ImpoSSible

[Hogtown Fatty]

There's been an overwhelming barrage of threads lately where regular Joes like myself have complained about the impossibility of getting a stainless steel Rolex at retail. I only very recently (last week) learned of just how impossible a feat this really is. The popular SS models are pretty much exclusively reserved for VIP's-- people who've spent $100k+ on jewellery and less-desirable Rolexes/watches-- and while they may have lists for us ordinary shmucks, they don't really mean a thing. Even if you're so lucky to hear the (deceitful) words "you're on the list", it's really just a thinly veiled "no" as there'll always be someone who comes along before your name is reached who'll get dibs first. It just really irks me that having the money--$10k+-- is simply no longer enough to get you a watch. $10k may be chump change to some folks on here, but to the vast majority of the world it's a hell of a lot of money, no less to spend on a mass-produced watch boasting such antiquated mechanisms- just objectively speaking. But I've obviously no qualms with spending the money on one as I grew up loving watches and have desired a Rolex ever since I can remember. Again, just venting because of how impossible AD's make it for regular guys to get these things. I don't care to own a Rolex (or any timepiece) as a status item, so I absolutely refuse to pay a dime over retail, which is already so far above the watches intrinsic worth.

[Tysonoxide]

It's a luxury, it's not meant for everybody

[jrs146]

It’s a dog eat dog world. Rolex right now is eating all the medium and small pups...


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[Yobber76]

It does take effort and luck to find many of the SS sports watches. First, determine what one(s) you would like to own, if you live in an area that has more than one Rolex AD walk in the store and talk to them. I stumbled on an AD that has 4 stores in the Chicago area on a day in late January when he had a SS SubC ND and a Sub date in the case. I could have bought either, I had never been in the store before, wasn't a loyal customer, and bought the ND at MSRP. There are used watches available, that takes a little more training and confidence, and yes many of these are selling at or above new.
If you want a SS Daytona good luck, obviously some of these sport watches are near impossible to get. If it means enough to you, keep plugging make phone calls, stop in stores, keep working it. For me, if I never get a SS ceramic Daytona, life will go on.
Rolex isn't the first company that has a hot product that is limited in availability, it won't be the last. Owning a Rolex has a status, whether we tell ourselves it does or doesn't, and right now part of that status is some of them you can't get easily. If the status of a Rolex meant nothing to me, I'd buy a Timex. Keeps time close enough, even sounds similar, I could walk into Walmart and buy 100 of them tomorrow.
Good luck, and keep trying.

[JacksonStone]

Can't you get help from your "solid source" who predicted the SS DD?

[Porsche]

Don't blame the AD's, they are victims too! I'm sure they would LOVE to sell as many as they could get!

[Hogtown Fatty]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Can't you get help from your "solid source" who predicted the SS DD?

Ah, great memory you've got. You might also recall that in that same thread I mentioned the Pepsi SS GMT... so 50% hit rate, not so bad... and rest assured, the SS DD is coming within the next three Basel's, that's a guarantee. I can't elaborate and don't wish to turn this thread into something that requires a thread of its own. And just because I know someone with info on something doesn't mean they'd be willing to hook me up...

[Valhala]

Originally Posted by Tysonoxide

It's a luxury, it's not meant for everybody

Thats why i love rolex, and there strategy. Id rather have it the way it currently is. I dont want every joe smo to be part of the club. Some of us have waited for timepieces from ads for months to years and as VIPs with multiple purchase history, not one hit wonders

[MinMay]

Okay. I see bunch of watches brand new or a few month old for retail price. You have to pay sales tax if you buy local so might as well buy from the forum.

[faz]

OP, it is a frustrating situation for many. Rolex is definitely losing some cash ready to buy customers to other brands. It is not the ADs fault that the supply is limited.

Also I would suggest looking at the used market as well. With a trip to RSC, a used one will become like new again.


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[WS9D]

If any joe could walk in and buy one, the brand would not have the value it has. Rolex would be no better than, dare i say (tomchicago), Swatch. This is why the secondary market is so high and will probably stay that way.

If you can't wait (just as I haven't been able to before) there are plenty of trusted sellers (DavidSW) who can get you what you want, most pieces around MSRP, and the premium stuff at a premium. If you average out the premium you paid over how many months you'd have to wait, it may be worth it.

This is a pay to play game right now and I don't see it changing in the near future. Just know what ever you get won't take a huge loss should you need/want to sell because of the Rolex tactics.


Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with DavidSW. I have just had several pleasant transactions with him via TRF.

[DahMan]

But aren’t the sports watches all over the grey market. So why would you not go buy one from them. I must be missing something.

[Paul_I]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

Ah, great memory you've got. You might also recall that in that same thread I mentioned the Pepsi SS GMT... so 50% hit rate, not so bad... and rest assured, the SS DD is coming within the next three Basel's, that's a guarantee. I can't elaborate and don't wish to turn this thread into something that requires a thread of its own. And just because I know someone with info on something doesn't mean they'd be willing to hook me up...

