Want to know how the Rolex waiting list works and how to easily get on it?
Well, if you want to know the secrets on how to shorten the waiting time before you can buy a Rolex timepiece, then you are in the right place!
We already know the advantages of having Rolex watches and what are the cheapest Rolex watches if you are on a budget.
However, obtaining a new Rolex timepiece is not that simple, unless you are looking to buy a Rolex online.
Not only are they one of the hardest luxury goods to obtain, they often come with a long wait and you have to build up a relationship with ADs.
So, if you are one of the interested customers who wants to buy a Rolex but doesn’t want to wait for a long time, today we will show you some expert tips on how to shorten this process.
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Let’s dive in!
What Is The Rolex Waiting List?
The Rolex waiting list pertains to the period during which prospective buyers are required to wait before they have the option to buy a new luxury watch from Rolex.
It involves an arbitrary ranking system, where customers are evaluated and prioritized based on their influence, purchasing history, and other factors before they are eligible to receive new Rolex watches when they work with an authorized Rolex dealer.
This process is not unique to only Rolex, as other luxury brands do this too such as the Patek Philippe waiting list.
10 Factors To Beat The Rolex Waiting List
#1. Work With Multiple Authorized Dealers
Visiting and checking with multiple Rolex authorized dealers is one of the best things to do to increase your chance of acquiring new watches from Rolex.
In our experience, not all of them are the same.
Some of them prioritize customers who have a good purchase history with them, while others value the status and influence of the buyer.
After building an AD network, you will be able to decide which Rolex boutique or official dealer is the best one to increase your chance of acquiring a new watch.
#2. Dress Smart
Making yourself presentable and leaving a good first impression can positively impact your experience and potentially enhance your chances of acquiring a Rolex watch when you visit an official Rolex distributor.
A well-dressed appearance reveals your seriousness and respect for the Rolex brand.
Sometimes, dealers are more likely to take your interest seriously based on your overall style .
#3. Grow Your Dealer Relationship
The “build a good relationship” tip is probably the most important thing you should remember if you want to increase your chances of getting the particular Rolex you want or even other popular Rolex models.
As we said earlier, waiting lists are an arbitrary ranking system that gives official Rolex dealers the luxury of deciding who to sell these Rolex watches.
Be personable and build a solid connection with the sales associate and store manager to make it easier for them to remember, prioritize, and phone you whenever they have a watch model that you want.
Ignore this point at your own risk, as not having an AD relationship will cause them to forget you and prioritize others.
#4. Be Knowledgeable About Rolex
Having knowledge about Rolex watches can set you apart and help you shorten the waiting list period.
You don’t have to be one of the smartest watch enthusiasts, but understanding the stories behind their timepieces, their popular models, and their technical aspects can build more credibility with your dealer and demonstrate your commitment to buying a luxury watch.
Always remember to become the person they are eager to contact rather than the one who can easily be overlooked and forgotten.
#5. Let The Rolex AD Know You Are Serious
The next tip goes hand in hand with the previous point.
In addition to demonstrating your knowledge about the product, you can also indicate to the Rolex AD (authorized dealer) that you are a committed customer eager to put a Rolex on your wrist immediately.
Do your best to impress your chosen AD and assure them that when they contact you.
Let them know that they can expect you to go to their store as soon as possible and make a payment for the Rolex model.
Obviously, you will also want to inspect the Rolex first and try it on.
#6. Don’t Keep Changing Your Mind
Do your research beforehand, and be sure to pick and stick to only one watch model or series.
If you keep changing your mind about which Rolex models to buy, it may reduce your chances of getting one as this makes you look less serious.
For example, if you wanted an Explorer II last week but now prefer a Daytona Cosmograph, it could force you to the back of the waiting list.
Remember that for your dealer, there is a fine line between a serious client and someone indecisive. This can also make your AD believe that you are not truly committed to buying a watch, which would result in not prioritizing your request.
#7. Don’t Say You’re A Watch Flipper
If you are into buying luxury watches as an investment, avoid openly admitting or declaring that you are buying watches to resell them later on the secondary market for a profit.
Why?
This is because Rolex has limited production each year, which is why dealers often prioritize people who are not only willing to purchase a luxury timepiece but also people who will keep their watches for a long time.
This will also limit the supply and demand in the pre-owned market, which may affect the list price of their products.
Create a believable story for why you want that timepiece so you don’t have to wait long on the waiting list and that you get your Rolex timepiece at the best price.
#8. Build A Purchase History
Having a good purchase history with your authorized dealer is also a good way to build a great relationship with them.
And when we say purchase history, it doesn’t mean you need to buy other expensive watches first or other pricey watch accessories.
As long as you have spent some money with your AD, this will definitely help in combination with all of the other tips we have shared above and guarantees your position on top of their waiting lists.
#9. Leverage Social Media Following
If you are an influencer with an enormous following on your social media accounts, another tip we can share with you to beat the Rolex waiting list is to use your social media following to create online engagements.
How to do that? It’s simple!
Just go to your Rolex authorized dealer, create engaging social media content about their watches, and tag them on your post.
If you are lucky and these posts create enough online buzz, the dealer might recognize your efforts and consider you as a valuable client.
This also means extended preferential treatment to you and may prioritize you on their Rolex waiting list.
#10. Go To AD After Big Watch News
Every year, Rolex unveils its new watches to the watch world at the Baselworld event in Switzerland.
This event and Rolex’s new releases frequently make collectors and enthusiasts shift their names from one waiting list to another due to the appeal of these new Rolex models.
That is why the period after this event is also the best time to go to your preferred AD and secure your spot on top of the waiting queue to take advantage of others switching to different waiting lists for new watch models.
