Rolex Watches With No Waiting Lists | Buy Immediately

Chrono 24x7

22 Nov 202308:10

Summary

TLDRThe video discusses the dynamics of purchasing Rolex watches, focusing on how Rolex itself doesn't sell directly to consumers, leaving dealers to manage their own waitlists and sales tactics. Popular models like the Submariner and GMT Master II are in high demand, often reserved for preferred customers. The video highlights specific Rolex models that can be bought without long waitlists, including the Rolex Deep Sea Sea Dweller, Datejust 36, Explorer, Oyster Perpetual Air King, and Yacht-Master, while also exploring their unique features, histories, and prices.

Takeaways

🛒 Rolex does not sell directly to consumers but to independent dealers who can operate as they please.
📈 Dealers often sell high-demand models alongside less popular ones to maintain profitability.
🚫 Despite being independent, dealers cannot refuse high-profile customers like celebrities.
🔍 Rolex models like the Submariner are in high demand and are often subject to careful buyer selection.
💡 The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller is a large watch with a 44mm case and a height of 17.7mm, making it feel top-heavy.
💼 The Rolex Datejust 36 is an iconic watch known for its elegant simplicity and versatility.
🏞 The Rolex Explorer 124270 is a sport tool watch that has gained popularity over time.
✈️ The Rolex Air-King is an often overlooked entry-level model with a historical connection to pilots.
🚀 The 2016 Rolex Air-King 116900 was a drastic design change, larger and more flashy than its predecessors.
🛥 The Rolex Yacht-Master is a relatively new model introduced in 1964 and is usually available without a waiting period.

Q & A

How does Rolex distribute its watches to consumers?
-Rolex does not sell watches directly to consumers. Instead, they sell to dealers who are independent business entities and can choose how to run their business.
Do Rolex dealers have a waiting list for certain models?
-While some dealers may have a waiting list, it's not a general practice. Dealers need to make money and will often sell high-demand models without a waiting list.
What is the relationship between Rolex and its dealers?
-Rolex dealers are independent and can choose to sell Rolex watches or switch to another brand like Omega. They have no direct ties with the Rolex company.
How does the demand for certain Rolex models affect the buying process?
-High-demand models like the 'Steely Professionals' are in exceptional demand, and dealers need to carefully choose the buyers.
Can a celebrity bypass the waiting list at a Rolex dealership?
-The script implies that a celebrity might be able to bypass the waiting list and purchase a high-demand model like the GMT Master 2 directly.
What is the price range of the Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller mentioned in the script?
-The Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller is priced between $115,000 to $166,000.
What is special about the Rolex Date Just 36?
-The Rolex Date Just 36 was the first automatic wristwatch with a jumping date complication and has remained a benchmark for elegant simplicity.
How does the Rolex Explorer 124270 differ from other Rolex models?
-The Rolex Explorer 124270 is a sport tool watch without a bezel, which sets it apart from other models and gives it a unique look.
Why is the Rolex Air King often overlooked?
-The Rolex Air King is often overlooked because it is less considered than models like the Submariner, the GMT Master, or the Datejust.
What significant changes were made to the Rolex Air King in 2016?
-In 2016, Rolex introduced a drastic change to the Air King model, making it larger, more flashy, and with a design unlike any other watch the brand had produced.
Why was the Rolex Yacht Master created?
-The Rolex Yacht Master was created as a new line when Rolex wanted to drastically update the Submariner but were scared that the changes were too extreme.
What is the general availability of the Rolex Yacht Master?
-The Rolex Yacht Master is usually available without any waiting period.

Outlines

00:00

🕒 Rolex Sales and Popular Models

The paragraph discusses how Rolex operates its sales, not selling directly to consumers but to independent dealers who can manage their inventory as they see fit. This leads to a situation where certain high-demand models like the Submariner are not always available immediately. The paragraph also touches on how dealers are required to purchase less popular models to get the high-demand ones. It mentions that while some dealers might have a waiting list, it's not a universal practice. The narrative then shifts to discuss specific Rolex models that are available without a waiting list, such as the Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller, known for its large size and high price, and the Rolex Date Just 36, an iconic model for its simplicity and versatility. The Rolex Explorer 124270 is also mentioned, noted for its sporty tool watch appeal and its initial lack of appeal to the speaker, who later warmed up to the model.

05:03

⌚ The Rolex Air-King and Yacht-Master

This paragraph delves into the history and characteristics of the Rolex Air-King, initially an entry-level model launched in 1945 and designed for pilots. It discusses how the Air-King evolved over time, with updates in design and movement, and how it was eventually discontinued and then reintroduced with a bold new design in 2016. The paragraph also covers the Rolex Yacht-Master, a watch that is usually available without a waiting period and is rumored to have been created as a less extreme update to the Submariner. The Yacht-Master is described as a daring and controversial design that was well received but is not without its detractors.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Rolex dealers (ADs)

Authorized dealers (ADs) are independent businesses that sell Rolex watches. These dealers are not owned by Rolex itself but have agreements to distribute their products. ADs are crucial in determining availability and customer experience, as they choose which watches to display and sell, balancing high-demand models with less popular ones, as mentioned in the video script.

