ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
8 October 2024, 12:20 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usa
Posts: 22
|
Is Rolex’s inventory ever going to get better?
I’m relatively new to the Rolex scene, so I hope I’m not being too naive, but I honestly didn’t expect it to be this challenging to get a watch. I recently graduated and wanted to treat myself to a white smooth bezel Datejust to celebrate my hard work and mark this significant milestone in my life. Back in February, I put my name down at two local authorized dealers, feeling hopeful that the wait wouldn’t be too long. Still I haven’t received an update or really anything regarding the watch I was interested in from my two ADs. I had read that smooth bezel Datejusts weren’t as popular, which gave me optimism about my chances.
However, my experience has been quite different. I just returned from a trip to London, where I visited seven out of eight Rolex ADs, and to my surprise, none of them had the watch I was looking for. In fact, they had very few watches available at all—mostly just a handful of gold pieces that were far outside my budget. While I know I could explore the gray market, I’m hesitant about going that route. I’ve heard too many stories about issues with authenticity and pricing, and I’d much rather buy directly from an authorized dealer to ensure I’m getting a legitimate product and proper support. I truly didn’t think this process would be so difficult! I’m starting to wonder if the situation will ever improve, or if this is just the new normal in the Rolex market. |
8 October 2024, 12:30 PM | #2 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: USA <> BKK
Posts: 6,128
|
I think, moving forward, most of the most desirable luxury brand will constantly alter production annually to create a scarcity. As they’ve seen exactly how it pumps demand to unparalleled levels. For instance if Q1 2025 shows a slowdown compared to Q1 2024, Rolex will immediately cut production. I think going forward, things will never return, and it will be pretty impossible to ever find a SS models sitting in a display again, aside from maybe Datejusts.
I just posted about this, after going grey for multiple pieces my family and I have been waiting for. The entire luxury landscape has changed, forever, my opinion. And I was one who adamant it would return shortly after COVID previously.
__________________
Daytona 126500LN ~ Deepsea 136660
Explorer II 226570 ~ Sky-Dweller 336934 Submariner 126610LV ~ Yacht-Master 126622 Datejust 126233 ~ Datejust 126284RBR Oyster Perpetual 126000 ~ Oyster Perpetual 277200 |
8 October 2024, 01:32 PM | #3 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Vain
Posts: 6,000
|
Quote:
Scarcity (even if it's simply the perception of) wins the luxury wars. |
|
8 October 2024, 02:58 PM | #4 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: By the sea
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
After two Rolex’s and a Bb58, I can say that it is not worthy to stress yourself over a watch. Unfortunately, Rolex made it a terrible experience for many of us. |
|
8 October 2024, 03:42 PM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Alexandria, VA
Watch: Love them.
Posts: 1,093
|
Could not agree more. Attitude and hoops are ridiculous. I applaud those who have the time to stop by their dealers once or more a month. I don't. My workdays are spent trying to earn a living. My weekends are spent relaxing and doing other things then schlepping downtown or out 30 min one way to a shopping center.
After two Rolexes and a Panerai, I told my dealer I wanted a Sub LV. this was in April. By July I had still heard nothing. I heard the knocking of a grey dealer on this site offering a lnib LV. I answered, and after some back and forth I sent my LN out for trade. 24 Hours later I had my new watch, all boxes papers and both tags. The watch still had some bracelet and clasp stickers on... Lesson is as long as you stick to the dealers who advertise here you should be fine. Your mileage may vary based on pricing. It beats having to wear the knees off of your trousers begging someone for a watch from a company that makes a million of them a year.... |
8 October 2024, 04:02 PM | #6 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: USA <> BKK
Posts: 6,128
|
Quote:
Said forget it, grey and done, zero stress, all I want. All good
__________________
Daytona 126500LN ~ Deepsea 136660
Explorer II 226570 ~ Sky-Dweller 336934 Submariner 126610LV ~ Yacht-Master 126622 Datejust 126233 ~ Datejust 126284RBR Oyster Perpetual 126000 ~ Oyster Perpetual 277200 |
|
8 October 2024, 07:58 PM | #7 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: Bahrain
Posts: 65
|
Quote:
|
|
8 October 2024, 12:32 PM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Jax
Posts: 4
|
My biggest issue is you never really know if any of them will ever call. I think most of them write down your info on a piece of scrap paper and throw it in the trash once you leave. If there was an actual real time frame to wait or real ESD, folks would more than likely just wait. Plus it’s all location dependent and AD behavior varies per location.
|
8 October 2024, 04:18 PM | #9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Real Name: David
Location: Socal
Watch: Patek 3970
Posts: 347
|
Quote:
So they may in fact throw it away. What a way to run a business that sells products no one actually needs that can go for 40-50k for a non- limited production piece. |
|
8 October 2024, 12:35 PM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Underground
Posts: 2,527
|
Yes, the inventory issue is getting better and should keep improving unless we end up in another situation like COVID.
