Yeah, I think going after Patek would be a bad idea. Patek is reknowned for the craftsmanship of it's product, Rolex really isn't, at least not in the same way. But on the other hand, I agree with him about the fact that people are clearly prepared to pay a lot more for their Rolexes than they are being charged at the moment...

 

On another forum I look at which Rolex biased shows this, years on a waiting list or pay grey market premium is an almost daily question, Rolex and I aren’t going to meet, tried one and passed, not for me. Overhyped brand?

 

I like Rolex, but the current situation is ridiculous.

I had my name put down on two so called waiting lists the very day a particular model was announced at Basel. Only to later learn that the first come first served type of waiting list means nothing now.

For the pieces in demand, mainly their sports watches, It's all about who has spent the most money with the AD and Rolex. My local dealer, said they still have clients who've spent well into 6 figures USD on the top of their list. It's been several years that I've been on the list, but at this rate I'll never get it.

 

I’ve heard stories were the AD smiles sweetly and promises a place on the list, as soon as the client turns their back ‘the list’ loses a name and the hopeful buyer hears nothing, spending silly amounts at the AD on available watches and expensive trinkets guarantees nothing. Many other watch brands with models available are out there and most-to me- are more desirable although to the masses the makers name may mean ‘Who?’

 

Rolex is not a company in the traditional sense, but a registered charity so answers to no one and subsequently doesn’t have to reveal anything to shareholders, the public or the tax office. Simply put, no one outside of the NDAed employees know, so everything about what they’re up to, do they this, so they that, is speculation - including how many they make. Guesstimates are approx 1mil a year so they are a mass produced, factory produced product. Far from PPs reach in that respect.

SS are the in thing, so everyone wants one, real enthusiasts, keeping up with the Jones buyers and out the back greys buying them up. All of this has resulted in demand outstripping supply - like it did before with the current in phase. It’s nothing new, just social media has brought it to the mainstream. That said, you generally only hear of “the AD told me I have to spend x amount to be able to buy this SS” etc and barely any “I waited a week and got this SS”. Rolex forums are strange old places, generally full of pessimism.

You can get SS within a reasonable period directly from an AD, people just don’t report it. And when they do, the forums generally shoot those folks down as liars or boasting, so others don’t report it. The phrase there’s no news like bad news springs to mind.

Of course anyone can buy a SS GMTII tomorrow if they want - just need to pay almost double to a grey dealer - and I wonder where they got the stock so quickly.....

 

Not at MSRP. Whilst I don't know which model you're after, you can usually get hold of one grey market quite quickly if you're willing to pay a premium, though. I know it's not ideal, but it's cheaper than spending 6 figure sums on watches you don't want with an AD

 

I can't help but think this 'shortage' is largely caused by watch sellers hoarding stock in the hope it rises and rises (I know Roman Sharf said he is buying every El Primerio Daytona he can get his hands on to manipulate the market - albeit that is vintage, but still).

 

Wow, you got Tudor pelagos ?

 

Nope, my friend has though... check out the lumeshot!

 

Two great shots.

 

A beautiful piece! Hope there's a men's version in the works.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0sorj_Fm3j/

 

New Swatch, looks a bit Carreraish to me...

 

Just started reading a book called 'A Grand Complication' by Stacy Perma. It's about the race to build the Supercomplication pocket watch.

 

Is it any good?

 

I've literally just started reading it, the first chapter is largely about the auction at Sothebys.

 

Ah OK. I'll ask again in a few weeks .

 

Please write an article about your impression of it...we will be waiting

 

I will do Otto, I guess it's not entirely surprising but it's going quite in depth about the history of the man who commissioned it, Mr Packard (as in the Packard Motor Co).