What's the point of trying to establish a relationship with Ap?

[dauster]

Maybe it's a "Westime phenomenon" but I am a bit curious as to how AP expects people to buy their precious Code or rather establish a real relationship if basically none of their watches are available?

Other than openworked and tourbillion ROO that are basically heavy hitter pieces anyway only two 44mm ROOs are currently readily available at Crystals in Las Vegas: A
REF. #26400IO.OO.A004CA.01 (basically grey titanium model) and REF. #26401RO.OO.A002CA.02 (the pink gold ROO) - one month wait or so.

Both I like and the pink gold is definitely great but that's it? All new ROO are sold out - not that I even like them but still and on top of that I was just told that the only grail watch that seemed somewhat in reach SS PC is discontinued?

WTF AP.

I will just go grey from now on then. They would not even commit to any color 15500 in SS if I were to buy my 2nd watch in 6 months (I like the white diver). So after potentially spending basically $50k loyally at their boutique they would not even promise a SS 15500 ?

My first watch was a 42mm ROO with havanna dial and blue sub dials, which I love but very annoyed that this is the way the game is supposed to be. Not everybody can spend millions.

I am not even talking about any hot pieces but this is just a waste of time...
Sorry for the rant but tonight's conversation with the boutique just opened my eyes

[Laszlo]

Zero.

I won’t do it.

I have enough busy and ass kissing going on in my life. Not going to waste it on an AD.

Never needed something that badly.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Zero.

I won’t do it.

I have enough busy and ass kissing going on in my life. Not going to waste it on an AD.

Never needed something that badly.

Well said. Pretty ridiculous if you think about all threads asking for advice on how to get in bed with an AD and establish a relationship.


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[Gravity]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Zero.

I won’t do it.

I have enough busy and ass kissing going on in my life. Not going to waste it on an AD.

Never needed something that badly.

+1 ( except I have absolutely zero in my life and set on keeping it that way)

[dauster]

Seems like everyone agrees with my “rant”. How do I figure out which watches are actually not discontinued from AP? Kind of annoying that their official websites lists them and advertises them if they are not for sale anymore...yes I can ask the boutique but somehow feel silly asking so many times.

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by dauster

Maybe it's a "Westime phenomenon" but I am a bit curious as to how AP expects people to buy their precious Code or rather establish a real relationship if basically none of their watches are available?

Other than openworked and tourbillion ROO that are basically heavy hitter pieces anyway only two 44mm ROOs are currently readily available at Crystals in Las Vegas: A
REF. #26400IO.OO.A004CA.01 (basically grey titanium model) and REF. #26401RO.OO.A002CA.02 (the pink gold ROO) - one month wait or so.

Both I like and the pink gold is definitely great but that's it? All new ROO are sold out - not that I even like them but still and on top of that I was just told that the only grail watch that seemed somewhat in reach SS PC is discontinued?

WTF AP.

I will just go grey from now on then. They would not even commit to any color 15500 in SS if I were to buy my 2nd watch in 6 months (I like the white diver). So after potentially spending basically $50k loyally at their boutique they would not even promise a SS 15500 ?

My first watch was a 42mm ROO with havanna dial and blue sub dials, which I love but very annoyed that this is the way the game is supposed to be. Not everybody can spend millions.

I am not even talking about any hot pieces but this is just a waste of time...
Sorry for the rant but tonight's conversation with the boutique just opened my eyes

Switch boutiques. Try AP owned boutiques like Bal Harbor and NYC. Your ask isn’t outrageous


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[GSDLover]

I'm a little (maybe more than a little) disappointed with AP. I wanted this brand to be the one i focused on for my watches. I wanted to add a diver, a ROO, and an open-worked to my present ROC.
Per their advice to keep in touch, I sent an email every 6 months restating my continued interest.
My last email in early June went unacknowledged.
I think I'm going back to Patek Philippe.

