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Rose Gold · 29 May 2018, 12:18 AM

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

THC · 29 May 2018, 12:22 AM

Good thought, but the numbers could indeed infuriate all of us, as “Rolex lay people”

codecow · 29 May 2018, 12:24 AM

I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

zjd168 · 29 May 2018, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codecow

I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

This. Rolex has no any motivation to release this top trade secret. It won't do them anything good and only benefits the competitors. Even public companies are very reluctant to do so.

Bostonbert · 5 June 2018, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codecow

I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

Who ever does the balancing of models for slated production at Rolex isn’t very good at their job (in my opinion). The wait times for sport models are getting a little ridiculous.

The oversupply of dress models vs demand is driving watches into the gray market and this is dragging some steel sport models along. No gray market seller will accept a bunch of datejusts if there isn’t a sport model in demand in the mix. The gray market guy then makes his money on the steel sports model to compensate for the discount t he has to put on the datejusts. The end result is normal AD customers for steel sports models have to wait and wait.

meganfox17 · 29 May 2018, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials, Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

Rose Gold · 29 May 2018, 01:00 AM

Reread my sentence carefully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

Kel_Solaar · 29 May 2018, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

He was just talking hypothetically.

meganfox17 · 29 May 2018, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kel_Solaar

He was just talking hypothetically.

Pure assumption but then again I know the lofty figures quoted by the OP are, well just an exaggeration. As a comparison, Raynald Aeschlimann, the President of Omega had quoted in Baselworld 2018 that the projected sales forecast for the new SS Seamaster MC 300M alone once the model is released into the international market in Aug 2018 is 100000 units in 12 months

lovetherolex · 29 May 2018, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

That’s not what he said.

GP13 · 29 May 2018, 12:45 AM

Let's see the Jeep!

Finslayer83 · 29 May 2018, 01:25 AM

Lol. It’s a private company, they don’t have to do anything.

DLRIDES · 29 May 2018, 01:33 AM

Why would one care ?

You buy the watches you like to wear, end of story.

F900LX · 29 May 2018, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Why would one care ?

You buy the watches you like to wear, end of story.

I agree, I could not care less...

Rose Gold · 30 May 2018, 12:42 AM

Here you go...

Quote:

Originally Posted by GP13

Let's see the Jeep!

Zakalwe · 29 May 2018, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

There are no doubt lots of reasons and I’m sure the folk who know more than me will chime in.

But to be honest you’ve answered your own question; the bit in bold is more than enough reason for Rolex to not want to divulge the information.

Rolex is a luxury brand that trades on exclusivity to a hugely successful degree. Yet they mass produce >800k watches per year. How brilliant is the long term marketing strategy that can pull off that trick?! Meanwhile the truly exclusive watch companies that create handmade pieces of wrist art have virtually zero recognition in the public consciousness.

Why would Rolex choose to reveal that the Emperor has no clothes?

tyler1980 · 29 May 2018, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think.

Correct... and the fact you cant get this mass produced watch and then it seems all the more ridiculous. Pretending its "rare" is the only thing positive thing about this situation.

Releasing numbers doesnt benefit Rolex and they only lose as far as perception IMO so they are doing the correct thing.

padi56 · 29 May 2018, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

No Rolex watch is rare just some made in smaller numbers but still around 900000 units are made annually. So today their must be countless millions of them in this world today.

Alpino · 29 May 2018, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

No Rolex watch is rare ...

Steel Daydate is rare ...

kauffee · 29 May 2018, 01:04 AM

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

WS9D · 29 May 2018, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauffee

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

Perfect explanation in my book!

AK797 · 29 May 2018, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauffee

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

Wasn't it Uma's screaming yellow jumpsuit for Kill Bill.

breitlings · 29 May 2018, 01:13 AM

I am wondering why they would do this?

Fleetlord · 29 May 2018, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breitlings

I am wondering why they would do this?

There is no reason for them to. That is why they won't and will never.

In fact Rolex were able to stop COSC from publishing how many movements they have certified in a year...so if that tells you anything.

Chewbacca · 29 May 2018, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

No. Please no.

Because then we’re condoning it as a numbers game and Rolex would be forced to make even sillier renditions to support or throttle production; they’re doing well enough as-is.

