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sensui · 27 January 2018, 01:08 PM

I don't doubt the information..but do question the decision like the rest of you. I wonder if it has anything to do with their status as a charitable trust/non-profit....that might have something to do with it especially with their sales in the last years even during a decline in swiss mechanical watch sales.

Nikrnic · 27 January 2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauffee

Other than Daytonas and SD43, all the professional models are on 31XX movements. Wonder if they are switching them over to 32XX movements and that’s creating a shortage.

Hmm, I wonder what they really have up their sleeves. Personally I don't give a ratzazz, l bought all l wanted last year, at least for new ones.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

77T · 27 January 2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Honestly, I am still trying to understand. Once again, if this was a specific material...but ALL?

First off, thanks for the news and I certainly trust your sources were well-vetted. I wonder if they’d share a copy with their name redacted?

As for understanding this cutback, let’s not suppose it is a calculated motive. It is a notice that all professional models are going to have lower production. But is it worldwide, or just certain markets?

Top of mind, this could be for a couple of reasons:

1. There is a model makeover/changeover coming soon - perhaps involving an announcement at Basel in March. This means that Rolex could be retooling the production facility to begin making the new ones. And those new ones may involve materials or technology that isn’t compatible with the existing processes.

2. The factory may be undergoing extensive renovations/expansion that will shutdown some percentage of the existing facilities over the coming year. Thus lower production. And product line directors made the choice of which models to ratchet back.

I’m guessing a visit to my nearby AD is in order.

Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

Dr.Smellody · 27 January 2018, 01:13 PM

Don't believe it!

Jim Smyth · 27 January 2018, 01:14 PM

I am sure all the Ad's that have spent a lot of there own money to sell Rolex products will appreciate that letter.

77T · 27 January 2018, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

Don't believe it!

I know Gerardo - if he says he saw it I believe he saw it.

Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk

outtatime · 27 January 2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

Don't believe it!

Agreed. But if it’s true, then I guess they’ll show us. You want to buy our products and give us money? Haha you can’t!

hchj · 27 January 2018, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the confirmation. Been hearing it for quite a while.
I suspect the new movement gonna be put in... Omega should learn from Rolex how to manage customers, AD and discounts.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Sprta · 27 January 2018, 01:26 PM

Can we see a copy of this letter

ArtNouveau · 27 January 2018, 01:28 PM

If true, and especially if it’s open ended, that is absolutely the most stupid business decision I have ever heard in my life. Limiting what makes up probably 1/2 of their sales? If they’re trying to get dealers to throw in the towel, it might just work.

superdog · 27 January 2018, 01:29 PM

This makes zero logical sense.

4srolex · 27 January 2018, 01:31 PM

I hope you’re wrong about this. AD’s have been on inventory constraints since October so I can’t see this happening unless they are going to revamp the entire line in March during Basel. I’m going to put my deposit on the SS white dial panda Daytona tomorrow morning with my AD if this is the case.

aquatimerfla · 27 January 2018, 01:34 PM

I am sure the OP's source is legit.

I am also sure that this is temporary obviously as the 'statement' was vague. Clearly has something to do with Basel 18.

Rolex IS sport models and they just spent a fortune on brand new facilties the past few years.

G'ed · 27 January 2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superdog

This makes zero logical sense.

~

aquatimerfla · 27 January 2018, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerardoG

As some of you have read in the Open Forum, I spent all day planning for our upcoming Vegas gathering, as well as talking watches with one of the largest accounts for Rolex in the United States.

I do not share ‘I heard’ or ‘someone said’; I only share confirmed information with you, my virtual family.

Rolex is letting all Authorized Dealers IN WRITING that, effective immediately, they will CUT BACK the production of ALL professional line watches. Not only SS, but 2T and precious metal.

Therefore, we, as customers, will see LESS of these units at our AD’s. Hold on to your subs, GMTs, Daytonas...steel, rolesor or gold/platinum. They will be harder to get.

Makes sense for Basel 18 assuming most models getting the new 3235 or GMT 3235 variation. I dont see any statement saying this is permanent moving forward.

Im not shocked.

Case61 · 27 January 2018, 01:37 PM

Because I know Gerardo, I completely trust the info. You just have to wonder what the business model is. Rolex management seems to have a vision of the future the rest of us can only guess at.

