For fun: Rolex research study

[medtner]

Background and aim:

The low Rolex inventory at dealers globally, has created a new status which I would coin as " HypoRolexism".
This situation seems to affect the Sport Steel line (SS) more than others.

The aim of this pilot prospective study is to determine the hypoRolexism status in Switzerland while touring different cities.

Method:

A short visit to Rolex authorities dealers ( AD) was made in each city visited. This also included one en - route airport dealer outside Switzerland.
The Swiss rail pass was purchased which included the famous Golden express route.

Results:

Fourteen AD were visited in the following cities: Amsterdam Airport (1), Basel (1), Interlaken (1), Geneva (2), Lausanne (2), Zurich (3), Bern (2), Biel (1), and Neuchatel (1).
Two ADs were Rolex -only boutiques, the Geneva one is owned by Rolex while the Zurich one is owned by Bucherer.
Only one SS model was available for immediate sale, which would include the 8.1% tax refund when exported outside Switzerland, the Deepsea in D- blue dial, 44 mm.
Some stores had the all gold or two tone models TT( SS/Gold), including one store which offered TT Daytona.
Many stores had nothing available for sale. Bucherer stores are immediately directing customers to the certified Pre-Owned section.

Conclusion:

1.The global HypoRolexism status seems to affect Switzerland similar to other countries.
2. Some stores have stopped taking waiting list orders for the higly desired SS models and/or, the list is reserved for local residents and preferred customers.
3. All sales associates were polite and courteous, some expressed glimpse of hope as Rolex is planning to build a new factory to address the high demand.
4.Touring Switzerland is a great
adventure.
5. The Geneva store gifted me a Rolex box of chocolate

[Robf52]

My recent Rolex AD visits in London, Stockholm and Copenhagen all had similar results. Very nice, accommodating sales associates at every site.
Most interesting drop in was Copenhagen AD who had the Everose/Chocolate Sky-D for try-on and sale. Also for try-on and sale, an off-catalog gold DD36 all-factory orange sapphire bezel, pave dial and diamond covered case with orange leather strap ($110k). Amazing Rolex workmanship and way over the top. A fun visit.

[8bc8]

I'd say the same for Hong Kong but back onshore in China is a different story entirely. Visited my home boutique in Shanghai last month and one could buy an Air King, Explorer II black dial, and Explorer I 36mm

See attached for everything for purchase - fully gemset day date is pretty neat!






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[espanol]

I'm convinced some actually enjoy this nonsensical "experience" much more than the actual watches themselves. Might even be a fetish.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by espanol

I'm convinced some actually enjoy this nonsensical "experience" much more than the actual watches themselves. Might even be a fetish.

It's definitely a disease, but one I'm very happy to live with.

[medtner]

If I were looking for a Deapsea, I would have been lucky, you will never be able to tell what you can find!

[Littlelad2]

Originally Posted by espanol

I'm convinced some actually enjoy this nonsensical "experience" much more than the actual watches themselves. Might even be a fetish.

I quite the chase of getting a watch from an AD. I understand this says a lot about me, but I like the AD game as I tend to get bored quite quickly and then move on to the next project.

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