Rolex Models Hard to Get - The Rolex Daytona 116506 Platinum

Many fine timepiece models have become difficult to buy from Rolex authorized dealers lately. Many have become difficult to buy from pre-owned Rolex sellers as well. Not too long ago, models that were very popular could still be obtained fairly easily. Now, though, models that weren’t among the most popular just a few years ago are now subject to waitlists as long as two years.

There really aren’t a great many reasons for this. It all comes down to the basic economic principle of supply and demand. There are far more buyers than watches. Since Rolex will not compromise their manufacturing standards in order to produce watches faster, a number of models command very long waitlists at authorized retailers and in the secondary market demand prices high above the brand-new retail price.

If you are looking to buy a Rolex, understanding the current market can be a big help. Here is a model you’ll have difficulty buying from a Rolex authorized dealer without a very long wait. If you choose to buy it pre-owned on the secondary market, be prepared to pay a very large premium.

The Rolex Daytona Platinum ref. 116506 was released just eight years ago to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Daytona watch. When it was released in 2013, it didn’t make a very big splash because it came with a very, very high price tag compared to other Rolexes. However, about three years ago, interest in this watch spiked and with the increased demand came long waitlists. Adding to the overall limit of inventory is the fact that Rolex limits the production of this model, meaning demand grows but supply does not. In fact, an authorized Rolex Dealer is likely to only obtain one or two of them a year.

If you want to buy one of these watches, you face a waitlist or you need to buy a pre-owned model on the secondary market. Be aware you may pay more than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for this model even on the pre-owned market. If you do go that route, make sure you deal with a trustworthy Rolex seller in order to keep things above board