Journey to Nautilus

[Horologasm]

Been collecting watches for some time. Have an extensive Rolex collection as well an AP, but always wanted to break into PP. A boutique just opened near me, and I made an appointment to speak with an ambassador. I know the watch game and I’m not getting a nautilus or aquanaut as an initial piece.

Was wondering if you guys can share your experiences getting to a nautilus or aquanaut. I would ultimately like to get a 5712 or 5726 as well as a 5167R or 5168G. Would asking for a 5226G be a reasonable entry piece to start a collection? How many watches can I expect to buy before I can be considered for one of my dream pieces above? Thanks for any input.

[messikens]

5226G seems like a reasonable first ask into the brand. That said, if you're a one and done - is it worth going grey? Before you get to sniff a 5712 or the like you're going to be dropping several 100k worth of watches that are by and large under water by 30-50% on grey market.

Not saying it may be for you, but if it's not guaranteed (which it won't be) you're playing the catch-up game to current established collectors chasing a small number of Nautilus AD watches, so better be prepared to drop SERIOUS dough

[mickyd329]

I think the 5226g is a reasonable first ask.

I'm about $120k spend with my AD between a couple of PP's and a couple of Rolex's. I was offered a 5726a (strap version) in June which I declined. Still waiting for something on a bracelet. I'm 2 years into the relationship just to give you some context. It's a long journey, so be prepared to wait.

[Horologasm]

Thanks for the replies so far. I don’t mind the wait. I actually prefer the process of researching, anticipating and enjoying the watch before the next one. I’m just concerned I’ll get jerked around and after 4-5 watches and 200k in, I still won’t be considered for one of my grail pieces. Also looking at current lineup, there’s only maybe 2-3 watches that I really want to buy. So I’m on the fence about going AD or grey.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I think the 5226g is a reasonable first ask.

I'm about $120k spend with my AD between a couple of PP's and a couple of Rolex's. I was offered a 5726a (strap version) in June which I declined. Still waiting for something on a bracelet. I'm 2 years into the relationship just to give you some context. It's a long journey, so be prepared to wait.

Mike, did your AD give you a target or threshold (whether types of pieces or specific spend) you have to meet in order to get a bracelet Nautilus?
What about a Cubitus (assuming you’re interested)?

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Armis

Mike, did your AD give you a target or threshold (whether types of pieces or specific spend) you have to meet in order to get a bracelet Nautilus?
What about a Cubitus (assuming you’re interested)?

No specific piece target or spend was ever discussed with my AD. I've just asked for pieces I have interest in knowing that I would have to buy some dress pieces to get in line for a sport model.

They said I will be getting one as my next piece. Beginning of this year, they said they will try their best to get me a Nautilus this year, but that ended up being the strap version of 5726. I feel like I'm getting closer though. lol. My last conversation with them sounded like 2025. Crossing my fingers.

The Cubitus doesn't really strike a tone with me yet. Maybe it'll grow on me with future iterations? The biggest drawback for me is the size. If they made a smaller version on a strap, I think that might perk my interest a bit more.

[Policylimits_]

I’m in this exact boat and have been waiting for 5226. I ultimately want a 5726 and considering just going grey. Seems like a long wait without any guarantees plus having to buy watches i don’t love.

[JSCP]

Probably about 3 watches. gold &&&$$$$ for entry level and you have play the part and maybe they might consider but

[byow]

Originally Posted by Horologasm

Been collecting watches for some time. Have an extensive Rolex collection as well an AP, but always wanted to break into PP. A boutique just opened near me, and I made an appointment to speak with an ambassador. I know the watch game and I’m not getting a nautilus or aquanaut as an initial piece.

Was wondering if you guys can share your experiences getting to a nautilus or aquanaut. I would ultimately like to get a 5712 or 5726 as well as a 5167R or 5168G. Would asking for a 5226G be a reasonable entry piece to start a collection? How many watches can I expect to buy before I can be considered for one of my dream pieces above? Thanks for any input.

Based on your question, I assume that you have no proper introduction.
The answer is that it depends on where you live and how many people who want the same timepiece spend more than you.

