ROLEX Heathrow Terminal 2 | Has the Bubble Burst?

[@ramirezrm]

I wonder why a company would place a boutique inside a high rent location and pay employees only to sell nothing.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Because the illusion of scarcity drives up demand!

[@flhxri]

Marketing museum

[@Heshkinp]

But they do sell items to people on lists, it just doesnt go on display

[@hawaiianfilter]

They need someone at the Museum.

[@rorywoods6344]

Eye balls and comments just like yours. That's why bud.

[@nickbrooker1411]

when i travel through airports these days i dont even bother looking at Rolex....!! last time i went through Geneva the two ladies in the boutique reading in the corner reading magazines, eventually looked up and saw me and just carried on reading/chatting..... even THEY can't be bothered anymore!!!!

[@Ariel.Fortele]

Yesterday I went to London to a Rolex store. Zero purchase history with them .... And I was offered one Datejust 41 dual tone, and one Submariner dual tone ( the Bluesy )

[@nickbrooker1411]

@@Ariel.Fortele thats because they actually had TWO watches to sell!!!! May not be the ones you want or need, but hoping you are caught up in the hype to buy "anything!"

[@Ariel.Fortele]

I get what you are saying but The Bluesy it is still hard to get watch ...and they offered it to me ..@@nickbrooker1411

[@denis888red]

Hard to disagree

[@Chris-de2qc]

Yeah bc they are not in style.

[@WilliamInternational]

There are no lists, they still go out the back door. They will only be available when the grey market price is less than retail. My AD called me after 4 years waiting and offered me an 18k blue sub for 39k, i looked online and grey market is 38 no tax, so really 4k difference.

[@WatchFanHenry]

The people working in these shops said that they’re getting more solid gold watches in and of course not too many people can afford a solid gold watch. If I had 40K or more to invest in Rolexes, I’d be buying 4 watches at 10K and possibly add a Skydweller into the mix, but I wouldn’t spend it all on one watch.

[@Madeinlondon67]

The AD’s are getting watches but they’re cherry picking which of their friends get them. If they weren’t coming through where do you think all of the brand new ones in the grey market are coming from?

[@WatchFanHenry]

I think it’s pretty poor that Rolex senior management can’t address this because it looks terrible for the brand. Maybe they don’t give a stuff about it .. but they should.

[@tom4626]

Exactly - the grey market is so boyant even if it’s cooled a little because ADs are knowingly selling to flippers.

[@Madeinlondon67]

@@WatchFanHenry I think some of the Area Managers are trying to deal with it as I was in contact with one of them and I mentioned corruption and the very next day an AD that I put my name down for a watch called me in a bit of a panic. I’m still waiting for the watch though 😂

[@FightArena8]

recent inventory issues will impact the brand's long-term reputation

[@WatchFanHenry]

… as well as how Rolex has been poorly treating their customers over the past several years and their gross mishandling of the situation. A brand can be at the top of its game for many decades or even 100 years, but it doesn’t insure perpetual (no pun intended) success. Look at Boeing in the 1970s and 80s .. we thought that the world’s best airliners were built by Boeing. And they were back then but situations changed when the company became more greedy and more focused on profit versus safety. And look where they are today. I believe that survey results would show airline passengers and airline executives alike are much more comfortable and satisfied with Airbus products than Boeing products across-the-board. And just today Boeing’s CEO has stepped down (with a $65 million pay packet). I think Rolex should look to Boeing for enlightenment on how to conduct themselves vis-a-vis their market dynamics and their customers. Or their fate will follow the same path as Boeing.

[@MickBrown-bu7bd]

Fuck Rolex

[@Bren64387]

Love the watches but the reality is the brand is getting outrageous, especially with the CPO disaster of a program 💀

[@WatchFanHenry]

I think the Rolex CPO program is a slap in the face to nobodies like me who can’t buy the watches at retail from Rolex AD. And I will never purchase a watch from Rolex CPO as I’m not going to pay aboveclist price for a relatively new used watch .. no matter how nice it is.

[@cedarcanoe]

imagine you being Sohil, and getting the same questions over and over again.

[@gaffs82]

😂 so true. But Heathrow they are selling, but to the big spenders with sales history that predates COVID. They know those customers were with them before the hype and will be there after.

[@wayneguy6043]

Yeah and the guy probably only makes like 30 $40,000 a year and you really think he has a grasp on the Rolex market come on

[@wayneguy6043]

Did you just say a Submariner with a blue dial!😂

[@WatchFanHenry]

Well, he certainly did receive me in a polite manner, which I appreciate. And he was willing to talk to me for a few minutes, so that was nice.

[@wayneguy6043]

@@WatchFanHenry it’s not the Pope

[@SM-wi1js]

Rolex has learned not to flood the market with the SS Professinal models and keep everyone wanting. Most want what they can't have.

[@denis888red]

I own a couple of Rolex's but have not bought one for many, many years. They are quite simply off my radar. I don't even register the stores as I walk past them, which as a watch geek I never do with any other outlet. Bottom line, I don't care what you sell (or not ;) but in having a potential customer who can afford your product but no longer even thinks about or considers it....then you have to think that something, somewhere has gone very, very wrong.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Well, you’re absolutely right. It’s extremely offputting for a brand to treat people that appreciate their products so poorly. For this reason I’ve now purchased three Rolex watches in the last five years and they were all purchased in Japan on the secondary market from stores in that country. So my money is all going to Japan and the Japanese economy, and people involved in the watch trade in Japan .. and not one penny has gone to Rolex directly and I’m quite happy about that. A company cannot conduct themselves so poorly for so long without there eventually being consequences, which I’m sure we will be talking about in years to come.

[@7.92Gav]

Perfectly put. I started on my watch journey 6 years ago. I was initially going to buy Rolex (probably because of the hype), but I soon discovered you can't walk into Rolex and buy a watch. All you get is a dirty look. 20 yards away from Rolex in Belfast is Omega, and that is where I drop my cash with pleasure. I wouldn't even consider Rolex grey market because of Rolex's attitude, unless it was a vintage piece.

