ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Joelmor · 6 April 2016, 12:19 AM

Personally, I don't beleive it. I've been hearing this kind of thing for 25 years and nothing's really changed.

Joel

m1911a1 · 6 April 2016, 12:34 AM

Sometimes this forum (and others) get pretty tedious.....

I DO NOT wait in line for watches.....just doesn't matter that much to me.
In fact....I started a thread last month regarding genius of Rolex marketing.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=464833

This whole "scarcity-makes-it better" deal falls on deaf ears here.....to the point of turn-off.

IMHO...I dislike the large majority of watches from all makers I guess.....then on the other hand really love a very few certain models.

I can always get the model I want.....and I'm pretty sure if you pay the dealer 50% ~ 100% at time of order, it lets them know you're serious.

breitlings · 6 April 2016, 01:11 AM

Part of the issue is the notion that rolex tries to sell as many watches as they can per year. I dont think there is any evidence of that.

Imo they have a hard manufacturing limit of less than 1mm per year and they sell almost all of them. If they need more revenue they raise the price not the production limit. Some other manufactures do the same thing, ferrari.

Its a long term strategy to protect the goodwill of rolex. Not the usual big quarter equals big bonus.

I have no issue with it at all. Keep the quality and testing up raise the prices. Keep the volume constant.

Verdi · 6 April 2016, 01:56 AM

Gents,

Belive me. The whole no availability of models story (models on high demand) is on purpose. Reverse psychology. Tell ppl they can't have X, they'll want it more and
more.
It is their long time marketing strategy to maintain the icon status of their watches by making them hard to get/desirable. This is very hard to achieve and it takes dacades.
Thanks to this strategy, Rolex is able to impose no discount or little discount policy.
Also, on top of this, another advantage is that the value of their product stays up on the long term for the pre-owned watches too. Resale value is big for the general public.

However, as I posted earlier in some places all Rolex models are always available. In those markets Rolex knows that ppl are not gonna wait for months, let alone years to get their watch.
I personally won't ever wait for any model of Rolex or other watch. I'd go to trusted seller or research where in the world is available and plan a hollyday around that place or to transit that place.

Dyim · 6 April 2016, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breitlings

Part of the issue is the notion that rolex tries to sell as many watches as they can per year. I dont think there is any evidence of that.

Imo they have a hard manufacturing limit of less than 1mm per year and they sell almost all of them. If they need more revenue they raise the price not the production limit. Some other manufactures do the same thing, ferrari.

Its a long term strategy to protect the goodwill of rolex. Not the usual big quarter equals big bonus.

I have no issue with it at all. Keep the quality and testing up raise the prices. Keep the volume constant.

Interesting point.

Ferrari always claimed they make one less car than anticipated demand. Heck, you can't even walk into a Ferrari dealer and pay for a new vehicle without prior ownership of used model.

Hermes play the same game with their Birkin and Kelly.

We want what we can't get. There is definitely logic in doing so if production capacity is limited.

Good to hear a few Canadian posters hearing the same about the professional series from their AD.

My AD is certainly in the business in selling watches. But I can tell you they are well aware I have bought enough for myself and my wife there is nothing in the current line up that I want.

Curious to see what the inventory of the coming year will look like.

yjfang · 6 April 2016, 08:57 AM

I am happy with the professional references I already own, 16610LV and 16710. Would like to add the new Daytona-C and will get one when I get one. No rush. So this marketing tactic doesn't affect me.

manivxr · 7 April 2016, 07:31 AM

The story of scarcity certainly keeps the interest in certain models. I remember getting my ss sub date from an AD. Went to pick it up after a week and he also showed me a ss daytona. Said it was for a customer but had changed his mind. So as I was there would I be interested. He even said that he could do me a good price. I didn't have the budget at the time but would have bought it there and then.

Personally I get a feeling of a marketing ploy by the ADs but at the same time I do believe that Rolex does drip feed certain models to ADs.

I guess only Rolex really knows.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

enjoythemusic · 7 April 2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolex Freak

My AD has a waiting list for almost all SS professional models right now.

Maybe it is a Canada thing because my local AD here in FL has some and of course the Internet has an abundance. Ask him what commission he'll give you to help fill his "waiting list".

