Pretty incredible how quickly times have changed

[ink3027]

I was looking for something unrelated to watches in my email today, but came across an email from a trusted seller here on TRF. It was dated September 14, 2017 -- just 10 months ago. The seller had a BNIB 114060 with an unnamed warranty card and was willing to do $6900 overnight shipped to my door. The MSRP is currently $7500 from an AD, if you can find it, and BNIB like that is selling for +/- $8000 with various grey market dealers.

During that same time, I also remember visiting a local AD that was willing to sell a 114060 with a 5% discount. Nowadays, I'd have to put my name on a waiting list.

Really wild how quickly and drastically the Rolex stainless steel landscape changed.

[AK797]

Put another grand on top and welcome to the UK.

[Fujiman]

It's turned me off to today's Rolex. I'm glad I have my three, especially as I prefer the 5 digit references and all of mine would sell for lots more than I paid for them.

[SG56]

I've said it before.

The prices are that way, because people are paying them.
If people stop buying, prices will tank.

[T01]

Agreed. It's incredible how much it's changed. I remember the days when I'd walk into my AD and hulk and or BLNR would just be sitting there from time to time, along with all the standard SS sport watches.

[Quailhunter]

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

Agreed!

[49ers101hitters]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

Agreed!

Just buy 14060, it’s a better watch anyway.

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

Plus one. It's a minor inconvenience. And sometimes the chase makes makes getting it more exciting

[CLG23]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

This

[beachbum]

Just crazy indeed! Not even 2 years ago 116520 both colors mint could be had for 10k. Oh yeah and I flipped my blue 5711 last year for 27k ! My how the times have changed 🤣🤣🤣

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by beachbum

Just crazy indeed! Not even 2 years ago 116520 both colors mint could be had for 10k. Oh yeah and I flipped my blue 5711 last year for 27k ! My how the times have changed 🤣🤣🤣

How I wish I had seen that then...

[J_1964]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

[stratguy]

I was in a local AD at lunch to try on a few watches, and was wearing my 114060. I took it off and put it in the tray. The saleswoman picks it up and says "It's been so long since I've seen a Sub, I had forgotten what they look like".

Very sad state of affairs.

[cvera]

Originally Posted by stratguy

I was in a local AD at lunch to try on a few watches, and was wearing my 114060. I took it off and put it in the tray. The saleswoman picks it up and says "It's been so long since I've seen a Sub, I had forgotten what they look like".

Very sad state of affairs.

That's sad

[Snesmario]

I’m still surprised there are so many watch enthusiasts out there who are tripping over each other to buy a SS Rolex sport watch

Surely it has to reach a point where the demand slows down?

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by Snesmario

I’m still surprised there are so many watch enthusiasts out there who are tripping over each other to buy a SS Rolex sport watch

Surely it has to reach a point where the demand slows down?

World population continues to grow.

[droptopman]

Similar experience. Was looking for something in my email folders and ran across an email between me and a TS about a 116610 LV lightly used for $6800. This was last spring. I remember I got busy and did not respond until a couple days later. Watch was sold and went off the radar for a few months. When I started looking again they are 10K+...Ooops

[Onequik135i]

Sucks I am late into the game with the SS models, started off with DJ's years back.

[ragsk]

Global prosperity doesnt change so much in a year.

There is more to it. Rolex is screwing with us.

[oldman2005]

Sometimes during the great recession recovery period, I walked in my favourite AD and asked for SS Daytona, the saleperson asked for my name and checked his computer, he told me that I'm their good customer and showed me a white face SS Daytona and said it could be mine I want it...

Those good old days...But save my cash, with the trade war another recession can come

[envuks]

I do believe there is more going on than pure supply and demand as well, but that is certainly speculative on my part.

The lack of availability has obviously driven Rolex prices up in secondary/grey markets. Rolex must know this. From a business I wonder if they’re doing a proof of concept on market tolerance of prices. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. In theory, there would be a MSRP that Rolex could raise to that would make the business more profitable while producing less watches each year. Rolex is effectively positioned to reduce expenses (reducing production) and increase income (through fewer sales at a higher margin) with one huge msrp adjustment.... theoretically, imagine what a nice pop the overall Rolex company margin would get if they raised msrp to 10% below current grey market prices. They could produce fewer watches and make more on both the top and bottom lines.

It’s quite an amazing business situation. Very unique.

[redsubby]

Originally Posted by envuks

I do believe there is more going on than pure supply and demand as well, but that is certainly speculative on my part.

This. I don't believe it one bit that suddenly so many people are buying these watches in less than a year. The economy is good, but not this good.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by redsubby

This. I don't believe it one bit that suddenly so many people are buying these watches in less than a year. The economy is good, but not this good.

Initially it was genuine cash demand, but as prices rose it attracted flippers and credit buyers, as in any hyped market, which made prices rise even higher. And don't forget the watch market is not efficient, like the stock market, it is largely a racket run by a few now huge grey dealers who have a huge profit incentive to keep raising prices and to keep the hype going.

[Rolex addict]

It's a bubble and it will pop. We'll hear the same old story. This time is different. Sure it is.

[daytonastl]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

It's a bubble and it will pop. We'll hear the same old story. This time is different. Sure it is.

Trees don't grow to the sky. Bubbles always burst. As you said, no difference this time.

[HobokenRolex]

There must be a price increase coming. Maybe they're holding back for that and then increase the availability at ADs? If I'm not mistaken, the prices on SS sport models have been the same for several years.

[Nikrnic]

I bought my 114060 new at my AD in mid November at 7% off. Large Rolex boutique and they've been out since before Christmas

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[KBM]

Times sure have a-changed.

[jbsmith]

Glad I already have all the rolexes I want. Time to move on to other brands.

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