Asked my AD the hardest Rolex model to get, answer surprised me

[samgobigs]

I was at my AD the other day and he shared something that surprised me. I asked him what the hardest Rolex lineup to get for customers was. Now we will exclude the unicorns from this discussion (platinum watches, rainbow Daytonas and watches in the similar level)

I thought it would be a GMT or Daytona since people ask for this non-stop. The answer somewhat surprised me. He said it was the Oyster Perpetual lineup! I guess it is because it’s their entry level watches, allows people to have the ‘Rolex Experience’ and is still a solid watch you can wear with any wardrobe.

What are other peoples experiences like?

[Big Tex Rolex]

I would have thought a Platinum watch would be the hardest to get … but I guess that was excluded from your AD’s response.

For the watches I am looking for / that I have told my AD that I would like to buy … I was told …

Submariner … 12-18 months, but I have not pressed them on this, as I already have a 14060M

Submariner “Bluesy” … I was told 18 months, but I got it in 9

Daytona Gold w/ OysterFlex … 3 years

Daytona White Dial … 5 years

I did not ask about the OP or any Platinum watches, so based on my requests / search, the White Dial Daytona remains king of the “hard to get”.

[douglasf13]

I have no idea what is popular, but the OP 36 is probably the only watch I’d consider from the current catalog, and I’m not even talking about some of the wild, popular colors. Any of the other models I’d sooner go for a four or five digit model.

[apinault]

Back in January I was able to get a black OP41 from my AD he said these are very popular. It is a great watch, I am still waiting for a DJ, however.

[CarlOver]

OP has been said to be very in demand by numerous AD. With 5 sizes and 8 dial colors for the 36 and the fact that both men and women will happily wear the 36, getting one is indeed difficult.

[Turbo Racer]

I am surprised by this. I still think that if I wanted one I’d get one before getting a Daytona or gmt2

[Livesimply11]

Heard the exact same thing from 3 of my local AD's, and the reasoning makes a lot of sense.

[spoon-turbo]

Maybe Rolex is producing less low profit watches such as OP as compared to high profit watches such as PM Rolexes.

If the duration needed to manufacture both category of watches are the same, I could see why Rolex would spend more efforts producing more high profit watches than low profit ones.

[domi1]

i think blue sky dweller 1-2 per year

[mykii]

Originally Posted by domi1

i think blue sky dweller 1-2 per year

I've seen them sitting around / been offered since they're HUGE IRL and frankly don't fit most wrists. Naturally, I passed.

[taitun4life]

Originally Posted by samgobigs

I was at my AD the other day and he shared something that surprised me. I asked him what the hardest Rolex lineup to get for customers was. Now we will exclude the unicorns from this discussion (platinum watches, rainbow Daytonas and watches in the similar level)

I thought it would be a GMT or Daytona since people ask for this non-stop. The answer somewhat surprised me. He said it was the Oyster Perpetual lineup! I guess it is because it’s their entry level watches, allows people to have the ‘Rolex Experience’ and is still a solid watch you can wear with any wardrobe.

What are other peoples experiences like?

Totally, the OP41 was part of my request last year when I went in to see my AD. I have since picked a TT DJ41 with Wimbledon dial, DJ41 with blue dial and a Pepsi GMT Master II but still no OP41 Green dial.

So yes, this is very true… the OP41s are very difficult to get when you consider request to supply ratio 👌🏽

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by domi1

i think blue sky dweller 1-2 per year

I’ve heard about 2 skydwellers of each dial. Demand is much lower but limited numbers equals it out.

[Reelandy]

I think this makes sense. The price point to own a Rolex that is ‘low key’ as compared to Daytonas, GMTs and subs makes it a great ‘entry’ level watch to the brand. The sizes also expand the market pool as can be worn by men and women.


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[Agamemnon]

Well! I thought it was the steel Daytona Panda that was the most sought after, considering that I took it after two years of waiting.

[4 Aussies]

I deal with two AD's, AD A with two locations has received one in three years since introduction, AD B with multiple locations receives one a year, their answer is a GMT Meteorite. I asked AD B how many SS Daytonas do you receive a year, and his answer was 24, obviously, gem-set watches are a different story, I don't consider those mainstream.

[JSolution]

Gmt meteorite considering it’s been out a good few years now is very very difficult to come by.

Meteorite Daytona albeit not been out so long almost impossible

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by samgobigs

I guess it is because it’s their entry level watches, allows people to have the ‘Rolex Experience’ and is still a solid watch you can wear with any wardrobe.

