As we all know, plans don't always go like they were intended for any number of reasons. So you can imagine how extremely disappointed I was that because of a communication mix-up at the sellers location, acquiring my first IWC bracelet ( "The Brick" ) graded in excellent condition to pair up with my Pilot UTC was not to be. My excitement turned into a real downer. I won't go into the details of what happened except to say, the old saying " things happen for a reason " we're never more true.
Upon learning what happened and the reason behind it, my source knew instantly of my feelings and how this was to be a real memorable event in my " IWC collecting " ( hobby ? ). Bottom line...he totally understood my disappointment and wanted to somehow make things right if possible since we have had a long and trusting relationship.
Since it was late in day when I informed of the bad news, my source asked me to give him until the next day and he would get back to me with a possible fix to the situation.
He kept his word and around mid morning he called and wanted to run a scenario by me.
Since I was so high on acquiring the "brick style" bracelet for my UTC, and he is always mindful ( because I remind him every week to be on the lookout ) of my desire to one day add my " Grail " to the collection which BTW is the Pilot Ceramic Chronograph ref. 3705 , he proposed the following:
He has a contact who recently discussed possibly parting with a 3706 w/ brick bracelet in old new stock condition. My source has seen the full package and says everything from the watch, bracelet, extra strap, box, hang tags/paperwork looks like it was delivered fresh from Schaffhousen. He said in the many years he's been in the watch biz, this is probably one, if not, the best condition 3706's he seen. He then made me an offer I could not refuse ......
I apologize for for the long post, but my excitement is back at full strength as I now await the arrival of a mint condition 3706 w/ brick bracelet which will allow me to have the next best thing to the 3705 and the ability to interchange the bracelet with the UTC . I say what started out as a huge disappointment now has me " singing in the rain ".
Here are a few photos sent to me to cheer me up while I wait for the FedEx truck. Still want that 3705...but this should happily hold me until then.
Thanks for reading ,
Andy