Sometimes Better to Be Dumb and Lucky than Charming and Rich: Another AD Tale

[ericinexile]

If you wish to skip the fluff, go to the last paragraph. After almost a year of chasing various nice watches with GMT functions, I got my Explorer II (Polar) today. Here's my tale: It started last year when I heard about the Tudor BB GMT. The local AD had one but with a leather strap. However, I wanted a bracelet. At this point I knew nothing about the Rolex SS "shortage". Nor was I aware of the problems with the Tudor. All I knew was that I needed the GMT functionality as it meshed with my job. Ever since the Yeager ad in the '80s I have wanted a GMT Master. I brought my wife with me to look at the Tudor. We then looked at the Rolexes. She has always wanted a nice watch with diamonds but rarely mentioned it because she figured I would never agree to it. But I did and a month later she was sporting a lovely steel version with the pearl face and diamonds around the bezel. By this time I had put my name on the list for a Roli GMT Batman or LN, Tudor GMT, and an Explorer II (in that order of preference). Then came Baselworld and the hugely disappointing Jubilee Batman/girl (no offense anyone). By that time I became aware of the Tudor datewheel issue and was by this time well aware of the SS backlog. I didn't need a 3rd timezone so the Explorer actually turned out to be the perfect choice.

So I have been on the "list" ever since. But the whole grey market thing and Rolex's handling of it began to grate. I joined this forum and it grated even more. I had no burning love for Rolex. I just wanted a good watch with a quickset hour hand and a GMT function. Grand Seiko has several. It's a fantastic watch. And it doesn't carry the baggage that comes with a Rolex. Perfect. I tried a few in London. Kinda big. If I want lume I have to go really big or go quartz. Meanwhile I stayed on the Rolex list and expanded it as I visited ADs in Europe and one in Peru. All the while I continued checking my two local (North NJ) ADs and NYC.

I know. I know. TL:DR. Just skip to the last paragraph!

In all my research I somehow missed the Omega Aqua Terra GMT. There is an Omega boutique across the hall from the AD where I bought my wife's watch. I did try a PO early on but found it to be too massive for my dainty 6.5 in wrist. They never mentioned the Aqua Terra. Yesterday I went by to try one on thinking this would be my watch. You can get 'em all day on Chrono24 for $4k. "Take that and stick it, Rolex!" The watch is beautiful. But, wait, it looks like crap on my wrist. It was almost as big as the Planet Ocean. I love Omega. I really liked that movement. I would have been a great accompaniment to my 20 yo X-33. But at least now I could focus on the Explorer with no more distractions. I thought of walking across to the Rolex shop but I had just been there 10 days ago and I am always a little embarrassed going in. I feel like just another SS stalker. So I drove home happy to still be on the hunt.

This morning I figured I should settle in for the long haul. Nobody needs an expensive watch. The greys will NEVER get my money. Just wait it out. But there is one problem. My spindly wrist is an acknowledged fact and I have never even seen an Explorer II, much less tried one on. Today was free and I decided that I would call around and beg to try one even if it was reserved for a real customer. I had forgotten the name of a different AD that is in a nearby mall. But I figured I would call them with the pitch. I googled "Garden State Plaza Rolex" and touched the resulting number. I gave my first name and said that I would like to try one should it ever make it through the door even if it is reserved for someone else. She said "Wait one sec, please." She came back on line to say that they got one today but it is reserved. "Great!" I was in the process of saying "I would like to come by in half and hour and try it. Is that possible?"

"Please hold again. Sorry, it will just be a moment." … "My manager says that its yours if you want it".

Really? It's that easy? I know its not a Daytona but still. This should be harder. It was only then that I realized that the number I had called was MY AD, not the one at the mall. They somehow get the 1st hit on Google. At this very AD I was one of several on the list for this watch and definitely not the front of the line. But I happened to make the call the day the watch arrived. When I got there, she explained that they are no longer running waiting lists. It is first-come-first-sever from now on. Now I am sure that's not entirely true. But it worked out. And what a great feeling it is to take the stickers off and get the watch going for the first time. I totally dig this gorgeous watch! I'll post a photo tomorrow from my favorite spot if the weather holds out. You all know what a Polar looks like anyway.