Rolex Availability

[Mick P]

I am in Vienna at this moment in time and have been gawping at the hundreds of Rolex for sale in the many shops that have an agency. This is a place in which every top brand is sold and often with several shops selling the same "exclusive" product in the same street.

I looked into 5 shops selling new Rolex and the windows were full of the usual TT and YG stuff in the hundreds, but not one single SS Submariner or GMT was on sale.

There was just one 39mm Explorer, one polar Explorer11 and a few Yacht Masters looking forlorn in the hundreds of Datejusts on display.

There were quite a few well stocked Patek windows with the usual traditional perpetual calendar models but not a single Nautilus type model to be seen.

Funny games are definitely going on here.

[sandman]

I am in Vienna at this moment in time and have been gawping at the hundreds of Rolex for sale in the many shops that have an agency. This is a place in which every top brand is sold and often with several shops selling the same "exclusive" product in the same street.

I looked into 5 shops selling new Rolex and the windows were full of the usual TT and YG stuff in the hundreds, but not one single SS Submariner or GMT was on sale.

There was just one 39mm Explorer, one polar Explorer11 and a few Yacht Masters looking forlorn in the hundreds of Datejusts on display.

There were quite a few well stocked Patek windows with the usual traditional perpetual calendar models but not a single Nautilus type model to be seen.

Funny games are definitely going on here.

You have been a member of these forums for over 4 years. Did you really not know that there is a severe shortage of SS Rolex sports watches in AD's? In fact it seems as though every day there is a new thread on the matter.

[blackal]

You have been a member of these forums for over 4 years. Did you really not know that there is a severe shortage of SS Rolex sports watches in AD's? In fact it seems as though every day there is a new thread on the matter.

But plenty of folk state that the shortage is due to the weak pound, and there are plenty in the dealers in continental Europe.

Did you really not know that?

[Steelgecko]

But plenty of folk state that the shortage is due to the weak pound, and there are plenty in the dealers in continental Europe.

Did you really not know that?

Quite agree.

I don't think the OP should be lambasted, as one or two seem to suggest, for having the impertinence to provide a slightly different and useful example of how the SS Sports situation is not confined to the UK.

[paskinner]

I've got one Datejust, which I enjoy. I won't be buying any more Rolexes so I no longer care about all the tedious nonsense.

[nick h]

Good Morning

sorry for the delay in coming back in response to my earlier posts - been fishing

anyway, my apologies as i seem to have offended some people when i talked about 'building a relationship' with an AD in order to get the highly desirable models

but in all honesty i stand by my original comments particularly after this weekend when a friend went to all the AD's in a northern city to enquire about a green sub and ceramic daytona - not one was prepared to place him on a waiting lists as he had no previous purchase history with them!

at least they were honest and explained in detail about availability versus demand - they could have lied and told him his name would be placed on a non existent list?

none said spend 'x' amount and you will get on the list

but availability of so many in demand luxury goods is the same as the Rolex scenario - i wanted a Porsche GT3 as a summer 'toy' - my local dealer could not offer me a car despite having bought Porsche but a few years ago

i mentioned i have been fishing - before i retired due to disability i ran my own sporting agency offering Salmon fishing and deer stalking/shooting on some of the best sporting estates in the UK

you cannot walk in and get the best shooting/fishing even if you have a blank cheque, as many Russians and Arabs have found out!

shooting/fishing is better at certain times of the year - you have to start off at the bottom by leasing less popular days/weeks and hope that you can gradually move up the list - and there are no guarantees even then as prime sporting dates are often handed down in a family as an 'inheritance'

a few years ago a client asked how long he would need to wait to get on a prime River Tweed beat in the autumn (at that time circa £5K/person/week excluding accommodation) - i suggested that his great grandchildren might get offered a less desirable week!

its simply supply and demand

[sandman]

But plenty of folk state that the shortage is due to the weak pound, and there are plenty in the dealers in continental Europe.

Did you really not know that?

Your questioning if I know something that isn't true. The shortage of these watches has absolutely nothing to do with the weak pound. There is a worldwide shortage of these watches.

[raptor]

There are available but not on display

[DibbleCorse]

Just 'get on the list' .... you know, 'the list', with 'your dealer' surely you have your own 'dealer' .... ;-)

[cmcm3]

[Mick P]

Calm down dears

I know there is a shortage, you know there is a shortage but some people still think there isn't, just look at the Rolex forum. I was just adding to the fuel, but I admit I wish I hadn't, so will shut up.

[kultschar]

Did you take the Explorer II or zenith Daytona for your trip?

[MarkO]

I think a lot of the Rolex availability posts here are understandably UK centric as this is a mostly UK forum with small international input .

But the steel Rolex short supply is not just a UK phenomenon linked to £ exchange rate , list price variations or the like .

