Would you lose interest in Rolex if it was easily available?

[slide13]

I was more interested in a Rolex when I knew they were available. I got my first Rolex in the early 2000s. Now it’s just frustrating and I’m looking elsewhere because I don’t like the ridiculous and nebulous games with ADs.

Even if there was a fairly long wait but an AD could say they could get you X watch in 10-14mo or whatever, that would be reasonable. But the whole “maybe you’ll get a call someday….and maybe you won’t” is kinda BS and just makes the whole thing a frustrating rather than enjoyable experience.

Glad Tudor is available, love the new FXD.

[JimSnyder]

No

[Jack T]

I was very interested in Rolex years ago, when I could walk in to most any AD, see a case full of many models, and maybe even get a discount. My interest had waned a bit, mainly because I’ve got what I want and my collection has diversified.

[Bozack90]

I started years ago when they were all over the place and that was far more enjoyable than it is now, you could even get a slight discount then on sports models if you tried hard enough.

Now I don't even like wearing the ones I have as if anything happens replacing them would be a challenge, and with not going to the office and no one caring about anything anymore I'm just not motivated to bother.

[Bladeshot]

Nope. I was in it when they were available. Low price compared to now. I love the brand, quality, aesthetics, and the fact that I can work on the older ones, to a small degree.

Love them no matter what. I’ve got an AP and Patek. But Rolex is my favorite. Sports models, in particular. I picked up a 16220 and 16013 last weekend. Plan to keep one. Never had or lusted after a DJ. But I’ll enjoy one and see how I take to it.

[fishingbear]

The purpose originally for this forum and with its members from about the last 6 to 10+years I feel would vote no.

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by BrazenC5

Quite the opposite. I'm losing interest because they are not readily available at an AD.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Yes.

[7enderbender]

Why? What does that have to do with anything? I buy stuff that I personally want or like or have a use for. If it’s readily available, even better. My 16600 Sea Dweller ended up being more than I would’ve paid a few years back. But it was then still available and not completely bonkers. Not too much general interest in that model it seems, while for me it was really the only Rolex I was ever interested in. The new Explorer is intriguing also - and also comparatively unpopular and available. Fine by me.

[Mendota]

What in the Wide World of Sports kind of question is this? My God, is this what our hobby has devolved into? First we are upset that we can't get what we want. Now, if we "can" get it we wouldn't even want it? Talk about sour grapes!

I don't know where the OP was in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s but Rolex was every bit as popular, well made, expensive, and magnificent then and you could indeed walk in and buy one if you had the money to do so. In fact I'm still wishing I would have picked up some of the models I was drooling over back then.

If I could walk in right now and buy the 124060 that I've been waiting for since it was released I would drop everything and go get it right now. Why on Earth wouldn't I?

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[donas]

Nope, I loved it when gray dealers actually competed to provide discounted prices. It's crazy how much has changed in 10-15 years. I buy something because I like it, not because someone else likes it and can't have it. I'd rather have 3 readily available pieces than 1 over priced, hard to get one.

[grimps]

I was buying a couple of Rolex a year long before the hype back in the days when you walked out the dealers and your watch had gone down in value.
I was there before the hype and I'll be there after( well if it ever ends)

[YoyoGift8]

No, I already owned a couple of Rolex more than a decade ago when it was readily available at the AD.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by BrazenC5

Quite the opposite. I'm losing interest because they are not readily available at an AD.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Yep. I was around when they were easily discounted and grays were cheaper than the AD. I’m fine if they flow like water!

[ArtNouveau]

I have been a mechanical watch aficionado since my teenage years. At 28 in 1984 I bought my first “nice” watch, a Rolex SS Datejust, Jubilee with blue dial. Even then Rolex was seen as a luxury, but also a well built machine that would last for decades. They were relatively expensive but attainable if that’s what you wanted.
Since then I have had a plethora of mechanical watches from both well known brands but also the more obscure. I never planned on keeping them all, they were perhaps a “moment in time” but most of them were sold or traded down the road. I just bought my 12th Rolex and currently have three, the most I’ve ever had at one time. I don’t really care about the current market. I have always pretty much been able to buy what I want at retail or less, would never pay more, they’re just watches. This is definitely a bizarre time for a product that has been functionally obsolete for decades.

