On a sunny day early February 2021, I went to a local mega mall to pick up my new prescription eyeglasses. I passed by a new Rolex boutique that re-opened not long ago after a renovation. It used to be a jewelry store and multi-brand AD for Rolex, Breitling and some other brands. I had been to the old store a few times but had not bought anything, as there were no popular Rolex models available, pretty much like Rolex ADs everywhere. I could not help wanting to check out the new boutique so I stepped into the Covid capacity control line outside the door. I waited for about 5 minutes before some customers came out and I was invited to go in. After some small talk, the gentleman helping me asked “so what are you looking for?” I didn’t plan to ask for any model, as I knew the answer. Now he had asked, I just replied casually “GMT Master II?” “I don’t have a GMT Master II, but there is a Submariner here”. “The new Submariner?” “Yes, we only carry the latest models”. He then took me to a showcase nearby where there was a brand new Submariner “no date” 124060 on display. I could not believe my eyes staring at the shining object. “Today is your lucky day”, he smiled.
I left the store rather quickly after paying for it, as if I was afraid that they would tell me it was a mistake and wanted to get the watch back. I wanted to ask but did not have a chance to ask the reason for me to just get this watch without any prior watch buying history from them.
There was another submariner on display that day, a blue dual tone model. I often wonder if they would let me buy it as well if I asked. But I told myself I should not be too greedy and I should be very content with the good fortune. So we know there was another lucky person to get the “bluesy” that day.
Only a few months later, another sales lady shared with me the answer to the mystery (as such buying experience at a Rolex store is unheard of nowadays). On that particular day, there were some Rolex officials visiting the store, as it was just converted to a Rolex boutique store from a multi branded AD. For that important visit to mark the opening, the store manager brought out a few watches for display and sales. I was absolutely lucky to walk in the store on that day! This is my story of obtaining this Submariner in a totally unexpected and very happy way.
Have a great weekend and best of luck in your pursue of the timepieces you love!