Last week I started my hunt for that Audemars Piguet ceramic white watch, man it was a journey. Woke up Wednesday thinking it’d be simple, boy was I wrong.
Step 1: Hitting Up Boutiques
Drove downtown to the official AP store first thing Thursday morning. Sales guy gave me that look – you know the one. Said ceramic models are like unicorns these days. Put my name on “the list” but whispered it’d be years. Like hell I’m waiting that long.
Step 2: Checking Regular Jewelry Stores
Friday was dealer day. Hit three fancy jewelry spots:
- First place straight up laughed
- Second offered me rose gold instead (nope, wanted ceramic)
- Third said they got one last month but sold it in 5 minutes
Felt like chasing ghosts at this point.
Step 3: Going Grey Market Route
Saturday morning coffee turned into phone tag with dealers. Got three quotes:
- Dealer A: “market price” (which means 2.5x retail)
- Dealer B: Wanted cash upfront, no returns
- Dealer C: Actually had one in NYC but wanted my Rolex as trade
Nearly spit out my coffee at those prices. Still, closest I’d gotten.
Step 4: Messy Negotiations
Tried playing dealers against each other Monday. Awkward as hell. Everyone kept saying:
- “No discounts on ceramics”
- “Last white piece sold over asking price”
- “You’re 12th in line currently”
Started feeling like I was begging to overpay.
Getting My Hands On One
Finally bit the bullet Wednesday. Called Dealer C back, agreed to wire funds. Burned cash like crazy but whatever. Guy made me:
- Do ID verification twice
- Sign like 8 pages of documents
- Confirm shipment insurance 3 times
Payment cleared this morning. Watch should arrive Friday. Whole experience hurt like hell – not just the wallet. Why you asking? Cause my buddy still thinks he’ll get one at retail price. Gonna send him this post before he wastes months like I did.