quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
What model are you looking for? I can check with a few ADs that I know. There truly is a shortage, caused by significant growth in the Asian market. Though perhaps we're well into the back end of that now. For many models, the wait is short if you add yourself to the list. For some models, there really isn't a list, because they are truly made in smallish quantities and they go to NFL players and guys that buy a million a year in diamonds. and stuff

Nothing extravagant like an NFL player.

Here it is:

Datejust 41, Oystersteel and white gold with fluted bezel, bright black dial, Oyster bracelet.

quote:

Originally posted by Angus the Kid:
What gives here? Is this common? A recent development?

Some models like a stainless steel Daytona have always been near impossible to find, but once COVID hit it was the first time that EVERY Rolex went out of stock except for maybe the Cellinis. You're best options are going to gray market like Jomashop and pay a little bit of a premium, find a used Rolex at an AD so there's no question you'll get the real deal instead of a fake, or go down a line and get a Tudor. Tudors use to be generic Rolexes with bargain bin movements, but have now become their own thing with some nice twists on classic Rolex designs with their own movements built by Rolex instead of a third party.

quote:

Originally posted by Angus the Kid:
Nothing extravagant like an NFL player.

Here it is:

Datejust 41, Oystersteel and white gold with fluted bezel, bright black dial, Oyster bracelet.

Basically this?

I understand Rolex prices have been trending down. What you might do is call the ADs in your area to see if they have that model available.

I bought mine at an airport in Germany. But I think I should have gone for a Sky Dweller. Now, I can't justify getting a Sky Dweller nor even having this one.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:

quote:

Originally posted by Angus the Kid:
Nothing extravagant like an NFL player.

Here it is:

Datejust 41, Oystersteel and white gold with fluted bezel, bright black dial, Oyster bracelet.

Basically this?

Yes. Except I want the Oyster bracelet. Your picture shows the jubilee bracelet.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimineer:
Flame suit on….

Grand Seiko Spring Drive is better.

Nice watch but I want a pure mechanical watch. No electronics.

My wife bought me a stainless steel Datejust with a fluted bezel, a gray tapestry dial and a jubilee bracelet back in 1983 ($750 from Bailey, Banks & Biddle for those old enough to remember, an authorized Rolex dealer). I love watches and it was a completely unexpected gift (my wife is awesome!). Well after wearing it for about a month, I noticed that it kept terrible time (losing several minutes over the course of a week). I'm not OCD, but this seemed odd for what is a fine watch. We went back to Bailey Banks & Biddle to ask if there was something wrong with the watch. They in turn, sent it back to Rolex, Well about a month later, I got a call to pick up the watch. The guy at Bailey Banks & Biddle read me the report that came back with the watch. It explained that the watch was operating within the parameters established by Rolex, so was perfectly fine. It appeared that Rolex had a rather "relaxed" attitude about precision timekeeping. I spoke with several other folks I knew who also had a Rolex, who had the same experience. That being said, forty years later, I still love the watch for its sentimental value and style -- not its timekeeping abilities (I'm wearing a Marathon as I type this, not my Rolex). Another thing to keep in mind that Rolex watches need regular service. If you do not have it serviced for a long period of time, the lubrication within the watch will dry out. The service can be hideously expensive if using Rolex itself. There are a few independents around who are very good (even Rolex trained), who can service your Rolex for a fraction of the factory cost. The fellow I have most recently used is The Watch Doctor (Mark Sirianni) in Kane, PA. His price is $200 for a Rolex service which includes changing all of the gaskets, ultrasonic cleaning, electronic timing and pressure testing (he also has access to genuine Rolex parts). He also services other good mechanical watches. His turn around time is pretty quick as well. It is sort of a leap of faith sending away what is now a very valuable family heirloom, to a complete stranger. I could not however be more pleased with his service.

Back when I was in Korea, you could buy a nice Foolex for $25.

That should be a comparatively easy model to get. As someone said, get on the phone and call around. Let them know where you live (they want to sell locally and don't want to get busted by Rolex shipping into other AD's territories) and that you will come to their shop to pickup/pay.

quote:

It appeared that Rolex had a rather "relaxed" attitude about precision timekeeping. I spoke with several other folks I knew who also had a Rolex, who had the same experience.

COSC certification, which Rolex adheres to, should be -4 to +6 seconds a day. How badly off was yours?

quote:

Originally posted by Angus the Kid:
I have always wanted a new Rolex. Irrational I know, but I don't care.

