Patek AD experience

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by HMHM

Let's revisit this topic again in 3 years!

Definitely! Make no mistake I would really enjoy some levity in the market myself...

[Ichiran]

My AD would have just registered my name on an imaginary "interest list", and then wave me off with a smile, sincerely hoping I will never come back to the store again.

I feel your pain, OP, but the AD deals with hundreds of such requests for Nautilus and Aquanauts every day. Logically, they are not able to fulfill all these orders.

[mbalmz]

this is such a weird complaint. did you just want them to say “no” and be done with it?

what did you “set up an appointment” for in the first place if you didn’t want to discuss anything with them?

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by qrc36

That's Patek policy now. They say the same thing at the Salon in Geneva - they tell overseas customers that is what they have to do in their home country if they want something popular.

If you walked into your AD and said the only watch you want is a 5146G or 5369G, they'll gladly sell it to you without any purchase history and without any lecture!

Maybe the correct answer should have been when shown the gray price say, that’s not the watch I want at all! (5990). Then proceed to show a photo of 5146 and say sorry, I can’t affording to spend 200k before buying this.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

You are right, I am a bit annoyed with the answer, but more with the experience tbh. I didn't expect them to open up a safe and get me one, but you do have a point if you want one of the "hot" models without the BS, go thru grey.

TBH, the 5990 is a grail piece for me and I want to buy it directly from AD so I'm the first and only owner. This will be a watch that will stay in the family forever, so being first owner is actually very important to me. Anyways... I definitely see / understand the game... Just annoyed... LOL... I'm going to stop whining now and enjoy rest of my Sunday - just the fact that I'm in the position to buy one is a tremendous blessing. :)

When was the last time you tried to buy a nautilus? Seems like you are out of the loop. If you already own watches why didn’t you just call your AD and asked? Not trying to be a dick but seems like you really just have to get used to new normal.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Razorsedge1

OK split difference and get new 911 (992) S!

Let’s meet in the middle and go preowned MacLaren 570. Can’t believe that 150k gets you one but barely a 5980 lol I’d go car vs watch sorry.

[B01fan]

Originally Posted by dauster

Let’s meet in the middle and go preowned MacLaren 570. Can’t believe that 150k gets you one but barely a 5980 lol I’d go car vs watch sorry.

Maintenance and depreciation on the McLaren is going to be way worse though...

[PPcollector]

Originally Posted by B01fan

Maintenance and depreciation on the McLaren is going to be way worse though...

And it doesn’t travel well internationally...storage is also a bummer unless you have a warehouse for cars like Jay Leno

[dauster]

Originally Posted by B01fan

Maintenance and depreciation on the McLaren is going to be way worse though...

true :)

[pav333hp]

Great replies and thoughts from everyone. I'll provide some more context and answer few questions raised below. What annoyed me most is that I felt the PT did not listen to anything I said and continued to push other watches after I clearly said I'm not interested in any other models. I went as far as to explain that every watch purchase for me is a thoughtful process where I spend time learning the watch, brand, and knowing why I want that particular watch. This isn't a "oh it's popular or highly desired, I must have" purchas. I mean, yes I do think about resell value with ANY major purchase I make (be it a watch, car, home, etc), but it's not the driving factor for purchasing a 5990. I understand they were doing their job, but I've also been dealing with customers my entire professional career and one thing I learned is to listen to needs / wants of your customers.

Originally Posted by SpaceDweller77

I recently purchased my first Patek, a 5711, from my AD a couple weeks back after a 10 month wait. I didn’t have any significant purchasing history with the AD, and in my humble conversations with him I did note that I was local and would never be parting with it as I intended it to eventually be a heirloom piece for my recently born son. Based on what I have read, I feel very fortunate that I was offered a 5711 relatively quickly, without the purchasing history I assumed was necessary. Since purchasing the 5711, I have inquired about a 5167a and I hope to continue a long, fruitful relationship with my AD.

Congrats! That's exciting and really nice to hear that you were able to get a 5711 in a relatively short time.

