It’s 2024 and I don’t give a shit about ever getting a Rolex at this point. I’ve moved on to much better brands that are more affordable. Your loss Rolex.
@BrianCassidy-hb9pg Omega has some pretty solid pieces at the moment. Also TAG is back with some interesting watches. 2025 designs not 50s with some tweaks
I looked into this as well and it's simply artificial scarcity (similar to what De Beers does with diamonds) to keep demand and prices high. If they let you buy one anytime you want, the brand loses the luxury mindset of being expensive AND difficult to get. It's all a farce.
Yep, 50k Pepsi GMT being made yearly and 5 million people want one. There’s your artificial scarcity. Rolex isn’t hard to get, the hot models are. Try get a GT3 RS while Porsche makes a few million cars a year.
From the dawn of Rolex until 5-6 years ago you could walk into a AD and walk out with whatever you wanted sans perhaps a steel Daytona. This artificial scarcity BS is a recent phenomenon and has completely turned off many previously very loyal customers, including myself. I can afford any model they make but absolutely refuse to play these fake waitlist games at the dealers. In recent years my attention has shifted to other brands.
@@star9732 This is my situation exactly. Their prices are no issue for me, their patronising and condescending attitude towards me and my money is the problem. Luckily I buy watches for myself, not for showing off to other people. Let them all peacock around with their "I got the call" attitude, I've already moved on and taken my 6 figure spend with me.
It's all about being SEEN to have a Rolex, to impress those who are impressed by that kind of stuff. People who know about watches know that there are equally good and better watches out there that you can actually buy right now.
@@rogerwatt8491 Precisely. Rolex makes fine watches. Certainly not high horology, but they're okay for what they are. But while other watchmakers have invested time, money, and effort into producing new movements, more intricate complications, and better products, Rolex has gone and invested all of that into marketing. No one is actually buying a sub because they care so much about the movement (as you mentioned, there are better options). They're doing it because they want the whole world to look at their wrist and think that they're a "somebody." And hey, sure, you'll probably impress that girl in a Miami nightclub, and if that's what someone really cares about, then they can spend their money how they want. But nobody is showing up to Watches and Wonders with a rolex on their wrist hoping to impress anyone besides other rolex fanboys.
False scarcity scummy marketing from a factory that can pump out millions of watches per year. I am done with Rolex. They managed to do, what other companies led by dumb "marketing gurus" did before them - they managed to open my eyes and put themselves in "I don't need you in my life" category. Thank you, Rolex, you saved me a lot of cash and anxiety.
Personally, I think Omega are better watches. More variety, different case materials etc I refuse to jump through hoops to an AD to go on their sacred waiting lists. The old adage, Omega makes watches, Rolex sells watches. Great channel sir, all the best from the U.K..🇬🇧🇺🇸
I asked my Rolex AD to take my name of the wait list, as I walked out I felt Empowered. During that week I also Sold the last Rolex I owned and it also felt great. No more BS waiting, Instead I bought myself my Grail Watch :)
Rolex could fix this in a year. Customer goes to AD and select the watch they want. AD puts order in the computer and Rolex tells the AD when the watch will be available ( 1-36 months based on production chain) Customer pays for the watch right on the spot if agreed on the date when the watch will be delivered. Now the customer has a guarantee date for when the watch will be on his wrist. Not a nonexistent waiting list. This will also kill the gray market flippers, no flipper is going to wait 24 to 36 months for return on investment and have their money tied up for that long.
I put my name on a list at seven Rolex AD’s near me. It’s been a year and nothing, no calls, texts, nada. So last week I stopped by the first location i singed up at to get an update. The woman across the counter basically told me that I need to bring them watches for service and buy them gifts, yes gifts! Not holding my breath and also not playing this game.
Rolex AD: 'come on, jump through the hoop little doggie ha ha ha, we know you want Rolex so bad little boy ha ha, jump!' Omega: 'hello, welcome customer'
Out of curiosity I went into my local Rolex AD and asked what the waiting time was for an entry level Oyster Perpetual. The shop assistant obviously had no interest in me and said just one word, “years”. I own a 39mm OP and it is the best watch in my collection. Although Rolex get a lot of flack, they do make good watches. It’s the AD’s that are the problem, Rolex aren’t bothered as they can sell every watch that they make.
I bought a Longines Spirit Zulu instead of Rolex GMT Master 2. It was way less and the AD even pulled up a 10% off online coupon for me. A Rolex AD would never do that. Love the watch and saved thousands!!
I wanted a Daytona for my 50th, I’m now 51, I’ve never had such a tough time spending my money, bought several timepieces from Tag Heuer, and still have enough left over for one more. Wear them everyday and enjoy them. The Rolex wasn’t meant to be, glad they have me a hard time.
Deliveries are out, and ADs have ALL the stocks you want, but they don't sell them to you because they sell to the regulars, and some fortunate few, who end up reselling. That's why you can find all the Daytonas, presidents, and other hard to get items readily available at a premium. The psychology of the waiting list is making people crave in, and is also helping pushing people go buy Tudor. Brother and sister making more money!
My first watch was a Submariner Date that was $1,200 in 1982. The dealer had watches in stock and I was able to buy it that day and they even set me up with a store credit card, so I paid off the watch in 12 months. Sold it for triple what I paid for it on eBay, it after I purchased the first iPhone, as I never looked at my watch and I don't do jewelry. Got back into watches in 2012.
The way you explained this, it means that we, as costumers are stupid and they will play this game with us. There are so many cool watches (possibly way better for the price) It also means that this days having Rolex on a wrist doesn't say you have cool piece it means you have money! So, if I would have the money, I would purchase white gold Sky Dweller or Yacht master. Sense that will never happen, I'm planing to stay as an hater of Rolex, but I'm pretty sure that they won't pay too much attention to what I have to say... cool video, happy for you to get back to normal life. Your polish viewer.
Back in the day when I used to go out a lot more than I do now, I never waited in line to get into that hot club. The reason was is because unless Jesus showed up to sing along with Robert Plant in vintage Led Zeppelin, I knew it would not be worth the wait. I ain’t waiting in line for that Rolex club either.
There isn't a "waiting list" anyway, they make more watches than any other company, they are nearly 50% of all watches by volume. They simply won't give you one because they don't like your vibe. Maybe it's behaving like an entitled brat...
Around the year 2000, I had a couple of Rolex watches. Sadly after 911 happened I lost that job because it was so close to Washington, DC no one wanted to give credit to buying the expensive networking equipment as a result of the business going out of business and it happened to me 2 more times for the same reason at different companies and I was forced to sell them. Back then you could just walk into a nice AD and just buy it and they were a lot less money. Things sure have changed and I don't like the games the ADs do like the fake waiting list or wanting you to buy 100,000 dollars of jewelry first. I kind of lost interest in the brand. If I could have any, it would be a close call between the stainless steel Daytona which is very rare, and a Pepsi GMT. In all honesty, Omega makes really good Chronographs and so does Zenith.
I walked into an AD in 2000 and bought a Rolex sub date and walked out 10 minutes later. It was so easy back then. It was like ordering a burger at McDonalds.
