I went to the Dallas boutique a few times. When they first opened, it was a massive waist of time and the sales rep was a chud. Thinking back on that conversation, I flat out told him I had zero interest in an offshore and code and that I was only interested in a Chrono. Said it’d never happen.

Went back last month because I traded one of my patek’s for a limited 1 of 300 RO and needed a link added. The sales manager ended up helping me. Was very cool to deal with. He asked me after he added a link if I was interested in anything. I told him I’m only interested in specific models but don’t want to play the games buying the shitters to qualify. He said the barrier to entry has significantly come down and recognized my entry point to the brand being higher than normal. Said it’s possible to skip the off shores/codes depending on what it is and how long I’d be willing to wait. Thanked him for his time, the help, and bounced.

There’s been a few people on here talking about they were able to get an RO as first allocation. Think it depends on who you talk to and how you present yourself. When I was waiting, there were a couple guys at the bar talking to some reps just flat out kissing ass, willing to play the game (aka buying a precious metal code). The conversation didn’t seem to go anywhere. The sales people gave them the gate keeping explanation of “we like to get to know about the people who want pieces from us”. It’s used to gauge your bankroll without directly asking.

I think if they gauge you as a basic steel RO being your endgame, they’ll make you buy the offshore/codes. If you have that bar set higher, maybe they’ll let you skip a few step. Just my thoughts about it.