Prediction: will Rolex briefly allow online sales?

[blada4life]

Interesting article about WoS listing Patek online. Doubt we will see hard to get models but interesting nonetheless.

https://timeandtidewatches.com/as-of...to-e-commerce/

Problem I see is ADs having to scramble and build a sales website whereas before they felt immune, almost looked down upon online sales.


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[Cloudchaser]

Rolex allowing online sales would go a long way toward changing the market.

I write this precisely because my entire "flipping" shtick (which works well) is predicated on pretending to be as unaware of the online world as the typical AD actually is!

If ADs had to compete in the online world, everything would change quickly (in many, many ways, some predictable and some not).

I don't know if they will, but IMO they should.

[Ranger67]

I’ve made a couple of online enquires for a Submariner, waiting to hear back.

[Meyrin]

Originally Posted by blada4life

Interesting article about WoS listing Patek online. Doubt we will see hard to get models but interesting nonetheless.

https://timeandtidewatches.com/as-of...to-e-commerce/

Problem I see is ADs having to scramble and build a sales website whereas before they felt immune, almost looked down upon online sales.


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It´s been years since you could just walk into a Rolex AD, chose a watch, pay for it and walk out. Here in Germany Nomos (just one example), a very respected brand (I love their watches) has an excellent online store with insured delivery etc. I can only speculate, but I think PP´s move could be the start of high-end brands like Rolex & co. selling online. And why not? Personally I´d love to be able to browse and buy online from Rolex, but that's just my 2 cents worth!

[AJMarcus]

If Rolex wants to generate revenue and compete they have no choice but to adapt. One thing we know about Rolex from the early days of its founding by Wilsdorf is they always were a step ahead of the competition. Now is not the time for the company to cling to the past ways of doing business.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

If Rolex wants to generate revenue and compete they have no choice but to adapt. One thing we know about Rolex from the early days of its founding by Wilsdorf is they always were a step ahead of the competition. Now is not the time for the company to cling to the past ways of doing business.

Rolex has no competitors. They don't need to generate revenue like companies that are profit driven and listed on the stock exchange. Pretty sure they have enough cash flow in reserve to weather this pandemic storm and continue to operate on their own terms and on their own timeline.

[iatacs19]

Interesting development for sure...

[AK797]

I doubt it, unless this thing lasts into next year, which seems more unlikely by the day as everyone seems to be taking it very seriously now. I don't think Rolex would instigate this on a temporary basis, if they were to do it they would probably keep to it, so it would require a sustained macro change to the economy for this sea-change.

[kieselguhr]

Ever since the stewardship of Mr Dufour, the sales model has heavily shifted towards the “Boutique experience” and “exclusivity”.

I doubt online sales will ever be an option while he remains at the helm.

[DBlue2018]

No

[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Rolex has no competitors. They don't need to generate revenue like companies that are profit driven and listed on the stock exchange. Pretty sure they have enough cash flow in reserve to weather this pandemic storm and continue to operate on their own terms and on their own timeline.

Originally Posted by AK797

I doubt it, unless this thing lasts into next year, which seems more unlikely by the day as everyone seems to be taking it very seriously now. I don't think Rolex would instigate this on a temporary basis, if they were to do it they would probably keep to it, so it would require a sustained macro change to the economy for this sea-change.

Yeah, I agree that Rolex is a company that will weather this and continue operating on their terms. I do think they will continue to evolve their overall model, however as 100+ year old company, they have learned how to deal with market ups and downs.

[illiguy]

Can’t see it happening, but can’t dismiss the possibility if I am being honest (especially as Patek did this).

[Ranger67]

Alleged quote from Mr Dufour re internet

“It is key, and it is increasing month after month, Why? because you can connect directly with the people you want to touch. Now I can prepare information and give it to anyone who wants it. If I wanted to buy a watch, I would first go to the internet to research, to see the quality, the history etc. And we see that, every time we come to the internet with information we have a better response. It is the media of the future.

[L.K Johnson]

They adapted to the Quartz watch revolution in the late 70’s and released the Oyster Quartz series!

[MrMercedes]

Don´t think so.....

[djyolky]

Let's put it this way, if jewelery stores/ads can't reopen for business in the foreseeable future, it's not a question of if they will start online sales, but when.

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[2nastie]

I doubt they will shift to online sales for the time being. I'm also sure they have various agreements between ADs that would not permit them to do so as part of their franchise terms.

As much as Rolex holds all the power, there's still a business relationship they need to preserve.

[vanhwrd4]

My AD reached out to me and asked if I wanted a Sky Dweller, BNIB, mentioned if I didn’t buy, they were putting it online. This happened yesterday.


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[frankmp]

Originally Posted by vanhwrd4

My AD reached out to me and asked if I wanted a Sky Dweller, BNIB, mentioned if I didn’t buy, they were putting it online. This happened yesterday.


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Yesterday is now today, if you did'nt buy it, can you share which dealer so I can check online and see if they will ship across border and assuming its msrp!! thx

[alex.cicollo]

Patek has started....

You can now buy Patek Philippe watches online for the first time, will Rolex follow?
https://www.t3.com/news/you-can-now-...l-rolex-follow


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[SDREW22]

Was just reading this. Interesting for sure.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by djyolky

Let's put it this way, if jewelery stores/ads can't reopen for business in the foreseeable future, it's not a question of if they will start online sales, but when.

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It's not just a question of this but also of when the public feels comfortable being all mashed together in stores (I admit, not likely in a Rolex AD...) Even when the stores reopen there will be a measurable percentage of the population that will still feel cautious. The businesses that adapt will survive and adapting at this moment means having some kind of online model. The memories will outlive the virus.

[georgekart]

I think it sets an interesting precedent for many other watch brands that will now follow suit. After all PP is one of the most regarded brands in history of watchmaking. If I had to guess they'd be the last to allow their watches being sold online. Yet here we are. I don't see a reason why Rolex wouldn't start online sales.

[alex.cicollo]

Precisely my thoughts

Just wish they would cut the dealers out but that’s a step too far


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[watchmework]

Check out the other thread on this topic - https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...to+sell+online

[denmanproject]

Imagine a place you could order the watch you want with no games, at MSRP... one can only dream

[snoware]

This could well become a new reality. It would massively increase profits on the manufactorers sides. No more AD‘s in between.


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[alex.cicollo]

Wish they considered their own ordering systems and distribution ....


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[cj3209]

Not sure if this means that the average user (like me) will be able to get our favorite Rolex at MSRP because if the grays are allowed to purchase bulk online sales, nothing will have changed.

But I like the push to go online. Rolex watches, at the end of the day, are basically a commodity - although a hot one at that. Going online makes it even more apparent.

Very curious to see what happens.

CJ

[djyolky]

TRF and WUS should just merge their forums lol.

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