Should I go grey for 77350SR

[Materialgirl]

Hi guys,

My first time posting on the forums , was always just lurking ! I need some advice !!

After a few financial accomplishments , my lovely husband wants to buy me my first AP. We expressed interest at the boutique around September of last year and put on the list. Sales said 34mm RO was easier to allocate, but expressed it’s growing in popularity. She also said 2 tone is easier than 100% stainless which gave us hope! While waiting , our Grey dealer had the watch around Nov-early dec for about 32k flat while retail is around 24k plus tax I believe. We decided to pass and be patient but fast forward today , we decided to inquire the grey dealer again to ask about the watch and he said the model is extremely hard to get and the market went up sharply. Now he’s saying he cannot let go of this watch for less than 38k flat! Meanwhile I’m looking at chrono and dealers want at least 40k plus tax. I know the watch has increased about 10% in msrp , he have marked it up almost 20% . My husband is saying to just buy it before it keeps going up and what if we never get the call. I would say my husband is the impatient type but I would like your opinions as we do not have experience with AP as I do feel type bitter that we could’ve gotten it for much cheaper just a few months back had we not passed on it.

So should we continue waiting for the call or go grey ?

[Kiwi-cucumber]

I’m opting to wait for a different 34 model. My logic is this - the one I’ve been watching on Chrono24 hasn’t sold in 8 months. Sure, they’ve raised the price due to “demand” but if it were so in demand - wouldn’t it have sold? It hasn’t looked like 34mm grey dealer inventory is moving at the prices they are listing…

[impactplayer]

I was able to get this watch from a boutique for my wife last year. I inquired in August 2020 and got the call in June or July 2021. It might be a little more difficult now, but that's still fairly recent. I would wait, especially if you're interested in buying more APs at retail.

[thekman]

I guess what it comes down to do you care if you pay 24 vs 38? And are you looking to build a relationship with AP or is it one and done? Also have you been following up with them? Dropping in occasionally? Texting your SA? If yes what have they told you about the status of your request? If not, then you should. Dropping in once only to express interest and expecting a call in the current climate will not yield any good results.

[TunaTuna]

You have to be very lucky to get any AP if you are not a current customer. Have your husband look at the Code 1159, that will be easier to get, then you will have a chance for your watch (maybe). Otherwise consider this piece will cost you 38k and decide if you really want it.

[macrowatch]

1. How much is your time worth? Is this the only AP the family wants? Assuming the only AP and as successful people your time is quite valuable, then just go gray and be done with it.

If aiming for a long term AP collection, then keep visiting NYC boutique. Buy whatever random piece you can to get the foot in the door to move past prospect to existing customer.

2. I’d negotiate harder. These are slow moving pieces and most dealers are sitting on 30-35% margins minimum. Find one eager to free up cash flow.

[VogelPhoenix]

If you see more APs in your future you should definitely wait (and continue to talk to the boutique, maybe buy something else if it becomes available).

Otherwise, maybe go grey and move on. However, it's useful to note that many models are just not moving at the listed grey prices. E.g., grey's seem to be happy to sit on 34mm CE models at 2x retail for months on end. I would feel a bit foolish being the one to blink first.

[squall1]

I'd vote to wait, keep checking in and visiting from time to time. I don't think the watch really commands those prices at gray.

[rtanjaya]

Follow up with the SA on the boutique time to time. I believe it will come