Sprta · 27 January 2018, 01:40 PM

One would think this letter could have gone out months ago, it was obvious that certain madels were being cut back.
However until my AD gets this letter its business as usual for me.

CDNWatchNut · 27 January 2018, 01:43 PM

Maybe they want to move the brand into a higher tier and somehow the professional line doesn't fit into that strategy, so they plan to slowly phase it out, and focus on purely high end luxury designs.

Amiroo · 27 January 2018, 01:46 PM

I don't care if I have to be late for every meeting for the rest of my life. I am not wearing an Omega...

aquatimerfla · 27 January 2018, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amiroo

I don't care if I have to be late for every meeting for the rest of my life. I am not wearing an Omega...

Why not?

Omega make great watches

Dusko.Popov · 27 January 2018, 01:50 PM

This is not that hard and it makes perfect sense from a brand perspective.

Rolex is thinking about tomorrow, not selling another few extra units today.

All the "this makes zero sense posts" are what make zero sense.

I'm not sure why folks don't understand why this is a good long term move for Rolex. Wake up. This is so flipping easy people.

This poster said it best ...

Post #64:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=581302&page=3

Lol-x · 27 January 2018, 01:51 PM

Lets not get carried away here....Rolex has decades of track record, they aren't going to change things radically overnight, that's just not the Rolex way.....slow evolving changes over time, steady as she goes.

semi-ambivalent · 27 January 2018, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartacus

Must be be a bunch of new watches debuting at Basel.

I like the way you think.

hbombkid · 27 January 2018, 01:53 PM

If this is true how much you guys think the markup will be for new as well as preowned sport watches. We have already see the LVC go up even the regular Sub has gone up in value.

My Sub C is staying put so I have nothing to worry about.

HogwldFLTR · 27 January 2018, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensui

I don't doubt the information..but do question the decision like the rest of you. I wonder if it has anything to do with their status as a charitable trust/non-profit....that might have something to do with it especially with their sales in the last years even during a decline in swiss mechanical watch sales.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amiroo

I don't care if I have to be late for every meeting for the rest of my life. I am not wearing an Omega...

There are many competitors who will be happy to take over Rolex Corps market share. Omega, Breitling, Zenith, Panerai, to name a few. This will be great for the rivals!!! What do you think consumers will do; stop buying watches; no, buy another brand. Easy way to permanently lose customers.

SackLVG · 27 January 2018, 01:54 PM

Decrease production so they can increase prices? And in the future ramp up production when demand meets the new higher prices.

superstarmar · 27 January 2018, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

If true, and especially if it’s open ended, that is absolutely the most stupid business decision I have ever heard in my life. Limiting what makes up probably 1/2 of their sales? If they’re trying to get dealers to throw in the towel, it might just work.

True ...

As mentioned before they do plan on opening their
own boutiques, no more discounting, hurt the
grey dealers and ultimately have more control
in the sales process and distribution...

In the end , Rolex probably will retain even more of
it’s value by limiting production and heighten their
prestige as a luxury brand even more ... Or ???

Getting ready for new models Basel 2018 as mentioned
by others as well ...

superstarmar · 27 January 2018, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SackLVG

Decrease production so they can increase prices? And in the future ramp up production when demand meets the new higher prices.

You might be onto something...
Although I’m not particularly fond about the
price increase part ....

Ticknaway · 27 January 2018, 01:58 PM

Must be two things:
1. Their trying to increase the exclusivity of the brand

2. Trying to reduce the sale to grey market dealers and strengthen the control over distribution.

If this is true ( and I have no reason to doubt G ) it sucks!!

returntorolex · 27 January 2018, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SackLVG

Decrease production so they can increase prices? And in the future ramp up production when demand meets the new higher prices.

Bingo. Prelude to a price increase.

27 January 2018, 01:29 PM	#41
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,696	This makes zero logical sense. __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

27 January 2018, 01:31 PM	#42
4srolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: West Coast Watch: Gears in motion Posts: 572	I hope you’re wrong about this. AD’s have been on inventory constraints since October so I can’t see this happening unless they are going to revamp the entire line in March during Basel. I’m going to put my deposit on the SS white dial panda Daytona tomorrow morning with my AD if this is the case. __________________ Rolex, Zenith, Omega, Tag Heuer When people ask how was your day? I tell them: "Same circus just different clowns!"

