Why doesn't Rolex and other watch manufacturers make what people want?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by dee66

I really do not understand why doesn't Rolex make more of the watches people want. It is obvious that people do not want so many two-tone watches and want more GMT and daytona's. Patek only has 2 models (nautilus and aquanaut) that are in demand. AP has the royal oak. Why make so many of things that are not in demand? Getting really tired of all the watch makers.

Taste is subjective OP. Different countries, consumers and markets prefer different sizes and configurations of watches. The hype train in say the US can at times place emphasis on certain genres - like the stainless steel craze - however, at times in recent history, for example lates 80s to mid 90s the twotone watch and yellow gold in general were preferred over SS. To a certain extent, like many fashion phases, the twotone appreciation is returning in North America some 30-40 years later. These cycles are ongoing worldwide and don’t always synchronize with North America.

Rolex sells every single watch they produce which should tell you all you need to know.

[OG1982]

You don't want what you want, you want what Rolex tells you that you want.

[Tim Plains]

Originally Posted by dee66

I really do not understand why doesn't Rolex make more of the watches people want. It is obvious that people do not want so many two-tone watches and want more GMT and daytona's.

Teddy Baldassarre made a video about this maybe two years ago that I agree with. You're only looking at immediate needs. Why can't I walk into a store right now and buy the watch I want? These legacy brands are playing the long game and looking 20, 50, even 100 years down the road and excessively over ramping production on GMTs or Daytonas today because they're trendy could mean needing to discount them in the future.

[Yobber76]

Why does the Colonel still make the same chicken, and after all of these years I still crave it fort-nightly!
I wish I knew!

[worldofoyster]

To create desire and demand

[watchlady]

I assume to get on the good side of Rolex dealers need to buy some models they don't really want in order to get the ones they do want. How else would all the Non ADs get so many new watches? In addition I assume in different parts of the world different models are more popular.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I mean it didn’t work out so well for Panerai but G-Shock seems to be killin’ it.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I mean it didn’t work out so well for Panerai but G-Shock seems to be killin’ it.

$8000 vs $100.

But yes, I know someone in a Panerai boutique and know the sales numbers. Dismal, at best.

[BraveBold]

If they create too much of what people want, people will not want those models as much.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Art 1

$8000 vs $100.

But yes, I know someone in a Panerai boutique and know the sales numbers. Dismal, at best.

Yes, thank you for reinforcing my perhaps-too-subtle point that this behavior is more sustainable at a lower price point.

[Kevin Rohrer]

I agree with the OP that it would not hurt to see the production of GMTs and Daytonas increase.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Yes, thank you for reinforcing my perhaps-too-subtle point that this behavior is more sustainable at a lower price point.

I knew what you meant

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

If they create too much of what people want, people will not want those models as much.

Exactly. I can recall and I’m sure you can as well seeing 3 or 4 of most subs, GMT’s and ex 2. The Canadian AD had 12 hulks in stock. I recall seeing Pepsis. 3 Blk LNc in the case at one time. Was common. I bought green bezled subs out of the case. Was offered 2 green bezel subs at once for $10,000 USD total
from the AD in Tampa. On and on.

Was no urgency in making a purchase. The cases were loaded with watches.

Ex1’s and white ex2’s always seemed in short supply.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Art 1

I knew what you meant

[Richard751]

They limit production of the most desired models to maintain exclusivity, protect brand image, and push sales of less-hyped watches that keep their business stable.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by watchlady

I assume to get on the good side of Rolex dealers need to buy some models they don't really want in order to get the ones they do want. How else would all the Non ADs get so many new watches? In addition I assume in different parts of the world different models are more popular.

This was the way for a very long time.


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