I bought a polar Explorer II in 1996 to celebrate the birth of my son. I walked in to the AD told them I was interested in one and they went out the back and brought it out for me to try on and look at. They even offered me a 10% discount if I purchased it that day. I bought it then and there for literally 20% of their current MSRP. Adjusted for inflation the price I paid in 1996 is now worth 40% of the 2024 MSRP or less than a current Tudor.
I don't want a Rolex. If someone gave me one as a gift I would sell it. The brand does not mean the same thing anymore as it did in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and maybe the 90s. The Omega Seamaster still has a certain feeling thats not just an overpriced status symbol now. Seamasters are objectively a better watch than the Sub for the price. Its like Mercedes, they are just a symbol now and have lost something besides quality. Louis Vuitton now is marketed mainly to a certain culture that stills value it for show even if their quality has fallen. Besides, Switzerland has fallen as a country and culture, and watches is probably the only thing left of any quality there besides chocolates and money laundering. Swiss watchmaking will fall off quality wise in the next few decades unless they move to Japan or Dubai. My fave Rolex is the Batgirl, but you can't even wear it anymore in any Western city. So most people that wear it or any popular Rolex put it on at home, probably hide it all during the day except to show at the office, or restaurant for an hour, then hide it on the way to their car or during commuting. Then enjoy it for an hour at home. Who wants to live like a targetted sheep from the hyenas, while being overcharged and treated like crap with their legendary bad service to everyday customers. It used to be marketed as an aspiration piece for achieving success. Now they don't care as long as movie stars and athletes buy them, who most don't even set the time on them and just wear it as jewelry for show. Just my opinion.
I have a White dial seamaster that I love. I use that as a travel watch. I also have blue and red dial Seamaster 300 from 90s. Along with the other seamaster I sent back to Omega to get serviced. I think it’s the 200 seamaster but it is beautiful. They are all 36mm I also have Yacht Master 40mm blue dial platinum bezel, Yacht Master 42mm white gold on oyster flex bracelet and Dayjust 41mm two tone yellow gold jubilee bracelet. They all have their place. I probably wear the Yacht Master 40mm blue dial the most. I was annoyed with Rolex until I found my current AD. The last AD I literally don’t care if they called me today to offer me a watch I really want. I refuse to deal with them. My current AD is amazing though.
The Swiss watch industry is basically relying on the emerging and mature markets of Asia at this point where European luxury is still a big deal, even in countries like HK and Singapore. For people in the west, traditional watches, especially luxury ones, are becoming increasingly irrelevant.
There is no such thing as a waitlist, every AD has a bunch of steel sports watches, they only sell them to recurring customers, though. Not the average joe that buys one watch and then never comes back. These AD's have millionaire customers that walk in and buy 500k worth of watches in one go, those customers have priority over everyone else. You buying one steel sports watch only hurts the AD, if that millionaire customer is looking for the same watch. Only when all other options for that watch are exhausted, and none of the regular whales and grey market flippers request that watch, then they call you up to see if you want the watch.
I happen to think this was how I got a call for my Sub. I had purchased a Grand Seiko from and AD who carried Rolex and Tudor as well. At the time the salesman asked if there was anything else I was interested in. I said a Tudor Pelegos 39 because it was a no date dive watch and I liked the symmetry of the dial layout, I was not even sniffing around a Rolex because it was common knowledge they were unattainable. He said he should be getting one in a few weeks and he would call. He did call, but said he did not have the Pelegos in, but did I want a Sub instead. I said sure and picked it up a few days later. That was it: no muss, no fuss. Interestingly enough a few months after the store was no longer Authorized Dealers for GS, Tudor or Rolex. Maybe they saw the handwriting on the wall and were cleaning out the vault to the first person who picked up the phone...🤷♂️
After the way Rolex and their AD's SH!T on their customers for years. Sold watches to their gray market buddies for cash kickbacks, etc. I will never, ever, buy anything they have to offer no matter what. Treat me like a little child that needs to beg to buy your products and I will take my dollars and go buy something else. Besides, Rolex is (now) a designer brand purchased by the middle class, who want to be upper class. The people that run the world wear IWC and the people that actually own the world buy AP's and other very expensive and most of the time understated watches, not the F1, Football star bling versions.
Is this applicable for entry level watches like for example standart OP36 blue, black dial? Will they really not want to sell it to you even though they are few thousand?
I ceased and desisted from owning any further Rolexes, after I got my Explorer 1 years ago. The process and the ADs are NOT a "luxury" experience too me and my time is worth a lot more than my net worth.
Thanks a bunch for sharing. How true it is! There is no any Rolex model in my wish list. I have stayed away from their game. There are many different brands which can give the same or better quality, design, classic, enjoyment, etc.
Same. Definitely my preferred era of Rolex -- better build quality and materials (lume that still works, sapphire) but before they got overly shiny with ceramic bezels and no-holes cases ... Wish that a Sky Dweller from that era existed ...
Just write a e-mail to Rolex Swiss about "Why you couldn't buy a Rolex ?" and i'm sure that they will "speak" to the AD... ...but ADs are crazies to not respond to the demand, they give a open road to a second sort of market !
I work at an ad since 2018 And this might be true for some ad, but it's not everyone who does this. You see Rolex is telling us to sell the "investment" watch to a Reputable klient who does not flip, this is truly all they tell us. And of course there are bad Ads out there who ignore this, but most of us don't take that risk. If an Ad don't do what Rolex say they risk their bussiness and most are not willing to do that. So please don't view this video as some kind of truth. The real reson? Probably 50% of all customers in a shop that sells Rolexes want to buy the big three, maby 10 persons a day are asking about a sub, and maybe 1 person a month are asking about the Omega Seamaster 300 pro, so how are Rolex going to be able to supply us with all those watches? The demand is to high, simple as that.
Rolex already knew luxury sales will decline this year YoY. So Instead of telling ADs to make more watches available for sale (which is what one would logically expect), it’s doubling down and telling ADs to sell fewer watches in order to perpetuate the illusion that there’s still a shortage due to strong demand. If stock is readily available, customers will request discounts on Rolex watches. Rolex would rather sell fewer watches than risk letting the public know demand has fallen off the roof. For Rolex, brand equity is above sales and short-term profits. ADs have to ride out this downturn with Rolex as they already made a bucket-load of money over the past few years so they are expected to sit this out. ADs that don’t comply will lose their licence. As simple as that. Or Rolex can simply allocate few pieces to ADs. Because if demand falls, supply must also be controlled otherwise prices will drop, which is something Rolex will prevent from happening at all cost. Otherwise how can Rolex justify raising prices each year? It’s a psychological game that Rolex is playing with consumers. Hermes does exactly the same. Artificial shortage. The more you want something the more difficult they make it for you to have it.
I am seeing it in the second hand market. I check in on chrono24 regularly. Last year there were no blue two tone subs for under 10 grand now there are asking prices in the high 8s. There are even a handful of 126613s all with asking prices below MSRP. Rolex can adopt the Ferrari model all they want but Rolex is not Ferrari. They mass produce their products to the tune of a million watches a year. No need to kiss anyone’s butt. Plenty on the second hand market.
If they don't want to sell you a product that is fine. Just buy something else. In the end it's just stuff. You are already doing fine without it, so, you don't actually need it.
The relationship between the AD and grey market sellers is the number one reason why you can't get a Rolex. It's a cartel, and you're not in it. I've moved on, and so should you. There are better brands out there.
