I went by my AD to pick up my Seamaster from service, and they were just putting a GMT Batman on the shelf. It’s a 2015 pre owned. It has normal wear on the case and bracelet. Asking price is $9500. I’m interested in buying this watch, and I know everyone says to buy if you find one, but it seems crazy to pay a MSRP for a watch that’s 3 years old and worn. Secondly, the blue is lighter in person than in pics. What do you guys think?
Unfortunately, that is the going price for them at the moment in the secondary market. Sometimes, you can find them BNIB for around $10K, if you want to spend the extra $500.
I assume from your "buy if you find one" remark, that you believe these to be rare or hard to find. Rolex is masterful at creating an illusion of rarity/exclusivity. Batman's are for sale everywhere, all the time (there are around 20 for sale on watchrecon.com right now), the only question is price and condition.
Yes, indeed rather easy to get a new one if you wanna pay a premium to the RRP (on a watch fair here premium was "only" approx. EUR 300). But I am still on authorized Dealers waiting lists because I do not want to buy such new piece on the secondary market. The watch is a good choice btw
If you look on chrono24 its up to 9k EUR in Germany for used ones. However, I have seen it on a recent watch fair for 8,2k EUR used (8,5k new).
I find it hard to fathom that a watch you can get new from a dealer is selling used for MSRP. I’d hold out for new.
Rolex are really tinkering with supply right now and holding out for new is becoming an increasingly long wait unless you’re a big spender with your AD.
Not easily in the UK but I’m not sure about the exact waiting list for that one. And yes, it’s BS - Rolex could ship as many as they wanted but they appear to be constraining supply.
Does the reduction in supply have anything to do with Basel? Perhaps they are launching new movements and want to beat down current models?
Getting a black is MUCH easier than the batman, as a matter of fact my local AD had one in stock when I visited about 4 weeks ago.
Possibly, although I read (can’t remember if it was on here or TRF) that Fraser Hart (one of the bigger UK AD chains) have been quoted as saying that their entire 2018 quota has been slashed.
That's nuts. How do you make money as an AD if most of your costs are fixed and your supplier cuts volumes with little/no notice?
Make money? It's an honor to be a Rolex AD - you make money on your other items you sell. You pay for the privilege of being considered worthy enough to sell Rolex
Maybe, but I think you will still see a 20% less production than last few years. Plus the demand is all-time high right now....
