Let me explain to you what Off-catalog Rolex watches are before I go into talking about the elusive Rolex Sky-Dweller Full Pave ref. 326959TBR. The Rolex Off-Catalog watches are considered to be the ultimate in exclusivity and are the brand's most rare and sought-after timepieces, often reserved for Rolex's most esteemed clients. Unlike standard production models, these special pieces are not publicly listed, making them incredibly elusive and difficult to acquire.
These watches include unique gem-set variants, bespoke configurations, and ultra-limited editions, many crafted from precious metals and featuring distinctive designs like the elusive Rolex Sky-Dweller Full Pave ref. 326959TBR I have here.
Off-catalog Rolexes included pieces like the Rolex Day-Date 36 Diamond Pavé Dial in 18K white gold ref. 128349RBR—also available in 18K yellow gold ref. 128348RBR or 18K Everose gold ref. 128345RBR; the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow in 18K yellow gold ref. 116598RBOW—also available in 18K white gold ref. 116599RBOW, or Everose gold ref. 116595RBOW; the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Leopard ref. 116598SACO with an exotic leopard-print dial, diamond baguette hour markers; the Rolex Daytona Platinum Diamond-Pave ref. 116576TBR; the Rolex Day-Date 40 Oyster Perpetual Green Dial ref. 228396TBR; the Rolex Submariner Gem-Set ref. 116659SABR and 116659TBR; or the GMT-Master II ref. 126755SARU with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies on its bezel, just to name a few among other rarities.
But what makes the off-catalog Rolexes so exclusive? Well, to begin with, like its name conveys, they are not publicly listed on the website or regular catalogs making them difficult to track and even harder to obtain. Then, these timepieces are only available to a very select group of top Rolex clients making them ultra-rare and highly coveted among watch collectors. Lastly, off-catalog Rolex watches often boast rare dials like meteorite, hardstone, or fully diamond-paved designs, as well as factory-set gemstones, further enhancing their allure.
Off-catalog Rolex watches offer a level of luxury and rarity that is unmatched, solidifying their place as true collector’s items. And to make things even more special, they don’t come in the usual green box but a gorgeous wooden box with gold metallic inserts creating the beautiful double bezel Rolex boutique pattern.
Off-Catalog Rolex Sky-Dweller Full Pave ref. 326959TBR
The Rolex Sky-Dweller reference 326959TBR was released in 2021 and is one of the most elusive Off-Catalog Rolex watches. Also available only with an Oysterflex rubber bracelet, this exquisite Sky-Dweller in 18K white gold is fully set with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds through its case and bracelet, and its intricate design and luxurious appeal come with a total weight of over 300 grams and a massive 42 mm case—13.9 in thickness—that is unlike any other Rolex out there.
The case is fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the bezel is invisibly set with baguette-cut diamonds, and the bracelet—including its clasp—is fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds on the outer links, part of the central links and baguette-cut diamonds on the center links.
While we have not been able to find details on the total carats for the diamonds, we can guesstimate that this watch has at least 35 carats of internally flawless diamonds.
Crafted in 18K white gold, this model features a stunning meteorite dial with baguette-cut diamond markers—no two dials are alike— and a baguette-cut diamond bezel, showcasing Rolex's exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The watch combines practicality with elegance, offering a dual time zone display and an annual calendar complication, making it not only a statement piece but also a valuable tool for globetrotting watch enthusiasts.
Its rarity, being an elusive off-catalog item, adds to its allure and desirability among collectors who seek unique luxury pieces that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The Sky-Dweller is also the most complicated watch ever produced by Rolex and a feat of horology thanks to its Ring-Command Bezel that controls the different functions of the crown. This bezel is protected by no less than 14 patents.
The rotating Ring Command Bezel interacts with the movement allowing the wearer to easily set the different functions on the watch. The rotating bezel can be turned in either direction to one of three positions to select the date, the local time, or the second time zone.
Since the hour hand can be moved independently in one-hour increments, one can maintain the watch synchronized with the off-centered 24-hour ring to keep track of military time, track a second time zone, or simply use that function as a day/night indicator.
Once the bezel is rotated and the winding crown is pulled out to its only setting position, the selected function can be rapidly adjusted in either direction using the winding crown. As the bezel is rotated, the crown engages to set a different function. This intuitive interface is based on a complex mechanical module with no fewer than 60 components.
The only function that is not set using the Ring Command Bezel along with the crown is the corresponding month. To set the month, the wearer needs to advance the date via the crown until the correct month is displayed by the red indicator behind the baguette-cut diamond markers.
And by the way, a very good friend of mine is selling this particular watch so if you are interested please shoot me an email or text me. Happy to work with you on the deal. If you like iced-out factory-only Rolexes, then this watch has your name written all over it.
Approximate Market Price USD 850,000. For more info on Rolex click here.
