Are DateJusts being hit by the Professional model supply / demand issues?

[Boss13]

Noticed many ADs I have been to in the recent months are getting increasingly sparse in terms of DateJust stock.

NOTHING stainless on a jubilee at all and especially limited stock of the 41mm models.

Is this nationwide or just a London problem?

Even more so if you want a blue face!

I was tempted to go for a Blue DJ41 with Jubilee but seems hard to come by. Noticed WF are now retailing DJ41 blue face with the OYSTER at above retail.

Called a large goldsmiths branch yesterday to be told they only have two tone DJ in stock and any DJ with a blue face is a 6-12 month wait, I know that is nonsense in terms of the wait, but demonstrates something I have never seen - an AD refusing to sell me a DJ! Crazy times!

[paskinner]

Yes, the 41mm is in increasingly short supply. Not just the blue dial.....dark rhodium is sought after. I’ve watched this situation grow over the last 18 months. The main reason is, of course, the general shortage of Rolex sports models. However, I suspect that more people have also slowly realised what an exceptional model the 41 is.
The best bet is the least expensive, with steel bezel. With a Jubilee it looks great; rather nicer, I think, than some of the ‘sports’ models. Strange times.
Or, for extra cash, more bling.
Incidentally, notice how visually similar that model is, at around 7K, to the DayDate 40 at 29k.
For my taste, the least expensive, smooth bezel, is the nicest.
My other favourite is the Milgauss, but that’s another story.

[Omegamanic]

The model hasn't been out that long, so there are not huge stocks held by AD's. Once they have sold they will need to wait for allocation.

Unlike some brands, Rolex has always tried to match production with demand - not overstock and hope things sell. That means it takes time to correct higher demand - just look at the initial Tudor GMT and 58 under supply issue, when AD's underestimated demand and didn't pre-order at higher levels.

[David_D]

My AD did say, a good few months ago, DJs were becoming more difficult to get hold of. I don't know if that was particular models. Also, it's all relative. He spoke about a wait of 6-8 weeks.

I subsequently bumped into an acquaintance who I didn't realise was in any way interested in watches. He's bought a SS DJ at the said AD and got £500 off plus 12 months interest free credit!

[paskinner]

Eighteen months ago they were freely available, I just walked in and bought one. Then, six months later, samples were coming into the store and selling within days. By this Spring, it had become quite hard and ADs could no longer be confident of supply.
So, if you want one, act quickly because the queues are getting longer.

[Omegamanic]

That maybe true - but it relies on continued demand, and assumes production wouldn't be increased.

[Mick P]

Eighteen months ago they were freely available, I just walked in and bought one. Then, six months later, samples were coming into the store and selling within days. By this Spring, it had become quite hard and ADs could no longer be confident of supply.
So, if you want one, act quickly because the queues are getting longer.

Yes Rolex are continuing to restrict demand and the " I must have it" ethos is beginning to expand into the DJ range. It's is proof that they are winning the fight in brand protection and no one can blame them for that.

[endo]

.......the " I must have it" ethos is beginning to expand into the DJ range.

It definately is,

When i picked up the GMT on Wednesday, a lad came in and asked if they had "any sports/proffesional rolex in steel, Sub/GMT/Explorer/Daytona or a Datejust 41 in steel"

He was told no they've not got any as they are highly sought after, but they have a few bi-metal pieces or 36mm Datejusts if he was interested. So off he went with an assistant to look at them (i'm guessing)


15mins he goes flouncing past me and out the shop in an epic tantrum, thoroughly amusing.... clearly he couldn't get what he wanted.

[Kingstepper]

It definately is,

When i picked up the GMT on Wednesday, a lad came in and asked if they had "any sports/proffesional rolex in steel, Sub/GMT/Explorer/Daytona or a Datejust 41 in steel"

He was told no they've not got any as they are highly sought after, but they have a few bi-metal pieces or 36mm Datejusts if he was interested. So off he went with an assistant to look at them (i'm guessing)


15mins he goes flouncing past me and out the shop in an epic tantrum, thoroughly amusing.... clearly he couldn't get what he wanted.

Love it, is he one of us?

