How to get on the Rolex Waiting List - Relozo (2024)

The Rolex waiting list may sound difficult, but it’s easier than that. It’s also as real as all you need to do is spend money.

Disclaimer: This is not the single truth of the waiting list as there will be plenty of factors that can affect it. I have been offered a no-date stainless steel submariner before as I have purchased a few watches from one of the major dealers, but have declined to purchase.

I recently visited an AD since I wanted to put my name down for the new 41mm no date Submariner as my 30th gift. I know I won’t have any chances of getting one, but little did I know that I will get an explanation on how to be on the waiting list. Below are excerpts from explanations in order.

“You have to build a relationship with the AD of your choice.”

This is the sentence you will often hear, and the manager reiterated this. You will need to choose the AD you want to spend your money on. There’s no point swapping ADs as you will start from the beginning.

I’ve seen other luxury brands try this for a new model, but none are as successful as Rolex.

“With that said, this will not be your first watch with us.”

He’s correct. Building a relationship requires spending on the AD. It can be the n-th watch before they offer you one of a SS Submariner.

“The AD has to see that you value them as a company.”

This is purely the marketing term for “you need to give us money”.

“Rolex only creates a set number of watches per model per year.”

The answer varies depending on who you ask, however, I find this true. It’s not that Rolex can’t manufacture more. it is just that Rolex will not increase production and they’re not the only brand doing this.

“The AD decides who gets the limited allocation. Rolex only manufactures the watch. It’s up to us who we think deserves it.”

This is true. Rolex is only the manufacturer. An AD only gets a certain number of allocation. Sometimes, you even get the ADs selling to grey market dealers making it more difficult to obtain one through the normal channels.

“You’re still young and still have plenty of time.”

This is mainly directed at me. However, this is also showing that this is the long game that most are willing to play.

Anything from here will depend on who you ask. Some said you have to spend on unwanted models such as a ladies’ Datejust or some two-tone Yachtmasters. If your AD only sells Rolex, then this is true. There have also been debates whether the person should only buy unmovable watches or can actually spend on actual watches he might like. At the end of the day, it has to be a single AD.

TL;DR? – You need to choose an AD and give them money in the hopes that they will allocate you a Rolex stainless steel sports.

FAQ

Q: Is the expression of interest the same as the waiting list?

A: It depends on your dealer and country. In Australia, the waiting list has now been superseded in favour of the expression of interest. Australian Rolex ADs have stopped taking deposits and stopped using the term waiting lists but will offer an EOI. With an EOI, they are not obliged to provide the product but you just get placed in a queue. If you’re lucky, you will get offered. The better your purchase history, the better the chance.

Q: Does the waiting list apply for Tudor?

A: Yes, but most of the time, this only applies to hot models in stainless steel bracelets and can be a real waiting list. However, the demand for the BB58 has subsided that you can definitely get one in 6-12 months. The BB58 in the leather strap for example can easily be seen in stock.

Q: Should I buy from the grey market instead?

A: If you only want one or two watches from Rolex, this is the route I would recommend. There’s no need to play the game and spend on watches you don’t want. However, if you also plan on getting future releases, playing the game might be your option.

How to get on the Rolex Waiting List - Relozo (2024)

FAQs

Can anyone get on the Rolex waiting list? ›

How Long is the Rolex Daytona Waitlist? To buy a Rolex Daytona, the waitlist is often suggested to be 5 or 10 years long. The harsh reality is that unless you have a large spending history with your Authorised Rolex dealer you're unlikely to ever be offered a Rolex Daytona.

How do I get myself on the Rolex list? ›

How to get on the Rolex Waiting List
  1. “You have to build a relationship with the AD of your choice.” ...
  2. “With that said, this will not be your first watch with us.” ...
  3. “The AD has to see that you value them as a company.” ...
  4. “Rolex only creates a set number of watches per model per year.”

How does the Rolex waitlist work? ›

They will put you on a 2-4 year waitlist, (sometimes longer,) due to their lack of inventory. During that 2-4 year waitlist, Rolex will have more than one price increase, and by the time the watch is finally available to you, you will be paying the current market price...

Is it possible to walk in and buy a Rolex? ›

Walk into any authorized Rolex dealer, and you're going to see a lot of Datejusts, Day-Dates, Oyster Perpetuals, perhaps a Milgaus, maybe an Air-King, and usually a fresh batch of Cellini dress watches in a wide range of sizes and colors.

