My regular AD has closed down :-(

My SA from my regular AD called to inform me that their store would be closing down soon, some months back. Apparently, their store did not fit in with the mall's brand image, so their lease was not getting renewed. Two days before their store shut down for good, my SA called me again to let me know my watch had arrived. I was excited; I've wanted the new 126710 BLRO since Basel 2018 and I had put my name down for one immediately.

Unfortunately, my SA told me there were no BLROs delivered in Aug, so she tried her best and managed to get me a BLNR instead. To be honest, I was disappointed it wasn't what I'd been eyeing for over the last year. So I politely declined.

The next day, I swung by to bid my SA goodbye and good luck (she was being transferred to another branch -- although she did contemplate leaving). She asked if I wanted to have a look at my watch, which caught me by surprise as I had not expected it to still be in store. She continued on to tell me that she'd done her best to get me something, but ultimately all allocations (at least in this part of the world) was determined by HQ.

A small voice in my head was trout slapping myself, asking how often I could get a sports model at retail. After some careful consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase. Yes, there was a little bit of FOMO definitely.





Almost two weeks on the wrist now and its safe to say I have no regrets. I'm surprised how comfortable the jubilee fits on the wrist. Less wrist fatigue after a full day's wear. Having said that, I also still think that the BLRO looks much better on the jubilee than the BLNR. Oh well, no complaints!

A high end swiss watch store doesn't fit in with the mall's brand image? What image are they going for? Something less upscale?

I was wondering the same thing.

It looks good on you - I traded my 1st Gen 2015 BLNR and a 19 year old Yachtmaster to get my 126710 BLRO and a little cash from a flipper (full warranty). I really do like the BLNR on the Oyster more, but at least you got the new movement with longer power reserve, and you paid MSRP.

I had the same thought....

Not sure about mall's image. I'm in Malaysia, and malls here can be quite picky with brands. That particular mall is central to three different train lines and lots of footfall, mostly tourists and working class folk. To be honest, it doesn't really have anything else that is high end -- perhaps just a cinema, an electronics mega store, Apple store, Godiva and Uniqlo. Oh and a Starbucks too. Difficult to put in to an American perspective, but American malls and Southeast Asian malls can be very different!

Or even a trade I think many may want to do that trade

Your SA did you a big favor, gift her something nice for farewell, cuz she practically stick a few thousand dollars in your pocket along with the watch

The mall likely has a MAJOR big box Jeweler who wants to come into the mall...
Its sad but its how things are going now, they want a big corp they know will cover the rent with the way retail is going these days.

Definitely not something I would do. I am not supportive of (overly inflated) grey market prices. I'll wait for my BLRO to (hopefully, eventually) arrive. Wouldn't mind a 1:1 trade, but not for a top-up. My SA says she'll eventually be able to get me one again (I passed on the first one, unfortunately).

congrats and wear your watch in good health

Congrats on the pickup! I agree on the Jubilee bracelet observation, it certainly wears great.

What a great swan song of a delivery. Glad you got something out of it - looks sharp on you man.