[@TGriffiths-ve6nw]

​@@WatchFanHenryRolex still did get your money though. They won't get mine.

[@denis888red]

And a good Belfast man too ;) Omega? I own several and absolutely love the brand. Seamaster Pro 300M... First 'proper' watch I ever bought. Currently in the Himalayas and with one sitting on my wrist!

[@7.92Gav]

@denis888red Nice one! And enjoying the Himalayas too; not jealous at all 🤥😂. Picked up my first Seamaster from Omega Belfast a couple of weeks ago, the 75th anniversary Ultra Deep. They do make fantastic watches 👍

[@solholl1472]

Don’t be fooled. ALL of these stores have inventory constantly. If they didn’t the rent and other overheads wouldn’t get paid, the Morgan Stanley Swiss Watch report wouldn’t have Rolex as the top Swiss brand for revenue and the secondary market dealers wouldn’t be awash with Rolex watches. They choose not to sell to anyone wanting individual pieces and have a narrative to get you out of the store

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’ve been hearing forms of this “narrative” for the last four years so I can’t say I don’t believe you. I’ve bought three watches from Japan over the last several years so I’m quite content with not a farthing of my money has gone to Rolex corporate .. so they can have a nice day for all I’m concerned.

[@Greektourguide]

2:02 The lady leaving was surely not a Rolex enthusiast

[@WatchFanHenry]

Maybe she’s the lucky devil that gets to buy the watches through the back door and is flogging them on the secondary market making a handsome profit? We would never suspect it would be her. Elementary, my dear Watson!

[@denbo74]

There is demand issues but no supply issues. You can get any Rolex you want immediately on the grey market. This has always been the case. The grey market slowly lets them out to keep the prices as high as possible ….but they will have to eventually dump more. They are trying to control the crash

[@WatchFanHenry]

Maybe you’re right it’s all being manipulated by Rolex behind-the-scenes. I wouldn’t be surprised.

[@MsSocialLeslie]

I just recently walked in the AD in Boston and purchased the Wimbledon. It was not on display; however, when I asked, I received an offer… FYI: also inventory in NYC Meatpacking but 1st come first served.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Wow, congratulations on your watch. That’s wonderful. A lot of comments are coming through from people that have been successfully buying watches directly from Rolex authorized dealers. Perhaps one of these years I will get lucky and be offered one too but if not, it’s no problem because in Japan, my money is quite welcomed.

[@Miguel-g9x8v]

You need to get on a list with a store that you have a relationship with. Rolex rarely will sell you a watch on the spot, they have a few displayed, but most watches are in the back, for people who ask for them, even when supply increases, it is going to increase, they are just working on their biggest factory, they will still make try to make it look like an exclusive and hard to get item, make you wait. Getting the call, going to the store, and getting some type of ritual or customer experience as most would call it. Also, a retailer at a Rolex store, knows as much about Rolex production, as a cashier in McDonald's knows about McDonald's.

[@Ariel.Fortele]

Yesterday I went to London to a Rolex store. Zero purchase history with them .... And I was offered one Datejust 41 dual tone, and one Submariner dual tone ( the Bluesy )

[@WatchFanHenry]

I bought my Rolex in 1994 from the watch shop at Selfridge’s on Oxford Street. I’m a Canadian resident though and that connection doesn’t help me here in Canada. That said I’ve had the watch serviced via our local Canadian Rolex authorized dealer, but when I went into speak to them some years ago about getting onto a list, it meant absolutely nothing to them. Even though I’m an owner of several watches, I don’t rate as being a preferred buyer in any Rolex AD shop that I’ve actually dealt with. They view me as a nobody, and for that reason in four years I’ve never been offered a watch.

[@Miguel-g9x8v]

@@WatchFanHenry I have a feeling most dealerships were working with friends and partners to flip the watch. Why would you sell a watch to someone knowing that the watch is 20% 30% more valuable in the gray market and will be sold in days? I think models that are at retail prices in the gray market will start popping and the calls from dealerships telling you how lucky you are will start happening.. I will say fuck them, I will buy from the gray market only below retail...

[@georgerezzor9556]

It's all about marketing. My father bought his sub date at our local Costco around 2012.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’ve been at Costco member for decades and never once have seen a Rolex watch for sale at a Costco shop. But I live in the colonies of Canada so that might explain it. The occasional times I’ve looked into the Costco watch cases I just see standard mall watches, priced at the $200 range. But you were certainly very lucky. Congratulations on that find.

[@LBSeeinYa]

I’ve been buying Rolexes since the 1990s. Always available in ADs up until the crypto boom and pandemic. As Axl Rose stated, nothing lasts forever, even (sic) cold November rain. I have a grey market dealer in Atlanta, and his watchmaker goes over every piece to ward off fakes. I just bought a Daytona (116503), 2021 and unworn for $18k (retail price in 2021). I’m ok with the less coveted models for retail. I’ll play the grey market with a legit dealer until Axl Rose’s prophecy plays out.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Congratulations on your purchase what a wonderful watch to be very proud of! I have the exact same philosophy as you. Yes, I’m quite happy with a less popular model as long as it is at retail price and not an inflated price over retail. Case in point, you might have seen in one of my Japan Rolex videos that in December last, I purchased a near new 2021 Rolex Air-King in Japan (with some of the original protective stickers, and tags) and I just love the watch. And I paid the proper list price for it without jumping through hoops and kissing the back sides of Rolex AD store employees in North America and Europe. But I have not found anywhere in North America or Europe a secondary dealer with Rolex watches priced at or near list as you have found in Atlanta, so congratulations on finding that source .. you’re very lucky.

