Why Is There a Stainless Steel Rolex Shortage?
Before we dive into the shortage of stainless steel Rolex watches, we need to take a look at some of the other models in the lineup. In particular, the top of the line watch, the Day-Date aka President. This is what many people consider to be the pinnacle of Rolex watches.
The “President” is not going anywhere is going to continue to be the top watch for a long time. Not much has changed on this watch since it’s release. The bracelet on the Day Date has been the same for many years and is The president bracelet is so distinctive that it is easily recognizable without even seeing the face of the watch.
With this being said, let’s take a look at some of the retail prices of Rolex watches and their second-hand trading value.
Platinum Rolex Day-Date 2
The newest Platinum Day Date 2 comes in a 41mm case that looks substantially bigger than the previous 40mm model.
This is the top of the line watch in the Rolex line up and is made with the most premium metal, platinum.
Retail on this watch is $62,500 but you can expect to pay around $46,000 today for a pre-owned watch or $52,000 for a brand new watch.
Rolex 40mm Day-Date II
The 40mm Day-Date 2 was only out for a year before getting discontinued. The 41mm version, shown above, replaced this watch and has been in the line up since.
Retail on this watch was $62,000. Preowned $40,000. Brand new $46,000 to $48,000.
36mm Rolex Day-Date II
The 36mm was the first Rolex Day Date to come out. This watch retailed for $57,500.
Today, you can get it for around half price mainly because it is to small for today’s standards.
Everyone wants bigger watches and the 36mm just looks tiny compared to many of the popular watches today.
41mm Day-Date II Yellow Gold
The Yellow Gold Day-Date is the classic styling of this piece. When you think “the President,” you think Yellow Gold.
With the Diamond Dial, this piece goes for $37,850. Resale is still $31,000. Pre Owned goes for around $28,500.
40mm Day-Date II Rose Gold
The Rose Gold Day-Date II with the chocolate dial is a very popular choice for women today. With the trend in women’s fashion going towards larger watches, this rose gold model makes a bold but elegant statement.
Rolex GMT aka The Pepsi Watch
The Rolex GMT or as more popularly know, the “Pepsi Watch”, has not really changed much since its original release.
Retail price on this watch is for $9,450. Because of the insane demand, this watch is selling for $18,000, nearly double its MSRP. The reason for this? Supply and demand.
Rolex does a great job controlling the supply of its watches and keeps a close eye on the brand and what products are selling.
If they notice a certain style selling out quickly, they will pull back on production.
Because of Rolex’s expert control of the brand, they are able to continue to sell watches that are sought after and collectible.
Why There Is A Shortage In Stainless Rolex’s
While expensive platinum watches are trading for 20% less, the stainless models are trading for almost 50% over retail.
As Rolex tightens production, they limit supply and create a shortage in their very popular stainless models.
