Had it with Rolex

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by pickettt

To be honest, I’m not sure the general public knows there are multiple models. They just know there’s this expensive watch out there called a Rolex.

That's is quite accurate.

Just get ROLEX!

[Mandy01]

Originally Posted by AbsolutelyROLEX!

Hey guys havent posted in a while, just venting a bit

So ever since this whole supply restriction problem, my whole excitement and enthusiasm and love for the brand has died a slow death.
This has happened automatically, without me even forcing it. Its like my brain just killed all those rolex fetish neurons never to be enlivened again!
I have completely given in to the fact that this is rolex's new business model and that it will never change.
Hats off to them for implementing it though, they certainly have climbed the upper luxury watch echelon and are now the top brand, and with it the most sought after.
Now more people than ever before want one!
But at the same time wiped out the middle class from ever owning one (unless of course you are lucky to get one at and AD at MSRP after years of waiting) and I mean people that never owned one and are aspiring new rolex owners!
This is where my disappointment comes in.
That the entire class of loyal customers from years past that bought watches and helped build up the brand with their hard earned money are now pushed into the lower classes that nobody cares about.
Oh well, tough luck! stop crying and get over it! (Say the filthy rich that are not affected)
A brand that always advertised their products as "tough WORK watches that can withstand anything nature throws at it" now only are sitting on the wrists of rich people that will never ever climb a mountain, dive in the ocean, or even wear them to anything work related that exposes them to the forces of nature (which rolexes were designed for)
Now submariners and seadwellers are a "going for a night out" watch to impress fellow aristocrats.
GMT's and Skydwellers are not used by travelers and pilots (not the majority middle class anyways who represent the bulk of them)
Explorers maybe are still in the affordable category but are also getting expensive and elusive.
Yachtmasters? well they were always in a different class anyways and almost never used for what they were designed to do.
And for the middle class to get their hands on one? They have to pay double to triple the price.
Rolex still actively advertise their products, WHY? Why do that if you cant get one?!?
To all of you that disagree, I say this:
THE VERY FACT THAT ROLEX HAS GOTTEN TO WHERE IT IS NOW, IS BECAUSE THEY WERE ALWAYS ADVERTISED AS TOUGH, RELIABLE EVERYDAY WATCHES THAT YOU PAY MORE FOR, BUT LAST A LIFETIME, AND ARE VERY USEFUL.

NOW? THEY ARE JUST VERY EXPENSIVE JEWELRY

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH EXPENSIVE JEWELRY?
RARELY WEAR IT,
ONLY THE RICH CAN AFFORD IT

What do you guys think? (And please be respectful, I've heard all the snarky comments before LOL!)

part of what you said is true, but they are still high quality, tough watches, also in these economic booms and with high demand yes there is a shortage of some models. Friend be patient and build relationships with AD's and things will work out fine.

[Muxi]

Just be patient, my friend. One day you’ll have all the Rolex watches you want then you’ll be wearing an AP or PP daily instead.

[Mandy01]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

These watches haven't been "tools" since before the quartz revolution in the 70's. And even then, they were an expensive watch relative to the average worker's salary. You can thank a certain event that occurred in November of 2016 that stimulated the world economy so that many more in the world have the financial means to afford these watches. I think you get my drift.

Nail it brother, the vibrant economy and economic expansion is causing the high demand/shortage. Other brands are benefiting as well, AP's were always easy to get and now some models are very scarce, what about Patek SS spot models, almost impossible to get. It is the economic boom of the past 2-3 years....

[AndyWright]

Its unfortunate but you made some fair points, nothing beats the premium quality of a Rolex though. But now that we got that out, let's move on and see if we can source a new Rolex for Christmas.

[dtwer]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Bumping this up again because it is absolutely right.

The only people getting frustrated in this are WIS who can't get their "fix" in a timely or economical fashion.

The general public will simply choose among the Rolex reference(s) that are "available"...and get this...it might be a TT or a PM reference!!!!

That's right. Without as many SS watches clogging up the display case, people are CHOOSING TT and PM!!!! They aren't running off to Omega or Breitling....no. Those brands have PLENTY of watches...which is why most of their lineup is essentially unsaleable @ retail.

