Rolex Availability in 2023: Why is there such a big shortage? (2024)

FAQs

Rolex Availability in 2023: Why is there such a big shortage? ›

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.

Every one of the approximately one million watches that Rolex produces every year is sold. You won't find any extra inventory of Rolex watches at retail shops. Demand outstrips supply, year after year.

If you want to get a rough idea, you have to rely on the experience of other watch lovers and insider tips from the official boutiques. Accordingly, for the simplest Rolex Submariner, the 2023 waiting time is at least three months, but can extend to half a year.

The expected stainless steel Rolex Submariner wait time has significantly decreased since 2021. Two years is probably the longest you would wait for a standard black Submariner or Submariner Date from a typical authorized dealer. An increasing number of collectors seem to be getting them within weeks or months.

According to several sources, the waiting time is generally around six months for a Rolex but can be as long as two years. However, this does not guarantee the Rolex you want. You may get a call for a Rolex they are simply trying to get rid of, which could be as simple as an Air King.

It is not sure if and when the shortage on new Rolex watches will end. We are no fortune tellers. But we do know: Rolex is building new factories to meet high demand and address the shortage of their luxury watches. However, the shortage will likely persist as it is challenging to find skilled watchmakers.

Despite producing over 1.2m watches in 2023, Rolex (like many peers in the luxury pace, including Hermès) intentionally limits the availability of its timepieces in retail stores. That's why in the resale market, Rolex watches can reach more than 50% above the retail price.

They will put you on a 2-4 year waitlist, (sometimes longer,) due to their lack of inventory. During that 2-4 year waitlist, Rolex will have more than one price increase, and by the time the watch is finally available to you, you will be paying the current market price...

Rolex is building a brand-new factory and all the materials and hours worked on these amazing watches will continue to increase in price, so it does make sense to increase the retail prices in 2024 again for a brand-new Rolex watch.

Switzerland is the heartland of watchmaking, where Rolex watches are meticulously crafted to perfection. Buying a Rolex here not only often guarantees a wider selection of models but also offers the authenticity and experience that can't be replicated elsewhere.

Why is Rolex taking so long? ›

Every one of the approximately one million watches that Rolex produces every year is sold. You won't find any extra inventory of Rolex watches at retail shops. Demand outstrips supply, year after year.

The process is simple: you visit one or, ideally, several Rolex dealers and simply register your interest in one or more watches. Most dealers will provide information on their estimate of the expected waiting time on request. If the dealer states a few months, this is initially a good sign and good news.

Because Rolex is the most famous luxury watch company in the entire world, the demand for Rolex watches far exceeds their supply on a global level, and the vast majority of Rolex's most desirable models are completely sold out at retailers.

Rolex makes good watches; they're robust, they don't need much maintenance, and they hold their value if you get the right model. But a Rolex is no more reliable, no more technologically interesting, and no more comfortable than other luxury watch brands on the market (that can cost a lot less).

Unlike in other industries, elite watchmakers did not ramp up production during times of excess demand. Supply is relatively fixed. Many of these watches are complicated to produce, and much of the production process is done by hand, making it tough for these brands to increase output.

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict our production capacity and, at times, the demand for our watches outpaces this capacity.