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Article: What you need to know before selling your Rolex: A guide to special dials recommended by Pixiu Watch

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What you need to know before selling your Rolex: A guide to special dials recommended by Pixiu Watch

For beginners looking to sell your Rolex but are still unsure about the watch's details or worried about not getting a fair price, don't worry. As an expert, I will guide you through what you need to know before selling, so you can feel confident and secure the best price.

1. Understand your Rolex model: The heart of its value

Each Rolex model has unique characteristics and details that significantly affect its value, whether it's a special dial, rare color, specific material, or even unique features like a colored crystal. Knowing this information will help you estimate its market price as accurately as possible.

  • Rolex Submariner: An all-time popular model available in both black and green dials (Hulk, Kermit), which are in high demand. Materials include Oystersteel, Rolesor (two-tone), and gold. Special dials to look out for include:

    • Maxi Dial: A dial with larger-than-usual hour markers and hands, making the time easier to read; highly popular among collectors.

    • Comex: A special dial produced for the commercial diving company Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises (COMEX). Featuring the "COMEX" logo on the dial, it is a very rare and highly valuable model.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-submariner

    • Smurf: A nickname collectors use for the Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116619LB, an 18k white gold model featuring a vibrant blue ceramic bezel and a matching deep blue dial. The exclusivity of this model lies in its luxurious yet understated white gold material (less flashy than yellow gold), combined with its signature bright blue, making it highly coveted and valuable on the secondary market.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-sub

  • Rolex Daytona: Another iconic model that always holds good value. Versions with Panda dials (white-black) or the Ice Blue dial on platinum models are highly sought after. Additionally, there are gold versions (Everose, Yellow Gold, White Gold) and models with an Oysterflex strap. Rare dials and special versions you shouldn't miss include:

  • Rolex GMT-Master II: Distinguished by its bezel used for tracking GMT, with two-tone versions that add significant value, such as "Pepsi" (red-blue), "Batman" (blue-black), and "Sprite" (green-black), each with varying levels of popularity. In addition to stainless steel, there are gold and two-tone versions. Dials to take note of include:

    • Stick Dial: A dial where the "II" in "GMT-Master II" appears as straight sticks rather than having serifs (bases). Found in certain production periods, it is sought after by some collectors.

    • Radial Dial: A dial where the circular hour markers are slightly smaller than usual and positioned closer to the edge of the dial, found on older GMT-Master models.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-gmt

    • Rectangular Dial: A dial where the "II" characters in "GMT-Master II" are so close together they appear rectangular. Found in certain GMT-Master II production runs, it is highly desired by specific collectors due to its rarity.

    • Fat Lady (former special model): A nickname collectors use for the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16760, which was the first GMT-Master II model introduced in 1983. Its notable feature is a case slightly thicker than its predecessors (hence the nickname "Fat Lady") and it was the first to come with the black-red "Coke" ceramic bezel, making it interesting to vintage collectors due to its historical significance.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-gmt-master

    • Meteorite (on white gold models): While famous on the Daytona, Rolex also produced the GMT-Master II in 18k white gold featuring a meteorite dial—another rare and beautiful dial that adds luxury and value to this model.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-gmtmaster

  • Rolex Datejust/Day-Date: Two classic models with high diversity in size, material (stainless steel, two-tone, gold, platinum). Before selling, check if it has a special dial that could increase its value, such as:

    • Stella Dial: VIBRANT, bright-colored dials produced during the 1970s-1980s, mostly found on Day-Date models. They are rare and highly valuable.

    • Onyx Dial: A dial made of smooth, polished black Onyx stone, without markers, providing a luxurious and minimalist look. Found on certain Day-Date and Datejust models.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-daydate

    • Wood Dial: A dial made from various types of natural wood, such as birch, mahogany, or walnut root, with each dial possessing a unique wood grain pattern.

    • Hard Stone Dials: Besides Onyx and Wood, there are dials made from other rare natural stones like Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Tiger's Eye, Jasper, and Coral. Each piece has unique patterns and colors, making them highly sought after.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-datejust

    • Factory Diamond Dial: A dial where diamonds were set by Rolex during production, which differs from aftermarket diamond setting. Factory-set diamonds have standard quality and placement, significantly increasing the value.

    • Buckley Dial: The name for certain vintage Datejust dials featuring printed Roman numerals (not raised). These usually have a white or gold background and slightly larger-than-normal numerals. Though appearing simple, they are coveted by specific vintage collectors.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-datejust (2)

  • Rolex Milgauss: Key highlights include the lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand and the green crystal (GV - Glace Verte), which is a unique identity.