[endo]

Love it, is he one of us?

He had the flounce, so maybe :p





If there’s a topic
“Outrageous, Couldn’t buy a Datejust 41, but an unshaven hobo in dirty jeans gets given a GMT”
We know for sure

[Mouse]

It definately is,

When i picked up the GMT on Wednesday, a lad came in and asked if they had "any sports/proffesional rolex in steel, Sub/GMT/Explorer/Daytona or a Datejust 41 in steel"

He was told no they've not got any as they are highly sought after, but they have a few bi-metal pieces or 36mm Datejusts if he was interested. So off he went with an assistant to look at them (i'm guessing)


15mins he goes flouncing past me and out the shop in an epic tantrum, thoroughly amusing.... clearly he couldn't get what he wanted.

Clearly he couldn't get what Rolex purport to be selling as per their website.

[jonny]

Yes Rolex are continuing to restrict demand and the " I must have it" ethos is beginning to expand into the DJ range. It's is proof that they are winning the fight in brand protection and no one can blame them for that.

How do you know Rolex are restricting demand?

[Kingstepper]

How do you know Rolex are restricting demand?

How would they even do that?

[Mick P]

How would they even do that?

Bugger bugger bugger, a totally stupid typo for which I apologise.

Substitute the word supply for demand.

[paskinner]

Another thing I’ve noticed. Watch what ‘grey’ dealers begin to stock; there was a time when the DJ was largely ignored...because you could get them from Rolex. But recently these companies have been advertising growing numbers of 41s. Ahead of the curve, which I suppose is how they stay in business.

[Flasher]

Another thing I’ve noticed. Watch what ‘grey’ dealers begin to stock; there was a time when the DJ was largely ignored...because you could get them from Rolex. But recently these companies have been advertising growing numbers of 41s. Ahead of the curve, which I suppose is how they stay in business.

Having saw the SS 41DJ on a chaps wrist yesterday, I can understand why they have been ignored until the sports shortage has caused buyers needing the brand on their wrist to look at the DJ option. Just in my view this is a highly unattractive watch in the 41mm size, bloated and shiny with the ill proportions of what is supposedly a dress watch.

Buyers obviously buying the 41mm to give them the sports heft and look but I thought it just looked a big silly flash in that size, can only imagine what the 41 in two tone must look like on the wrist.

[tz-uk73]

Having saw the SS 41DJ on a chaps wrist yesterday, I can understand why they have been ignored until the sports shortage has caused buyers needing the brand on their wrist to look at the DJ option. Just in my view this is a highly unattractive watch in the 41mm size, bloated and shiny with the ill proportions of what is supposedly a dress watch.

Buyers obviously buying the 41mm to give them the sports heft and look but I thought it just looked a big silly flash in that size, can only imagine what the 41 in two tone must look like on the wrist.

Funny stuff indeed! Just how on earth do I carry off such an enormous watch? With these 39.5mm i have to be careful of the shirts I wear, the doors I walk through....oh, and the arm ache, I can’t stand it any more. Oh yes, and it’s so flashy i’m at risk of being mugged everywhere I go. Back to reality for a minute.

[Speedy2254]

Having saw the SS 41DJ on a chaps wrist yesterday, I can understand why they have been ignored until the sports shortage has caused buyers needing the brand on their wrist to look at the DJ option. Just in my view this is a highly unattractive watch in the 41mm size, bloated and shiny with the ill proportions of what is supposedly a dress watch.

Buyers obviously buying the 41mm to give them the sports heft and look but I thought it just looked a big silly flash in that size, can only imagine what the 41 in two tone must look like on the wrist.

You are of course entitled to your opinion. I love my DJ41, it's just the right size for my enormo wrist & goes well with formal or casual clothing. I opted for smooth bezel & Oyster bracelet, this tones down some of the more "Carlos Fandango" elements of the design (just my 2p worth) but the DJ41 is, in my eyes, a perfect daily wearer in almost every situation that doesn't require a sports watch. My 2254 & my Speedy are struggling to get a look in at present.

[Montello]

For those who want a Rolex the lack of professional models will enevitably trick down to OP and DJ sales.

