ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

nick800 · 19 April 2019, 11:19 PM

I'm pretty much fed up with the Rolex AD nonsense. I've contemplated AP's for a while, so thought I'd talk to a boutique and see how they handle a new customer. It was such a refreshing experience.

A polite gentlemen explained the allocation process and asked what I was interested it. Initially I mentioned the 15500 blue, but would also be interested in black. He then asked me if I wanted a blue dial 26331! I assume this is a relatively desirable model, and if true, he actually offered it to me! I've never had a Rolex AD offer me anything.

I had not considered the chronograph, and know little about it. He said he could likely get one for me in short order, and probably also a black 15500. The blue would of course be harder.

So, in the end, he said he understands my preferences in order and would get back to me with what he may be able to do.

Of course the proof will be in the pudding, but it was a much more enjoyable experience.

rambo99 · 19 April 2019, 11:47 PM

go get the 26331ST blue dial, you wont regret it.

Cevan · 20 April 2019, 12:41 AM

The Chrono hit all the marks for me... white, blue whatever you’ll love it.

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GB-man · 20 April 2019, 01:04 AM

I did the exact same thing and AP is my favorite brand to deal with hands down.

calatravato · 20 April 2019, 01:04 AM

I just got my blue 26331 delivered this week. It’s absolutely stunning!!! I have to say the experience dealing with the boutique was excellent.

As a value proposition, this watch can’t be beat. Finishing stands up well with the Nautilus, but it could be had at the boutique for less than half the market price of the Nautilus. Yeah, it isn’t an in-house movement, but from what I can gather, it’s an excellent movement nevertheless.

CoveWatch · 20 April 2019, 01:44 AM

The ROC is a great looking watch... sometimes I wondered if I should have went with the ROC instead of my RO

kevblah · 20 April 2019, 05:29 AM

very happy with my blue 26331, enjoy!

AK797 · 20 April 2019, 05:36 AM

ROC is nice go for it.

inadeje · 20 April 2019, 02:41 PM

I too went AP after Rolex drought. Turns out I am very happy with it, a true step above Rolex finish

mickyd329 · 20 April 2019, 05:47 PM

You won't regret the 26331. It's a real nice piece.

bimmer101 · 20 April 2019, 09:40 PM

I was in a similiar position where I was looking for a 15400 blue dial but ended up with a blue dial chrono instead, and haven’t regretted it ever since!

Colin W · 21 April 2019, 12:07 AM

Do it - Chrono is great piece - love mine

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Burlington · 21 April 2019, 04:24 AM

Blue ROC is a stunner - AP do seem to have fabulous customer service. Before, during and after

Uros · 21 April 2019, 05:31 AM

AP chrono is great cant go wrong...
Agree with regard to rolex, see more and more people rather buying AP or similar then paying grey prices. Went to local Rolex AD to check as was thinking of maybe adding one rolex and it simply nidicolous...

Rolex should address this, currently there are cca 300 ceramic daytonas available now on chrono24...

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Psychopath · 21 April 2019, 01:08 PM

You can’t go wrong with the blue 26331st.

inadeje · 21 April 2019, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychopath

You can’t go wrong with the blue 26331st.

Couldn’t love the blue. But, I already have a smurf so, maybe that’s why.

SSA · 22 April 2019, 05:17 AM

Do folks on this forum have any concerns about 26331 not having an in-house AP movement? That is really the only thing that had me on the wall about this particular model.

calatravato · 22 April 2019, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSA

Do folks on this forum have any concerns about 26331 not having an in-house AP movement? That is really the only thing that had me on the wall about this particular model.

No concerns from me. I’ve seen it called one of the best, most reliable chrono movements available, including the thread below:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=653303

I guess the only hang up for anyone would be if you wanted to have a clear caseback, or if you really wanted an in-house movement. Neither of those apply to me.

The current 26331 is a great deal for a chrono IMO. I think the thread above mentioned that the in-house movement will be much more expensive, and I agree.

francoamerican · 22 April 2019, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSA

Do folks on this forum have any concerns about 26331 not having an in-house AP movement? That is really the only thing that had me on the wall about this particular model.

Not in the slightest. Golden age movements were generally not in house. I think the in house trend is an over correction to finding out that folks were spending $3600 on watches with a bog standard eta 2824.

My question is how do boutiques manage priority to working ones way up to buying say a blue 15202st? (Which isn’t in house either as I’m sure you know)

NicholasNJ · 22 April 2019, 10:54 PM

Can’t go wrong with this one!

All my experience with AP has been nothing but pleasant. If you’re in the US, hit up Bal Harbor boutique. They have excellent customer service!

