The Rolex Boom: Why Are Rolex Watches So Hard to Find? (2024)

FAQs

The Rolex Boom: Why Are Rolex Watches So Hard to Find? ›

Clearly, divergent supply and demand is what's driving the scarcity of Rolexes available for purchase. Demand is astronomically high, and even a supply of one million new watches per year can't meet it. It comes down to a numbers game, and there's no sign that this will be changing any time soon.

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.

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.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934 is definitely the top amongst the Rolex models that are the hardest to get. Of them all, the Sky-Dweller 326934 with blue dial is the most difficult to acquire. One of the reasons why this watch is so difficult to acquire partially has to do with the complexity of producing the movement.

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.

However, the shortage will likely persist as it is challenging to find skilled watchmakers. The new factories will not be operational until 2025 and costing over 1 billion dollars, the money needs to come from somehwere. You can expect Rolex retail prices to rise in the upcoming years. Just as they did in 2022.

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.

Clearly, divergent supply and demand is what's driving the scarcity of Rolexes available for purchase. Demand is astronomically high, and even a supply of one million new watches per year can't meet it. It comes down to a numbers game, and there's no sign that this will be changing any time soon.

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.

Discontinued Rolex Models in 2023 - Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial. Bye-bye, Daytona with a meteorite dial. Yes, these models are part of discontinued Rolex models in 2023. Among its various models, the Rolex Daytona has captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts and collectors for decades.

What is the easiest Rolex to buy right now? ›

The Rolex Cellini has always been overshadowed by Rolex's other models, and it is a model that doesn't sell too well compared to the other models. Therefore, the Cellini watches are unarguably the easiest to buy from Rolex today.

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.

In addition, there was difficulty obtaining many of the luxury metals and gems that go into Rolexes. A combination of logistical issues and high demand for metals has meant that a Rolex purchase comes with a hefty waiting list.

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.

After models are removed from the catalogue, Rolex watches typically increase in value significantly. Investors frequently purchase models that are believed to be discontinued in the hopes of reaping huge returns in a short amount of time.

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.

The GMT Master II now comes with a new bezel combo of black and gray. This kind of thing might be Rolex's big release in a typical year, but the brand has really gone all out for 2023. The new GMT Master II references only come in two-tone ("Rolesor," or a steel-and-gold combo) and full yellow gold.

Why are Rolexes So Hard to Find? Rolex watches are a hot commodity because of their scarcity. The lack of supply is emphasized by supply chain shortages seen across many industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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

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.

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.

Yes, But Not For All. And With Luck, You Might Be Able To Buy A Rolex Again. As with real estate and many other market sectors, the mechanical watch industry has a long history of being cyclical.

Most Rolex watches would last a lifetime and can even be passed down generations if they have been cared for properly. A Rolex can function for 15 years or more if they have not been serviced and is in good condition. Rolex recommends ten years between services; however, you could service them every five years.

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.

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.

If your Rolex is losing or gaining time, it is typically a sign that your watch needs to be winded more regularly (see above). Despite this, if the problem continues, it may be evidence that the battery/crystal needs replacing. The mainspring wearing out: The mainspring on a Rolex is what allows it to wind properly.

In the Rolex, for example, each dial is made from a solid slice of the Gibeon meteorite, which is then attached to the surface of the dial and treated with an acid-wash finish to bring out its natural crystalline pattern.

What new Rolexes are available? ›

Rolex does not sell any of its watches online, so when it comes to buying a new Rolex, the process is as simple as going onto the brand's website and looking up the location of your nearest authorized Rolex retailer.

Any Air-King, Datejust, or Explorer on our list are fantastic choices if you're looking for a cheap Rolex watch. Still, a popular opinion among many Rolex enthusiasts is that the Air-King is the best affordable Rolex.

Rolex Datejust 16200

If it's a classic timepiece you're after as your first Rolex, then you can't go wrong with a Datejust ref. 16200, introduced in 1988 and produced until the mid-2000s. With this particular reference, you get the traditional 36mm case in steel topped with a smooth steel bezel.

Patek Philippe

They have since become one of the world's most respected watch brands, known for its impeccable craftsmanship, exclusivity, and elegant designs. Patek often costs more than Rolex on the retail level, but both companies are innovative and offer the highest quality available on the market.

The main reason that Tudor watches have been viewed as poor man's Rolexes is that Tudor used to make their watches from Rolex parts, and then equip them with off-the-shelf ETA movements instead of in-house in order to keep the price down.

Launched in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is become an icon and is linked to the famous Daytona racetrack and overall the racecar profession. According to Rolex, the Cosmograph Daytona stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability.

Rolex Datejust

DATEjust) remaining ever-relevant technology today. In fact, this watch, which initially debuted to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary, holds the title of being Rolex's best-selling watch of all time. And for good reason!

Do you have to get Rolex serviced? ›

To guarantee continued accuracy and waterproofness, Rolex recommends that you periodically return your watch to an Official Rolex Jeweler or Service Centre for professional servicing. It is recommended to service your Rolex approximately every 10 years depending on the model and real-life usage.

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

Yes, people will notice when you wear a Rolex. And, in my opinion, people who matter will notice for all the WRONG REASONS. Rolexes are well-made Swiss watches with a reputation for quality and exclusivity.

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.

Despite producing close to one million watches every single year, the production process for each watch takes around 12 months from start to finish, giving an insight into the care that is taken to make sure every single Rolex timepiece meets the standards that customers have grown to expect.

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.

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.

In addition, there was difficulty obtaining many of the luxury metals and gems that go into Rolexes. A combination of logistical issues and high demand for metals has meant that a Rolex purchase comes with a hefty waiting list.

In general, Rolex retailers get shipments with Rolex watches from Rolex once a month. This usually happens towards the end of the month. Rolex retailers in the same country tend to receive shipments at about the same time or at least within a few days from each other.

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.

Is Rolex discontinued production? ›

Discontinued Rolex Models in 2023 - Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial. Rolex announced the discontinuation of the Datejust model with a mother-of-pearl dial. Interestingly, ONLY in the 41mm line. This fact has left watch enthusiasts curious about the reasons behind this decision and its implications on the market ...

Prices on new Rolexes are typically non-negotiable, and if you find what you like among the Rolexes on offer, then it's a fairly straightforward purchase.

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.

Run the Serial Number

After checking if it's original, running the serial number is important, for checking whether the Rolex wasn't reported missing. In that case, you wouldn't be able to cash it. On the other way, it can be really valuable for you. The serial number is a critical part of authenticating your watch.