[AK797]

AP have tightened up their control on distribution and allocation in the last couple of years so it is very tough for new customers without deep pockets now, same with PP.

[Sg6067]

As stated above you should switch to a different boutique. I’m not sure why you decided on Vegas originally as your preferred store. But unless you are a regular with a ton of money to blow Vegas is no ones friend. Can you imagine how many casino winners they get walking in there asking for a 15500? Contact the Bal Harbour boutique they were amazing to deal with!

[Vipes]

I don’t think switching to a different boutique will help (doesn’t hurt to try, though). This is the game now with AP and Patek and it is frustrating. You have to probably buy multiple pieces to get that 15500 or buying a PM or ladies AP.

[macrowatch]

When I was first shopping (you can see my post history), one of the first things I learned was to avoid the west coast boutiques. I think maybe you could say it’s a “westime” specific comment history so I avoided them and went only to the ones owned by AP. Also avoided AD’s, though did try but left with bad taste similar to yours.

I was lucky I suppose, NYC got me the exact ROC I wanted (I also only listed one watch I wanted to buy). Also extremely non committal on RO SS but when made the request it did end up appearing in short order.

I also find they almost never return emails. Even emails to set up appointments for first time customers. But do return emails for past customers, basically you need their mobile or personal emails. And on that front usually responsive.

Of course the above only applies to trying to get a 15500. I have no illusions that I won’t be seeing a 15407 anytime soon.

[SMD]

Vegas is the primary problem, its way too transient. I would suggest an AP owned store like NYC. It won't be a cakewalk, you will need some luck (at the moment), but it will be better than Westime.

[Benzsiam]

AP Boutique would be a lot better than ADs. In my city there is only one AD, no boutique. AD doesn't has much of AP watches at all. I bought 15500OR with rose gold bracelet from them, AD told me that SS model will have to wait at least a year or more. If you don't buy expensive item from them at all, just go gray market.

I am lucky with Rolex boutique, I can get most of SS that I acquire in a very reasonable time.

[GoingPlaces]

Personally there are so many beautiful watches, if you can't get the one you want there is always an alternative.

[Reign]

Ignore Westime boutiques and focus on corporate boutiques as mentioned before (Bal Harbour and NYC).

The corporate owned boutiques provide an experience that’s much more in line with the AP ethos.

The other thing is please try and be patient (I can’t stress that enough). A lot of people (VIPs or non-VIPs) that are successful on this forum have been buying APs for years (Ash, SMD, Gary, maciej, Roger, etc). So unless you have deep pockets, it will take time and a lot of patience - one piece within one year is not a relationship.

AP is right to prioritize existing relationships right now given the unprecedented times because the existing clients now are demonstrating loyalty which goes above and beyond if you’re the merchant. They don’t know if you’re the 1-3 watch guy that may want it now because it’s hot and disappear later but they do know that previous clients with history have ridden the wave up and down with them and hence giving them more love now

[kimwizzzuuu]

If only gonna buy one or two APs, I’d just go grey. My wife happened to love APs, I’ll stick with boutique,lol

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by Reign

Ignore Westime boutiques and focus on corporate boutiques as mentioned before (Bal Harbour and NYC).

The corporate owned boutiques provide an experience that’s much more in line with the AP ethos.

The other thing is please try and be patient (I can’t stress that enough). A lot of people (VIPs or non-VIPs) that are successful on this forum have been buying APs for years (Ash, SMD, Gary, maciej, Roger, etc). So unless you have deep pockets, it will take time and a lot of patience - one piece within one year is not a relationship.

AP is right to prioritize existing relationships right now given the unprecedented times because the existing clients now are demonstrating loyalty which goes above and beyond if you’re the merchant. They don’t know if you’re the 1-3 watch guy that may want it now because it’s hot and disappear later but they do know that previous clients with history have ridden the wave up and down with them and hence giving them more love now

Ultimately, this is what it boils down to and I pretty much agree with this completely. I know it is hard to hear and it's hard for me to accept as somebody that really wants to build a long term relationship, but it makes complete sense to prioritize your "VIPs". I think you hit on an important point. VIP doesn't necessarily mean spending the most money, but is both a combination of buying history (of course) and showing a long term interest in the brand.

