My First Patek
Hi guys - I'm in the market for a Patek 5167A and am going through the dealers on IG and from a few buddies who have worked with some various ones but wanted to get some advice on what to look for, what to ask, what red flags to look for etc as I've never done a purchase on a watch at this level from the secondary market. I have a great relationship with my Rolex AD and have a lot of those pieces but Patek nada but have always wanted this reference. From my research I think I have to buy something a bit older to be within my budet of sub $70k for a full set but a dealer has found me one but more or less wont provide any detailed photos of the watch without me first sending a $5K non-refundable deposit so they can get the watch (from their wholesaler I'm assuming) then they will send me photos. Is this normal?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Just a bit nervous about a transaction of this size more or less over the internet without knowing what im getting etc. I'm in a market without a Patek AD so I dont know how I'd authenticate it etc once I got it either.