Obtaining 15500ST as first AP

[fspfsp]

I'm going through the process of obtaining my first AP, SO EXCITED, and was told this - "In terms of payment and deposit, we require a wire for initial transactions. Subsequent transactions/purchases can be made with credit card. To secure the timepiece, we require a full deposit." I was bummed about the loss of the CC points.

[AG_Watches]

Originally Posted by fspfsp

I'm going through the process of obtaining my first AP, SO EXCITED, and was told this - "In terms of payment and deposit, we require a wire for initial transactions. Subsequent transactions/purchases can be made with credit card. To secure the timepiece, we require a full deposit." I was bummed about the loss of the CC points.

I was also bummed about the loss of points, but who cares in the end.. its a one way flight in points for a 30k purchase. You will be ecstatic with or without the points and I have no regrets, but I understand where you’re coming from!

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by EyeoftheTiger

Fraud protection I guess

AP Corp has some weird policies in comparison to their competitors, to be honest.

[kimwizzzuuu]

Rules probably changed recently or not long ago regarding no credit card as for first purchase with boutique. I had my first purchase with boutique in June 2018 in credit cards, and the following purchases as well. I have never paid any deposits for 15500st(blue), jumbo, steel openworked in order to get the allocation. I had some friends paid deposit at boutique but not everyone, have no idea how they determined their payment method.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by kimwizzzuuu

Rules probably changed recently or not long ago regarding no credit card as for first purchase with boutique. I had my first purchase with boutique in June 2018 in credit cards, and the following purchases as well. I have never paid any deposits for 15500st(blue), jumbo, steel openworked in order to get the allocation. I had some friends paid deposit at boutique but not everyone, have no idea how they determined their payment method.

Did you purchase in person at the boutique? It’s not uncommon for high end luxury places to require money transfer over credit cards if you’re not on file with them making prior purchases.

[kimwizzzuuu]

First 2 purchases were made in boutique. Others all thru AP North America payment link or Card pre-authorization thru email.

[le_baron]

I'm confused, is AP telling you that (1) they won't accept credit cards from any new customer making his/her first purchase—including an in-person purchase; or (2) they won't accept credit cards from a new customer who is using the phone or internet to remotely make his/her first purchase?

[texasmade]

Most likely #2. That's how other luxury stores have operating in the past when I wanted to buy stuff over the phone.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by le_baron

I'm confused, is AP telling you that (1) they won't accept credit cards from any new customer making his/her first purchase—including an in-person purchase; or (2) they won't accept credit cards from a new customer who is using the phone or internet to remotely make his/her first purchase?

I paid with CC at vegas boutique for my first AP.. maybe corporate handles it differently

[NiJaRo1225]

FWIW:
I just got “the call” for my first AP (15500ST.OO.1220ST.02 gray dial) this morning, from the NYC boutique. I was informed that I would have to wire funds since it’s my first transaction with them. I’m currently on the West Coast, so they’re overnighting it to me and I’ll have it tomorrow.

To the OP:
My approach was very similar to yours. I stopped into the NYC boutique in early December 2019, and expressed interest in a non-blue dial 15500st. The sales specialist was great; after a nice chat and trying on some other pieces he told me, “If you’re patient, I’ll get you your watch.”
Covid obviously was a consideration, so I waited and reached out via text in Aug of 2020 and was told there was nothing available.
I reached out again via text last week and the SS called me and said I’d have one within 3 weeks; got the call this morning. Wired them the funds and my wrist size (7.25”-7.5”) so they can remove a link if necessary.
14 months wasn’t a bad wait at all - I was expecting a MUCH longer wait, considering I had *zero* purchase history.
I am very impressed with both the sales specialist and my overall experience buying my first AP.

That being said, based off of my experience I think it’s definitely realistic as a first AP, and maybe (hopefully!!) in 2021.

Good luck to you!


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[acaixguard]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

FWIW:
I just got “the call” for my first AP (15500ST.OO.1220ST.02 gray dial) this morning, from the NYC boutique. I was informed that I would have to wire funds since it’s my first transaction with them. I’m currently on the West Coast, so they’re overnighting it to me and I’ll have it tomorrow.

To the OP:
My approach was very similar to yours. I stopped into the NYC boutique in early December 2019, and expressed interest in a non-blue dial 15500st. The sales specialist was great; after a nice chat and trying on some other pieces he told me, “If you’re patient, I’ll get you your watch.”
Covid obviously was a consideration, so I waited and reached out via text in Aug of 2020 and was told there was nothing available.
I reached out again via text last week and the SS called me and said I’d have one within 3 weeks; got the call this morning. Wired them the funds and my wrist size (7.25”-7.5”) so they can remove a link if necessary.
14 months wasn’t a bad wait at all - I was expecting a MUCH longer wait, considering I had *zero* purchase history.
I am very impressed with both the sales specialist and my overall experience buying my first AP.

