Buying an AP in SG

[RO4life]

Hi guys,

whats your experience in getting your first AP from a boutique in SG? Do they shun you off like rolex AD until you buy some undesirable pieces from them to build a relationship?

[oconnorandrew64]

Very approachable both the orchard and MBS boutiques - go in their with model knowledge and a bit of banter. Show your serious and they follow up in tome via WhatsApp


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[Noak]

Originally Posted by oconnorandrew64

Very approachable both the orchard and MBS boutiques - go in their with model knowledge and a bit of banter. Show your serious and they follow up in tome via WhatsApp


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Couldn’t agree more. Staff are highly approachable, contactable via WhatsApp, but may tell you blue dial is tough while other colors are still attainable.

OP, you may need to be prepared to put 50% deposit and without a definite delivery date. If there is a price increase prior to delivery, you would need to top up the difference. AP had 2 price increases this year.


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[Caramba]

A good idea is to send them an email in advance, telling them what your intention is and asking when is a good time to come. That way they already know that you're serious when you enter the store and present yourself.

[Tcjreid]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Seems you can't walk into the boutiques anyway given COVID restrictions so need to make an appointment in advance. Waiting for a call/email back to book my slot.

Is there historically any difference in service or wait times between the 2 locations? I guess not but thought that perhaps the MBS boutique (used to be!) more focused on big-hitting tourists and casino winners.

[Caramba]

Originally Posted by Tcjreid

I'm in exactly the same boat. Seems you can't walk into the boutiques anyway given COVID restrictions so need to make an appointment in advance. Waiting for a call/email back to book my slot.

Is there historically any difference in service or wait times between the 2 locations? I guess not but thought that perhaps the MBS boutique (used to be!) more focused on big-hitting tourists and casino winners.

No, you can in fact walk straight in now. They don't do the service there in the shop as far as I'm aware, so there shouldn't be any difference in waiting times. I don't know if it's just my impression, but the people working in the AP shops seems a bit more "educated" and trained in AP than some of the competing shops/brands. They've certainly practiced their sales pitch for the code 11:59

[Tcjreid]

Ok perfect - will try and drop by later this week. I was told on Saturday at the Orchard boutique I needed a reservation as they would only allow 2 groups of a maximum of 3 at a time.

[RO4life]

Originally Posted by Caramba

No, you can in fact walk straight in now. They don't do the service there in the shop as far as I'm aware, so there shouldn't be any difference in waiting times. I don't know if it's just my impression, but the people working in the AP shops seems a bit more "educated" and trained in AP than some of the competing shops/brands. They've certainly practiced their sales pitch for the code 11:59

Hahaha I tried to like the 11.59 but as much as I want, it either reminds me of a DW or AX, and the price isn't within my reach at the moment...

[RO4life]

Originally Posted by Tcjreid

Ok perfect - will try and drop by later this week. I was told on Saturday at the Orchard boutique I needed a reservation as they would only allow 2 groups of a maximum of 3 at a time.

Which models are you going for ideally? Maybe you can let me know the outcome of the availability of hot models like 15202, 15500 or 26331... dont think they gonna take a guy in his 20s like me seriously also):

[S``]

Originally Posted by RO4life

Which models are you going for ideally? Maybe you can let me know the outcome of the availability of hot models like 15202, 15500 or 26331... dont think they gonna take a guy in his 20s like me seriously also):

15202 LOL... don't even bother asking if you are a first time customer

[Tcjreid]

I'm after 15500 with silver dial. I've read enough posts and spoken to enough folks to know a jumbo or even a blue dial 15500 is out of reach. That being said, my other watches have dark dials so I think the silver version is the best fit for me anyway.

Happy to report back on progress.

I dropped into the hour glass in Paragon where they have an AP section and the guy there was very friendly - even though I'm clearly after a high demand piece it was night and day with going into a Rolex AD and even asking for a basic sub (let alone Daytona etc.)

It seems the ADs get very limited allocations - a lady in another store said she hasn't had a single 15500 in since the launch which clearly aligns with plenty of other posts and articles which highlight a preference for the brand to distribute through the boutiques.

Given Rolex is effectively a mass affluent brand, my limited interaction with AP is like comparing Ferrari with BMW. It's just a cut above - end of story.

[Andy0331]

Both boutiques have friendlier staff than I've encountered at any US boutique. That said, of the 2, I prefer the shop off Orchard; they've always been extremely friendly when I've stopped in simply to check inventory (whether I was wearing an AP at the time or not).

Of course, Singapore in general is a "watch town", every time I visit, I enjoy going to the Boutiques & gray dealers; it's like going to the Diamond district.. except everyone is actually very friendly.