The AP House in London was also very welcoming and accommodating

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19 April 2019, 11:19 PM	#1
nick800 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: USA Posts: 1,578	Tell me about the 26331ST + a positive boutique experience I'm pretty much fed up with the Rolex AD nonsense. I've contemplated AP's for a while, so thought I'd talk to a boutique and see how they handle a new customer. It was such a refreshing experience. A polite gentlemen explained the allocation process and asked what I was interested it. Initially I mentioned the 15500 blue, but would also be interested in black. He then asked me if I wanted a blue dial 26331! I assume this is a relatively desirable model, and if true, he actually offered it to me! I've never had a Rolex AD offer me anything. I had not considered the chronograph, and know little about it. He said he could likely get one for me in short order, and probably also a black 15500. The blue would of course be harder. So, in the end, he said he understands my preferences in order and would get back to me with what he may be able to do. Of course the proof will be in the pudding, but it was a much more enjoyable experience.

20 April 2019, 01:04 AM	#4
GB-man 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 36,856	I did the exact same thing and AP is my favorite brand to deal with hands down. __________________

20 April 2019, 01:04 AM	#5
calatravato "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Real Name: Tony Location: New York Watch: PP 5711/1a-011 Posts: 478	I just got my blue 26331 delivered this week. It’s absolutely stunning!!! I have to say the experience dealing with the boutique was excellent. As a value proposition, this watch can’t be beat. Finishing stands up well with the Nautilus, but it could be had at the boutique for less than half the market price of the Nautilus. Yeah, it isn’t an in-house movement, but from what I can gather, it’s an excellent movement nevertheless. __________________ Instagram: @thewatchdawg

20 April 2019, 02:41 PM	#9
inadeje 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,568	I too went AP after Rolex drought. Turns out I am very happy with it, a true step above Rolex finish __________________ ♛ 116689 ♛ 116500LN Blk ♛ 116500LN Wht ♛ Sky Dweller 326934-003 ♛ 126710BLNR ♛ 126710BLRO - ♛ 126610LV ♛ 16520 ♛ 16523 ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1A-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Fiddy 127, Bronzo 671, 687, 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Daniel Roth Endurer Chronosprint, Cartier Santos XL - ✿ Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze M79012M, Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

20 April 2019, 05:47 PM	#10
mickyd329 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: Socal Watch: AP/PP/Rolex Posts: 1,763	You won't regret the 26331. It's a real nice piece. __________________ PP 5205G-013/ PP 5212A / AP 15416CE /26574 st QP/ AP 50th 16202st /AP 15500st Black / AP 26405CE / AP 77350CE / AP 15551st / AP 67540sk /Daytona C White/Rolex SS BLRO / Rolex Sub Green / Rolex Explorer II/ Rolex DJ Blue

19 April 2019, 11:47 PM	#2
rambo99 Banned Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Tokyo Watch: SD43,PAM1616,Hulk Posts: 3,567	go get the 26331ST blue dial, you wont regret it.

20 April 2019, 12:41 AM	#3
Cevan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 31	The Chrono hit all the marks for me... white, blue whatever you’ll love it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

20 April 2019, 01:44 AM	#6
CoveWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex & AP Posts: 4,535	The ROC is a great looking watch... sometimes I wondered if I should have went with the ROC instead of my RO

20 April 2019, 05:29 AM	#7
kevblah "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston Posts: 223	very happy with my blue 26331, enjoy!

20 April 2019, 05:36 AM	#8
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,220	ROC is nice go for it.

20 April 2019, 09:40 PM	#11
bimmer101 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Dubai Posts: 36	I was in a similiar position where I was looking for a 15400 blue dial but ended up with a blue dial chrono instead, and haven’t regretted it ever since!

21 April 2019, 12:07 AM	#12
Colin W "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: UK Posts: 1,314	Do it - Chrono is great piece - love mine Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________

21 April 2019, 04:24 AM	#13
Burlington "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Europe Posts: 5,634	Blue ROC is a stunner - AP do seem to have fabulous customer service. Before, during and after __________________ “My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best.” ― Winston S. Churchill

21 April 2019, 05:31 AM	#14
Uros "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Europe Posts: 391	AP chrono is great cant go wrong... Agree with regard to rolex, see more and more people rather buying AP or similar then paying grey prices. Went to local Rolex AD to check as was thinking of maybe adding one rolex and it simply nidicolous... Rolex should address this, currently there are cca 300 ceramic daytonas available now on chrono24... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

21 April 2019, 01:08 PM	#15
Psychopath "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Bangkok Posts: 26	You can’t go wrong with the blue 26331st.

22 April 2019, 05:17 AM	#17
SSA "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: USA Posts: 34	Do folks on this forum have any concerns about 26331 not having an in-house AP movement? That is really the only thing that had me on the wall about this particular model.

22 April 2019, 10:54 PM	#20
NicholasNJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: SUB / SEA Posts: 87	Can’t go wrong with this one! All my experience with AP has been nothing but pleasant. If you’re in the US, hit up Bal Harbor boutique. They have excellent customer service! The AP House in London was also very welcoming and accommodating Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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