For many it’s all about the brand, the exact model is secondary.

[ColDaspin]

Popped into my local Butcherer today for the first time in about a year. Last time there were three full trays (i.e. around 100) of OPs and Datejusts of all sizes and types. This time there were about 10 in total, all bi-metal with the exception of one lonely SS OP. So I guess the answer to the OP's question is "yes".
The sales assistant said that things had been worsening since last Oct.

[ColDaspin]

Having saw the SS 41DJ on a chaps wrist yesterday, I can understand why they have been ignored until the sports shortage has caused buyers needing the brand on their wrist to look at the DJ option. Just in my view this is a highly unattractive watch in the 41mm size, bloated and shiny with the ill proportions of what is supposedly a dress watch.

Buyers obviously buying the 41mm to give them the sports heft and look but I thought it just looked a big silly flash in that size, can only imagine what the 41 in two tone must look like on the wrist.

By luck, I can answer that ;) I tried the yellow gold, white dial stick version on yesterday. Legibility is much better than on the 36mm models and the Cyclops also looks better (it tends to overwhelm the dial a little in the smaller models, imo) but the stand out was the dial, which had a beautiful jewel-like feel and really looked very high quality indeed. I wonder if Rolex have upped their game a little here? I'd take it off the bracelet immediately but, on the right strap, I'm sure it would look excellent.

At Eur11k+ though ...

[LeBowl]

Popped into my AD before and they said they weren’t getting many datejust 41s in or full gold sports.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[adg31]

FWIW I heard that Rolex are looking to reduce their UK dealer network to focus on Goldsmiths - as their longest established dealer - along with Rolex boutiques.
This would obviously mean a lot of current dealers losing their Rolex franchise but may mean that fewer branches equals more stock to go around so fewer empty shelves!
It may also mean more product heading into the grey market as those dealers losing their franchise liquidate existing stock.
Who knows - who cares; have a great weekend everyone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Barrisimo]

It must be a pretty depressing job working in a Rolex AD with no stock and annoyed and frustrated customers all day. This state of affairs needs sorting. A Rolex is a nice watch but it is not that special. You can walk into a Ferrari dealer and order a car you might have to wait a long time but they would have an idea of a delivery time. If Rolex are swamped with demand do what most suppliers do, up the prices significantly to match supply and demand. You can’t carry on like this, people give up in the end it is just a watch and there are many alternatives. Fashion and tastes move on quite quickly. It goes against business logic not to exploit demand. That demand might not be there forever. Every bubble bursts.

[RAJEN]

Re:
15mins he goes flouncing past me and out the shop in an epic tantrum, thoroughly amusing.... clearly he couldn't get what he wanted


Straight to TZ-UK to post how he will never buy this mass produced, overpriced, nothing special, fashion brand again.

[gbn13]

Re:
15mins he goes flouncing past me and out the shop in an epic tantrum, thoroughly amusing.... clearly he couldn't get what he wanted


Straight to TZ-UK to post how he will never buy this mass produced, overpriced, nothing special, fashion brand again.

Harsh, but fair!🤣🤣

[Enoch]

I called in on the dealer I usually buy from last Monday. The manager told me the store takings are 30% down on this time last year. He had no 36mm or 41mm DJ’s no 36mm or 39mm OP’s, and he just gave me a wry smile and a shrug of the shoulders when I asked about anything from the professional range.

They don’t sell any other brand, so they’re basically sitting around all day, telling customers sorry, can’t help.

[markrlondon]

I called in on the dealer I usually buy from last Monday. The manager told me the store takings are 30% down on this time last year. He had no 36mm or 41mm DJ’s no 36mm or 39mm OP’s, and he just gave me a wry smile and a shrug of the shoulders when I asked about anything from the professional range.

They don’t sell any other brand, so they’re basically sitting around all day, telling customers sorry, can’t help.

That's very curious.

It's certainly an interesting way to reduce your dealer network!

[NigeG]

That's very curious.

It's certainly an interesting way to reduce your dealer network!

Closure by stealth. Cut off supply until dealer resigns the franchise as it’s no longer viable. Far easier than firing them for some reason or another.