There are places where one dress timepiece already allows you to be offered an Aquanaut. In other places, you are not « eligible » even after five timepieces, especially if there are constantly new customers ready to pay more than you.

[Pw92676]

I know one guy who has been waiting over 5 years for an aquanaut and in the interim purchased 2 Calatravas and a 24 from the AD.
I know another guy who uses the same AD and got a 5712/1a as his first Patek last year and a 5167a as his second Patek this year.

These two guys do not know each other.

My takeaway is that YMMV, at least at this particular AD.

[Horologasm]

Originally Posted by Policylimits_

I’m in this exact boat and have been waiting for 5226. I ultimately want a 5726 and considering just going grey. Seems like a long wait without any guarantees plus having to buy watches i don’t love.

I really like the 5226 and I would like to start a collection with this reference. If you don’t mind sharing, how long have you been waiting and what’s your history with you AD

[Jutch]

Highly dependent on location is my guess. I received a 5712a within 18 months from meeting my SA (waited 1 year for the 5712a specifically) - only thing I bought was a 5205g prior to that.


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[MangoTree1]

Originally Posted by Horologasm

Been collecting watches for some time. Have an extensive Rolex collection as well an AP, but always wanted to break into PP. A boutique just opened near me, and I made an appointment to speak with an ambassador. I know the watch game and I’m not getting a nautilus or aquanaut as an initial piece.

Was wondering if you guys can share your experiences getting to a nautilus or aquanaut. I would ultimately like to get a 5712 or 5726 as well as a 5167R or 5168G. Would asking for a 5226G be a reasonable entry piece to start a collection? How many watches can I expect to buy before I can be considered for one of my dream pieces above? Thanks for any input.

Yours reveals your intention. I don't see any genuine interest as a watch seller. With me you just have to be authentic and honest and you would get the watch you want, without any other "bycatch". Real and honest always pays off!

But yes, finding these customers is becoming increasingly difficult and this forum is a good reflection of this fact!

[CarForHire]

Getting a 5712 after a a 5205 would be a dream. Heck throw in a 5167r in between and I'd be happy.

[Horologasm]

Originally Posted by MangoTree1

Yours reveals your intention. I don't see any genuine interest as a watch seller. With me you just have to be authentic and honest and you would get the watch you want, without any other "bycatch". Real and honest always pays off!

But yes, finding these customers is becoming increasingly difficult and this forum is a good reflection of this fact!

I’m sorry I don’t quite understand your post. Do you work at an AD? Are you saying that as long as a customer is authentic and enthusiastic you will help them get whatever watch they want without having to build a collection to get to certain pieces?

[Horologasm]

Originally Posted by Jutch

Highly dependent on location is my guess. I received a 5712a within 18 months from meeting my SA (waited 1 year for the 5712a specifically) - only thing I bought was a 5205g prior to that.


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Did you have other spend with this AD? I definitely wouldn’t mind going that route. Was your SA pretty transparent about getting you the 5712 if you bought the 5205?

Originally Posted by CarForHire

Getting a 5712 after a a 5205 would be a dream. Heck throw in a 5167r in between and I'd be happy.

lol same. If this is all I needed, I would without a doubt go AD

[MangoTree1]

Originally Posted by Horologasm

I’m sorry I don’t quite understand your post. Do you work at an AD? Are you saying that as long as a customer is authentic and enthusiastic you will help them get whatever watch they want without having to build a collection to get to certain pieces?

Maybe the clock ticks differently in Switzerland, or it's more a matter of the person, but yes, I'm well connected here and maintain good contacts with a lot of people, so I can say I get what I want, regardless of whether I have made by-catches, be it with watch dealers, Hermes or 3 star Michelin restaurants, vvip partys. I am wealthy, but always myself, friendly even with the doorman or waitress, genuine and honest and this works more than any pushy, self-important behavior. I leave the stores empty-handed, knowing they'll call me when the time is right, don't make demands, and don't get unpleasant when there's nothing to get. I don't follow any hype, but rather my wishes and my very own taste and my style. As I said - real and honest, this is the key to all my desires and believe me, I even "conquered" my dream woman like that!


