THE DECISION
After a few weeks thinking over my decision I have now finally placed the order for my first LING
A few of you will have read my recent posts on this subject and after a lot of umming and arring over the Aerospace and Seawolf I made up my mind and went for my original choice ... the Aero
Although I was really drawn to the new 2009 design Seawolf, the Aero was the ling I had been wanting for years, so in the end I went full circle and knew this was the one I had to get ... first !
It did not help that nowhere seamed to have any stock of the Seawolf - other than 2008 design.
However, the sheer size of the Seawolf felt a step too far for me initially too as I am used to more regular size watches.
The Aero fitted my requirements 100% in the end ...
I wanted this watch for years
It is "regular" in size ie not too big
It is light weight
It looks amazing & really like the design
In time I hope to acquire the Seawolf.
Anticipated collection is May so now the wait begins.
THE PURCHASE
Now this bit really surprised me.
Considering the current "credit crunch" climate and even news that premium watch sales are down due to the economic climate, I really thought now was the time to do a deal and get a really big discount.
The AD I had been dealing with would not discuss discounts over the phone and insisted I review this with them face to face.
So when it came to the day of ordering I went back to the AD and asked them to give me their best price.
They initially offered me 12% off list to which I advised I had been offered 20% by another local AD and they had to match this at least to get my business.
Now I know 20% is reasonable as that figure has been mentioned on this site a fair few times by several people.
At this point the salesman said "no we can't get anywhere near that"
I then challenged him and told him they would not get the order and I would be walking.
He then reaffirmed his position and then I said ok and left !
Went a few doors down to the next AD and after a brief chat they quickly agreed to the 20% off and threw in a free first service / new battery ... which I knew was worth having.
It was clear however, that I would not get more than 20% so I did not push my luck
I was VERY surprised at the contrast in attitudes between AD's ... particularly in the current financial climate.
One AD was rock solid no I am not budging on my price and another literally just a few doors away was flexible and wanted to do a deal.
One got a sale and one got nothing.
Anyway, I got a good deal and my watch is on order
I now have a Breitling fund as well.