For the last few years, the popularity of Rolex wristwatches has simply skyrocketed. There is no real way to describe the ongoing popularity. Some words that come to mind are mania, craze, and feeding frenzy. The truth is Rolex timepieces have always represented the pinnacle of luxury timekeeping. No brand is more iconic and none exemplifies the rich history and beauty of fine Swiss mechanical watches better than Rolex. In the recent past, however, demand has expanded dramatically.
This creates market conditions that are extraordinary. Part of what makes Rolex such an iconic and powerful brand is a commitment to quality that is absolutely unwavering. With that commitment driving everything from research and development to innovation, Rolex is a truly special watch manufacturer. One result of that commitment to quality is a refusal to increase production at the risk of in any way diminishing the exacting quality standards the company hold so dear.
What happens when demand increases but supply does not? Basic economics tells us when there is scarcity of a product in high demand, the prices increase. While that is certainly true when it comes to the pre-owned Rolex market, authorized Rolex dealers are not allowed to sell above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and keep their status as an authorized dealer. The result is long waiting list and the sad truth is even getting on a waiting list isn’t easy.
One Rolex model particularly impacted by this market is the Rolex Sky-Dweller. Any Sky-Dweller is difficult to obtain but the Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934 is easily the hardest to find and purchase. This is the Sky-Dweller with the blue dial and there are a number of reasons for the popularity and, thus, the high demand and resulting wait times. First, the watch is simply striking and beautiful. The blue dial makes it very sought-after and people are willing to wait.
What really sets a Sky-Dweller apart, however, is what you find inside the watch case. The complexity of the movement, the mechanics within the watch that work to tell time, is breathtaking and the watch is very desired for that aspect of things. It also adds to the situation with the limited supply. The complexity of producing the movement impacts the production capacity. With one of Rolex’s most complex movements, it takes longer to produce a Sky-Dweller than most other models. So, part of what makes it popular is also what makes it so difficult to get.
If you are in the market for a Rolex Sky-Dweller, you can expect waitlists measured in years rather than months, and that’s only if you can get on a waitlist in the first place. Many turn to the secondary market and there you will find pre-owned Sky-Dwellers selling for thousands of dollars higher than the retail price. If you go that route, make sure you find a reputable Rolex dealer to ensure your transaction is all it should be in order to get one of the beauties on your wrist.
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