Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (2024)

India, instead globally there is a shortage of Rolex watches. <br><br>Meanwhile, other luxurious premium brands do not face such problems of availability in India and outside the country. <br><br>The Rolex watches are currently difficult to find at <a id=\"50063\" type=\"General\" weightage=\"20\" keywordseo=\"retail-outlets\" source=\"Orion\" class=\"news-keywords\" href=\"\/tag\/retail+outlets\">retail outlets<\/a> from an authorized dealer in the capital city and the NCR. However, several reasons like the <a id=\"8764262\" type=\"General\" weightage=\"20\" keywordseo=\"covid\" source=\"Orion\" class=\"news-keywords\" href=\"\/tag\/covid\">Covid<\/a> impact or a spike in the demands are being attributed to the shortage of this luxurious brand. <br><br>While visiting the outlet of an authorised dealer of Rolex watches in Delhi, an outlet manager on anonymity said that even a particular module of the Rolex may have more than one year of waiting period. The authorised dealer has three outlets in Delhi and NCR, but none has Rolex presently. Even wrist watches of Rolex are not available online.<br><br>The experts of the industry say that as the company doesnot mass produce the articles, there is a rise in the demand post Covid period which is not being met by the company. <br><br>Industry experts find that there has been an uptick in the demand post Covid era which has led to the shortage of supply. Simply, Rolex cannot produce as many watches as the market demands, they say. However, if the demands have risen - it has only one reason that the number of people who can afford <a id=\"602509\" type=\"General\" weightage=\"20\" keywordseo=\"luxury-watches\" source=\"Orion\" class=\"news-keywords\" href=\"\/tag\/luxury+watches\">luxury watches<\/a> has also increased.<br><br>\"All the models of Rolex are hand assembled and of course during the Covid there was crisis of labourers working at the manufacturing plants which may have led to such shortage of the supply,\" said the store manager of the Rolex outlet, adding that this shortage is not confined to India only but globally it has the impact. <br><br>\"We don't have any clue when it will be restored, but the shortage is going on from the origin globally. The brand has not been able to meet the spike in the demand post pandemic that's why we are facing such issues. But it is for sure that the shortage is due to the spike in the demand,\" said the authorised dealer's manager.<br><br>\"During the Covid era, the supply was stopped and the left-out inventories were the first priority for the manufacturer to clear off. That is why we are experiencing the shortage as this is the last quarter of the year. However, we expect the same condition for this year and the situation can improve from next year,\" said another authorised Rolex outlet manager.<br><br>\"It's difficult to mention an exact time, but an obvious turning point was in 2016 when Rolex released the Daytona 116500LN at Baselworld. The Daytona has always been an iconic piece that has had a special place in history and played an important role for the Rolex brand,\" writes Millenary Watches, a popular website on luxury watches on its portal.<br><br>\"But this came to be proven even further as Rolex released a ceramic-bezel version of the Daytona, available with white or black dial. It wasn't necessarily exactly at this time the Rolex shortage began, but it was a very clear turning point. At this time, the large mass started to talk about the year-long waiting lists for this model, speculations began, and the craze got greater as those who were early to have them caused the demand to increase even further as some people showed them on the internet and on social media,\" it said.<br><\/body>","next_sibling":[{"msid":94786601,"title":"French luxury groups to highlight sector's resilience as demand holds up for now","entity_type":"ARTICLE","link":"\/news\/apparel-fashion\/luxury\/french-luxury-groups-to-highlight-sectors-resilience-as-demand-holds-up-for-now\/94786601","category_name":null,"category_name_seo":"apparel-fashion\/luxury"}],"related_content":[],"seoschemas":false,"msid":94827913,"entity_type":"ARTICLE","title":"Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock?","synopsis":"The waiting period for the Professional Modules ranges from three to six months or even one year, indicating that this year 2022 - no delivery can be made to the customers.","titleseo":"apparel-fashion\/luxury\/rolex-watches-does-covid-crisis-make-luxury-brands-out-of-stock","status":"ACTIVE","authors":[],"analytics":{"comments":0,"views":1621,"shares":0,"engagementtimems":4701000},"Alttitle":{"minfo":""},"artag":"IANS","artdate":"2022-10-13 11:39:39","lastupd":"2022-10-13 11:41:59","breadcrumbTags":["rolex","luxury watches","luxury brand","out of stock","covid","covid crisis","retail outlets"],"secinfo":{"seolocation":"apparel-fashion\/luxury\/rolex-watches-does-covid-crisis-make-luxury-brands-out-of-stock"}}" page-title="Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock?">

The waiting period for the Professional Modules ranges from three to six months or even one year, indicating that this year 2022 - no delivery can be made to the customers.

  • Updated On Oct 13, 2022 at 11:41 AM IST

Read by: 100 Industry Professionals

Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (1) Read by 100 Industry Professionals

Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (2)

New Delhi: World's most luxurious wristwatch brand Rolex is out of stock from the market during the ongoing festive season. Some models of the Rolex watches have a waiting period of more than one year. The waiting period for the Professional Modules ranges from three to six months or even one year, indicating that this year 2022 - no delivery can be made to the customers.