That being said, based off of my experience I think it’s definitely realistic as a first AP, and maybe (hopefully!!) in 2021.

Good luck to you!


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Wow, that's awesome...congrats! Be sure to post up some pics when it arrives.

And thanks for your timeline. It sounds like I am about 2 months behind you, as I initiated first contact in Feb 2020, and again in October. Since my last contact with them was mid-January, I'll try reaching out again in a few months just to express continued interest.

Thanks again and congrats!

[snowvapor]

you've given us all a little hope !

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[illiguy]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

FWIW:
I just got “the call” for my first AP (15500ST.OO.1220ST.02 gray dial) this morning, from the NYC boutique. I was informed that I would have to wire funds since it’s my first transaction with them. I’m currently on the West Coast, so they’re overnighting it to me and I’ll have it tomorrow.

To the OP:
My approach was very similar to yours. I stopped into the NYC boutique in early December 2019, and expressed interest in a non-blue dial 15500st. The sales specialist was great; after a nice chat and trying on some other pieces he told me, “If you’re patient, I’ll get you your watch.”
Covid obviously was a consideration, so I waited and reached out via text in Aug of 2020 and was told there was nothing available.
I reached out again via text last week and the SS called me and said I’d have one within 3 weeks; got the call this morning. Wired them the funds and my wrist size (7.25”-7.5”) so they can remove a link if necessary.
14 months wasn’t a bad wait at all - I was expecting a MUCH longer wait, considering I had *zero* purchase history.
I am very impressed with both the sales specialist and my overall experience buying my first AP.

That being said, based off of my experience I think it’s definitely realistic as a first AP, and maybe (hopefully!!) in 2021.

Good luck to you!


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Attaboy! Congrats!

[NiJaRo1225]

No intention of hijacking this thread, just figured it was appropriate to post this pic to follow up on my post above. Showed up this morning:


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[GreenLantern]

Well done! I love the grey. Waiting on mine.

Honestly, I know Blue is all the rage the past few years (AP, Rolex, PP), but this grey really hits the spot for me.

Thanks for sharing, and enjoy it in the greatest of health!

[acaixguard]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

No intention of hijacking this thread, just figured it was appropriate to post this pic to follow up on my post above. Showed up this morning:


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Congrats, looks awesome! Well deserved after all that effort! How did the bracelet sizing work out after just telling them your wrist size?

[NiJaRo1225]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Congrats, looks awesome! Well deserved after all that effort! How did the bracelet sizing work out after just telling them your wrist size?

Thanks! I wrapped a cloth tape measure around my wrist, took a pic and texted it to them. They removed 1 link and the sizing is perfect.


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[yidarmy]

The grey dial looks amazing. Congratulations!!

[GW44]

One of the best and most natural looking pics of the Grey dial I have seen so far. Thanks for sharing that and enjoy.

[acaixguard]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

Thanks! I wrapped a cloth tape measure around my wrist, took a pic and texted it to them. They removed 1 link and the sizing is perfect.


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Glad it worked out perfectly. Congrats again, and may it bring you a lifetime of joy!

[EconTigerOrange]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

No intention of hijacking this thread, just figured it was appropriate to post this pic to follow up on my post above. Showed up this morning:


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The gray looks amazing! Thanks for sharing...will be a tough decision on which dial to go with!

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

No intention of hijacking this thread, just figured it was appropriate to post this pic to follow up on my post above. Showed up this morning:


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Wow!


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[NiJaRo1225]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Glad it worked out perfectly. Congrats again, and may it bring you a lifetime of joy!

Thanks, man, looking forward to seeing pics of yours when it comes in.

....and thanks to everyone else for the kind comments.


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[Johnnie Peh]

Pay grey or get a code 1159

[AG_Watches]

Bal Harbor allowed credit card for first purchase only on in person transaction. If it was over the phone wire is required for first transactiom.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

No intention of hijacking this thread, just figured it was appropriate to post this pic to follow up on my post above. Showed up this morning:


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Very nice! Congratulations - the grey dial is stunning. I went back in January to the NYC Boutique and met with an SA I was referred to - I expressed my interest in a 15500. I told him I preferred the Silver dial and then the Grey. A few days later I reached out and let him know the Grey would be my first choice - watched a lot of videos and searched photographs online. Just seems very complimentary to the piece. They didn't have any pieces to see or try on outside the Code models.

Not in a rush by any means - definitely a piece I'd be excited to add to the collection. I've heard from the SA about other pieces since then so fingers are crossed we will keep the lines of communication open and I'll have an incoming in the coming months.