I was looking for a different stainless steel Patek, the discontinued 5960/1A-010 and had really no luck with ADs.
I was thinking the gray market was going to be my only option. And then I called one AD in my neighboring state and I got lucky that the person I spoke to was willing to work with me even though I had no prior relationship. I realize my watch is different from the one that your friend wants. But have him keep on looking, you never know when an AD is willing to make the sale.