Patek AD experience

[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.

[Danpd]

I was Lucky to get a 5990 after asking for a 5712. But times have changed now and you need to accept that you’ll need to buy more classic pieces before being offered a nautilus. If you just want that one watch then buy a grey one as it’ll be cheaper and easier long term. You aren’t going to get that watch from an AD without playing the game.

[HMHM]

New here? I don’t think the AD is going to sell anyone a 5990 without prior purchase history. Sorry for being blunt but that’s the rules of the game nowadays. It’s annoying. I’m in the same position and I’m only looking for an aquanaut.

[chiscott_29]

This is every single Patek AD. I mean, I know it's frustrating, but it's where we are with Patek sports models. If you want a Patek Aquanaut or Nautilus, you're going to have to build a relationship via other pieces. That means spending (big) money.

My view is the AD is doing their job which is to try and steer you into something s/he can or will sell you. S/he shouldn't have been pushy or made you feel uncomfortable of course. That's a problem if you felt that way, but please understand this is how it works with Patek/AP/Rolex. No amount of pleading or explanation of what you want or why you want it is going to change this reality.

[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by HMHM

New here? I don’t think the AD is going to sell anyone a 5990 without prior purchase history. Sorry for being blunt but that’s the rules of the game nowadays. It’s annoying. I’m in the same position and I’m only looking for an aquanaut.

. 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.

[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!

[chiscott_29]

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.

I'm not picking an argument with you at all...but what did you want to happen? Do you want the SA to just say "I can't sell that watch to you, and if that's all you're interested in please leave"?

It seems you're frustrated with the answer, not the SA. And I get it. Personally, I gave up on Patek long ago. I am not buying 2-3 watches that get destroyed on resale just to maybe get an Aquanaut or Nautilus. My strong advice is go gray, or move on.

[PPcollector]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I'm not picking an argument with you at all...but what did you want to happen? Do you want the SA to just say "I can't sell that watch to you, and if that's all you're interested in please leave"?

It seems you're frustrated with the answer, not the SA. And I get it. Personally, I gave up on Patek long ago. I am not buying 2-3 watches that get destroyed on resale just to maybe get an Aquanaut or Nautilus. My strong advice is go gray, or move on.

Completely agree!

They are being nice to you...some would just ignore you like I was ignored once. Another time at an AD I casually visited and asked to see a 5524. Tried to take a picture of it on my wrist and was told no pictures allowed on Patek watches...wtf

[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I'm not picking an argument with you at all...but what did you want to happen? Do you want the SA to just say "I can't sell that watch to you, and if that's all you're interested in please leave"?

It seems you're frustrated with the answer, not the SA. And I get it. Personally, I gave up on Patek long ago. I am not buying 2-3 watches that get destroyed on resale just to maybe get an Aquanaut or Nautilus. My strong advice is go gray, or move on.

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. :)

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by pav333hp

just the fact that I'm in the position to buy one is a tremendous blessing. :)

That is something all of us need to remember, myself included.

The 5990 has not rocketed nearly as much as some of the others. If this is what you want and it speaks to you, get it now. I don't see this one going down at all, but as I always say when you are paying premiums or going gray market be sure you first of all trust the dealer and be sure your financial situation can handle a 25% loss. If you do both of those things, you'll be fine.

[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.

[HMHM]

my only advice.... is to wait with patience...I remember in the 2000s there was all the rage about Panerai and everybody was hyped out about it... then the early 2010s were all about Hublot... I was so close to pulling the trigger on a Hublot Ferrari Edition but ultimately decided otherwise due to the size. Now look at Hublot and Panerai.. people literally make jokes about Hublot and its depreciation. I believe (might be wrong) that things will eventually reset and those with patience will get their reward.

[pav333hp]

Originally Posted by HMHM

my only advice.... is to wait with patience...I remember in the 2000s there was all the rage about Panerai and everybody was hyped out about it... then the early 2010s were all about Hublot... I was so close to pulling the trigger on a Hublot Ferrari Edition but ultimately decided otherwise due to the size. Now look at Hublot and Panerai.. people literally make jokes about Hublot and its depreciation. I believe (might be wrong) that things will eventually reset and those with patience will get their reward.

Thank you! Yeah, you are right... just need to be patient and not get caught up with the hype and “most have now” mentality. And I’m sure over time thing will change in the watch world, as it has historically.

[Bearxj86]

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.

Not what you want to hear but they are actually being really nice. Remember, there are like tens if not hundreds of people like you or not like you that call or walk in every day asking for a Nautilus. It is hard for them to distinguish whether you are a real collector or you are a flipper.

For some of us that have gotten the Nautilus at retail etc, its after years of relationship building, buying pateks and other watches from them.

Patek doesn't want you to "just" own a 5990, they want a collector that enjoys their dress pieces and also happen to have a nautilus for play.

Anyway, they have a lot of beautiful watches too, take a look, if you want to play the game, buy a calatrava, enjoy it, then get in line for the 5990.

If not, go grey.

[Erod24]

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.

