Availability

[Rolexatlast]

We are always told that Rolex has not cut production of their sports watches, but that the shortages are due to the demand from China

With China on lock down due to Coronavirus, and Hong Kong on lock down due to the riots and street protests, this should free up stock for the West

Has anyone noticed any greater availability here in the UK, Europe or NA?

[DPE]

Good point

[nightmyth]

China is not on lockdown, just Wuhan and surrounding areas. I don’t see why this slows down Rolex sales. If a hot watch pops up, they still sell within seconds. Chinese ADs will even hand deliver the watch to your door if you have a good relationship. (I’m Chinese)

[brucethemanlee]

lockdown does not mean zero commerce.

people still buy things like.....food and water.

clothes

essentials and non-essentials (watches)

[jankymutt]

Sorry for opening a can of worms but is a shortage really attributed to the Chinese economy? Looking at median income in China and the cost of Rolex I don’t think the large middle class of China could really afford Rolexes. It’s the wealthy of China. Maybe just because the number of people in China there’s enough wealthy buying Rolexes?

[MSchu]

Recently I see more Asia market grey dealers listing here in the states... and here on RWF

[Calatrava r]

Demand is up worldwide, I would not expect to see much change this year or the next.

[Rosex]

And Rolex are desperate to sell products. They will panic and flood other markets. They won't hold back and ride it out as they need cash now!

[mbalmz]

Originally Posted by jankymutt

Sorry for opening a can of worms but is a shortage really attributed to the Chinese economy? Looking at median income in China and the cost of Rolex I don’t think the large middle class of China could really afford Rolexes. It’s the wealthy of China. Maybe just because the number of people in China there’s enough wealthy buying Rolexes?

the population of china is over 4x the population of the US. if the median income middle class in china could afford rolexes there wouldn't be any rolexes left for anyone else at all.

yes there are enough wealthy people.

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by jankymutt

Sorry for opening a can of worms but is a shortage really attributed to the Chinese economy? Looking at median income in China and the cost of Rolex I don’t think the large middle class of China could really afford Rolexes. It’s the wealthy of China. Maybe just because the number of people in China there’s enough wealthy buying Rolexes?

China is the biggest consumers of luxury products. I was at LV flagship in France. They limit Chinese nationals to only 5 items per person. Thats how bad it gets I was told I couldn't purchase more than 5 items but after showing my US passport they let me buy 10

[The Argonaut]

Originally Posted by Rosex

And Rolex are desperate to sell products. They will panic and flood other markets. They won't hold back and ride it out as they need cash now!

Really? I wouldn’t describe Rolex as desperate at all. They’re on top of the bubble.


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[Harry-57]

Roles sell whatever they produce. Always have. They are a trust, not a company run by shareholders and accountants. That's why they don't panic and that's why they won't panic.

[Mr. Miami]

I am still somewhat new to Rolex but here is my question. So all the in demand SS watches are hard to find and have a waitlist right? So does that include PM sport models like the Yacht Master series?

Thank you.

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Miami

I am still somewhat new to Rolex but here is my question. So all the in demand SS watches are hard to find and have a waitlist right? So does that include PM sport models like the Yacht Master series?

Thank you.

Some PM variations can still be hard to get but definitely easier than SS. I would say TT options would be the easiest route

[EdwardC]

I am not sure how many ADs there are in China. It may help the rest of the world a bit, but I really don't know.

Nevertheless, definitely want this coronavirus situation recovers asap. I still want to see Olympics this year

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by EdwardC

I am not sure how many ADs there are in China. It may help the rest of the world a bit, but I really don't know.

Nevertheless, definitely want this coronavirus situation recovers asap. I still want to see Olympics this year

The Chinese consumption isn't really mainly in China. They have high taxes on luxury goods so they tend to make lots of luxury purchases overseas when they travel to save on import tax which is ridiculous for lots of luxury items.

To make a comparison a Lamborghini Aventador in China is the equivalent to about 1.2m USD. Triple the price we pay here in the states. Of course Rolex isn't that extreme but there are typically no discounts to be had either. Hong Kong is a major watch destination for mainland Chinese looking for a deal but they travel all over the world. A few luxury brands like Chanel however has adjusted their prices in mainland china to encourage more business locally but that means they have to pay for the duties on their end to make their prices somewhat competitive to international prices.

[The Argonaut]

Originally Posted by Mr. Miami

I am still somewhat new to Rolex but here is my question. So all the in demand SS watches are hard to find and have a waitlist right? So does that include PM sport models like the Yacht Master series?

Thank you.

YMs are not that difficult to obtain from ADs. In fact, you're better off going grey and getting a discount.

[Nikrnic]

Rolex is one of many millions of products in China. I doubt there is any panic situation for product, especially luxury goods.

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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Rolexatlast

With China on lock down due to Coronavirus, and Hong Kong on lock down due to the riots and street protests, this should free up stock for the West

Why?