JP Chestnut · 7 April 2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocHorton

Why is it clever? It is idiotic in my opinion. No other company that I can think of would purposefully find a way to depress their own sales and revenue. People will eventually find another option or end up buying used...neither option serves to improve the brand.

Patek
Ferrari
Hermes

That wasn't very hard. If you think strong second hand prices don't help move new watches, you need to think a little bit harder.

34southcoast · 7 April 2016, 10:53 AM

This may be just a Canadian thing- both Toronto area ADs I buy from told me they are having trouble getting sports models from Rolex, particularly the Sub C Date

peterskinner · 7 April 2016, 11:34 AM

Every model has to be made at its own factories. This will limit production; the ratio of models will depend entirely on what returns the best profit.
The forum gives an impression of enthusiasts desperate to get certain models, but the vast majority of Rolex customers simply buy what is offered in the shop. The success of Rolex has never depended on shortages..this company has the biggest output in the entire high-end watch industry. Far from copying Ferrari by restricting sakes,it has expanded production massively. 800,000 watches a year.
That is a strategy of expansion, plain and simple. You see the same sales model among prestige cars. You hve to wait for a Range Rover...because they can only make so many. If they could make them more quickly they would.

Majin Buu · 7 April 2016, 11:38 AM

My AD basically gets me what I need, but times changes...
That said, Rolex is in the business to make money...

J.

ref1655 · 7 April 2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1911a1

...I DO NOT wait in line for watches.....

This whole "scarcity-makes-it better" deal falls on deaf ears here.....to the point of turn-off.

+1...it's like prospective buyers falling for the ages-old DeBeers marketing format/scheme. diamonds aren't as scarce (or rare) as they would like you to believe.

Andad · 7 April 2016, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterskinner

Every model has to be made at its own factories. This will limit production; the ratio of models will depend entirely on what returns the best profit.
The forum gives an impression of enthusiasts desperate to get certain models, but the vast majority of Rolex customers simply buy what is offered in the shop. The success of Rolex has never depended on shortages..this company has the biggest output in the entire high-end watch industry. Far from copying Ferrari by restricting sakes,it has expanded production massively. 800,000 watches a year.
That is a strategy of expansion, plain and simple. You see the same sales model among prestige cars. You hve to wait for a Range Rover...because they can only make so many. If they could make them more quickly they would.

Bruins7 · 7 April 2016, 06:16 PM

interesting...

fskywalker · 7 April 2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Lots of AD's are lying as soon as they open their mouth

Dyim · 13 August 2018, 10:38 AM

Revisiting thread 2 years later

I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

BT1985 · 13 August 2018, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyim

Revisiting thread 2 years later

I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

You have been keeping this one in your pocket for some time I bet...I like your style.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Boothroyd · 13 August 2018, 11:27 AM

Yes, you were a "canary in the coal mine" on the allocation issue of pro models. To think it was only two years ago you could walk into virtually any AD and have a selection to try on. How times have changed. Hopefully, it reverts back as quickly.

Art 1 · 13 August 2018, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyim

Revisiting thread 2 years later

I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

Yes, Interesting.

superstarmar · 13 August 2018, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Funny how it becomes reality...

Rolexavidfan · 13 August 2018, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyim

Revisiting thread 2 years later

I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

You hit the nail from among the doubters but this too will soon pass. Perhaps two years from now. Lol!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nairn1980 · 13 August 2018, 03:24 PM

I loved the reply “sales tactic”

ROFL!!!!!

imgook · 13 August 2018, 03:41 PM

hehe, I love it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this small brief bit of history. Being new to the game myself, it paints a good picture of how things can change in just 2 years.

Fleetlord · 13 August 2018, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyim

Revisiting thread 2 years later

I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

Good work....

There really were too many Rolex SS sports models available back then..

They had to fix the issue by limiting distribution

1st amg · 13 August 2018, 03:56 PM

Awesome thread revival....bang on

Dusko.Popov · 13 August 2018, 10:21 PM

You want to read another fun one, read the “sdk4 is being discontinued thread” from November 2016.

It was all: “that’s simply an ad sales tactic.” “Why would Rolex do that?” “Yea right and my parrot’s father’s frog’s auntie said ...” responses.

