Part 3: Timeless Adventures: Trading Treasures for a Meteorite Pepsi in California
My California escapade’s third act started the day before the wedding-at Saturday. I had a day to myself, conveniently near South Coast Plaza’s high-end watch boutiques and the luxury gray market dealers nearby. With a noon appointment at AP, I set out early for Fullerton to visit Happy Jewelers, a prominent secondary market dealer known from YouTube, to assess potential trade-ins for a meteorite Pepsi. I was on the hunt for a better deal due to the premium price of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned meteorite Pepsi. The team at Happy Jewelers was candid, informing me that the current offer I had on my trade-ins was unmatched, assuring me I wouldn’t find a better value—even if they sourced a less expensive Pepsi, the trade-in difference would be greater with them. This transparency reinforced my confidence in the CPO transaction, knowing I was getting a solid return on my trades. At Happy Jewelers, I also explored some exclusive high-end pieces not on general display, trying on a few and capturing some shots, though I regret not snapping more pictures!
The 37mm yellow gold Royal Oak with a turquoise dial captivated me; it's an exceptionally stunning timepiece.
Additionally, they showcased an aftermarket Daytona Rainbow, with a price tag in the vicinity of $40-50k, if I recall correctly.
They had a gorgeous Royal Oak Skeleton in rose gold that I adore. However, this Richard Mille astonishingly felt like a MoonSwatch on the wrist. It was the first time I've ever felt so underwhelmed while wearing a watch valued at $300k.
Next, I took an Uber back to South Coast Plaza for my appointment at the Audemars Piguet boutique to talk about my collection interests and the watches I'm looking to acquire.
I wish I could share a video of the most fascinating watch I encountered at the boutique—an Audemars Piguet Code 1159. Its case and crystal design were remarkably distinctive. I took a screenshot from the video to show you. Its convex and concave at the same time. The dial's sapphire crystals are remarkable, designed with a unique "double curved" aspect—the inside boasts a dome-like shape, and the outside curves vertically from the 6 to 12 o'clock positions. This intricate concave/convex structure, according to AP, serves to bring out the intricacies of the dial. The crystal spans the entire breadth of the slender bezel, culminating in elegantly polished, beveled edges.
Next, I headed to Newport to close the deal on the 126719BLRO-0002. This experience turned out to be unexpectedly emotional for me. Historically, I've always followed a one-for-one approach when adding a new watch to my collection, never trading in multiple pieces for a single one. The watches I decided to let go were ones I deeply cherished at one point, but they've been sitting unused in my watch box for a while, leading me to the decision that it was time for them to find new homes. Some of you might find it surprising, especially my decision to trade in the Gio, but I've come to prefer watches that are slightly smaller, aiming to streamline my collection to pieces under 40mm. My visit to the Lange boutique at South Coast Plaza was a turning point, offering me a fresh perspective on what I value in wearable German craftsmanship. Despite the quality of the Glashütte Originals, interacting with various Lange models made me realize that the size of my GOs no longer suited my taste.
So, what watches did I trade in for this spectacular piece from Rolex? I will list them below ⬇️
Glashütte Orignal PanoMaticInverse
Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer
Grand Seiko SLGH005 Hi-Beat White Birch
Grand Seiko SBGE285 MistFlake
Grand Seiko SLGA413 Shunbun
Porsche Design ChronoTimer Series 1
Trading six watches for one might seem extreme, but it made sense for me—four of the six were seldom worn. The Glashütte Originals (GOs) saw more action than the Grand Seikos, yet I opted to trade the GOs primarily due to their higher trade-in value. Remarkably, I managed to break even on the PanoMaticInverse, and I'm fairly confident I could reacquire one at a similar price if I desired. The rose gold Senator Chronometer was the unexpected quick sale, marking the shortest ownership I've ever had with a watch. My decision was influenced by a preference for the newer, white gold model with the blue dial over the rose gold version, underscoring my evolving tastes and the strategic considerations behind streamlining my collection. Despite my interest in the newer model, I've realized I wouldn't purchase it again due to its 42mm size. My preference now leans towards watches that are 40mm and smaller, a decision heavily influenced by my experience with various Lange watches, which cemented my appreciation for more compact timepieces.
For the wedding in Laguna Beach, I decided to wear my 116515LN Daytona on OysterFlex, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Interestingly, there was even a famous Formula 1 driver among the guests!
In the photo below, doesn't the individual strikingly resemble Max Verstappen? Interestingly, he was the groom's sister's boyfriend, and throughout the event, I couldn't resist pointing out his uncanny resemblance to the Formula One champion. Surprisingly, many attendees weren't familiar with Max Verstappen, which made the observation even more intriguing to share.