So if the production of steel models is constant is the supply heading into other markets- it certainly has not come to the Caribbean.

[langdalematt]

I was told that Rolex are so annoyed with people purchasing time pieces out of market, (Asians coming to the UK and buying up Rolex sports models) that they have decided to restrict the European markets significantly in order to stop this happening. Apparently the Asian markets will continue to get their normal supply to re-engage that market. As I say just what I have heard. I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

[thirdeg]

Seems like a simple method to create buzz and increase prices at the same time. Very disappointing though!

[Barrisimo]

I dont see grey market dealers as a bad thing. It is supply and demand. If all you want is sport Rolex models and dont want to wait pay a premium. I have bought several watches other than Rolex at great discounts from the grey market. You can try to build a relationship with a Rolex AD buying stuff you dont really want or you can buy your other brands from the grey dealers shopping around for the best discounts and put the savings on those into a Rolex over RRP. I even got a non sports Rolex model from a grey at a much better discount than I could get from an AD.

[Neilw3030]

I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

Well that would be good news for a lot of people, myself included, but im not going to hold my breath.

[thestore]

I was told that Rolex are so annoyed with people purchasing time pieces out of market, (Asians coming to the UK and buying up Rolex sports models) that they have decided to restrict the European markets significantly in order to stop this happening. Apparently the Asian markets will continue to get their normal supply to re-engage that market. As I say just what I have heard. I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

Has anyone else heard this? I have contacted some ADS in Asia and has no like with SS models. I've also asked UK dealers about Skydweller waiting lists and have always been quoted 2-5 years!

[Hood]

I was told that Rolex are so annoyed with people purchasing time pieces out of market, (Asians coming to the UK and buying up Rolex sports models) that they have decided to restrict the European markets significantly in order to stop this happening. Apparently the Asian markets will continue to get their normal supply to re-engage that market. As I say just what I have heard. I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

File under "another stab in the dark about Professional Rolex shortage".

[anz3001]

I’ve recently been to Jamaica and Italy (inc Capri) and there were no SS Sport Rolex in those AD’s. Fancied my chances as well. Anyone own a Capri Watch?

[JoePattinson]

I was told that Rolex are so annoyed with people purchasing time pieces out of market, (Asians coming to the UK and buying up Rolex sports models) that they have decided to restrict the European markets significantly in order to stop this happening. Apparently the Asian markets will continue to get their normal supply to re-engage that market. As I say just what I have heard. I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

I am living in Beijing and regularly travelling around other cities in China and usually pop into the Rolex stores and it seems to be the same situation as Europe, hardly any SS models just the occasional Explorer II or Yachtmaster. I will let you know if this situation changes!




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[seadog1408]

Thanks for the heads up mick.

[paskinner]

The current Cellini is 39mm and slim. Screw-down crown, robust movement, and very elegant. The level of prejudice against it on forums borders on the absurd. Especially as virtually none of these people have any experience of them.

[Caller]

I am living in Beijing and regularly travelling around other cities in China and usually pop into the Rolex stores and it seems to be the same situation as Europe, hardly any SS models just the occasional Explorer II or Yachtmaster.

Similar to Bangkok really in my experience. Last time I kept a (retained) record at the end of March, in one Rolex boutique here, I saw 3 Daytona's (not SS), 3 SS Yachtmasters and a black and white Explorer. However, on an earlier visit this year, I did see both Black and white SS Daytonas on display in the store side by side and on later visits I have seen both yachtmasters and explorers. I'm not really a Rolex fan, just check to compare with the UK. On one of those later visits I did see a SM or SD being tried on by a 'farang'.

[xiaogouju]

I am living in Beijing and regularly travelling around other cities in China and usually pop into the Rolex stores and it seems to be the same situation as Europe, hardly any SS models just the occasional Explorer II or Yachtmaster. I will let you know if this situation changes!




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nomally in china , you need buy another gold model to qualify for a ss model, that's the story

[JoePattinson]

nomally in china , you need buy another gold model to qualify for a ss model, that's the story

Yup exactly, similar to the UK. I was just trying to make the point, in response to an earlier post, that the Rolex dealers here in Asia are not drowning in SS models


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[Ari]

I was told that Rolex are so annoyed with people purchasing time pieces out of market, (Asians coming to the UK and buying up Rolex sports models) that they have decided to restrict the European markets significantly in order to stop this happening. Apparently the Asian markets will continue to get their normal supply to re-engage that market. As I say just what I have heard. I was also told that they would ramp production of the Sky-Dweller as that is seen as a core model along with the Datejust range etc. And they have no desire to keep supply of those models restricted.

