Best AP Boutique London ?

[bestkepttime]

What is the best boutique in the uk ? I'm trying to get my second AP.
anyone had a good experience and can recommend/advise?

it would be my first in the uk - purchased my first ROO diver abroad a few years ago on a walk in.

[supernova]

Can’t fault AP House on Bond St, always treated well even before I was an AP owner, but do need to book appointment. Harrods is more for walk in browsing and Sloane St is tiny, can barely fit 2 people in it.


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[Mini2]

Harrods and AP Bond Street very hard to get a watch
I haven't got anything in YEARS of trying but maybe with demand slowing down they might contact me

[AshAP]

AP House on New Bond St is where my relationship is and if I’m in London, maybe 3-4 times a year, I’ll always try to arrange an appointment to pop in, say hi and drink some whisky. A few display cabinets with watches have reappeared recently too.

Buying an AP without an existing relationship is probably similar to buying a Rolex however buying an AP is definitely worth the wait and I would definitely recommend New Bond St.

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[Vivalas]

Originally Posted by AshAP

AP House on New Bond St is where my relationship is and if I’m in London, maybe 3-4 times a year, I’ll always try to arrange an appointment to pop in, say hi and drink some whisky. A few display cabinets with watches have reappeared recently too.

Buying an AP without an existing relationship is probably similar to buying a Rolex however buying an AP is definitely worth the wait and I would definitely recommend New Bond St.

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This ^^^

[Reign]

Go with AP House, top notch team and lovely to shoot the sht with


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[cvz]

AP House was closed when I was there so popped into Harrods AP over the holiday. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I'm not local so not actively seeking an allocation (and was upfront about that). SA let us try on watches for size comparison. We didn't stay long but certainly a positive experience

[GW44]

Originally Posted by AshAP

AP House on New Bond St is where my relationship is and if I’m in London, maybe 3-4 times a year, I’ll always try to arrange an appointment to pop in, say hi and drink some whisky. A few display cabinets with watches have reappeared recently too.

Buying an AP without an existing relationship is probably similar to buying a Rolex however buying an AP is definitely worth the wait and I would definitely recommend New Bond St.

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Ditto

[bestkepttime]

Originally Posted by AshAP

AP House on New Bond St is where my relationship is and if I’m in London, maybe 3-4 times a year, I’ll always try to arrange an appointment to pop in, say hi and drink some whisky. A few display cabinets with watches have reappeared recently too.

Buying an AP without an existing relationship is probably similar to buying a Rolex however buying an AP is definitely worth the wait and I would definitely recommend New Bond St.

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Thanks very much will book appointment and have a go ! Cheers 🥂

[H_UK]

For me, the key is to connect with an SA irrespective of location. My original SA left the UK to go back to Switzerland after having allocated me a 15400 (blue dial) within a month of asking (we built a good relationship v quickly and I guess in 2017 demand was less)

I then started a relationship with the team in Harrods and was allocated nothing despite trying really hard to maintain contact/build relationship without pestering them too much!

Started a new relationship middle of last year with Sloane Street, with a great SA and after 3/4 months was offered 2 pieces! (one declined but I think that possibly put me in a favourable situation to be offered a 50th anniversary piece)

I dont think there is "best boutique" my advice is to find an SA you connect with!

[SRG89]

I think Harrods is very challenging personally due to their customers and the walk in nature of the store.
I've been told anecdotes by the staff in the watch department about the sort of money customers spend in store on furniture etc.
Those same customers also like nice watches

[bestkepttime]

AP House welcomed me this week and was great now I wait.

[GW44]

Originally Posted by SRG89

I think Harrods is very challenging personally due to their customers and the walk in nature of the store.
I've been told anecdotes by the staff in the watch department about the sort of money customers spend in store on furniture etc.
Those same customers also like nice watches

Harrods get the least amount of AP's allocated and that has become even more the case since 2020/Covid.

[Ashj52]

Ap house on new Bond Street are excellent in my humble opinion. Super friendly staff!

[bestkepttime]

Originally Posted by Ashj52

Ap house on new Bond Street are excellent in my humble opinion. Super friendly staff!

i agree was great

[Mini2]

Originally Posted by GW44

Harrods get the least amount of AP's allocated and that has become even more the case since 2020/Covid.

Why even be in harrods?

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by Mini2

Why even be in harrods?

To sell Offshores and Codes to walk-in tourists.

[Mini2]

Originally Posted by APWorldTour

To sell Offshores and Codes to walk-in tourists.

Why would tourists spend in harrods when they can go to Paris or Milan and shop tax free?

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by Mini2

Why would tourists spend in harrods when they can go to Paris or Milan and shop tax free?

Because Paris and Milan are corporate owned boutiques (not sure about Harrods) and may have different policies regarding selling to tourists and no guarantee of availability. And if they’re European tourists they wouldn’t be eligible for VAT back anyways. Could be any reason and a bird in the hand is always worth more

[supernova]

Originally Posted by Mini2

Why would tourists spend in harrods when they can go to Paris or Milan and shop tax free?

Might as well say why are there any luxury shops in London when you can get the same item in Paris for 20%+ cheaper. For most tourists, money is to be spent on enjoyment while on holidays.

On topic, I've been to AP House and Sloane street and both are great. Never went into Harrods, which I believe is more catered for walk ins than the other 2 which are usually appointment only.

[GW44]

Originally Posted by Mini2

Why even be in harrods?

Because of it's brand cachet to both UK consumers and overseas visitors.

[RolexADreal]

Originally Posted by APWorldTour

Because Paris and Milan are corporate owned boutiques (not sure about Harrods) and may have different policies regarding selling to tourists and no guarantee of availability. And if they’re European tourists they wouldn’t be eligible for VAT back anyways. Could be any reason and a bird in the hand is always worth more

Milan is not corporate owned

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by RolexADreal

Milan is not corporate owned

Milan is 100% corporate owned. I was there over the weekend.

[vakman]

Always go with the AP house.

[conkers]

Is Daniel still running the show in Blighty? Please send him my best wishes someone!

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by conkers

Is Daniel still running the show in Blighty? Please send him my best wishes someone!

Yes he is, are you ever coming over for that drink? Covid got in the way last time.


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[conkers]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Yes he is, are you ever coming over for that drink? Covid got in the way last time.


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Yes apologies for that. Was really looking forward to it and then Covid out the kybosh on it. Daniel kindly just reached out to me. Now HK is open again I can look to re-schedule. Will let you know.

[RolexADreal]

Originally Posted by APWorldTour

Milan is 100% corporate owned. I was there over the weekend.

sorry, lost in translation, everything is corporate nowdays, don't know any AP charity dealer...

Milan is AP direct distribution point of sale i meant to say