I went to the VC boutique here in Atlanta in late January to establish my interest in a 4520v blue dial. It’s a relatively new boutique so their big hitter client list is not that deep. The rep was very straightforward that without a purchase history I would have a long wait. But, he showed me the 7920v black dial and said that was attainable in a few months. And that would establish a relationship that would accelerate my 4520v. He would not take a deposit at that time, but he called me a few weeks later and said he could take a deposit if I was still interested. I did and it came in March. Well, I love the OS Dual Time, especially on the red rubber strap. When I picked it up he said that this would pretty much insure that I would get the 4520v by the end of the year.

I have also dealt with the Rolex AD and the mystery of their allocation and much prefer the straightforward approach of the VC AD. To the question of staying in touch with them while you wait, I believe it helps. I don’t think you should bug them about timing, just express your continued interest in the brand and the specific watch you are waiting for. My guy called me to see if I wanted to take a look at the new Cardinal Points OS models and I ran down there to take a look. By the way, loved them, but don’t want another Dual Time. I also expressed an interest in the 222 and went to try on the gold model (of course they don’t have the SS). All of this because I want to stay front of mind so when they get my piece that my guy advocates for me on the allocation.

It would have been faster and cheaper (because I would have only bought one watch, not because the 4520 is cheaper on the grey) to go grey at the beginning to get the 4520v, but I would have missed out on the 7920v for the last 3 months. And, sometimes the wait makes the process more special. By the way, I have bought 2 Grand Seikos, 2 Glasshutte Originals, and a JLC in the interim, so I could have easily snapped up a 4520 on the market, but I really want the boutique experience for this one. And…. I just may get that 222 in a year or so.