2023 - Will watches be easier to get from our AD?

Hard to get pieces are always gonna be hard to get, otherwise they destroy their own market. It makes sense that the AD would move their display priorities to product they can actually get.

They are in the business of selling after all.

No point putting the unicorn you don't have front & centre 🦄🌈

Unfortunately the models I want are those unicorns. So I guess patience is the game for me..

You gotta keep scratching that itch 😂

I am still waiting for my 1st #rolex and my AD who I bought my #tudor BB Pro, is still giving me the hard-to-get narrative. My Omega AD, on the other hand, got me 3 last year and no waiting games. Soon I will be out of budget for watches.

I have bought and sold dozens of watches, as yet I haven't bought one from a shop

Tudor Pelagos vs Rolex Seadweller

Walked into my local AD in NJ to see what new watches they had and to put myself on a waiting list for an explorer. When I was looking at the explorer with an associate the manager came out and offered me a Rolex seadweller that was available. Long story short I turned it down because it looked to similar to my Tudor Pelagos 42 which have had for about 6 months now. I figured it was too close in similarity both being big watches with helium escape valves. Also giving a chance to the next person who hopefully has it on their wish list.

I detect a distinct softening in the market and with today's banking runs, my guess is that people are going to be pulling back from the voracious consumption of the past three years.

Expect all but the most difficult to obtain references to be available, maybe not at a discount, but available for list price purchase.

Hang on to your cash because the next 12-18 months could be a rough ride in economies across the globe.

I'm still waiting for my 1st Rolex ☹ May I know which AD you visited regularly?

Or an AD gifts it to you

It is so true unfortunately.

The very best decision I made in watch collecting was to forget trying to buy a Rolex. You can’t at an AD, and will only get screwed on the grey market where you can. Dropping Rolex from consideration made everything in my watch journey better, and I’ll never reconsider.

You need to train all the watch fans out there

They are all the same. Just find one that is friendly to you and keep making friends.

I don't think this has much to do with authorised dealers and more with what Rolex, AP and PP believe would be the consequences for their brand perception if watches were suddenly available.

On the secondary market this is equivalent to a price decrease and price reductions are often problematic in the luxury industry. It may or may not be the case that a reason why some watches are very desirable has to do with the fact that the moment you buy them they are worth more. If this goes away...

Ironically, the only way to rid ourselves of those wait lists for sure is to collectively stop buying these watches on a voluntary basis. Otherwise brands can always restrict supply. This is most likely not going to happen as it would be equivalent to an infinite waitlist.

This being said, it’s a shame that not all watches at a boutique are created equal. I wished some brands had equal clout.

Clout? I am not sure I understand. Either a product is of quality, appealing, appropriate in price and available to purchase or it is an exercise in unlessness. I am not sure how clout applies.

Not too surprisingly, some models are more attainable now in my market in the Bay Area of CA. What’s frustrating me however, is the Tudor Pelagos FXD that I’ve been on the wait list for since 9/30/2022. I’m flabbergasted how few come through, or in the case of the two AD’s here, zero. I’ve seen them on Chrono and elsewhere so I know they’re around, and thankfully I’m patient. Still, annoying.

I hate to agree with this. I've been eyeing a Batman GMT since I started the hobby at 16, back when you could still get the PP Aquanaut for near retail on the grey market.

By the time I saved up enough money to buy it, it was all but waitlists, even for my second choice of the Rhodium Datejust. Ended up walking into a GS boutique, getting a Spring Drive, and never wanting a Rolex since.

I hate that this is the fact of Rolex. Who knows. Maybe they make a great watch. But if I can’t just walk into an AD and just buy it without the games what is the point? Actually, Rolex did me a big favor by putting me off their brand because I have discovered that Omega is better by the specs and a good bit cheaper to acquire - without the games.

How do you like the GS? I am interested in the brand, and if I decide to open my collection to new additions it is a brand at the top of consideration.

Love my GS! It's an NYC Boutique exclusive model with a pretty understated dial given GS standards. A lot of people complain about the bracelet, but I haven't had too many issues with it.

The smooth sweeping hand is gorgeous and I got over the fuel gauge which I found pretty awkward before seeing the watch in person. I take this watch anywhere, works dressed up or down for me. Only wish it was thinner, but completely wearable nonetheless.

P.S Not the most flattering photo I took of it, but the best one I could find for now :D

Very nice watch👍

Completely agree. Thanks for sharing this.

Love it!!!