I've heard this before, but did not think that eventually it will happen in my AD.
So, yesterday I was walking around in Mall, and stopped by my AD to put my name on waitlist for Sub 114060. I am not new customer, have been buying several watches from them in the last 7 years, including rolex, IWC, TAG, and cartier. One of the salesperson also my best friend, so I have pretty good relationship there.
Much to my surprise, they politely declined my request. They said, the new policy is : if you want a sport rolex, you have to buy another watch. The "other" watch is not a rolex, and it's pre-determined by AD, so I can't choose. For this time, the "other" watch is a IWC Portofino chronograph limited edition 150 years anniversary, which cost USD 8000.
They said this new policy is to prevent grey dealers and flippers to buy only sport rolex. So if they are forced to buy another watch (which will be a watch that is hard to sell or has poor resale value), it will diminish their profit, therefore make them think twice before buy rolex.
Unfortunately, this policy also prevent true collector with limited budget, like me, to get a sport rolex. I like to add sport rolex to my humble collection, but no way I will spend another USD 8000 for ugly watch that has been gathering dust in the AD. Even collectors with more flexible budget still have to think if it's worth.
Honestly I can't 100% believe the reason of this policy. Part of me think that it's just AD strategy to sell unwanted watches , while still sell Rolex.
So, my only option is to buy from grey dealers with premium price. Nope, will not do that.
I don't want sport rolex that bad anyway.
Probably I will get new datejust 36 with caliber 3235.
Note : this policy only applied to all subs, seadweller, daytona, GMT , and explore II.