Rolex shortage?

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#16
My 2 cents as a existing Rolex client:

If you don't have a prior relationship with a AD, I'd be hesitant to try at this particular moment. I've overheard many conversations between new clients/SA's, and it's very discouraging. While I agree there are shortages (cases are empty), they're also just holding back stock to allocate to existing clients (aka, the Hermes game).

In the last 1.5 years I've bought:
Daytona
Submariner
Explorer (new for 2021)
GMT Master II (root beer)

One of my AD's did mention that shipments were back to weekly(ish), vs before where it was 3 weeks between shipments.

I truly believe when things go back to normal (as normal as post COVID life can be), and people are allocating $ to other endeavours again, stock will be replenished, and cases will be filled with DJ/OP etc.
 
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#17
I'm in the US and want to pass on my experience this week. I visited the Rolex boutique itself and 2 AD's, all 3 said same, they have little to no inventory, depends on what you're wanting. All 3 took my preferences and will call me if anything comes in that similar so I can preview and choose to take or pass on. They give absolutely no timing. One indicated my pref of 18k gold may be easier to acquire than the less pricey models, I cross my fingers!
 
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#20
Swanky said:
I'm in the US and want to pass on my experience this week. I visited the Rolex boutique itself and 2 AD's, all 3 said same, they have little to no inventory, depends on what you're wanting. All 3 took my preferences and will call me if anything comes in that similar so I can preview and choose to take or pass on. They give absolutely no timing. One indicated my pref of 18k gold may be easier to acquire than the less pricey models, I cross my fingers!
Click to expand...
So sorry for you…terrible to have your watch stolen.
i was looking for a 31cm at ADs in December in NYC and they did have a few gold and ever rose DJs available so hopefully the model you are seeking lands at your AD soon. Good luck!
 
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#21
I went into an AD a few weeks ago and the salesperson wouldn’t give me any sense of timing to get a 31mm. Datejust.

Yesterday I went in and put my name down for the watch I wanted with a different salesperson, same store and he took my info, let me know that there would be exhibition pieces coming in the summer and would be in touch.

This morning he calls and says he has the exact watch I want!!! WTF? No prior history with the store, just dumb luck or maybe more inventory is coming?
 
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#24
Anyone know if Rolex boutique/Authorized Dealer going to sell CPO watches like car dealerships? Curious to know which location and if priced reasonable or not.

The grey market is ridiculous and crazy at the moment. No way paying 2x or 3x above retail. Flippers created the artificial demand and charging an absurd price, this nonsense has to end but afraid not anytime soon.
 
#25
So just a suggestion to Rolex hunters right now. I was on a binge last year, and was able to score most of the Rolexes that I wanted. I only have one or two more that I would jump on if they came my way. But I went through two ADs, and went often to show I was sincerely interested. I ended up getting 4 through ADs. I got two through the gray market. It's the one I got through the gray market that I wear the most because I did not compromise at all in anyway. I bought the exact size, color, and configuration I wanted. However the caveat is that I just wanted OPs and DJs, in 31 and 36, and those weren't as hard to get at ADs. I had to go on the gray market to get a white Explorer for my DH, and the exact DJ I wanted. For my DJ, I paid a 17% premium, and for my DH's explorer, we paid a 20% premium. To me, the premium was worth it because I got what I wanted when I wanted it. I used Chrono24, and I was able to get my watch authenticated by my local AD, who actually opened it up to confirm that movement was Rolex, before I finalized the Chrono24 purchase.

So I'm just saying that there are ways to get a Rolex, now, and not pay an egregious premium, if you are willing to be open to other ways, and if the premium is worth it to you. However, I wasn't after the other really popular sports models, or the Daytona's etc... If you want those now, I would imagine the premium is quite significant, and I would be quite a bit more particular as to the premium I would pay.
 
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#26
As a previous Rolex SA, you get one delivery around the middle of the month, usually with no idea of what's actually in the delivery. Previously we would get about 80 watches a month, about 70% Datejusts and the other 30% a combination of gold/platinum/professional watches.

Nowadays you get deliveries of about half that, due to COVID, supply and production issues. Also throw in the professional flippers and your demand for watches far far FAR outweighs supply which is why alot of ADs have limited stock - also because they have to take care of their existing clientele and especially their VIPs who not only have a purchase history but a very large purchase history too.

About 60% of enquiries are for professional models, Daytona, Submariner, Yachtmaster etc. and previously we would call our VIPs first, then our existing clientele, and then once we'd exhausted those lists, put it in the window, but nowadays it would probably only reach step one and two, very similar to Hermes.

Most ADs will take your details for a DJ but there is absolutely no guarantee that the model and dial and bezel combo will arrive by a specified time.

It can be much easier to obtain a watch via the grey market if you are prepared to pay.



EDIT - Most ADs ( some on the surface) do not like to sell to flippers.
 
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#29
hammerofdawn, unless you are a regular cilient or VIP, it is almost impossible to find something at Rolex AD. I've added my name to the so called waiting list and almost half a year now, nothing heard back from Rolex AD. I just want an OP36 or OP41 at retail price, very basic entry level, daily wear watch right... out of stock!
 
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#30
Thinking of buying my first. Is it easier to obtain a ladies datejust? Just wondering because I inquired today via email and received a response right away to make an appointment. Although they have none in stock im assuming they would contact me when they do or have something similar? Ive just heard stories of people being ignored etc so im wondering if its only with other models that are harder to obtain that people are ignored. Lots of mixed information.
 
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