we receive 1 Tudor piece a year at our AD

[Bling72]

I paid a visit to a couple of AD's, we do not have many in our city. It is quite depressing that the days of purchasing a Rolex right there and then in an AD is over forever, I found several Tudor time pieces there. I found it extremely shocking the AD I visited today is at our casino, with the 25+ display panels to fit time pieces, and there are only 4 which are occupied.

The Tudor model I was interesting in was too 'new' to remain in an AD, I was told I can apply to be placed on the "expression of interest" list. I soft way to say, there is no way you are going to get this piece.

Let's be realistic about this. Anyone in their right mind is happy to part with Rolex money without never previously seeing the piece in person, or tried it on, is going to flip it, or give it to someone else as a gift. There is no way I would part with that kind of money or even for a Tudor, unless I can pick it up and see it for myself.

I would not expect an AD to take a payment without having the piece themselves, and the staff probably could do with some customer service training. The one I visited today, when I stepped in, the first sentence the sales person asked me, 'which brand are you interested in purchasing today?', ummm half of me is still outside your AD, I have only my front leg insite your AD.

I expected some technological knowledge from the AD staff member, all I heard was color names. I shouldn't need to ask for the information, but at least been asked the question whether I wanted to know something about it. Didn't sound like wanted to be there, or wanted me out. I did dress up in a nice work sports jacket. I know they do not prejudge, I saw a family in the Rolex AD wearing a t + jeans with his family who were playing in the store. They were the only customer.

How many pieces do they make a year, 6 ? Rolex was claiming in their adverts that they produce over 1 million pieces a year across all models.

Even if you divvy them out, would you believe that the richer demographic and 1st world countries be allocated 90% of the stock ? that still leaves 100,000 pieces left. What proportion would be date-justs ? 75% ?

I do not know about you guys, but there is no attraction to me about a brand that is too exclusive you cannot actually go to a shop to buy anything. I mean they sell you a dream and nothing more? Nothing tangible?

I am trying to understand that if they frown upon the grey market, and the flippers, then why are 90% of all available Tudors and Rolexes you could buy right now in any store that sells watches, are NOT from ADs ?

Over the past 8 days, I found 3 pieces of jewelry, two were watches, and upon very strange circumstances, I spent the minimum amount of time in each of the three stores. Barely 10 minutes. So for a change I was not too interested in my purchase experience. It wasn't necessary it was 10 minutes I was in a hurry One thing in common with all 3 places, they had the item I was after I could get it right there and then. A sales person's dream. Just walk in, buy, get out.

I can't do that for Tudor or Rolex products, and I am willing to guess that this trend will remain as their business model forever. The prices will go up 8 to 10% regularly for the theory of telling ADs that you would like to be considered to be on their interest list. They have the money, hire 10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it and keep it, get a chance in their life time to walk into an AD and buy it.

Ironically to save money, it is cheaper to buy from an AD than in a store that sell 'pre-loved' with the 10 to 50% markup.

[Harry-57]

Good rant. A few non universally applicable generalisations and assumptions but such is the nature of rants.

I understand that the situation is very difficult in Australia. I live in a different country and have a different AD with whom I have a different relationship. So I can't relate to what you are experiencing. If my access to a brand was as poor as yours I would have long ago forgotten about it and moved on. This assumes that you can more easily buy other luxury brands. I expect this is the case, or else your rant would have a wider scope.

What I tend to agree with you on is that I am not of sound mind (but I knew that anyway) because I have asked to be listed for a watch I have never seen in the metal. Of course, I've never handed over money before trying it on, having a good look at it and having a good think about it. And I've never flipped. Although I will give them all away - to my children and grandchildren and maybe great grandchildren, when I'm dead.

So many brands, so many superb watches, so much choice. Some of them must surely be available?

