We can't get a Daytona C and why we want it that way

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

There is the same amount of Daytona regardless of grey v AD.

All those at grey dealers do not have average Joe owners as you put it, so they cannot therefore be more available, because if they were sold by the AD at retail to the average Joe and not the grey market, then the average Joe would have them and not the grey dealer!!!!!!

Sorry, but I disagree with everything except that there is the same number of watches available either way. I didn't say there are more watches available - I said there are more watches available to anyone who wants one because the grey market isn't playing favorites like the AD's are.

So, being the number of watches doesn't change. what difference would it make on the availability - grey dealers or not? The resellers aren't vaulting these watches, they are reselling them. If there are wait lists at authorized dealers then there still would be. The difference is the average Joe that will have to wait a year or more to get one from his AD can buy one tomorrow from a grey dealer if he chooses, albeit at a premium. But time is money.

[Robbyman]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Sorry, but I disagree with everything except that there is the same number of watches available either way. I didn't say there are more watches available - I said there are more watches available to anyone who wants one because the grey market isn't playing favorites like the AD's are.



So, being the number of watches doesn't change. what difference would it make on the availability - grey dealers or not? The resellers aren't vaulting these watches, they are reselling them. If there are wait lists at authorized dealers then there still would be. The difference is the average Joe that will have to wait a year or more to get one from his AD can buy one tomorrow from a grey dealer if he chooses, albeit at a premium. But time is money.

More at sold at retail pricing, less at higher grey dealer prices that people will not pay, so those still for sale at grey dealers right now would have nice homes with the average Joe as all would be bought via an AD.

If you do not get that then you have lost the plot.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

More at sold at retail pricing, less at higher grey dealer prices that people will not pay, so those still for sale at grey dealers right now would have nice homes with the average Joe as all would be bought via an AD.

If you do not get that then you have lost the plot.

Most AD's have not gotten that many watches (mine has gotten two so far and that's for two stores) so they still have preferred customers waiting on lists. Therefore by and large if the watches that have gone to the grey market went to consuming customers instead, there would be a few more "A" listers with them, not significantly more average Rolex owners would be wearing them right now.

At this point, the AD's that have diverted the D500 to the grey market have only hurt their best preferred customers who may have gotten the call. None of these watches would have been in the store window waiting for Joe Blow to come in and buy it.

The fact currently remains, if you are not a special customer in a power position with an AD then you go on a wait list and chances are it's a long wait. Or you can buy one from a reseller today that you have virtually no special relationship with.

[AMCK87]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Most AD's have not gotten that many watches (mine has gotten two so far and that's for two stores) so they still have preferred customers waiting on lists.

Don't know if this is true. I know of at least three ADs (in tier-1 US cities) that said they have been averaging 2/3 a month since the first shipments in late May. I'm sure some of the smaller/more rural locations might not get as much but the bigger ADs are getting plenty (relatively speaking).

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by AMehta87

Don't know if this is true. I know of at least three ADs (in tier-1 US cities) that said they have been averaging 2/3 a month since the first shipments in late May. I'm sure some of the smaller/more rural locations might not get as much but the bigger ADs are getting plenty (relatively speaking).

So on average 12 people will get the Daytona they want (12 on the black dial list and 12 on the white) from a Tier 1 AD within a year after they first started receiving them. Call me crazy, but to me that is not a lot. And as you say, other ADs are getting fewer. I doubt that covers the preferred customers alone in a big city AD, so how realistic is it for the average guy to expect a call any time soon?

[GradyPhilpott]

I have no problem with the way Rolex operates.

It is what it is.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by Spartacus

Scarcity is good. Inequity of distribution is not. Seeing members posts that they have obtained two Daytona Ceramic models while other good customers are being placated by position numbers in a non linear line is hard to justify.

Why is that? If I wanted them my AD could probably get me both dials within a week or so but I am a long term customer who has bought many many watches and even jewelry from them.

Making their best customers happy is good business. Ultimately if someone with no prior relationship really wants one they'll get it. We're not talking something like Patek application pieces here.

[Steel28]

To tell you the truth I was offered both, black and white dial Daytona but I decided to pass. Can get one in a few months if i really want it in the future. I have purchased two Pams and three Rolex SS with hefty discount including SS 116520, 116610 and 116710.

[schnitzerphilip]

Originally Posted by AK797

I don't agree, maybe before but in this new world of social media and the internet the negative stories are turning people off and when they can collectively share their angst and feed off each other and even come up with conspiracy theories etc it really doesn't help Rolex's image, and to take an incessant battering and ridicule actually negates the whole Veblen appeal. I see just as many people getting turned off the brand entire than are salivating for this piece.

I agree, but a lot of this ballyhoo is really just wasted energy.

A new 115600LN plus tax is $13,500. If you go grey, it's $17,000. The delta is $3,500 My opinion, anyone who can afford a $13,500 watch can afford a $17,000 watch.

In my case, after waiting a year on the 5th Ave NYC list and moving from #89 to #68 I decided enough is enough, bubble wrapped the DJ that I only wore 5x a year, and within 24 hours had a grey dealer meet me for the DJ plus cash, and now have a Daytona Ceramic on my left wrist.

The narrative needs to change. To this point it's been about waiting lists, AD strategies, and luck. With grey prices falling, the conversation should be about whether or not you can sacrifice a seldom-worn Rolex in the collection or come up with a little more pocket change to make up the delta and put an end to a frustrating 3+ year wait.