Why buy gray market? - newbie intro with ???

[RolexAwaytheDew]

Hello!

I am a newbie here. I have owned three Rolex watches over the years and currently own only my first (1988 SS Date). I have also owned three Panerai watches (currently own a Luminor PAM 00176 and a Luminor Due PAM 00936).

I am now looking to buy a Rolex or two and probably move on from one of the Panerai watches. I would like a GMT “root beer” for special occasions and then maybe a no-date submariner for everyday wear. I would eventually pass these along to my son.

I am trying to wrap my head around the idea of paying a premium of 25+% or more for a pre-owned Rolex, possibly out of warranty, when it appears that I can potentially purchase a brand new watch in the next 3-6 months. I have been reading, studying, and watching videos for the last month or so, and I know the market is dynamic, with possible softening compared to the pandemic peaks.

I have a long-standing relationship with an AD jeweler dating back to an engagement ring purchase almost 30 years ago, numerous jewelry purchases of various kinds for my wife, including a 2 or 3 in the $10-20k range, and a total of 4 non-Rolex watches (2 Panerai’s and 2 Cartier’s), over the years.

Based on the above, would it be reasonable to expect to have an opportunity to buy the GMT CHNR in the next 3-6 months? And then, perhaps the no date sub in another year or so?

Thanks for taking the time to read my newbie post.