Incoming! My full 2022 AD story (Unexpected ending)

[jsobral]

Hey guys!

Words can't describe hoy happy I feel right now.
I have always loved watches. Until 2022, most of my collection was what my father had given me and some entry level luxury watches I had bought here and there.

I had some money to spend this year, and wanted to buy a couple of good watches myself. I must say when I realized the AD situation it was kind of dissappointing, but I decided to try and play the game.

At first, I went to the 2 Rolex AD's we have where I live. Best they could offer me was a OP 34mm

I registered on the lists and followed procedure, this was on March.

On April, I got tired of waiting and decided to buy an Omega from one of the AD's. I really liked it and thought it was a great bang for the buck compared to Rolex MSRP, also got a neat disccount.





I was still on the hunt for a Rolex.

About a month went by, and I visited both ADs again. The AD that sold the Omega to me told me they had a TT DJ41 but it was reserved for another client. I told her to give me a call if it became available.

(I knew the DJ's were the entry ticket into more desirable models). Nevertheless, I must say the configuration of this TT DJ41 was probably my favourite. They called me a couple days later and I went to collect the watch.

This happened at the end of June.





July went by, I texted both ADs every two weeks or so, nothing to offer, I showed interest in several models to increase my chances. I learned the game in this forum and youtube mostly.

I put most of my focus on the AD that had already sold two watches to me. I also liked that one more because they were the only Patek AD. They had both my favourite brands.

I texted the AD telling her that I really wanted a SS Rolex for my collection. On August the 2nd I got a call, they were offering me a Deepsea James Cameron.





I know this model is not as hyped as the GMT, Daytona or Sub. But I must say I loved how unique it was, how technically advanced and solid its construction feels, and I'm also a fan of big chunky watches.

I went for it, I told the AD that now I wanted to go for a high-end PM piece. Not going to chip away my budget any further.

On the day of my Birthday (12th of August) I got a call from the AD. I thought to myself, they must have a great data base, she's calling me to say happy birthday.

Not at all, she called me and offered me one of my grail watches. I told her before I was interested in the hot Patek models as a longshot, but never actually expected this. I thought maybe If I was lucky, I could get a PM Rolex the following months.











I went to pick it up today, going to size the bracelet myself, still havent done it.

This was one of my grail pieces, I really could not believe when she told me she had a 5167R for me.

Also, it has the new movement 26-330, with hacking seconds! It came out pretty recently, which makes it twice as nice.

This is the end of my 2022 run. I'll be back when I save some money again.

I want to thank all of the TRF members who gave me advice and responded to my private messages when I was in doubt. I'm gald I joined this community!



Just wanted to share the happiness, the AD game is not always 100% bullshit, not sure how it plays out in other countries. Maybe where I come from there are less people with a large budget.

I have to admit I paid a steep price to achieve my holly grail, but I bought only pieces that I really liked and that fit well in my collection.

Best of luck to all!