Rolex Models Hard to Get - Rolex Daytona 116508 Green Dial
One model from the most iconic manufacturer of fine Swiss mechanical watches is very particularly difficult to get. This is the Rolex Daytona ref. 116508. Its popularity soared after a video in which music superstar John Mayer spoke about it. The video, released in 2019, caused the popularity of the model to rocket up. Let’s take a look at the watch and see just how hard it is to get.
What makes this particular Rolex so striking is the combination of the case and bracelet of yellow gold and the dial in Rolex green. From a simple design standard, gold and green are complimentary, drawing the eye and creating a pleasing appearance that is wired into a human being’s instincts when it comes to vision. This makes it desirable from an appearance standpoint and, more to the point, makes the watch look very beautiful on the wrist.
Naturally, this increases the demand for the watch and because Rolex refuses to increase production at the expense of their very exacting quality standards, there is no corresponding increase in the available supply to match the increased demand. Ordinarily, increasing the price would diminish the demand until it reached a manageable level. This is, after all, the basic rule of economic, the Law of Supply and Demand. However, authorized Rolex dealers are forbidden by the company to sell above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) so they cannot increase the cost to acquire the watch. The result is long waitlists for purchase.
This particular Daytona often has longer waitlists than other Daytona models that are actually in higher demand simply because there are fewer of the yellow gold with green dial models produced and shipped to authorized dealers. The result is that the Rolex secondary market, comprised of jewelers, pawn shops and others who buy and sell pre-owned luxury timepieces, has taken over to help people acquire the Rolex Daytona they want. However, the secondary market doesn’t have a contract in place with the watch manufacturer that sets pricing at a certain level. As a result, if you buy a Rolex Daytona 116508 in yellow gold with a green dial on the secondary market, you will pay a price dramatically above the retail price.
Many people do.
If you want this watch and go that route, be sure you find a trustworthy Rolex seller who will take care of you, treat you fairly, and behave honorably in all ways.