The real reason there is a Rolex wait list!
The reason why there is a Rolex wait list is very strategic. It’s a proven fact that the urge to scratch the itch will be too strong when you occasionally visit your AD every few months to “check in“ in with the Rolex order, browse the cases, and see what has arrived.
I’ve had a Tudor S&G chrono on my “someday” list for a while, but the new panda dial was in the store on my last trip. It yelled at me loudly.. I tried it on and gazed at it. It’s such a striking watch. Pics never do these pieces justice and this one is no exception.
So the Rolex wait just got a little easier with this new beauty to distract me. The AD sells more watches as we keep “checking in”. Coincidentally I had also picked up a couple micro brand pieces in the last 2 months trying to scratch the itch. They are cool, but nothing really cures the new watch itch like a solid contender such as this.. LOL
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Well this one is stunning!
Sure, that's one aspect, but there are many other factors as well.
If the AD has a tepid or warm relationship with Rolex, how much they are willing to pay Rolex for the pieces allocated to them, supply issues, etc.
You have to remember that the AD's are not actually owned by Rolex. They are retailers buying from the manufacturer.
I guess I'm fortunate because the SA I've gotten most of my Rolex from over the last 18 months ONLY sells Rolex. I've only gotten one of mine from an AD.
I agree. It's a solid contender. Great looking piece IMHO.
Sure, that's one aspect, but there are many other factors as well.
If the AD has a tepid or warm relationship with Rolex, how much they are willing to pay Rolex for the pieces allocated to them, supply issues, etc.
You have to remember that the AD's are not actually owned by Rolex. They are retailers buying from the manufacturer.
Great point. The #rolex waitlist has also become such a talking point (both positive and negative) in the broader community, that I think it serves as a way to keep the brand in the forefront of the watch world.
So Rolex wait-list develops Tudor, right?
Great piece!
I guess I'm fortunate because the SA I've gotten most of my Rolex from over the last 18 months ONLY sells Rolex. I've only gotten one of mine from an AD.
There’s only one Rolex owned boutique and that is in Geneva. All other Rolex retailers are privately owned ADs whether they sell from a single brand storefront or a multi brand store.
Why do people still believe this wait list bullshit? There are no wait lists. The AD´s sell what they have to the customer they want and not to the one next on a list. They are following a strategy to sell more watches and other goods.
that's a great watch!!
Worth remembering that the AD's customer is Rolex, not you. Their job is to meet their sales quotas, in return for the authorised dealership and marketing support. Those quotas a tightly defined across the entire model range, including many less popular models. They will, primarily, sell to customers who will buy the most (Rolex) watches - even if that is a a flipper, who will buy 2x GMTs and 2x of any less popular model, who will then use the grey market margin on the GMTs to make up the (potential) loss on the less popular models (which ADs can't do - they can only sell at MSRP). From Rolex's perspective, the AD is making their sales numbers, so all is fine.
The waitlist is real, but only in that you will be waiting forever, unless you are going to help the AD make their sales goals (with very, very few exceptions).
There’s only one Rolex owned boutique and that is in Geneva. All other Rolex retailers are privately owned ADs whether they sell from a single brand storefront or a multi brand store.
Ok, but still. The sales associate I deal with there exclusively sells Rolex. I couldn't get in her good graces by buying other brands to include Tudor.
Guys, dont get too wrapped up in my post. It was sarcasm and poking a bit of fun. There are a million threads beating the Rolex “waitlist” thing to death. That wasn’t my intention (although I am in line to get a GMT).
Just thought it would be a funny post. The story is true, I did go in to just browse around and remind them I’m still interested, and ended up buying another watch. I’ve bought 3 in the last 3 months trying to scratch that itch and tide me over.
But since its already started down the Rolex supply and demand path, I’m sure there are all different types of AD’s that run their business differently. I’ve bought several watches from my AD over the years, they committed to getting me a GMT and have given me a rough timeline. I have no reason to doubt them. I asked them about their allocation process, and its fairly straight forward. They only get so many watches. They are estimating about 6 more months for me, its been about 6 so far, so that will make it a year or so. We will see.
At least if you buy a Tudor , you will have a good reliable watch to use while you wait for your new Rolex to get repaired every time it runs slow
Why do people still believe this wait list bullshit? There are no wait lists. The AD´s sell what they have to the customer they want and not to the one next on a list. They are following a strategy to sell more watches and other goods.
Not true. Depends on where you're located in the world. Your experience and how your local ADs operate is not a representation for the rest of the world.