In fact the AD did not have the 5711/1A in store when I went but he was wearing one. I knew I made the right decision. I paid a deposit and placed my order in Decmber 2009. I was told I would have to wait until Patek allocated him his stock in February 2010 and I might get it by June 2010. However, he also contacted Patek directly on my behalf. One day later, I was informed Patek were reallocating a 5711/1A to me from another region and I had my Nautilus within 3 weeks.
This is one of the most comfortable metal bracelets I have ever had. The link-and-a-half made all the difference in the world to the fit for me.