Moved on and bought a Blancpain fifty fathoms and a Glashutte SeaQ panorama date and couldn’t be happier. So many better watches out there to choose from.
The AD has plenty of watches in stock. Ask to try on an exhibition model, give it a little shake or wind it, 90% of the time it is a working watch, not a locked movement exhibition model, this is a watch for sale. Call them out on it.
I did ask some AD about this and they said the watch on exhibition are real watches and will be sold one day. I guess they are waiting for the "replacement" exhibition watch to arrive before the current one will be sold to the allocated person.
@@jasontungjw The Rolex ADs have to hold new watches in store for 30 days before the person who is receiving the allocation can pick them up. In that time they are used as exhibition pieces for the store. So every time someone picks up their new Rolex it has been manhandled by every tyre kicker in the last 30 days. This is why they cover them in plastic wrap.
Im about .0034 seconds away from contacting someone from Rolex and reporting my local AD. Is this a smart move? be on "wait" for 4 years for an extremely common model.
I don’t mind waiting and occasionally visiting my local AD. I’ve got other cool watches to keep me company in the interim. I’ll patiently wait for the call to get the Explorer 40, or live without it.
I’ve spent over $60,000 at my local AD on jewelry and other watches. Have a great relationship with our salesperson. She still can’t guarantee us getting what we asked for within a year, and it’s not even the most desirable steel sports model by a long shot. I decided I’m done kissing ass for the privilege of maybe getting a call someday. I find other brands design language much more captivating anyway
40 years ago, one bought a Rolex, because it had a sapphire crystal face, a screw in crown and was reasonably waterproof and drop proof. Now they are just an overpriced bling item. My husband bought me a Rolex GMT II in 1984 instead of an engagement ring. I believe it cost under £1000 new and was then reasonable value for what you actually got. He always said it would save money in the long-run, because of my propensity to break cheaper watches. It still works fine, but now I feel slightly embarrassed wearing it, because of what they have become. Because it is engraved and has important meaning, I usually wear a long-sleeved pull-over, to keep wearing it. Sad really. A bit like clothes. No one who is financially comfortable, intelligent and with taste, wears designer clothes. One has them made at a dressmaker, suitmaker or tailor.
I have no real interest in a Rolex but it used to be just buy a few watches from your dealer that's how you skip the wait or they at least take you more seriously as a buyer.
Spoke to my AD they mentioned that now you have two spend histories, in store and a Rolex spend history and to obtain more Rolex you have to increase that by buying more Rolex models doesn’t work by buying other brands anymore apparently..
I am on the so called list for an oyster perpetual 41. I just bought a 2007 milgauss clear glass black dial. 40 mm nice watch. I will see if I ever get the call. Stay tuned. One Rolex in the collection is fine for now. I do like the OP 41 but it should not be this difficult to get one.
Even if I had enough money lying around I couldn't care less about Rolex with their boring all pretty similar looking watches. There are far more interesting watches from brands that don't treat you like you have to be "special enough" to buy their products. Screw Rolex
At this day and age I find it ironic to call a Rolex Sub coveted. I see them in the wild and they look ordinary at best which makes the whole waiting game a bit funny. Lot of better alternatives without the snobbery silliness we can do without
Well Rolex is a great watch but it’s not worth a premium , come to think of it I feel a few Rolex models are more over priced on their Retail price itself. Take my example I’d buy a seamaster rather than a Oyster perpetual or a speedmaster / zenith elprimero Chrono rather than a Daytona. Lastly I won’t suck up to anyone to get up on a waitlist , that not luxury. In fact as per me if I have to wait for something the whole waiting thing itself is the opposite of a luxury experience. Thus brands like Cartier , omega , JLC are far superior in customer experience and even similar quality if not better than Rolex. It’s easy to say that Rolex has no control over its AD’s allocation strategy but if you know something wrong is happening and you remain salient by not doing anything about it , that in my opinion makes you equally wrong. This policy of selective selling is a malpractice and wrong. Walk into Cartier , omega , JLC , Piaget any watch brand even PP or AP treat walk-in customers better than Rolex does. And mind you not all walk-in get a AP or a PP.
I gave up. At list price its still a lot of money and I lost my perspective of the decimal places. I went for hi end audio and I get a lot more utility out of it. That’s just me. Of course if I were super rich I would do both. There are actually people out there who are watch folks and do audio as well.
My local AD told me they could order the entry model I was looking at and would take 3-6 months to get. If I went that route I would have to put down a deposit, didn’t ask for details on that but seemed like if you want it they can definitely get it.
Meh, would rather stick with my Tudor Black Bay 58. Because, at least I can go out clubbing or wear it general without someone wanting to kick my head in and rob it...
I’m not gonna lie if there were just fourorfive watch companies and Rolex was one of them I’d probably be trying to get one too! But because I’m drooling over a glasshutte original Sea Q Panorama date, a Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique 10HZ and an Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph I’m good!
First was a gmt master Pepsi, 2000, $2100, no vat, at my aunts jeweler in willhelmhaven. Second was a seadweller, $2500, same type of purchase. So glad not to be in the pursuit of another.
This video is 3.years out of date for uk market. Tried on a yachtmaster 42 white gold. Would I like to leave with it today? We have finance…any gold model is available within 8 weeks, with exception of Daytona, and then only certain models. Explorer and exp;order 2, 12 weeks. Non fluted bezel dsy dates 10 weeks. Submarines 6 months. Of course, most of these models are now cheaper or similar in grey market, so no flippers are interested. Rolex white gold yachtmaster2 full set 2022 model is 6k cheaper on grey market.
Rolex has a very douchey vibe now in my opinion. You get much better bang for your buck with a modern Omega . The only Roller I've ever really liked is the OP 41
Go check out the brand new release Aqua Terra 41mm with lacquered dial. It is a far superior watch to any OP for less and you can walk out with it today.
I live in Virginia, not exactly a hotbed of commerce so my AD, who just built a stand alone exhibition hall (Rolex) within the new store gets very few cool guy models (steel sports). I waited two years and five months to get my Sprite because fuck paying 5-7K over sticker, I work hard for my money. I had zero buying history, none I just stopped in every once in a while, had some chit chat and left. A tip though do NOT give the AD a list of hype watches you want they will blow you off as another flipper more than likely instead focus on ONE model you want. I daily wear my Sprite and my AD will ask about it (I stop in now because I’m waiting on a teal OP for my wife and my salesman is a kind of a friend) which means to me that they want to know that you still have the watch you wanted for so long.
It was a pain in the ass waiting but when the call came I had a good experience but I agree it’s a bit of built up hype love my omegas as well bet both my speedy and 300 are often in the shop :/ stuck pushers date wheel issues and so on to me Rolex and omega are not a direct comparison. My 2 cents
I go to the Caribbean and often there is an authorized dealer. They never have any in stock. The only reason I want to buy one is to resell it. Rolex’s make a million watches a year, I don’t find the watch appealing at all.
Rolex is still king by a long shot but as this hobby grows with the number of enthusiasts, so does their knowledge and brands like Breitling, Cartier and even Tudor are closing the gap. Enthusiasts are learning the cost vs quality gap is far less with the other above mentioned brands and wanting more bang for their buck. I doubt any brand will ever match Rolex with name recognition but their dominance is definitely diminishing because enthusiasts are fed up. You’ll always have the non enthusiast status chasers that will play the game and pay whatever premium which is the reason I doubt any of the other brands will ever completely catch up to them.
