Talk me out of...or in to...an SBGW297/299

[puma1552]

I'm in love with this watch. It feels so nice on the wrist and it's gorgeous. Initial discount offered is 10% off, but I haven't countered yet. Would need to see a larger discount. MSRP is $5600.

ONLY thing giving me pause, is wondering if this is the year the bracelets get completely redone and unveiled at W&W in April. I have no evidence to suggest that IF the bracelets are getting redone, they will even be unveiled at W&W. GS tends to release stuff whenever - these watches were released in November 2023, for example.

I think the bracelet is really nice looking on this watch. I like the design, and it's 18mm all the way through with no taper. Having gone to look at the watch a second time, the lack of taper is completely fine since it's only 18mm...it's basically a design decision that splits the difference of Rolexes 20mm --> 16mm taper design decision. I like both.

I wear my watches slightly loose and my wrist doesn't swell much. My current old watch this is replacing is also not only 18mm all the way through, but it has no microadjust and it's never been a problem. I've never extended my easy link on my Rolexes. I am pretty sure I can find a good fit on the bracelet on this GS given the two 2/3 links they include, but I'm also guessing I'll need to use at least one of those 2/3 link to do so, which isn't as clean looking as just using full links.

Where the reservations come from: It's not so much the lack of microadjust, but I keep seeing reports of bad end link fitment due to weak/bent spring bars (and just not great end link fitment in general), and I've seen some reports of the end link at the clasp getting a strange kink in it. Naito is also on record from quite a while ago now saying microadjust is coming, so is W&W 2025 the time to finally introduce it? The microadjust probably doesn't bother me, but it really seems like we might be on the verge of a step change in bracelet quality that may fix the other issues as well. But if there is microadjust, then we can probably also get a good fit without resorting to the less clean looking 2/3 links...

I'm ready to pull the trigger and counter offer the AD, but looking for thoughts on this. Obvious answer is to wait until April and see what if anything happens, but I don't know - there's always a chance they introduce an ugly bracelet too. Kinda wanting to pull the trigger, assuming I can get a good fit.

What complicates this is I'll be in Japan in February, where this watch goes for about $4200 out the door brand new. I don't expect the AD here to match that price, but if they can close the gap considerably from the $5500ish out the door they are currently offering, then I'm tempted to just pick it up here so I don't have to spend part of my trip watch shopping. February obviously also comes before April/W&W, though I'll likely be back in Japan in September.

Thoughts? Would you pull the trigger or hold off?