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If you thought that was bad look at what hoops Hermès puts you through. In fact a lot of luxury retailers are like this. I think the buyers actually like the song and dance to a degree. Merely buying it isn't nearly so satisfying as being granted access. It becomes an even bigger status symbol.

I think it's precisely this that makes the products desirable in public. In a social class where everyone can afford everything, the real status signal become the things that require more access, not more money.

Yet to find a Rolex store that let you buy models. Even Datejusts can not be bought.

Datejust is one of the most popular models. If you're desperate for a watch just ask for the 40k precious metal version of a watch and they'll sell you one without a fuss.

still kicking myself for not buying a stainless steel daytona when I had the chance.

otoh it's now only x3 the price I would have bought it for, and I probably would have worn it to death, so maybe it was money well not-spent.