Visiting the Patek AD in Manila
I stayed overnight at the New World Hotel in Manila to meet with a bunch of people and to conduct one watch-related business.
While waiting for my party to arrive, I decided to drop by the Patek Philippe boutique at the mall in front of the hotel. I mean it was just across the street.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well they treated me. It says something about the state of AD reputation that I hadn't expected such hospitality.
They offered me a drink. It was just a bottle of water but it was more than I ever got from any other AD.
I asked if I could try on the Nautilus 5712/1A. The two ladies in blazers were more than happy to oblige, setting up the tray, the gloves, chitchatting all the time, trying to explain how great the Nautilus is, etc. I tried it on. Not bad. 90k USD. Is that all? Let me get my checkbook.
They were very transparent as well. They told me that all watches in the store were spoken for. I asked about the waitlist. They said they're no longer accepting names for the waitlist because the wait period for the Nautilus is now 5 years. They also pointed out that even if they could put my name on the waitlist I won't be getting the call unless I have a purchase history with them. I said, "What if I get a Calatrava? Would I be considered then?" They shook their collective heads. One of them said it would take more than a Calatrava, which by the way I could order right there and then. No waitlist there. The lowest price of the Calatrava is 34k USD. Let me get my checkbook.
They said I would need to buy at least two watches. They pointed to the 4947/1A Annual Calendar. They encouraged me to try it on. Like a giddy school boy getting a kiss from his crush, I did. It's 55k USD. Is that all? Let me get my checkbook. That one they were willing to put me on the "interested" list. If they ever get one from Switzerland (they don't know what models they would get apparently. It's up the Gods atop Mount Olympus) they would call me. No commitments. If I want it, great. If not, they just call the next person.
So, if I get the Calatrava and the Annual Calendar (totally 89k USD), they can definitely put my name on the waitlist--if it opens up again--for the Nautilus that cost 90k USD and in five years' time I can own the watch I wanted in the first place.
I told them it's ridiculous that I couldn't get a Nautilus even if I had the money. One of them said, not just the Nautilus, the Aquanaut as well.
I said, "In that case, why wouldn't I just buy one from the gray market?"
One said, "Well, the gray market price of some Nautilus models is twice retail."
I said, "But you're asking me to pay that much for three watches."
The other said, "Yes, but you get three Patek Philippe watches, all registered under your name instead of one Nautilus under someone else's name."
"But in five years' time?"
They smiled and laughed.
I agreed to be put in the "interest" list for the Annual Calendar. No plans of buying if I ever get the call, thanked them for their time and stood up to leave. Before they let me go, they gave me the 2023 Catalogue for free.
The photos that you see here were taken by the AD reps, by the way. They were very accommodating and pleasant to deal with. Because of the way their system is set up, they weren't expecting any purchases from me that day. As such, their niceness came across as warm and sincere.
Boy, did that Nautilus look good though. Anyone has 90k I can borrow?
I've got a god-shaped hole in my life that I'm trying to fill in futility with watches.
*Prep @brunofrankelli for his unscheduled kidney, liver and bone marrow transplant surgeries*
Should net you around $100k. 😛
*Prep @brunofrankelli for his unscheduled kidney, liver and bone marrow transplant surgeries*
Should net you around $100k. 😛
No one needs two kidneys to live.
No one needs two kidneys to live.
That's the spirit! Wanna sell a lung too? 😛
That's the spirit! Wanna sell a lung too? 😛
I actually met someone who only has one lung. He seems to be doing just fine. I do smoke though so not sure if I can survive with just the one.
No one needs two kidneys to live.
https://nkti.gov.ph/index.php/healthcare-professionals/open-donation
❤️
One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor! My regular multi brand ad admitted that he has on hold an Omega Planet Ocean from the 75th anniversary Summer Blue launch that I inquired about after it was available for sale, they have received exactly 2, one was grabbed up by a walk in customer before the agent in Canada alerted them to the popularity and scarcity of the collection. The model that I slipped on is being held for the eventual consideration of a wealthy collector who makes only occasional buying trips but may purchase as many as 50 watches each time for his private collection of modern watches. I am a very good customer but the 100k cad that I have put down during the past 2 years is appreciated but a speck of dust compared to the Omega collector. I live in the real world so am not the least bit offended, additionally the 40mm PO downsized by Omega designers is a odd looking robust diver imo: small and thick relative to the standard metal bracelet. It was not a buy for me if it were available for sale.
