Dear Rolex: You are a Joke

[Nsx_23]

Originally Posted by superdog

No offense intended my friend.

I do believe that I did show my respect of the business acumen. I just don't appreciate this type of practice.

Porsche, Ford, Birkin or any of them. I get it. I understand it. I just don't like it.

I'm in the same boat. I'd happily pay retail for one right now but I dont appreciate being messed about by ADs, and this type of sales practice really puts me off any brand that does it. Seeing the flood of them on the grey market just annoys me further - its easy to get one as long as you're willing to pay a sizeable premium.

Oh well, I'll vote with my wallet and keep buying older 5 and 4 digit models since I prefer those anyway. The ceramic daytona is probably the only modern rolex I'd buy for retail. Their business - they can do what they like. And I'll just take my money elsewhere.

[Ec2016]

Interesting thread

The chase adds to the allure

If SS daytona were readily available, people may not be in as much of a rush to buy one.

[rolex aficionado]

Daytona SS always been like that! remember the late 90's ? it was the IT watch to have! 5 years waiting list, you can never see the watch! and Rolex wants that hype back!

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by Ec2016

Interesting thread

The chase adds to the allure

If SS daytona were readily available, people may not be in as much of a rush to buy one.

That's precisely it. Hermes could have just forgo making all other bags and just make birkins since that's what all the women want, but why don't they? It's because if all they make is birkins and you can buy anytime you want, then all the allure is lost and not many would want it.

[watchmavan]

Perhaps too many silver spoons and dime people have never been told no.
It is what it is... goiamo.


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[Masmo]

To those that state that the scarcity is part of the allure of the Daytona, I question if demand really would go down if it was more readily available. The regular SS Sub and GMT, especially the Hulk/Batman variations, still seem mighty popular and incredibly sought after still since their incarnations.

When it comes to a Rolex watch, it is simply more than just hype. The product itself is indeed worthy of the status that is associated to the brand. Even with an increased supply, I feel as though the Daytona would still be massively popular just like the Subs and GMTs.

[rafi_16610]

incredible thread.... so long and yet so engrossing. the OP surely touched on a lot of core issues by starting the thread.
nothing to add. except that in my country , aside from the daytona they're doing it to the gmt and the sub as well


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[Ad11wrd]

Originally Posted by superdog

OK, sorry...I know I am going to piss off some people off with this. I really don't mean to. And I am sorry, but where else am I going to make this comment? I genuinely hope someone from Rolex sees this, even though I am quite certain they could not care less.

I am out of state on business. And after my conference, a buddy and I decide to walk the strip. Of course we see a Rolex store and decide to browse. We meet a really excellent sales guy. He was not overly knowledgable about certain details, but he was polite, attentive and definitely good at what he does.

I finally see the new WG Daytona in blue, which is really an astonishing watch. Anyone out there wearing this watch.... Wow. It is incredible. And krioke, Rolex does blue exceptionally well.

We talk watches for a bit and of course we talk about the new Daytona C. So unless you have a prior sales experience with this AD you are not even on the list. It is not going to happen. Never, ever. If you have a prior sales experience with them, you are likely waiting 7 to 8 years.

OK, wait..what?

As Padi says, this is not a new watch. It is easy for them to make. They can fill the demand, sell a ton of watches and make ton of money...just like most businesses want to do.

They do this for their marketing machine. They do this to create the mystique. And I am sorry, but I just don't respect this. Be a watch company. Make great watches, make people happy selling them great watches.

Do I respect their watches? Yes, they make incredible watches. But this type of sales gimmick just turns me off. Big time. And they have gone from the "tool watch" company to the shiny "look at me" watch company.

I really do mostly love what they put out. And much of what they have has a great redeeming quality to it. But I am just not on board with this.

And yes yes yes...I know, if I don't like it, I should not buy it. Ok, I won't, and I can get one if I want one. It is a forum about Rolex watches and I am making a comment. If you want to respond in kind, great, it is a forum and I will respect and appreciate your opinion.

