Does Rolex do Custom Watches? Answered!
Rolex has a large collection of different models in its collection and they continue to add new models as well as discontinue certain old models. But have you ever wondered if Rolex makes custom watches for its customers? That’s what we will discuss in this article
The short answer to that question is no, Rolex does under no circumstances make custom watches for regular customers. They will not make any personalizations to its models whatsoever. One exception is that Rolex does, in very rare instances make “special edition watches” for certain purposes, but these are rare and far between. They’re also not made for just anyone. They’re usually made for certain partners or for specific reasons.
One such example is the Rolex Comex which was made for Comex, a company specializing in engineering and deep diving operations. The latest example of a custom watch is the one-of-one Yacht-Master 42 made in titanium for the Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie. However, this could just be a prototype watch that Rolex will, later on, roll out in standard production.
Some brands do in fact make custom watches. When it comes to luxury or Haute Horlogerie brands, custom watches are rare, but they do occur. And since these brands want to uphold strict exclusivity, it’s not something they offer to the general public. It’s something they offer, at times, to some of its best, most premium customers or celebrities.
Patek Philippe, for example, occasionally gives the opportunity to some of its very best customers to create personalized watches at the factory. But keep in mind that these individuals are usually highly prominent people or individuals who have spent millions and millions on watches. That said, it’s something that doesn’t apply to most of us. And when it comes to Rolex, as mentioned, there is no such possibility. You cannot contact Rolex and request them to make a custom watch for you because they won’t.
Off-catalog Rolex watches – the closest thing to factory custom watches
Off-catalog Rolex watches are the closest thing that you can get to custom watches if you want something unique, special, and rare. Of course, you don’t get the opportunity to customize or design your own watch, but you will get something rare that is produced in low numbers and that you are unlikely to see anyone wear.
For a complete guide to off-catalog Rolex, watches, refer to our guide here. But shortly summarized, Rolex off-catalog watches are models that are not a part of Rolex’s standard watch collection. They cannot be found on Rolex’s website, nor can you find them in the standard product catalog. As a result, most people don’t even know that they exist.
The reason is that Rolex has reserved these watches for its most prestigious and valued VIP customers. It can be celebrities, wealthy individuals, or extremely good customers of the brand. Usually, they are offered by the Rolex retailer to the best customers, or the retailer may take up a list of these special watches and let the customer select one that they like.
To maintain their exclusivity, the production numbers for these watches are extremely low which contributes to their rare and exclusive nature. Even if a good VIP customer orders one of these pieces, it may take months, even years before it arrives.
Rolex’s off-catalog watches are usually heavily gem-set with plenty of gemstones. For these watches, Rolex highlights its gem-setting expertise. As a result, all of these watches come with hefty price tags.
Customizing your Rolex at a third-party
There is a difference between factory customization and third-party customization. In general, third-party customizations tend to devalue the watch and affect its attractiveness on the secondhand market. A factory watch, on the other hand, is what most people are looking for. This is true for most collector’s items. Collectors are looking for items that are original and in perfect preserved conditions. They are also looking for items where no original parts have been replaced as this tends to affect their value and attractiveness.
However, if you really want a customized Rolex watch and make its design your very own, you can have it personalized by a third party.
There are many different customization companies that will customize your watch, for example by adding PVD or DLC coating, changing the color of the hands or the dial, or doing something completely unique according to your request. It’s quite common for people to customize their Rolex watches by setting them with gemstones. This is also much more affordable than buying a factory gemstone Rolex.
Customization can be a great way to create your dream Rolex watch that Rolex currently doesn’t have in its collection. It gives you a great level of creative freedom and the ability to design it just the way you want it.