[Fishrus]

I'm a Singaporean and have to say that the staffs in the boutiques are friendly and professional.

You may have a difficult time getting the hot models as a first time purchaser (eg. Openwork/blue dial/boutique exclusives)

However it is possible to get stainless steel models as a first time purchaser. I managed to get the 15500 grey dial after slightly less than a years wait as a first time purchaser. I did have to put a 20% deposit though.

From my understanding, you should book an appointment with them through their website. I don't think they are entertaining walk ins due to the covid situation.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by RO4life

Hi guys,

whats your experience in getting your first AP from a boutique in SG? Do they shun you off like rolex AD until you buy some undesirable pieces from them to build a relationship?

Great experience buying from the AP boutique, and even before that, every time that I visited. Don’t let an experience anywhere else hold you back from making a visit. Do get an appointment in advance as many have suggested.

[BOBI]

Hi people, any idea if both AP boutiques still take waitlist for 15500 (non-blue) with deposit for first-time customer? Thanks in advance!

[Sulituan]

Always have had a great experience with both boutiques (Liat and MBS) - staff super friendly and no, I wouldnt worry that you are in the 20s. As many others said, if you are into watches, just share with them what you strikes you.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by BOBI

Hi people, any idea if both AP boutiques still take waitlist for 15500 (non-blue) with deposit for first-time customer? Thanks in advance!

They will most likely put you on the waitlist, but only accept a deposit closer to the watch being available. I would suggest speaking with the boutique directly.

[KCT]

When I first visited the Liat tower boutique in July this year, they are willing to take a deposit for the 15500 (non blue dials) and pretty confident I could get it very quickly.

Very good service and kept in touch via Whatsapp. Best to make an appointment.

[sookainian]

Originally Posted by KCT

When I first visited the Liat tower boutique in July this year, they are willing to take a deposit for the 15500 (non blue dials) and pretty confident I could get it very quickly.

Very good service and kept in touch via Whatsapp. Best to make an appointment.

Who serve u ?

[KCT]

Originally Posted by sookainian

Who serve u ?

Dylan

Although in the end, I didn't buy it from him, his service is still very good and he continued to share a lot of information on the 26480 that I got from another AD

[rangercadre]

MBS service is top notch.

[rtanjaya]

Originally Posted by rangercadre

MBS service is top notch.

Yes, I go to the MBS branch and can only say the service is top notch too, and my SA has just been amazing ever since I started my account there

[Xeer]

I remember first visiting the MBS boutique years back. They were pushing for me to pick up the 15202 Blue dial. I already had my 15300 on the wrist so I politely declined stating the 15202 is too expensive. How times have changed hey?

[sookainian]

Originally Posted by KCT

Dylan

Although in the end, I didn't buy it from him, his service is still very good and he continued to share a lot of information on the 26480 that I got from another AD

Yes Dylan is a very friendly guy and very on the ball also.

Any reason why you got your 26480 from AD instead the boutique ?

[KCT]

Originally Posted by sookainian

Yes Dylan is a very friendly guy and very on the ball also.



Any reason why you got your 26480 from AD instead the boutique ?

Becos of availability.

I was considering to put a deposit and wait for a month or so with Liat Tower boutique.

Then coincidentally, i saw it at display at another AD. So bought it there and then.

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[cryptokunt]

Hmm

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[Vivalas]

Having spent a few days in Singapore last year I have to say the watch shops are incredible. Happy shopping.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Having spent a few days in Singapore last year I have to say the watch shops are incredible. Happy shopping.

Indeed!

To anyone that’s in Singapore or coming to Singapore and keen to look at watches, I’d strongly recommend visiting L’Atelier by The Hour Glass which is within the Ion Orchard mall on Orchard Road. Ion has also boutiques for ALS, VC, Rolex, Omega, IWC, Tag, Tudor amongst others.

Also a must visit is the Malmaison by The Hour Glass, again on Orchard Road.

These locations have some great luxury as well as HH timepieces.

The AP boutiques at Orchard and Marina Bay Sands are of course a must visit.

Finally, the legendary Raffles Hotel has a number of watch showrooms, and most have just reopened after the hotel and all shops there underwent an extensive and expensive renovation.

[Allanmodel]

Trying to order one too 15500ST~~

[fatalerror11]

Hello, just wanna check how likely is it to get the 15450 (blue dial 37mm) as a first purchasee from the boutique? Book for an appointment at MBS, received a call from the sales person saying that the model is not available and they have already noted my request. They didnt invite me down to the boutique though