Production numbers among different steel professional models

[epistrophy]

I have seen many black submariners in the wild (airports, workplace, sporting events, etc). I have also seen several Daytonas, and a few GMTs and Sea Dwellers. But I have yet to see an Explorer 2, a Milgaus or an Air King. Does anyone else have this experience? Is it possible that Rolex actually makes more Submariners, Daytonas and GMTs than Explorer 2, Milgaus and Air Kings?

[Richard Carver]

The Sub is the most faked Rolex currently. All the broke wanna be cool kids want a sub! lol Faking Milgaus, AKs or EXII simply isn't as profitable as faking subs

[GradyPhilpott]

No one knows the production numbers for Rolex, as Rolex, as a private company, does not have to report such figures.

Often COSC numbers are cited as evidence of how many Rolex watches are made in a year, but I don't think those are broken down by reference. In fact, they couldn't be, as COSC only tests the movements.

It would be pretty crazy if Rolex produced references in equal numbers, without consideration of which references sell the most.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by epistrophy

Is it possible that Rolex actually makes more Submariners, Daytonas and GMTs than Explorer 2, Milgaus and Air Kings?

Seems pretty likely don't you think? The Sub and GMT have been 2 of the most iconic models of any brand for nearly 70 years. The Milgauss has a cult following, sure, but it's not in the same universe of recognizability as the big boys. Forget the current market, if you go back a couple years where some stores actually had some inventory you would be far more likely to see a MG or AK than a Sub or GMT. But this wasn't because they were making more of the MG/AK. It was because the demand was much, much less. We'll never know the exact numbers, but it's entirely possible that Rolex makes 5-10x more Subs than Milgauss yet the Sub are still harder to find in an AD case. And of course the more they sell the more likely you are to see them at the airport or anywhere else (other than an AD).

[Master_Grogu]

I wonder. I see so many datejusts look alike on wrists of people who’s shouldn’t afford them. But then I see the kids today leaving with nothing, having their income spent in a 1500$ monthly cash payment for their luxury German car, and Louis Vuitton bags and Gucci shoes.

[Eagles4133]

If you think about it, a majority of people only have one watch. If they are not a WIS, they are most likely going to pick a popular model because that is what they know and are familiar with. Most people who purchase an AirKing or Milgauss are likely to have more than one watch.