5296 - My AD tells me is discontinued
I wanted to buy a 5296 G (white gold, sector dial) in from my AD in Philadelphia, PA. The salesman said the watch was not in stock and would no longer be available. I couldn't believe this was the case and asked him to confirm with the store manager.
He returned to tell me that their store is one of the largest PP dealers in the US, and that they were advised that PP would no longer make the 5296 G.
Is this old news?
Thanks,
BB
The Goal is Soul
Sector Dial for 5296
There is indeed a rumour going around that the sector dial version of the 5296 is no longer in production. I have been told by my AD that the sector dial version of the 5296 will only be given to select stores around the world although I suspect the numbers will be limited. Having said that, I was still offered a nice discount on an existing 5296R by the same AD which is atypical for a model that is supposedly "discontinued"?
Therefore, until this is officially confirmed by Patek, I suggest that we should treat it as such and make the purchase decision accordingly.
A reasonable question remains...
If a watch store representing itself as the second largest PP AD in North America tells a serious collector that the watch is discontinued, and then if there is no verification, what representation, if any, is a rational collector supposed to believe?
I ended up purchasing a pre owned model because my AD told me that he could not order a 5296, regardless of how long I was willing to wait. The precise quote to me was that the watch "is discontinued".
If the 5296 is still available, my AD just lost a sale because of inept management or poor communication. Also, if a previous post accurately describes that only a handful of AD's will receive the 5296 G, then either my AD wasn't aware as such, or, did not make the proper disclosure. None of the above makes me particularly enthusiastic (unless my AD correctly appraised me).
Lastly, I wasn't talking rumor; and I am not recommending that anyone buy or sell anything based on my post. I am saying that the statements from a leading AD should comport with reality. And it is to my fellow Purists that I turn to for clarification. I am left presuming that until I officially hear from Mr. Stern, his agents' statements should be disregarded. And that's a sad fact to face.
However, the 5296 puts a smile on my face 
BB
The Goal is Soul