Sorry to anyone I offend. Rant over.

Totally agree with you!!!

[Volt55]

I am in complete agreement. The wait is absurd and regardless of wealth it should not require a price over retail to be paid for it. I also understand wait lists, but not this long. Thank you for posting this as I've felt the same way for months. Rolex fanboys and girls will argue the opposite but it's rediculous to have to wait this long for a steel Daytona.

[Rebel]

I respect. your opinion and right to "vent" or "rant" as you please. Your post count gets my attention. Thanks for your thoughts and insights.

[KrismanX]

Unfortunately it is an AD's prerogative to reserve the right to refuse business to a walk-in client and have a preferential disbursement of their inventory based on their S&D in the area. I definitely would hate to hear anything about a waitlist for anything, let alone one that blatantly F's a potential client for a felony jail sentence. Hope you find/found a better AD to do business with!

[AK797]

Had a bit of nonsense a few days ago with the BLNR, I called an AD from a friend's tip off who then mumbled that they might or might not have one in, honestly just talk plainly!, and as I have bought from their chain before I asked if they could send it to my local one. The AD said no and that he was now taking it out of the window, for God's sake!, as this was sort of like really just for locals. Fair enough I suppose although I am a customer of his AD chain, but I did learn that they can keep the watch for 1 month before they have to send it to their other stores. They are becoming rather cretinous and pathetic in their manner, starting to feel sorry for them.

[Jimbogigolo]

This is interesting because I too felt the same way as the tread originator, but I do realize that this is how they are able to keep the brand and model prestigious. I will admit part of why I wanted one is because not everyone can have one, even if you have the money to buy. It definitely is possible though with persistence. Try calling all local ADs to you then venture out as far as you can drive to and someone is bound to have it and sell to you.

What I actually don't agree with is that SAs are snobby and dismissive over the inquiry. I was recently told by an SA at a high-end mall that they only sold Daytonas to their "VIP clients who spend upwards $100K per year". That I believe is bull. Just because I came in to the mall (due to the summer heat) wearing flipflops, do not think for a minute that I cannot afford it.

[Napoleon]

Disagree. If it was easy, no one would want one.

[ras47]

Originally Posted by Napoleon

Disagree. If it was easy, no one would want one.

Yup. Keeping a brand's cachet strong over time is nearly impossible. Rolex has beaten the odds by doing exactly that. Sucks sometimes for the consumer, but carefully managing supply maintains the "needful thing" feeling of Rolex watches.

[BomB#Frog]

I think you pretty much summed it up by saying that they used to be a bad ass tool watch company and now are a shiny look at me watch. They made it to the top of the shiny look at me watch pyramid by being awesome at marketing. I mean c'mon, name any other watch brand with as many urban legend/myths like Rolex. "It takes a year to make one" "the second hand sweeps flawlessly" like they are magical or something.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by porschejeff

Isn't this the same as what Ferrari does? They produce only so many. Very difficult to buy one new without a long long wait and paying a premium over MSRP.

I'm not saying I approve of this, but this is what creates their image.

Your right. And that's why we have Lamborghini, which seems to dispose of much of the societal nonsense.

[blankovich]

Hmmm. This level of production at, let's say and average cost of $8000 each (a guess) is $8 BILLION dollars in gross sales each year. Let's say their cost of sales is high, 30%. So, net gross is around $5.6 BILLION. comparing watches to Ferrari doesn't make sense. They don't seem to have any problem selling. Scarcity makes little sense. I smell snobbery.

[versatile1]

I like the idea personally.
I wish Honda would do that with the Civic, then I wouldn't see a hundred of them a day at every street light

[Lordofrolex]

I'm surprised your yelling about this a year later. It's just the way it is. I wish they would of came out with a YG Daytona on a ceramic on a bracelet. No go.

