What happens before a Rolex watch is discontinued?

[Djoker48]

For those OGs here that came in before the Covid craziness or those that have just witnessed the arena for a long time: What happens before a watch gets discontinued (Hulk, Motif Dial Datejusts, Palm Dial, SD 4K and others)? Does supply dry up months before? Do ADs get hints to not accept requests for these watches? Are there any leading indicators?

The reason for the question: A bunch of let’s say “unwise” folks are buying the Pepsi and Sprite in the hopes that it gets discontinued (fair game if you actually like it). But production appears to go on as usual. Doesn’t this indicate a watch won’t be discontinued this Watches and Wonders?

Or am I missing something and even discontinued watches continue to be sold till the last day before Watches and Wonders (or Basel World for the models prior)?