Agree with this in general. Though I doubt all of the complainers are WIS. I have been observing and noticing quite a few are seemingly people who want to jump in the fray simply because Rolex is IT these days. They have not an ounce of patience, let alone the intention to develop relationship, and would rather come online to complain because they don’t get to walk in and walk out with a watch in 10 minutes.

[arizonapaul]

Hi, I have not posted in ages, and hardly spend any time reading in here anymore.
I like the part the poster said about the neurons being turned off, as I feel the dame way.
I have lost interest in Rolex only because I cant buy anything I want anymore.
Its my brains way of protecting me from the desire. Don't get me wrong, I love my Rolex's and enjoying wearing them everyday, but I am not consumed by reading all I can on the brand anymore.
I almost equate it to ordering a new car, and reading everything I can on it, joining forums, talking to people, and then upon delivery of the car, things die down, and before you know it, I'm just driving the car and not concerned about reading about it or talking about it.

Anyways, its good to be back here, but I wont jump in and read all the new posts.

[notchview]

Stop the whining. Maybe Rolex is such a strong brand precisely because it’s NOT for everyone.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

That's is quite accurate.

Just get ROLEX!

Are your AD's still receiving shipments from RUSA? Or is what is in the display case and safe all there is until 2020?

[Jackie Daytona]

I sorta have to side on both ends of it.

Rolex prices have increased disproportionately to the average consumers wages as they have inflated over the years.

By that I mean they have moved a bit further from where they use to be price wise, as an expensive item yet still accessible. I’m not saying they are totally unreachable now with some proper planning, but comparatively speaking more expensive than they have been in the past.

I think there are definitely some driving forces behind this such as pricing of raw materials such as gold and even steel prices have increased disproportionally to average wages. Advances in technology and alloys that can be pricey that go into each piece. Some of all this largely to global developments of countries around the world. Also increases in labor itself to stay competitive with other industries as in this technological age it takes a special kind of people(mean that in a very positive way) to want to go into the watchmaking field, and it has to be worth it compensation wise for the worker as well.

That being said I think this may be more of a global economy issue than solely a Rolex issue. The world has generally become somewhat more expensive to live in per capita. The so called middle class wages have been somewhat stale over the past decade if not a little more than that.

I have no idea what the profit margin is on each piece at MSRP, but I doubt if it is reflective of the disproportionate increase in prices.

As to the advertising you must stay relevant and sell the general idea, and that sort or romantic ideal behind the watches themselves to really drive the market, and create newfound interests in these pieces as they are overall dated technologies.

Hans Wilsdorf was once quoted as saying: It is not with low prices, but in the contrary, it is only with improved quality that we cannot only hold the market, but improve it.

So I think some of this mentality as well as overall global price increases on everything from labor to technology has driven a ton of it.

I do think they could control some of it as well though. I think they could work a bit at finding these materials needed, and staying in the front of technological advances without sacrificing quality in a slightly more economically sensitive manner.

But then again, that’s not necessarily the Rolex ethos.


Read this a year or two back and this formed some of what I am speaking of.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.bus...reased-2014-12

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’ll probably want a new TRF username

I'm very glad this was the first reply because I didn't want to read the whole thread just to see if I should say it.

[ReturningSon]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Take a break from Rolex. Plenty of great deals to be had with other brands and beautiful watches to try.

This is what happened to me. Rolex is simply one (albeit big) brand in a literal OCEAN of watch brands. Yes, it has brand equity and recognition that many other brands don't but people need to ask, is that the sole reason you buy from the crown?

The WIS community seems to be so myopic these days in terms of whats hot, whats not. What to spend or not. There are so many other watches with equal or greater pedigree in a variety of arenas (visual aesthetics, technology, and otherwise).

Hungry after a Daytona? Why not one of the 1st gen JLC MC Chronos with more technology (and perhaps an even cooler dial) than you would shake a stick at. An ALS hairspring to boot!

In the end, I think people are slowly starting to see that 12 rollies in a watch box means something amiss. Try something different, go against the grain and be happier. This hobby is supposed to bring us some enjoyment, not grief

[fsprow]

I believe Rolex, like some other manufacturers and marketers, is (successfully) moving the product up-market while maintaining its ruggedness, fine timekeeping, accessible service etc.

