Waiting list myth - Sky Dweller

[smg8]

There is some very curious behaviour from AD's at the moment, specifically their complete fabrication of waiting lists.

Summary version of events;

Friend and I pop into an AD in London last Saturday. Him wearing a submariner, me in a GMT Master - hopefully gives the impression of serious buyers.

He looks at a couple of bi metal options which didn't float his boat, only for the AD to say I've got something I can show you but it's for another customer, but have a look.

They present the bi metal (YG and SS) Sky Dweller with black dial - absolutely beautiful.

He tries it on, says he wants to buy it and they say it's a 2 year wait but I can take your number.

Next day (last Sunday) I email the AD I have a relationship with (I've bought circa 5 watches from them since 2014 and am on a list for a Patek 5711, so I am not their biggest customer by any stretch but have a good relationship there).

He replies saying he is on leave but will respond Weds.

He emails Weds telling me he can get one, and it'll be there the next day. My friend rings Thurs and puts a deposit down to collect today.

Today (1 week on) the AD in London ring and say they've got one for him. The 2 year wait has magically become a 7 day wait Obviously he lets them know he's bought one elsewhere.

Is this unusual? Are Rolex encouraging this kind of thing for some reason? It seems quite a strange way of doing business