Originally Posted by Erod24

Why not go to the same AD where you got does desired models you already have?

One doesn't carry Patek, the other doesn't carry Rolex. LOL. Should have started with AD that carries both, lol.

Originally Posted by dauster

When was the last time you tried to buy a nautilus? Seems like you are out of the loop. If you already own watches why didn’t you just call your AD and asked? Not trying to be a dick but seems like you really just have to get used to new normal.

When, never in the past tbh, so I'm learning the new normal I suppose. I wasn't in a position to afford a Patek until recently. Now that I'm there and many blessings in life have turned around positively for us, I started looking into Patek. Because I already have a nice dress watch (non-Patek) that I really love, I'm not super interest in Patek's other watches atm. Yes, the 5370 is one I do like, but that $260K+. The 5990 is really one I actually love - love the styling, has useful complications, and it's right size big with really nice wrist presence (well at least from what I can tell from pictures and YouTube videos).

Originally Posted by dauster

Let’s meet in the middle and go preowned MacLaren 570. Can’t believe that 150k gets you one but barely a 5980 lol I’d go car vs watch sorry.

The car enthusiast in me (which is my other hobby and passion) says this is the better (and much more fun) way to spend money. Even for price of 5990, I could get a clean used GT-R or 911 (non turbo of course), and have a ton of fun. Hmmm...

[dauster]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

Great replies and thoughts from everyone. I'll provide some more context and answer few questions raised below. What annoyed me most is that I felt the PT did not listen to anything I said and continued to push other watches after I clearly said I'm not interested in any other models. I went as far as to explain that every watch purchase for me is a thoughtful process where I spend time learning the watch, brand, and knowing why I want that particular watch. This isn't a "oh it's popular or highly desired, I must have" purchas. I mean, yes I do think about resell value with ANY major purchase I make (be it a watch, car, home, etc), but it's not the driving factor for purchasing a 5990. I understand they were doing their job, but I've also been dealing with customers my entire professional career and one thing I learned is to listen to needs / wants of your customers.

Congrats! That's exciting and really nice to hear that you were able to get a 5711 in a relatively short time.

One doesn't carry Patek, the other doesn't carry Rolex. LOL. Should have started with AD that carries both, lol.

When, never in the past tbh, so I'm learning the new normal I suppose. I wasn't in a position to afford a Patek until recently. Now that I'm there and many blessings in life have turned around positively for us, I started looking into Patek. Because I already have a nice dress watch (non-Patek) that I really love, I'm not super interest in Patek's other watches atm. Yes, the 5370 is one I do like, but that $260K+. The 5990 is really one I actually love - love the styling, has useful complications, and it's right size big with really nice wrist presence (well at least from what I can tell from pictures and YouTube videos).

The car enthusiast in me (which is my other hobby and passion) says this is the better (and much more fun) way to spend money. Even for price of 5990, I could get a clean used GT-R or 911 (non turbo of course), and have a ton of fun. Hmmm...

Makes sense - let us know what you end up getting - car vs watch I would like to see pics either way :) good luck in your search.

[Codik]

My AD has consistently been polite and apologetic about the watches he "can't" sell me, and delicate about what he can offer. Seems to me to be basic courtesy when turning customers for luxury watches. It's a shame not all ADs understand the importance of the shopping experience.

[Rado63]

I understand the whole relationship idea, but it got to a point where I said I need to go because the conversation wasn't getting anywhere.