NYC 47th street between 5th and 6th Ave. you will find all Rolex models you like including Daytona. But ask for the price. That is the reason why you cannot buy from AD. Cristal clear.
Been on the waitlist for an Explorer II Polar Dial 226570 for 10 months now. And I've decided that I will wait until the call comes in. If it doesnt come...then I wasnt meant to have the watch. Thats my stance and I've moved on to living while I wait. Easy Peasy. The WORST thing you can do is become obsessed with having it NOW. Put your order in and go about life.
We already know all this.... Everyone already knows this. Name a luxury brand that doesn't have a wait list? I waited 2.5 years for my Sprite and got it a month ago because of the relationship I have built up with my AD. They have been amazing and I won't go into all the details but went way beyond any customer service I've ever experienced. So if you want something special you have to wait for it..... Or pay through the nose from grey.
I’m not playing the AD allocation game. Something in demand doesn’t make it a FOMO item for everyone. I’d prefer something different over a cookie cutter model. Yes, a no-date Sub or a Wimbledon is nice, yes there are preference options to make it unique, but a Cellini or a 1908 appeals to me more than yet another steel diver or GMT or the like.
I have my grandpas rolex oyster which is a beautiful and great watch but I don’t think I will ever buy one for myself at least the way rolex is operating now.
This is why I won't play this game. I walked into my local AD and bought a the Grand Seiko GMT same day. No hassle. They also had a case full of Omega's. Rolex can kick rocks.
But the biggest reason is that people are prepared to pay over the mrrp, I personally won’t for anything, but those that do create a market for this practice whereby AD’s are selling to flippers not the genuine people. So it’s a catch 22 as the idiots that want to pay double for what it’s actually worth then create the scarcity whereby they can’t go and buy one at retail, it’s madness.
Rolex produces give or take 1.25 Mio watches a year. So it would take them about 7 to8 years and every Swiss citizen would have 1 Rolex …. but no one else in the world …. In 2029 the new factory in Bulle/CH will be ready and the production pa will go to ….2 Mio? In the meantime AD’s will continue selling back door and the most (or some) models will continue to trade with a premium in the grey market. Most models are or will be available … with some luster removed to own one … it is called relative scarcity. Look at secondary market prices …. They reflect this.
Due to the less than ethical business practices surrounding Rolex watch distribution, the brand has acquired a kind of skeezy and untrustworthy image which reflects on the owner to a degree. They are quality watches, but I see one on someone's wrist now and I think about what that person had to do to get it and the system they supported. Also, Rolex is the most common Swiss made watch.
You can absolutely get a rolex at retail from your AD, dont fall for scare tactics. If you are polite, patient, persistent(without being annoying), and have some social skills you will get something. It will not be the Daytona or GMT as a first watch, but most of their watches are in reach. Purchasing something else is not necessary, but it will help you get what you want. You can disagree with it, but from a buisness standpoint it makes sense. They will prioritize customers that prioritize them.
2023 I tried to buy an Explorer from 2 different AD’s for 12 months. I finally moved on.ive spent a fortune on watches in my life. Not 1 AD ever treated me as badly as Rolex AD’s did. So, I purchased another Omega and a Longines both! I’m not surprised by the behavior of Rolex AD’s in 2024. It’s just sad that Rolex excuses such behavior.
As long as the gray market price of a certain watch is greater than MSRP, it will always be sold out in AD showrooms. Fact: Rolex deliberately under-produces the most in-demand models in order to stoke hype. Sure, this pisses off lots of loyal, longterm customers, but the hype benefits outweigh those costs. Just say no. Don't buy from Rolex.
It’s a very simple concept “CREAM” Cash Rules Everything Around Me. As far as what watch I would pick on catalogue would be the one that has the highest ROI and I think it’s an ugly ass Daytona. But if we’re talking a watch that I would collect it would be a factory bustdown I want to attract MORE women than watch nerds 😂😂😂
I feel that it is about luck. I walked into one boutique in Paris 4 months ago and walked out with a Classic model in less than an hour. I guess because they were closing and maybe wanted to do one more sale before closing for the day. And back in my home country I walked into this AD and chatted with the SA of which we clicked quite well. I connected with this SA through Whatsapp and got an allocation in less than 3 months for a sports model. Relationship actually matters by not just putting your name down and waiting aimlessly. You gotta make the effort to make things work.
It’s 2024 and I don’t give a shit about ever getting a Rolex at this point. I’ve moved on to much better brands that are more affordable. Your loss Rolex.
Agreed
Cope.
Such as?
@BrianCassidy-hb9pg Omega has some pretty solid pieces at the moment. Also TAG is back with some interesting watches. 2025 designs not 50s with some tweaks
@@BrianCassidy-hb9pgJLC and Omega.
Artificial scarcity, one of the oldest tricks in the book.
💯
I looked into this as well and it's simply artificial scarcity (similar to what De Beers does with diamonds) to keep demand and prices high. If they let you buy one anytime you want, the brand loses the luxury mindset of being expensive AND difficult to get. It's all a farce.
Yep, 50k Pepsi GMT being made yearly and 5 million people want one. There’s your artificial scarcity. Rolex isn’t hard to get, the hot models are. Try get a GT3 RS while Porsche makes a few million cars a year.
From the dawn of Rolex until 5-6 years ago you could walk into a AD and walk out with whatever you wanted sans perhaps a steel Daytona. This artificial scarcity BS is a recent phenomenon and has completely turned off many previously very loyal customers, including myself. I can afford any model they make but absolutely refuse to play these fake waitlist games at the dealers. In recent years my attention has shifted to other brands.
@@star9732 This is my situation exactly. Their prices are no issue for me, their patronising and condescending attitude towards me and my money is the problem. Luckily I buy watches for myself, not for showing off to other people. Let them all peacock around with their "I got the call" attitude, I've already moved on and taken my 6 figure spend with me.
Why would people humiliate themselves for a brand when so many superior options exist is beyond me.
well said!!
It's all about being SEEN to have a Rolex, to impress those who are impressed by that kind of stuff. People who know about watches know that there are equally good and better watches out there that you can actually buy right now.
@@rogerwatt8491 Precisely. Rolex makes fine watches. Certainly not high horology, but they're okay for what they are. But while other watchmakers have invested time, money, and effort into producing new movements, more intricate complications, and better products, Rolex has gone and invested all of that into marketing. No one is actually buying a sub because they care so much about the movement (as you mentioned, there are better options). They're doing it because they want the whole world to look at their wrist and think that they're a "somebody." And hey, sure, you'll probably impress that girl in a Miami nightclub, and if that's what someone really cares about, then they can spend their money how they want. But nobody is showing up to Watches and Wonders with a rolex on their wrist hoping to impress anyone besides other rolex fanboys.
A lot of low self esteem to allow oneself to go through such humiliation. Butt licking is a no no for me. I prefer high engineered watches from Omega.
I somehow feel sad to see someone wearing a Rolex, such a cliche watch. And very dangerous to wear in some places.
False scarcity scummy marketing from a factory that can pump out millions of watches per year. I am done with Rolex. They managed to do, what other companies led by dumb "marketing gurus" did before them - they managed to open my eyes and put themselves in "I don't need you in my life" category. Thank you, Rolex, you saved me a lot of cash and anxiety.
