In a story that could easily be mistaken for an action-packed thriller, renowned watch expert Nico Leonard recently shared a jaw-dropping account of his daring journey to Venezuela to secure four coveted Rolex GMT-Master watches — all at retail.
This extraordinary feat, which seems almost impossible in today’s watch market, comes with a rollercoaster of emotions, loyalty, and a surprising twist that will leave watch enthusiasts captivated.
A Dangerous Mission to Venezuela
Leonard’s mission was clear: secure the sought-after Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi at retail for a close friend. In a recent episode of the Strike It Big Podcast,
Nico revealed the extreme lengths he went to in order to fulfill his promise. But the journey wasn’t as simple as walking into a store and picking up the watches. Leonard’s trip involved significant risk.
“We were chased by a car, and the car was shot. It was absolute carnage,” he recalled.
This heart-stopping moment occurred as Leonard traveled about an hour and a half from the village where he had boarded a boat to make the purchase. Despite the danger, Nico pressed forward and ultimately secured the watches — all while navigating a highly charged, unpredictable situation.
The Big Reveal and Unexpected Rejection
After successfully navigating the treacherous conditions of Venezuela, Leonard made the long trek back to Northern Ireland, eager to deliver the Rolex to his dear friend. But the story took an unexpected turn when the watch was rejected.
Upon presenting the Pepsi Rolex, Leonard’s friend told him it was not what he wanted, citing that it didn’t come with a UK card — an essential feature for some collectors. But the true shocker came when his friend admitted that he had only been joking about wanting the watch all along.
Leonard, understandably shocked and amused, expressed his disbelief: “You nearly took a bullet for this, and you didn’t even want it!”
Despite the danger, his friend refused the watch, leaving Leonard to reflect on the bizarre outcome.
A Tale of Loyalty and Lessons
Nico Leonard’s experience highlights not only the thrills and risks involved in securing rare timepieces in today’s global market but also the loyalty and trust that define relationships within the watch collecting community.
From the life-threatening pursuit to the final rejection, this story underscores the highs and lows of the world of watch enthusiasts.
The full episode of Strike It Big Podcast delves deeper into Leonard’s incredible journey, with more details on his experience and the challenges of navigating such a volatile market.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply a fan of thrilling tales from the world of luxury watches, Nico’s journey offers a unique, entertaining perspective.