My brother in law is famously careful with his disposable income but wanted to gift his super supportive wife with a special watch in time for Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations: a 36mm rose gold Patek Philippe diamond bezel lady’s dress watch that cost him about 70k cad including HST with no discount. Of course that brown dial token is not an in demand purchase but my modest bro dressed in his Costco trousers did walk in with no spend history was treated graciously and was even assured that he might have no problems should he have other Pateks that he is interested in lol. He wears an $18 Seiko that I gave him 40 years ago from a bulk purchase that I made from a watch wholesaler who had a business near where I live.
This is all I expect from ADs anywhere, being transparent and polite. No need to belittle, mock or laugh the buyer if in position of power or making unrealistic request, just explain transparently how it is and I as a buyer can decide if I will play the game or not.
And even if not accepting the game/buying they should still be polite, you never know what the future brings but if I am treated fairly I will definitely return one day or recommend them to others - best and free advertising.
It’s just a matter of time! With your humor and class…well done mate!!! #patekphilippe are unique just like you.
https://nkti.gov.ph/index.php/healthcare-professionals/open-donation
❤️
Don't tempt me.
One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor! My regular multi brand ad admitted that he has on hold an Omega Planet Ocean from the 75th anniversary Summer Blue launch that I inquired about after it was available for sale, they have received exactly 2, one was grabbed up by a walk in customer before the agent in Canada alerted them to the popularity and scarcity of the collection. The model that I slipped on is being held for the eventual consideration of a wealthy collector who makes only occasional buying trips but may purchase as many as 50 watches each time for his private collection of modern watches. I am a very good customer but the 100k cad that I have put down during the past 2 years is appreciated but a speck of dust compared to the Omega collector. I live in the real world so am not the least bit offended, additionally the 40mm PO downsized by Omega designers is a odd looking robust diver imo: small and thick relative to the standard metal bracelet. It was not a buy for me if it were available for sale.
My brother in law is famously careful with his disposable income but wanted to gift his super supportive wife with a special watch in time for Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations: a 36mm rose gold Patek Philippe diamond bezel lady’s dress watch that cost him about 70k cad including HST with no discount. Of course that brown dial token is not an in demand purchase but my modest bro dressed in his Costco trousers did walk in with no spend history was treated graciously and was even assured that he might have no problems should he have other Pateks that he is interested in lol. He wears an $18 Seiko that I gave him 40 years ago from a bulk purchase that I made from a watch wholesaler who had a business near where I live.
Sigh. Honestly I don't hate the game. I totally get it. In my own small way I'm living the life of the wealthy collector in your story. At least with my vintage gal I get preferential treatment. I don't have to be the first to see her fare. I get first refusal on all her new inventory, even the ones she thinks I won't like at all. One man's ceiling is another man's floor, as you say.
This is all I expect from ADs anywhere, being transparent and polite. No need to belittle, mock or laugh the buyer if in position of power or making unrealistic request, just explain transparently how it is and I as a buyer can decide if I will play the game or not.
And even if not accepting the game/buying they should still be polite, you never know what the future brings but if I am treated fairly I will definitely return one day or recommend them to others - best and free advertising.
Right? I have nothing but good things to say about them. Next time I ran into a billionaire I won't hesitate to recommend them. Heh.
It’s just a matter of time! With your humor and class…well done mate!!! #patekphilippe are unique just like you.
Hahaha. Thanks but I doubt that very much. I will never earn Patek money.
Sigh. Honestly I don't hate the game. I totally get it. In my own small way I'm living the life of the wealthy collector in your story. At least with my vintage gal I get preferential treatment. I don't have to be the first to see her fare. I get first refusal on all her new inventory, even the ones she thinks I won't like at all. One man's ceiling is another man's floor, as you say.
Hey Sherwin, believe me I am ok with the game, I mean I look at the world that my brand new baby grand daughter all of 4 months in her life is going to live in feel lucky and privileged to bother with watches as a hobby. Read your article in Escapement Room👍wanted to share a friend’s Seiko story with you but perhaps it is better that he tells the story of his father’s Seiko story one day. Have a perfect day!
What is the wait list for the Aquanaut? I actually do like that better
What is the wait list for the Aquanaut? I actually do like that better
I didn't ask, sorry. But I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same as the Nautilus.
I remember the wonderful days, not too long ago, when you could walk into a shop and reward yourself with a spontaneous purchase. Seems that much of the joy has been sucked out of the process. I've walked into shops with full cases and they say, "nothing is for sale". Grey market buyers buy entire inventories, and the manufacturers allow it.
Fun read. I’m a fan of the yellow gold Calatrava and its elegance and hinged case back. Just need… mmmm…. $40,000 plus tax? Whoa.
Nice you got to try on the #patekphilippe watches.
I think thats my biggest issue with luxury watch brands. On one hand, I understand the practice, but I don't want to be forced into buy 5 other watches in order to get the one I want or sit on a waiting list for years after.