Personally, I think Omega are better watches. More variety, different case materials etc
I refuse to jump through hoops to an AD to go on their sacred waiting lists.
The old adage, Omega makes watches, Rolex sells watches.
Great channel sir, all the best from the U.K..🇬🇧🇺🇸
Omega is technically superior, available, cheaper and with endless model variations (maybe too many 😅). Definitely better than Rolex.
cope
I just picked up a Speedmaster sandwich last week. Enjoying wearing it on my wrist.
I asked my Rolex AD to take my name of the wait list, as I walked out I felt Empowered. During that week I also Sold the last Rolex I owned and it also felt great. No more BS waiting, Instead I bought myself my Grail Watch :)
What was it?
Brave.
What did you buy
What was your grail watch?
🧢
Rolex could fix this in a year. Customer goes to AD and select the watch they want. AD puts order in the computer and Rolex tells the AD when the watch will be available ( 1-36 months based on production chain) Customer pays for the watch right on the spot if agreed on the date when the watch will be delivered. Now the customer has a guarantee date for when the watch will be on his wrist. Not a nonexistent waiting list. This will also kill the gray market flippers, no flipper is going to wait 24 to 36 months for return on investment and have their money tied up for that long.
Rolex doesn't want to cripple the grey market flippers, it's these pricks that are inflating their market value.
1 million watches a year and how many people would instantly put themselves on that waitlist, nice pipe dream but this wouldn't work.
If I can’t go into a store and come out with the watch, or have it ordered online, I’m not interested.
correct
Rolex customers service, worst ever
Worst I’ve ever experienced was Oris.
I put my name on a list at seven Rolex AD’s near me. It’s been a year and nothing, no calls, texts, nada. So last week I stopped by the first location i singed up at to get an update. The woman across the counter basically told me that I need to bring them watches for service and buy them gifts, yes gifts! Not holding my breath and also not playing this game.
Just go buy one at a higher price from a gray market dealer.
Good thing I do not want a rolex then. 😊
Seriously. I don't even want one if I have to go through this BS.
Yea for real. Those snobs can keep their damn rolex. I'll give my hard earned cash to those who actually want it.
But somehow still interested in what it takes to get one these days...
Rolex AD: 'come on, jump through the hoop little doggie ha ha ha, we know you want Rolex so bad little boy ha ha, jump!'
Omega: 'hello, welcome customer'
This is so true.
Out of curiosity I went into my local Rolex AD and asked what the waiting time was for an entry level Oyster Perpetual. The shop assistant obviously had no interest in me and said just one word, “years”. I own a 39mm OP and it is the best watch in my collection. Although Rolex get a lot of flack, they do make good watches. It’s the AD’s that are the problem, Rolex aren’t bothered as they can sell every watch that they make.
I bought a Longines Spirit Zulu instead of Rolex GMT Master 2. It was way less and the AD even pulled up a 10% off online coupon for me. A Rolex AD would never do that. Love the watch and saved thousands!!
I wanted a Daytona for my 50th, I’m now 51, I’ve never had such a tough time spending my money, bought several timepieces from Tag Heuer, and still have enough left over for one more. Wear them everyday and enjoy them. The Rolex wasn’t meant to be, glad they have me a hard time.
Deliveries are out, and ADs have ALL the stocks you want, but they don't sell them to you because they sell to the regulars, and some fortunate few, who end up reselling. That's why you can find all the Daytonas, presidents, and other hard to get items readily available at a premium. The psychology of the waiting list is making people crave in, and is also helping pushing people go buy Tudor. Brother and sister making more money!
Tudor don't have the weight of other watches - just cheap products. I handled a GMT last week and really felt more Seiko than premium.
I liked Rolex 30 years ago when a family friend had a chain of Rolex AD stores. He gave us 40 percent off.
My first watch was a Submariner Date that was $1,200 in 1982. The dealer had watches in stock and I was able to buy it that day and they even set me up with a store credit card, so I paid off the watch in 12 months. Sold it for triple what I paid for it on eBay, it after I purchased the first iPhone, as I never looked at my watch and I don't do jewelry. Got back into watches in 2012.
I am done with Rolex! Got a 18k speedy and a seamaster from Omega. No list no bullshit
Wow. Dude I did the same. Got a sedna gold seamaster and the new white speedy
@williamrodriguez9666 great choices good taste 👌
The way you explained this, it means that we, as costumers are stupid and they will play this game with us. There are so many cool watches (possibly way better for the price)
It also means that this days having Rolex on a wrist doesn't say you have cool piece it means you have money!
So, if I would have the money, I would purchase white gold Sky Dweller or Yacht master.
Sense that will never happen, I'm planing to stay as an hater of Rolex, but I'm pretty sure that they won't pay too much attention to what I have to say...
cool video, happy for you to get back to normal life.
Your polish viewer.
Back in the day when I used to go out a lot more than I do now, I never waited in line to get into that hot club. The reason was is because unless Jesus showed up to sing along with Robert Plant in vintage Led Zeppelin, I knew it would not be worth the wait. I ain’t waiting in line for that Rolex club either.
There isn't a "waiting list" anyway, they make more watches than any other company, they are nearly 50% of all watches by volume. They simply won't give you one because they don't like your vibe. Maybe it's behaving like an entitled brat...
@@aussieexpatwatches What could you possibly know about anyone’s vibe here, or how they acted at a Rolex dealer, or if they even went to one?
@@johnfrei9057 You sound very entitled from your post. Sorry to interrupt you Mr VIP.
@@aussieexpatwatches Nah I’m just a regular guy calling out useless trolls.
@@johnfrei9057 Your post was literally about yourself. I'm not pulling shit out of thin air. It's very clear that you have main character syndrome.
Around the year 2000, I had a couple of Rolex watches. Sadly after 911 happened I lost that job because it was so close to Washington, DC no one wanted to give credit to buying the expensive networking equipment as a result of the business going out of business and it happened to me 2 more times for the same reason at different companies and I was forced to sell them. Back then you could just walk into a nice AD and just buy it and they were a lot less money. Things sure have changed and I don't like the games the ADs do like the fake waiting list or wanting you to buy 100,000 dollars of jewelry first. I kind of lost interest in the brand. If I could have any, it would be a close call between the stainless steel Daytona which is very rare, and a Pepsi GMT. In all honesty, Omega makes really good Chronographs and so does Zenith.
I walked into an AD in 2000 and bought a Rolex sub date and walked out 10 minutes later. It was so easy back then. It was like ordering a burger at McDonalds.
You used to get the vat back on them in the uk! How times have changed lol
I bought a polar Explorer II in 1996 to celebrate the birth of my son. I walked in to the AD told them I was interested in one and they went out the back and brought it out for me to try on and look at. They even offered me a 10% discount if I purchased it that day. I bought it then and there for literally 20% of their current MSRP. Adjusted for inflation the price I paid in 1996 is now worth 40% of the 2024 MSRP or less than a current Tudor.