[@LBSeeinYa]

@@WatchFanHenry thank you. My dealer is at or near list on pieces like the Daytona TT champagne or 126618LB, which are Rolexes that sell around retail. He’s well above retail on pieces like Panda, etc. I didn’t mean to imply that he was at or near retail on every piece. And yes, I first discovered your channel through your Japan videos. I used to live in Japan and am returning in late April for a month. I usually hit Nakano but was unaware of the place you noted in Ueno; I’ll be checking it out. Appreciate the intel and the content on your channel! Cheers.

[@rmck29]

That shop offered me a Rolex explorer 36 steel, to sell immediately. Quite surprised by the comments

[@Weakeyedominant]

That's because it's cheaper now on the secondary market than retail. Amazing how once the secondary market prices drops below retail demand just falls off a cliff.

[@MichaelBoelton]

you must be soihil's cousin

[@WatchFanHenry]

That is interesting to hear and you’re quite lucky that you were offered a watch. Personally, I’m only looking for 41mm watches. But I was told that they are getting more inventory on the 36mm side of the house. So your experience speaks to that.

[@roybatty6368]

Thank you for reporting the truth. The watches are not available. The bubble has not burst. It is still red hot. Letsss goooo

[@check2000]

Lol, you can’t really be this gullible

[@WatchFanHenry]

This is the strange thing: We’re seeing comments here from people that are finding watches for sale at list prices from Rolex dealers at various places. But I’ve been to a lot of Rolex ADs over the last several years all around the world, and I’ve not had one single stroke of luck. Not a single watch. Perhaps the handful of people that have been lucky are those that have found my videos, but they represent literally a handful of people out of tens of thousands of people like me and you who have not been lucky. It’s not a scientific observation. But it might explain how the red hot Rolex bubble remains intact despite some people getting lucky.

[@erikc3057]

I'm asking because I don't know: Do people that are in the market for a $40k to $50k watch just casually swing by the Rolex kiosk at Heathrow on a whim on their way to some other destination? I would assume that if someone was thinking of a $7k to $10k...but I would think someone dropping the equivalent of a car would probably be more deliberate and go to an AD just for that. Clearly I don't know.....if anyone can explain it would be much appreciated. Also...I guess this means I should abandon plans to get a Rolex and just go for the Omega?

[@WatchFanHenry]

I will share my thoughts on this very interesting question. Firstly I think the number of people that are in the market for a solid gold watch priced at $40-$50,000 is a small fraction of the number of people that are interested in the $7,000 to $10,000 watches that you point out. I am guessing that the buyer of a $40,000 watch is probably an ultra wealthy person possibly in the league of a Russian oligarch, tech entrepreneur, or Middle East petro wealth type of person. For them $50,000 is like for $500 for an average person and these people are passing through Heathrow, and it is for this reason that those watches are in these shops and available for sale. But if you are prepared to wait as I am prepared to wait, then I think the lower cost watches will eventually become available.

[@lettuce1305]

Btw they're not two toned white gold bracelets, they're stainless steel but with polished center links.

[@Keelow]

Can you go into an AD and ask what they have in inventory or do you have to ask for a specific watch and just hope its there?

[@johnrb9397]

What a weird brand that thumbs so many enthusiasts.

[@gaffs82]

Enthusiasts don’t buy $50k day dates. Thats the client they want.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

@@gaffs82bullsheet

[@johnrb9397]

@@gaffs82 yes but not all inherit that type of wealth. Many people make their way and a proportion of those will hold a distaste for the brand. Also consider the effect that a somewhat attainable product can have on a future generations of enthusiasts. Look at the rise of JDM cars in value over the past few years. I know many that comes into money that aspires to own a clean JDM classic to revive their youth, even Porsche falls into this category since Dad had one etc. Not seen many lust over a Rolls Royce lately….

[@Joe_1sr9]

What goes up Must come down

[@WatchFanHenry]

… Rolex watches, bitcoin, Gamestop, now Gold. Look at the Dow now closing in on 40,000. The strange thing is that some bubble markets persist indefinitely, and others do not. Irrational exuberance is not an all encompassing phenomena. Some bubble markets will persist indefinitely, and the $64,000 question is what will the Rolex market become? When I asked a Rolex AD shop person what his view was on the supply situation and when would watches be coming in .. He said it’s not a question of “when” .. it’s a question of “if” ..

[@MM-su9ew]

Side step Ad ---stop going in !

[@WatchFanHenry]

I can’t help myself .. I know the answer is going to be “no” but I can’t resist the temptation to check. Maybe one of these years I’ll get the word “yes”. Or maybe it’s a pipe dream.

[@mikemurphy8996]

The Grey market has too many and Rolex has none at all.

[@WatchFanHenry]

This is the Rolex Farce of the 2020s. I think this will become a Harvard business school MBA case study in years to come.

[@kkcwl]

The best strategy to maintain the price stability is to reduce quantity of production and to reduce release to ADs. Since Rolex is a private company, I think they have the ability to do this without undue pressure from the shareholders. Increasing production and quantities release is a suicidal move for the brand.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Yes, they’re certainly doing that keeping supply extremely tight and the aftermarket prices well above their list prices so I guess that is what their strategy is. I don’t like it as a potential buyer, but I don’t get a say in the matter.

[@unioncity62]

Very good update .. “boots on the ground …

[@WatchFanHenry]

As a Rolex nobody, I have to “slog it out in the trenches” .. and meticulously target each Rolex A.D. with an inquiry in the hope that I might meet with success one day.

[@thewholeshabang181]

I heard about two years back from someone who was deep inside Rolex that the brand was shifting to sell much higher time pieces ie the gold watches etc at 30-40k rather than the steel watches . Looks like this is playing out right now

[@WatchFanHenry]

Yes, from what I’ve experienced at the European and UK authorized dealers, this seems to be true. I believe you can get a solid gold Rolex watch a lot easier than a stainless steel piece. Let’s put it like this. I’ve been visiting Rolex authorized dealers for the last five years and I’ve never been able to buy a stainless steel watch of any type in the 41 mm size anywhere on planet earth, so I’m batting zero for 100 at this point.

