Dealer stock and prices

[drrich711]

First, I know this is probably a repeat question but I have not seen or addressed concisely in the forums. I am also fairly new to these pages so forgive me.

I would make the following observations:

1). My local AD has had little to no stock for months. Almost no sport models. Scarce men’s watches at all. Last week ONLY stock was a (beautiful) steel and RG brown dial jubilee date just and a Cellini.

2). It seems that pre- owned prices are through the roof. On at least one site I follow (Watchbox/Govberg) My subs (SS/gold), both new with ceramic snd old with metal bezels are listed for low/mid 5 figures.

I would ask the following questions. Responses backed by data as well as opinions are welcome:

1). Is the lack of stock due to lots of people buying watches? It doesn’t fit the current economic climate at least in my mind. Are people making comfort purchases with money saved on traveling etc.? Is this a supply or demand issue or both?

2). Is Rolex producing as many or more watches these days as in the past or are they trying to inflate the market?

Just not understanding what is going on. Thanks.