I know, easy to say, but rarely lived and when I sometimes look at the questions here in the forum, I don't want to be a Rolex or Patek seller!


Be yourself and be true that is the key to success

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by MangoTree1

Maybe the clock ticks differently in Switzerland, or it's more a matter of the person, but yes, I'm well connected here and maintain good contacts with a lot of people, so I can say I get what I want, regardless of whether I have made by-catches, be it with watch dealers, Hermes or 3 star Michelin restaurants, vvip partys. I am wealthy, but always myself, friendly even with the doorman or waitress, genuine and honest and this works more than any pushy, self-important behavior. I leave the stores empty-handed, knowing they'll call me when the time is right, don't make demands, and don't get unpleasant when there's nothing to get. I don't follow any hype, but rather my wishes and my very own taste and my style. As I said - real and honest, this is the key to all my desires and believe me, I even "conquered" my dream woman like that!


I know, easy to say, but rarely lived and when I sometimes look at the questions here in the forum, I don't want to be a Rolex or Patek seller!


Be yourself and be true that is the key to success

This is good advice. Refreshing to hear.

[Jutch]

Originally Posted by Horologasm

Did you have other spend with this AD? I definitely wouldn’t mind going that route. Was your SA pretty transparent about getting you the 5712 if you bought the 5205?




lol same. If this is all I needed, I would without a doubt go AD

No extra spend - bought from a Patek Salon. He was transparent, but I never asked for a 5712 when I asked for the 5205, so I think that helped.


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[bob101]

Honestly if you’re just after one sports Patek just buy it grey I would say. Don’t buy other pieces just to make relationship. They are all far too expensive pieces just to buy for a relationship - need to love them and want to keep them especially as if you sell them you will likely lose a lot. It will also work out a lot cheaper to just get the one watch you are really after such as 5712. They will probably be discontinued in steel soon enough anyway so why wait and play AD games.

Of course if you are looking for a long term relationship and looking to get around 5-6 pieces then you may have a chance of a sports being allocated. Normally such as in Asia, would expect you get a few calatrava, a few complications maybe one for the partner, a chronograph, a perpetual calendar chronograph before being considered for sports piece these days. The wait could take a number of years however. Not a problem if patient of course and looking to collect long term. Another risk is AD being cut and start from scratch elsewhere..

[Horologasm]

Thanks for all the insightful replies so far. Very helpful. I will speak with the AD and see where things go.

[Inthesticks]

I bought 2 PPs (including a world time in platinum) before being offered a 5712R about 12 months later (which, although it wasnt my targeted Nautilus, I grabbed it and I’m glad I did). After picking up 2 more, including a Calavantra, I was offered a 5168 R.

Two sports models in 2 years (both PM versions) with a good deal of purchasing in between.

[rg9390]

I am hopeful for a 5167A, but still unsure, I have a 6119R and a 6007G from my AD with a VIP introduction over 12 months.

The AD knows I am looking for a collection of PP with R, G and A, so hopefully it will come true. At least the AD is not asking me to spend more. Hopefully, a 5167A will be landed within 12 months.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

I know one guy who has been waiting over 5 years for an aquanaut and in the interim purchased 2 Calatravas and a 24 from the AD.
I know another guy who uses the same AD and got a 5712/1a as his first Patek last year and a 5167a as his second Patek this year.

These two guys do not know each other.

My takeaway is that YMMV, at least at this particular AD.

These are wildly contrasting paths at the same AD! I’d hope there’s more to explain (which I understand you wouldn’t necessarily know), such as spending on other brands or jewelry.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by Armis

These are wildly contrasting paths at the same AD! I’d hope there’s more to explain (which I understand you wouldn’t necessarily know), such as spending on other brands or jewelry.

Highly like that’s the situation, or at least I hope so. Many variables in play to make any path straightforward.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by Armis

These are wildly contrasting paths at the same AD! I’d hope there’s more to explain (which I understand you wouldn’t necessarily know), such as spending on other brands or jewelry.

Highly like that’s the situation, or at least I hope so. Many variables in play to make any path straightforward.