SharpyDave · 29 May 2018, 01:30 AM

It would only help their competition if they released their numbers.

azs.77 · 29 May 2018, 01:42 AM

As a luxury watch brand, Rolex has zero incentive to provide production numbers, which maybe in the hundreds of thousands or even a million per year.

TimeToWatch · 29 May 2018, 01:44 AM

Rolex will never release production numbers, ever. If they make 900k-1M watches in a year, I doubt the everose Daytona would compose 10%...maybe 1% - so 1,000/year? I'd image the vast majority of Rolexes produced, especially these days, are Datejusts and to a lesser extent DayDates.

Byrdguy · 29 May 2018, 02:06 AM

Who cares. I go to an AD and see a watch I like and want, I buy it. It doesn't matter how many they made. Probably, a good 95% of Rolex wearers wear the one rolex they have for many years (20-30). The basic Rolex customers just want a Rolex for every day wear and aren't worried about what it might be worth a few years later, or whether their choice was a wise investment. They are just watches and aren't sacred. Some with a PM that costs between $25-$35K may feel that way, but they aren't.

tyler1980 · 29 May 2018, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToWatch

If they make 900k-1M watches in a year, I doubt the everose Daytona would compose 10%...maybe 1% - so 1,000/year?

This is exactly why they don't release the numbers. I think the number is way higher, but underestimating is probably what they would prefer you do.

The US alone has 500-ish ADs and every one probably has one

29 May 2018, 12:18 AM	#1
Rose Gold "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Joe Location: North Carolina Watch: er in the rye Posts: 234	Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for each model annually All, Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of. Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong. Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced? Thoughts? Joe __________________ 2018 Rose Gold Daytona (116505) with Rose Gold Dial and Black Sub-Dials.

29 May 2018, 01:33 AM	#13
DLRIDES 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: Don Location: NC/WY Watch: Me Posts: 4,676	Why would one care ? You buy the watches you like to wear, end of story. __________________ *Purchasing your first non HOA home on a 3 acre lot DOES NOT equate to owning a “farm”.*

29 May 2018, 12:22 AM	#2
THC 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Mandeville La Watch: 126333 Posts: 10,666	Good thought, but the numbers could indeed infuriate all of us, as “Rolex lay people”

29 May 2018, 12:24 AM	#3
codecow "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Louis Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: PP 5131R Posts: 5,196	I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

29 May 2018, 12:45 AM	#11
GP13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: GA Watch: All of them... Posts: 407	Let's see the Jeep!

29 May 2018, 01:25 AM	#12
Finslayer83 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Tennessee Watch: DW-5600 Posts: 1,584	Lol. It’s a private company, they don’t have to do anything.

29 May 2018, 01:04 AM	#20
kauffee 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Matt Location: Portland, OR Watch: 116610LN, 116500LN Posts: 1,385	If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

29 May 2018, 01:13 AM	#23
breitlings Banned Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bethesda Watch: Apple TV Posts: 5,744	I am wondering why they would do this?

29 May 2018, 01:30 AM	#26
SharpyDave "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Dave Location: NJ Posts: 72	It would only help their competition if they released their numbers.

29 May 2018, 01:42 AM	#27
azs.77 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: USA/Canada Watch: Rolex, AP, Panerai Posts: 823	As a luxury watch brand, Rolex has zero incentive to provide production numbers, which maybe in the hundreds of thousands or even a million per year.

29 May 2018, 01:44 AM	#28
TimeToWatch Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: TRF Watch: Rolex & AP Posts: 1,757	Rolex will never release production numbers, ever. If they make 900k-1M watches in a year, I doubt the everose Daytona would compose 10%...maybe 1% - so 1,000/year? I'd image the vast majority of Rolexes produced, especially these days, are Datejusts and to a lesser extent DayDates.

29 May 2018, 02:06 AM	#29
Byrdguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida Panhandle Watch: Sub C LV, Posts: 490	Who cares. I go to an AD and see a watch I like and want, I buy it. It doesn't matter how many they made. Probably, a good 95% of Rolex wearers wear the one rolex they have for many years (20-30). The basic Rolex customers just want a Rolex for every day wear and aren't worried about what it might be worth a few years later, or whether their choice was a wise investment. They are just watches and aren't sacred. Some with a PM that costs between $25-$35K may feel that way, but they aren't.

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