GMT Root beer CHNR in airport duty free

[VacherObsessive]

I was in my regular london Rolex boutique (watches of Switzerland) in Heathrow airport that I always pop into to have a chat when I'm travelling for work, as I have bought 2 pieces from them in the past.

We discussed my GMT BLNR that I was wearing, that I bought from them 1 year ago when I had a very lucky day there, and he said well, “as you’re an existing customer, is there anything (sort of a wink wink... anything) that I was interested in seeing, that wasn’t in the case?”, “there are some models that we do not sell to the public and only hold for our existing clients”.

I said to him in all fairness, since I managed to get a BLNR (from them) last year, I’m not in in the market for anything new, I just like to admire their beauty from afar. (As I’d also already bought a 16700 for my wife and a exp2 polar as well this year 2019).. I did follow by saying; “But as you ask, I’ve yet to see a CHNR in the flesh yet, and that is one of my favourite pieces out of the new range”.

He said.. “please take a seat sir.”

30 seconds later, he walks out holding a coffin.... he opens the coffin and takes out a CHNR.

I am truly gobsmacked. I try it on.., and just WOW. It is utterly stunning

It really is a wow piece and everything positive that has been said about it is true. It has incredible presence. Love it!

We had further chit chat and I asked stupidly; how much? He said as I am leaving the EU today it is 20% off MSRP (£10,850), duty free, so the price is £9,000.

I paused for a minute (felt like 10 minutes). I looked at my BLNR oyster on the table, looked at the CHNR... he asked if I wanted a beer. I declined politely,

And i said, “today is not the day, as much as I love it, I can’t justify it, it was a real honour to try it out, and I very much appreciate you looking after me. “

I was thinking to myself If I bought this, it would be too similar to the BLNR and I would hardly have cause to wear it... as seeing it next to my BLNR, I prefer my BLNR. The BLNR as a travel watch for my daily use is just magic, and the CHNR would not be as ideal as a pure SS. I can’t justify or afford to have both at this time. It would be 1 or the other.

I said to him, can you give me a minute, and I’ll call my wife see what she thinks.. as I thought to myself, my wife may want to trade her Pepsi 16700 and have this instead as she LOVES the CHNR. He said no problem

I gave her a quick ring and sent her a pic

She said she wanted it!!!..... BUT. Would not trade the 16700 Pepsi under any circumstances as that’s her favourite piece. I agreed with her. So therefore no sale.

I went back to the store and said “thank you so much, but today I think I’ll give it a miss, and let the next guy who has been desperately trying to find one get it and I’m sure it’ll make his day/week/year...”

He said no problem at all. And that if I change my mind in the lounge (as he could see me twitching), he’ll most definitely still have it if I want it before I fly off.

He also said, “that anytime you am looking for a particular piece, please stop by, say your name, as we have your details and I’ve put a note on the system (along with my purchase history), and if they have what I’m looking for, i can have it. As our policy is that all professional models are kept back, and are for our existing clients only, and only available upon request by existing clients.”

Good news to hear that!

- Am I stupid for passing on such a beautiful piece? Maybe

- Do I not realise that this is a £15,000 watch at open grey market? And I was offered it brand new for £9,000? Yes I knew that

- Did I not realise that even if I didn’t get on with the watch I could make £4000+ instantly by giving it to any dealer when I got back to the UK? Yes I know it’s possible

- Is it worth flipping while also risking my reputation with a very good and plentiful AD that I’ll likely buy from at 20% off MSRP in the future..? NO

I’m not a Hindu, but I do believe that there is some sort of karma and although my wife and I have had a huge amount of bad luck recently, and maybe this was ‘them’ giving us something back as some recompense.. maybe it’s a test, and don’t go for the bait.

So I passed, and wish the next customer who wants one who will wear it with joy the best of luck!