Eyeing a Patek, how difficult are they to attain?

[brandobot]

I’ve been collecting Rolexs for over a decade and have stumbled across the Aquanauts.

With no purchase history, how difficult would it be to attain an Aquanaut such as the 5167A? Is it similar to Rolex where I may have to purchase less desirable models before getting one?

[soxfan39]

Virtually impossible. PP only produces approx 60k watches/year vs. Rolex 1mm+ Yes it's exactly like Rolex where to get allocated the desirable pieces, you'd need to have an extensive purchase history with the AD. And if your AD is located in an affluent large city, the competition makes it even harder to compete with those with very very deep pockets.

[schwartz914]

Worth it though. My 5167 has ruined future watches for me. Everytime I put it on I can't believe how good it is

[RyanO]

It’s attainable but you’re in for a long road ahead and it won’t be your first PP purchase. Be sincere, check in, and start with a Calatrava and express your interest in PP and why the brand speaks to you. I’ve seen miracles happen. But, it is extremely difficult to get a 5167a at retail. It’s worse than walking in and asking for a Daytona as your first purchase to give some perspective.


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[cascavel]

There's a grey market for that. Don't waste your time.

[Gelateria]

Pretty interesting everyone knows the nautilus is unobtainable so no one asked if its possible to get it as first purchase, but somehow would think there's a chance for 5167a...
I mean it's always possible, but if you have to ask you're probably not the one lol

[brandobot]

Thanks all!

[Bazil]

80-90% for returning customers, that’s how their inventory goes ..

[masochistsr]

I’ve seen cases of people getting a 5168 as their first Patek, with prior jewelry and spend on other brands. Perhaps chances are better for a 5168 or 5968?

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by brandobot

I’ve been collecting Rolexs for over a decade and have stumbled across the Aquanauts.

With no purchase history, how difficult would it be to attain an Aquanaut such as the 5167A? Is it similar to Rolex where I may have to purchase less desirable models before getting one?

Very very difficult !
I mean…if you’re going to start the relationship with an AD, spend $$$ on ?? you may not want, possibly wait years, and that’s a a BIG possibly, as you may never see one, ever….good luck.
Me personally…..if I were going to spend lots of dollars on things i don't want….just to “get a chance” …I’m going grey, getting a new one with the money I would’ve spent building the relationship/kissing a**/schmoozing, and have it within 24-48hrs.

[GGGMT]

My favorite color: grey


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[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by cascavel

There's a grey market for that. Don't waste your time.

This is the way to go as a first time buyer.

[masochistsr]

An argument against grey would be if you wanted your name on the papers, which many people seem to desire/care about. What other brands list the customer's name?

[Hendrikus]

The 5167a was my second Patek from the AD - I bought a Calatrava first, and I think key was that I did not ever mention the 5167a at that stage (as I actually and genuinely wanted the Calatrava). I think it helped that they saw that, and when my Calatrava was on my wrist I asked them if I could be put on the list for a Patek sports watch to make a great duo with the Calatrava. My AD really seemed to want to help and in due course the Aquanaut did arrive. There was no jewellery spend, though admittedly a number of Rolex pieces also acquired from the same AD - but I always got the impression that the way Patek pieces are allocated is more about your interest in Patek, then Rolex spend.

Oh another thing - I went on the Patek museum tour which my AD arranged - that helped!