[Osmin]

Too exclusively? With 1 million pcs a year?
Come on! It’s no Patek

Wait a few years, market will get back to normal

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Bling72

I can't do that for Tudor or Rolex products, and I am willing to guess that this trend will remain as their business model forever. The prices will go up 8 to 10% regularly for the theory of telling ADs that you would like to be considered to be on their interest list. They have the money, hire 10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it and keep it, get a chance in their life time to walk into an AD and buy it.
.

Honest question - if you were in charge of the Rolex Watch Company, would you do what you stated? As in, would you hire ‘10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it’ get the watches?

Would you genuinely do that?

If so, then you’d make Richemont extremely happy.

After all, they would laugh at your actions and marvel at how you did not learn from their mistakes. Mistakes of over supply that resulted in Richemont spending slightly over €500 million buying back watches AND destroying them! Brands from Cartier, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, etc. To quote a newspaper article at the time this was happening, Richemont was worried that ‘unsold stock would end up being discounted in the so-called “grey market” of unauthorised resellers, damaging the image and pricing power of its brands.’

But you, were you in control of the HW Foundation and in charge of Rolex and Tudor, would hire 10,000 watchmakers to pump out supply so that everyone has a bowl of soup - I mean, a Rolex on their wrist - and not worry about business sustainability?

Even though mechanical watches have been obsolete for decades (literally, decades …and with every year they become even more obsolete compared to what is available in the digital space), and thus the only reason people are interested in mechanical timepieces is simply out of a mix of (hopefully) passion and interest in mechanical time keeping, the history and tradition in our lovely hobby, the intricacy of some of the movements and workmanship for certain references, in some situations a sense of community, and in some cases exclusivity. All of that is mixed in different percentages for different people (eg some really care for heritage, while others are simply looking for something that makes them smile, and others want to know that RM they’re wearing can take more g-forces than their skull can handle, or that Omega Deep or Rolex DSSD can take more pressure than a nuclear submarine …) Different mixes for different people, and all valid for the particular individual.

But it doesn’t take away the fact that mechanical watches are obsolete, and have been so since the Quartz Crisis decades ago that killed 2/3rds of the Swiss watch market.

But you, even in the midst of an environment that makes the Quartz Crisis look like a joke (eg cellphones and Apple Watches, the later literally being wrist-worn computers that can book a flight while checking your blood pressure), you would want Rolex/Tudor to MASSIVELY increase supply?

What department of Richemont do you work at?

[Hemdog]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Honest question - if you were in charge of the Rolex Watch Company, would you do what you stated? As in, would you hire ‘10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it’ get the watches?

Would you genuinely do that?

If so, then you’d make Richemont extremely happy.

After all, they would laugh at your actions and marvel at how you did not learn from their mistakes. Mistakes of over supply that resulted in Richemont spending slightly over €500 million buying back watches AND destroying them! Brands from Cartier, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, etc. To quote a newspaper article at the time this was happening, Richemont was worried that ‘unsold stock would end up being discounted in the so-called “grey market” of unauthorised resellers, damaging the image and pricing power of its brands.’

But you, were you in control of the HW Foundation and in charge of Rolex and Tudor, would hire 10,000 watchmakers to pump out supply so that everyone has a bowl of soup - I mean, a Rolex on their wrist - and not worry about business sustainability?

Even though mechanical watches have been obsolete for decades (literally, decades …and with every year they become even more obsolete compared to what is available in the digital space), and thus the only reason people are interested in mechanical timepieces is simply out of a mix of (hopefully) passion and interest in mechanical time keeping, the history and tradition in our lovely hobby, the intricacy of some of the movements and workmanship for certain references, in some situations a sense of community, and in some cases exclusivity. All of that is mixed in different percentages for different people (eg some really care for heritage, while others are simply looking for something that makes them smile, and others want to know that RM they’re wearing can take more g-forces than their skull can handle, or that Omega Deep or Rolex DSSD can take more pressure than a nuclear submarine …) Different mixes for different people, and all valid for the particular individual.

