Buying Rolex/Tudor in Hong Kong in 2021

[teck21]

Originally Posted by snyde

I see your logic but I don’t think WIS support the rest of the market for the other brands. Rolex has a very classic appeal that not every non WIS finds attractive.


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That’s why I said ‘almost nobody’, not nobody.

These would be the people who actually care how their watch/es look.

Most people however only want Rolex and are simply not interested in other brands at all.

It’s the brand they’re after, not the watch.

The crown alone makes Rolex watches look better to them.

Have a large sample of people completely unexposed to luxury watch brands and show them the best each brand has to offer and have them pick what they like the most.

Anyone think Rolex is going to get a quarter share?

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[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by teck21

What he is saying is most Rolex buyers are not watch enthusiasts at all.

Most don’t even know what complication means or what a Patek is, and couldn’t care less.

It’s not always about social media. A very large proportion of Rolex owners, or wanna be owners don’t have time for that.

Watch lovers are but a small sub group of luxury watch buyers, and that is what he means by market.

Everybody in the market for a luxury watch, and almost nobody wants anything but Rolex.

Except WIS.


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That’s exactly what I mean. Thanks.

[Miker86]

Originally Posted by snyde

I see your logic but I don’t think WIS support the rest of the market for the other brands. Rolex has a very classic appeal that not every non WIS finds attractive.


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Agree with this. Very anecdotal but I’ve had two non-WIS friends buy watches recently - they bought Omega and Breitling. If they’re not influenced by social media hype and/or ‘investment’ they’re not going to pay grey prices or start playing the AD games. They’re just not that bothered.

[snyde]

Originally Posted by teck21

That’s why I said ‘almost nobody’, not nobody.

These would be the people who actually care how their watch/es look.

Most people however only want Rolex and are simply not interested in other brands at all.

It’s the brand they’re after, not the watch.

The crown alone makes Rolex watches look better to them.

Have a large sample of people completely unexposed to luxury watch brands and show them the best each brand has to offer and have them pick what they like the most.

Anyone think Rolex is going to get a quarter share?

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I agree with you about the Rolex brand. Which Rolex model do you think would be chosen in your example?


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[17noir]

I'm based in HK and have been trading watches for many years now. I'm not a flipper, just a watch enthusiast.

You probably won't get any desirable Rolex sports model from an AD even if you are willing to pay "market price" or bundle with other watches. We call those undesirable models "bones". Unless you know someone high up or a VVVIP that can introduce you to them, then better off finding one from grey dealer. Most of those YMT/MK/TST greys are reputable, you hear a couple of shady ones from FB/online forums so stay away from those. If you know what you are doing, you can find slightly better deals on FB/Carousell from private sellers. You can get it "checked" at RSC at 14/F.

As for Tudor, you can basically walk in and request certain models. The pepsi GMT was available last week at an AD at Prince Edward. You can probably wait a bit to get the model you want without paying a premium. From experience, if you look new to the watch game, the sales will try to make you bundle with other watches.

Goodluck with the find.

[joe123]

Little update:

Looked around a few ADs in the past week. I kind of don’t want Rolex anymore cause of the retail problem and I feel wearing a Rolex might be too flashy.

Anyway, enquired about the Tudor GMT at a few places. Sold out everywhere, but they were writing down my name and number at all places. Yesterday, I went to one AD, first SA said sold out, another person came and told me to wait, while they “check”. Then they got a GMT from the back. Said someone reserved it but didn’t pick it up.

I did not pull the trigger though, as it was nice but I’m not sure its the best I can get for this amount of money. Will think and research for a bit longer. I asked the SA about her green submariner, and she told me upfront I could not buy those for the original price...

[ADINVA]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

Agree, I have been in HK so many years and follow the forum in HK regarding Rolex. Unless you pay premium, bundles, great networks ( know the top management of the ADs), celebrities, ordinary people like me they won't give a shxt, or if you plan to spend millions u may have a chance, they don't care about relationships but monies.

So true! Can't agree anymore! $$$ is all it counts to these ADs unfortunately. Unless you intend to buy numerous pieces before getting your prized watch, otherwise you are not going to be viewed any different from any Tom, Harry Dick walking into the shop.

[mquarter]

Originally Posted by 17noir

You probably won't get any desirable Rolex sports model from an AD even if you are willing to pay "market price" or bundle with other watches.

Precisely why for Rolex it's better just to go directly to grey. I've noticed the grey prices for new watches in HK are consistently cheaper than other parts of the world.

[Lennxi]

Yes, good luck! HK is the worst place to buy rolex as rolex grey market started there. It is laughable when I hear to build a relationship with ADs. They are busy wholesaling their inventory to the grey market dealers. When they can bulk selling to the grey market, why they bother to build a relationship with you while you maybe buy 2 or 3 at most per year?
I have done quite a bit research of the hk rolex market, checked local grey market and Facebook market. Some of the models you might be able to negotiate for a good price for very little premium, but overall it is still pricy. So if you don't care spending a little bit more than the retail, go find a reputable grey market dealer or even find someone sell on FB privately. Stop wasting time because they ain't getting any cheaper while rolex increases the retail price every year. Also life is short, just get whatever while you can enjoy.