👀👀👀
👀👀👀 Interestingly, once they saw a photo of the Formula One Champion, everyone I talked to shared my opinion. After the wedding, they even texted me, requesting his name again to compare with their photos. 😂😝🤣
The bridesmaids looked stunning! It's moments like these that make me miss California all the more.
I’m not crazy, right? He looks like Verstappen!!
As the trip concluded on Sunday evening, I found myself in a state of mixed exhaustion and invigoration. The anticipation of receiving my meteorite Pepsi was high, although I faced a waiting period of five days before it could be delivered to my home. This delay was primarily due to the need to ship all the boxes and papers for the watches I traded in back to the store.
However, the wait proved to be well worth it, as I now have the pleasure of wearing this exceptional timepiece on my wrist.
Welcome! I’m @TheHoroSexual, a passionate collector and connoisseur of distinctive horology. My journey began with a Rolex Yacht Master 37, which ignited a lifelong appreciation for Rolex’s design lan...
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Again. Fascinating read. I think the trades were worth it. Was it even or did you have to add cash?
Side note: that turquoise dial AP in that size. 🤤
Side side note: I miss the double double
Again. Fascinating read. I think the trades were worth it. Was it even or did you have to add cash?
Side note: that turquoise dial AP in that size. 🤤
Side side note: I miss the double double
That turquoise AP was my favorite watch of the trip. Too bad it trades for double it’s retail price. No cash out of pocket on meteorite Pepsi.
I love the Double Balance Wheel RO
Awesome post! At the end the day, our tastes evolve, and so does our collections. I see that you kept the lake suwa! I would have done the same thing… BTW, Hyde Park in Scottsdale helped me acquire my vintage Pepsi via CPO. Fairly priced imho and peace of mind
Excellent read Paul. I think that you made a fair trade. I think that the trade will pay off better for you in the long run. Congratulations again my friend. That's a beautiful piece.
That turquoise AP was my favorite watch of the trip. Too bad it trades for double it’s retail price. No cash out of pocket on meteorite Pepsi.
I love the Double Balance Wheel RO
That’s awesome then. Good trade. I assume Happy required cash on top
Awesome post! At the end the day, our tastes evolve, and so does our collections. I see that you kept the lake suwa! I would have done the same thing… BTW, Hyde Park in Scottsdale helped me acquire my vintage Pepsi via CPO. Fairly priced imho and peace of mind
Thank you! You're spot on about the evolution of taste shaping our collections. I'm glad you noticed the Lake Suwa—it's a keeper for sure. Great to hear Hyde Park in Scottsdale came through for you with your vintage Pepsi. It's always reassuring to get a fair deal and that added confidence when going the CPO route. Peace of mind really is priceless in the world of luxury watches. They expedited the shipping, delivering it overnight, and I even avoided sales tax, saving me thousands.
That’s awesome then. Good trade. I assume Happy required cash on top
Indeed. Actually, the conversation was straightforward—they inquired about the offer I had and immediately acknowledged that they couldn't match it. They advised me to return and finalize the dea on the CPO, and I really appreciated their candor.
Excellent read Paul. I think that you made a fair trade. I think that the trade will pay off better for you in the long run. Congratulations again my friend. That's a beautiful piece.
Thank you for the kind words! I feel confident about the trade—it seemed balanced and considered, with an eye on the long-term value of the collection. Thanks for the congratulations; I'm truly thrilled with the new addition. It's such a joy to share this passion with friends who appreciate these fine pieces!
Indeed. Actually, the conversation was straightforward—they inquired about the offer I had and immediately acknowledged that they couldn't match it. They advised me to return and finalize the dea on the CPO, and I really appreciated their candor.
That said, even after your review, I STILL want the White Richard Mille. 😂
Loved reading about this experience. What a piece. Interesting selection you traded in and congrats on not losing your shirt on the GO!
Sad that they don’t know one of the greatest athletes in the world. ( but I see no resemblance 🙃to that guy )
That said, even after your review, I STILL want the White Richard Mille. 😂
The heart wants what it wants!
I just can't shake the impression that the Velcro strap feels rather low-quality, almost as if it were a novelty item from a Cracker Jack box. The strap simply doesn't live up to the quality and substance one would anticipate from a timepiece crafted by a traditional high-end watchmaking Maison, especially at the $300k price point.
Loved reading about this experience. What a piece. Interesting selection you traded in and congrats on not losing your shirt on the GO!
