CONFIRMED news regarding the professional line

[WhiskyVerb]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You're posting against a long-term and very well-respected member who has built a reputation for honesty and integrity in all that he does.

Perhaps, you should adopt more of a wait-and-see attitude, instead of dismissing what GerardoG has to say.

If you knew him the way that many here do, you would at least be respectful in your skepticism.

Yes, I saw that he has posted well over 27,000 times and took that into consideration. Yet, I'm still blown away by not only the absurdity of the claim, but that so many others seem to believe this nonsense.

[WhiskyVerb]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Nice words! Calling myself and some of my best friends that. Nice education.

I stand by my claim that your statement is absurd. And I cannot believe how many others buy the hype. I did note your 27,000+ posts and took that into consideration when posting my response.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

That's right, so the bigger question is are the current models of Sub, GMT's and Explorers going to be viewed as redundant with the introduction of all the new models with the upgraded movement (cal. 3235/6)?

What if we see released at Basel:
(a) A Red Submariner with new 3235 movement, bracelet and case (42mm)? and/or
(b) A Pepsi and Coke Stainless Steel GMT with 3236 movement and luminous ceramic bezel in 42mm? and/or
(c) An Explorer II with new 3236 a black or green ceramic luminous bezel???

I will no longer have any great interest in the current model Sub, GMT and EXII.

Remember you heard it here first from the horse's mouth!!!

As I have posted before, and coming from Rolex executives, is that ONLY Rolex knows the reasons, and usually, only a handful of people. In my book, they did it again! Threw something at us, Rolex freaks, and build up our anxiety!

I have to admit, Steve, I have many ideas on my mind behind this; and I am EAGER to see how this plays out.

[Canefan1]

Originally Posted by WhiskyVerb

I stand by my claim that your statement is absurd. And I cannot believe how many others buy the hype. I did note your 27,000+ posts and took that into consideration when posting my response.

[Lol-x]

WhiskyVerb has received an infraction for intemperate conduct towards another member, so we can get on with the discussion now...

[askdanny]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

As some of you have read in the Open Forum, I spent all day planning for our upcoming Vegas gathering, as well as talking watches with one of the largest accounts for Rolex in the United States.



I do not share ‘I heard’ or ‘someone said’; I only share confirmed information with you, my virtual family.



Rolex is letting all Authorized Dealers IN WRITING that, effective immediately, they will CUT BACK the production of ALL professional line watches. Not only SS, but 2T and precious metal.



Therefore, we, as customers, will see LESS of these units at our AD’s. Hold on to your subs, GMTs, Daytonas...steel, rolesor or gold/platinum. They will be harder to get.

The OP leads us to believe he has seen the letter himself, but he doesn’t actually say it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WhiskyVerb]

Originally Posted by askdanny

The OP leads us to believe he has seen the letter himself, but he doesn’t actually say it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's my point, but I was a bit crass in stating it - so I got an infraction!

It's just hearsay, and so many people here jump into the confirmation bias cause they know the showcases have been mostly empty of the the SS Professional models.

Sometimes this forum is a joke and people take themselves waaay too seriously. (Note to moderators - this was not intended as an insult to any one member).

[Casey VP-26]

Hey Gerardo, What a great post I am enjoying all the different opinions and speculations.

[Hamish]

If the new movement is introduced I am sure that the pricing wil be a lot higher

[Sub King]

Originally Posted by RickR

Why don't they just go out of business and then they will be really hard to get. That'll teach everybody about likein' their products.

THIS!

I’m getting real sick of Rolex’s attempts to prevent “unworthy” customers from buying their “sacred” products :

[77T]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

That's right, so the bigger question is are the current models of Sub, GMT's and Explorers going to be viewed as redundant with the introduction of all the new models with the upgraded movement (cal. 3235/6)?

What if we see released at Basel:
(a) A Red Submariner with new 3235 movement, bracelet and case (42mm)? and/or
(b) A Pepsi and Coke Stainless Steel GMT with 3236 movement and luminous ceramic bezel in 42mm? and/or
(c) An Explorer II with new 3236 a black or green ceramic luminous bezel???

I will no longer have any great interest in the current model Sub, GMT and EXII.

Remember you heard it here first from the horse's mouth!!!

A good set of projections Steve. But I wonder why 3235 & 3236 would affect all the professional lineup. That wouldn’t affect the Daytona - nor YM-II’s in SS nor the SkyDweller, right?


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by 77T

A good set of projections Steve. But I wonder why 3235 & 3236 would affect all the professional lineup. That wouldn’t affect the Daytona - nor YM-II’s in SS nor the SkyDweller, right?


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

Exactly! So the ‘why’ to cut back on ALL sports (remember, this is not only for SS) is a real mystery to me

[makak]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Rolex is letting all Authorized Dealers IN WRITING that, effective immediately, they will CUT BACK the production of ALL professional line watches. Not only SS, but 2T and precious metal.

Just because one dealer with 5 stores got that letter, doesn't mean that it's a global cutback, surely. I'm hoping this is simply a supply reallocation, as opposed to a production one. As others have stated throughout this thread, this could well just be cutting back supply to historically saturated markets (comparatively speaking) such as the US.

Originally Posted by WhiskyVerb

It's just hearsay, and so many people here jump into the confirmation bias cause they know the showcases have been mostly empty of the the SS Professional models.

People jump to the confirmation conclusion because the title of the thread indicates such. I am hoping this is just a regional issue so other markets such as here in Australia, (and it would appear the UK is in the same boat), get virtually zero supply.

