Alright, so I’ve been eyeing this Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010 for a while now. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s a stunner! But getting my hands on one? That’s a whole different story. They only make like 60,000 watches a year, so you know it’s tough.
First off, I started hitting up all the official dealers. I figured, go straight to the source, right? I found this dealer FCT, Gotham Trading NY, that seemed pretty legit. They had the Gondolo listed, but no price. Shocker. So, I called them up, played it cool, and asked about the 7042/100G-010. The guy on the phone was polite enough, but he basically told me I needed a “buying history” to even be considered. I guess they want to make sure I’m a serious buyer, not some window shopper.
Checking Out the Used Market
Since the new route was looking like a dead end, I started looking at the used market. I found some listings, but it’s a bit of a minefield. You gotta be careful, make sure it’s authentic, and in good condition. I checked some sites, looked through a few listings, and even compared prices on them to get an idea of what these things actually go for. There are like 10 of ref. 7042/100R-010 watches on it. But, I mean, buying a used Patek is a big deal. It’s not like buying a used car. You need to really know what you’re doing, or you could end up with a fake or a lemon. Some people even say owning a Patek Philippe was a way for someone to show off their social status and success.
Getting Hands-On
The next step was to actually see one of these beauties in person. I went to a few high-end watch shops, just to get a feel for it. Tried on a couple of other Pateks, just to get an idea of the size, weight, and how they look on my wrist. I gotta say, even though it wasn’t the exact Gondolo I wanted, it was still pretty awesome to try on a Patek. They’re definitely as nice as everyone says.
I even found this vintage one, the Ref#5009/1J-051, which looked pretty cool. It’s got that old-school rectangular design from way back in the 1910s. Not exactly what I was looking for, but it was cool to see a piece of history.
The Waiting Game
So, after all that, I’m still on the hunt. I’ve got my name on a few waiting lists, talked to a few dealers, and I’m keeping an eye on the used market. It’s a waiting game now. But I’m patient. I know the right one will come along eventually. And when it does, it’ll be worth it. Because let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a Patek Philippe Gondolo 7042/100G-010 on their wrist?
- Contacted official dealers: Found out about the “buying history” requirement.
- Explored the used market: Found some listings but need to be cautious.
- Tried on some watches: Got a feel for Patek Philippe quality.
- Still waiting: On waiting lists and keeping an eye on the market.
It’s a journey, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I’ll keep you guys updated on my progress. Wish me luck!
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