The Rolex stainless steel, Rolex sports model, Professionals - all are facing shortage in the market currently in recent years.

However, the shortage of this luxurious brand is not particular to India, instead globally there is a shortage of Rolex watches.

Meanwhile, other luxurious premium brands do not face such problems of availability in India and outside the country.

The Rolex watches are currently difficult to find at retail outlets from an authorized dealer in the capital city and the NCR. However, several reasons like the Covid impact or a spike in the demands are being attributed to the shortage of this luxurious brand.

While visiting the outlet of an authorised dealer of Rolex watches in Delhi, an outlet manager on anonymity said that even a particular module of the Rolex may have more than one year of waiting period. The authorised dealer has three outlets in Delhi and NCR, but none has Rolex presently. Even wrist watches of Rolex are not available online.

The experts of the industry say that as the company doesnot mass produce the articles, there is a rise in the demand post Covid period which is not being met by the company.

Industry experts find that there has been an uptick in the demand post Covid era which has led to the shortage of supply. Simply, Rolex cannot produce as many watches as the market demands, they say. However, if the demands have risen - it has only one reason that the number of people who can afford luxury watches has also increased.

"All the models of Rolex are hand assembled and of course during the Covid there was crisis of labourers working at the manufacturing plants which may have led to such shortage of the supply," said the store manager of the Rolex outlet, adding that this shortage is not confined to India only but globally it has the impact.

Advt

"We don't have any clue when it will be restored, but the shortage is going on from the origin globally. The brand has not been able to meet the spike in the demand post pandemic that's why we are facing such issues. But it is for sure that the shortage is due to the spike in the demand," said the authorised dealer's manager.

"During the Covid era, the supply was stopped and the left-out inventories were the first priority for the manufacturer to clear off. That is why we are experiencing the shortage as this is the last quarter of the year. However, we expect the same condition for this year and the situation can improve from next year," said another authorised Rolex outlet manager.

"It's difficult to mention an exact time, but an obvious turning point was in 2016 when Rolex released the Daytona 116500LN at Baselworld. The Daytona has always been an iconic piece that has had a special place in history and played an important role for the Rolex brand," writes Millenary Watches, a popular website on luxury watches on its portal.

"But this came to be proven even further as Rolex released a ceramic-bezel version of the Daytona, available with white or black dial. It wasn't necessarily exactly at this time the Rolex shortage began, but it was a very clear turning point. At this time, the large mass started to talk about the year-long waiting lists for this model, speculations began, and the craze got greater as those who were early to have them caused the demand to increase even further as some people showed them on the internet and on social media," it said.

  • Published On Oct 13, 2022 at 11:39 AM IST

All Comments

Find this Comment Offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the submit button. This will alert our moderators to take actions

REASONS FOR REPORTING

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (4)

Download ETRetail App

  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles

Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (5) Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (6)

Scan to download App Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (7)
  • Home
  • News
  • Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock?

As a seasoned expert in the world of luxury watches, particularly Rolex, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry. I've closely followed the trends, releases, and market dynamics that have shaped the landscape of prestigious timepieces. My expertise extends to the nuances of production, demand-supply dynamics, and the impact of external factors on the availability of luxury watches.

Now, delving into the article about Rolex watches facing shortages during the festive season and the ongoing Covid crisis, let's break down the key concepts:

  1. Rolex Shortages During Festive Season:

    • The article highlights that Rolex, the world's most luxurious wristwatch brand, is currently out of stock in the market during the festive season.
    • Some Rolex models are experiencing a waiting period of more than one year, particularly the Professional Modules, with a shortage across stainless steel, sports models, and professional lines.
  2. Global Shortage of Rolex Watches:

    • The scarcity of Rolex watches is not specific to India; it's a global phenomenon. This shortage is observed not only in retail outlets but also online.
    • The article mentions that even authorized dealers in the capital city and the NCR (National Capital Region) do not have Rolex watches presently.
  3. Causes of Shortage:

    • The shortage is attributed to various factors, including the impact of the Covid crisis and a spike in demand.
    • The Covid-related labor crisis at manufacturing plants is considered a significant factor, affecting the hand assembly of all Rolex models.
  4. Production and Demand Dynamics:

    • Rolex is known for not mass-producing its watches. The company faces challenges in meeting the increased demand post the Covid era.
    • Experts suggest that the surge in demand is indicative of a rise in the number of people who can afford luxury watches.
  5. Historical Perspective on Rolex Shortages:

    • The article references a turning point in 2016 when Rolex released the Daytona 116500LN. The subsequent release of a ceramic-bezel version contributed to the beginning of Rolex shortages.
    • The popularity of the Daytona model and social media exposure further fueled the demand, creating waiting lists for these coveted watches.
  6. Outlook for Rolex Availability:

    • The article suggests that the shortage may continue into the next year, and the situation could potentially improve in the future.
    • Authorized dealers express uncertainty about when Rolex availability will be restored, emphasizing the persistence of the shortage.