[@andylondon1972]

In went into an AD on a Monday and got the call on the Friday. No previous purchase, I got on well with the salesman. Now loving my explorer

[@WatchFanHenry]

Congratulations, I’m very happy that you got a lovely new Explorer that’s great news.

[@skyworks1621]

Chrono 24 has an amazing amount of new watches fro 2023 and 2024. I dont know how it looks in my country in Slowenia since I was last in the store when I picked my submariner. It would be time for GMT and soon I will go. I like the Sprite since I wear the watch on right hand.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Rokex GMT is on my favorite list as well and I would like any GMT except a black dial as I already have a black dial Submariner. Every few weeks I take a look at the Chrono24 website and I am looking at eBay for watches every day as well. Across-the-board, I find the prices on eBay to be ridiculous. A lot of people are putting watches on eBay with prices that are so incredibly over the top .. it is like they’re trying to make a massive amount of money on unsophisticated Rolex buyers. I think the prices are better on Chrono24. The only problem for me is I don’t have the trust to buy a watch from somebody on Chrono24 because if it’s got any sort of problem, I’m on my own. At least eBay does have a protection plan. so for me personally it’s best to buy a watch from a store that I trust where I have a relationship. But that is just my personal preference and everybody has their own comfort levels and their own preferences, which I fully respect.

[@skyworks1621]

@@WatchFanHenry so true

[@redstarred8327]

Hello. Which DJ dial would be more collectible in the future? Palm Green Motif or Wimbledon? Thanks

[@WatchFanHenry]

This is a great question, but I don’t know the answer .. and hopefully we will get other people to chime in with their views.

[@Andre-ko1oo]

50/50 but Wimbledon is a hot piece for sure..

[@DecemberNames]

thanks for sharing! in Shanghai, I see rolex ADs advertising sports models weekly. Today for example i saw explorer 2 white dial and air kind. . . .

[@WatchFanHenry]

I haven’t been to China since before the pandemic, but I used to visit Shanghai every few years and I very much enjoy the city. I recall there was a huge Rolex dealer right on the Bund. I think it was next to the Patek shop. Did you see these watches for sale in the city center stores or at the airport? Thank you for the report. It’s very much appreciated.

[@DecemberNames]

@@WatchFanHenry I know the one you are talking about, but there are quite few here. That one street alone by the bund has 4 ADs. I added sales people all through the city and some in a nearby city, but Shanghai appears to have the most available on sale. Patek moved to its own building few blocks away from Rolex, and it looks like am Embassy now. I don't think they let anyone in without an appointment, last time I think they let me in only because I am a foreigner to them, so they nicely let me in.

[@KT-dji]

I don’t think they don’t have waiting list or no inventory story. They have inventory and just cherry picking customer. Most popular tourist city AD will not sale to tourists.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I actually have a British passport and a British address, so next time I’ll have to put on a fake British accent to see if I can score a watch. In all seriousness, if Rolex is going to have an authorized dealer at the international departure lounge of an airport, it only makes sense that they’d be open to selling to non-residents of the airport host country. This is my opinion of course.

[@GM-ii8gs]

I'm on the list with that AD, they want a UK address, standard WoS stuff.

[@ЖИЗНЬВЛЮКСЕ]

jenni elle speake with ex rolex dealer ,all waitlists are fake, they keep in safe all stock

[@Chris-de2qc]

Duh. If people don't know this they don't deserve a Rolex.

[@WatchFanHenry]

It is very possible .. of course nobody really knows for sure. Unless they work at the actual Rolex shop. Although I think some people have reported being on waitlist and having been called to come and pick up their watches .. so that might give evidence to the existence of actual lists at some shops.

[@brianmartin4035]

Nice video. I'd take the blue face Yachtmaster! I'm no expert in marketing or merchandizing but it seems to me that Rolex is in a position that just about any other company ON EARTH would want to be in. If they increase production, demand (and value) will inevitably fall at some point. The tricky part is figuring out how many more watches they can release into the market (so they can make more money) without creating a negative impact. Again, I'm sure Omega and others would love to have this problem rather than their current situation of fueling the gray market.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Thank you Brian for these valid points. I personally think that Rolex could have managed their created shortage so it puts anybody who wants one of their watches on an equal playing field. They haven’t done that because they sell watches to people that are in the know, and they sell through the back door into the gray market at inflated prices. Those actions are quite distasteful to me as a potential buyer. The Rolex of 2024 is not the same as the Rolex of 1984 or 1994, and I believe a company that treats customers and potential customers poorly will have some sort of negative impact to their bottom line at some point in the future.

[@brianmartin4035]

@@WatchFanHenry You make good points as well and it is a shame, but not a surprise, that a luxury goods company doesn't always treat customers as they should. I've loved watches since I was a kid and when I was about 30, I told myself I'd get a Rolex when I was 40. Then I pushed it to 50. When I turned 50 in 2022, I bought a Zenith! There are several reasons for that. But a big part was that I generally go against the hype. I'd rather have something less pretentious. Plus, I absolutely refuse to pay above retail. I'm sure I'll own a Rolex some day, but I'm not in a hurry. OTOH, if they put the Explorer in the Air King case (with the crown guards) as it should have been, I'd be all over it!

[@stephenmiller8620]

There getting the watches they go out the back door to there friends for a back hander everyone knows that

[@WatchFanHenry]

Absolutely .. I believe that is fact.

[@TL-ph5wg]

Rolex a brand that don’t sell

[@mrparlanejxtra]

Scarcity keeps prices and profit margins high,

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Henry, does the price in the window models include the V.A.T., or do you need to add the 25% tax on top of the price shown?

[@ajparsons66]

Those are the current retail prices including 20% VAT. No extra tax

[@WatchFanHenry]

Indeed, as explained by another viewer, the ticket price includes all taxes. The UK operates like Japan and Europe (in that prices shown on a price sticker include all taxes). Nothing is added at the checkout counter, so to speak.

