Is rarity geographically based?

[Sherio]

Skimming through several posts, it seems that some watches are hard to find in some places and not that hard to come by at some other places, of course there are watches that are rare no matter where you look, but will still vary significantly in the length of the waiting list, but I’ve seen explorer 2 polar/black, DG 41 both in rhodium with Latin numerals and blue dial with white gold bezel, blue dial YM, TT sky dwellers, and even full gold Daytona’s on display, albeit in different countries scattered across the globe.

Since I buy to wear and not to flip, and although it’s quite tempting to buy, I only buy what I really like, I wouldn’t pick up a hulk at retail if I saw it in front of me ( sorry hulk fans ), but I kinda feel sorry for collectors seeking some certain models and forced to join waiting lists or even go grey for items that are not selling that fast or easily attainable in other areas.

I guess the hype of certain models are country/region specific?

[s_haverford]

I have been thinking that through recently as well. I think most people will agree with me when I say that hotter pieces are hard to get on metro/dense areas. Obviously with a concentration of wealth in an area will yield demand.

[Yobber76]

I thought about this too, it could be based on traditional preference for some of the models. It could also be that demand in a certain part of the world accelerated more than typical. Hard to tall, but I would agree that it has appeared that way recently.

[Mr.Rolex1]

I have called many AD's abroad and they all dont have SS Daytonas, SS Sky-d, Pepsi, or even hulk.

[JodyHighroller]

Originally Posted by Mr.Rolex1

I have called many AD's abroad and they all dont have SS Daytonas, SS Sky-d, Pepsi, or even hulk.

They do, but they’re reserved for local clients.

[Muxi]

It’s like water finding its way into nooks and crevices until it attains equilibrium. There is actually some semblance of world gray prices already.

[DTap]

I travel about 100k miles per year, mostly NA and Asia. Seems all equally scarce from what I’ve seen.

[42itus]

I think the hype is the same all over the world. I live in a tourist dependent state, and there is nothing available. Everything is hiding, out of sight. The ADs say they only sell to locals, which I have my doubts on because there is some serious cash that some visitors bring. Before everything got crazy, my SA told me that some of his Japanese clients would buy 6-7 Rolex on every trip. And he had multiple clients like this. And some would come to Hawaii 3-4 times a year. I asked him why they would buy so much and he never asked any of his clients but he speculates that many of them are gifts to business associates.
Slightly off track, but in my opinion I think availability is definitely affected by geographic location. Although hype might be the same, some areas just don't have enough money come through so you might see an AK, Explorer, Milguass, YM... My market is dry for regular folk like me.

[tyler1980]

maybe in this same hypothetical situation 25 years ago. Now the market is so interconnected and world wide i would be shocked if there was a place where one hard to get watch was readily available


some places are worse than others, but none that i know of are good.

According to a member from Saudi Arabia the availability isn't as bad, but its not exactly an easy place to get access to since i dont believe they issue tourist visas.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by Mr.Rolex1

I have called many AD's abroad and they all dont have SS Daytonas, SS Sky-d, Pepsi, or even hulk.

I have said it many times before and truly believe it. Almost no dealers will tell you their inventory via a phone call. You have better luck doing a random walk in than calling.