How long does a Rolex waiting list take? ›

To begin with, you can expect at least a two-year wait for a brand-new Rolex purchase. In many cases, it is three years until orders are fulfilled, and four and even five-year waits are not unheard of.

What is the waitlist deposit for Rolex? ›

Once you come to grips that you'll have to hold onto your $10,000 and wait, you'll soon start to wonder how to play the waitlist game at Rolex authorized dealers. The Rolex waitlist is an arbitrary order in which clients are ranked to receive new Rolex watches as they come into the store.

Is it easy to get a Rolex now? ›

You're not the only one. Unfortunately, the difficulty of getting your hands on a Rolex is an ongoing mystery and subject of much discussion among collectors. Buying your Rolex of choice is difficult, regardless of whether you're buying one new at retail or pre-owned – and this is a worldwide phenomenon.

Which Rolex will be discontinued 2023? ›

The Rolex Datejust is a classic model that exudes elegance and sophistication. In 2019, Rolex released the Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial, featuring a dial made from a meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago. However, as of 2023, this model has been discontinued.

Why won't Rolex sell to me? ›

Here are some of the most common reasons why Rolex may refuse to sell you a watch: If the watch is for “display only” If the watch is a popular model that the store wants to keep for “VIP” customers. If they suspect that you will flip/sell the watch.

Do you need an invitation to buy a Rolex? ›

You might not get invited directly, but when they recognize the passion you have for watches – you will for sure be invited. In case you do decide to buy a pre-owned Rolex, be sure to check out our blog about how to buy a pre-owned Rolex.

Can anyone buy a Rolex from a Rolex store? ›

New and genuine Rolex watches are exclusively sold by official Rolex Jewelers. They warrant the authenticity of your Rolex and ensure that it enjoys a five-year international guarantee.

Will Rolex increase prices in 2023? ›

And let us be clear from the beginning, on a year-to-date basis, by comparing January 2022 and January 2023, we're looking at a significant increase in all prices, ranging from about 7 to 11% depending mainly on the materials – two-tone Rolesor models being the most impacted in 2023.

Is it easier to get a Rolex in Switzerland? ›

The city has low taxes on luxury items, and as a result, the prices of Rolex watches are relatively low compared to other countries. Switzerland: As the home of Rolex, Switzerland has traditionally been a great place to buy Rolex watches.

What is the most desirable Rolex? ›

The most commonly sought-after Rolex watches include Rolex Daytona, GMT-Master(II), Submariner, and Sea-Dweller. The Yacht-Master is also a very popular sports watch, but not like the Submariner.

Can you buy a Rolex straight from the store? ›

New and genuine Rolex watches are exclusively sold by official Rolex Retailers. They warrant the authenticity of your Rolex and ensure that it enjoys a five-year international guarantee.

Why is it hard to get a Rolex now? ›

The scarcity of Rolex watches is also due to their high market value. Market value refers to the value assigned to a product by the investment community. The market value of Rolex watches has skyrocketed over the last several years because a limited new supply is pushing the value of secondary models higher.

Can I buy Rolex at airport? ›

Rolex Sells for Higher Prices at the Airport

That is not to say that discounts cannot be found at all. On the contrary, it is only fair to point out that some airport dealers will sell Rolex watches at a better price than you might find in most other places.

How many Rolex are made a year? ›

The total production number for 2021 is closer to 1.24m watches.

What is the waitlist for Rolex in Dubai? ›

The company limits its waitlist for Rolexes to 4,000. The limit for Patek Philippes, which makes a fraction watches Rolex produces each year, is about 20 to 30.

How long can you finance a Rolex? ›

You can spread the payments over 12 to 48 months depending on your budget. If is often the case, especially as with pre-owned Rolex watches that by the time you have paid for your watch on finance it could be worth more than the price you initially paid.

What is the entry level of Rolex? ›

The Oyster Perpetual has long been in the Rolex lineup and represents an entry-level timepiece from the brand. It comes in many sizes and dial variations to suit anyone's taste.

What is the wait time on a Rolex Datejust? ›

3 to 12 months

What is the waitlist for a Rolex Kermit? ›

The waitlist for the Rolex Kermit is 8-36 months depending on your status and relationship with the authorized dealer.