It makes me laugh when people call the OP an entry level watch.

It was the OP that Rolex provided to Hillary and Norgay for their expeditions to Mt. Everest.

The OP is as robust as any Rolex with the exception of the divers. It has everything many people need to tell the time and if you're one of those who requires a date, it just better to buy any watch with a date and if it must be a Rolex, the DateJust is available at a price that is manageable for anyone who would buy an OP.

I would say that it is the color selection that has made the OP much more sought after.

You are correct, though. The OP is "...a solid watch you can wear with any wardrobe."

[douglasf13]

Agreed, Grady. Assuming the OP just meant “entry level” in terms of price. The OP is the foundation all the sport watches are built upon. It’s a good one.

[Bxtek]

Really!?? I would not have expected the OP lineup either. I would have immediately figured the GMT and/or Daytona as well. I guess the entry level price on an OP (if you can get one at MSRP) is the biggest draw for people? Beginner flippers maybe who don't have a whole lot of money to start with?

[sleepydoc]

Agree. So many dial colours and sizes - if after a particular one they can be very rare indeed. Since the release my AD has seen 1 (!) Candy Pink OP36.

[Santiago32]

No wait for a sub. I’ve been waiting since release for a 36 candy pink op for my wife. I think it’s pretty accurate.

[boring_sandwich]

It is the same situation in the UK.

The OP36 and OP41 are very much in demand at the moment according to the AD's I use.

[Hemdog]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It makes me laugh when people call the OP an entry level watch.

It was the OP that Rolex provided to Hillary and Norgay for their expeditions to Mt. Everest.

The OP is as robust as any Rolex with the exception of the divers. It has everything many people need to tell the time and if you're one of those who requires a date, it just better to buy any watch with a date and if it must be a Rolex, the DateJust is available at a price that is manageable for anyone who would buy an OP.

I would say that it is the color selection that has made the OP much more sought after.

You are correct, though. The OP is "...a solid watch you can wear with any wardrobe."

Entry level = “Cheapest”

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Turbo Racer

I am surprised by this. I still think that if I wanted one I’d get one before getting a Daytona or gmt2

The AD is blowing smoke or has a lot of OPs in the back that he is getting ready to offer for sale to others on a list for another Rolex model.
You could bet real money you’re not seeing a Daytona especially a SS model years/decade after you will get a OP in various colors regardless of your customer status.. I don’t care which way you wanna look at it manufacturing, demand, hype, desirability, etc… no way a OP is harder to get for the casual customer or high roller. If you look out side the AD they are practically reasonable at around $7600 for a 124200 Pink dial from anyone of our trusted sellers.

[MattyL147]

Originally Posted by Big Tex Rolex

I would have thought a Platinum watch would be the hardest to get … but I guess that was excluded from your AD’s response.

For the watches I am looking for / that I have told my AD that I would like to buy … I was told …

Submariner … 12-18 months, but I have not pressed them on this, as I already have a 14060M

Submariner “Bluesy” … I was told 18 months, but I got it in 9

Daytona Gold w/ OysterFlex … 3 years

Daytona White Dial … 5 years

I did not ask about the OP or any Platinum watches, so based on my requests / search, the White Dial Daytona remains king of the “hard to get”.

So is a GMT available immediately?

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

So is a GMT available immediately?

Exactly, and if so common why not offer it to a OP customer. Imagine that phone call….”We know you were after a OP but we have a BLRO instead if you are interested????”

[nr1416]

I can also confirm from a couple ADs I've asked, they've only gotten 1 of the harder colour OPs to get like the candy Pink, or turquoise in the OP36 meanwhile it seems like the average AD gets roughly 8 SS Daytona's a year.



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[Lightsped]

My AD has said the same thing. OP41. SS sport watches are popular so plenty of them are made. My AD is unable to fullfill OP41. I am fortunate enough to have got a green last year. AD has offered to buy it back or put towards another watch on more than one occasion.... I have passed.

[samgobigs]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Well! I thought it was the steel Daytona Panda that was the most sought after, considering that I took it after two years of waiting.

I have a pretty good purchase history with my AD. They were willing to at least entertain me with a spot on the Daytona wait list. The OP, on the other hand, they flat out refused to take my name on a wait list for that.

🤷🏻*♂️

[S.Explorer]

Given the relatively low price, different sizes and different dials available, I am not surprised that OPs are hard to come by.