[@DC-si8xw]

love your enthusiasm, but there are so many factual errors in this video about metals and dials. about half the information is incorrect.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’m definitely no expert just doing the best I can to try to identify the watches from the videos and often it’s impossible for me to tell whether it’s a 36 mm watch or a 41 mm watch and I can’t tell if a bracelet has white gold or it’s all steel. I just have no clue.

[@flhxri]

I went to an AD in metro detroit over the weekend. They didn't have any new watches but they had a bunch of used ones without boxes and papers.

[@WatchFanHenry]

If these were Rolex CPO “certified pre owned” I’m guessing they were all priced at higher than Rolex list. Was this the case?

[@flhxri]

@@WatchFanHenry well they wanted 10,300 for a 2000 sub date and 7500 for a 1990 date just. I wasn't sure if they were high, they seemed the going rate, but I don't know much about Rolex pricing.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I agree hard to tell with these prices. They are not bargains but not over the top pricing either. Thank you for responding as I was curious. @@flhxri

[@flhxri]

@@WatchFanHenry no problem

[@noyanpamircan4063]

in some uk stores dj 41 two tone oysters bracelets with diamond dials are available - plus smooth bezel 41 dj watches

[@WatchFanHenry]

That’s amazing to hear. Thank you very much for telling me that. I’ve not seen any of these watches anywhere else for sale at any Rolex AD shops that I visited in Europe or Asia.

[@noyanpamircan4063]

@@WatchFanHenryyou are welcome Sir, i enjoy watching your videos so wanted to provide a small update. so im visiting london as a tourist, and to be specific, the AD offered me a champagne diamond dial datejust 41 with jubilee and the same combination in black. also there was another walk-in customer which directly asked for mens steel datejust watch and the dealer said they only have two tones. for many years im a big fan of jubilee bracelet, so i prefer waiting a bit longer to get the one i really want. but the lack of availability and waiting lists makes us really excited even when we see an available watch with a combination we dont prefer. so it was a difficult decision but i passed that offer :) smooth 41 with black bezel i was offered in new york 2 weeks ago, they didnt have fluted bezel so i passed that as well :(

[@Ariel.Fortele]

Yesterday I went to London to a Rolex store. Zero purchase history with them .... And I was offered one Datejust 41 dual tone, and one Submariner dual tone ( the Bluesy )

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Two-tones are typically readily available/offered. Let us know who you get on with a SS Submariner or GMT.

[@Ariel.Fortele]

SS Submariner or GMT are not available because all the bookies cant afford gold watches so all the hype goes on the SS@@KeepingWatchUK

[@WatchFanHenry]

That is amazing to hear. Thank you for reporting this .. was this a shop in Central London or at the airport?

[@Ariel.Fortele]

Bucherer

[@mrparlanejxtra]

My fake rolex has stopped 6 months after i put a new battery in. My Casio stillkeeps perfect time many years after a new battery.

[@glockman9c]

gross

[@WatchFanHenry]

I can’t speak for the fake Rolex watches as I’ve never owned one, but I am aware that the super fakes cost thousands of dollars and visually look impressive. But I wonder if they about as reliable as a papier-mâché walking cane on a wet day.

[@mrparlanejxtra]

I have heard they have a Seiko movement.@@WatchFanHenry

[@alexius8111]

fail to believe its not a false scarcity. Business would do anything to be at this pedestal why would they give it up too many retailers to play the market

[@WatchFanHenry]

It just seems strange that they have this Rolex authorized dealer network with retail shops all across the world with almost nothing to sell.

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

I love my Rolex explorer 1. I know I’m in the minority here, but I much prefer the omega aquaterra over the datejust. The finishing on the omega dial is better, and, in my opinion, the movement is better. That being said the Rolex bracelet is much….much… better.

[@michaelduldner2262]

You need to have a relationship to buy from them. They probably sell to extremely wealthy travelers. Get a Speedmaster and you can have a watch as good, if not better. Think of the history of the Speedmaster and Apollo missions

[@MichaelBoelton]

Apollo mission never happened. it was faked on a Hollywood sound stage.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I will definitely do some reading on the Omega Speedmaster as it has a very impressive pedigree.

[@Orozco_PNW]

I think the 36 Datejusts you showed near the end are actually 41 since they have the printed numbers around the indices?

[@WatchFanHenry]

Thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate it .. when I watched my video clips, I couldn’t tell whether some watches were 36 or 41mm.

[@Orozco_PNW]

No worries! I enjoy your videos!@@WatchFanHenry

[@speedypaul2314]

Screw rolex. Omega has no bull.

[@raymondhernandez]

And you believe the bs these guys are feeding you?

[@WatchFanHenry]

It’s hard to know what to believe because there are people in these comments that say they are getting offered watches. I’ve never been offered to watch and I’ve been looking for over four years all around the world.

[@andrewbenson4439]

And yet every footballer has a Rolex on their wrist. Clearly they’re only selling to people that can showcase their product.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Indeed, no name people like me don’t get to buy not from Rolex anyhow and not in Europe or North America. So this is why the last several watches I’ve bought were purchased in Japan, where nobodies like me can actually purchase the watches.

[@conradwalker9055]

Footballers will pay a premium every time bc they can afford to, not necessarily buying from a Rolex store just dealing with watch dealers

[@gaffs82]

I flew through Terminal 2 in December. Could buy a white 36 Dj smooth. Wasn’t for me tho. So watches do come up.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I should clarify that that in the last four years, I’ve only been looking for 41mm watches not 36 mm. So there may have been 36 mm watches available, but it’s not something I’ve ever asked for.

[@stevenzaleski]

Since when did Rolex produce a steel Sub with a black bezel but a deep blue face ? 🤩🤩 gorgeous!! But it’s surely a trick of the light as to my knowledge this doesn’t exist 😊

[@WatchFanHenry]

That’s what I thought and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing .. and it’s right there in the video so I don’t know. I guess it is a trick of the light. I was wondering this myself.

