Batman Question: Should I stay or should I go?

[njlam]

With the recent reintroduction of the Batman with the Oyster bracelet (126710), I am interested adding one of these to my watch portfolio.

I have left my name at a number of ADs (different time zones) and have had any of my watches that needed maintenance serviced at these ADs so I have some recent business ($1200 for service on my wife’s DJ!) on the books. That being said, I am not someone interested in creating a "purchasing history" by buying something I don't want.

My question is, how long should I wait? With gray market prices falling (now under $20K), I wonder if Batman availability at ADs should improve?

I’d like to buy a watch this year and the Omega Speedmaster 3861 Sapphire Sandwich is available and much more affordable (could buy 2 or 3 for the price of a Batman). Would it be wise to tell the ADs that if I don’t get the call soon, I will make my annual watch purchase elsewhere?

Obviously, the whole idea of strategizing how to buy a $12K watch aside from handing over one’s credit card and putting on your wrist is maddening.

If the gray market for the Batman drops to $15K, I think I will have my answer (and will ask the experts on this thread about the best way to choose a gray market seller).

Ultimately, I would like to own both the Batman and the Speedy (and a Panda), but I want to buy something new this year. I am not good at waiting...

[Solo118]

Regardless of what is happening on the grey market, they are still very hard to get at AD level.

You can wait it out through your AD, or see if prices continue to drop on the GM. As you said if they hit your magic number, go for it if you are comfortable spending that kind of money.

[Roger Lococco]

Patience, persistence, and presence … across multiple ADs.


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[Laostuh]

You mentioned you wanted an Omega, why not try to source one from an AD that has both Rolex AND Omega? The Omega should open the door to conversation about your next purchase, hopefully.

[seriously_watch_this]

I get SOOO tired of all the "wait-and-see" games, don't you guys? I don't have either the time or the patience for that. It's just a watch, after all - not the key to unlocking the universe, lol!! I would much rather just find whatever I want and go get it. Case in point, as of this writing on Monday, August 29 at 4:40 CST, there are 3 Batmans (Batmen??) over on Bob's for around $18.5. If you just accept it as an "instant gratification" premium tax, then you can have one of the coolest GMTs inside of a week. and I'm with you, regardless...when it hits $15k grey, I hit "buy"!

[njlam]

Originally Posted by Laostuh

You mentioned you wanted an Omega, why not try to source one from an AD that has both Rolex AND Omega? The Omega should open the door to conversation about your next purchase, hopefully.

Great idea, however in Oregon, where I am, there is only one Omega AD in the entire state and they don't carry Rolex.

[Giovannibravo]

Buy the Speedmaster from an AD that has both Rolex and Omega. Perhaps going out of state is an option considering you mentioned expressing interested in multiple timezones.

[Forty6nTwo]

One AD quote me 3yrs on BLNR, visited the same AD and SA and he had allocated himself a BLNR , said he waited for 1yr.

I've noted my interest with a couple of other AD's, but I am not holding my breath.

[TheHulk]

Man U just spent 1200 on service. The call should come any day now.....

[amh]

IME the BLNR is much harder to get than a Sub. The ADs who use it for leverage insist on $50k spend before they "allocate" one for you. Regular ADs with no hoops quote 2 year waits.

Get in line

Grey prices are falling, albeit very slowly of late. Some prominent Greys no longer list the 126710 at all, which tells me they cleared their inventory and are not buying at the moment. Price drop is about $500/month over the last few months. Currently looking at 1.6x-2.1x MSRP depending on age/condition.

[Tim Plains]

Grey. There's always that 1% chance but no AD is going to give you a BLNR unless you've spent a good $20k+ and servicing doesn't help your cause.

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Grey. There's always that 1% chance but no AD is going to give you a BLNR unless you've spent a good $20k+ and servicing doesn't help your cause.

I bought a BLNR from an AD in March with no purchase history and in a state where I do not live.


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[Tim Plains]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

I bought a BLNR from an AD in March with no purchase history and in a state where I do not live.

Right, there's that 1%, for most people it's no bueno.