I don't want a Rolex. If someone gave me one as a gift I would sell it. The brand does not mean the same thing anymore as it did in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and maybe the 90s. The Omega Seamaster still has a certain feeling thats not just an overpriced status symbol now. Seamasters are objectively a better watch than the Sub for the price. Its like Mercedes, they are just a symbol now and have lost something besides quality. Louis Vuitton now is marketed mainly to a certain culture that stills value it for show even if their quality has fallen. Besides, Switzerland has fallen as a country and culture, and watches is probably the only thing left of any quality there besides chocolates and money laundering. Swiss watchmaking will fall off quality wise in the next few decades unless they move to Japan or Dubai. My fave Rolex is the Batgirl, but you can't even wear it anymore in any Western city. So most people that wear it or any popular Rolex put it on at home, probably hide it all during the day except to show at the office, or restaurant for an hour, then hide it on the way to their car or during commuting. Then enjoy it for an hour at home. Who wants to live like a targetted sheep from the hyenas, while being overcharged and treated like crap with their legendary bad service to everyday customers. It used to be marketed as an aspiration piece for achieving success. Now they don't care as long as movie stars and athletes buy them, who most don't even set the time on them and just wear it as jewelry for show. Just my opinion.
I have a White dial seamaster that I love. I use that as a travel watch. I also have blue and red dial Seamaster 300 from 90s. Along with the other seamaster I sent back to Omega to get serviced. I think it’s the 200 seamaster but it is beautiful. They are all 36mm
I also have Yacht Master 40mm blue dial platinum bezel, Yacht Master 42mm white gold on oyster flex bracelet and Dayjust 41mm two tone yellow gold jubilee bracelet. They all have their place. I probably wear the Yacht Master 40mm blue dial the most.
I was annoyed with Rolex until I found my current AD. The last AD I literally don’t care if they called me today to offer me a watch I really want. I refuse to deal with them. My current AD is amazing though.
The Swiss watch industry is basically relying on the emerging and mature markets of Asia at this point where European luxury is still a big deal, even in countries like HK and Singapore.
For people in the west, traditional watches, especially luxury ones, are becoming increasingly irrelevant.
There is no such thing as a waitlist, every AD has a bunch of steel sports watches, they only sell them to recurring customers, though. Not the average joe that buys one watch and then never comes back. These AD's have millionaire customers that walk in and buy 500k worth of watches in one go, those customers have priority over everyone else. You buying one steel sports watch only hurts the AD, if that millionaire customer is looking for the same watch. Only when all other options for that watch are exhausted, and none of the regular whales and grey market flippers request that watch, then they call you up to see if you want the watch.
I happen to think this was how I got a call for my Sub. I had purchased a Grand Seiko from and AD who carried Rolex and Tudor as well. At the time the salesman asked if there was anything else I was interested in. I said a Tudor Pelegos 39 because it was a no date dive watch and I liked the symmetry of the dial layout, I was not even sniffing around a Rolex because it was common knowledge they were unattainable. He said he should be getting one in a few weeks and he would call. He did call, but said he did not have the Pelegos in, but did I want a Sub instead. I said sure and picked it up a few days later. That was it: no muss, no fuss. Interestingly enough a few months after the store was no longer Authorized Dealers for GS, Tudor or Rolex. Maybe they saw the handwriting on the wall and were cleaning out the vault to the first person who picked up the phone...🤷♂️
When I see someone wearing a Rolex it says hi I'm a timeshare salesman.
Rolex used to mean sucessful now it means phony showoff.
After the way Rolex and their AD's SH!T on their customers for years. Sold watches to their gray market buddies for cash kickbacks, etc. I will never, ever, buy anything they have to offer no matter what. Treat me like a little child that needs to beg to buy your products and I will take my dollars and go buy something else. Besides, Rolex is (now) a designer brand purchased by the middle class, who want to be upper class. The people that run the world wear IWC and the people that actually own the world buy AP's and other very expensive and most of the time understated watches, not the F1, Football star bling versions.
Is this applicable for entry level watches like for example standart OP36 blue, black dial? Will they really not want to sell it to you even though they are few thousand?
I ceased and desisted from owning any further Rolexes, after I got my Explorer 1 years ago. The process and the ADs are NOT a "luxury" experience too me and my time is worth a lot more than my net worth.
Thanks a bunch for sharing. How true it is! There is no any Rolex model in my wish list. I have stayed away from their game. There are many different brands which can give the same or better quality, design, classic, enjoyment, etc.
I am too old for waiting lists, no matter what product, if there is a waiting list, I give a hard pass.
Honestly I’m glad I’m into the 5 digit references with drilled lugs late 90s/early 00s they’re easier to buy and more similar to heritage rolex
Same. Definitely my preferred era of Rolex -- better build quality and materials (lume that still works, sapphire) but before they got overly shiny with ceramic bezels and no-holes cases ... Wish that a Sky Dweller from that era existed ...
Probably Jory’s most serious video
Just write a e-mail to Rolex Swiss about "Why you couldn't buy a Rolex ?" and i'm sure that they will "speak" to the AD...
...but ADs are crazies to not respond to the demand, they give a open road to a second sort of market !
The Swiss don't care. Customer relations are for the AD's to deal with. Try it, I bet they don't write back and nothing will happen. Trust me.
Omega got my money. F*** Rolex
I work at an ad since 2018 And this might be true for some ad, but it's not everyone who does this. You see Rolex is telling us to sell the "investment" watch to a Reputable klient who does not flip, this is truly all they tell us. And of course there are bad Ads out there who ignore this, but most of us don't take that risk. If an Ad don't do what Rolex say they risk their bussiness and most are not willing to do that. So please don't view this video as some kind of truth. The real reson? Probably 50% of all customers in a shop that sells Rolexes want to buy the big three, maby 10 persons a day are asking about a sub, and maybe 1 person a month are asking about the Omega Seamaster 300 pro, so how are Rolex going to be able to supply us with all those watches? The demand is to high, simple as that.
Rolex already knew luxury sales will decline this year YoY.
So Instead of telling ADs to make more watches available for sale (which is what one would logically expect), it’s doubling down and telling ADs to sell fewer watches in order to perpetuate the illusion that there’s still a shortage due to strong demand. If stock is readily available, customers will request discounts on Rolex watches.
Rolex would rather sell fewer watches than risk letting the public know demand has fallen off the roof. For Rolex, brand equity is above sales and short-term profits.
ADs have to ride out this downturn with Rolex as they already made a bucket-load of money over the past few years so they are expected to sit this out. ADs that don’t comply will lose their licence. As simple as that. Or Rolex can simply allocate few pieces to ADs. Because if demand falls, supply must also be controlled otherwise prices will drop, which is something Rolex will prevent from happening at all cost. Otherwise how can Rolex justify raising prices each year? It’s a psychological game that Rolex is playing with consumers. Hermes does exactly the same. Artificial shortage. The more you want something the more difficult they make it for you to have it.
I am seeing it in the second hand market. I check in on chrono24 regularly. Last year there were no blue two tone subs for under 10 grand now there are asking prices in the high 8s. There are even a handful of 126613s all with asking prices below MSRP. Rolex can adopt the Ferrari model all they want but Rolex is not Ferrari. They mass produce their products to the tune of a million watches a year. No need to kiss anyone’s butt. Plenty on the second hand market.
All of the reasons not to ever own a Rolex, all in one video. Thanks for the show!
Omega has lapped Rolex in some areas...like customer service and availability
Been saying this for quite a while, and many still don’t believe Grey Market Dealers are the ones who are mostly clients of ADs… 😂
It makes sense.
buy a superclone for $500. It's exactly the same.
