Why can’t you buy a Rolex?
While large swathes of the American watch buying public revere Rolex as the ultimate watch, the ultimate status symbol, they can’t buy one. They haven’t been able to for months. And there’s no word when that will change. Short term, the Rolex shortage works in the Geneva watchmaker’s favor.
What happens to Rolex watches when the economy slows down?
However, remember that Rolex watches are luxury objects, and these tend to be the most when the economy gets slower. So when this happens, the demand for Rolex watches will probably decrease, and this will naturally have an impact on the availability of these watches.
Are Rolex Sports Watches rare?
What is interesting though is that Rolex sports models are not rare at all. Rolex watches are mass-produced, and they manufacture about 1 million watches per year. In other words, there are tons of watches on the secondhand market.
Is there a Rolex shortage?
However, what is interesting is that everyone is talking about a Rolex shortage, but this is only the case for new Rolex watches from Authorized dealers (AD). If you, for example, visit marketplaces like Chrono24, you can see that there are thousands of sports models available.
Why is Rolex always out of stock?
The simple and short answer to the question of why there is a shortage of Rolex professional models – in particular, stainless steel sports models, is that the demand exceeds the supply. In other words the number of watches that Rolex manufacture.
Why is Rolex not available?
Here is what Rolex had to say. “The scarcity of our products is not a strategy on our part. Our current production cannot meet the existing demand in an exhaustive way, at least not without reducing the quality of our watches – something we refuse to do as the quality of our products must never be compromised.
Is Rolex listed on the stock market?
Is Rolex a publically traded company? Unfortunately, one of the most recognized brands in the world is not public and it doesn't seem it will be anytime soon. In other words, there's no Rolex stock to buy.
Why is there a Rolex waiting list?
They will put you on a 2-4 year waitlist, (sometimes longer,) due to their lack of inventory. During that 2-4 year waitlist, Rolex will have more than one price increase, and by the time the watch is finally available to you, you will be paying the current market price...
Why is it so hard to get a Rolex right now?
Why are Rolexes So Hard to Find? Rolex watches are a hot commodity because of their scarcity. The lack of supply is emphasized by supply chain shortages seen across many industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How often does Rolex restock?
There are two times of the year when Rolex shipments to retailers are limited. This is in time for Christmas in December and in the middle of summer. During Christmas, Rolex normally sends a shipment at the end of November or the beginning of December.
Is it good to invest in Rolex?
According to the Data, the Answer is a Resounding, YES! It's no secret that Rolex is hands down the most sought after and in-demand watch brand in the last… well, ever.
Is a Rolex a good asset?
Rolex watches have long been a favorite among collectors — turns out they're a good investment, too. New data from Bob's Watches shows Rolex outperforming gold, houses, and even stocks. Amid surging global demand, even entry-level models are now worth more than their retail price.
Is a Rolex an appreciating asset?
The average price of a pre-owned Rolex surged from $5,000 in 2011 to $13,000 in 2021. Rolex watches are one of the best-appreciating assets of the last decade, further suggesting that vintage timepieces are a great investment.
How hard is it to get a Rolex Pepsi?
Rolex authorized dealers receive very few Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi watches. The waitlist for the Pepsi GMT can vary from a couple weeks to a couple years and some buyers may not even be accepted on the waitlist.
How do you beat the Rolex waiting list?
The 10 ways you can beat the Rolex waiting list includeDress smart when visiting the Rolex authorised dealer.Be personable and nice with the Rolex authorised dealer.Build a genuine relationship with the Rolex authorised dealer.Be knowledgable about Rolex.Go into the Rolex authorised dealer wearing a Rolex.More items...
How long is the wait for a Rolex Submariner?
three to five yearsRolex Submariner Date “Hulk” - ref. Also, it is always in short supply, and its values in the second-wrist market are always well over the list price. Expect a waiting list of three to five years to get one.
Why is there a shortage of Rolex watches?
There is a shortage on Rolex watches for many reasons but the main two simply are due to supply and demand. Rolex is by far the most popular watch brand so naturally demand will be high. The interesting thing with this situation is that Rolex appears to not be interested in matching supply with demand. This has been a source of frustration ...
What models have been affected the most by the Rolex shortage?
Stainless steel sport models have been effected the most most by the Rolex shortage. These are the references that don’t even hit the case at authorized dealers and command the largest increase in value on the pre-owned market.
What is Rolex methodical?
Rolex is methodical and calculated in their decision making. What that means is that it takes time for decisions to be made and also implemented. What is encouraging about this is that we can be confident whatever changes they do make, it will most likely strengthen the business and supply.
Is Rolex a luxury watch?
I understand their rationale. Rolex is a luxury watch brand and to abandon precious metals or limit their collections to a few would be a giant mistake.
Do you pay over retail for Rolex?
If you aren’t lucky enough to buy the Rolex you want new at MSRP you’ll almost certainly pay over retail on the pre-owned market. All of this has to do with access and limited inventory. Because there is so much competition between Rolex buyers, pre-owned pricing are skyrocketing.
Is Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi?
The Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi is a great example. These results have made the brand unattainable for some buyers and for others unattractive. It’s a shame really because Rolex produces such a great product.
What is the Rolex Shortage?
In the world of high-end horology, Rolex is king. That’s been the case for decades, with the Swiss brand constantly raising the bar on everything from design to mechanics. Take an iconic release like the Submariner, for example, which essentially created the modern dive watch when it first debuted back in the 1950s.
When Did the Rolex Shortage Begin?
Whilst not the official start of the Rolex shortage, some experts pin its early origins to Baselworld 2016 and the release of the Daytona 116500LN. Already the stuff of legend, this particular variant paired a ceramic bezel with a black or white dial and the brand’s signature Oystersteel case and bracelet.
What Exactly is Causing the Rolex Shortage?
This is where things get a little complicated. To be clear, Rolex did experience a disruption to their supply chain during the pandemic, closing down their factory for several months. However, industry experts claim that the shortage was already underway by the time this happened.
The Truth Behind the Rolex Shortage
Theories aside, the prominent watchmaker recently came clean about the shortage. For the first time ever, Rolex addressed the concerns, revealing that it was not a case of strategy on the brand’s part, but more a ‘perfect storm’ of external factors.
Will the Shortage Reverse?
As long as the demand for certain models remains high, then the shortage isn’t likely to go away soon. Not only does Rolex express no intention of dramatically increasing production, but they don’t even tell authorised dealers which watches they’re sending at any given time (sending “mystery boxes” instead).
Where Can You Still Find a Rolex?
Arguably the planet’s foremost marketplace for luxury watches, the site is definitely NOT in the midst of a shortage. From brand new Daytonas to second-hand GMTs and more, premium Swiss luxury is just a few clicks away.
About the author
Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. Jacob holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and has previously written for Stacker alongside co-authoring a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster.
How long will this tight supply of Rolex Stainless Steel Sports models last?
This is a complex question that nobody can really answer with much more than an educated guess. Based on the number of calls we get of clients wanting these watches, and the flow of watches that Official Rolex Jewelers have been receiving for inventory, our opinion is the tight supply will last into 2019.
How can I purchase the hard to get Rolex watch I've have my heart set on?
The first question to ask yourself is do you have to have it now or are you willing to wait? My recommendation, if possible, is to give it some time and go the route of your local Official Rolex Jeweler.
