Are we being played for fools ???????

[watchwatcher]

We're only fools if we act like it.

In this watch landscape, there are choices to be made. And whether we are fools are not depends on the choices we make.

The bottom line of TRF has always been, though, if you're happy with your watch and you can comfortably afford it, then that's all that really matters.

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

The bottom line of TRF has always been, though, if you're happy with your watch and you can comfortably afford it, then that's all that really matters.

say it again for the folks in the way back.

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by exador

Seriously? These are expensive trinkets we’re talking about here; not putting food on the table for a starving family

Agree. Let’s just be thankful we are talking about watches and not the food supply, water, fuel, electricity and other real necessities.

[Calatrava r]

I would not hold my breath for a market rebalance. It isn't happening. This is the new normal for the foreseeable future. Good or bad economy makes no difference. Only when the watches are no longer "cool" will the demand drastically drop. I do not see that happening.

[GRabens]

To be honest, I have kind of lost my interest in Rolex over the last few years due to the current state of the market. I was a loyal enthusiast for over 20+ years and I now I could almost care less. I've started losing my interest in watches in general due to the exorbitant prices that have continued to escalate year over year at rates way beyond inflation. I am sure I am not alone. I wonder how this will affect the Swiss watch industry over the next 10 to 20 years. For now, I have stopped drinking the Kool-Aid.

[exador]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I would not hold my breath for a market rebalance. It isn't happening. This is the new normal for the foreseeable future. Good or bad economy makes no difference. Only when the watches are no longer "cool" will the demand drastically drop. I do not see that happening.

I do. When the #InstaGratification Kiddies grow up and realise that you can’t house a family in a Rolex, ADs will be awash again

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by aaron1977

same......posts.....over......and.....over....

But soooooo true !!!!

I’m not playing the fool in the rain !!!
No pun intended... lol

[gsteve]

It’s the rarity that’s driving Rolex, the infamy of it in the watch world. I bet 50% of the ppl hunting for one are doing only because they are extremely hard to find. I’m sure there’s a term for it. It’s provable in the fact that you can find TT subs and Daytonas in stores but rarely a SS.

[mrclutch3]

Originally Posted by gsteve

it’s the rarity that’s driving rolex, the infamy of it in the watch world. I bet 50% of the ppl hunting for one are doing only because they are extremely hard to find. I’m sure there’s a term for it. It’s provable in the fact that you can find tt subs and daytonas in stores but rarely a ss.

fomo

[icnbne]

Its a psychological game, right now u need(?) them more than they need you
Its business and theyll do what they need to do and when/if they correct, itll be the other way around

Now, ive taken note of AD’s that have become complete dicks, regardless of weather they sell me watches or not, and i wont be going back when they need me

[Mr.Rolex1]

Originally Posted by garyfromleeds

As we have seen now for a couple of years the prices for steel sports is just plain nuts , totally crazy !!! even laughable !!!! we watch collectors enthusiasts begging our ADs to please take our Hard Earned money and only for them to say sorry your not that important to us or the list is closed or some other bull like that etc .

In no time soon there has to be a market rebalance and prices come back to a sensible level , all that said when the market prices correct themselves and stock comes back in the windows are you going to buy the watches after all this rubbish thats gone on ??? im sure not my money wasn't good enough in the good times so they can go whistle !!!

ive been into watches since being 19yrs old im 46 now , some of the underhand goings on here in westyorkshire is beyond belief and thats fact !!!
Are we being played for fools ?????

wheres all the good stuff going too ????
it sure isn't me or anyone I know .

People buying multiple pieces such as grey dealers

[dtwer]

I notice nobody ever comes to this forum and laments: "I bought my Rolex at 8% discount and I feel soooo bad for my poor AD for losing 8% of the margin!!"

But when the market dynamics goes the other way, oh my goodness the fury towards Rolex and the AD..!

[PeterC4]

Rolex is doing an excellent job at marketing their product and maintaining prices. They haven't really made any great leaps forward recently or introduced a new complex movement. Their watches are very good, solid performers, very robust. But the prices just keep on rising, which is their objective. There are many comparable watches, at a lesser price. Rolex is not focused on the customer who complains the price is rising or whether we think of ourselves as fools.

Rolex wants us to think of ourselves as fortunate for being able to purchase one of their sacred watches. That is their focus and plan. Hope it works. Frankly, I don't think the watches are good enough or constructed uniquely enough to warrant even the current prices. Then again, Paul Newman's Daytona sold for $17 million or so....go figure.

[jimcameron]

When some lunatic creates a World crisis, the whole luxury game will get flushed down the hopper.

[Daveclock]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

Boring, no offence

But it is a valid comment, and one which I find quite pertinent at the moment.
There is tons of boring stuff on here, I hate the "loving my PM" sh*t, and whoo look at all my watches - do you think I need another one?
I know it is each to his/her own - but we can skip over the stuff that bores...

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

If you buy in and enjoy your watch regardless of FV then you’re not a fool.
If it turns out that that the FV excess the PV then you’re definitely not a fool.
If the PV exceeds the FV then see point 1.

Only way to lose is if you buy on the assumption of point 2 but it turns out to be point 3, in which case I pity the fool.

Perfect response.

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

But it is a valid comment, and one which I find quite pertinent at the moment.
There is tons of boring stuff on here, I hate the "loving my PM" sh*t, and whoo look at all my watches - do you think I need another one?
I know it is each to his/her own - but we can skip over the stuff that bores...

I have to admit, I am not sure what you are saying or the relevance of your post. Personally, I think its fascinating that Rolex has employed a "restrict supply strategy" to increase prices and demand. Unless there is something else behind the shortage. With such a large customer base accustomed to an organized market and relative supply availability, it will be interesting to see if they can make the consumer base adapt. Right now, from Rolex's perspective there is no end in sight. Personally, I think it's the greatest flex of marketing muscle in the 21st century so far. Are you willing to pay $30,000 for a stainless steel Daytona? Management at Rolex want's to see how many people will do it.

[Vanmarsenille]

This thread definitely needs more question marks.

[PeterC4]

Rolex must get a kick out of these forums.

[Anthony808]

I think it's foolish to pay above retail for production models. If you don't have the patience to wait, then as the saying goes - a fool and his money are soon parted. Now discontinued models - you might have to pay what's necessary if the the piece is necessary.

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by Anthony808

I think it's foolish to pay above retail for production models. If you don't have the patience to wait, then as the saying goes - a fool and his money are soon parted. Now discontinued models - you might have to pay what's necessary if the the piece is necessary.

Retail is now just a reference point. There are no watches of a desirable nature at "retail". The readers of this forum have to start understanding. Rolex has purposely limited supply all over their major markets globally. They have pushed up the "market price" significantly. This is deliberate. They are not going to meet demand. So now we have price imbalance. Rolex wants you to pay $30,000 for a Submariner that costs $3,000 to make.

I agree, you might get one or two pieces at the right dealer in the right market at the "list" price. Yes. But Rolex is on a mission. As I said, they are restricting supply.

Hey Rolex, we know you are reading these threads. We see you......