But it doesn’t take away the fact that mechanical watches are obsolete, and have been so since the Quartz Crisis decades ago that killed 2/3rds of the Swiss watch market.

But you, even in the midst of an environment that makes the Quartz Crisis look like a joke (eg cellphones and Apple Watches, the later literally being wrist-worn computers that can book a flight while checking your blood pressure), you would want Rolex/Tudor to MASSIVELY increase supply?

What department of Richemont do you work at?

#wrekt

[Bling72]

I have taken a look at other brands, since there nearly no chance that I would ever have to sell something I purchased, at the same time I don't want to buy something that will pretty much lose 80 to 90% of it's value within a few years.

There's a reason why some brands are in abundance in the second hand market, which are selling for less than 50% of retail. Those brands never hold value, never have, never will. Ok same can be said for about 90% of all brands.

Some brands and models that appear quite appealing, wear, and fit well, but are more expensive than Tudor. They can't be that desirable if they are not even mentioned in these forums at all

The dial needs to be between 39 to 45 in diameter. I said this before in other forums, I am not too bothered with the watches complications. Let's just say I wouldn't pay the extra for the sake of the complication. Nor for diamonds.

Rose or Yellow gold, only if it is solid.

Do I need it to be over 100m waterproof ? no I will never swim with it, so not too worried about it's waterproofness. I prefer if there are lumes.

There are so many sub-mariner design-like models from so many brands.

Will move towards one eventually.

The other brands which are in the ADs, the range is also quite limited, it has to really grab my attention.

[Bling72]

I would be more interested in whether there are any problems sourcing the raw materials to manufacture x-time pieces indefinitely. Alright, the Richemont model wouldn't be the sweet spot, but having none in any of the stores for years isn't the sweet spot either.

[Tim Plains]

Originally Posted by Bling72

I have taken a look at other brands, since there nearly no chance that I would ever have to sell something I purchased, at the same time I don't want to buy something that will pretty much lose 80 to 90% of it's value within a few years.

There's a reason why some brands are in abundance in the second hand market, which are selling for less than 50% of retail. Those brands never hold value, never have, never will. Ok same can be said for about 90% of all brands.

Some brands and models that appear quite appealing, wear, and fit well, but are more expensive than Tudor. They can't be that desirable if they are not even mentioned in these forums at all

Seems like your true intentions came out in this post and this mindset is the problem with Rolex, which is now trickling down to Tudor. You want the new hot model, you want it right now like everyone else, and then get upset because it's not available. Do you remember the Tickle Me Elmo and Furby craze when those were first released? That's you right now.

And if you're not going to sell it, then why care about resale value? You seem to care more about values, percentages and popularity, the other problem with Rolex and Tudor at the moment.

[Krash]

It’s pretty easy to get a Tudor in FL except the white dial Chronograph and I’m guessing the new Pelagos 39 will be difficult to get too. Every other Tudor is easy to get.


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[JC316]

Come to Asia, the only hard to get Tudors at the moment are the P39, FXD, and BB Pro's.

Every other model to include the North flag in one store, and every chrono variation is on display and ready for purchase.

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[TimeAZ]

The fact that you can't buy it is exactly why you want to buy it.

[Calatrava r]

Seems like the Rolex market should open up more at ADs. Weren't there a few posts lately here that some ADs are telling people they expect the market availability to improve a lot next year. We hear of shops losing status frequently so there are less shops to supply worldwide which should help supply also.

[garyk]

Good luck to you down under!!

[Bling72]

Thanks for the feedback and info fellow members.

The more I search, the more I read, and see, the more important it appears that it should be difficult to part with money for a time piece that ticks all or most of the boxes.

Just how often do you need to wear it to grow attached to it to want to never part with it ?

[shaunylw]

Making more of a hot product to satisfy the want of everyone, isn’t the best marketing idea for luxury goods. You don’t want everyone that wants one to get one. It’s not a ford f-150.


