Go grey or do bundle?

[wei915]

I’m looking at getting myself a 15500 blue dial. However, this seems nearly impossible with no purchase history at a boutique. Should I go grey and pay the high premiums or do a bundle with a boutique and get some models that I do not see myself loving at all so that I can get an allocation for a blue dial RO?

Given current market conditions, it seems that the price that I would pay for the RO blue dial in the grey market would be almost comparable to doing a bundle purchase at a boutique.




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[AK797]

Set a time limit of say 6 months wait at an AD and if no watch comes in then go grey.

[locutus49]

If you can afford it, then go grey and avoid the bundling and other games. Plus you can enjoy your watch now and in a few months you will forget that you paid a premium. That is my opinion and it probably differs from the majority.

[HK Islandboy]

If that is the only AP you have your heart set on, go grey

[cascavel]

Since the blue dial is a Boutique exclusive, what can you bundle it with at A/P that won't cost a fortune and lose 50% of it value when you walk out the door? Go Grey.

[XIII]

Originally Posted by locutus49

If you can afford it, then go grey and avoid the bundling and other games. Plus you can enjoy your watch now and in a few months you will forget that you paid a premium. That is my opinion and it probably differs from the majority.

I would opt for this approach as well.

[fullofboats]

What piece would you have to bundle with to get the blue 15500?

[Uros]

Would feel bad in case I would pay such grey premium. I guess up to 30 percent is bearable but 2x probably too much. Usually when I have such urge i stop looking at the watch on forums/instagram for a while and it passes...

Try getting 15500 grey/black and then go for 15202 at some point. Or Offshore first and after jumbo, this is the route I have taken and had luck to get 15202 at retail...


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[1William]

If you can bundle for immediate delivery then that might be an option. If you have to buy and wait a significant time then I would say pass and go grey. The other part about going Grey is you can start the ownership experience and put the buying behind you.

[benlee]

Only bundle if you also really like the bundled AP watch.

[77T]

Originally Posted by wei915

or do a bundle with a boutique and get some models that I do not see myself loving at all so that I can get an allocation for a blue dial RO?

What you described isn’t a bundle imho - it is buying in the hope of getting on a list. You are still going to be waiting.

To me, a bundle would be buying 2-3 watches including the one you really wanted - all at the same time.

But a week ago you were lining up a used 15500...what became of that?

Originally Posted by wei915

I’m planning to get a pre-owned 15500 with its 5-yr warranty already registered online by its owner. Will I be able to register the watch’s warranty again such that the watch will be reflected in my online account with AP?

Is there a better way?
Maybe - if you like to give nice gifts.

Your SA at the boutique might guide you as to how much buying history will position you for that blue dialed AP. As it’s the holiday season, buy some family members some wonderful gifts. You get a double benefit that way.



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[wei915]

Originally Posted by 77T

What you described isn’t a bundle imho - it is buying in the hope of getting on a list. You are still going to be waiting.

To me, a bundle would be buying 2-3 watches including the one you really wanted - all at the same time.

But a week ago you were lining up a used 15500...what became of that?



Is there a better way?
Maybe - if you like to give nice gifts.

Your SA at the boutique might guide you as to how much buying history will position you for that blue dialed AP. As it’s the holiday season, buy some family members some wonderful gifts. You get a double benefit that way.



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True. I do agree that what I’ve described isn’t strictly considered a bundle purchase. But it seems that other fellow TRF members have successfully placed a deposit and got on the list after buying something else (perhaps for their wife)?

I am indeed still considering a pre-owned 15500 blue dial. However, the premium is almost 50% over MSRP. So perhaps doing a bundle or building a purchase history (by buying another model for myself or family) may be more economical than just purchasing from a grey dealer?

And part of me is still hesitant on buying the 15500 from a grey dealer now since:
1) I already have a RO - 15400 silver dial. Not sure if I should buy another RO that looks so similar. I’ve tried on a 15400 blue dial before and sometimes I feel that the blue dial looks better as it gives more contrast to the white gold hour markers. But then again, I also like the silver dial very much as it is one of the best looking silver/white dial models that I’ve ever seen.

2) 15500 is still in production - I suppose the current 50% premium for the 15500 blue dial is only temporary and may not hold as more of the 15500 watches are produced. Since I already own a RO, I could play the waiting game and see if I ever get lucky?


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[wei915]

Originally Posted by fullofboats

What piece would you have to bundle with to get the blue 15500?

Perhaps a Diver or ROC? Or even a ladies model for my SO?


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[wei915]

Originally Posted by HK Islandboy

If that is the only AP you have your heart set on, go grey

My ideal AP would be one with the 15400 dial layout and the large open case back displaying the 4302 movement. So, I still have reservations on going grey... lol


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[fullofboats]

Originally Posted by wei915

Perhaps a Diver or ROC? Or even a ladies model for my SO?


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If your SA is willing to bundle a blue 15500 with either of those Id do it in a heartbeat. Both pieces hold their value and are awesome pieces on their own and quite different from a 15500.

[MichaelFlash]

No offense, but the whole bundling game is just crazy to me. But then again, I would never pay over retail for a watch with a grey dealer either.

[Collector2019]

none of the above. Express your interest of the watches you are after and wait. Every year there are new models being released you might want something else whilst waiting or the demand on your current preferred timepiece could get less and you will be allocated one without ridiculous waiting time. Good luck

[wei915]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

none of the above. Express your interest of the watches you are after and wait. Every year there are new models being released you might want something else whilst waiting or the demand on your current preferred timepiece could get less and you will be allocated one without ridiculous waiting time. Good luck

Thank you! I think I will do just that

[NYCWATCHCREW]

Originally Posted by AK797

Set a time limit of say 6 months wait at an AD and if no watch comes in then go grey.

I second this!!! All the best.