Had it with Rolex

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

Was thinking the same thing about the username!
That said OP, you do a good job of illustrating the rise of Rolex into the stratosphere of other items too expensive for most, except the 1%. Roles still supports the specs but you are right in assuming most, 99%, give or take, will never use it for a rigorous adventure. Sad really… Although, at the crazy prices these "jewelry" items are selling for it's really no surprise. If it's damaged, you're potentially looking at hundreds or thousands to repair or service. Kind of removes the relative comfort level of accidentally bashing it against a door frame.

[Madman37]

Vote labour!

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by uncufunc

I agree with you 100%. Not sure why they keep advertising pieces when they've become so hard to get. I used to check TRF hourly, but went on a hiatus because of the new distribution model

They advertise these models for the same reason car manufacturers advertise their “halo cars.” Chevrolet does not need to advertise the new Corvette to get sales. It is used as a (advertising term) “halo effect” to sell Chevrolets to mainstream butters.

Draw you in with a GMT and you walk out with a Datejust.


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[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

I am being optimistic guys! still hoping things will change!

[yessir69]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

[nektar]

why such a drama? you can always go with Omega :)

[alphadweller]

Take a break from Rolex. Plenty of great deals to be had with other brands and beautiful watches to try.

[Oxfordian]

Not been in the 'hunt the Rolex' game long enough to get that frustrated (yet) but I can see that the difficulty of getting what you want within a reasonable time can cause an element of frustration. I'm waiting on a CHNR which I was told would be early next year, now less than a year probably 6 months. It is difficult to plan when you are going to buy and to have funds readily available when that call comes in from the AD.

For me I'm not going to wait forever, there are other watch brands out there with some stunning timepieces, sure they don't have that immediate financial mark-up that a Rolex tends to have, but they do the job exceptionally well.

[mfm22]

If you're lucky enough to own a Rolex - Then you will use it in any manner you like

I don't now if Rolex was ever considered " blue collar " - and they are far from the much pricier watches from many other brands

I'm always amazed at those that have 5-6 or more Rolex models but so be it , their money to spend as they wish

I can see having a professional model , a DJ , Maybe something more dressy but after 4-5 - move to other brands [ or way sooner ]

Really how many doe we need - answer is = 0 not needed -

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by AbsolutelyROLEX!

And for the middle class to get their hands on one? They have to pay double to triple the price.

What do you guys think? (And please be respectful, I've heard all the snarky comments before LOL!)

OP. Here is what I think.

If you were being overly dramatic and satirical, I give you points for style and command of the language. If you were being serious, I have to disagree with you with your factual premise. I also think you are being short sighted.

1. As to your premise... Subs, Explorers and YM are selling for a very small premium. And no where near "double or triple." And no where near the difference in MSRP that should preclude anyone who could truly afford MSRP from buying one.

Now I agree this may impact those who want to purchase several new sought after models for their collection. But folks spending that kind of money are not in the same league as those looking to buy one Rolex. To use a watch. And wear it. And have a tough, dependable every day watch.

2. As to whether this is good for Rolex... Ten years ago, the mechanical watch industry was in real trouble. And Rolex was not immune. In fact, their AD's were swimming in stock that they could not sell even with large discounts. And this meant they were not re-ordering. And many were tossing in the hat and cancelling their distributorships.

Without a change, Rolex could not survive. It's that simple.

Now, AD's are selling all their stock. PM included. And Rolex is thriving, so mission accomplished.

While I value your opinion, and everyone else's, I think your post is factually incorrect. I also think you are being short sighted. Without a change there would be no Rolex as we know it - a Rolex that can fund charities to achieve its mandate and continue R&D to improve its watches to achieve its purpose.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

This is what it feels like when your bartender forgets your name.

NORM

[PatronMTL]

Meh , I’m not “rich”by any means and I appreciate the watch on my wrist that much more now that they’re impossible to get. Yes I would like a hulk , Daytona , Pepsi at retail, but I rather wait to maybe one day get lucky and get them at retail and feel lucky, and know value holds, than be in a world where I buy something only for value to drop second I walk out of the door or to hear that someone I know got a better deal (car buying styles)

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by AbsolutelyROLEX!

I am being optimistic guys! still hoping things will change!

