Rolex Availability in 2023: Why is it so hard to get a new watch?

When it comes to one of the most famous watch manufacturers in the world, you might think of Rolex. The Swiss company was founded by Hans Wilsdorf and ever since the start of the Rolex company they produce high-end watches for enthusiasts, but also different tool-watches. When you’re into luxury watches and you want to get your hands on a (new) Rolex, make sure to read this article to fully understand the current availability of the Rolex watches.

Timo Klinge

Chief Entertainment Officer

Last update: 22/12/2023

Authorized Dealers

If you’re new to the luxury watch market, you might find out pretty soon that you can only acquire a brand-new Rolex through the official channels called the ‘authorized dealer’. There are plenty of authorized dealers throughout the world, selling brands like Rolex and Tudor. When you’ve saved enough money or just got your bonus and want to spend it on a new Rolex watch, you might think that it is a good idea to walk in the AD. At your local AD, you might get lucky and get your hands on your desired watch, but they will probably tell you ‘no, we cannot sell the watch, it’s for exhibition only’. What that means? Let us explain.

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Why watches at Rolex dealers are for exhibition only?

You’ve just heard ‘no’ from your authorized dealer, it might feel a bit wrong, since you can see the actual watch in the display, but you are not allowed to buy it since it’s for exhibition only. Why is that? Well, to get you started: most models within the Rolex catalog are so popular that they will resell for a premium on the grey market, so that’s why the authorized dealers are a bit skeptical selling the watch to you. On the other hand, most of the models are available to well-known people, valued relations etcetera. Meaning that you will have to build your relationship with your local AD, starting from the bottom. Once you’ve established a solid relationship, you might even be allowed to buy a brand-new Rolex for the so called list price. Sidenote: you might even have to spend a couple of thousand on some jewelry, to make sure you won’t make any money reselling the watch on the grey market as soon as you walk out the door from your local AD.

Why is the grey market loaded with new Rolex watches?

So, how’s it possible that the grey market is full of brand-new Rolex watches? Pretty easy: since the AD’s sell watches to different types of people, these people sometimes resell their watch to a grey market dealer, which pays a bit above list to get their hands on that specific Rolex watch. They will resell the watch on platforms or marketplace to enthusiasts like you, but at a premium. So, if you’re in the market for a brand-new watch and you don’t want to wait years on a so called waiting list, you can buy the watch directly from a grey market seller. When you’re into luxury watches, always make sure to buy the seller: check some references and see how they will deal with your order.

When will the Rolex (retail) shortage end?

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. 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.

How can I buy a new Rolex watch?

You can still get your hands on a brand-new Rolex watch, even for retail. You might have to wait a couple of years to get your hands on your desired Daytona, GMT or Datejust, while you can also get it right away on the grey market. If you’re willing to wait, expect prices to rise every year at the AD for around 2 to 5% yearly. It might even work out buying a watch for grey market prices, since you can get it right away and you don’t have to wait years and years with the current inflation and prices skyrocketing at the local AD.