💡Waiting list

A 'waiting list' refers to a system some Rolex dealers use to manage demand for high-demand models like the Submariner or GMT Master II. While some dealers may faithfully execute a chronological waiting list, most prioritize profit, often reserving popular models for preferred clients or high-spending customers. The concept highlights the challenge for buyers seeking specific Rolex models.

💡Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller

This is one of Rolex's professional dive watches, known for its large size (44mm diameter) and high thickness (17.7mm), making it a bold and bulky choice. The video highlights that it's not an everyday watch due to its size but performs well in various lifestyle situations. The suggested price range of $115,000 to $166,000 shows its exclusivity.

💡Rolex Datejust 36

The Rolex Datejust 36 is a classic, iconic model in the Rolex lineup. Introduced in 1945, it was revolutionary for being the first automatic wristwatch with a jumping date complication. Its versatility and timeless design make it one of the most popular luxury watches. The script emphasizes how this watch sets a benchmark for elegance and simplicity.

💡Rolex Explorer 124270

This is a sport tool watch, notable for its simple and bezel-free design. The video reflects on personal taste in watch collecting, with some preferring watches with bezels for better balance. Despite this, the smaller 36mm size of the Explorer and its understated elegance have made it a growing favorite for many collectors, priced at $6,500.

💡Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King

The Rolex Air-King is described as a historically overlooked model within the Rolex catalog. Originally designed for pilots in 1945, it started as a simple time-only watch. Over the years, it has been updated in size and design but remains a relatively entry-level model in the Rolex lineup. The 2016 Air-King, which was larger and more daring in design, is noted as being the most controversial version of this watch.

💡Submariner

The Submariner is one of Rolex's most iconic models, associated with diving and luxury. It’s mentioned as one of the steel professional models with exceptionally high demand, contributing to long waiting lists. The Submariner is so important to Rolex that the company was hesitant to drastically update its design, leading to the creation of the Yacht-Master instead.

💡GMT Master II

The Rolex GMT Master II is another sought-after model, especially by collectors and celebrities. It was originally designed for airline pilots to track multiple time zones. The script mentions a scenario where a celebrity could bypass the waiting list and buy this watch directly, illustrating how high-demand models are often reserved for high-profile or preferred clients.

💡Precious metal watches

In contrast to the steel professional models like the Submariner or GMT Master II, precious metal watches (gold, platinum, etc.) are less in demand. Dealers often receive these in larger quantities and use them to balance the inventory. These watches, such as two-tone Yacht-Masters or 31mm Datejusts, tend to sell slower but are part of the stock Rolex expects dealers to push.

💡Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced as an alternative to the Submariner, incorporating more modern and luxurious features. The video mentions that Rolex was initially hesitant to make drastic changes to the Submariner and thus launched the Yacht-Master as a new line. While not as common or in-demand, the Yacht-Master appeals to those who want a less traditional Rolex sports watch.

Highlights

Rolex itself doesn't sell watches directly to consumers; they sell to dealers, who are independent business entities.

Some dealers may have true waiting lists that they faithfully execute on chronologically, but this is generally not the case.

Dealers need to make money, so they are often required to buy less popular models to get access to high-demand ones.

Dealers often showcase less popular models, such as precious metal 31mm Datejusts and two-tone Yacht-Masters, because they sell less frequently.

High-demand models like the Submariner and steel Daytonas are carefully allocated, and stores can choose buyers based on their discretion.

Rolex stores are independently run businesses and are not directly tied to Rolex. They could theoretically stop carrying Rolex and switch to another brand like Omega.

Rolex does not respond to market demand by increasing production of its most popular models, such as steel professional watches.

The Rolex Deep Sea Sea-Dweller is a large watch with a case size of 44mm and a height of 17.7mm, which can feel top-heavy.

The Deep Sea Sea-Dweller becomes more wearable when worn on a rubber strap instead of the preferred bracelet.

The Rolex Datejust 36 is a classic, versatile watch that was the first automatic wristwatch with a jumping date complication.

The Rolex Explorer 124270, now in its original 36mm size, is a tool watch with no bezel and is priced at $6,500.

The Rolex Air-King, launched in 1945, was an entry-level model for pilots, with significant updates introduced over time, including the controversial 2016 version.

The Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced as an alternative to the Submariner when Rolex wanted to make more drastic changes without risking backlash.

The Yacht-Master line was created as a new collection, and its unique design has been well received.

Many Rolex models such as the Yacht-Master are available without waiting lists, while others in high demand require careful buyer selection.