PS also said things like:
- Many clients have 2, 3, 4, 5 Pateks before buying a Nautilus
- I can get you a 5980/AR before I can get you a 5990
- My clients spend $200k, etc.
- Patek has to approve client before we can sell them a 5990
- We get a lot of 5990 in our store
- Looked up 5990 grey prices on their phone and showed it to me

Anyways... Just a bit annoyed about the whole pushiness.[/QUOTE]

I see this PS script as signals they want to work with you. First thing I would have done is ask for a multiple watch deal. You say I can get the 5980 AR, do we have that today? If yes then I would say great I'll take it and the 5990. If the answer is I don't have it then when can I get it and I would like to buy both 5980 and 5990. I will buy two watches today. If they want me to buy a third watch then know ahead of time what the third watch will be. I would say I want to buy three watches today if you have them and I need to be certain I can get the 5990. Then sell the other two. They said you need 2,3,4,5 pateks. You would be making a three watch deal those two watches would be $120K plus a third would put you in the $200k ball park the SA mentioned. But unfortunately they probably don't have the pieces at the same time, and can't guarantee delivery dates.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Rado63

I understand the whole relationship idea, but it got to a point where I said I need to go because the conversation wasn't getting anywhere.

PS also said things like:
- Many clients have 2, 3, 4, 5 Pateks before buying a Nautilus
- I can get you a 5980/AR before I can get you a 5990
- My clients spend $200k, etc.
- Patek has to approve client before we can sell them a 5990
- We get a lot of 5990 in our store
- Looked up 5990 grey prices on their phone and showed it to me

Anyways... Just a bit annoyed about the whole pushiness.

I see this PS script as signals they want to work with you. First thing I would have done is ask for a multiple watch deal. You say I can get the 5980 AR, do we have that today? If yes then I would say great I'll take it and the 5990. If the answer is I don't have it then when can I get it and I would like to buy both 5980 and 5990. I will buy two watches today. If they want me to buy a third watch then know ahead of time what the third watch will be. I would say I want to buy three watches today if you have them and I need to be certain I can get the 5990. Then sell the other two. They said you need 2,3,4,5 pateks. You would be making a three watch deal those two watches would be $120K plus a third would put you in the $200k ball park the SA mentioned. But unfortunately they probably don't have the pieces at the same time, and can't guarantee delivery dates.[/QUOTE]

I think you can bundle watches but not multiple hot pieces together - they want you to spend on hard to move pieces and then just maybe you get a nautilus. if you have 200k to spend Im sure you can still find an AD to take you seriously and they will work with you.

[Sergio25]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

. No, not new, I've been collecting watches for many years and have a few desired models, I know how the game works. Just annoyed that I clearly explained that the 5990 is the ONLY watch I'm currently in the market for, but PS seemed to ignore that while pushing other watches.

lol i am only intersted in daytona steel. do u think they care what you are intersted ? so naive

[Pongster]

My first Patek is a 5711 Nautilus. Bought from the local AD. Always a pleasure visiting their store.

[Plebs]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

This is a bit of rant, but also wanted to hear if anyone had similar experience. Went to an ADs yesterday to discuss purchasing a 5990. Set up an appointment in advance with one of their "Patek Specialists". At first the conversation started with usual pleasantries, intro's, shared my passion for watches and some of the pieces I have in my collection.

PS (Patek Specialist) then for the next 20 or so minutes proceeded heavily (I mean very heavily) pushing me to buy other Pateks. Brought out a catalog and took several pieces out of the case saying I should buy this or that. I clearly expressed that my decision to purchase a 5990 is one I have thought thru very thoroughly, explained why I particularly want the 5990, and that I have looked at every current Patek model and have no interest in any other models at this time.

I understand the whole relationship idea, but it got to a point where I said I need to go because the conversation wasn't getting anywhere.

PS also said things like:
- Many clients have 2, 3, 4, 5 Pateks before buying a Nautilus
- I can get you a 5980/AR before I can get you a 5990
- My clients spend $200k, etc.
- Patek has to approve client before we can sell them a 5990
- We get a lot of 5990 in our store
- Looked up 5990 grey prices on their phone and showed it to me

Anyways... Just a bit annoyed about the whole pushiness.

Welcome to Patek, if people get tight over Rolex boy will they have it even worse with PP lol.


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[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by Sergio25

lol i am only intersted in daytona steel. do u think they care what you are intersted ? so naive

Maybe a bit naive, but certainly smart enough to not waste money on things I don't need/like. Also, I was able to get the highly desired Rolex sports watches (SS Daytona and GMT Pepsi) I wanted without buying a single DJ, LOL.

