Points to merchandise?
I wasn't sure where to post this, so moderators please help.
I am in the market for an Omega Seamaster watch (discounted price ~$1,200 from a gray market dealer; probably ~$2,000 from a legit dealer). I accumulate but rarely spend points/miles and accordingly am considering "spending" some points/miles for part or all of the purchase price of this watch, if I can figure out how to do so and if I can get a decent conversion rate for the points/miles.
I have a couple hundred thousand each of UA miles and HHonors points, and a more modest number (~70,000) Diners points.
One way I could have done this if I had the yen for this item last year was by using HHonors points for an Ashford.com gift certificate and using that for part of the cost (Ashford sells gray market Omega). This option appears to be gone.
Does anyone have any suggestion on how I can accomplish this? I do NOT want any suggestions that I sell the points/miles on ebay.
Thank you.