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

[Mr. Miami]

Sadly this is the game today from ADs. I’ll give you my situation. Never owned Patek before and became interested last December or so. I have no prior purchase history and the watch I like the most is the 5167 steel Aquanaut. I am not interest in buying stuff I don’t want in order to hopefully get what I do want. Waste of money and I could put that cash to work in stock market. Instead, when the time comes I’ll be buying it grey and even with the premium still be cheaper long term because I won’t be buying watches I don’t like. Moral of story? Buy gray or play the game. Wish you luck and let us know what happens.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by HMHM

my only advice.... is to wait with patience...I remember in the 2000s there was all the rage about Panerai and everybody was hyped out about it... then the early 2010s were all about Hublot... I was so close to pulling the trigger on a Hublot Ferrari Edition but ultimately decided otherwise due to the size. Now look at Hublot and Panerai.. people literally make jokes about Hublot and its depreciation. I believe (might be wrong) that things will eventually reset and those with patience will get their reward.

Sorry, but what happened to Hublot and Panerai will not happen to AP, Patek, or Rolex. The reasons for their failures was overproduction and loss of identity, not to mention you now have social media fueling even more hype and demand to whatever is deemed en vogue.

This is the new normal unless these brands increase supply (very unlikely) or there is a major macroeconomic event.

[jon_jon]

OP, what Patek watches do you have in your collection and where were they purchased (AD or pre-owned)? That gives a background as to how you set expectations when visiting a new AD.

If you have had several purchases at an AD, most will suggest that you back to where you have an existing relationship. If all were purchased pre-owned, probably the best bet is to go gray again. Most people have a grail watch, but many times it is not realistic to expect to get one from a new AD without any previous purchase history.

For the past few years when I visit a Patek, I don't even ask if they have a Nautilus or an Aquanaut. I just shoot the breeze with the SA and ask about business and casually ask about all the "Patek newbies" who have all of a sudden decided to jump on the bandwagon and want a 5711 or another popular watch.

Patek wants long-term brand loyalists who will appreciate their watches over time, rather than people who just chase after "hot watches" in order to make a buck on resale. ADs have no idea if you are a flipper/speculator or a genuine collector on a first visit unless you have an extensive conversation. When I casually mention to an AD I visit that I have been on a factory tour, they take me a bit more seriously and ask which AD invited me to see if they can earn my business. New salespeople at ADs don't know what a factory tour is about, but usually AD managers/owners know that you have an extensive history with Patek before getting invited to a factory tour.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Sorry, but what happened to Hublot and Panerai will not happen to AP, Patek, or Rolex. The reasons for their failures was overproduction and loss of identity, not to mention you now have social media fueling even more hype and demand to whatever is deemed en vogue.

This is the new normal unless these brands increase supply (very unlikely) or there is a major macroeconomic event.

If you tell anybody on the 1st of January 2020 there will be a pandemic with nationwide lockdown imposed and everybody has to stay at home for a month or two, people will say you are nuts! However it did happen!

Things change very quickly in life. Nothing is permanent, doesn't matter if its good times or bad times. I agree with you that Rolex, AP and Patek will always be the pinnacle of watchmaking but this amount of insanity? These absurd games to play with the AD? Trend changes very quickly. All we need is just someone making leather strap Pateks or precious metal cool again on social media and watch all the hype chasers go down the 5270 rabbit hole! LOL

Let's revisit this topic again in 3 years!

[PPcollector]

5270!! Would love to see that happening with trends towards the more complicated Pateks...that is truly where the art is in Patek references. I can remember before the Nautilus craze was the 5131 Cloisonné dials!!

[m3tek44]

I feel the pain for you!!! Hate to play this game with AD's where they offer watches you don't want/need. Unfortunately I live in Bay Area/Silicon Valley where elite customers has establish relationship AD's and spent million dollars. Average Joe like myself will NEVER get hand on hottest watch so I gave up and rather went to grey market. Life is too short.

[martinr]

Why not just tell them if they sell you the 5990 then at a later date you probably will buy another Patek from them. Thank them if they say no and say you’re going to look around and if you can’t find one at an AD you’ll probably buy from a grey.

[PPcollector]

Originally Posted by martinr

Why not just tell them if they sell you the 5990 then at a later date you probably will buy another Patek from them. Thank them if they say no and say you’re going to look around and if you can’t find one at an AD you’ll probably buy from a grey.

Haha...right?!? I was conned by one of my clients that way years back on giving them a discount and they will send referrals my way. Turns out afterwards they never bothered and didn’t even come back. I was a fool to fall for that trick years ago.... now, people ask for discounts and I don’t bat an eye...if you want discounts then go somewhere else! Never going to fall for those tricks again... fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me!

[AK797]

No point complaining when you bring a knife to an AD gun fight.

[Rrpdc]

Op- No way will pp ad sell you a sports model with no purchase history. Prob more likely to get bitten by a shark.

[RoscoPico]

good read, thanks for sharing.
it's something i am going to be dealing with for a while. really wish i would have bought more from my local AD now.
anyway i'm young so i will start playing the long game now.

[-dustin]

How much of your time did this sales person waste?

[Razorsedge1]

Some day the worm will turn. In meantime spend your 200K on 911 Turbo and forget about snotty watch sellers.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Razorsedge1

Some day the worm will turn. In meantime spend your 200K on 911 Turbo and forget about snotty watch sellers.

Have to agree except just get a base and pocket 100. Diminishing returns and all lol

I love that you had the audacity to even attempt this OP

[Razorsedge1]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Have to agree except just get a base and pocket 100. Diminishing returns and all lol

I love that you had the audacity to even attempt this OP

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