End of Rolex end ADs? Why they will not, but why they will want to focus on monobrand flagships

This video discusses whether the Rolex Authorized Dealer (AD) model as we know it might end and whether Rolex might alter its distribution method. The motivation for this is a recent article in the Australian Financial Review, which notes that the former Australasian Rolex Head will start his own Rolex Flagship and that this appeared to meet with Rolex's approval.
I highlight that Rolex has seemingly shown no signs of moving retail inhouse. Rather, they seem to be moving towards opening mono-brand boutiques more than having ADs. These ADs are run by third parties and are - for all practical purposes - simply ADs. The main differentiator being that they serve one brand. I also highlight some of the practical issues with Rolex eliminating ADs.
Time stamps:
* 0:00 Introduction
* 1:17 New Rolex Flagship: An AD by another name?
* 8:16 Will this be the end of Rolex ADs?
* 10:53 Would ending ADs make buying easier?
* 12:27 Would ending ADs alter secondary market prices?
* 13:04 Concluding thoughts
#Rolex
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[@stuartclubb4302]

The real problem is that so many watch aficionados still think that Rolex disapproves of the Gray market dynamic. They don't.

[@Tonysoprano497]

I think initially it’s more likely that some of the very large groups who already run many Rolex boutiques will take over almost full control of sales . I think you will see small family owned multi brand retailers essentially becoming a thing of the past before too long I get the intension they would like a worldwide uniformed way of working . Essentially Rolex using companies they feel they can trust .

[@deanmatthews]

And to think if Rolex increased their production to meet demand all of the bad practices and grey market inflated prices would stop for their brand.

[@luxuryworks]

Similarly if they increased their prices. This would reduce scalping because people aren't going to pay Patek Prices for a submariner, undercutting the market. I imagine they are more likely to increase the price per unit than the quantity. They seem to want to shift Tudor up market and then shift Rolex further up.

[@luxuryworks]

The problem I see with increasing quantity is that it would reduce a rolex's value as an asset . And, for many people, if the watches don't hold their value, they will just go to a different brand.

[@Spook291]

@@luxuryworks That's the point, that is why Rolex is doing this on purpose. This is good for business so things will remain the same.