Pretty incredible how quickly times have changed

[ink3027]

I was looking for something unrelated to watches in my email today, but came across an email from a trusted seller here on TRF. It was dated September 14, 2017 -- just 10 months ago. The seller had a BNIB 114060 with an unnamed warranty card and was willing to do $6900 overnight shipped to my door. The MSRP is currently $7500 from an AD, if you can find it, and BNIB like that is selling for +/- $8000 with various grey market dealers.

During that same time, I also remember visiting a local AD that was willing to sell a 114060 with a 5% discount. Nowadays, I'd have to put my name on a waiting list.

Really wild how quickly and drastically the Rolex stainless steel landscape changed.

[AK797]

Put another grand on top and welcome to the UK.

[Fujiman]

It's turned me off to today's Rolex. I'm glad I have my three, especially as I prefer the 5 digit references and all of mine would sell for lots more than I paid for them.

[SG56]

I've said it before.

The prices are that way, because people are paying them.
If people stop buying, prices will tank.

[T01]

Agreed. It's incredible how much it's changed. I remember the days when I'd walk into my AD and hulk and or BLNR would just be sitting there from time to time, along with all the standard SS sport watches.

[Quailhunter]

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

[stratguy]

I was in a local AD at lunch to try on a few watches, and was wearing my 114060. I took it off and put it in the tray. The saleswoman picks it up and says "It's been so long since I've seen a Sub, I had forgotten what they look like".

Very sad state of affairs.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

Agreed!

[Snesmario]

I’m still surprised there are so many watch enthusiasts out there who are tripping over each other to buy a SS Rolex sport watch

Surely it has to reach a point where the demand slows down?

[droptopman]

Similar experience. Was looking for something in my email folders and ran across an email between me and a TS about a 116610 LV lightly used for $6800. This was last spring. I remember I got busy and did not respond until a couple days later. Watch was sold and went off the radar for a few months. When I started looking again they are 10K+...Ooops

[Onequik135i]

Sucks I am late into the game with the SS models, started off with DJ's years back.

[ragsk]

Global prosperity doesnt change so much in a year.

There is more to it. Rolex is screwing with us.

[oldman2005]

Sometimes during the great recession recovery period, I walked in my favourite AD and asked for SS Daytona, the saleperson asked for my name and checked his computer, he told me that I'm their good customer and showed me a white face SS Daytona and said it could be mine I want it...

Those good old days...But save my cash, with the trade war another recession can come

[envuks]

I do believe there is more going on than pure supply and demand as well, but that is certainly speculative on my part.

The lack of availability has obviously driven Rolex prices up in secondary/grey markets. Rolex must know this. From a business I wonder if they’re doing a proof of concept on market tolerance of prices. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. In theory, there would be a MSRP that Rolex could raise to that would make the business more profitable while producing less watches each year. Rolex is effectively positioned to reduce expenses (reducing production) and increase income (through fewer sales at a higher margin) with one huge msrp adjustment.... theoretically, imagine what a nice pop the overall Rolex company margin would get if they raised msrp to 10% below current grey market prices. They could produce fewer watches and make more on both the top and bottom lines.

It’s quite an amazing business situation. Very unique.

[Rolex addict]

It's a bubble and it will pop. We'll hear the same old story. This time is different. Sure it is.

[HobokenRolex]

There must be a price increase coming. Maybe they're holding back for that and then increase the availability at ADs? If I'm not mistaken, the prices on SS sport models have been the same for several years.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by Snesmario

I’m still surprised there are so many watch enthusiasts out there who are tripping over each other to buy a SS Rolex sport watch

Surely it has to reach a point where the demand slows down?

World population continues to grow.

[Nikrnic]

I bought my 114060 new at my AD in mid November at 7% off. Large Rolex boutique and they've been out since before Christmas

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

Plus one. It's a minor inconvenience. And sometimes the chase makes makes getting it more exciting

[KBM]

Times sure have a-changed.

[CLG23]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

This

[beachbum]

Just crazy indeed! Not even 2 years ago 116520 both colors mint could be had for 10k. Oh yeah and I flipped my blue 5711 last year for 27k ! My how the times have changed 🤣🤣🤣

[J_1964]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I think the shortage of Rolex watches is a reflection of our current prosperity. I’d much rather having to wait for a luxury item than live in an economic period where few have the money to buy a Rolex.

[jbsmith]

Glad I already have all the rolexes I want. Time to move on to other brands.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[cdmorenot]

Insane.

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[zaydans]

I got mine for $5600 about 18 months ago without papers from a very reputable dealer here. When I wear it nobody cares about the papers but I consider it a great deal looking at the market now.

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by beachbum

Just crazy indeed! Not even 2 years ago 116520 both colors mint could be had for 10k. Oh yeah and I flipped my blue 5711 last year for 27k ! My how the times have changed 🤣🤣🤣

How I wish I had seen that then...

[cvera]

Originally Posted by stratguy

I was in a local AD at lunch to try on a few watches, and was wearing my 114060. I took it off and put it in the tray. The saleswoman picks it up and says "It's been so long since I've seen a Sub, I had forgotten what they look like".

Very sad state of affairs.

That's sad

[Locust]

I was considering the premium on a 5167A until I looked back in time on the forum to a whopping year ago to see no premium whatsoever. Nope nope nope

[49ers101hitters]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

Agreed!

Just buy 14060, it’s a better watch anyway.