Sad in many ways


Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

[Itsguy]

How do you know Rolex are restricting demand?

How would they even do that?

Changing the case shape, polished centre links, that kind of thing...

[Mouse]

Changing the case shape, polished centre links, that kind of thing...

LOL. Excellent

[Skyman]

Changing the case shape, polished centre links, that kind of thing...

Yep, the 41 is just a bit too......

[Kingstepper]

Or, increasing supply might restrict demand...

[robert75]

Noticed many ADs I have been to in the recent months are getting increasingly sparse in terms of DateJust stock.

NOTHING stainless on a jubilee at all and especially limited stock of the 41mm models.

Is this nationwide or just a London problem?

Even more so if you want a blue face!

I was tempted to go for a Blue DJ41 with Jubilee but seems hard to come by. Noticed WF are now retailing DJ41 blue face with the OYSTER at above retail.

Called a large goldsmiths branch yesterday to be told they only have two tone DJ in stock and any DJ with a blue face is a 6-12 month wait, I know that is nonsense in terms of the wait, but demonstrates something I have never seen - an AD refusing to sell me a DJ! Crazy times!

Buy a Tudor style blue dial 41mm. Easily available similar apart from the date window and is a fraction of the price.

[robert75]

Anonimo Epurato another brand with a similar look which can be easily purchased.

[Omegamanic]

Anonimo Epurato another brand with a similar look which can be easily purchased.

Similar look to what exactly?

[robert75]

Similar look to what exactly?

Datejust, is that not the title of this thread?

[Ghost Chilli]

Datejust, is that not the title of this thread?

Don't see it personally. There are loads that look similar, but not these from what I can see.

[ManCityDG]

At the start of February I decided I wanted a Datejust 41. I’d been away from any watch forums for a while so I wasn’t up to speed with how the sports models had all of a sudden become near impossible to get hold of but it was the datejust that caught my eye anyway. So I rang around a couple of AD. Goldsmiths said they didn’t have the one I was after but took my name and claimed to put me on a waiting list. Then I rang David M Robinson and they said they wanted a 20% deposit and hopefully would get me one within 6 months. I went for that option because I believe them more than I did Goldsmiths. Anyway, yesterday I got the call


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LeBowl]

At the start of February I decided I wanted a Datejust 41. I’d been away from any watch forums for a while so I wasn’t up to speed with how the sports models had all of a sudden become near impossible to get hold of but it was the datejust that caught my eye anyway. So I rang around a couple of AD. Goldsmiths said they didn’t have the one I was after but took my name and claimed to put me on a waiting list. Then I rang David M Robinson and they said they wanted a 20% deposit and hopefully would get me one within 6 months. I went for that option because I believe them more than I did Goldsmiths. Anyway, yesterday I got the call


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amazing watch!

[Boss13]

That watch looks stunning. So it appears that my hypothesis was correct - you really cannot walk in to an AD and buy a DJ 41 in steel unless you are lucky.

I am still slightly shocked by that, as I always thought it was the model the ADs couldn't shift fast enough. I do like the look of them, part of the appeal of buying one was actually being able to walk in, look at several, pick one and walk out with it. I guess that may not be the case!

I am leaning towards blue stick dial with the polished bezel. Really do like the fluted, but I feel saving a few £££ and less bling may make it more of an everyday watch to go in rotation with the sub.

[Barrisimo]

That watch looks stunning. So it appears that my hypothesis was correct - you really cannot walk in to an AD and buy a DJ 41 in steel unless you are lucky.

I am still slightly shocked by that, as I always thought it was the model the ADs couldn't shift fast enough. I do like the look of them, part of the appeal of buying one was actually being able to walk in, look at several, pick one and walk out with it. I guess that may not be the case!

I am leaning towards blue stick dial with the polished bezel. Really do like the fluted, but I feel saving a few £££ and less bling may make it more of an everyday watch to go in rotation with the sub.

I find the polished bezel on my Milgauss is a scratch magnet but I am quite clumsy and hard on my watches. The fluted bezel is less likely to show up little daily knocks in my opinion.