[@stevenzaleski]

It does indeed look like it on the video - must be a lighting thing- I’ll tell you what though Henry, it’s a heck of a lovely looking watch - if they did one it would be stunning 😊😊👍

[@JetFlix]

I should make a video around this using a screen capture .. see what other people think. It raises the question about the secondary market of replacement dials for Rolex watches. My personal view is I would always prefer a watch to have the factory dial. Anyhow, thanks for commenting on this, and sharing your interest. @@stevenzaleski

[@dave23q.18]

Another stupid question 😂😂😂. Will Rolex increase production to the point where everyone would be able to get the dream watch!No, of course not. Exclusivity over high volume. Rolex produce over 1M watches a year, that’s already crazy numbers!Why the hell would they produce more?Do they want ‘everyone' to wear Rolex?No, I don’t think so!

[@samuelburton5576]

You are so right! They would destroy their prestige if they did so. Prestige is built on being exclusive not mass producing. Let the whiners whine.

[@WatchFanHenry]

If they’re selling all the watches to people in the know and through the back door door, why bother having retail shops all around the world staffed with clerks that simply tell people they have nothing in stock? You don’t have to be a Harvard MBA graduate to realize this is a lunatic business strategy.

[@RoderickTom-ge1vc]

No need Rolex, too many games

[@thehappywristchannel]

Very interesting. Thanks for the insight

[@WatchFanHenry]

My pleasure! Thank you for letting me know.

[@sergiogarcia9822]

Sohil is dead wrong, it is a matter of when, my ad can get me any explorer I or II, 2 tone datejusts and some steel datejusts, deep sea sea dwellers, 2 tone sub and 2 tone gmt as well as basically any full gold piece, my purchase history is over 100k USD for whatever that is worth.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Maybe one of these years I’ll find a Rolex shop that will say they have a watch they can sell me. I’ll have to be patient as I’ve not yet found this shop as it certainly doesn’t exist in my travels within Canada, Asia, and Europe.

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Need to be patient, polite and collect several luxe watches over time. This way you establish a proper business relationship with them. You also can prove through your actions that you are not impatient or rude. They then understand that you have money to purchase multiple pieces and you do not haggle, be a hassle, or waste anyone's time. Simply be respectful. Go to grey market if a person only wants one particular Rolex watch.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Thank you very much for explaining how the Rolex AD temperament is played out in North America and Europe these days. Indeed, I’ve never been anything other than extremely polite and professional in my conduct whilst visiting Rolex ADs throughout the world. I also ensure that I am well dressed and well groomed before stepping foot in any Rolex shop to Be as a serious buyer. So far no luck but I shall persist.

[@JR-bt5dy]

Price list ? footprint? Rubish. They want the prices to continue to rise. No Rolex for me, sad.

[@user-el1hh2mj9w]

They just dont want to sell those high demands ones to you and unless u have really close relationship with them or spend a certain amount of $$. How do you know ? I got mine 2-3 weeks after putting in my “wishlist”and get an offer for many more in store….

[@larrywilliams3264]

Rolex has to be manufacturing the replicas…..otherwise I don’t see how they can afford to pay staff, pay rents, taxes, etc. with no readily available inventory

[@WatchFanHenry]

What I find incredibly strange is that Rolex is doing nothing to stop the Rolex superfake industry. A company as global and financially sound as Rolex should have the financial means to put an end to the Rolex superfake industry .. if they had the desire to do so. They don’t even speak about it. I think their silence and inaction is a shambles.

[@RocketDog73]

Those airport prices are priced more than the real AD shop prices. So much for being Duty Free. Lucky they are not available as you would have got ripped off 😂

[@WatchFanHenry]

I was not at all aware that there’s a price difference between the airport Rolex ADs and the off airport Rolex ADs. This is an interesting observation. Thank you for sharing it.

[@jcm5651]

@@WatchFanHenry Henry, great video, is the Rolex outlet at Heathrow Duty Free?

[@GM-ii8gs]

All ADs in the UK price the same, no duty free has stopped in the UK.

[@judesisilangilang4465]

Will you go next month for the WATCH & WONDERS?

[@WatchFanHenry]

Thank you for asking, I would love to attend that show specially because it’s going to be in Geneva Switzerland and I’ve not been there since before the pandemic. April will be quite a busy month for me here at home so I don’t think I’ll be traveling to Europe. One of these years I’ll make it for sure.

[@Ernesto-z6f]

I like the vintage ones a lot better. Smaller and cooler. Too big and flashy now😢

[@drans60]

Henry, thanks for the boots on the ground information. It saves us a lot of meddling about online as well as calling ad’s about current supply. Appreciated!

[@WatchFanHenry]

Strangely, there are people in the UK that are reporting in these comments here that they’re seeing more men’s watches available, but it’s not something I saw when I visited the Rolex shops in London at Selfridge’s and at the airport. So I really don’t know what to say .. my own person is experience is I saw nothing for sale, and that’s kind of all I can go right now. So same as what you’ve seen.

[@WatchezandWonderz]

I like the stock

[@andypandy4987]

Airport ADs are getting precious metal or bi-metal watches, stainless forget it.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Yes, he did say that he’s getting solid gold watches and ladies watches. But he didn’t have a single watch for sale when I was there.

[@cseasypeasy7029]

You're smart and you can gauge their replies. Their answers are utter nonsense. There are shipments and watches coming into their shops, on a weekly/bi-weekly basis. They are being untruthful.

[@Armchair-Investor]

Not what I wanted to hear but this is still a great update! 😊 👍

[@spiketrimble]

I hope availability remains scarce. It helps maintain the value of the watch and I don’t want to see my Sprite or Skydweller on the wrist of every guy (or woman) that can afford one. Exclusivity is part of the appeal.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

There is nothing exclusive about a machine mass produced watch made by the million. You are the worst type of snob. I have two Rolex and despise people like you.