Sad that they don’t know one of the greatest athletes in the world. ( but I see no resemblance 🙃to that guy )
Thanks for diving into my story! I’m pretty thrilled with the trade-offs—not every day you get to say goodbye to some classics without feeling like you’ve gambled away your wardrobe. And regarding Verstappen’s doppelgänger, perhaps it’s a good thing my day job isn’t in talent spotting or the witness protection program. 😅😝
Dream watch trip and lovely wedding. Always a pleasure to vicariously experience your watch adventures!
I would have felt real pain moving on from those GS’s and GO’s but it’s true- we can only wear so many watches. Sometimes it’s just time to move on.
Enjoy the new one! She’s gorgeous!
That AP is stunning
But the Rolex is also incredible.
Congrats again Paul - what a great piece to acquire
That gold AP skeleton is the thing dreams are made of.
Great write up, I enjoyed the read.
I think you did right by you and what you will enjoy, this hobby and journey should bring you joy, move on from anything not providing you that, even if it isn’t negative. Different is good.
I’m excited to see the journey of smaller timepieces for you and I can really get on board with this. I’ve been wearing my 31mm, yes 31mm DJ more and more given the comfort level.
Your new GMT is stunning, no doubt that dial is special and will remain special. Enjoy it. I appreciate the AP pics, not usually my brand, but the two tone RO and 1159 were awesome.
Cheers to smaller watches 🍻
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! I wholeheartedly agree that the essence of our horological journey is to find joy and appreciation in the pieces we choose to accompany us through life. Embracing the unconventional and celebrating the diversity in our choices only enriches this adventure. Hearing about your experience with the 31mm DJ and how its comfort has made it a staple for you further inspires me to explore and cherish smaller timepieces.
I'm thrilled that the GMT has resonated with you as much as it has with me. Its dial, with its unique characteristics, truly feels like a piece of the cosmos on my wrist. And I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the AP snapshots! It's always exciting to step outside our usual preferences and find unexpected gems.
Here's to smaller watches and the vast, diverse universe of horology that continues to bind us together in shared enthusiasm and discovery. Cheers!🥂
Hey Paul. Thanks for the long post - I've enjoyed reading about your watch adventure here in California. Had as great time hanging out and swapping stories at the Montage in Laguna Beach. Enjoy the new GMT.
- Corbett
Hey Corbett,
Great hearing from you! Our time at The Montage was unforgettable—really highlights the bond over watches we all share. I’ve noticed your presence at various meetups across Southern California—it’s heartening to see you weaving through these gatherings, fostering connections that go beyond mere timepieces. The watch community really does bring together a remarkable bunch, and it’s clear you’re carving your niche within it!
I'm looking forward to catching up when I'm back in town later this year. Cheers 🥂
That gold AP skeleton is the thing dreams are made of.
Absolutely!! 💯💯
Paul!!
Was waiting for the 3rd instalment.. and was not disappointed!
Holy cow - so many epic watches in one post. The watches you saw, the watch you got, the watches traded in. Post has a 1/2 million dollars of watch in it ! RM and moonswatch quite similar 😂🤙love it
The Royal Oaks do nothing for me. I’m intrigued by the Rolexes (yellow and white) and saddened and shocked to see all those GSs head out the door. A Shunbun? A Birch?!! Oh my!
My Shunbun is firmly a never sell (famous last words?)
‘Sakura no jutan’ , and a beer, beside me in the background, while lying in the grass looking up :
Quite a trim of the collection ..How many have you now?
I do get the streamlining of collection idea, though I’m bad at it myself so far.
I recently bought a Studio Underdog pink lemonade and now that I’ve got it, I’m not sure when I’ll wear it.
My GSs and Seiko LX are so much more prized and loved so not sure when it’ll be pulled out 🙄 I was buying hype perhaps
Great reading, and yes he’s a Doppel-verstappen!
Looking forward to the day I try your Rolexes on my wrist - and see if I feel anything in my heart stir 🤔🙂
Postal script - I had no idea what a Rolex meteor seeks for, and this thought you’d traded away far too much - have just perused the trades and the meteor on c24 - I do believe you got a killer deal! 😯
Paul!!
Was waiting for the 3rd instalment.. and was not disappointed!
Holy cow - so many epic watches in one post. The watches you saw, the watch you got, the watches traded in. Post has a 1/2 million dollars of watch in it ! RM and moonswatch quite similar 😂🤙love it
The Royal Oaks do nothing for me. I’m intrigued by the Rolexes (yellow and white) and saddened and shocked to see all those GSs head out the door. A Shunbun? A Birch?!! Oh my!
My Shunbun is firmly a never sell (famous last words?)