Chart: Rolex Waiting List Size And Wait Times
Knowing the exact waiting time for Rolex watches is hard to predict as this was affected by several factors, such as the production capacity, trends and demand on the market, and many more.
But after weeks of studies and research, we have collated the table below to give you an overview of the average waiting time for each Rolex watch.
| Rolex Model | Average Wait Time |
| Rolex Daytona | 12 to 36 months |
| Rolex Sky-Dweller | 8 to 24 months |
| Rolex Day-Date | 6 to 36 months |
| Rolex Submariner | 6 to 12 months |
| Rolex GMT Master II | 12 to 24 months |
| Rolex Datejust | 3 to 6 months |
| Rolex Sea-Dweller | 3 to 18 months |
| Rolex Explorer | 6 to 18 months |
| Rolex Oyster Perpetual | 6 to 12 months |
| Rolex Air King | 6 to 12 months |
| Rolex Milgauss | 6 to 12 months |
Rolex Daytona Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 12 to 36 Months
The Rolex Daytona Cosmograph is probably the most in-demand model of the brand for the past several years. Whether crafted from stainless steel or precious gold, these watches are currently causing a frenzy in the market.
Rolex Daytona Waitlist often last for 12 to 36 months.
Related: Rolex vs Breitling Brand Comparison
Rolex Sky-Dweller Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 8 to 24 Months
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is the most complicated watch in the current active Rolex catalog.
Because of their complex movements, the production of these models also affects the waiting lists significantly.
If you have a good relationship with your AD, you can expect at least 8 to 24 months before he can deliver this watch for you.
Related: Rolex vs Tissot Brand Comparison
Rolex Day-Date Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 36 Months
The Rolex Day-Date is also one of the highly coveted timepieces in the market today.
Its elegance and functionality are what make these watches go-to pieces for many watch collectors around the globe.
If you are going to follow our tips above, you can expect to wear a Rolex Day-Date after 6 to 36 months.
Rolex Submariner Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 12 Months
Did you know that the Rolex Submariner is one of the most favorite watches among bankers on Wall Street? Yes, they are!
These watches are not only exceptional at delivering precise timekeeping during dives, but they also complement your formal and business attire seamlessly.
By maintaining a positive relationship with your AD, you can anticipate receiving a Rolex Subarminer typically within 6 to 12 months.
Rolex GMT Master II Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 12 to 24 Months
The GMT-Master II is one of the most difficult Rolex watches to purchase. The demand for their iconic models, such as “Batman” and “Pepsi” references, is often exceptionally high, contributing to a substantial waiting list.
If you want to have a Rolex GMT Master II, you must create a good rapport with your AD and be willing to wait for at least 12 to 24 months.
Rolex Datejust Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 3 to 6 Months
The Rolex Datejust is the most accessible model in the active catalog of the Rolex brand.
And if you’re interested in dual-tone Datejust watches, waiting too long is not a problem.
However, the stainless steel models with fluted bezels and a blue dial are the most difficult to obtain.
You can expect to wait about 3 to 6 months to acquire one, but that timeline only applies when the current demand is low.
Related: Rolex vs Cartier Brand Comparison
Rolex Sea-Dweller Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 3 to 18 Months
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and durable dive watches ever made in Rolex history.
It has a superb water resistance of up to 3,900 meters, with a highly functional rotating bezel perfectly made for people who want to discover the world of the deep ocean.
Although the Submariner is a much more popular model compared to this piece, it still has a dedicated following among serious divers and watch collectors.
The average waiting time for this model is around 3 to 18 months.
Rolex Explorer Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 18 Months
Rolex Explorer was one of the easiest-to-obtain timepieces from the brand.
But after the new Explorer models were released in 2021, these wristwatches started to be more and more difficult to find.
Building a good relationship with your local AD can increase your chances of receiving a Rolex watch faster. However, even with a strong relationship, the wait time for a Rolex Explorer can range from 6 to 18 months.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 12 Months
In terms of price and wait time, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual was once the best Rolex model for men who want to start a watch collection.
But since new models with colorful dials were released in 2019, the demand and waiting list for these watches also increased significantly.
You can expect to wait at least 6 to 12 months before you receive a brand-new Rolex OP from a local dealer.
Rolex Air King Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 12 Months
The Rolex Air-King is one of the most affordable Rolex watches today.
But that doesn’t mean they are not an in-demand model, with only a few people desiring this timepiece.
In fact, if you want to wear a Rolex Air-King, you must be willing to wait for at least 6 to 12 months.
But that also depends on your connection and influence with your authorized watch dealer.
Rolex Milgauss Waitlist
Average Wait Time: 6 to 12 Months
Last on our list is the Rolex Milgauss. It features an anti-magnetic movement and is not easily affected by the electromagnetic current, which most modern machines and equipment emit.
A perfect timepiece for scientists and professionals who work with sensitive equipment in environments where electromagnetic fields are prevalent.
The wait time for Rolex Milgauss’ is approximately 6 to 12 months.
Rolex Waiting List – FAQ
The average wait time for Rolex watches is about 12 to 24 months. But this also depends on the watch model you want.
No. You don’t have to pay upfront to be included in a waiting list.
No. Most ADs don’t require their clients to pay a deposit fee.
Rolex Waiting List – Conclusion
And there you have it!
Those are the 10 ways for how to beat the Rolex waiting list. With this guide, we hope that we can help you shorten the wait time before you can get your very own Rolex watch.
Want to know more about Rolex watches?
You can also check our article about the pros & cons of Rolex watches as an investment.
And if you have questions, comments, and suggestions, feel free to leave us a message below!