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[herefortheattachment]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Honest question - if you were in charge of the Rolex Watch Company, would you do what you stated? As in, would you hire ‘10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it’ get the watches?

Would you genuinely do that?

If so, then you’d make Richemont extremely happy.

After all, they would laugh at your actions and marvel at how you did not learn from their mistakes. Mistakes of over supply that resulted in Richemont spending slightly over €500 million buying back watches AND destroying them! Brands from Cartier, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, etc. To quote a newspaper article at the time this was happening, Richemont was worried that ‘unsold stock would end up being discounted in the so-called “grey market” of unauthorised resellers, damaging the image and pricing power of its brands.’

But you, were you in control of the HW Foundation and in charge of Rolex and Tudor, would hire 10,000 watchmakers to pump out supply so that everyone has a bowl of soup - I mean, a Rolex on their wrist - and not worry about business sustainability?

Even though mechanical watches have been obsolete for decades (literally, decades …and with every year they become even more obsolete compared to what is available in the digital space), and thus the only reason people are interested in mechanical timepieces is simply out of a mix of (hopefully) passion and interest in mechanical time keeping, the history and tradition in our lovely hobby, the intricacy of some of the movements and workmanship for certain references, in some situations a sense of community, and in some cases exclusivity. All of that is mixed in different percentages for different people (eg some really care for heritage, while others are simply looking for something that makes them smile, and others want to know that RM they’re wearing can take more g-forces than their skull can handle, or that Omega Deep or Rolex DSSD can take more pressure than a nuclear submarine …) Different mixes for different people, and all valid for the particular individual.

But it doesn’t take away the fact that mechanical watches are obsolete, and have been so since the Quartz Crisis decades ago that killed 2/3rds of the Swiss watch market.

But you, even in the midst of an environment that makes the Quartz Crisis look like a joke (eg cellphones and Apple Watches, the later literally being wrist-worn computers that can book a flight while checking your blood pressure), you would want Rolex/Tudor to MASSIVELY increase supply?

What department of Richemont do you work at?

[Nico81]

Thats a long post
I hit the wall with my ADD on third paragraph

No Tudor is hard to get


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[watchtabs]

Too long to read, you could have called 20 ads while writing this.

Call some more ads.

[Steerpike999]

AD at the Casino. Are you in Melbourne?
If so there are at least another 3 AD selling Tudor including the Tudor Boutique in Collins st.
Good luck

[Polar Bear]

Also in Australia and spent a few days in Melbourne CBD at the various watch stores in that area (including the casino)
Heres what i found:
Omega have plenty of stock
Panerai have plenty of stock
IWC have plenty of stock
Tag have plenty of stock
Grand Seiko have plenty of stock
Zenith have plenty of stock
Blancpain have plenty of stock
All were very polite and happy to help me when i walked in wearing jeans and a T-Shirt

You want the same models as everyone else and for the same reasons
You say you have no intention of selling it, but also "I don't want to buy something that will pretty much lose 80 to 90% of it's value within a few years"

You don't get to have it both ways, if it appreciates in value, that's because its hard to get. If it wasnt hard to get, it would appreciate

You want the hot models that appreciate over time, just like everyone else, dont get upset that you've just joined the end of a very long que, especially when there are literally thousands of other options out there

Also, if you would mind pointing me in the direction of any luxury swiss watch that that HAS pretty much lost 80 to 90% of it's value within a few years, I'd appreciate it

[Game Hunter]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

You say you have no intention of selling it, but also "I don't want to buy something that will pretty much lose 80 to 90% of it's value within a few years"

I guess there's nothing wrong with looking for a watch that preserves value in case you need to get out of it for unforeseen circumstances. It doesn't necessarily mean flipper.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Game Hunter

I guess there's nothing wrong with looking for a watch that preserves value in case you need to get out of it for unforeseen circumstances. It doesn't necessarily mean flipper.

