generally prefer to pay a premium for a watch that is
still under the 5-year Rolex international warranty (for
models from 2021 or newer), which can mitigate the value loss of a watch not
running fine, as the repair might be covered at no cost. I believe mostly the customer will not buy that watch if it is not running, so to keep a good condition
is key to get it sold. Unless you are selling much lower price; at same time buyer is able to justify the repair cost and part cost to keep that running again.
As some of the Rolex models, what we suggest keep a good service
record such that buyer can trace back the service history of the watch, the higher
price watch would retain a higher.
The price variation above shown is about 30% for new model, however the vintage Rolex Price variation could even more if comparing a pristine condition and one example of not running. The older watch would be facing a challenge for repair due to the scarcity of parts availability especially the dial, bezel and or hands of the watch as they are supposed to be in the right period of that watch.
If you google for " What is the best 5 watch repair centers in Hong Kong?"
The reply is :-
Based on recent user reviews and service reputations, here are five of the top-rated watch repair companies in Hong Kong, categorized by their specific strengths.
Specialized Luxury & Vintage Restoration
Classic Watch Repair (時計工房)
Specialty: Widely regarded as the top specialist for vintage Rolex restoration, particularly for repairing "stretched" bracelets and complex case reprofiling.
Atmosphere: Known for being exceptionally friendly and professional, with over 20 years of experience.
Specialty: Offers a comprehensive one-stop service for luxury brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille, including movements and skeleton watches.
Key Detail: Highly praised for transparent pricing and detailed repair plans, often using microscopic views to show customers the work needed.
Specialty: Focuses on high-end Swiss brands such as Cartier, Chopard, and Vacheron Constantin, providing services like mechanical oiling (overhaul), polishing, and waterproof testing.
Key Detail: Features over 30 years of expertise and is noted for high-quality finishing that makes watches look brand new.
Specialty: The "go-to" for reliable, low-cost battery replacements, glass repairs, and basic mechanical fixes.
Key Detail: Famous for honest, "old-school" HK service with prices significantly lower than shopping mall chains (e.g., battery changes for $25–$60 HKD).
