Potential New Owner Question

[diver2012]

I have a really good relationship with my Rolex SA.

The AD also own a PP shop within the small group. (Only about 4 shops in total)

I would love a 5167A or 5168G or 5164A...but have literally zero interest in any other models. Well...I appreciate all of them...just I'm more a rubber strap sort of guy.

Are these models impossible to get without other purchases or is it worth speaking to my SA and asking to have my name put down?

In the last 3 years I've spent about £80k with them.

I don't care about waiting for the watch even if it's a couple of years. I just don't want to pay grey market prices.

I know some will say 'just ask'...but if it's going to be impossible without prior PP history there isn't much point.

[ButtButt]

People say "just ask" because no one can tell you what your AD is thinking. There have been stories of people getting hard to get pieces on their first attempt and also stories of people waiting years for a basic dress piece. Since you already have a really good relationship just ask your SA and see what they say. Can't hurt.

[LJubel328]

Just ask ;)


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[Tan]

You don't get if you don't ask, what's the worst that could happen..they say no? You'd be no better off than you are today but lots of potential upside if you ask.

[hgg43c]

I'd ask even if I didn't have a good relationship with the AD

[Bmats]

What was the last Rolex you asked for (and generally when) and how long did it take? My guess is that might give a little context / data point — in addition to the just ask point.

[llngoc]

Short answer is "just ask" but to set the context right, 80k pound of spend on Rolex if they are mostly sports model may not give you enough brownie points for a steel PP sports watch.

My AD up until 6 months ago still want a couple of dress pieces or jewelry purchases ($100k+ purchase) to bundle with even a 5167A. And friends who has good relationship with multi-brand stores got many Rolex's before offered Aquanaut. And many of them are not sports references. But on the other hand, I do know someone with very little purchase history with a 5164R popped up one day about 3 years after he asked for it ( quite recently).

So I guess just ask is the right answer but do set the expectation correctly. It may be many months or years before one shows up.

[KY..]

Ok, so I won’t say “Just Ask”.
However;
Closed mouths don’t get fed…

[cantdrive55]

You never ask, you never know.

[fkim011]

I think it just depends on your AD and who you work with.

I just picked up my first Patek and it was actually the 3rd one offered. I passed on the first 2 because it wasn't for me and I thought there is no way they will call me again...

Last week I got the call for a 5164R as my first. It can happen. Be patient, don't be pushy. I approached it as if they call me, great. If they don't, that's ok too.

[Whodinkedme]

If you are in the UK (your spend history is in £ so it seems so), Rhone Products UK which is Patek's UK distributor have stipulated that a client's first Patek purchase cannot be a Nautilus or Aquanaut.

I agree with others that £80K is nowhere near enough to get a sports Patek but no harm in asking your AD.

[jon_jon]

If an AD is selling you an Aquanaut at list price, he is giving you a huge gift as someone can easily turn around and sell it the next day for 2-3x the list price.

So the question really becomes - have you.purchased enough watches or jewelry from this AD for them to give you this "gift"? If you have only purchased SS professional series Rolex from them, I would imagine the answer is no. However if you purchased quite a few two-tone and/or other less popular models that has been sitting in the case for months, the AD can certainly value your purchases and get you on a list for an Aquanaut.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by hgg43c

I'd ask even if I didn't have a good relationship with the AD

[Calatrava r]

As stated, all they can say is no, maybe or yes. Never hurts to ask.

[Bearxj86]

1) Bring kneepads
2) Beg
3) Buy gifts for SA
4) Be willing to have your papers withheld (even offer it)
5) Show you haven't sold any of that 80k of watches

[codecow]

I have considered your application to apply, and I have accepted it. You are now cleared to apply.

[Ichiran]

If you have spent £80k on Cellini only then your chance of getting an Aquanaut is good.

[diver2012]

Thanks guys...only 25k of the 80k is on sports Rolex...the rest is normal models including a DD40.

I'll bring it up with the SA next time I see him and let you know how I get on...

[maecenas]

Originally Posted by diver2012

...but have literally zero interest in any other models.

One more little tip, leave this part out of the conversation. This is exactly what Patek dealers don’t want. They want people who are going to grow into the whole brand. Part of why buying an annual calendar or perpetual first is a far more effective way to score an aquanaut.

That said, at the end of the day it’s all a game of personalities and relationships, so anything’s possible I suppose.

[mideastwatchguy]

It really depends how much you have spent on other pieces and what type of pieces they were. If you have all daytonas its going to be harder...