What’s the best watch to purchase to build a relationship?

[Fifteen]

I assume every thing is hard to get, but I’m wondering if there are specific models that are relatively easier to acquire and can help me obtain an aquanaut one day.

For example, for AP getting a code or offshore used to me a good way to build that first purchase history.

Any good comps for Patek?

Open to dress watches.

[dchang81]

Buy a bunch of iced out women's models that have been sitting in the case

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

I assume every thing is hard to get, but I’m wondering if there are specific models that are relatively easier to acquire and can help me obtain an aquanaut one day.

For example, for AP getting a code or offshore used to me a good way to build that first purchase history.

Any good comps for Patek?

Open to dress watches.

How about buying what you actually like ? Go to your AD and sit down and have conversation.

But yes womens watches and jewelry are your best bet otherwise maybe an ellipse or an annual calendar like 5396 should be a good start. None of this will get you an aquanaut though unless you start buying a lot.

How many watches do you plan to buy in the foreseeable future ?


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[Benzsiam]

One of the SA at PP AD told me that it was possible to bundle $200k+- jewelry with one of PP sport mode (Nautilus/Aquanaut).

[Ichiran]

Every AD is different - I suggest you ask your AD directly?

[capjand1]

Cuff links, iced out money clips and key chain should get you a sports model!

[GB-man]

You’ll need to buy the owner of the store a breitling…just make sure it’s attached to a Bentley.

[Screwly]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

One of the SA at PP AD told me that it was possible to bundle $200k+- jewelry with one of PP sport mode (Nautilus/Aquanaut).

Wow that’s ridiculous

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

One of the SA at PP AD told me that it was possible to bundle $200k+- jewelry with one of PP sport mode (Nautilus/Aquanaut).

The used market prices are much cheaper for the 5167.

[IBDOC]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

The used market prices are much cheaper for the 5167.

Maybe there are actually people out there who does derive some kind of utility from $200K worth of jewelry then. And color me shocked if that kind of person is who the AD would prefer to have as a client. But you’re right about the fact that someone who’s just interested in a 5167 should just buy it on the used market.

[Tricolore66]

The one they’ve had the longest.

[S``]

Be decent and be deep pocketed lol

[KVNNSCHNG]

If you are ONLY interested in a 5167 buy secondary and call it a day. Otherwise you’re no different than the other 50 customers walking into the Patek salon daily who are disappointed.

[2nastie]

Unless you want those other watches as well, buying watches to build a relationship just for one watch is the worst idea. I understand you may want to cover your basis for future pieces but ideally if you are looking to just own one Patek or one nice watch in general, go directly and find the piece you want (be it via a trusted "grey" dealer or for a premium on the secondary market).

The overall time and additional funds spent might very well equal or exceed the premium of just going through the non-AD channels.

I can't really quantify for the name on the paper aspect, but I can say is it really worth having extra watches you really don't need?

[~JJ]

Remember your future built “relationship” is only as good as your last major purchase that benefits them… time moves on pretty quickly.

[djman]

Having to spend $200k+ on things you don't want just to buy a desirable model is just ridiculous and I'd be surprised if any AD's operate like that. It just doesn't seem sustainable. AD's, at least reputable ones, want to have long lasting relationships with customers who don't flip the watches they buy. Go in and speak to your AD, or several in the area and have a conversation with them about your long term goals. If you're lucky, you'll end up in front of someone who'll listen and help. In all likelihood you'll help your cause by buying a dress watch, but $200k+? No, walk away and find someone sensible to deal with.
Failing that, as others have suggested, buy grey. What everyone on this forum has been seeing for the past few weeks/months is that prices are falling and rather rapidly at that. I'm in the UK and aquanauts and nautilus are selling for a fraction of what dealers were asking for them at the beginning of this year. If you only want one and you plan to keep it, go for it and have it on your wrist tomorrow. Just don't pay too much, certainly not their asking price. Look at what prices are being achieved in the online auctions to get a realistic sense of where the market currently is in terms of values.