‘Sakura no jutan’ , and a beer, beside me in the background, while lying in the grass looking up :
Quite a trim of the collection ..How many have you now?
I do get the streamlining of collection idea, though I’m bad at it myself so far.
I recently bought a Studio Underdog pink lemonade and now that I’ve got it, I’m not sure when I’ll wear it.
My GSs and Seiko LX are so much more prized and loved so not sure when it’ll be pulled out 🙄 I was buying hype perhaps
Great reading, and yes he’s a Doppel-verstappen!
Looking forward to the day I try your Rolexes on my wrist - and see if I feel anything in my heart stir 🤔🙂
I've started a streamlining process with my collection to focus on fewer, more distinctive pieces. I'm embracing a 'less is more' approach, prioritizing rarity and craftsmanship over impulse buys. The goal is to shift towards the upper echelon of watchmaking—brands synonymous with 'haute horlogerie'.
My collection has slimmed down to around a dozen pieces, with fewer Grand Seikos and no Glashütte Originals. I'm setting my sights on adding a Lange to my assortment soon—German watchmaking is simply too exceptional to be without for much longer.
I've started a streamlining process with my collection to focus on fewer, more distinctive pieces. I'm embracing a 'less is more' approach, prioritizing rarity and craftsmanship over impulse buys. The goal is to shift towards the upper echelon of watchmaking—brands synonymous with 'haute horlogerie'.
My collection has slimmed down to around a dozen pieces, with fewer Grand Seikos and no Glashütte Originals. I'm setting my sights on adding a Lange to my assortment soon—German watchmaking is simply too exceptional to be without for much longer.
A higher horological trend is generally what I’m doing as well - but currently I’m an echelon or 2 behind you
Some higher horology brands I’m considering are Credor and Moser 🤔
A higher horological trend is generally what I’m doing as well - but currently I’m an echelon or 2 behind you
Some higher horology brands I’m considering are Credor and Moser 🤔
You're right on track with your horological journey, and honestly, being an echelon or two behind in watch collecting isn't a step back—it's a step in a more meaningful direction. Credor and Moser are excellent choices that reflect a discerning taste, but they pale in comparison to the investment you're making in your family. Watches are treasures, but the time you spend and the memories you create with loved ones are truly priceless. That’s the ultimate collection anyone can aspire to.
Cheers, Alan. 🥂
PAUL!! How did I miss this post I was waiting so patiently for 😂😂
Fantastic write up my man and many many many congrats again on such an amazing pickup in the meteorite.
Of all the watches traded, the one that surprised me most had to be the GO Pano, but in your write up it makes sense. We all have favorites and things we’re after. I’m glad you’re getting what you want and enjoying the ride! Cheers!
PAUL!! How did I miss this post I was waiting so patiently for 😂😂
Fantastic write up my man and many many many congrats again on such an amazing pickup in the meteorite.
Of all the watches traded, the one that surprised me most had to be the GO Pano, but in your write up it makes sense. We all have favorites and things we’re after. I’m glad you’re getting what you want and enjoying the ride! Cheers!
Logan, you’re so kind! Thanks for the congratulatory words and for sharing in the excitement of my new meteorite pickup. It’s true, parting with the GO Pano was a tough call, but it’s all about finding what truly speaks to us as collectors, right? I’m glad the write-up resonated with you. Looking forward to many more adventures and, of course, our next great finds. Cheers, mate!
Logan, you’re so kind! Thanks for the congratulatory words and for sharing in the excitement of my new meteorite pickup. It’s true, parting with the GO Pano was a tough call, but it’s all about finding what truly speaks to us as collectors, right? I’m glad the write-up resonated with you. Looking forward to many more adventures and, of course, our next great finds. Cheers, mate!
Looking forward to it all my friend! One new adventure at a time brother!
Woah! I didn’t think you’d trade in your Panomatic Inverse! Sad to see the White Birch go, but with the Mist-flake it makes sense. I’m glad you kept the Lake Suwa! That one has to be one of GS’s best dials just because of the sheer amount of skill it takes to portray water ripples so well. I can’t shut up with my praises of that dial.
Woah! I didn’t think you’d trade in your Panomatic Inverse! Sad to see the White Birch go, but with the Mist-flake it makes sense. I’m glad you kept the Lake Suwa! That one has to be one of GS’s best dials just because of the sheer amount of skill it takes to portray water ripples so well. I can’t shut up with my praises of that dial.
I can always get the PanoMaticInverse back for around the same price I sold it for. It was definitely a stuning watch but I wanted a meteorite Pepsi more.