What happens in Vegas...

I wrote and posted this a few years back on another forum, but thought I'd post it here (having recently joined this wonderful forum) as I had a chuckle when I was recently browsing through some archives, came across it, and thought you'd enjoy it and perhaps even relate to it.

I'm just your average bon vivant who appreciates the wonders of mechanical (and, yes, certain quartz) timepieces, particularly the finer ones. So, while on a holiday trip to Las Vegas with my wife, I could hardly wait to set upon my much-anticipated marathon that would take me in and out of the high-end watch retailers that populate the Caesar's Palace Forum Shops and the other luxury hotel esplanades. (My wife didn't accompany me on this particular excursion because, as she had pointed out many times previous, she'd rather sit through three back-to-back viewings of “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” than have to spend one more painful minute with me in yet another watch store.)

But I digress. To continue...while at the Forum Shops, I wasn't intending to buy -- only to look -- since I already owned a few grail pieces and, besides, I'm not necessarily a fan when it comes to buying watches at retail, especially when the various watch forums generally speak to my acquisition (and disposition) needs.

Anyway, while my eyes were feasting on a jaw-dropping $250,000 Breguet Tourbillon in one of the many shops, a nearby salesman approached and, clearly mistaking me for Warren Buffett, politely asked if I cared to have the Breguet removed from the showcase in order for me to take a "closer look", to which I reluctantly but graciously declined. Much as I would have loved to see that stunner adorning my wrist, even for a fleeting moment, echoing in the back of my mind was that worrisome old retail adage: "You break it, you've bought it".

I chuckled to myself after the salesman next "reminded" me that the Breguet I was undressing with my eyes was "the very last one", as if to suggest a huge run on these beauties, or that leaving the store without it could be the sorriest mistake of my sorry little life. At the same time, I'm thinking... it could be the last Breguet on the planet Earth, let alone in this temple of tempting timepieces, but I'd still prefer not to have to sell my beloved house and live in a cardboard box under a bridge just to pay for that tiny slice of horologic heaven. (Sadly, it’s a long, bumpy road from the $25 blackjack tables to a $250,000 Breguet).

Of course, the watch store sales staff don't know who you are or who you aren't; thus, every tire-kicker or curious looker like myself is a prospective buyer, and they're just doing their jobs, very honourably and admirably no less. And, the sales folks are often an absolute pleasure to chat with as many are quite brand-knowledgeable and friendly.

The experience certainly made the trip that much more enjoyable, even if that beautiful Breguet Tourbillon had to stay in Vegas...just like everything else that happens in Vegas!

Hi roller at $25 bj table. I found the $5 table myself.

I too enjoy looking at the shops. Was there in April. Went to the Blancpain botique. Made me miss my Blue FF, such a mistake to sell that one. Later that night I messaged the OF member that bought my FF asking if I could buy it back. He politely declined.

i haven't reach the point where i can appreciate tourbillons, that's the unsolicited opinion of the day hahaha

You mean the thread title ?
I usually get everything but I don't get your post

?????

Help a nugga out

So true, the last time I stayed at the Bellagio I was waiting for my wife at the casino and didn't notice I was next to a 'high roller' table ($1k min, which surprisingly was not cordoned off or a separate room, which makes me wonder what a real high roller is at this hotel). One guy at this BJ table, who looked homeless based on what he was wearing, dropped $10k in 5 minutes...he lost every.single.hand. I mean, the odds favor you winning more than one hand in ten (I think its like 4.9). This guy clearly didn't have any sense at all about the game, and looked as if he couldn't care less either. Truly the definition of having more dollars than sense(cents), but looked like a bum. How rich you have to be to not care about losing 10 grand in 5 minutes.....AND THEN tipped the dealer a $1k chip(for better luck? how about any luck). I had to walk away or my tears would have stained his unkempt shirt.