My guess, there will be zero mea culpas here (and why should there be, I guess). Sadly, there is a near unanimous response tone to anyone prognosticating or bringing info from their ad that either they’re lying or their Ad is lying to make a sale. There is never any creedance given or analysis outside of that.

The skepticism is near boilerplate every time.

There isn’t even a consideration of what that person is individually saying. Cause if it falls into the category of prognostication, it can’t possibly be right because “no one knows what Rolex is doing but Rolex.”

It’s such lazy commentary.

To be fair though, there are also the many “blnr is discontinued, 116610lv will be discontinued,” etc. threads that lead to exhaustion.

But the boilerplate “I Call bullshit” responses to every single prognostication is equally as exhausting and intellectually suspect to boot.

Dusko.Popov · 13 August 2018, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Good work....

There really were too many Rolex SS sports models available back then..

They had to fix the issue by limiting distribution

This. Excellent job by Rolex.

Duey · 14 August 2018, 12:35 AM

Thanks for bringing this one back - I Love It !!

Fleetlord · 14 August 2018, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

This. Excellent job by Rolex.

I had a sense of the overstock situation. I think I even posted a thread about it myself....I need to look.

But a few years ago, Rolex was drifting a bit...

There were just too many SS Sports models available. Too easy to acquire.

That is not the exclusivity that the luxury market craves and that a brand needs to stay relevant.

The dealer cases were STUFFED. The Grey market dealers were selling them at discounts that eroded brand value. It was becoming a mess.

Now, with a slight adjustment, Rolex is bigger and better than ever.

6 April 2016, 01:56 AM	#34
Verdi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mitch Location: UAE Watch: Big Ben Posts: 2,451	Gents, Belive me. The whole no availability of models story (models on high demand) is on purpose. Reverse psychology. Tell ppl they can't have X, they'll want it more and more. It is their long time marketing strategy to maintain the icon status of their watches by making them hard to get/desirable. This is very hard to achieve and it takes dacades. Thanks to this strategy, Rolex is able to impose no discount or little discount policy. Also, on top of this, another advantage is that the value of their product stays up on the long term for the pre-owned watches too. Resale value is big for the general public. However, as I posted earlier in some places all Rolex models are always available. In those markets Rolex knows that ppl are not gonna wait for months, let alone years to get their watch. I personally won't ever wait for any model of Rolex or other watch. I'd go to trusted seller or research where in the world is available and plan a hollyday around that place or to transit that place. __________________ IG: @watch_idiot_savant

13 August 2018, 11:27 AM	#49
Boothroyd 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Daniel Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Wilsdorf(s) Posts: 10,258	Yes, you were a "canary in the coal mine" on the allocation issue of pro models. To think it was only two years ago you could walk into virtually any AD and have a selection to try on. How times have changed. Hopefully, it reverts back as quickly. __________________ Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

6 April 2016, 12:19 AM	#31
Joelmor Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Joel Location: NJ Watch: WG Daytona YG DD40 Posts: 267	Personally, I don't beleive it. I've been hearing this kind of thing for 25 years and nothing's really changed. Joel

6 April 2016, 12:34 AM	#32
m1911a1 Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: Maine, USA Watch: 42mm Explorer-II's Posts: 489	Sometimes this forum (and others) get pretty tedious..... I DO NOT wait in line for watches.....just doesn't matter that much to me. In fact....I started a thread last month regarding genius of Rolex marketing. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=464833 This whole "scarcity-makes-it better" deal falls on deaf ears here.....to the point of turn-off. IMHO...I dislike the large majority of watches from all makers I guess.....then on the other hand really love a very few certain models. I can always get the model I want.....and I'm pretty sure if you pay the dealer 50% ~ 100% at time of order, it lets them know you're serious.

6 April 2016, 01:11 AM	#33
breitlings Banned Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bethesda Watch: Apple TV Posts: 5,744	Part of the issue is the notion that rolex tries to sell as many watches as they can per year. I dont think there is any evidence of that. Imo they have a hard manufacturing limit of less than 1mm per year and they sell almost all of them. If they need more revenue they raise the price not the production limit. Some other manufactures do the same thing, ferrari. Its a long term strategy to protect the goodwill of rolex. Not the usual big quarter equals big bonus. I have no issue with it at all. Keep the quality and testing up raise the prices. Keep the volume constant.