These watches haven't been "tools" since before the quartz revolution in the 70's. And even then, they were an expensive watch relative to the average worker's salary. You can thank a certain event that occurred in November of 2016 that stimulated the world economy so that many more in the world have the financial means to afford these watches. I think you get my drift.

[904VT]

I think we're really just in a late-market expansion and this expansion has additional buyers in new markets that weren't around in the last expansion. That's why Rolex says they are keeping production where it always has been. I think the only thing that has really changed is the secondary internet market and change in taste of the Asian market towards the Professional series. In the past, the demand in that market has usually been DJs and Day Dates.

Have you tried to purchase a SS Pro lately? I have a feeling you could get one easier than you expect at MSRP if ok waiting a few months. It is what it is as far as not being able to go in a buy one off the shelf, but it doesn't mean they are as impossible to get as some say.

Also, if you would want to really use a watch as a tool watch and want instant purchase gratification, there's no reason an OP39 or DJ41 wouldn't do the job. Most of us don't need the helium escape value unless we're saturation divers and no way any of us non-professional divers dive deeper than 100m on a regular basis.

So there are some more jewelry focused options, but the tool options are also there. Even if a diver I bet a 126660 can be had quite easily with a few weeks patience.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by SWISSAHOLICS

Andy, buddy change your username from AbsoluteyROLEX to HaditwithROLEX.

[Bearxj86]

You know. Its actually not that bad. A watch that costs $9k is going for $12k to $14k on secondary. I mean if its just one its ok.

Some of us that love Pateks are in situations where a $30k or $50k watch is now over $100k...even one is so cost prohibitive...

[Calatrava r]

The market is already turning from what I see. I agree that most new Rolex are available at retail with a little wait and courtesy at this point except the Daytonas and GMTs.
Nothing lasts forever. As the quick profit margins narrow, the buyers drop off quickly. This creates more stock to buy at MSRP which is now starting to happen. It is important to note Rolex would have a hard time surviving if their sales were limited to one watch lifetime owners. They need the volume created by the folks who have to have every model in every color.

[Nikrnic]

I see your point and I cant disagree much, Things are different today but It hasn't changed my lifestyle, I wear the heck out of all my pieces and nobody sees or cares (except here) I've been lucky I guess and able to buy all of my 6 new Rolex ss models below msrp, 5 at ADs in the last 2 years. There are no new models I'm interested in now so I'm looking into another horological brand. Anyway like you said Rolex still advertises all of their sports models only difference now their all in the Two Tone versions.

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[chillwill120]

I'm sorry but the fact that a watch that sells for $9k msrp is now selling for $15k on the gray or pre-owned market did not suddenly turn a tool watch for middle class people into jewelry for rich people. It has been for rich people for a very long time.

[dwjez14]

I agree with you but you have to change your screen user name
Now ? Haha

[noshake]

Originally Posted by bigfatpauli

They have been expensive jewellery for 20 years now, but you only posted this rant now. Why?



I'm not rich and I got a Hulk from my AD, no waiting, and my only prior purchase from them as an Explorer 2 a year prior. You can get the 'hot' models without being a high roller. And I'm not the only person to post a story like this.



I paid retail for my Hulk. So it isn't an "only rich mans" game (ie paying 2X retail).



I wear my Hulk most days, so it isn't jewellery that is never worn. Who says expensive jewellery never get worn? That's a you issue and not one that relates to everyone else.



I think your rant is built on sand.



If you don't like Rolex, that's fine. I can appreciate tastes changing, but your "change" is based on you being frustrated with you not being able to build the rapport with an AD to get the watch you want, not with Rolex itself or their watches.

Same +1

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[dchernikoff]

Hans Wilsdorf solved your problem in 1946. To quote Wikipedia: "The aim of the Tudor brand was to offer a more affordable watch that would preserve the Rolex reputation for quality. Tudor watches were originally equipped with off-the-shelf movements while using Rolex quality cases and bracelets, allowing it to provide the reliability and dependability of a Rolex but at a lower price."

Rolex still makes tool watches for the blue-collar/common man. But they do it thru their sister company, Tudor. It seems to me that the choice is: 1) I want a luxury PM watch, I'll get a Rolex. 2) I want a "tough WORK watches that can withstand anything nature throws at it", I'll get a Tudor. Same company

-Dan.

