Triple Incoming! Picture heavy. Plus why I love this TRF forum so much.

[Swaye]

So, I am the other half of the dynamic duo from this story. I reached out to Vince over two weeks ago with a simple request - I was coming into town for work, and could you possibly give me advice on which AD's to go to during my time in town. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would end with me enjoying three trips out for watch fun, all over town, trying on every Rolex I'd ever dreamed of (including Platinum Presidents), making a new friend out of the deal, and getting a Tudor that is pretty much unobtanium in the US right now.

As Vince suggests, we were both apprehensive about meeting someone off of watch forums, but we had exchanged some texts ahead of time and already realized were were both military officers (me former and Navy, him current and Army), so I thought "how bad can a Brit Army guy be?"

Turns out he was amazing! Not only an amazing host and watch guide, but a truly excellent person. It also didn't hurt that he speaks Arabic, and has developed a really close relationship with his AD's out here. Believe me when I tell you I would not have gotten much as an "out of towner" without him. Relationships matter out here, particularly for westerners.

In our three trips out, we hit more than just Rolex/Tudor (though that was our focus), trying on Omegas, Mont Blancs, Panerai and others. It was just epic fun driving all over town hitting all the watch hot spots and having coffee and talking watches, wives, kids and other hobbies. Spectacular trip.

As a previous thread alluded to I had almost pulled the trigger on a James Cameron on our second night out, but the combo of it being about 600 more than MSRP in the States (MSRP at the AD is a whole different ballgame out here in that it changes, and all the time it seems), knowing I'd also add about 400 at customs, and them telling me no tags (white or green) all added up to me bailing on that idea. I was contented to just see what Vince could get and be happy for him and the adventure.

I won't recount all of night three, because his storytelling is better than mine and the pictures speak for themselves. I would like to say something about Tudor though. This is my first. As you can see by my signature I have a few Rolex and am a huge fan of the brand, and have always thought positively of Tudor, but because the two ADs I have used in the US for Rolex do not carry Tudor, I just haven't seen enough in the flesh to form a strong opinion. Well in Saudi the ADs had everything. BB58, BB in every combo, Pelagos of every variety, and of course this beauty, the GMT.

Very eye opening. The quality of this Tudor, at this price point, has got to be one of the best values in watches today imho. The price was right, 4,100 USD with VAT, and at that price I don't think you can find a better in house GMT anywhere. Fit and finish is superb. Don't get me wrong, it isn't quite a Batman or Pepsi, but for less than half the price, it is an amazing watch. I am so impressed with Tudor in general and this watch in particular. And so happy that a gentleman like Vince gave me his spot in line to get it. It hasn't left my wrist since it got sized.

So, huge thanks to Vince for being my guide, getting me a great watch, sharing a ton of laughs, and making this a "work" trip to always remember. And thanks to TRF for being the conduit that connected that us.

Vince and I parted last night, but with a tentative agreement that in 10-15 years when we are both retired, we convince the wives to accompany us to a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Rhine where they hold a little show about this time of year every year. A reunion of sorts. I truly hope we can make that happen.

Here's to making friends and memories when and where you least expect them!

[SoCal_Batman]

This was a great story, thanks for sharing and congrats on both of those beautiful watches!

[eonflux]

Awesome story!

Congrats to you both!

[Vince KSA]

Thanks so much for the completely positive replies it really was a great watch-week. Messaged Mark this morning and we're still both stoked after a surprise triple incoming.

TRF is definitely the winner here and I got a new watch-buddy to boot.

Just as a follow up here a couple more photos from last night and then by the pool this morning.

At the AD Dusk and the Jeddah sky line
Morning after.jpg Jeddah skyline.jpg

Morning after trying both by the pool (Friday & Sat is the weekend here).
08 March 19.jpg pool 8 mar 19.jpg

A quick lume shot of the BNLR after some direct sunlight.

lume BNLR.jpg

[emtee]

Wow congrats and cool story!

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Vince KSA

Thanks so much for the completely positive replies it really was a great watch-week. Messaged Mark this morning and we're still both stoked after a surprise triple incoming.

TRF is definitely the winner here and I got a new watch-buddy to boot.

Just as a follow up here a couple more photos from last night and then by the pool this morning.

At the AD Dusk and the Jeddah sky line
Attachment 1025428 Attachment 1025429

Morning after trying both by the pool (Friday & Sat is the weekend here).
Attachment 1025431 Attachment 1025432

A quick lume shot of the BNLR after some direct sunlight.

Attachment 1025433

Looking great buddy!

[Psmith]

Congrats

[cdbeaver66]

Wow, great story and three amazing watches.

[NWNL]

What a sweet story and nice watches!

Here in the NL the BB GMT isn't that hard to get as far as I know

[1William]

Congratulations.

[novae500]

great to meet people who have the same interest and at the same time make such a wonderful offering to purchase a hard to find tudor!

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by NWNL

What a sweet story and nice watches!

Here in the NL the BB GMT isn't that hard to get as far as I know

I wondered about that. They seem rare in the US, but that is more assumed than anything. I have zero proof. I do have proof that they are super rare in Saudi. There were three in the country (all distribution and all ADs are owned by one family here so they know exactly how many they have throughout the entire country) as of last night.

And it was one of their waiting list watches - treated no different than a SS Daytona here - just as rare. I do often wonder if some of these watches that are so hard to come by in one spot might not be a bunch easier in another.

[Dan Pierce]

Nice triple play!
dP

[m j b]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[travisb]

Congrats to you both! Sounds like a genuine good time.

[jaySL350]

Big congrats for both of you,,
Great story,,,




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[arosado]

Fantastic story ... lucky guys. Great ending to a journey that will be remembered for years to come. Congrats!!

[samson66]

Very cool story and what a trio of great watches there! Love all of them and glad it worked out for everyone

[Urosfan]

Congrats

[HACKNSACK44]

Cool story! Congrats!!

[kitsgq]

Amazing story! Thanks for sharing.

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[Terrakot]

Wow, so amazing stories on TRF last week: this and story of reunion with Submariner 6 months later. Nice to read!

[Swaye]

Small data point re: Tudor GMT. I'm sitting in Frankfurt right now on my layover and I hit up the Wempe. Of course the only stainless they have in the case (Rolex) is a YM II and Air King. They do have a Smurf here, so that was nice to see. Other than that zilch. So I wander over to the Tudor case and note a couple Pelagos (Black Dial, LHD and Blue dial). One BB58 on Nato. I ask about the GMT. Sales rep tells me they have only ever had two. Just can't get them. No idea if it is true or not, but after Saudi this seems plausible.

Anyone seeing them regularly anywhere?

[tatery]

This is such an awesome story. Huge congrats!

[Andad]

Well done Vince.

[Doood]

This is awesome. Great story.

[playford]

In the UK its about a 6 month ish wait I'm told. They go for about market on ebay now, so most flippers are out of the market. The scarcity seems to be fueled by the date window issues. Fantastic value for the money.

[datejustrms]

Great stuff! Congrats to both of you!