6 April 2016, 08:57 AM	#36
yjfang "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: JF Location: Los Angeles Watch: Rolex Sub 1680 Posts: 1,426	I am happy with the professional references I already own, 16610LV and 16710. Would like to add the new Daytona-C and will get one when I get one. No rush. So this marketing tactic doesn't affect me.

7 April 2016, 07:31 AM	#37
manivxr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: UK Posts: 50	The story of scarcity certainly keeps the interest in certain models. I remember getting my ss sub date from an AD. Went to pick it up after a week and he also showed me a ss daytona. Said it was for a customer but had changed his mind. So as I was there would I be interested. He even said that he could do me a good price. I didn't have the budget at the time but would have bought it there and then. Personally I get a feeling of a marketing ploy by the ADs but at the same time I do believe that Rolex does drip feed certain models to ADs. I guess only Rolex really knows. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

7 April 2016, 10:53 AM	#40
34southcoast "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: NYC Watch: DSSD Posts: 24	This may be just a Canadian thing- both Toronto area ADs I buy from told me they are having trouble getting sports models from Rolex, particularly the Sub C Date

7 April 2016, 11:34 AM	#41
peterskinner "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: East Sussex U Posts: 1,351	Every model has to be made at its own factories. This will limit production; the ratio of models will depend entirely on what returns the best profit. The forum gives an impression of enthusiasts desperate to get certain models, but the vast majority of Rolex customers simply buy what is offered in the shop. The success of Rolex has never depended on shortages..this company has the biggest output in the entire high-end watch industry. Far from copying Ferrari by restricting sakes,it has expanded production massively. 800,000 watches a year. That is a strategy of expansion, plain and simple. You see the same sales model among prestige cars. You hve to wait for a Range Rover...because they can only make so many. If they could make them more quickly they would.

7 April 2016, 11:38 AM	#42
Majin Buu "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: Joe Location: Planet Earth Watch: Datejust now Posts: 928	My AD basically gets me what I need, but times changes... That said, Rolex is in the business to make money... J.

7 April 2016, 06:16 PM	#45
Bruins7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: LA Watch: Rolex(4),15400 Posts: 1,105	interesting...

13 August 2018, 10:38 AM	#47
Dyim "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 2,237	Revisiting thread 2 years later I guess my AD was right more than 2 years ago. Definitely seeing the results now.

13 August 2018, 03:24 PM	#53
Nairn1980 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: UK Watch: GMT Posts: 8,385	I loved the reply “sales tactic” ROFL!!!!!

13 August 2018, 03:41 PM	#54
imgook "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Real Name: Rob Location: Australia Watch: 116500LN White Posts: 886	hehe, I love it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this small brief bit of history. Being new to the game myself, it paints a good picture of how things can change in just 2 years.

13 August 2018, 03:56 PM	#56
1st amg 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: nicholas Location: ottawa canada Watch: Rolex,AP,Panerai Posts: 10,410	Awesome thread revival....bang on

13 August 2018, 10:21 PM	#57
Dusko.Popov "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: DC Posts: 829	You want to read another fun one, read the “sdk4 is being discontinued thread” from November 2016. It was all: “that’s simply an ad sales tactic.” “Why would Rolex do that?” “Yea right and my parrot’s father’s frog’s auntie said ...” responses. My guess, there will be zero mea culpas here (and why should there be, I guess). Sadly, there is a near unanimous response tone to anyone prognosticating or bringing info from their ad that either they’re lying or their Ad is lying to make a sale. There is never any creedance given or analysis outside of that. The skepticism is near boilerplate every time. There isn’t even a consideration of what that person is individually saying. Cause if it falls into the category of prognostication, it can’t possibly be right because “no one knows what Rolex is doing but Rolex.” It’s such lazy commentary. To be fair though, there are also the many “blnr is discontinued, 116610lv will be discontinued,” etc. threads that lead to exhaustion. But the boilerplate “I Call bullshit” responses to every single prognostication is equally as exhausting and intellectually suspect to boot.

14 August 2018, 12:35 AM	#59
Duey 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Duey Location: Maui Watch: Too Many To List Posts: 3,598	Thanks for bringing this one back - I Love It !!

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