N...aytona

[dg88]

First of all, I'd like to start off by saying I have little doubt I'll be laughed off this thread given it is common knowledge how difficult it is to purchase a Rolex thesedays! Recently I visited an AD to register my interest in a Daytona 116500LN (Panda) knowing full well these are classified as a 'grail' watch and having read countless articles warding off the idea due to the obvious insane levels of demand/lack of supply etc. But I still thought I'd give it a try - why not!?

By no means am I someone who takes such an investment lightly. £11,600 (taking into consideration the 2022 10% price hike) is an extreme amount of money in my eyes - an extravagance - especially for a watch. But like all of you, I have a keen interest in horology and the Daytona is my dream timepiece which I have saved for, for a number of years. I appreciate the ridiculous prices this piece goes for on the secondary market, but that doesn't mean anything to me - I would cherish this particular watch. Unfortunately, the sales representative didn't really attempt to find much out about me to develop a conversation, which I found a bit disappointing. He explained the current supply issues and effectively shut me off by advising that because I do not have a purchase history, a Daytona was out of the question (I have a GMT Master II 'Pepsi' and a few other watches but these were not purchased from this AD). I asked whether he would register me anyway - explaining that I am patient and happy to wait a number of years if necessary, and he then obliged; albeit at this point the atmosphere felt a bit negative - as though deep down he felt it was a bit pointless given he explained he had not had sight of a Rolex for sale at this particular branch in over 2 years! I found this quite hard to believe but there was nothing much I could say to that and I felt at least the registration was something achieved rather than nothing!

Overall, I do feel.a bit deflated and as though it's clear I will never be able to purchase my dream watch without needing to spend thousands of pounds more on watches I do not have any interest in or want. Perhaps someone knows any London (UK) based ADs they have had a positive experience with and may be kind enough to help me?

Best wishes.