27 January 2018, 01:46 PM	#49
Amiroo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Canada Watch: Royal Oak Chrono Posts: 301	I don't care if I have to be late for every meeting for the rest of my life. I am not wearing an Omega... __________________ Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331OR Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400OR Rolex Day-Date II 218235 Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR 116710

27 January 2018, 01:51 PM	#52
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,238	Lets not get carried away here....Rolex has decades of track record, they aren't going to change things radically overnight, that's just not the Rolex way.....slow evolving changes over time, steady as she goes. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

27 January 2018, 01:08 PM	#31
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,356	I don't doubt the information..but do question the decision like the rest of you. I wonder if it has anything to do with their status as a charitable trust/non-profit....that might have something to do with it especially with their sales in the last years even during a decline in swiss mechanical watch sales.

27 January 2018, 01:13 PM	#34
Dr.Smellody "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 5,198	Don't believe it!

27 January 2018, 01:14 PM	#35
Jim Smyth Banned Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Jim Smyth Location: Florida Watch: DD Posts: 1,842	I am sure all the Ad's that have spent a lot of there own money to sell Rolex products will appreciate that letter.

27 January 2018, 01:21 PM	#38
hchj "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Singapore Posts: 230	Thanks for the confirmation. Been hearing it for quite a while. I suspect the new movement gonna be put in... Omega should learn from Rolex how to manage customers, AD and discounts. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

27 January 2018, 01:26 PM	#39
Sprta "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: USA Posts: 457	Can we see a copy of this letter

27 January 2018, 01:28 PM	#40
ArtNouveau 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NWA, USA Watch: BLRO/Daytona/OP41s Posts: 4,961	If true, and especially if it’s open ended, that is absolutely the most stupid business decision I have ever heard in my life. Limiting what makes up probably 1/2 of their sales? If they’re trying to get dealers to throw in the towel, it might just work.

27 January 2018, 01:34 PM	#43
aquatimerfla Banned Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: FL Posts: 673	I am sure the OP's source is legit. I am also sure that this is temporary obviously as the 'statement' was vague. Clearly has something to do with Basel 18. Rolex IS sport models and they just spent a fortune on brand new facilties the past few years.

27 January 2018, 01:37 PM	#46
Case61 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 1,131	Because I know Gerardo, I completely trust the info. You just have to wonder what the business model is. Rolex management seems to have a vision of the future the rest of us can only guess at.

27 January 2018, 01:40 PM	#47
Sprta "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: USA Posts: 457	One would think this letter could have gone out months ago, it was obvious that certain madels were being cut back. However until my AD gets this letter its business as usual for me.

27 January 2018, 01:43 PM	#48
CDNWatchNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Juan Location: Sherwood Park, Ab Watch: 114060 Posts: 1,509	Maybe they want to move the brand into a higher tier and somehow the professional line doesn't fit into that strategy, so they plan to slowly phase it out, and focus on purely high end luxury designs.

27 January 2018, 01:50 PM	#51
Dusko.Popov "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: DC Posts: 829	This is not that hard and it makes perfect sense from a brand perspective. Rolex is thinking about tomorrow, not selling another few extra units today. All the "this makes zero sense posts" are what make zero sense. I'm not sure why folks don't understand why this is a good long term move for Rolex. Wake up. This is so flipping easy people. This poster said it best ... Post #64: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=581302&page=3

27 January 2018, 01:53 PM	#54
hbombkid "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: VA Watch: Sub 116610 Posts: 1,082	If this is true how much you guys think the markup will be for new as well as preowned sport watches. We have already see the LVC go up even the regular Sub has gone up in value. My Sub C is staying put so I have nothing to worry about.

27 January 2018, 01:54 PM	#56
SackLVG "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: USA Posts: 92	Decrease production so they can increase prices? And in the future ramp up production when demand meets the new higher prices.

27 January 2018, 01:58 PM	#59
Ticknaway "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Real Name: Dave Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,028	Must be two things: 1. Their trying to increase the exclusivity of the brand 2. Trying to reduce the sale to grey market dealers and strengthen the control over distribution. If this is true ( and I have no reason to doubt G ) it sucks!!

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