In summary, the Rolex shortage is a complex interplay of factors, including production practices, historical releases, global demand, and the lingering effects of the Covid crisis. The luxury watch industry is experiencing unique challenges, making Rolex watches particularly elusive during this period.

Rolex watches: Does Covid crisis make luxury brands out of stock? - ET Retail (2024)

FAQs

Is there really a Rolex shortage? ›

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.

What is the waiting period for a Rolex watch? ›

Specific Rolex Models and Their Waiting Lists
Rolex ModelWaitlist Duration
Rolex Submariner6 months – 1 year
Rolex Daytona1-3 years
Rolex Oyster Perpetual3-18 months
Rolex Sea-Dweller6-12 months
1 more row
Nov 28, 2023

Is Rolex easier to buy now? ›

In other words, your Rolex should be easier to get soonish. A second hint of glad tidings comes from retailers who are reportedly seeing a stronger supply of steel models than in the recent past, and fewer models in precious metals being allocated.

Why is Rolex out of inventory? ›

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.

Why is it so hard to buy a Rolex right now? ›

Why is this so? Well, to get you started, the majority of Rolex models are so popular that they fetch a premium on the gray market, which is why the authorized dealers are hesitant to sell you the watch.

Will the Rolex shortage ever end? ›

The effects of increased production will likely be felt gradually in the market. That could be as early as around 2025 when the first temporary factories will be in operation. The good news, though, is that there are signs that peak Rolex scarcity has already passed.

Can anyone walk into Rolex and buy a watch? ›

There will be a set of requirements that you must meet if you purchase a new Rolex from an approved dealer. You would have to be a past client to even get on the waiting list, and you may have to purchase a gold/ bi-metal Rolex to get a stainless steel version.

How do I skip a Rolex waiting list? ›

How to beat the Rolex waiting list (2022) - 10 tips
  1. Dress smart when visiting the Rolex authorised dealer.
  2. Be personable and nice with the Rolex authorised dealer.
  3. Build a genuine relationship with the Rolex authorised dealer.
  4. Be knowledgable about Rolex.
  5. Go into the Rolex authorised dealer wearing a Rolex.

How long is the Rolex waiting list for Datejust? ›

Average Waiting Period

You can expect an average waitlist time of around 3 to 6 months before buying a Datejust.

Why can't you buy a Rolex at retail? ›

With demand far exceeding supply, there was always guaranteed to be some degree of a retail shortage, and when you factor in a thriving secondary market adding fuel to the fire, it's easy to see how the world's single most famous luxury watch brand suddenly becomes near-impossible to buy at a retail level.

Is it worth buying a Rolex in 2024? ›

Probably yes. 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.

What is the hardest Rolex to get? ›

The Sky-Dweller is Rolex's most complicated watch and takes more than a year to make. They just can't meet demand. Or should I say, “couldn't meet demand”. Because after just 7 years of limited production, Rolex discontinued the watch in 2023: No more being made.

Do Rolex dealers sell at MSRP? ›

Rolex has strict rules for licensed dealers (and there are no UNlicenced dealers) and one of the big, main rules is that their watches are to never be sold under the MSRP. If they find out that the licensee has done so, they will no have their dealership taken away.

How many people own a Rolex? ›

One data set showed that within certain household monthly salary brackets (good salaries, not stellar), Rolex ownership is as high as 1 in 3 households. This was in the US. Another piece of data in the UK from an insurance provider showed that 11% of policies list a Rolex.

Why does Rolex not sell online? ›

To ensure authenticity, genuine Rolex products are sold exclusively through Official Rolex Jewelers. Rolex does not sell watches directly from the Website and cannot ensure the authenticity of watches sold online.

Is there still a waiting list for Rolex? ›

The Rolex Submariner has the largest waitlist in 2024. This is because the Submariner collection is the most popular and there very few references to choose from, which makes the waitlist for a given model even longer. Expect to wait at least a year ordering any of the Submariner variations.

How hard is it to get a new Rolex? ›

Many of Rolex's most famous timepieces – including all stainless-steel sports watches – are perpetually sold out at dealers around the globe, and most have multi-year waiting lists with no guarantee that you will ever receive a watch before the model gets discontinued entirely.

Will Rolex prices drop in 2024? ›

Following a significant increase in 2023, Rolex comes back to a more standard price increase for 2024. Without surprises, the arrival of a new year also means subsequent price changes for brands (and this isn't limited to watch brands, but you'll find these in multiple other industries).

Is it possible to buy a new Rolex? ›

New and genuine Rolex watches are exclusively sold by official Rolex Jewelers. All are guarantors of the quality and authenticity of Rolex watches. The company ensures the distribution, sale and servicing of its watches according to strict quality standards.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5976

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.