[@samuelburton5576]

Exactly!!!!!!!! Rolex must not fall for the individuals who are upset because Rolex won't over produce watches, and thus devalue their watches, to make everyone happy. Luxury is exclusivity!!! Just ask Hermes

[@samuelburton5576]

Exactly. Exclusivity equals luxury and good resale values. These guys seem to think Rolex should over produce and become available to anyone who wants one. That's not luxury. Just ask some of the so called luxury brands who are suffering due to over supply and perceived value

[@WatchFanHenry]

That’s an understandable point. I guess if I owned one of these watches, I would feel the same. But as I don’t own one of these watches, I don’t feel the same. So I guess that’s how market equilibriums operate.

[@chuabobby4317]

On waiting list for 4 years now 😅 no hope of getting one. I don’t really care now. Own a omega now still love it but looking for a upgrade no idea what to get next

[@WatchFanHenry]

Yes, your experience is the same as mine. I’ve waited for four years as well and haven’t been able to purchase a single watch from a Rolex AD. It is for that reason, I’ve been buying my watches in Japan.

[@dankinsler1930]

P.T. Barnum said there's a sucker (Rolex buyers) born every minute.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Paying thousands over list price just doesn’t make sense to me personally so I’m quite comfortable to wait however long it takes.

[@Outdoorshuntingshooting]

The current production does meet the markets demand, however that production is being sold out the back door by ADs to the grey market. Hence the glut of watches on chrono 24. Like debeers they are holding stock in the hope of a sucker paying the inflated price. Seiko make a better watch imo.

[@mendipfox1650]

You look like a fairly well educated fella. Don’t fall for all the silly Rolex nonsense. Buy beautiful haute horology instead. Not this mass produced steel dog sh*t out of Geneva. You deserve it. You’re worth it! 👍🏻

[@WatchFanHenry]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I would really like to know some specific makes of watches that you recommend .. that are truly special. It’s funny you mentioned this because I have a friend in Frankfurt (Germany) and he has a friend who is a lifelong professional watchmaker. This person custom fabricates timepieces on for collectors. It has been on my to do list to try and meet with this watchmaker. I really need to make an effort to meet with him and see what he’s capable of as it speaks to the area of watch collecting that you are referring to .. I think. And thank you again for commenting my video. I appreciate it.

[@jacekbzdzikot2704]

I have received 4 watches this year already. Gold daytona oyster flex, steel dj 41 jubille, Wimbledon 41 oyster and just now 40mm explorer. 2 walking to AD 2 on list

[@WatchFanHenry]

Congratulations you’re doing extremely well. I’m very envious of you. (I think you should start buying lottery tickets) .. I’ve been trying for four years with zero success.

[@ahsan101]

Its a ploy to get people to build "spend history". Basically buy a whole bunch of jewelry and ladies watches, then maybe you get a call for a stainless steel model

[@trilllife4433]

If you want a GMT II or any other highly requested/desired models, just spend the money and buy it on the grey market! No waiting list and politics to deal with! I’ll be purchasing my dream watch by the end of the year! Save and get what you want!

[@WatchFanHenry]

I will just buy the watch in Japan, where it’s a lot less costly than in North America or Europe .. that’s my game plan. There are several models that I’m looking for as potential next purchases. I like to get a GMT any model except the black dial. I also like the fluted dial two tone Datejust 41, as well as any entry level Skydweller. These would all be my dream Watches. I also like two tone Subs. The Japanese secondary market is just a lot more competitively priced than anywhere else I’ve ever found.

[@artispinote6218]

waitlist at airports?

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Yes. They have regular customers passing though on a weekly basis and other periods of course.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Well yes, Heathrow airport Rolex ADs will put your name on the waitlist, but if they get a watch for you, you have to show up within a week or so to pick it up, which may be difficult if you’re not flying through the airport in that short time frame. So it’s not overly practical for most people.

[@samuel4568]

Your at the airport so I’m sure you can see all the Boeings taking off and landing. So this should be your mind set. Buy Boeing stock while it’s on sale while the bears are in control. Then after Boeing stock doubles in a few years sell you stock and take the money to the Rolex Ad. At that point Rolex could be fully stocked and then haggle with them for a discount, possibly 20% off like the good ole days.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Great comment Samuel. I loved it!!! This is so interesting you mention this. I’ve actually been watching Boeing stock all the way through the pandemic .. and through the 737max crashes, where it plunged down. You’re so right as it doesn’t matter what asset class we’re talking. If you buy low (when everybody else is panicked and selling) .. you can sell when returns to the market and the asset class trends higher. Buying high is not the best idea. And this is exactly why I have not bought a Rolex watch from an inflated North American or European secondary market seller. This is also why I’m not buying into the stock market at this particular moment with a looming 40,000 Dow. We had a 23,000 Dow in the spring of 2020, so a $40,000 looks very much like a bubble to me. bubble. Boeing shares at will appreciate and you’re right. It can pay towards a nice watch while we’re waiting for the Rolex market to become sensible. I think it’s a great idea because Boeing will recover .. and they’re not going to go the way of the Studebaker.

[@WatchFanHenry]

Just so we have a record .. Boeing stock today is $191. In 2020 it was around 100 or $90 so it’s still 100% more than that .. so for me personally I don’t think it’s down enough for me to put any cash into it. More or less .. it’s kind of about at average point for 2022 and 2023 despite a peak last year towards $250. If it can get down to the low hundreds, I would be a buyer. Despite all the bad press that Boeing is getting and even the loss of their CEO announced today, their stock is still far too high in my opinion, just like secondary market Rolex watches.

[@vincet6730]

They have always been suckers…

[@loo9407]

Purchased a Yellow Gold Day Date 40 here in Southern California about 3 months ago waited about 90 days for my watch. Now I’m getting calls from my ad saying all these different models are available, don’t really think waitlist are real lol. Skip the line by purchasing undesirable models or play their little game, it sucks they treat customers this way

[@wayneguy6043]

Pick me up a Pepsi and a panda

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Dude, have some originality

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’ll take a Batman please. OK if that’s not available I’ll take the root beer two tone.🙏

[@esperoutdoors9421]

sub with a blue dial? dont think ive seen that before

[@kkdaddy88]

Same

[@josefangeles2083]

Blue dial two tone model.

