Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for each model annually

[Rose Gold]

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

[THC]

Good thought, but the numbers could indeed infuriate all of us, as “Rolex lay people”

[codecow]

I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials, Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

[GP13]

Let's see the Jeep!

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

There are no doubt lots of reasons and I’m sure the folk who know more than me will chime in.

But to be honest you’ve answered your own question; the bit in bold is more than enough reason for Rolex to not want to divulge the information.

Rolex is a luxury brand that trades on exclusivity to a hugely successful degree. Yet they mass produce >800k watches per year. How brilliant is the long term marketing strategy that can pull off that trick?! Meanwhile the truly exclusive watch companies that create handmade pieces of wrist art have virtually zero recognition in the public consciousness.

Why would Rolex choose to reveal that the Emperor has no clothes?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think.

Correct... and the fact you cant get this mass produced watch and then it seems all the more ridiculous. Pretending its "rare" is the only thing positive thing about this situation.

Releasing numbers doesnt benefit Rolex and they only lose as far as perception IMO so they are doing the correct thing.

[Rose Gold]

Reread my sentence carefully.

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Since we are still in the second quarter of the year, may I know your primary and I presume legitimate source of this information ?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

No Rolex watch is rare just some made in smaller numbers but still around 900000 units are made annually. So today their must be countless millions of them in this world today.

[kauffee]

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

[breitlings]

I am wondering why they would do this?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Rose Gold

All,

Wouldn’t it be nice if Rolex would release production numbers for every Rolex reference produced annually? I have absolutely no doubt that they have the numbers, why not release them? Is there any market-driven reason not to? The only drawback I can see is that buyers may be unhappy that their watch is not as rare as they might think. For example, I own a 116505 rose gold Daytona with a rose gold dial and black sundials. I may be a bit upset to find out that Rolex produced and sold 100,000 of them in 2018. A potential second drawback would be that Rolex would be providing production numbers to their competition, who could then ramp up production on their version of the models that Rolex is selling the most of.

Here’s where I am coming from: Recently, Chrysler Jeep started releasing production numbers on Jeeps. I own a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I custom ordered. When I found out that I could order the production numbers for $15, I asked for a copy of the production numbers, including options for my Jeep. I found out that I own 1 or 1; the only Jeep produced by the factory in my configuration is my Jeep. I honestly thought that there would be hundreds of Jeeps like mine... but I was wrong.

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Rolex’s production numbers. Might I be surprised at how many 116505s were produced?

Thoughts?

Joe

No. Please no.

Because then we’re condoning it as a numbers game and Rolex would be forced to make even sillier renditions to support or throttle production; they’re doing well enough as-is.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I am wondering why they would do this?

There is no reason for them to. That is why they won't and will never.

In fact Rolex were able to stop COSC from publishing how many movements they have certified in a year...so if that tells you anything.

[Finslayer83]

Lol. It’s a private company, they don’t have to do anything.

[SharpyDave]

It would only help their competition if they released their numbers.

[DLRIDES]

Why would one care ?

You buy the watches you like to wear, end of story.

[azs.77]

As a luxury watch brand, Rolex has zero incentive to provide production numbers, which maybe in the hundreds of thousands or even a million per year.

[TimeToWatch]

Rolex will never release production numbers, ever. If they make 900k-1M watches in a year, I doubt the everose Daytona would compose 10%...maybe 1% - so 1,000/year? I'd image the vast majority of Rolexes produced, especially these days, are Datejusts and to a lesser extent DayDates.

[zjd168]

Originally Posted by codecow

I guess the real thing would be how would it benefit their business? Balancing supply on hot models seems like it would be a trade secret.

This. Rolex has no any motivation to release this top trade secret. It won't do them anything good and only benefits the competitors. Even public companies are very reluctant to do so.

[F900LX]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Why would one care ?

You buy the watches you like to wear, end of story.

I agree, I could not care less...

[Byrdguy]

Who cares. I go to an AD and see a watch I like and want, I buy it. It doesn't matter how many they made. Probably, a good 95% of Rolex wearers wear the one rolex they have for many years (20-30). The basic Rolex customers just want a Rolex for every day wear and aren't worried about what it might be worth a few years later, or whether their choice was a wise investment. They are just watches and aren't sacred. Some with a PM that costs between $25-$35K may feel that way, but they aren't.

[GradyPhilpott]

Many, it seems, want Rolex to be just another run of the mill watch manufacture.

That would be the kiss of death.

Rolex is perfect as they are and people like us prove it every day.

[Case61]

At the AP presentation during the 2018 LV GTG, the AP executive gave specific numbers for their production runs for specific models. Now, of course, AP isn't Rolex on all sorts of counts. But, still, I found that interesting.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by kauffee

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

Perfect explanation in my book!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by kauffee

If you knew what was in the gold suitcase from Pulp Fiction it would ruin the joy.

Wasn't it Uma's screaming yellow jumpsuit for Kill Bill.

[beshannon]

No interest in their production numbers at all

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by TimeToWatch

If they make 900k-1M watches in a year, I doubt the everose Daytona would compose 10%...maybe 1% - so 1,000/year?

This is exactly why they don't release the numbers. I think the number is way higher, but underestimating is probably what they would prefer you do.

The US alone has 500-ish ADs and every one probably has one

[edo]

Here is one interesting fact regarding numbers... Rolex in 2017. offered 2936 different model variations, more than half of that (1562) is Datejust size/dial/bezel/bracelet combination, and 2/3 of that are Datejust+Daydate variations. Only model offered in one variation is the Airking.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by edo

Here is one interesting fact regarding numbers... Rolex in 2017. offered 2936 different model variations, more than half of that (1562) is Datejust size/dial/bezel/bracelet combination, and 2/3 of that are Datejust+Daydate variations. Only model offered in one variation is the Airking.

explorer 1... SD43? They are grouped as part of a larger collection unlike the AK but are still the only variation of a specific watch.

[c41006]

Sure the numbers would be cool to know but it’s not going to happen