I think they believe any customers lost at the "affordable" end of the market are more than compensated by new customers upscale. And there are more great affordable watches available in other brands than ever before, including the fine Tudor.

[klenboy]

I remember starting with the OP's frustrations as well. In fact it was more of a rude awakening (I started only last year and never knew that such a situation existed - total newbie). I just knew that there's always more than 1 to choose from (there are many AD's out there - just find the right one). It was also a time when the wife was looking for jewelry just not sure where to go. A hunting I went and a kill scored. I found an AD that I can work with and has been honest with me.

For those that say they don't think this "relationship" thing doesn't work, totally understandable - we're all not good salesmen (myself included) and not everyone has time (and/or patience) on their side. But this is part of the work I believe. The work that needs to be put in to get the Rolex you want (at an AD at MSRP). In a way this situation still doesn't stray away from the Rolex ethos as a "hard worker's watch."

I definitely do know, and many would agree, that complaining will never get me any timepiece period, let alone a Rolex I want that happens to be desirable.

[dchernikoff]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I believe Rolex, like some other manufacturers and marketers, is (successfully) moving the product up-market while maintaining its ruggedness, fine timekeeping, accessible service etc.

I think they believe any customers lost at the "affordable" end of the market are more than compensated by new customers upscale. And there are more great affordable watches available in other brands than ever before, including the fine Tudor.

Yep, totally agree!

After reading the rest of this thread, one thought comes time mind, a totally selfish thought. What I'm mad about (and not sure who to direct that anger to) is that I can't TRY ON the different watch models to make a decision which one to buy. That's where my frustration is (and it is totally selfish), and maybe others' frustration as well. There are plenty of DJ's out there, so I was able to go to a few AD's and try on enough DJ's to pick out and buy the "perfect" one for me. But if I want a SS watch, I basically have to:

1) Look online at rolex.com until I convince myself which I should buy out of the 5 of them I like on the web site.
2) Court an AD, to get on their wait list.
3) Then wait 6-36 months to try it on -- only to maybe decide that I don't like it (it's to heavy, too big, too ugly in person, maybe I'd prefer the white dial, etc.) so say "no thanks" and go back to step one.

Very much counter to the "instant gratification mantra" that same-day-shipping-Amazon has taught me! And spoiling my shopping fun. Selfish and spoiled, I know. I would say that "they'd sell a lot more product if you could try them on in the store", but since they are selling everything they make anyway, this isn't a valid argument to Rolex. But it IS true that I'd be buying a lot more Rolexes if I was able to try them on in the store... so maybe this shortage is a good thing (for my wallet)!

-Dan

[RFBHD]

I beg your pardon!!!! Every time I fly I sit there usually far back in coach with the paupers clicking my GMT bezel as we cross time zones.. and I always show the watch to the pilot so he knows I have his back when it comes to the correct arrival time... tool watches ROCK!!!!..... now if i can get a dive cert...i can really make a sub rock too

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Thanks for all the great opinions guys!
Everyone has made good points here, I think its an argument nobody can ever win!
Just to clarify a few things...
I never said rolex was low quality, on the contrary, I mentioned they are incredibly good quality.
I used to be a grey dealer and 90% of my customers were middle class (I sold well into hundreds)
I am not that pissed about it, over time I have accepted it and calmed down.
I am still on 2 waiting lists for a pepsi, been 2 years now

[boogiebot]

Let’s be honest..... even when a sub was 5 grand, I think the average person who knows nothing about watch brands would call that “expensive jewelry” as you put it. When you can buy a g shock dice watch for 100 dollars that is tougher and has more features.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HogwldFLTR]

FWIW, when life present only certain options it makes no sense to complain that other options aren't available. Choose the path you can follow and go that way until other ways that you prefer become available.

Today there are options of paying Grey prices, maybe getting on a waitlist, buying PM or less sought after models, buying other brands, deciding not to play at all. Choose a path and follow it. You'll have much less angst.

