Rolex New Acquisitions Collection

One day just one watch · 2022-12-22T18:19:15Z

Explore a collector's unexpected Rolex Sea-Dweller acquisition from an AD, revealing shifting market trends and the enduring passion for luxury watches.

One day just one watch

WPS member · Rolex forum

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In a climate where securing desirable Rolex models from authorized dealers has been notoriously challenging, forum member 'One day just one watch' shares a compelling personal account. This article explores their unexpected acquisition of a Rolex Sea-Dweller, offering a glimpse into shifting market dynamics and the enduring passion for collecting. Their experience highlights how persistence and a clear vision for one's collection can lead to rewarding opportunities, even amidst economic uncertainties.

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Recession is imminent they say (who is they by the way), so after years of the special Rolex edition “For Exhibition Only” that you would see in windows and inside authorised dealers, times have definitely changed. This week I was visiting an AD and lo and behold they had a Seadweller reserved for a client that did not came to buy the watch. If I was interested…? Uhm…yes! I just decided to minimise my collection to a few “grail” pieces and the SD is one of them. So I bought it, have a look..

Big, but not too big, I prefer it over the Submariner

Key Points from the Discussion

The increasing frequency of clients declining reserved watches at authorized dealers may be linked to a cooling grey market, where immediate resale opportunities are diminishing.
Some collectors are being offered less conventional or gem-set Rolex models by ADs, suggesting a shift in available inventory or a strategy to move slower-selling pieces.
The author's preference for a sporty aesthetic over diamond-set dials or smaller case sizes (like a 36mm Datejust) ultimately led to the AD offering the Sea-Dweller.
Despite only a 1mm difference, the author finds the Sea-Dweller less prone to accidental bumps compared to a previous watch with a gradient dial, indicating subtle but significant wearability differences.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller, while a larger watch, can wear well on individuals with a more robust build, as observed in a real-world sighting.
The author expresses hope for a future where watch enthusiasts can more easily acquire desired models directly from their local ADs, reflecting a desire for a return to pre-shortage market conditions.

The Discussion

ZSHSZ

Dec 22, 2022

Yes, same scenario here in my area, visited my AD yesterday and I was informed that people are declining the requested pieces left and right... Eider no money or they’re jumping on the next hype!

Nevertheless, congratulations to your new Rolex, a keeper for sure...🥂

One day just one watch

Dec 23, 2022

Interesting to know what that next hype is….my love for watches has been going on for almost forty years now

Recessions have come and gone, so have watches, but when an opportunity arises to buy a model i really want i go for it, as i did this time. I wonder what 2023 will bring and i sure hope we will be able to enjoy our passion and love for watches furthermore!

Jay (Eire)

Dec 22, 2022

Nice one. SD is always a winner.

It doesn’t seem the “politely decline” response is increasing in frequency, in part because many of those potential buyers know that their gray dealer is basically not showing any bids and so that comfort (or immediate sales channel) is not there.

One day just one watch

Dec 23, 2022

It sure is! And i think that customers decline mainly because people are expecting a recession and are getting careful with what they spend their money on

I recognize the feeling, but my love for watches keeps that fear in the back of my mind.

oyster case

Dec 22, 2022

Nice watch, glad you were finally able to buy something you like 👍

As far as the economy and grey market discussions, I’m appreciative that this site discourages those topics and focuses on the love and passion instead.

One day just one watch

Dec 23, 2022

Thank you! Maybe that’s why i got lucky twice in one month, because the DJ36 turned out to be too small

For my taste. I love the green dial but the 36 size is something i cannot get used to. And maybe that is why the AD surprised me with the SD because they first offered me a bigger DJ with blue dial but that one had diamonds on it, which is not my taste.

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