Supply and Demand for New Rolex Watches

[psifox]

I’m also on a waiting list.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by JonnyOld Boy

There is no such thing as an "exhibition only" watch ... this is just part of a con for the gullible wanna-be's. Those watches are stock , plain and simple. If someone comes in and is crass .... they suddenly get to buy one of those "exhibition watches". I have seen it happen. It's unsavoury and demeaning ... but perfectly fitting .....

I ‘m aware they are stock. I bought one. Rolex has a rule that each AD must maintain a certain amount of watches for exhibition duty, at all times, depending on their tier level. There are guidelines as to which models should be represented. If a customer wants to purchase one of those watches, the AD can sell it to him/her, as long as he has a suitable replacement, to maintain the exhibition quota. I don’t know why you think it’s unsavory and/or demeaning. Rolex just wants to make sure there are enough watches for potential customers to look at, try on, etc.The watches remain fully stickered, so well protected, while doing their exhibition duty.

Kat


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[winst]

Originally Posted by Romeojk

How about a picture so we can see what it looks like. Sounds like you’re not happy they gave you one. To each his own. Congrats maybe??

Must be on a waiting list for a camera!

[Hodog16]

I dunno--every time the AD calls me for a watch they want it sold ASAP, ideally within 48 hours. Something about swiping that card helps get them in line for another allocation. I don't think Rolex likes it when watches sit.

[Aman08]

Exactly what Kat said. Rolex has some very strict rules that their Ads are to follow. They get secret shopped multiple times a year and all dealers get a score card at the end of the year. One of the requirements is they have a certain number of “exhibition” models on display and these are watches that could be sold and have warranty card shipped. I was at my AD when they received a shipment and saw how they switch out certain pieces and call the appropriate customers to come and collect. That is what we see but the real question is what stock is in the safe.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Hodog16

I dunno--every time the AD calls me for a watch they want it sold ASAP, ideally within 48 hours. Something about swiping that card helps get them in line for another allocation. I don't think Rolex likes it when watches sit.

When they call me, I’m there within an hour. I’m not taking any chances on missing out. I know I’m overzealous in that regard, but with the shortage, I’m not taking the chance that somehow I’ll miss an allocation.

Kat


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[Chickenbone29]

Hey thanks for all the responses. First, I never said I was unhappy. I was looking for this watch since January 2020. I liked it. I like two toned watches. My submariner is also stainless and gold. I was very happy to be offered the watch and yes I purchased it.

I never thought of a lot of these perspectives that were pointed out on this forum and I thank everyone for responding. I may be naïve since I thought the exhibition watches were either not complete or just a tease. I saw numerous exhibition watches and thought it was ridiculous to have these sitting around collecting dust. I am pretty much sure that if someone inquires about a specific watch they already know what it looks like.

Here is the watch I purchased. Yes it was 19k. The preowned watch that was offered to me in October was 25k. Glad I waited three months. By the way, the store did not have this watch on display.

[Chickenbone29]

I cant seem to get photos to display.

[Chickenbone29]

Well, Ill figure out how to post photos later. I've tried three times.

[GGGMT]

Man oh man! Where have you been all these years? This is cute as heck!


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[winst]

Originally Posted by Chickenbone29

Well, Ill figure out how to post photos later. I've tried three times.

Many of us find the Tapatalk App to be a good way of posting photos on the forum.

[stark1]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I know there is a tier system, as my AD moved up to the next tier last year, based on some unknown criteria. I didn’t feel it was my place to ask what that might be. I suspect it’s based on remaining in Rolex’s good graces, by following all their rules. I also know the higher the AD’s tier level, the more watches they get.

Kat


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Per my AD, Rolex considers there to be 3 tiers of AD's, and this AD is considered 3rd tier meaning relatively small store in a medium size town that carries multiple brands with a Rolex carveout. AD's tier ranking directly correlates to how many watches Rolex sends them. I'm not exactly sure what 2nd and 1st tier stores are identified as, though I surmise it's WoS and Bucherer operated, etc.

[ChronoZach]

Recently, I have seen some pieces available for walk ins , DJ, TT DJ and diamond DD pieces none of the in demand dials or combos, if you are very lucky a sports model like a DSSD or SD in TT.

Once upon a time the exhibition only signs were necessary during the COVID craze.
Now they a brilliant marketing strategy to keep things going. The harsh reality is that this has turned off allot of Rolex enthusiasts and even more new clients.

Last year, I saw some of these changes myself more stock available with some good experiences and some bad ones . What bothered me the most was the fact that they don’t care about any client, which I guess is what the Op is saying? Having to go through a few ADs to get something he wanted. I hope he got his CHNR and is enjoying it!

I agree that we have no right to be upset on how an AD or boutique allocates its own stock after all it is their stock and they can sell it to who ever they want.

Some of us have great ADs others don’t, even getting a new watch is a mission sometimes. I’m happy if I can get something, I want great and if not that’s not the end of the world.


Cheers,

[racerx]

Lots of demand, not much supply.

[Daytona king]

Originally Posted by Chickenbone29

So since 2020, I have been looking for a GMT Rootbeer brown two toned watch. I traveled to Austria and Germany and went to several Rolex shops. No one had a new one and their Rolex inventory was limited, like 3-4 watches. However, a used rootbeer brown watch was conveniently priced at 25k.

Last year I went to Las Vegas and tried three Rolex stores (or authorized Rolex sellers) and all of them said their was a very long waiting list. A few days ago I went back to Las Vegas to pick up my watch that was serviced. Again I asked about the rootbeer Rolex and was told that I was still on a waiting list. I went to three different Rolex stores and got the same answer. When I went back to a store where I had previously purchased a watch I got the same story. A few minutes later, BAM they produced the watch and said I could buy it. WTF? This store repeatedly told me there was a waiting list and that they only had three watches available for sale and one was not the rootbeer GMT. As I was there, three watches sold, a GMT, one Submariner, and an unknown style.

Is there some supply and demand games going on with these authorized dealers?

So you wanted this watch for 5 years. You were offered the watch on the spot after asking about it multiple ADs and they said no way and I’m assuming you didn’t buy the watch? This makes no sense to me. Sorry


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