    • Z-Blue: A striking metallic blue dial that is highly popular on the Milgauss GV model.

    • Glace Verte: The special feature of the Milgauss GV (Glace Verte) is the use of a green sapphire crystal, which is rare and found only on the Milgauss. This green crystal is not just for aesthetics; it also symbolizes a watch designed to withstand high magnetic fields. The manufacturing process for this green glass is extremely complex, making it another feature that adds exclusivity and value to this watch model.

      knows-exotic-dial-before-sell-your-rolex-glace-verte

 

2. Check the production year: A key price factor

Rolex resale prices can vary depending on the production year. Even if you don't have the warranty card, you can estimate the production year.

  • With warranty card: The production year information is clearly stated on the card, which is the most reliable evidence.

  • Without warranty card:

    • Serial Number: Every Rolex has a unique serial number engraved on the side of the case between the lugs at the 12 o'clock position (for older models) or on the inner rim (Rehaut) at the 6 o'clock position (for newer models). You can use this serial number to search for a Rolex Serial Number Chart online. However, these charts are only estimates and may not be 100% accurate.

    • Physical characteristics: Some older models have unique features that can roughly indicate the production period, such as fonts on the dial, the type of luminous material (Tritium, Luminova, Super-LumiNova), or other small details that an expert can identify.

3. Full set and watch condition: The more complete, the better

A "Full Set" means the box, warranty card, booklets, tags, and any other accessories that came with the watch when new. These have a significant impact on the resale price.

  • A full set always fetches a better price: Even if the warranty has expired, a full set indicates authenticity, reliability, and the completeness of the watch. Serious collectors or buyers often look for watches with a full set because it is considered part of the "history" of that watch. Rolex is a timepiece with inherent value that tends to hold its worth over time; in the case of popular or rare models, the price may even increase. Having the full set helps confirm authenticity and boosts buyer confidence, making it easier to sell and secure a better price.

  • The condition of the watch is equally important. You should clean the watch properly. Minor hairline scratches might not be a major problem, but dents, impacts, or damaged parts can significantly affect the price.

Looking to sell your Rolex? Consult Pixiu Watch if you are unsure.

If you are still unsure about the Rolex you have, or want to know the fairest market price and receive the highest offer for your watch, do not hesitate to contact Pixiu Watch. We are experts ready to buy your watch with honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness. Whether you want to sell a used watch or a designer watch, we are ready to provide consultation and professional price evaluation for your authentic designer watch, ensuring you are confident that you are selling your used watch online for the best and most worthwhile price.

Contact Pixiu Watch for a free consultation and price evaluation!

 

General reference sources:

  • Rolex Serial Numbers and Production Dates - Bob's Watches

  • Buying and Selling a Rolex: A Comprehensive Guide - Watchfinder & Co.

  • The Most Collectible Rolex Dials - Hodinkee

  • Rolex Submariner Collectibility - Bob's Watches

  • Rolex GMT-Master II Collector's Guide - Bob's Watches

  • Rolex Datejust Official Website

  • Rolex Milgauss Collectibility - Bob's Watches

  • Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Dial - Bob's Watches

  • The Rolex Day-Date: A Complete Collector's Guide - Sotheby's

  • Fratello's Top 5 Rolex Day-Date Models With Exotic Dials - Fratello Watches

  • In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II - Monochrome Watches

  • The Rolex Buckley Dial - Timeless Vintage

  • Everything You Need to Know About the Rolex Submariner Maxi Dial 5513 - Revolution Watch

  • Owning A Rolex 5513 Submariner Maxi Dial - Fratello Watches

  • COMEX Rolex Submariner 16610 Review and Guide - Bob's Watches

  • A Deep Dive Into The Rolex COMEX Submariner - Watch Collecting

  • Rolex Submariner 116619 "Smurf" in 18k White Gold - Bob's Watches

  • Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch: platinum - Rolex

  • The colourful world of Rolex Stella dials - A Collected Man

  • Introducing the 1994 Rolex Day-Date 'President' 18238 with onyx dial - Watches of Wales

  • A Guide To Wood-Dial Watches - Hodinkee

  • Rolex Stone Dial Watches: Why Collectors Are Hunting for These Models - Bob's Watches

  • Rolex and Hardstone Dials: A Love Story - Phillips Auction

  • Rolex gem-set watches - Rolex

  • Buy Used Rolex Milgauss 116400 - Bob's Watches

 

 

Written by Patchara Koompong

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