Woooooooow.

[DahMan]

I guess the idea is through the AD, you pay Rolex list max, and Grey Market is more, like a DavidSW.

[kulak]

Fly to the Caribbean, like Grand Cayman. I bought a popular SS model on a whim same day. They seemed to have plenty of SS variety.

[MinMay]

It is clearly Rolex fault. They choose to limited the release #. If they produce more then there will be plenty in stock. Blame Rolex. They are laughing to the bank.

[el-heffe]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

There's been an overwhelming barrage of threads lately where regular Joes like myself have complained about the impossibility of getting a stainless steel Rolex at retail. I only very recently (last week) learned of just how impossible a feat this really is. The popular SS models are pretty much exclusively reserved for VIP's-- people who've spent $100k+ on jewellery and less-desirable Rolexes/watches-- and while they may have lists for us ordinary shmucks, they don't really mean a thing. Even if you're so lucky to hear the (deceitful) words "you're on the list", it's really just a thinly veiled "no" as there'll always be someone who comes along before your name is reached who'll get dibs first. It just really irks me that having the money--$10k+-- is simply no longer enough to get you a watch. $10k may be chump change to some folks on here, but to the vast majority of the world it's a hell of a lot of money, no less to spend on a mass-produced watch boasting such antiquated mechanisms- just objectively speaking. But I've obviously no qualms with spending the money on one as I grew up loving watches and have desired a Rolex ever since I can remember. Again, just venting because of how impossible AD's make it for regular guys to get these things. I don't care to own a Rolex (or any timepiece) as a status item, so I absolutely refuse to pay a dime over retail, which is already so far above the watches intrinsic worth.

When I had trouble getting started with an AD, my approach was to walk in, make a little small talk and then directly to say "I'm only interested in model X. I have the money. I'd like to make a purchase." Even if you get put on the list, being direct about being serious (and not just window shopping) does wonders. Stopping by once a month or so, doesn't hurt either as it shows true interest. Unfortunately, buying a SS model in today's market is a bit like dating. You won't get the good stuff without putting some time and effort in.

[mdubya]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

If any joe could walk in and buy one, the brand would not have the value it has. Rolex would be no better than, dare i say (tomchicago), Swatch. This is why the secondary market is so high and will probably stay that way.

Such nonsense. Until about 3-6 months ago you could walk into an AD and buy virtually any Rolex, with the exception of the Daytona, for MSRP. The brand was doing just fine. Rolex built its reputation on being a solid, well designed and somewhat expensive watch. They are no Patek.

And Im sorry to break it to you, but most rolex owners are "any joes". 10-20K is not a large amount of money (relatively speaking) in the western world anymore. Basically anyone with relatively good credit and an average job could technically afford one if they wanted to. I think if you surveyed Rolex owners you would find the majority are solidly middle/upper middle class looking to buy a status symbol or mark an occasion. I spent a few days at a hotel down south that was fairly expensive but not a location where I would expect to find many "1%ers" - a solidly upper middle class place. I cannot count how many subs and a few GMTs I saw.

[LightOnAHill]

I knew somebody was going to mention dating... lol

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by kulak

Fly to the Caribbean, like Grand Cayman. I bought a popular SS model on a whim same day. They seemed to have plenty of SS variety.

Or Hong Kong, or Dubai/Qatar, or anywhere wealthy people fly through and can take advantage of luxury shopping.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by mdubya

Such nonsense. Until about 3-6 months ago you could walk into an AD and buy virtually any Rolex, with the exception of the Daytona, for MSRP. The brand was doing just fine. Rolex built its reputation on being a solid, well designed and somewhat expensive watch. They are no Patek.



And Im sorry to break it to you, but most rolex owners are "any joes". 10-20K is not a large amount of money (relatively speaking) in the western world anymore. Basically anyone with relatively good credit and an average job could technically afford one if they wanted to. I think if you surveyed Rolex owners you would find the majority are solidly middle/upper middle class looking to buy a status symbol or mark an occasion. I spent a few days at a hotel down south that was fairly expensive but not a location where I would expect to find many "1%ers" - a solidly upper middle class place. I cannot count how many subs and a few GMTs I saw.

You are right. I think you may have misunderstood me. All I’m saying is Rolex realizes this and wants to protect brand image/value and project elusiveness. They do it this way rather than raise prices. I think they are trying move up the food chain without raising current prices. Rolex is a brilliant company. This is why they not only survived the quartz crisis but came out ahead from where they were pre-quartz. Some wonder if they are now doing this to make a push during the “smart watch era.”

Do I agree with what they are doing? No, but i also realize it’s a smart marketing strategy.

[tomchicago]

Rollie is nothing more than a cold, profit maximizing entity. That's it. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Rollie is nothing more than a cold, profit maximizing entity. That's it. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

Is that a poor business model? To make money? And to make that money by increasing desire and demand for their products? People want what they can’t have. That’s been proven with psychology, history, etc.


