Are Rolex Sports Watch Shortages still completely Global?

[myk7000]

Hey guys, haven’t been around the forums in a while, but am actually traveling to parts of Asia over the next couple months, starting in Hong Kong.

Is it even worth checking out the Rolex ADs for watches like the BLRO or SkyDweller over there? Or is it the same as the U.S. with 0 chance for any of those sitting at ADs shelves?

[flappy]

no stock whatsoever unless you're a VIP. Source: me.

Forgot to mention, enjoy your 21 days of quarantine :)

[turkeysub93]

The Asian markets are hotter than US markets. Asian culture is very status oriented and what better way to show status than a Rolex. Much more money in the area at this point in time than in years past.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by myk7000

Hey guys, haven’t been around the forums in a while, but am actually traveling to parts of Asia over the next couple months, starting in Hong Kong.

Is it even worth checking out the Rolex ADs for watches like the BLRO or SkyDweller over there? Or is it the same as the U.S. with 0 chance for any of those sitting at ADs shelves?

No offense, but you're much better off looking in the US than in most parts of Asia, unless you're looking to bundle or pay a premium (directly at the AD).

[Tensai]

Definitely cheaper gray market prices and more readily available in some parts of Asia. But not at MSRP of course.

[RealMadrid1988]

I bet there are a handful of ADs in the world where you could walk in with no history and get lucky with limited to no bundling required. The question is, where? Presumably it would be somewhere that has been hit hard by the pandemic and that otherwise relies heavily on tourism that has disappeared since March 2020.

Maybe an AD in one of the lesser visited Caribbean islands?

Maybe an AD on a Greek island (other than Mykonos or Santorini) or on the Turkish Riviera?

Maybe one of the many ADs on Sicily?

Or perhaps one of the ADs on Mauritius?

Who knows, really? But the odds in HK are almost certainly zero. For an off-the-street tourist, odds of landing a BLRO or Sky-Dweller with no history probably don’t get much worse than in Hong Kong, London, New York or LA.

[Calatrava r]

There is no supply at ADs anywhere in the world. If there were, people would be flocking to those areas and reporting back with incomings and photos of cases with product. Not a word from anyone.

[Brich436]

I was in Shanghai in 2013 and it was insane. The demand for Rolex is off the charts. It’s a big part of the global demand and a huge market for Rolex. The rise of China has tipped the global economic power and demand for luxury goods is high.


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[101031-28]

Originally Posted by turkeysub93

The Asian markets are hotter than US markets. Asian culture is very status oriented and what better way to show status than a Rolex. Much more money in the area at this point in time than in years past.

This.

[zjd168]

HK is worse than US, you can also forget places like Tokyo. ADs in places like Singapore and taiwan they basically openly ask for bundles or just sell over MSRP.

With today's modern logistics technology and market efficiency, this kind of shortage will always be global.

[ZY23]

Originally Posted by zjd168

HK is worse than US, you can also forget places like Tokyo. ADs in places like Singapore and taiwan they basically openly ask for bundles or just sell over MSRP.

With today's modern logistics technology and market efficiency, this kind of shortage will always be global.

I concur with you on Singapore as you need have some track records or history with the AD.

[fsprow]

I have found that if you have a friend or associate who knows the shop and introduces you, you may be offered a new watch at a price somewhat above MSRP but lower than reseller prices.

However, I wouldn't spend too much of your time on the search.

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

There is no supply at ADs anywhere in the world. If there were, people would be flocking to those areas and reporting back with incomings and photos of cases with product. Not a word from anyone.

I know we live in a bubble here, but most people who buy Rolex watches don’t immediately run to this forum to report their incomings...

[Master_Grogu]

Nothing here. List closed and yearlong wait for submariners.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

There is no supply at ADs anywhere in the world. If there were, people would be flocking to those areas and reporting back with incomings and photos of cases with product. Not a word from anyone.

Why seems like most end up in the grey market where there seems to be all these so called hot models at crazy prices. Why well today Rolex watches are now little more than ££££$$$€€€€ object things. So do these so called VIP customers or these with this AD relationship stuff buy and then flip to the Greys. Or do the ADs sell most of there watches to the grey market thus risking there business if Rolex found out. As reading many reports on forum ADs track sales so do the ADs then ban these so called VIP and relationship buyers or is most you see on forums fantasy island.

[tla]

In Asia, bring enough money to buy an undesirable piece and you’ll get a hot one. Especially in HK.


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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by myk7000

Hey guys, haven’t been around the forums in a while, but am actually traveling to parts of Asia over the next couple months, starting in Hong Kong.

Is it even worth checking out the Rolex ADs for watches like the BLRO or SkyDweller over there? Or is it the same as the U.S. with 0 chance for any of those sitting at ADs shelves?

It is always worth a look but it is long past time to look at other brands with inventory to see and try on.

[vh2k]

Swiss watch shipments to HK are down 60% from two years ago. Due to COVID, more shipments are going to mainland China — and massive explosion in demand in the southern island province of Hainan (popular alternative destination for Chinese tourists).

[Rowlux]

And the first day in a government hotel with a GPS bracelet !

[broham84]

Only place you’ll have a chance is Japan

[Marcjvr]

I would think the ADs in Africa are a good bet.

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by broham84

Only place you’ll have a chance is Japan

Why's that?

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by broham84

Only place you’ll have a chance is Japan

I'll be truly impressed if the OP manages to snag a BLRO or SkyDweller (SS presumably) in Japan from an AD. Actually, I'll be impressed if the OP managed to get into Japan (or HK, Singapore, Taiwan) at all at this time - certainly not as a US tourist on a watch hunt.