Long story short, ist just a f*** crime, and a lot of people going to hate the brand and ADs
If they don't want to sell you a product that is fine. Just buy something else. In the end it's just stuff. You are already doing fine without it, so, you don't actually need it.
Completely agree thanks.
The relationship between the AD and grey market sellers is the number one reason why you can't get a Rolex. It's a cartel, and you're not in it.
I've moved on, and so should you. There are better brands out there.
Moved on and bought a Blancpain fifty fathoms and a Glashutte SeaQ panorama date and couldn’t be happier. So many better watches out there to choose from.
No Rolex for me - thank you very much 🤪! Considering that they produce 1'000'000 watches every year, the "scarcity" is just a mirage.
I bought a Invicta Speedway and now I have a nice watch and $14,940 in the bank.
I got the call for the Explorer 1 after 9 months…. I declined
I did find it(explorer2) and saw it in person and backed out, since the finish was no better than a SRPG27
The AD has plenty of watches in stock. Ask to try on an exhibition model, give it a little shake or wind it, 90% of the time it is a working watch, not a locked movement exhibition model, this is a watch for sale. Call them out on it.
I did ask some AD about this and they said the watch on exhibition are real watches and will be sold one day. I guess they are waiting for the "replacement" exhibition watch to arrive before the current one will be sold to the allocated person.
@@jasontungjw The Rolex ADs have to hold new watches in store for 30 days before the person who is receiving the allocation can pick them up. In that time they are used as exhibition pieces for the store. So every time someone picks up their new Rolex it has been manhandled by every tyre kicker in the last 30 days. This is why they cover them in plastic wrap.
@@montys8th lol, this is not even close to the truth. They are kept in the safe in their little coffins and don't stay there long at that.
Im about .0034 seconds away from contacting someone from Rolex and reporting my local AD. Is this a smart move? be on "wait" for 4 years for an extremely common model.
I don’t mind waiting and occasionally visiting my local AD. I’ve got other cool watches to keep me company in the interim. I’ll patiently wait for the call to get the Explorer 40, or live without it.
Here in The Philippines, the biggest Rolex grey market seller is a grand child of a Rolex Authorized Dealership owner.
I bought mine in the early 1980s in St. Thomas USVI and still have it.
I’ve spent over $60,000 at my local AD on jewelry and other watches. Have a great relationship with our salesperson. She still can’t guarantee us getting what we asked for within a year, and it’s not even the most desirable steel sports model by a long shot. I decided I’m done kissing ass for the privilege of maybe getting a call someday. I find other brands design language much more captivating anyway
Forgot to bring the Krispy Kremes ...
40 years ago, one bought a Rolex, because it had a sapphire crystal face, a screw in crown and was reasonably waterproof and drop proof. Now they are just an overpriced bling item. My husband bought me a Rolex GMT II in 1984 instead of an engagement ring. I believe it cost under £1000 new and was then reasonable value for what you actually got. He always said it would save money in the long-run, because of my propensity to break cheaper watches. It still works fine, but now I feel slightly embarrassed wearing it, because of what they have become. Because it is engraved and has important meaning, I usually wear a long-sleeved pull-over, to keep wearing it. Sad really.
A bit like clothes. No one who is financially comfortable, intelligent and with taste, wears designer clothes. One has them made at a dressmaker, suitmaker or tailor.
I have no real interest in a Rolex but it used to be just buy a few watches from your dealer that's how you skip the wait or they at least take you more seriously as a buyer.
The best solution is to…avoid Rolex and purchase other brands
Spoke to my AD they mentioned that now you have two spend histories, in store and a Rolex spend history and to obtain more Rolex you have to increase that by buying more Rolex models doesn’t work by buying other brands anymore apparently..
I am on the so called list for an oyster perpetual 41. I just bought a 2007 milgauss clear glass black dial. 40 mm nice watch. I will see if I ever get the call. Stay tuned. One Rolex in the collection is fine for now. I do like the OP 41 but it should not be this difficult to get one.
Go check out the brand new 41mm Omega Aqua Terra with the black lacquered dial. Puts any OP to shame on the wrist. You can have that today.
@@montys8th great point I will definitely check it out
Even if I had enough money lying around I couldn't care less about Rolex with their boring all pretty similar looking watches. There are far more interesting watches from brands that don't treat you like you have to be "special enough" to buy their products. Screw Rolex
At this day and age I find it ironic to call a Rolex Sub coveted. I see them in the wild and they look ordinary at best which makes the whole waiting game a bit funny. Lot of better alternatives without the snobbery silliness we can do without
Yeah they are just a standard looking dive watch. Not one thing gives me any tinge of excitement about them. It's just a lazy unmaginative choice.
Well Rolex is a great watch but it’s not worth a premium , come to think of it I feel a few Rolex models are more over priced on their Retail price itself. Take my example I’d buy a seamaster rather than a Oyster perpetual or a speedmaster / zenith elprimero Chrono rather than a Daytona. Lastly I won’t suck up to anyone to get up on a waitlist , that not luxury. In fact as per me if I have to wait for something the whole waiting thing itself is the opposite of a luxury experience. Thus brands like Cartier , omega , JLC are far superior in customer experience and even similar quality if not better than Rolex. It’s easy to say that Rolex has no control over its AD’s allocation strategy but if you know something wrong is happening and you remain salient by not doing anything about it , that in my opinion makes you equally wrong. This policy of selective selling is a malpractice and wrong. Walk into Cartier , omega , JLC , Piaget any watch brand even PP or AP treat walk-in customers better than Rolex does. And mind you not all walk-in get a AP or a PP.
I'm genuinely impressed with how close amzwatch were able to replicate every aspect of this very very goofy looking classic watch.
I gave up. At list price its still a lot of money and I lost my perspective of the decimal places.
I went for hi end audio and I get a lot more utility out of it. That’s just me.
Of course if I were super rich I would do both. There are actually people out there who are watch folks and do audio as well.
My local AD told me they could order the entry model I was looking at and would take 3-6 months to get. If I went that route I would have to put down a deposit, didn’t ask for details on that but seemed like if you want it they can definitely get it.
they fooled you
Meh, would rather stick with my Tudor Black Bay 58. Because, at least I can go out clubbing or wear it general without someone wanting to kick my head in and rob it...
I’m not gonna lie if there were just fourorfive watch companies and Rolex was one of them I’d probably be trying to get one too! But because I’m drooling over a glasshutte original Sea Q Panorama date, a Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique 10HZ and an Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph I’m good!
First was a gmt master Pepsi, 2000, $2100, no vat, at my aunts jeweler in willhelmhaven. Second was a seadweller, $2500, same type of purchase. So glad not to be in the pursuit of another.
F Rolex!!!
F scalpers!!!
At this point, Rolex would have to pay me to wear one of their watches.
Omega, Grand Seiko, and JLC are all better watches.
This video is 3.years out of date for uk market. Tried on a yachtmaster 42 white gold. Would I like to leave with it today? We have finance…any gold model is available within 8 weeks, with exception of Daytona, and then only certain models. Explorer and exp;order 2, 12 weeks. Non fluted bezel dsy dates 10 weeks. Submarines 6 months. Of course, most of these models are now cheaper or similar in grey market, so no flippers are interested. Rolex white gold yachtmaster2 full set 2022 model is 6k cheaper on grey market.