Sounds entirely logical as long as you don't stop to actually think about it..! :D

[Ar.parask]

Yawn again


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[Skyman]

Mick, other than to say you are in Vienna, this is a nonsense post.👍

[Kingstepper]

Do these foreign dealers keep the cards, take the stickers etc. etc.?

[Guycord]

Do these foreign dealers keep the cards, take the stickers etc. etc.?

And if they do or don’t.....tell me what size box they give you? L/M or weeny?

[robert75]

If the steel sports Rolex is not available has anyone considered well, just buying something else?

[anz3001]

Absolutely.

[Devonian]

You’d be far better off sticking to some sachertorte.

[nick h]

as a new member my apologies if this has been said before

there is a worldwide shortage of SS 'sports' watches - end of story

i spoke to my AD earlier this week and my LVC is in this months allocation - been waiting over a year despite being what some would call a VIP customer

also on the list for a white Daytona

apparently Rolex are working three shifts per day to try and improve availability

'stickers' will be removed as per Rolex UK instructions, but i will get warranty card (Rolex UK have no official position regarding warranty cards, but tell AD's that they must do their utmost to stop watches entering the grey market)

btw i was banned some time ago from TRF for daring to tell the Americans that they do not rule the world and dictate business terms to Rolex - mind you they also did not like me for saying Range Rovers were better than US 'trucks' - lol!

[deepreddave]

No AD waiting list or warranty card being withheld here....

[sandman]

No AD waiting list or warranty card being withheld here....

Where? And what are you buying? Ask for a SS Daytona, Hulk or a Pepsi GMT and see what they say.

[nick h]

Where? And what are you buying? Ask for a SS Daytona, Hulk or a Pepsi GMT and see what they say.

face the facts

you will not get the in demand SS watches unless you have a 'relationship' with an AD - yes, that is hard to hear but is a fact of life

how to get a 'relationship' with an AD?

there are no hard and fast rules but if you buy less in demand watches it certainly helps and some AD's who are also jewellers see jewellery purchases as part of the overall scheme?

if you only ever go into your AD to try and buy in demand SS watches you are going nowhere in the lists

many on forums such as TRF say lists do not exist in the real world and money gets you what you want (typical Yank attitude) - lists are very, very real

what Ad's in the UK want is for watches to go to people who will keep/enjoy the watches

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable - they do not work on a level 'playing field' in that they can legally sell a watch over the Rolex MRRP

maybe Rolex could turn the tables and for a time remove the MMRP and allow dealers to sell watches at the 'market price' - this would kill the greys overnight

so at Hulk at say £9.5K

ceramic Daytona at £18K

the watches would sell at those prices in the Uk

[MurrayMint]

face the facts

you will not get the in demand SS watches unless you have a 'relationship' with an AD - yes, that is hard to hear but is a fact of life

how to get a 'relationship' with an AD?

there are no hard and fast rules but if you buy less in demand watches it certainly helps and some AD's who are also jewellers see jewellery purchases as part of the overall scheme?

if you only ever go into your AD to try and buy in demand SS watches you are going nowhere in the lists

many on forums such as TRF say lists do not exist in the real world and money gets you what you want (typical Yank attitude) - lists are very, very real

what Ad's in the UK want is for watches to go to people who will keep/enjoy the watches

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable - they do not work on a level 'playing field' in that they can legally sell a watch over the Rolex MRRP

maybe Rolex could turn the tables and for a time remove the MMRP and allow dealers to sell watches at the 'market price' - this would kill the greys overnight

so at Hulk at say £9.5K

ceramic Daytona at £18K

the watches would sell at those prices in the Uk

What you seem to be saying is that no-one can buy a Sub as their one luxury watch purchase - reaching a significant birthday or treating themselves following a good year or bonus? Subs will only be sold to people who buy a lot from a particular AD, i.e. collectors or flippers?

[mtagrant]

I honestly think that 99% + don’t know and don’t care what we wear on our wrists. The sub may be recognisable to those in the know, but most people that think Rolex will think something shiny with a fluted bezel.

The sports models have commanded better residuals than most for a long time, and that for some serial flippers will be enough to make them want one - much greater losses can be had moving on datejusts and the like after short ownerships.

For me, I wear what I enjoy and don’t give two hoots what anyone else thinks.