Originally Posted by Pongster

My first Patek is a 5711 Nautilus. Bought from the local AD. Always a pleasure visiting their store.

Congrats! Super awesome and proof that cool things do happen. I just need to find an AD I can build a good relationship and where I'm not competing against big multi million $$$$ spenders.

Another reason why I want to buy from AD vs. grey is because I want to be the original owner, my name on all papers, and I was told Patek won't honor warranty if bought from grey - now I don't know how much truth this is, but AD did tell me this.

[nda]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

I was told Patek won't honor warranty if bought from grey - now I don't know how much truth this is, but AD did tell me this.

Not true at all.... it makes you wonder what other information he/she made up?

[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by nda

Not true at all.... it makes you wonder what other information he/she made up?

Yes, this is the part that made the experience not great - trying to separate truth from stories. LOL.

[enjoythemusic]

You may want to go higher-end with an FP Journe or another brand. Saw the direction of PP years ago and bailed. What other timepieces are in your collection, and what complications do you desire so we can help move you to a better brand that offer higher customer service and longer warranty.

[Calatrava r]

If you bought all the watches they want you to buy first, it seems just buying one brand new off the internet at market price would be a lot cheaper and a lot less hassle. I would seriously consider buying a dress Patek and becoming a customer of that store. You never know, that may do the trick for the 5990.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

If you bought all the watches they want you to buy first, it seems just buying one brand new off the internet at market price would be a lot cheaper and a lot less hassle. I would seriously consider buying a dress Patek and becoming a customer of that store. You never know, that may do the trick for the 5990.

This is the million dollar question. I mean, you really need to walk away certain your AD will come through for you on the "hot model" that you want. Otherwise, with Patek in particular, it makes ZERO sense to buy any Complication at MSRP unless you genuinely love the watch. If you love the Complication or some other model, by all means play the game. But if it is all in the name of getting an Aquanaut or Nautilus, you best be certain. If not, you literally just lost 40% of your "investment" and you're not making up a dime of it unless you get the allocation and in turn flip the object you desired in the first place.

I don't understand why this isn't more obvious to people. Bottom line in my opinion, if you have to think about whether or not you're going to get the "hot model", you're not important enough to get it.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

You may want to go higher-end with an FP Journe or another brand.

FPJ is definitely a worthy alternative, but they've gotten too hot as well. Almost anything you'd want from FPJ is a several month to year wait now. And the secondary prices mimic Tesla stock, so I would be very skeptical jumping into a brand or model that has appreciated something fierce over a short period of time.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

FPJ is definitely a worthy alternative, but they've gotten too hot as well. Almost anything you'd want from FPJ is a several month to year wait now. And the secondary prices mimic Tesla stock, so I would be very skeptical jumping into a brand or model that has appreciated something fierce over a short period of time.

Agreed.

FPJ is definitely too hot now. It's really unfortunate.

Great to see the brand be successful, but some pieces have a multi-year wait, and some pieces are trading 2x MSRP on the secondary market.

[enjoythemusic]

Yeah, people are looking for HIGH quality and FPJ gets the nod and is hot for sure. What other brands are TRF suggested to avoid PP problems?

[np2016]

Hopefully the new hype train starts buying Omega so my planet ocean can get some love

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by np2016

Hopefully the new hype train starts buying Omega so my planet ocean can get some love

Haha. The PO is such an underrated beast.

I have several myself. Incredible tool watches.

[np2016]

@greenlantern I agree with you 100%. My PO with the 2500 caliber I believe is the most reliable beat to hell timepiece I own. That timepiece is a mack truck it just doesn't stop even under the harshest conditions. I love mine and have it on a rubber strap.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by np2016

@greenlantern I agree with you 100%. My PO with the 2500 caliber I believe is the most reliable beat to hell timepiece I own. That timepiece is a mack truck it just doesn't stop even under the harshest conditions. I love mine and have it on a rubber strap.