I have saved and finally have enough money. I visit official Rolex retailers here in Houston and they tell me, "All of our Rolexs are display only, we have none for sale...

Nothing makes you want something like being told you can't have it.

My younger son lives in NY and decided he wanted a Rolex with what I call a baby blue dial. Apparently it's a popular color. It's a $6000 watch. He said he could buy one in NYC for $35,000.

I went to the local dealer, who I've had a little contact with over the years, but nothing much. They said "tell me which one you want, and we'll try to get it. It could be a couple of months to six months or more."

It took about six months, and they finally called that they got it in, and I went and bought it for him. (he paid me back) Didn't want to ship it to him, so it was about another 6 weeks before he was down here and got it in person from me.

This was from an authorized dealer that has about 12 locations over 3 states. AS I understand it, they're just that tight on inventory due to a shortage of qualified employees.

Find a good local authorized dealer, go in person, make sure they get the impression that you want it, not that you're trying to get it to flip it.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
COSC certification, which Rolex adheres to, should be -4 to +6 seconds a day. How badly off was yours?

Yeah, I've heard this before. Watches that cost as much as the Rolex should keep better time IMO. But, we're talking about mechanical timepieces, so, I guess I don't know what I'm talking about.

Usually, I don't like it when a member asks about a particular brand or model and other members suggest something else. I figure a man knows what he wants. In this case, though, I agree with the choice of Omega. I've long wanted an Omega wristwatch. I'll never own one, but if ever I did have an expensive timepiece, it would be an Omega chronograph. I don't see the appeal of the Rolex, but the Omega seems like it's worth every penny.

Grand Seiko makes a superior watch in every category except for brand recognition and resale value. For an automatic mechanical watch you won’t find one more accurate than Seiko/Grand Seiko’s spring drive movement. It is a mechanical masterpiece. We’re taking +\- 1 second a month accuracy.

Rolex’s inability to make enough watches to meet demand and their whole waiting list bullshit is a big reason why I don’t own one.

I get the allure, trust me I do but there are better watch brands out there that don’t make it difficult to purchase their products.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
Nothing makes you want something like being told you can't have it.

Especially when you have saved your hard earned money for years and basically what to hand them a wad of cash in exchange for a product.

Ok, did you really spend time saving up for a Rolex and not know you can no longer just waltz into an AD and buy the Rolex you want these days? This has been common knowledge for years. There are lots of ways to strike up a relationship with an AD that might get you a sought-after reference. Or you can just spend 20-50% over retail and go gray market. Benefit of gray market is there's usually no sales tax. My latest one is a polar Explorer II and their gray price is barely above what I'd pay at an AD plus sales tax. But if you want a newish Pepsi GMT, you can expect to pay at least double retail if you go gray. You will not get that watch from an AD anymore. The few they get are immediately sold out the back door to gray dealers or to their best clients.

I'd talk to your AD or another AD if yours is an asshole. That watch, while beautiful, isnt a Pepsi and isnt a Daytona, meaning you shouldnt need to fuck the GM or have purchased 20 watches prior.

You should be able to register with your AD and keep checking in with them every month or so.

My understanding is the backlog in supply was a result of exceptionally high demand in the wake of COVID, combined with very limited supply when Rolex closed for 3-4 months. ADs really struggled for quite a while without enough inventory to sell, and when they got it, it wasn’t necessarily what they wanted or needed. The secondary market got so crazy I considered selling both my Sub and Yachtmaster. Were it not for the sentimental value attached, I would have gladly pocketed the cash and waited for supply to catch up, then repurchased new ones at sane prices.

My Sub has always been extraordinarily accurate. The COSC standard is an accepted range, but someone who has the skill and takes the time to regulate the movement in a Rolex can result in a very accurate timepiece.

Sounds just like the car world. Porsche dealers and others pull this shit. You want a GT3? Buy these 4 other lower end Porches and then we'll consider selling you one.

I have read that adjusting the watch winder (the little box you put those high end watches in to keep them from winding to a stop when not worn every day) can improve their accuracy. . . No idea if it works.

My Sub was about 2-3 minutes off per month before the refurbish. I haven't worn it enough since then to notice its accuracy. I will have to check.

It is ironic that a $10 Walmart brand digital can be more accurate than a $$$$$ 'luxury brand' watch. But, some days when I wear my Sub, I don't even look at it. I do love the mechanicals, though.