[Tzachi]

NO.
I'm losing interest because they are not available ( at AD) and the AD approach is hmm.. never mind.

[nosignalbmwdriver]

100%

[nosignalbmwdriver]

You been living under a rock?? 🤣🤣🤣

its a great question that’s why there’s so much engagement

Originally Posted by Mendota

What in the Wide World of Sports kind of question is this? My God, is this what our hobby has devolved into? First we are upset that we can't get what we want. Now, if we "can" get it we wouldn't even want it? Talk about sour grapes!

I don't know where the OP was in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s but Rolex was every bit as popular, well made, expensive, and magnificent then and you could indeed walk in and buy one if you had the money to do so. In fact I'm still wishing I would have picked up some of the models I was drooling over back then.

If I could walk in right now and buy the 124060 that I've been waiting for since it was released I would drop everything and go get it right now. Why on Earth wouldn't I?

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[OrangeSport]

If course not

[Polar Bear]

I do think that the traffic from members with post counts in the double digits would drop significantly

[htc8p]

No but due to the shortage and ridiculous prices

i have gone to omega and panerai.

i am pretty satisfied now

so if this goes on rolex will fade into nothingness

[epicurus]

best thing thats happened to me honestly. its opened up my eyes to so many other amazing brands

[SudiYunus]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

I've thought about this. Part of the attraction for me is the "exclusivity" (yes, I know Rolex is mass produced).

What I'm becoming more aware of now is how good the replicas are and how many replicas are in the wild. That, to me, makes Rolex less desirable.

Rolex is becoming like Louis Vuitton in my eyes. Do you know how many fake LV bags there are? I don't, but I know there are a lot. It's sad because I still love Rolex and their designs...

[Oneday333]

I don't understand why one would lose interest if its easy available. My view, if a person would lost interest, then he/she isn't really interested in the watch, rather he/she enjoys the process of getting the watch!

[baamvino]

I've been a fan of Rolex for +10years now so NO

[ndrs63]

Possibly. I still enjoy my Rolexes and I believe they are the most robust, precise mechanical watches. But there is a fierce competition and I see GS, Blancpain and JLC as strong contenders that beat Rolex at some parameters . I have to admit that value retention is still a consideration for me, so if that went away perhaps my collection would look different


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Oneday333

I don't understand why one would lose interest if its easy available. My view, if a person would lost interest, then he/she isn't really interested in the watch, rather he/she enjoys the process of getting the watch!

I think its more about that if you know you can go get one whenever you want it, you're less motivated to do so
Its less "wanting what you cant have" and more "meh, I'll get to it eventually"

I have friends who entered the hobby and while a Rolex was on their lists, they're now at the top of the list. If the call comes, everything in the collection will go to raise the cash to purchase what they've been waiting for.
When quizzed as to why, most replied "if it turn this offer down, i may never get another and i can always rebuy what i have to sell later down the track"

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Wee-Willie

No, I loved the days when I could walk into the AD with a full case & buy what I wanted & could wear it home.

agree

[EQUITYft]

Not at all. As a matter of fact, when I bought my first Rolex, I had no idea about waitlists or anything else. So I was firmly interested before knowing it is hard to get.

I would like it more if there were no waitlists or that noise, just walk in, buy it and get out.

[Chewbacca]

Since when is a $10k +++ watch easily attainable at MSRP or when one wants one, and why should it be difficult to make it engaging and interesting?

The whole point of Rolex is the achievement of what it took to be in a position to attain one. Not the difficulty in fulfilling the purchase.

Let’s all grow up a little and stop acting like this is some Biblical calling to be called on for the privilege.

If you worked hard and have the money you should be able to walk in a store and buy it when you want it.

That’s it.

[temporarychicken]

If I could walk into an AD and buy what I wanted, I would. And I'd enjoy it deeply.

But since I can't, I've taken my business elsewhere.

There is no joy in paying way over the odds at a grey and I won't play the 'suck up to the dealer for 3yrs game'.

I'm an owner-enthusiast and not an investor.