How many times have you visited your local ADs since February? If you haven’t gone at all, that might be why you haven't heard anything. You should definitely follow up with them regularly, but try not to be too pushy. I really think you could get a Datejust in a flash if you stay on top of it. They’re in the business of selling watches, so don’t let anyone tell you that a Datejust is waitlisted or that you need to build a spending history for it. It’s a model they’re eager to sell in this down market. |
8 October 2024, 01:02 PM | #11 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usa
Posts: 22
|
Quote:
|
|
8 October 2024, 12:37 PM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: USA
Posts: 453
|
I’m not sure you’ll ever see a popular ss model in the case. An AD may sell those to their current clients or those that bring a story or reason why they’re purchasing if new or if they like you.
|
8 October 2024, 12:38 PM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: USA
Watch: DJ41 126334 Silver
Posts: 150
|
They’re building tons of new factory and production capacity. They won’t do that to slow down production or temper it further than it has been before. I think they’ll always have a few very difficult to find pieces. However, I think they want to sell watches.
I think we will see “the call” and tbe “waitlist” mentality stay for many/mist pieces… but you’ll be waiting for weeks or a few months, and it’ll mostly be for show and to make the experience seem special. Just my uneducated guess. |
8 October 2024, 01:07 PM | #14 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: NYC
Posts: 247
|
Try your luck at a bugger AD like Bucherer in one of the major metro areas. They receive quite a few allocations. When I was picking up my watch in Feb I have seen smooth bezel DJ41 on Jubilee with blue dial available for a walk in purchase.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
8 October 2024, 06:35 PM | #15 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: UK
Watch: 226570
Posts: 961
|
Quote:
|
|
8 October 2024, 07:32 PM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 148
|
|
8 October 2024, 09:26 PM | #17 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: NYC
Posts: 247
|
|
8 October 2024, 01:07 PM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: US
Posts: 2,146
|
Question was asked, how many times have you been back since February?
|
8 October 2024, 01:09 PM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usa
Posts: 22
|
Probably once or twice a month since February, I didn’t go really in June or July but I started back in August id say.
|
8 October 2024, 01:51 PM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Here and there
Posts: 520
|
|
8 October 2024, 01:11 PM | #21 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: Usa
Posts: 22
|
Quote:
|
|
8 October 2024, 01:14 PM | #22 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: U.S.A.
Watch: SD43
Posts: 3,260
|
Is Rolex’s inventory ever going to get better?
Hang in there OP. A smooth bezel DJ is a piece you should never have to go the used market for
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
8 October 2024, 01:48 PM | #23 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Here and there
Posts: 520
|
Quote:
|
|
8 October 2024, 02:30 PM | #24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Uk
Watch: RolexGMT/Tudor7928
Posts: 3,906
|
You are doing the right thing by keeping in touch with your AD but I’d be tempted to register your interest at another place to keep all options open.
Good luck with the wait hopefully it gets you what you want |
8 October 2024, 07:26 PM | #25 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 76,924
|
I think Rolex and other luxury brands straddle the line between making just enough product to satisfy demand while holding back enough to create scarcity
|
8 October 2024, 11:58 PM | #26 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2023
Real Name: Eaton B.
Location: California
Watch: n+1
Posts: 153
|
Quote:
+1 Enzo Ferrari figured it out 70 years ago. …Build one less than what the market demands. That being said, Rolex isn’t spending $1+ Billion on new factories to maintain the current situation which alienates too many potential customers. It has to bother them that Panda’s and Pepsi’s are immediately flipped for 2x. I’m assuming they want to satisfy market demand, and be able to raise the prices (increase profits) accordingly at the same time. |
|
Yesterday, 12:00 AM | #27 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: USA <> BKK
Posts: 6,128
|
Quote:
I actually think the opposite. They LOVE they’re flipped for 2x profit.
__________________
Daytona 126500LN ~ Deepsea 136660
Explorer II 226570 ~ Sky-Dweller 336934 Submariner 126610LV ~ Yacht-Master 126622 Datejust 126233 ~ Datejust 126284RBR Oyster Perpetual 126000 ~ Oyster Perpetual 277200 |
|
Yesterday, 12:16 AM | #28 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2023
Real Name: Eaton B.
Location: California
Watch: n+1
Posts: 153
|
Quote:
they’re not getting the additional profit when they flip for 2x, someone else is |
|
Yesterday, 12:20 AM | #29 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: USA <> BKK
Posts: 6,128
|
We’ll see what they actually do with this. I don’t think its purpose will be to pump out more Pepsi and Daytona as a lot of people ‘wishfully’ think. Time will tell
__________________
Daytona 126500LN ~ Deepsea 136660
Explorer II 226570 ~ Sky-Dweller 336934 Submariner 126610LV ~ Yacht-Master 126622 Datejust 126233 ~ Datejust 126284RBR Oyster Perpetual 126000 ~ Oyster Perpetual 277200 |
Yesterday, 12:23 AM | #30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twilight Zone
Posts: 549
|
True they are not getting the extra profit but the hype generated makes them more money in the long run. I can’t count how many people I know settled for “lesser” models because they just wanted a Rolex because they heard Rolexes are hard to get. Also I know many who are building a profile with their AD trying to build a purchase history buying not so desirable models to be able to get the harder models down the road. Rolex is making their money regardless. The scarcity is helping Rolex big time.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.