[jaroush]

Iwc

[vette boy 52]

I showed my ex-wife a Rolex advert from a magazine an AD sent out for Christmas and it has a beautiful 116610 on the back cover.

I ask her what do you think is wrong with this and of course she didn't know. So I told her I don't know why the AD is advertising this watch (I know Rolex requirement) but I can't go down to their store and buy it because they don't have one to sell. The AD misses a sale and I can't purchase this beautiful timepiece.

Come on ROLEX.

[dukie748]

I understand the frustration in the OP’s original post, I too have pretty much given up on the possibility of adding a new Rolex to my collection regardless of wanting to.

I’ve purchased Rolexes via AD and Gray in the past, but these days AD isn't really a viable option due to low stocks and silly games, and I can't mentally justify paying the current exorbitant markup in the gray market despite being in a fortunate position to do so.

I’ve put my name ‘on the list’ for a BLRO at three different ADs in three different countries over the last 18 months or so. I have a relationship and past purchases with all but I have to be realistic - I very much doubt I will ever get a call - as a customer, I just don’t hold any clout whatsoever in the current Rolex climate.

These days I buy a premium watch almost annually, and still have nearly all of them from when I started back in the nineties, I’m not a flipper or looking to profit from a purchase. I don't wear ANY jewelry other than a watch so don't have an opportunity to ingratiate myself to a Rolex AD or become some kind of 'whale' or ‘priority’ customer - and I’m not a Rolex-exclusive guy - I also buy other brands which most Rolex AD's don't sell, so have to shop elsewhere for these anyway.

I'm just a regular customer with a passion for fine timepieces, and unfortunately that doesn't seem to be enough these days to warrant Rolex selling me a watch. It is what it is.

[Chaching]

You gotta pay to play and Rolex is weeding out the nobody’s. Personally I think they are brilliant. Much like Bugatti.... only the wealthy can afford one. This makes it special and separates the Men from the boys. Keep up the good work Rolex.

[H25B]

There’s no “shortage,” just an enormous glut sucked up by flippers and grey dealers. At some point they’ll get squeezed once the fad wears off (which it eventually will).

I’ve learned the worst games are played by the ADs in the larger cities (NYC, SoCal, NorCal, DC, etc..) whereas in the smaller metro areas you’re more likely to find ADs who will at least put you in cue to eventually get what you want. I waited 6 months for my Sub Date. I don’t think that’s bad to get it at MSRP.

If you’re able to fight off the “must have it now” you’ll get what you want.

[Brew]

Para indents on the other side of a lengthy scree are always helpful, fyi.

[locutus49]

This is a really good post. As a former - now retired - working stiff who owned a ROLEX since over 40 years ago, I can tell you Rolex has always been a watch for the well-to-do. They are luxury goods. And as the below poster has pointed out if you can afford one at MSRP you can afford one at a few dollars more.

Finally, I will state the obvious. If these watches were easy to buy, as they once were, people would not crave them so desperately. People want them BECAUSE they are hard to get.

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

OP. Here is what I think.

If you were being overly dramatic and satirical, I give you points for style and command of the language. If you were being serious, I have to disagree with you with your factual premise. I also think you are being short sighted.

1. As to your premise... Subs, Explorers and YM are selling for a very small premium. And no where near "double or triple." And no where near the difference in MSRP that should preclude anyone who could truly afford MSRP from buying one.

Now I agree this may impact those who want to purchase several new sought after models for their collection. But folks spending that kind of money are not in the same league as those looking to buy one Rolex. To use a watch. And wear it. And have a tough, dependable every day watch.

2. As to whether this is good for Rolex... Ten years ago, the mechanical watch industry was in real trouble. And Rolex was not immune. In fact, their AD's were swimming in stock that they could not sell even with large discounts. And this meant they were not re-ordering. And many were tossing in the hat and cancelling their distributorships.

Without a change, Rolex could not survive. It's that simple.

Now, AD's are selling all their stock. PM included. And Rolex is thriving, so mission accomplished.

While I value your opinion, and everyone else's, I think your post is factually incorrect. I also think you are being short sighted. Without a change there would be no Rolex as we know it - a Rolex that can fund charities to achieve its mandate and continue R&D to improve its watches to achieve its purpose.