If an "unforeseen circumstance" is a financial concern to you, perhaps the money that you're spending on a watch would be better left in the bank?

I'm not saying that buying smart and getting a good deal isn't something people should do, but if residual value is a major concern when buying a superfluous luxury good, then you need to really ask yourself if you're in a financial position where you should be buying superfluous luxury goods

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

And if you're not going to sell it, then why care about resale value? You seem to care more about values, percentages and popularity, the other problem with Rolex and Tudor at the moment.

This.

OP, you appear to be over thinking it.

In the short term, your best option is probably to do nothing.

[LUDA]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Honest question - if you were in charge of the Rolex Watch Company, would you do what you stated? As in, would you hire ‘10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it’ get the watches?

Would you genuinely do that?

If so, then you’d make Richemont extremely happy.

After all, they would laugh at your actions and marvel at how you did not learn from their mistakes. Mistakes of over supply that resulted in Richemont spending slightly over €500 million buying back watches AND destroying them! Brands from Cartier, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, etc. To quote a newspaper article at the time this was happening, Richemont was worried that ‘unsold stock would end up being discounted in the so-called “grey market” of unauthorised resellers, damaging the image and pricing power of its brands.’

But you, were you in control of the HW Foundation and in charge of Rolex and Tudor, would hire 10,000 watchmakers to pump out supply so that everyone has a bowl of soup - I mean, a Rolex on their wrist - and not worry about business sustainability?

Even though mechanical watches have been obsolete for decades (literally, decades …and with every year they become even more obsolete compared to what is available in the digital space), and thus the only reason people are interested in mechanical timepieces is simply out of a mix of (hopefully) passion and interest in mechanical time keeping, the history and tradition in our lovely hobby, the intricacy of some of the movements and workmanship for certain references, in some situations a sense of community, and in some cases exclusivity. All of that is mixed in different percentages for different people (eg some really care for heritage, while others are simply looking for something that makes them smile, and others want to know that RM they’re wearing can take more g-forces than their skull can handle, or that Omega Deep or Rolex DSSD can take more pressure than a nuclear submarine …) Different mixes for different people, and all valid for the particular individual.

But it doesn’t take away the fact that mechanical watches are obsolete, and have been so since the Quartz Crisis decades ago that killed 2/3rds of the Swiss watch market.

But you, even in the midst of an environment that makes the Quartz Crisis look like a joke (eg cellphones and Apple Watches, the later literally being wrist-worn computers that can book a flight while checking your blood pressure), you would want Rolex/Tudor to MASSIVELY increase supply?

What department of Richemont do you work at?

Couldn't have said it better...

Rolex knows what they are doing, they've been doing good for a lot of years already.

A different matter is how poorly some ADs and boutiques might treat their customers, that's a whole different story, and if Rolex would take control over their sales channels like AP is doing that could change. But it would also mean a lot less distribution, having to travel probably further to buy your watch.

About Tudor and only 1 a year... well I just don't believe it. Yes there are some hard to get Tudor, and some ADs get more and other get less, but that's just impossible.

Even the "hot pieces" like a BB Pro or the FXD can be had a few months after release with discount in many places in Europe.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Bling72

I paid a visit to a couple of AD's, we do not have many in our city. It is quite depressing that the days of purchasing a Rolex right there and then in an AD is over forever, I found several Tudor time pieces there. I found it extremely shocking the AD I visited today is at our casino, with the 25+ display panels to fit time pieces, and there are only 4 which are occupied.



The Tudor model I was interesting in was too 'new' to remain in an AD, I was told I can apply to be placed on the "expression of interest" list. I soft way to say, there is no way you are going to get this piece.



Let's be realistic about this. Anyone in their right mind is happy to part with Rolex money without never previously seeing the piece in person, or tried it on, is going to flip it, or give it to someone else as a gift. There is no way I would part with that kind of money or even for a Tudor, unless I can pick it up and see it for myself.