Is there a shortage of Rolex in 2023? ›

Geneva—There is no shortage of Rolex newness for 2023; the issue is simply getting one's hands on them. To celebrate 60 years of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex updated the entire range that was launched in 1963 as a professional racing driver's tool with its tachymetric bezel.

Does it really take a year to make a Rolex? ›

An advert once claimed it took 12 months to make one Rolex watch. While that sounds ridiculous, it's actually true. Of course Rolex could speed this up for certain models if necessary, but each watch requires so many parts and virtually everything is made from base materials in-house.

Will Rolex ever be available again? ›

That could be as early as around 2025 when the first temporary factories will be in operation. The good news, though, is that there are signs that peak Rolex scarcity has already passed. The highest secondhand prices have started to come down and new watches are, anecdotally, a little more available.

Which Rolex will increase in value? ›

Read on to see which 5 Rolex watches will increase in value in 2023.
  • Rolex Daytona 116509 White Gold Blue Dial.
  • Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 126000 - Green Dial.
  • Rolex Submariner - 'The Hulk'
  • Rolex GMT Master II - 'The Sprite'
  • Rolex Daytona 116500LN.
  • Conclusion.
Jan 12, 2023

Will a Rolex last 100 years? ›

So how long does a Rolex last? The answer is that if it is properly serviced when it needs it, it will last forever. If you do not do anything with your watch, but simply use it, your Rolex watch will most likely be in working order for ten years fifteen years, twenty years, or even longer.

Why is Rolex out of stock everywhere? ›

Rolex watches are mass-produced, and they manufacture about 1 million watches per year. In other words, there are tons of watches on the secondhand market. It's just that in recent years, the demand for them far exceeds the supply, and this naturally leads to a shortage – regardless of how many exist.

Is it hard to sell a Rolex without papers? ›

An official Rolex remains an incredible timepiece and will still appeal to buyers without the papers. As such, you can sell a Rolex without the guarantee card. While the absence of a guarantee card will likely reduce the watch's value, the impact might be more negligible than you think.

Will Rolex know if I sell my Rolex? ›

With the serial number, Rolex can identify which AD sold that watch and can in turn contact them, informing them that one of their customers is selling their watch.

Why Rolex doesn't lose value? ›

Rolex has built such a strong brand and reputation in the market that it's rare for a Rolex to drastically decrease in value over time. If your Rolex is kept in great condition over the course of time it's on your wrist, it will most likely maintain its value fairly well and sometimes noticeably increase in value.

Is it OK to buy Rolex without papers and box? ›

As mentioned at the start, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the importance of having the box and papers. It's all down to your personal preference. Hopefully, you can make a more informed decision next time you buy a pre-owned watch.

Do you always wear your Rolex? ›

One of the best things about owning a Rolex watch is wearing it and enjoying it every day. This daily, constant wear is one of the best ways you can care for your watch. While Rolex watches are famous for their durability and robustness, your Rolex will inevitably gain scratches and dings while you wear them.

Do you have to pay a deposit for a Rolex? ›

Buying a Rolex on Finance Options

Whatever option you choose, the upfront payment due before you receive the watch can be as little as 10% of the overall purchase price, therefore giving you the opportunity of ownership without the need to pay the full balance upfront.

Is it cheaper to buy a Rolex in Switzerland? ›

Rolexes are generally no cheaper in Switzerland than anywhere else in the world. Rolex adjusts their local prices according to the currency of course, but otherwise, there is little benefit to buying in one specific location.

Does Rolex let you try on watches? ›

The Value of Non-Working Watches

The value of these exhibition-only Rolex watches is clear: they allow buyers to try on the various models that they are considering, enabling them to get a feel for their size, weight, and proportions.

How does Rolex know if you flip? ›

Both Rolex and some official Rolex retailers browse the web looking for visible serial numbers that allow them to identify the watches.

How much is Rolex Rootbeer 2023? ›

$22,650

Will Rolex Hulk go up in value? ›

It's impossible to to say how much the Rolex Submariner Hulk will increase in value during your ownership but we can have a look at the price increase from the past 10 years and use this as a guide. With this in mind you can expect the Rolex Submariner Hulk to increase in value at a rate of around 10% per year.

How much is the Rolex Oyster 2023? ›

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 2023 for $8,800 for sale from a Trusted Seller on Chrono24.

