“I made an appointment to examine the Meridian Eight. It's the only watch I came here to see.”
The associate glanced toward the display.
Inside, resting on a navy velvet cushion beneath carefully positioned lights, was one of the most exclusive watches produced by Aster & Vale International.
The case was fashioned from polished white gold.
The bezel and bracelet were set with individually selected diamonds.
The face displayed an extraordinary suspended seconds mechanism that seemed to float beneath the transparent crystal.
A small engraved plaque beneath the velvet stand read:
THE MERIDIAN EIGHT — $280,000
Only eighty-eight examples had been produced.
The company marketed the watch as a masterpiece of European mechanical artistry, representing the culmination of more than a century of horological tradition.
Collectors had waited months for the opportunity to purchase one.
And now a woman the associate had never seen before wanted it removed from the case.
“Private viewings require authorization,” the associate said.
“Then check my appointment.”
“I'm afraid you don't appear on our priority client list.”
“You haven't asked my name.”
The associate's expression changed.
For several seconds, she stared at the woman.
Then she gave a short, condescending laugh.
“Ma'am, I've worked in luxury retail for fifteen years. I can usually tell when someone is genuinely interested in making a purchase.”
The Black woman slowly removed one hand from her handbag.
“Can you?”
“Of course.”
“Then tell me something about this particular watch.”
The associate folded her arms.
“What would you like to know?”
“Who designed the suspended seconds assembly?”
The blonde woman blinked.
For a moment, her professional smile disappeared.
Then she recovered.
“Our finest European craftsmen developed the movement.”
“Which craftsman?”
The associate glanced toward the watch.
“That's proprietary information.”
The Black woman nodded thoughtfully.
“Does it still use the original three-point floating bridge?”
The associate stared.
“I'm sorry?”