Comments:
Already blessed with the 5712/1A, I visited my Patek AD in Charlotte, North Carolina and was shown the 5980/1AR. I never expected to see a 5980 because I thought they were long discontinued. I was smitten and it's a gorgeous piece. Comparing them side by side I thought "I desperately need this additional Nautilus!" So I lobbied my sales associate with a full charm campaign for weeks. Then I had to work in Qatar for several months so I continued to charm him from afar the whole time I was gone. I actually prayed for this watch while I was in the Middle East and I promise I'm not a religious man.
Unanswered prayers
Already blessed with the 5712/1A, I visited my Patek AD in Charlotte, North Carolina and was shown the 5980/1AR. I never expected to see a 5980 because I thought they were long discontinued. I was smitten and it's a gorgeous piece. Comparing them side by side I thought "I desperately need this additional Nautilus!" So I lobbied my sales associate with a full charm campaign for weeks. Then I had to work in Qatar for several months so I continued to charm him from afar the whole time I was gone. I actually prayed for this watch while I was in the Middle East and I promise I'm not a religious man.
Maybe it was my positive interpretation of my SA's texts but I was nearly 100% sure that he would offer me the 5980 when I returned home from the wars! LOL. I steadily texted him once per week with upbeat, friendly messages. When I got back to the States and my wife and I visited the boutique I was gently let down and fully disappointed (though I tried hard to be gracious) when he said he offered it to another long time, loyal client. The 1.5 hour drive home from the AD was emotional for both me and my wife. However within the next couple months and lots of soul-searching I realized that the major reason I lusted and prayed for that watch was because it was simply visible at the AD and I held it in my hands.
The watch that I really needed in my tiny collection at that point was a (somewhat understated) gold dress watch - not another sport watch. I ended up purchasing exactly what my collection needed and I absolutely adore it (5170R-001).
When I look back at this foto and I remember my emotions... the first feeling is a little bit of shame of desperately wanting something for no particular reason. The second feeling is thank goodness for unanswered prayers.
Best,
Robert
Thanks for this great post, Robert!
I love your honesty and how you managed to free yourself from a desire which was conditioned instead of being free and enlightened. Your reference 5170 is simply splendid!
Wear it in the best of health.
Best, Emmanuel
Quattro thank you
Writing in a brutally honest and forthcoming way helps me realize my mistakes and hopefully I learn from them.
Best,
Robert
Best,
Robert
Definitely a bummer that your salesman kept stringing you along !
That being said, the 5170 is WAY better than the nautilus. I love the design and dial and breguet numerals. I imagine the movements operates super nicely , too. 🍻
Teutonic, yes "bummer" was the major emotion that I experienced - and unfairness
Thank you for the vote of confidence on my 5170 choice. The movement is intoxicating!
The 5170r looks excellent!
The 5980/1Ar is discontinued…so that is interesting he had that on hand. Regardless, I’m sorry you didn’t get it, but I respect and appreciate your reflection on the event and how these material things can play with our emotions. Thank you for sharing that since we can all benefit from such reflection.🙏🏽
Yes, it was discontinued at the time (this was 2 years ago) and it was a rare, beautiful sight
Reflecting on my mistakes is like a full time job! 
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Best,
Robert
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Best,
Robert
While I was reading
through your great prose I too kinda felt your emotions so thank you for this intense post, I certainly understand your feelings of injustice and sadness but glad that you found a better companion in your 5170, may it bring you much more happiness.
Derreck, you're very kind - thank you
I was sad, my wife was sad - and in the exact sunken moment we realized what the sale associate was saying to us (about not getting the offer) my reaction of hurt was internal and I did my best to portray appreciation and grace. Like showing class to the police officer handing you a traffic fine.
Best,
Robert
Best,
Robert
Goh, many thanks! I plan on doing exactly that
I try to wear it once per week into the office - and fully protected with a long sleeve.
Best,
Robert
Best,
Robert
Thx for this great story & sharing your feelings & emotions !
Although that 5980 might have been a tempting choice in the first place, the 5170 is a great selection, a real connoisseur’s choice. - For me a much more sophisticated piece and really a splendid watch ! - Congrats and wear it in the very Best of your health ‼️😊
hs, thank you
Oh how tempting the 5980 was to me... but given my collection at that point it would not have been an imaginative choice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
Best,
Robert
Best,
Robert
Hi Robert, many thanks for sharing a touching story full of anticipations/expectations with disappoitments ! Glad that
everything fell into place and you end up adoring the 5170R which has such a lovely vintage vibe to me !
Trust that this experience solidifed your focus on your journey ! Would love to hear more about your other stories.