This year, I was hoping to acquire something from the trinity. I had set my eyes on the VC 4500V blue at the very start of the year. And with the VC boutique slated to open here, my AD had promised me I would get one. As things turned out, the boutique opening was delayed (due to covid) and eventually cancelled altogether (that retail space is now Frank Muller). So with that, gone too were my chances at a 4500V blue.
Watches & Wonders in April set my eyes on two other watches: AP 15720 in either blue or green, or PP 6119G. Within the first few days of the watches being revealed, I had gone in to the respective boutiques and left my expression of interest.
With AP, I'd been there before, was chummy with the SA but have never gotten an allocation. But, and considering this was a Offshore Diver, I thought I would have better chance than the 15500 rhodium I wanted. The SA told me there were already 5 people who had asked to be on "the list", and that I would likely be able to get it in 2022. So okay, no biggie. I am in no real hurry.
At the PP boutique, I had a pleasant conversation the the SA, but I have had no prior history with both the brand and the AD, so I told them why I was interested in the latest Calatrava and said my goodbye.
Fast forward to 8 months later, on the eve on my daughter's first birthday... I swing by AP boutique to inquire and was told, the list is long at about 100 people per colour now. I wondered if that meant I got pushed further back? Again, I don't mind waiting... I just don't want to wait and hope for something blindly. I walked away, almost certain now I will not get a call.
Just a week later, the PP SA sends me a message: a pair of 6119 were scheduled to arrive before the end of the month, was I still interested to "submit" my application? Truthfully, I wasn't expecting it and wasn't quite ready, but I told him to proceed anyway. He said he'd send in the email the same night, and told me he'd keep me updated by the next day.
Needless to say, I had to try and really focus on my girl's birthday out! It wasn't until much later in the evening when my SA sent me a massive thumbs up emoticon
Since there were massive floods in my area, I expected customs (and most logistics in general) to be delayed, so I was expecting the watches to clear by early Jan. But "the call" finally came on Christmas Day!
πππLet me congratulate you with some big thumbs up too! The first Patek is always a special watch, and receiving this superb new generation Calatrava on Christmas Day makes the whole thing even more special! Enjoy thoroughly!ππΎπ₯
A PP boutique in a shopping mall. I thought PP boutiques are only in famous streets in impressing buildings in famous cities. Tokyo, Paris, New York that kind of allure.
Fine you can score at the PP AD around the corner.
We have a PP boutique in our local shopping mall as well, operated by Tourneau. It is an upscale shopping destination, with Lange, Vacheron, JLC, Panerai, AP, IWC, and Rolex boutiques.
A first PP is always a nice experience! But believe me from experience itβs a very expensive virus you caught ! And there is no cure for it! Wear it in good health and happy new year!
That is a great looking watch, beautiful dial, hobnail bezel, any shots of the movement? Congrats! what a fun experience,I haven't been to an AD in years
Congratulations! Iβm really impressed with the new manual movement Patek is using in these Calatravas. Looking forward to seeing more of this movement in other Patek references.