[Boss13]

I find the polished bezel on my Milgauss is a scratch magnet but I am quite clumsy and hard on my watches. The fluted bezel is less likely to show up little daily knocks in my opinion.

Interesting point. I know I will scratch the bracelet as soon as I wear it so need to try to ignore them, it is part of the fun I suppose! They can always be polished one day if required.

[ManCityDG]

I find the polished bezel on my Milgauss is a scratch magnet but I am quite clumsy and hard on my watches. The fluted bezel is less likely to show up little daily knocks in my opinion.

Fluted and jubilee were the only option I considered. The smooth bezel is too plain for my liking and I wanted the jubilee because not only do I prefer the look of it on the DJ but also because my other watch (Hulk) is on an oyster and i like my watches to be different to each other

[Go Big]

I had been mulling over getting something dressy for a while, as all my watches have been on the sportier side.

Finally decided to look for a Datejust but no-one seemed to have any steel ones in stock.

Fast forward a few months, and went into Mappin & Webb in Manchester during the usual watch shop visits.

I particularly wanted the blue dial, smooth bezel with Jubilee bracelet.

None on display, but a quick enquiry brought a blue dialled, smooth bezelled Oyster bracelet DJ41 from the back room.

Nearly there, but not quite.

They did have a Jubilee bracelet DJ41 but it was fluted bezel and black dial.

A quick swap of the bracelet, and one happy customer!

Maybe always worth asking if they have anything else in stock.

[Boss13]

I had been mulling over getting something dressy for a while, as all my watches have been on the sportier side.

Finally decided to look for a Datejust but no-one seemed to have any steel ones in stock.

Fast forward a few months, and went into Mappin & Webb in Manchester during the usual watch shop visits.

I particularly wanted the blue dial, smooth bezel with Jubilee bracelet.

None on display, but a quick enquiry brought a blue dialled, smooth bezelled Oyster bracelet DJ41 from the back room.

Nearly there, but not quite.

They did have a Jubilee bracelet DJ41 but it was fluted bezel and black dial.

A quick swap of the bracelet, and one happy customer!

Maybe always worth asking if they have anything else in stock.

Fantastic! How long ago was this? Definitely seems tricky these days to get hold of.

Lovely picture, that is the combo I am after.

[Evangelos]

so in the overall, what would the waiting time be for a blue dial 126334?

To be honest, I saw one at the Goldsmiths window at Newcastle (blue dial with romans) two weeks ago, and thought initially that it would have been something relatively common. Unfortunately I haven't entered to pull the trigger due to other responsibilities.

Reading this post, something tells me that I was wrong..

Myself, I am interested in going to an AD this weekend to order the blue dial DJ, 41mm with the batons on.. would it be worth the visit or I will be told to wait for a year or more? any thoughts?


Thanks,
Evangelos

[cheesycake7]

In the UK yes, I was ‘offered’ an OP39 at Heathrow T4. Manager had to take it out from the cupboard (it wasn’t on display) and told me it’s a ‘rare’ piece and that if he displays it, it will sell quickly.

I’ve visited a few ADs in South East Asia during my holiday and DJs and OPs are more widely available (and on display) but RRP price there is higher...

Funny how I had to start a conversation in T4 before being offered an OP and told it’s quite rare but when my flight lands in Malaysia there were a lot on display in the Malaysia airport AD...

[dkpw]

In the UK yes, I was ‘offered’ an OP39 at Heathrow T4. Manager had to take it out from the cupboard (it wasn’t on display) and told me it’s a ‘rare’ piece and that if he displays it, it will sell quickly.

I’ve visited a few ADs in South East Asia during my holiday and DJs and OPs are more widely available (and on display) but RRP price there is higher...

Funny how I had to start a conversation in T4 before being offered an OP and told it’s quite rare but when my flight lands in Malaysia there were a lot on display in the Malaysia airport AD...

Isn't that the idea of being a watch seller? To sell watches?

[Mick P]

Isn't that the idea of being a watch seller? To sell watches?

At the moment they sell the unwanted stuff such as TT to the punters and the sought after stuff to grey dealers. They are still selling, just that the man in the street doesn't see what's going on.