While Rolex is known today for its prestigious reputation, it owes much of its success to its history of innovation and experimentation. Over the decades, the Swiss giant has created some truly peculiar and bold watches that deviate from its usual image of classic luxury.
Rolex Cellini King Midas
The Cellini King Midas stands out with its asymmetrical, polygonal case and streamlined integrated bracelet – unlike anything else in the Rolex catalog. Introduced in 1964, it was designed by Gerald Genta, the mind behind other iconic copy watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. The King Midas was inspired by the myth of King Midas, and fittingly, it was the heaviest gold watch available at the time, as well as the most expensive replica Rolex of its era.
Celebrities such as John Wayne, Elvis Presley, and even Christopher Lee as Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun have worn this model. More recently, pop stars like Rihanna and The Weeknd have also been spotted sporting the King Midas, keeping this peculiar watch relevant today.
Rolex Day-Date ‘Tridor’
At first glance, the Rolex Day-Date ‘Tridor’ might appear to be a regular two-tone watch, but this model actually uses a unique combination of three types of gold: yellow, rose, and white. This trio of metals is fused together on the President bracelet in meticulously straight lines, showcasing Rolex’s unparalleled craftsmanship. Introduced in the 1980s, the Tridor remains one of the brand’s most unique luxury offerings, with the case crafted from white gold and a yellow gold bezel.
The Tridor gained fame on the wrist of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. Although clone Rolex discontinued this model years ago, it still holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts who value its distinct aesthetics.
Domino’s Air-King
One of the most bizarre Rolex collaborations comes in the form of the Domino’s Air-King. Since 1977, Domino’s Pizza has awarded this branded watch to store managers who meet certain sales targets. While many are Air-King models, some later versions used the Oyster Perpetual instead, featuring a distinctive Domino’s logo on the bracelet.
This unlikely pairing of a fast-food chain with a luxury watch brand has resulted in these pieces becoming sought-after curiosities among collectors. Although the requirements to earn one have become more stringent over the years, the Domino’s Rolex remains a cult favorite.
Rolex Day-Date ‘Jigsaw’
In 2025, Rolex took a bold step away from its traditional designs by introducing the Day-Date ‘Jigsaw.’ With a colorful jigsaw puzzle motif on the dial and rainbow-colored gemstones marking the hours, it’s unlike any Rolex released before. The watch also replaced the traditional day and date indicators with inspiring words and emojis, a departure from the brand’s normally refined style.
While some collectors found it outlandish, others, including NFL legend Tom Brady, embraced the playful design. The Day-Date ‘Jigsaw’ shows that even a heritage brand like Rolex isn’t afraid to experiment with whimsy.
Rolex Pearlmaster
The Pearlmaster, based on the Datejust, is another gem-adorned piece that has captured the attention of Rolex fans. Always crafted from precious metals and adorned with diamonds, the Pearlmaster is primarily designed for women, though it has been spotted on male celebrities like LeBron James. The watch’s signature rounded bracelet links and concealed clasp give it a distinct look.
Though not the most technically advanced Rolex, the Pearlmaster’s overt opulence makes it one of the brand’s standout pieces.
Rolex Milgauss
Introduced in 1956 and known for its anti-magnetic properties, the Rolex Milgauss stands out with its green-tinted sapphire crystal and quirky lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand. Initially designed for scientists working in high-magnetic environments, the Milgauss has always been a bit of an oddball in the Rolex lineup. It was discontinued in 2023, but given its cult following, many believe it will return for its 70th anniversary in 2026.
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph
The Datejust Turn-O-Graph, introduced in 1953, was the first Rolex to feature a rotating bezel, paving the way for later tool watches like the GMT-Master and Submariner. It also holds the distinction of being Rolex’s first pilot’s watch, earning it the nickname ‘Thunderbird’ after it was adopted by the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds aerobatic squadron.
Despite its historical significance, the Turn-O-Graph remains relatively obscure compared to other Rolex models, making it a hidden gem for collectors.
Rolex Daytona ‘Leopard’
Perhaps the most garish Rolex replica ever made, the Daytona ‘Leopard’ is a visual spectacle. Crafted in yellow gold with diamond hour markers, this version of the Daytona features a leopard-print dial and strap, along with 36 cognac-colored sapphires set into its bezel. While many would call it an eyesore, it has its fans, including celebrities like Nicolas Cage and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who have proudly worn this extravagant watch.
Rolex Deep Sea Special
The Deep Sea Special is one of the most legendary and unusual Rolex watches ever made. Designed in the 1950s to survive extreme underwater pressures, it accompanied the bathyscaphe Trieste during its 1960 journey to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. With its massive case and domed crystal, the Deep Sea Special is not a practical watch, but it is a testament to Rolex’s engineering prowess.