Do certain reference numbers arrive in groups

[pwcres]

Searched the forum but cannot find anything related to my question.

Does there seem to be any frequency to groups of ADs getting like models about the same time? In other words, any thoughts concerning when several members post they got the call about reference X, is it likely that a production run completed and a large number have been released to ADs?

Thanks for any insights or speculation.

[Benzsiam]

It seems that way to me.

Last year when somebody posted an incoming of WG GMT Meteorite dial, I went to my AD and got it at the same time.

It also happened the something with my YG Daytona that couple people got at the same week with me.

[cjhurni]

I was once offered the same exact config DJ36 within 3 days of each other from 2 ADs, so if I had to guess they do produce and then distribute similar watches in a group.

[77T]

Rolex, being the tight-lipped maker they are, doesn’t say anything about that aspect of production. So the answer to your question will be a process of thought experiments.

Any large manufacturer has a supply chain and process control that affects production. So it is reasonable to expect the basic materials and tool stamping would follow a logical procedure. In watchmaking, that would be the most elemental parts like casebacks and midcases.

Those require the custom metallurgy upon which Rolex prides itself in 5 different forms: Oystersteel, 3 types of gold (YG, RG, & WG), and Platinum. Plus there are over a dozen different sizes and/or CNC machining set-ups.

For those reasons alone, combined with rigorous cost-controls, it is reasonable to expect the caseback and midcase inventory is created in batches. Cost-control would also dictate that various model parts were also being produced in lock-step to minimize inventory costs (bezels, crystals, bracelets, clasps, etc.) - so models are likely coming off watchmaker benches in groups to maximize human performance.

Once final assembly is done using the supply chain model, and final QC is accomplished, it would be logical to ship pieces to constituent country distribution arms in sequence.

Once the models hit your homeland’s shores, anything goes…but it is reasonable that larger, chain AD’s would see some consistent patterns of delivery. Getting dozens per month at that large chain’s warehouse (and the subsequent shipping to each store) could see a pattern.

The small AD might see a diverse variety since they only get a few each month. They wouldn’t necessarily see a pattern.

7 paragraphs to say IDOTS (it depends on the situation) - welcome to TRF!


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[pwcres]

Thanks all for the insights. Seems as if maybe a pattern, but certainly no true answers to the mystery!

[noshake]

It does seem that way although there's no definite proof. Alot of incomings seem to happen within days of each other of the same model.