[@kkdaddy88]

But have you seen an all steel blue dial black bezel? That’s what’s shown in the video…

[@esperoutdoors9421]

@@kkdaddy88 exactly. its got the black bezel, but a weird blue dial. surprised he didnt ask about more info for this

[@KeepingWatchUK]

@@esperoutdoors9421It’s the Seadweller deep sea James Cameron- NOT a Submariner.

[@teenoso4069]

All Rolex dealers have continual stock including of the "hot models" tucked away in the safe. They choose who they want to get them.

[@samuelburton5576]

Why should Rolex boost supply to levels where anyone who wants one can get one? Does Hermes, Chanel, AP, Patek, etc.... do this? No. No real luxury player would do that.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’m not 100% certain but didn’t Rolex have most of their watche models available for sale for the last hundred years up until the year 2020?? .. for anybody that wanted one to purchase one at any shop they walked into? I think this was the case but again I’m not 100% certain. If they’ve changed their business model, I guess that’s their prerogative. As a buyer with cash to pay for a watch, having to put up with years of mind games and kissing the back sides of shop clerks asking rhetorical questions each time I walk into a Rolex shop, it is not my idea of a good time … and Rolex won’t get my money .. so I guess it’s all good in the end. I can spend my money elsewhere or buy my Rolex watches in Japan. Ultimately, Rolex will get a kick in the backside from the market and realize they’ve made a mistake. This is my opinion. It may be wrong. We shall see.

[@dylandefronzo916]

So heath is working for free??

[@don1985-f2h]

RADO is the best 😊

[@franklinshouse8719]

Personally, I don't care. I like buying watches but Rolex is not on my list. They are not worth the hype. It's pretty crooked what's going on.

[@shahzadmulk1675]

The authorsied dealers have all the watches in the back on display but don’t sell them to any Tom dick or harry that goes in wanting a watch you have to build a rapport with your ad only then they will get you the watch you want and not put you on the waiting list I’ve heard stories of people that have put their name on the waiting list for years and not heard anything back.

[@piyushlht9]

Rolex definitely will go down further… it’s becoming like shite … and now people are like you don’t want to sell .. then well keep it with you there are many other deserving brands out there

[@Tralala-ri4yt]

Well of course sales reps in the stores would have no idea about future production. You’d have to know someone high up from the Headquarters. Or high up enough in US that would be in such discussions. Not to be rude but sales reps in the stores are like the lowest rank employees.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I understand what you’re saying thanks for letting me know. My hope is that some of the product planning information trickles down to the sales reps on the floor. But I guess in reality very little of it trickles down to the Shop level.

[@timchan334]

You seriously believe all that? Just look at how many of those watches are in the grey market! Wonder how they got them! 😂

[@gentlewolf]

Rolex the ubiquitous and this year boring timepiece that sheep wear is not cool. Don't do what every other wannbee does please.

[@brysoga]

Do yourself a favour and go buy a breguet instead

[@WatchFanHenry]

I’ll definitely have a look at their offerings. Thank you for the suggestion. Always appreciated.

[@johnrb9397]

Go straight to the grey!

[@gaffs82]

Nah. Heathrow is a terrible example. In New York and NJ watches are stating to come back in.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

If never support grey. Thats the problem

[@johnrb9397]

I just want to purchase a watch as an enthusiasts. I can’t get it from a AD. Rolex won’t increase supply to meet demand. I have to be pragmatic. Ny really?

[@gaffs82]

@@johnrb9397look at the news. They are opening a temp production facility next year and a huge new one in 2029. Production could be up by 50%

[@WatchFanHenry]

Not for me as I don’t want to pay the price.

[@Akj6zmdteuxze]

Rolex can knee down I still wouldn’t spend a cent. What they did is discriminatory and lack class. They can hide beside beautiful adverts but deep down they are just a dirty company. Boycott at all coat

[@WatchFanHenry]

Rolex and their shoddy treatment of global customers should be a Harvard Business School case study for MBA students.

[@WatchFanHenry]

I think it was Paul Thorpe who coined it as the “Rolex Farce” .. and that’s exactly what it is.

[@Akj6zmdteuxze]

@@WatchFanHenry it wouldn’t go down well in history . When u do something unfair, you may enjoy the moment but eventually it gets destroyed by society. They had it good for 3-5 years, but nothing lasts forever, including hyped demands. Let’s see how they progress in the next 5 . The dealer called me the other day, positioning that he is doing me a favor of getinh the rolex I want if I buy some other things from him. I was laughing so hard at them deep down knowing that he will get shit bonus and his company share price will tank terribly in 2024 due to such malpractices. nevertheless, I thanked him for his effort and assured him that I will consider his goodwill. I went on to check out a property on fire sale in the afternoon. 😂 Only stupid people (whether rich or poor) are enslaved by stupid methods . Money must be earned properly, including low quality brand like rolex

[@Akj6zmdteuxze]

@@WatchFanHenry and I am pretty sure u own some Rolexes. They are nice at best but they are not that majestic . After getting ur first few , it’s gonna make u feel really basic .

[@WatchFanHenry]

Yes I have several pieces. I save my money and try to purchase one a year and I have 2 or 3 models I would still like to add such as a GMT, and Skydweller. After that I will have scratched all the itches that needed scratching .. and I will see if I feel the same as you. It is possible. For these past several years there has been an element of the thrill of the chase ... as I try to get these watches brand new from Rolex. But that has so far not been possible.@@Akj6zmdteuxze

[@davedavidh3328]

The prices are inflated how long Rolex can keep this going is anyone's guess but the bubble will burst, prices are dropping on all high end watches.

[@user-wo7rn3uv4f]

I don't like Rolex but if I did I'd give them the finger. The games they play are for dummies!

[@WatchFanHenry]

That’s exactly what I’ve just said it in response to another comment .. but using slightly more politically friendly words if you will.