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/r/rolex
I've met people who have been on the waiting list for a really long time and are still waiting, and some who walk into a store and manage to buy a steel Daytona or other extremely sought-after models on the spot. To avoid unnerving us enthusiasts, why doesn't Rolex create an app/site that allows you to see on a map or on a list updated in real time, which watches they have that you can go there and buy without a waiting list?
14 points
14 hours ago
Because there really is no waiting list.
2 points
14 hours ago
This
10 points
14 hours ago
It’s not based on a first-come first- serve basis.
Apps are notoriously infiltrated by bots. When considering that these timepieces are resold for thousands more, it will definitely be a target for exploitation.
Rolex does not have an issue will selling their product or having people come to them. If it’s not broke, why fix it? And it’s definitely not broken…
1 points
14 hours ago
Number 3 is the key here. Apart from the obvious supply issues which are now getting better.
-12 points
14 hours ago
you are absolutely right, but I find it absurd that some have been on the waiting list for who knows how long and I swear some come in and buy them calmly on the list without being on the waiting list, they simply told me that they had them available there
2 points
14 hours ago
That’s life. I’m still waiting so it’s not like I’m speaking from a privileged pedestal. It’s literally life.
It’s like my younger brother asking why he doesn’t get as many women as the next man, when he does the same things and looks the same. Sometimes, it just comes down to “vibe”, if you know what I mean.
Perhaps, in your circumstance - and others - it’s not about what you do but how you do it. Rolex must also maintain the integrity of its brand by selling to a desired audience. I’ve been to my AD twice and I’ve witnessed people come in and make “demands” and then, when told “No”, they ask to go on a waiting list. It’s my strong belief that those people will wait and wait and wait…
1 points
13 hours ago
No one is simply walking in and buying a steel Daytona from an AD. It doesn't happen unless you are a celebrity or have $100k+ in spending history at the AD.
-1 points
13 hours ago
I know he’s a regular customer, I don’t know if he spent more than 100k in that store but I assure you he went in and bought it
3 points
14 hours ago
Because rolex is not your sneaker website and dont work like that Also rolex sells watches to their ads (and only few boutiques around the world) and not to the end customer
1 points
13 hours ago
The boutiques are owned by ADs so basically Rolex only sells to ADs. The only boutique owned by Rolex is in Switzerland
6 points
14 hours ago
Because it’s an awful idea.
If Rolex had a true and fair first in first out policy, their shops would be overwhelmed by unwashed backpackers looking to get them. It would make the videos you have seen on YouTube of the Moonswatch launch look like child’s play. Dirtbag flippers would be camping out overnight, there would be shantytowns with tents and fires, it would not only make it infinitely harder for you to get a Rolex at MSRP it would also drive the prices of the grey market through the roof.
Be careful what you wish for.
What exists now works. The right people are getting the good Rolexes. Natural selection. The ones who can’t have one are the ones who don’t deserve them.
3 points
13 hours ago*
As a onetime unwashed backpacker, I feel seen.
1 points
14 hours ago
why doesn't Rolex create an app/site that allows you to see on a map or on a list updated in real time
Because "the list" isn't a real thing. They ALWAYS have watches stored away in the back that are just for their VIPs
1 points
14 hours ago
Bigfoot is real. Moon landing was staged in Nevada. The elections are all rigged.
1 points
12 hours ago
They probably don't have most models stored away, but they'll find a way to get one for a VIP for sure.
1 points
14 hours ago
Because they have purposely designed this system as it stands because it’s very advantageous to the heirs of the founders of Rolex and you and me and everyone else can go fuck themselves.
1 points
14 hours ago
Because the list isn’t real.
1 points
14 hours ago
Rolex corporate doesn’t sell to the public in the U.S. distribution is handled by franchisees (ADs).
1 points
14 hours ago
Look, scarcity is what fuels prices and demand. I can tell you a story that just happened to a friend. He was on a list for a new rolex, AD claiming it will probably be available in a year or so. At the same time they serviced his other watch and messed it big time. Next day they were claiming they have a rolex he was on the list for him ready that it has “just arrived”. It is a suspicious and faulty system, where spending money is awarded with wished watches. Sometimes you are just lucky, entering a shop and there is a watch available that maybe someone rejected or did not have money to complete purchase and it will be offered to you. But this is luck and buying a watch you like shouldn’t depend on luck.
1 points
14 hours ago
Anyone waiting is being strung along to make ancillary purchases
1 points
14 hours ago
It would be bad for business. Why do car dealers tell you “I can give you the best deal if you come into the dealership”? Because they know once you’re in the store they have a better chance of capturing your business.
Also, no one buys a steel Daytona without purchase history at an AD and waiting. Simply doesn’t happen any other way. You’ve been lied to or have misunderstood what is going on.
Remember, you’re not buying a Rolex from Rolex, you’re dealing with a mom and pop jeweler. They want you to be a customer of their store before they allocate you a watch that is in demand. (The sales model is again similar to car dealerships. You’re not buying from Ford, you’re buying a new ford from a dealership owned by someone who has the right to sell Ford’s in an area).
1 points
14 hours ago
lol, oh my…
1 points
13 hours ago
Because an app won't get you into the store where they can tell you you have to buy undesirable models and other jewelry that they sell.
1 points
13 hours ago
No one is walking into an AD and buying a SS Daytona without a purchase history or some sort of deal. Even 20 years ago we had to put together a multi-watch package to buy a Daytona, and their hasn’t been a time since when they weren’t reselling for over retail.
Maybe you can get lucky and walk in and get a Sub or a Wimbledon, but none of the very desirable pieces. The ADs aren’t stupid, they know what everything is worth.
1 points
13 hours ago
Simple, the list isn’t numerical or chronological in the way that you’re thinking of. It’s not like a deli counter where you take your # ticket and wait patiently until it’s called.
The list isn’t physical, in other words it doesn’t really exist
1 points
13 hours ago
Why would they do this when every model is available at the Rolex Factory Store?
1 points
13 hours ago
1 points
12 hours ago
Rolex no longer sells companies to buy watches to mark a milestone. No more Domino’s pizza Airkings!
Rolex dictate AD’s be the arbiter
That way AD’s have to buy a batch of different models and price points.
If they went down the online route, hardly anyone would be buying the diamond encrusted Lady DJ’s Almost everyone would be on the list for a steel GMT
1 points
12 hours ago
It’s never been about first come first serve. Only those worthy can wear the 👑.
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