I would not expect an AD to take a payment without having the piece themselves, and the staff probably could do with some customer service training. The one I visited today, when I stepped in, the first sentence the sales person asked me, 'which brand are you interested in purchasing today?', ummm half of me is still outside your AD, I have only my front leg insite your AD.



I expected some technological knowledge from the AD staff member, all I heard was color names. I shouldn't need to ask for the information, but at least been asked the question whether I wanted to know something about it. Didn't sound like wanted to be there, or wanted me out. I did dress up in a nice work sports jacket. I know they do not prejudge, I saw a family in the Rolex AD wearing a t + jeans with his family who were playing in the store. They were the only customer.



How many pieces do they make a year, 6 ? Rolex was claiming in their adverts that they produce over 1 million pieces a year across all models.



Even if you divvy them out, would you believe that the richer demographic and 1st world countries be allocated 90% of the stock ? that still leaves 100,000 pieces left. What proportion would be date-justs ? 75% ?



I do not know about you guys, but there is no attraction to me about a brand that is too exclusive you cannot actually go to a shop to buy anything. I mean they sell you a dream and nothing more? Nothing tangible?



I am trying to understand that if they frown upon the grey market, and the flippers, then why are 90% of all available Tudors and Rolexes you could buy right now in any store that sells watches, are NOT from ADs ?



Over the past 8 days, I found 3 pieces of jewelry, two were watches, and upon very strange circumstances, I spent the minimum amount of time in each of the three stores. Barely 10 minutes. So for a change I was not too interested in my purchase experience. It wasn't necessary it was 10 minutes I was in a hurry One thing in common with all 3 places, they had the item I was after I could get it right there and then. A sales person's dream. Just walk in, buy, get out.



I can't do that for Tudor or Rolex products, and I am willing to guess that this trend will remain as their business model forever. The prices will go up 8 to 10% regularly for the theory of telling ADs that you would like to be considered to be on their interest list. They have the money, hire 10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it and keep it, get a chance in their life time to walk into an AD and buy it.



Ironically to save money, it is cheaper to buy from an AD than in a store that sell 'pre-loved' with the 10 to 50% markup.

Rolex response: We sell every watch we chose to make at a price we set, and we do it without having to be involved in the retail side of the business. We are not currently in the market for consulting services.

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[Bling72]

hi thanks for the feedback peeps.

Yes I could pay a visit to interstate later. Having the money in the bank instead will do no harm for now. I can wait to see if either something more convincing, or the dial I would like to see is no longer what I am interested in. I never said I wanted to buy it, I would like to actually see it, pick it up, try it on.

You are right everyone, there are other brands, even locally. What is interesting is that some jewelers don't even advertise that they stock time pieces on their website. So unless I hear word of mouth, I would of never found out. The brick and morter stores are quite scattered around the city. Just need the time to locate more of them. I have some older dials that I would like to get repaired, so I will be busy one way or another this week.

I want to be convinced with other brands. So far I haven't found too many that draw me to them. I seriously haven't pictured a specific amount that I would need for my next piece. I know what I cannot afford. I should be taking photos of each dial I am interested in, so I have something to take away from the experience of seeing it the first time. There are sales from time to time, so I have taken advantage of those as well :)

[colonelpurple]

Distribution of Rolex is erratic. Some countries have less, some have more. It could be all manner of reasons. I know dealers that can get me any model, except a Day, Sub or YM2 within a month, just the colour way is random.
There is no problem in the UK to get any tudor, except the white chrono is a few months waitlist

[Bling72]

It is similar to the supply of resturants, car dealerships, population + demographic. The higher the population, the greater the amount of commerce, business, and competition, drives up more demand, hence more supply.

I had an opportunity to pay a visit to a Rolex AD in Milan many years ago, I walked past it by accident, not knowing that was the store. I had my bearings wrong. I just missed out as it closed, no further opportunity to return another day. I understood that store had access to some of the rarest, and beautiful sub mariners. Well, maybe one day if that store still exists, I could return.