[Partekular]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

…….but I can say is it really worth having extra watches you really don't need?

Absolutely correct. No one needs a mechanical watch.

Sadly, my 5320 yearned for it’s matching partner, the 5172 and who was I to disappoint it? Thankfully I got in there before they changed the face paint to dyed salmon pink on both. YUK! Where’s the retro on that?

Meanwhile, my other wrist companions are enjoying their extended rides in winders. Who needs watch winders? You might well ask!

As to the OP’s question, don’t buy what you don’t want. Madness! And no, no cufflinks! Try and drop in to AD’s just after they get their bi-annual stock intake (ask them) and snap up one you like which might not have been pre-ordered. Worked for me.

[newonos]

FWIW, I actually like the cufflinks. Guilloched ones are my fave!

[Partekular]

Originally Posted by newonos

FWIW, I actually like the cufflinks. Guilloched ones are my fave!

Fair enough! My wife also loves the salmon pink!

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by ~JJ

Remember your future built “relationship” is only as good as your last major purchase that benefits them… time moves on pretty quickly.

This --
It is retail after all.

[JMac6]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

I assume every thing is hard to get, but I’m wondering if there are specific models that are relatively easier to acquire and can help me obtain an aquanaut one day.

For example, for AP getting a code or offshore used to me a good way to build that first purchase history.

Any good comps for Patek?

Open to dress watches.

Honestly, the best way to start a relationship is to buy a watch that you want that your AD can obtain. Then, buy another watch that you want that your AD can obtain. Each one you buy, additional doors open.

However, I would view this as a multi-year process, and not something that you will knock out in a year.

Then, visit your AD, send a bottle of wine here and there, etc.

In short, be a really, really good customer.

[Mini2]

The process takes TIME
No short cuts

[Tricolore66]

Money is the shortcut, as we’ve seen time and time again.

Originally Posted by Mini2

The process takes TIME
No short cuts

[MadSpaniard]

The ONLY watch to buy is the watch you really want. The idea of buying stuff you don't want only for a marginally improved chance of getting what you do want is utterly inane.

Stand firm. Don't play the game. Don't get pimped.

[Mini2]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

Money is the shortcut, as we’ve seen time and time again.

Correct - Go grey and get it today!
Spending a ton at an AD is lnsane on the HOPE of being selected.

[Moondoggy]

Don't encourage them, the notion is absurd.

[Arthur Daley]

I'm in a market with one large AD. If there's one thing I've learned from this relationship it's that there's always someone in line before me with a substantially larger purchase history.

So, sought after watches take purchase history, time and quite some luck.

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[2nastie]

Originally Posted by ~JJ

Remember your future built “relationship” is only as good as your last major purchase that benefits them… time moves on pretty quickly.

This is very true. Especially in any hot market, a lot of ADs seem to have goldfish syndrome. And honestly SAs seem to turn over frequently as well which may negate any prior relationship you try building. Most of this "relationship" building seems to be only happen at the SA level and frankly management/ownership won't even have a clue who's building what.

I like watches and have a passion for them, but realistically unless I hit the lottery, the reality of building a relationship with a Patek AD is a bit of a pie in the sky idea. I'll visit ever so often and chat with some friendly folks, but I'm not going to be buying more than 2-3 Pateks (and probably less from an AD). We aren't exactly buying Swatches here and when I do make a significant purchase like this... there were/area better deals out there. I.e. my 5205R. I saved a significant chunk buying it from very reliable secondary market seller.

[kanwind]

Only buy what you really want

[bachoanguyen]

Totally agree. The AD kept telling me about how to build the connection, and I nailed down what I want. He offered some possibilities (and I think it's bluff). I told him that I don't care of those references. I only want these and wait for these. Around 10 months later, he called me.

Originally Posted by kanwind

Only buy what you really want