On my way to a meeting, I stopped by a jewelry and watch shop in Burlingame. The sales associate was super warm and helpful. I told her that I didn't plan to drop by but the Patek logo on the glass display caught my eye, and while wearing the 5212, I wanted to peek at what they have in stock.
After waiting a few seconds for the store's glass door to open (there was a cop car parked right across), I was ushered in. As expected, there weren't many Pateks in the display cases, but before leaving, the SA took me over to the pre-owned section. The 5320 caught my eye. I haven't seen a Patek like that before; it had everything that I could possibly want:
- Large, lumed numerals
- Distinguishable syringe hands (I don't like the Speedmaster's thin hands nor the Seamaster's skeleton hands)
- Grand complications: moonphase, night / day indicator, day / date / month, leap year counter (I'm a sucker for complications)
- Beautiful alligator leather strap
- Deployant
- Precious metal (all my watches today are in stainless steel, and I'd love to get one in gold)
The retail price is about $110K which is way beyond my current means. BUT, the secondary market has the creme dial, which is my preference, for under $60K. For half off, this is -- in my snobby opinion, because no one needs a Patek -- an absolute bargain!
When I have a monetary or business milestone to celebrate, this is what I'm getting. One can only dream.