[Steelgecko]

face the facts

you will not get the in demand SS watches unless you have a 'relationship' with an AD - yes, that is hard to hear but is a fact of life

how to get a 'relationship' with an AD?

there are no hard and fast rules but if you buy less in demand watches it certainly helps and some AD's who are also jewellers see jewellery purchases as part of the overall scheme?

if you only ever go into your AD to try and buy in demand SS watches you are going nowhere in the lists

many on forums such as TRF say lists do not exist in the real world and money gets you what you want (typical Yank attitude) - lists are very, very real

what Ad's in the UK want is for watches to go to people who will keep/enjoy the watches

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable - they do not work on a level 'playing field' in that they can legally sell a watch over the Rolex MRRP

maybe Rolex could turn the tables and for a time remove the MMRP and allow dealers to sell watches at the 'market price' - this would kill the greys overnight

so at Hulk at say £9.5K

ceramic Daytona at £18K

the watches would sell at those prices in the Uk

Great, so with your plan I would never have been able to afford my Sub at an AD, as the price increase pushed the opportunity ever further away from people like me who don't earn a fortune. A rather elitist solution. Yes it kills the greys but also destroys any hope of purchasing at today's prices.

[Ari]

Great, so with your plan I would never have been able to afford my Sub at an AD, as the price increase pushed the opportunity ever further away from people like me who don't earn a fortune. A rather elitist solution. Yes it kills the greys but also destroys any hope of purchasing at today's prices.

But surely if that's true, the RRP should go up in any case? Most businesses base their prices on what the goods will sell for (why wouldn't they?) so Rolex is being pretty unique if it is selling watches that people will pay (say) £10,000 for at just (say) £7,000.

[verv]

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable - they do not work on a level 'playing field' in that they can legally sell a watch over the Rolex MRRP

Christ, you make it sound like sports Rolex buyers need to be allocated a social worker and support group. A touch dramatic even by Joan Crawford standards.

[Andyg]

Not sure what the issue is. If you want a specific watch, Ceramic Daytona, Red SD, etc then go on Chrono 24 and search.

I am sure you will find one, albeit at an inflated price.

So the problem is not availability. The problem is being able to buy one at MRP, but if people really want one they just have to suck it up.

If people want one at MRP, to either keep or flip for a quick profit, then you need either luck or considerable patience.

The same goes for Porsche GT and RS models and even stuff like Supreme Hoodies, Hermes Handbags, etc.

[JP Chestnut]

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable

That's definitely not an absurd statement.




Grey dealers sell useless trinkets to rich guys who can't stand not being able to get their newest toy.

[Robsmck]

face the facts

you will not get the in demand SS watches unless you have a 'relationship' with an AD - yes, that is hard to hear but is a fact of life

how to get a 'relationship' with an AD?

there are no hard and fast rules but if you buy less in demand watches it certainly helps and some AD's who are also jewellers see jewellery purchases as part of the overall scheme?

if you only ever go into your AD to try and buy in demand SS watches you are going nowhere in the lists

many on forums such as TRF say lists do not exist in the real world and money gets you what you want (typical Yank attitude) - lists are very, very real

what Ad's in the UK want is for watches to go to people who will keep/enjoy the watches

the 'grey' market dealers are like vultures/parasites preying on the vulnerable - they do not work on a level 'playing field' in that they can legally sell a watch over the Rolex MRRP

maybe Rolex could turn the tables and for a time remove the MMRP and allow dealers to sell watches at the 'market price' - this would kill the greys overnight

so at Hulk at say £9.5K

ceramic Daytona at £18K

the watches would sell at those prices in the Uk

From "my" AD, ie the only one in NI, I had never bought anything until I got my d blue DSSD. Then my BLNR. Then my SD50. No jewellery or other watches purchased.

[Slamdoor]

Went into Watches of Switzerland and Mappin & Webb in Regents St. today, neither having any subs at all. If Rolex want to reduce supply to maintain exclusivity good luck to them. I’ve lost interest and will just keep my DJ and my dosh.

[FK77]

if you only ever go into your AD to try and buy in demand SS watches you are going nowhere in the lists

You state this like a universal truth but that isn’t the case everywhere. I bought a GMT, then a Sub and currently awaiting Pepsi GMT from the same AD. All SS and ‘waiting list’ watches. No other purchase history with them.

[Steelgecko]

You state this like a universal truth but that isn’t the case everywhere. I bought a GMT, then a Sub and currently awaiting Pepsi GMT from the same AD. All SS and ‘waiting list’ watches. No other purchase history with them.

I agree. My experience is get a foot in the door at the AD and all the lists open up. I patiently waited to get the Sub (first purchase), now I'm on the list for a Daytona and the SD43 - didn't even have to ask, just chatting to the managers. It perhaps helped me that I was wearing the watch they sold me on subsequent visits, so they know I'm an enthusiast and not flipping for profit.

The 'relationship' thing isn't total bollocks - in my experience the Rolex AD managers a) own several Rolex's and have a passion for horology, and b) actually like selling to people who they can have a decent conversation with.

[nibby]

I am on holiday in America and went to Las Vegas there seems to be a Rolex shop in every hotel. The mention of SS sports brought a knowing laugh. One had nothing but Datejust/ Daydates the other had explorers and Yachtmaster in SS it seems there is a bit of a supply issue stateside as well.


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