If you have been trying to buy a Rolex Daytona lately, you already know the model is almost impossible to get. Increasing demand over the last few years has made it almost impossible because there has not been a corresponding increase in supply. Ordinarily an increase in demand without a corresponding increase in supply would lead to higher prices. However, Rolex authorized dealers are not allowed to sell above the retail price so instead, a waitlist has built up that amounts to years of waiting. However, a market has developed for pre-owned watches and this model often sells for as much as double the suggested retail price in that market.
The Rolex Daytona 116500LN was an immediate success upon its release in 2016 and waitlists formed almost immediately. Although the Daytona was already popular, this new model saw its release at a time when Rolex itself surged in popularity. Informal research suggests authorized dealers get seven to ten of these watches per year, and sometimes fewer. You can imagine how quickly those disappear and how long the waitlists must be. This watch is one of the most sought-after Rolexes in existence. In fact, to even get on the waitlist, a purchaser will have to be a very important, well-liked and lucrative customer for the authorized dealer.
As a result, many customers turn the secondary market for the Daytona they want. Demand for the watch is very high and often, people fortunate enough to get one from an authorized dealer immediately sell the watch. Then, it is usually sold again. In each case is sold above retail before it is sold to someone who sells pre-owned Rolexes to the public. As a result, in the pre-owned market, this watch will sell for well, well above the manufacturer's suggested retail price. In fact, it often sells for more than double. The demand is so high, though, that there are many who are happy to purchase even at such a premium.
If you have your heart set on this Rolex Daytona, you really need an already established relationship with an authorized Rolex dealer. If you don’t have that relationship, your best bet is to buy it from a reputable Rolex seller who handles pre-owned watches. Understand that watch will come at an enormous premium. If you’re okay with that, you can have one of these remarkable watches on your wrist.