Although the prospect of new models/movement in Basel could well be the answer as well.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by ragingcao

Maybe they will start making smart watches. Complete overhaul, pun intended.

I never thought much of the smart watch, but I was actually shocked to see someone at my doctor's office wearing a Movado smart watch. I never knew Movado made a smart watch

[77T]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Exactly! So the ‘why’ to cut back on ALL sports (remember, this is not only for SS) is a real mystery to me

I’m thinking we’ll never know for sure unless Basel announcements make it clear.

But the why won’t matter to everyone waiting in line for their SS Daytona C.

I’m thinking all the winners at the Rolex24@Daytona would’ve liked a 116500!

But now they may just get a slip of paper - “Apologies but due to a production problem your Rolex24 Winner’s watch will be delivered in 2020”


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

[askdanny]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

I do not share ‘I heard’ or ‘someone said’; I only share confirmed information with you, my virtual family.

Both in the title and in your post you wrote “confirmed.” What does “confirmed information” mean when it comes to Rolex?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bigrustypig]

The letter said production cutback, not supply cutback. Rolex could have previously made enough units for a 2 year usual tight supply scenario.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[77T]

Originally Posted by bigrustypig

Rolex could have previously made enough units for a 2 year usual tight supply scenario.

Anything is possible, but a 2-yr inventory isn’t probable IMHO.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’m thinking we’ll never know for sure unless Basel announcements make it clear.

But the why won’t matter to everyone waiting in line for their SS Daytona C.

I’m thinking all the winners at the Rolex24@Daytona would’ve liked a 116500!

But now they may just get a slip of paper - “Apologies but due to a production problem your Rolex24 Winner’s watch will be delivered in 2020”


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

[kicksncrowns]

Demand is high due to the strength of many of the world economies (US, China etc.) In due time things will slow down and people will be selling off their second homes, luxury watches etc. Thats when you will find your "deals" on the secondary market.

[alongshoremd]

Originally Posted by bigrustypig

The letter said production cutback, not supply cutback. Rolex could have previously made enough units for a 2 year usual tight supply scenario.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yea and doesn’t it take about a year to make a watch?

I heard something similar from my AD but he basically thought it was BS although I haven’t talked to him since these letters have gone out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Eva123]

Based on previous correct OP insights i believe that he is correct this time as well. Of course Rolex is not going to get rid of professional line of watches as it comprise a very large part of its business. In this case i expect new professional line models with new calibers which will be introduced in Basel.

Then we will have plenty available BLNR, Hulks (with new calibers) in the market.

[TickTockChuck]

I think Rolex are masters of marketing and brand protection. Perhaps they see the secondary market (Greys & Quick-Flippers) as a bit out of control with potential to harm the brand and want to pull back on supply to allow a reset. They would likely prefer new sales through ADs in a more contained and consistent manner. My AD indicated that Rolex wanted to slow the grey market and encourage MSRP sales without discounts, the thought being certain ADs would be more likely to retain inventory than risk empty expensive displays which looks bad. I've heard it said that many ADs like to have Rolex as it brings people in and helps sell other more profitable products. Let's face it, Rolex knows what they're doing and proven so time and time again. I personally appreciate the brand protection, but understand the frustration of those entering the market recently. My 2 cents. Cheers!

[cewatchchgo]

Originally Posted by 77T

So, just leaving my nearby AD and they did not get a letter. But they did get a visit and meeting with their RUSA rep and Regional Mgr. This was just before Holidays.

The message was nearly identical to the letter Gerardo cited. (I did not quote that letter - just asked an open-ended question)

When they asked why, the two Rolex employees said that the factory’s backlog of custom orders had grown too large in some markets where sales had “gone through the roof”.

The bulk of these backlogged orders were in the Professional lineup. Not in DD or Cellini lineup.

So the decision was taken at HQ to adjust the fabrication rate of general stocking models in those markets downward to focus on increased fulfillment of the backlogged orders.

Yes, just the owners telling me a story perhaps - but I’ve known them for almost 10 years and they are straight shooters. I believe they are telling me what the reps told them. So you may doubt the reps I suppose. But they were told deliveries will slowly return to normal sometime in the late Spring.

This could explain why not all markets are getting the same message.

Just sharing in the spirit of community rather than rumors.


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the definition of a custom order, and what determines if a watch is in the Professional lineup?

Thanks.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’m thinking we’ll never know for sure unless Basel announcements make it clear.

But the why won’t matter to everyone waiting in line for their SS Daytona C.

I’m thinking all the winners at the Rolex24@Daytona would’ve liked a 116500!

But now they may just get a slip of paper - “Apologies but due to a production problem your Rolex24 Winner’s watch will be delivered in 2020”


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

Last year they received two tone Daytonas which was a change as it was usually stainless Daytonas. Of course the two tones are probably the least desirable out of stainless/two tone/gold/platinum.

[ROLEX MAN]

I'm waiting for the next recession, and then the market will be flooded!!

[twitch54]

Originally Posted by aquatimerfla

Why not?

Omega make great watches

agreed, I thought it was a silly statement as well .......

[Dr.Brian]

Booted by the boss! Impressive Whisky guy!
Adios.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

I'm waiting for the next recession, and then the market will be flooded!!

Exactly.
Last time around I picked up a house, a Rolex and a Mercedes. Then doubled down and rode the wave to where we are today.
Next time it will be a beach house and a DD.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

Exactly.
Last time around I picked up a house, a Rolex and a Mercedes. Then doubled down and rode the wave to where we are today.
Next time it will be a beach house and a DD.

Take me with you....