Is Rolex cheaper in Dubai? ›

Why do people say Rolex watches are relatively inexpensive when they travel to Dubai if that is the case? It is because of the pre-owned market situation. Due to the low availability, these watches often go at a premium in the pre-owned market. And that is where you can see a price difference.

Which Rolex are difficult to get? ›

Hardest Rolex models to get
  • Rolex Daytona 116500LN. ...
  • Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 & 124300 ”Tiffany” dial. ...
  • Rolex Daytona 116506 platinum. ...
  • Rolex Submariner in steel. ...
  • Rolex Daytona 116508 green dial. ...
  • Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO. ...
  • Rolex GMT-Master II 126719BLRO meteorite dial and blue dial. ...
  • Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934.
Feb 24, 2023

What country buys the most Rolexes? ›

The UK has the most people likely to purchase a Rolex. In the country, there are 6.3 million searches made each year, more than half of the 10 million made in the US, which has five times its population.

What is the least popular Rolex? ›

Rolex Milgauss: The least popular Rolex? Watch fans have been speculating about the discontinuation of the Rolex Milgauss for two years now, but there it is, in the Rolex catalog. I'm honestly surprised it's still around because the Milgauss is probably the least popular Rolex model in its current form.

What is the waitlist for Rolex 2023? ›

So, the Rolex Daytona waitlist 2023 is likely to be at least 5 years if you're able to buy a Rolex Daytona. We've seen Covid pass through, World Cups end and start, markets rise and fall almost simultaneously and all within the time it takes to get your hands on a Rolex Daytona. It rests within good reason.

What is the most popular Rolex color? ›

1. Turquoise Blue aka “Tiffany” The Rolex Oyster Perpetual turquoise blue is the most sought-after watch in the collection. The colour is reminiscent of the brand Tiffany & Co., which is why this model has gained 'The Rolex Tiffany' nickname.

Is it hard to get a Rolex right now? ›

Every one of the approximately one million watches that Rolex produces every year is sold. You won't find any extra inventory of Rolex watches at retail shops. Demand outstrips supply, year after year.

Do you have to be invited to buy a Rolex? ›

You might not get invited directly, but when they recognize the passion you have for watches – you will for sure be invited. In case you do decide to buy a pre-owned Rolex, be sure to check out our blog about how to buy a pre-owned Rolex.

Can you blacklist a Rolex? ›

It's the Rolex ADs themselves that keep records of their customers and independently manage their allocations. And the answer is yes, a Rolex AD can blacklist you.

Can you put a down payment on a Rolex? ›

You will be asked to put a down payment, and possibly a finance charge, although layaway programs do not charge interest. There may also be restocking or cancellation fee in some cases.

Are Rolexes losing value? ›

Rolex has built such a strong brand and reputation in the market that it's rare for a Rolex to drastically decrease in value over time. If your Rolex is kept in great condition over the course of time it's on your wrist, it will most likely maintain its value fairly well and sometimes noticeably increase in value.

What Rolex is the best investment? ›

The GMT Master and GMT Master II. Rolex GMT Master and Rolex GMT Master II are the best Rolex watches for investment. They are practical and hardwearing watches with the prestigious Rolex branding. You can get a GMT Master at a few thousand pounds, but rarer models can go for tens or hundreds of thousands.

Can I go into a Rolex store and buy a Rolex? ›

Remember, Rolex only sells brand-new watches at its authorized retailers and boutiques, so if you want an older model or one of the mega-collectible vintage Rolex references, then the pre-owned market will be your only option.

Can Rolex tell if a watch is stolen? ›

To determine if a Rolex watch is stolen, you can ask for the watch's serial number and contact Rolex or a local law enforcement agency to check if the watch has been reported as stolen. You can also use the watch register database to find out if a Rolex is stolen.

Is a Rolex worthless without papers? ›

An official Rolex remains an incredible timepiece and will still appeal to buyers without the papers. As such, you can sell a Rolex without the guarantee card. While the absence of a guarantee card will likely reduce the watch's value, the impact might be more negligible than you think.

Can Rolex refuse to sell you a watch? ›

It's also important to point out that this article focuses on official Rolex retailers and not non-official dealers that sell secondhand watches. The short answer to the question is yes. Rolex can refuse to sell you a watch.

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