Rolex has a very douchey vibe now in my opinion. You get much better bang for your buck with a modern Omega . The only Roller I've ever really liked is the OP 41
Go check out the brand new release Aqua Terra 41mm with lacquered dial. It is a far superior watch to any OP for less and you can walk out with it today.
@@montys8th the Omega Railmaster silver face on bracelet is also an amazing watch
I live in Virginia, not exactly a hotbed of commerce so my AD, who just built a stand alone exhibition hall (Rolex) within the new store gets very few cool guy models (steel sports). I waited two years and five months to get my Sprite because fuck paying 5-7K over sticker, I work hard for my money. I had zero buying history, none I just stopped in every once in a while, had some chit chat and left. A tip though do NOT give the AD a list of hype watches you want they will blow you off as another flipper more than likely instead focus on ONE model you want. I daily wear my Sprite and my AD will ask about it (I stop in now because I’m waiting on a teal OP for my wife and my salesman is a kind of a friend) which means to me that they want to know that you still have the watch you wanted for so long.
It was a pain in the ass waiting but when the call came I had a good experience but I agree it’s a bit of built up hype love my omegas as well bet both my speedy and 300 are often in the shop :/ stuck pushers date wheel issues and so on to me Rolex and omega are not a direct comparison. My 2 cents
You need to go to stand-alone Rolex AD
I go to the Caribbean and often there is an authorized dealer. They never have any in stock.
The only reason I want to buy one is to resell it.
Rolex’s make a million watches a year, I don’t find the watch appealing at all.
Rolex is still king by a long shot but as this hobby grows with the number of enthusiasts, so does their knowledge and brands like Breitling, Cartier and even Tudor are closing the gap. Enthusiasts are learning the cost vs quality gap is far less with the other above mentioned brands and wanting more bang for their buck. I doubt any brand will ever match Rolex with name recognition but their dominance is definitely diminishing because enthusiasts are fed up. You’ll always have the non enthusiast status chasers that will play the game and pay whatever premium which is the reason I doubt any of the other brands will ever completely catch up to them.
NYC 47th street between 5th and 6th Ave. you will find all Rolex models you like including Daytona.
But ask for the price.
That is the reason why you cannot buy from AD.
Cristal clear.
Ditch Rolex, embrace Casio.
Been on the waitlist for an Explorer II Polar Dial 226570 for 10 months now. And I've decided that I will wait until the call comes in. If it doesnt come...then I wasnt meant to have the watch. Thats my stance and I've moved on to living while I wait. Easy Peasy. The WORST thing you can do is become obsessed with having it NOW. Put your order in and go about life.
We already know all this.... Everyone already knows this. Name a luxury brand that doesn't have a wait list? I waited 2.5 years for my Sprite and got it a month ago because of the relationship I have built up with my AD. They have been amazing and I won't go into all the details but went way beyond any customer service I've ever experienced. So if you want something special you have to wait for it..... Or pay through the nose from grey.
I’m not playing the AD allocation game. Something in demand doesn’t make it a FOMO item for everyone. I’d prefer something different over a cookie cutter model. Yes, a no-date Sub or a Wimbledon is nice, yes there are preference options to make it unique, but a Cellini or a 1908 appeals to me more than yet another steel diver or GMT or the like.
I have my grandpas rolex oyster which is a beautiful and great watch but I don’t think I will ever buy one for myself at least the way rolex is operating now.
This is why I won't play this game. I walked into my local AD and bought a the Grand Seiko GMT same day. No hassle. They also had a case full of Omega's. Rolex can kick rocks.
But the biggest reason is that people are prepared to pay over the mrrp, I personally won’t for anything, but those that do create a market for this practice whereby AD’s are selling to flippers not the genuine people. So it’s a catch 22 as the idiots that want to pay double for what it’s actually worth then create the scarcity whereby they can’t go and buy one at retail, it’s madness.
Rolex produces give or take 1.25 Mio watches a year. So it would take them about 7 to8 years and every Swiss citizen would have 1 Rolex …. but no one else in the world …. In 2029 the new factory in Bulle/CH will be ready and the production pa will go to ….2 Mio? In the meantime AD’s will continue selling back door and the most (or some) models will continue to trade with a premium in the grey market. Most models are or will be available … with some luster removed to own one … it is called relative scarcity. Look at secondary market prices …. They reflect this.
Due to the less than ethical business practices surrounding Rolex watch distribution, the brand has acquired a kind of skeezy and untrustworthy image which reflects on the owner to a degree. They are quality watches, but I see one on someone's wrist now and I think about what that person had to do to get it and the system they supported. Also, Rolex is the most common Swiss made watch.
You can absolutely get a rolex at retail from your AD, dont fall for scare tactics. If you are polite, patient, persistent(without being annoying), and have some social skills you will get something. It will not be the Daytona or GMT as a first watch, but most of their watches are in reach. Purchasing something else is not necessary, but it will help you get what you want. You can disagree with it, but from a buisness standpoint it makes sense. They will prioritize customers that prioritize them.
There would less waiting if every Rolex was made to order. That's pathetic.
2023 I tried to buy an Explorer from 2 different AD’s for 12 months. I finally moved on.ive spent a fortune on watches in my life. Not 1 AD ever treated me as badly as Rolex AD’s did. So, I purchased another Omega and a Longines both! I’m not surprised by the behavior of Rolex AD’s in 2024. It’s just sad that Rolex excuses such behavior.
Love the fact that I could give two shits about getting a Rolex
As long as the gray market price of a certain watch is greater than MSRP, it will always be sold out in AD showrooms. Fact: Rolex deliberately under-produces the most in-demand models in order to stoke hype. Sure, this pisses off lots of loyal, longterm customers, but the hype benefits outweigh those costs. Just say no. Don't buy from Rolex.
You are so right who needs a watch that looses or gains time just to have the name Rolex I would rather have a awesome seiko
If they’re so scarce, why does every AD have them on display? In some cases they have multiples of models on display.
Phew - glad I don't want a Rolex! As to your Q, which would I want? I like Ti... so maybe a Ti Sub with a colorful dial (I know - it'll never happen!)
It’s a very simple concept “CREAM” Cash Rules Everything Around Me. As far as what watch I would pick on catalogue would be the one that has the highest ROI and I think it’s an ugly ass Daytona. But if we’re talking a watch that I would collect it would be a factory bustdown I want to attract MORE women than watch nerds 😂😂😂
My favorite Rolex is the green day date, I’ve been waiting for that for over four months and I know they’re real hard to get
If you're waiting for it you are never getting it mate.
Waitlists? Pfft once you've endured the HELM wait list you can handle anything. 😉
I feel that it is about luck. I walked into one boutique in Paris 4 months ago and walked out with a Classic model in less than an hour. I guess because they were closing and maybe wanted to do one more sale before closing for the day.
And back in my home country I walked into this AD and chatted with the SA of which we clicked quite well. I connected with this SA through Whatsapp and got an allocation in less than 3 months for a sports model. Relationship actually matters by not just putting your name down and waiting aimlessly. You gotta make the effort to make things work.
The only essential effort in buying a Rolex should be opening your wallet and paying for it.
I picked an Omega. Done instead!!
Good video Jor!