New here…just purchased new Aqua Terra and a mild rant

Hi all… new owner of the AT and could not be any happier. What an incredibly beautiful watch. I’ve never owned a nice watch and finally I’m able to afford one. Well actually two. After a LOT of research I wanted to go with the AT and the Rolex submariner. I really think that for me it was the perfect combination.
Went to my local Rolex dealer and had a nice long conversation with him. Obviously I knew I was not purchasing one that day but he took all my information entered it into the computer basically said it’s beyond his control when I will get one but to stay patient. And I followed up with weekly phone calls just to continue showing my interest. I then called him and left a message to tell him I was prepared to buy the aqua terra first as they were also an authorized Omega dealer. No questions asked…completely willing to pay full retail. I also followed up with an email. Unfortunately I never even got a call back. Which makes me wonder…. was all that just BS?
I ended up on a cruise where they were selling the AT on board at a very attractive price but only had one available (display model with some scratches and not the color I was looking for). Found a AD in another country that matched the ships price of $4840 which I thought was more than fair. Great guy to work with. (Hesitant to give more information based on research on this forum that stated there should not have been that much of a discount. again I’m new here so feel free to tell me if I’m wrong).
Anyway the point of all of this is that I am completely happy with this watch. The sale, the watch, the packaging…everything. Omega was first rate. And now I’m simply a little sour on Rolex. I get the whole demand, gray market, blah blah blah like I said I’ve done my research I knew what I was getting into. So if and when I ever get the call I guess I’ll make my decision.
regardless….looking forward to a long relationship with this watch!

Thanks. My wife keeps giving me crap because she keeps catching me staring at it.

Congratulations! May you enjoy many years with your AT.

The market fluctuates, especially over the pandemic. I got 30% off and paid no tax on a new blue dial 38 a year ago around this time but the price you paid now is about the going rate. The Rolex thing is old news and frustrating unless you own Rolex already. You will have to have a stroke of luck or pay the premium on the gray market

I had the exact same thought, when I read the post too. PMSL

Congratulations. Really nice watch. Same thing happened to me, I approached several Rolex dealers and all they do is put you on their list. Until one time I was at one Rolex AD and having a chat with the SA. I told her that someone from the Reddit group was able to acquire a Submariner from their store in less than 6 months and he's even a first time buyer. She said that's impossible... impossible to get one in less than 6 months not to mention that he is a first time owner. So I asked her if they have an issue or policy with first time buyers, of course she didn't answer. So I called it BS and decided not to wait. A month later I got myself an Omega...again.

I admire the AT, it has a reassuring look to it where you just know it'll handle anything you put it through. And I'm similar to you, because of the bs Rolex games I looked into other brands including Omega.

I'm late to the party here, but gotta agree, the AT really is a pretty piece. I have one of the 36mm variations (automatic) circa 2006. Fits the wrist like a dream, and works great on a nato.

DBTH.

Don't believe the hype.

Nice Aqua Terra, I've always wanted one myself too - enjoy it and don't play the waiting list games.