I must admit, I was quite impressed with some of the international airports which had a wide selection of time pieces of various brands for sale. I guess you would have to with the millions of tourists passing by such stores year in year out.

All those taxes will be a huge headache.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Bling72

I paid a visit to a couple of AD's, we do not have many in our city. It is quite depressing that the days of purchasing a Rolex right there and then in an AD is over forever, I found several Tudor time pieces there. I found it extremely shocking the AD I visited today is at our casino, with the 25+ display panels to fit time pieces, and there are only 4 which are occupied.

The Tudor model I was interesting in was too 'new' to remain in an AD, I was told I can apply to be placed on the "expression of interest" list. I soft way to say, there is no way you are going to get this piece.

Let's be realistic about this. Anyone in their right mind is happy to part with Rolex money without never previously seeing the piece in person, or tried it on, is going to flip it, or give it to someone else as a gift. There is no way I would part with that kind of money or even for a Tudor, unless I can pick it up and see it for myself.

I would not expect an AD to take a payment without having the piece themselves, and the staff probably could do with some customer service training. The one I visited today, when I stepped in, the first sentence the sales person asked me, 'which brand are you interested in purchasing today?', ummm half of me is still outside your AD, I have only my front leg insite your AD.

I expected some technological knowledge from the AD staff member, all I heard was color names. I shouldn't need to ask for the information, but at least been asked the question whether I wanted to know something about it. Didn't sound like wanted to be there, or wanted me out. I did dress up in a nice work sports jacket. I know they do not prejudge, I saw a family in the Rolex AD wearing a t + jeans with his family who were playing in the store. They were the only customer.

How many pieces do they make a year, 6 ? Rolex was claiming in their adverts that they produce over 1 million pieces a year across all models.

Even if you divvy them out, would you believe that the richer demographic and 1st world countries be allocated 90% of the stock ? that still leaves 100,000 pieces left. What proportion would be date-justs ? 75% ?

I do not know about you guys, but there is no attraction to me about a brand that is too exclusive you cannot actually go to a shop to buy anything. I mean they sell you a dream and nothing more? Nothing tangible?

I am trying to understand that if they frown upon the grey market, and the flippers, then why are 90% of all available Tudors and Rolexes you could buy right now in any store that sells watches, are NOT from ADs ?

Over the past 8 days, I found 3 pieces of jewelry, two were watches, and upon very strange circumstances, I spent the minimum amount of time in each of the three stores. Barely 10 minutes. So for a change I was not too interested in my purchase experience. It wasn't necessary it was 10 minutes I was in a hurry One thing in common with all 3 places, they had the item I was after I could get it right there and then. A sales person's dream. Just walk in, buy, get out.

I can't do that for Tudor or Rolex products, and I am willing to guess that this trend will remain as their business model forever. The prices will go up 8 to 10% regularly for the theory of telling ADs that you would like to be considered to be on their interest list. They have the money, hire 10,000 more watchmakers, and make more time pieces so the people who want it and keep it, get a chance in their life time to walk into an AD and buy it.

Ironically to save money, it is cheaper to buy from an AD than in a store that sell 'pre-loved' with the 10 to 50% markup.

Wow. Must be bad in Aus

The only Tudor watches I can't walk in and pick up right now from my AD in the UK are:

BB Pro
Pelagos 39
Chrono in SS
FXD

They basically have pretty much everything else in stock.

[Bling72]

I just saw a mesmerising video from the watchfinder channel about 5 things one may not know about Rolex.

Wow... makes some of the new dials more appetizing with the materials used.

When you start using superior elements which are more resistant to corrosion, makes a stronger case (pun half-intended), to keep it.

Unfortunately the older dials, also go up in price, because they become more rare.

Ever-rose - stays rose, forever. Forever is a powerful word. Not even love lasts that long