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[JBoone]

Originally Posted by mdubya

Such nonsense. Until about 3-6 months ago you could walk into an AD and buy virtually any Rolex, with the exception of the Daytona, for MSRP. The brand was doing just fine. Rolex built its reputation on being a solid, well designed and somewhat expensive watch. They are no Patek.

And Im sorry to break it to you, but most rolex owners are "any joes". 10-20K is not a large amount of money (relatively speaking) in the western world anymore. Basically anyone with relatively good credit and an average job could technically afford one if they wanted to. I think if you surveyed Rolex owners you would find the majority are solidly middle/upper middle class looking to buy a status symbol or mark an occasion. I spent a few days at a hotel down south that was fairly expensive but not a location where I would expect to find many "1%ers" - a solidly upper middle class place. I cannot count how many subs and a few GMTs I saw.

I agree regarding relative affordability in this day an age.

Last I checked 4 wheelers are not that much cheaper and plenty of people have those even in rural areas. Obviously apples to oranges but most working stiffs can aford a base Rolex if it is important to them.

Signed,
Working stiff

[mdubya]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

You are right. I think you may have misunderstood me. All I’m saying is Rolex realizes this and wants to protect brand image/value and project elusiveness. They do it this way rather than raise prices. I think they are trying move up the food chain without raising current prices. Rolex is a brilliant company. This is why they not only survived the quartz crisis but came out ahead from where they were pre-quartz. Some wonder if they are now doing this to make a push during the “smart watch era.”

Do I agree with what they are doing? No, but i also realize it’s a smart marketing strategy.

Agree. Will be interesting to see where this goes. As much as I love their watches, the current games they are playing are sure to alienate some, and AP/Patek are in a league of their own.

[DocHorton]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Rollie is nothing more than a cold, profit maximizing entity. That's it. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

I would disagree with you. If they wanted to maximize profit they would increase production by 10-20% of the desirable models and still sell every one they made. They could easily sell many more Daytonas, SkyDwellers, Hulks, BLNR's, etc. Heck, just the people on this forum alone would snatch all of those up in a heartbeat.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by DocHorton

I would disagree with you. If they wanted to maximize profit they would increase production by 10-20% of the desirable models and still sell every one they made. They could easily sell many more Daytonas, SkyDwellers, Hulks, BLNR's, etc. Heck, just the people on this forum alone would snatch all of those up in a heartbeat.

If that was the case, then no one would want them and they would sit in the cases. Ref another thread about what happened to Harley when they did just that.

WIS may buy, but the masses won’t, and Rolex doesn’t make their money just from WIS types. They make it from the masses.

The heart doesn’t want what the the heart CAN have outside of TRF.

Just look at what happened to other companies when they opened the production flood gates. Suddenly, since anyone could get one, the products weren’t viewed as luxurious anymore. Demand was not as strong.


Edit: sorry hit wrong quote when I shouldn’t have Doc. Long day.


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[Steerpike999]

Which model are you after?
You can normally get SS Explorer or Explorer 2 within a coupe of months or earlier. I know the Explorer 2 was certainly on display in Dec. This weekend, my local AD had a Milgauss on display so there is that...

[NeoAnderson]

Originally Posted by MinMay

Okay. I see bunch of watches brand new or a few month old for retail price. You have to pay sales tax if you buy local so might as well buy from the forum.

No sales tax in delaware.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Hogtown Fatty

There's been an overwhelming barrage of threads lately where regular Joes like myself have complained about the impossibility of getting a stainless steel Rolex at retail. I only very recently (last week) learned of just how impossible a feat this really is. The popular SS models are pretty much exclusively reserved for VIP's-- people who've spent $100k+ on jewellery and less-desirable Rolexes/watches-- and while they may have lists for us ordinary shmucks, they don't really mean a thing. Even if you're so lucky to hear the (deceitful) words "you're on the list", it's really just a thinly veiled "no" as there'll always be someone who comes along before your name is reached who'll get dibs first. It just really irks me that having the money--$10k+-- is simply no longer enough to get you a watch. $10k may be chump change to some folks on here, but to the vast majority of the world it's a hell of a lot of money, no less to spend on a mass-produced watch boasting such antiquated mechanisms- just objectively speaking. But I've obviously no qualms with spending the money on one as I grew up loving watches and have desired a Rolex ever since I can remember. Again, just venting because of how impossible AD's make it for regular guys to get these things. I don't care to own a Rolex (or any timepiece) as a status item, so I absolutely refuse to pay a dime over retail, which is already so far above the watches intrinsic worth.

Nah...It's not that hard......yet.

What do you want to buy specifically and where are you looking?

If you are looking in a big city such as NYC or London. STOP STOP STOP.

Broaden your horizons. There are still plenty of AD's out there and they will have Subs and Sub dates ready to buy. EXP and EXP2. DSSD (non Cameron).

Lead times on SD43 are reported to be less than two months from some on here....while other dealers are getting less of those than Daytonas...so that one is a bit tricky.

Daytona, BLNR, SS Skydweller, and Hulks are tougher....BUT is that what you really want?

They are out there....