[Tampashooter]

And here I am, with one of each, bought at retail, and I think they're overrated and I never wear them. It's a funny world, ain't it?

They really aren't all that. Certainly nothing to lose sleep over.

[springer]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a very substantial price increase for this model soon - especially since Rolex knows what's going on with the pricing in the secondary market.

[GED]

Sage advice from Su Jia Xian(Sjx)about the Daytona C-prices, investment potential and whether you should buy now or wait(hint: “take a deep breath”).

"Prudent Meditations on the Rolex Daytona Ceramic":

http://watchesbysjx.com/2016/06/prud...a-ceramic.html

[samsam]

Totally agree! If I have the money and want a nice watch, I should go to the shop and get it. Like many other luxury things in life.
I also don't know why Rolex ADs hire DBs sometimes. I was at an AD recently and although my wife and I were wearing nice watches and were treated "okay", both of us felt that they kinda looked down at other people. I'm probably not making much sense to some, but I know a lot of you know what I mean.


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[Vaxe]

When was the last time Rolex increased production of a certain reference because it sold better?

Doesn't matter if it's a $8k Sub or a $75k BLSO - it's still just one of the 800,000 made each year, and they're certainly not going to change their formula over a $12k Daytona. They've always produced steel watches in set proportions; just because the 116500 is more in demand, doesn't mean they should cater to the market and produce more of it. Rolex is successful because they are timeless and don't give in to trends.

Just my 2 cents.

[Eva123]

Originally Posted by SamSam

Totally agree! If I have the money and want a nice watch, I should go to the shop and get it. Like many other luxury things in life.
I also don't know why Rolex ADs hire DBs sometimes. I was at an AD recently and although my wife and I were wearing nice watches and were treated "okay", both of us felt that they kinda looked down at other people. I'm probably not making much sense to some, but I know a lot of you know what I mean.


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It is really strange for me when these poor salespeople could look down to other people who are much richer than they are and doing serious stuff (working in high level positions, owning business, etc.) which enable them affordability of Rolex and other high end brand watches. Also, I think that such "look down" approach is absolutely not acceptable as rich customers who do not want any excessive attention might be really offended.

[samsam]

Originally Posted by Eva123

It is really strange for me when these poor salespeople could look down to other people who are much richer than they are and doing serious stuff (working in high level positions, owning business, etc.) which enable them affordability of Rolex and other high end brand watches. Also, I think that such "look down" approach is absolutely not acceptable as rich customers who do not want any excessive attention might be really offended.

The sales person was bragging about him not allowing some customers to try some watches and telling them to go shop somewhere else if they don't like it. I was like what the....
He let us try all watches because "it's clear we know the brand and wearing nice watches". Unbelievable!

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by Eva123

It is really strange for me when these poor salespeople could look down to other people who are much richer than they are and doing serious stuff (working in high level positions, owning business, etc.) which enable them affordability of Rolex and other high end brand watches. Also, I think that such "look down" approach is absolutely not acceptable as rich customers who do not want any excessive attention might be really offended.

I don't agree with salespeople treating customers like crap but based on your post some customers deserve it.


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[Andad]

Originally Posted by Eva123

It is really strange for me when these poor salespeople could look down to other people who are much richer than they are and doing serious stuff (working in high level positions, owning business, etc.) which enable them affordability of Rolex and other high end brand watches. Also, I think that such "look down" approach is absolutely not acceptable as rich customers who do not want any excessive attention might be really offended.

[coleburns]

6-7 years is the standard in the UK for those on the list. For the unprivileged, it's 2/3 years to even get on the list as they are all closed (based on my research). Earlier this year, i called around and got through to a lady nice enough to explain things from her point of view. She said based on the average they received a year and factoring their waiting list, it will take 56 years (not a typo) to meet demand. So the earliest she could add me to the list was in 2022.

The complete instantly of the Daytona hits you at some point and then you move on. There are loads of other brands and watches.