[Sublovin]

I Kinda understand your frustration. That said, the day the Casio G-Shock came out, most all of these became jewelry. Rolex has always been an expensive luxury item, even when they were used as tools. For the record, many of my Rolex have been in the ocean, on top of mountains, in caves, etc.
Your post sounds like your frustration has turned into complete hate. For that reason, it’s probably best you just go away and forget about it. It’s a watch

[T4ME]

This thread was worth it just to see the word "juxtaposition" used.

Reminds me of a thread I created Is the Brand in Trouble...so much advertising but no supply... no supply leading to loss of desire to buy one, leading to lack of demand.

[superpop]

This is a fad folks. I remember back in the late 90s when Sly and Aahnold started wearing the hockey puck sized Breitlings and all of a sudden the brand took off like a rocket ship with big premiums for a shiny B-1 or Emergency. Now you can buy at Breitling at 30% off MSRP at most AD's with a decent relationship. Breitling still makes a fantastic watch, I have a B50 that I wear daily and I would argue it is built as well as my SD43. Too many people forget that there are other fantastic and yet under rated brands out there.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Are your AD's still receiving shipments from RUSA? Or is what is in the display case and safe all there is until 2020?

An AD I was @ earlier this week had just received their shipment and it was an good one for the general public buyer.

Great mix of classic references both in SS and 2tone.

As for professional references, they only got a TT Black Sub, but no worries as they can just sell from the classic references they got in for the holidays. They might get one more shipment...not sure.

Every dealer I have been to over the last month, except for Miami, has had a nice stock level of quality classic references. Miami was sold out of all SS, but store was still packed with TT and PM buyers.

Rolex is still hot as ever and GP buyers will purchase whatever is in the case.

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by dchernikoff

Yep, totally agree!

I would say that "they'd sell a lot more product if you could try them on in the store", but since they are selling everything they make anyway, this isn't a valid argument to Rolex. But it IS true that I'd be buying a lot more Rolexes if I was able to try them on in the store... so maybe this shortage is a good thing (for my wallet)!

-Dan

I don't really get the problem with having stock for customers to try on. they could be delivered to the AD's without movements like the new watches at Baselworld....Yes, some will say that there are too many models to do this but realistically there aren't.....

[Onikage]

It's a different world. Personally I'm indulging my other hobbies. Waiting years and buying a relationship. Pah! I could go grey right now and buy the watches I want from the current lineup but I won't based on principle. At some point in life I may fold even if it costs me 30k for a steel Daytona. Even though I had both coloured, steels minty in my hands at 7K a pop not all that long ago. Nuts.

[Rowlf]

In 5 years half of us won't even care about Rolex. It's a hobby and our interest in it is ephemeral.

By then we'll be collecting cassette tapes.

[Randy63]

Originally Posted by Rowlf

In 5 years half of us won't even care about Rolex. It's a hobby and our interest in it is ephemeral.

By then we'll be collecting cassette tapes.

There's a lot of truth to this.

I think I'm going to start collecting original iPhone packaging.

Anyone have a pristine iPhone 3g box that they want to part with?


Randy

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by Randy63

There's a lot of truth to this.



I think I'm going to start collecting original iPhone packaging.



Anyone have a pristine iPhone 3g box that they want to part with?





Randy

Probably true for 1/2 the crowd. Then, there are those of us that will always be watch/Rolex geeks forever (got my first Rolex in 1984 and still as passionate today as with the first).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Probably true for 1/2 the crowd. Then, there are those of us that will always be watch/Rolex geeks forever (got my first Rolex in 1984 and still as passionate today as with the first).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wouldn't be too sure on that. I'd say most who're 'done' will remain enthusiasts even if they choose not to jump through hoops. Probably about 1/2 of the crowd have already got fantastic collections. Doubt they'll end up gathering dust.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Probably true for 1/2 the crowd. Then, there are those of us that will always be watch/Rolex geeks forever (got my first Rolex in 1984 and still as passionate today as with the first).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Onikage

I wouldn't be too sure on that. I'd say most who're 'done' will remain enthusiasts even if they choose not to jump through hoops. Probably about 1/2 of the crowd have already got fantastic collections. Doubt they'll end up gathering dust.

Nailed it