First Audiophile Rolex

[audiogear]

Rolex will have no trouble selling every single time piece they manufacture. Rolex obviously know their market.

In the summer of 2022, I visited a well-known authorized dealer in hope of possibly my first Rolex; a Submariner. The nice saleslady informed displays were not for sale. "Shortage of inventory and over demand." Thus, Rolex officially entered secondary/pre-owned market.

The saleslady said there was a pre-waiting list to get on another official waiting list. No ETA and could be years. No thank you. No watch is made for everyone.

[sslbun]

Originally Posted by audiogear

Rolex will have no trouble selling every single time piece they manufacture. Rolex obviously know their market.

In the summer of 2022, I visited a well-known authorized dealer in hope of possibly my first Rolex; a Submariner. The nice saleslady informed displays were not for sale. "Shortage of inventory and over demand." Thus, Rolex officially entered secondary/pre-owned market.

It's mostly the sport models that have shortages. I think it's still relatively easy to get daydates and datejusts. The sub is very classic - good choice! Though I'd also be turned off by the wait lists. Thing that puzzles me is that I've gotten 4 daytona and 2 daydates so far, but I still never get any kind of priority or simply nice treatment at any AD's. Probably because I buy from different dealers. I think it's time to move on - Breguet, AP and Panerai are calling...

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by sslbun

It's mostly the sport models that have shortages. I think it's still relatively easy to get daydates and datejusts. The sub is very classic - good choice! Though I'd also be turned off by the wait lists. Thing that puzzles me is that I've gotten 4 daytona and 2 daydates so far, but I still never get any kind of priority or simply nice treatment at any AD's. Probably because I buy from different dealers. I think it's time to move on - Breguet, AP and Panerai are calling...

And, there's A. Lange und Söhne...

Personally, in this price range, I'd be looking at Grand Seiko. Perhaps a Spring Drive.

[Masterlu]

Just a reminder that this is a Rolex thread, but I’m a good sport.

[JoeN]

All this talk about watches is making me hungry for a new one. Coming back to reality now, as even a Grand Seiko is app 1/2 of a cable. Uhmmm … and the price of a Rolex Daytona Cosmograph (one of my favorites) is about the same as the second system I’m considering.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Just a reminder that this is a Rolex thread, but I’m a good sport.

Thank you, and we appreciate your graciousness in accomodating some "dialog".

[Fbgbill]

In December we were in Austin for a couple of days and I stopped in the AD where we were shopping. I asked how long to get a Submariner and she said 2 years minimum and you may not get a Submariner when your name came up as they did not know what exactly they were getting. They were a large chain store and I am sure that any allocation was distributed through their stores at random. The only watch they had in stock was a ladies president covered in diamonds.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

In December we were in Austin for a couple of days and I stopped in the AD where we were shopping. I asked how long to get a Submariner and she said 2 years minimum and you may not get a Submariner when your name came up as they did not know what exactly they were getting. They were a large chain store and I am sure that any allocation was distributed through their stores at random. The only watch they had in stock was a ladies president covered in diamonds.

The whole "allocation" situation has been a problem, IMHO, for Rolex for the last 4-5 years now.

In my "personal" view as a professional product developer, it seems to speak of supply chain, assembly, QC and logistics problems at their core, all of which they should have been able to effectively (i.e., doing the right thing) and efficiently (doing things right) address.

This isn't "rocket science" they're doin' here...they are simply manufacturing a Swiss-lever escapement mechanical, not an F1 car.

The other part of this is they may deliberately be witholding the availability of stock to drive up demand, and thus, support higher retail prices.

[sslbun]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

The other part of this is they may deliberately be witholding the availability of stock to drive up demand, and thus, support higher retail prices.

Couldn't agree more. I guess it's better than Omega's 'scandal' of bidding up their own auctions, but still very annoying.

[Antonmb]

Not an F1 car, no - much smaller parts.[emoji41]