AP is absolutely at the top of their game and while I hate the reality, there just isn't any way to let more people into that club. I hope, over time, to prove myself worthy.

In the meantime, I take a 3-pronged approach. I try to stay active with the boutique, a local AD, and a couple of gray dealers I wholeheartedly trust. At the end of the day, if I want a watch, I'll get it one of these ways. I'm not laying all of my chips in the boutique basket. My strong advice is to follow a somewhat similar strategy or it really is just going to lead to frustration.

Also, and I can't stress this enough...If you really only want one or two pieces (blue 15500/15450, Skeleton, etc.), just go gray. Do the damn math!! :-)

[1Orologio]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Zero.

I won’t do it.

I have enough busy and ass kissing going on in my life. Not going to waste it on an AD.

Never needed something that badly.

I’m with you.


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[fsprow]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Ultimately, this is what it boils down to and I pretty much agree with this completely. I know it is hard to hear and it's hard for me to accept as somebody that really wants to build a long term relationship, but it makes complete sense to prioritize your "VIPs". I think you hit on an important point. VIP doesn't necessarily mean spending the most money, but is both a combination of buying history (of course) and showing a long term interest in the brand.

AP is absolutely at the top of their game and while I hate the reality, there just isn't any way to let more people into that club. I hope, over time, to prove myself worthy.

In the meantime, I take a 3-pronged approach. I try to stay active with the boutique, a local AD, and a couple of gray dealers I wholeheartedly trust. At the end of the day, if I want a watch, I'll get it one of these ways. I'm not laying all of my chips in the boutique basket. My strong advice is to follow a somewhat similar strategy or it really is just going to lead to frustration.

Also, and I can't stress this enough...If you really only want one or two pieces (blue 15500/15450, Skeleton, etc.), just go gray. Do the damn math!! :-)

..................................

Agree 100%. I have fine relationships with three AD's and if I can get the watch I want there (no waiting or "lists"), that's great. If not and the price seems "reasonable", I deal with a great reseller who can get any watch immediately and is a fine fellow to boot.

I would never do "package deals" to include a product I did not want.

[ganiccus]

living in Canada, I don't even bother with AP. they don't care opening even one boutique and there is only one AD in the whole country. It's actually easier to get a Nautilus here than any non-blue dial 15500, what a joke. if AP wants to shaft ADs so hard from their best stuff, they should at least make sure to have a better presence worldwide with their boutique network.

add on top of that the code 11.59 disaster they keep producing at a pace of 4000 watches per year and no wonder it's getting harder and harder to source a SS RO/ROC/ROO.

/end rant

[dauster]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Ultimately, this is what it boils down to and I pretty much agree with this completely. I know it is hard to hear and it's hard for me to accept as somebody that really wants to build a long term relationship, but it makes complete sense to prioritize your "VIPs". I think you hit on an important point. VIP doesn't necessarily mean spending the most money, but is both a combination of buying history (of course) and showing a long term interest in the brand.

AP is absolutely at the top of their game and while I hate the reality, there just isn't any way to let more people into that club. I hope, over time, to prove myself worthy.

In the meantime, I take a 3-pronged approach. I try to stay active with the boutique, a local AD, and a couple of gray dealers I wholeheartedly trust. At the end of the day, if I want a watch, I'll get it one of these ways. I'm not laying all of my chips in the boutique basket. My strong advice is to follow a somewhat similar strategy or it really is just going to lead to frustration.

Also, and I can't stress this enough...If you really only want one or two pieces (blue 15500/15450, Skeleton, etc.), just go gray. Do the damn math!! :-)

Thanks, my frustrations are not really that I can’t get a 15500 that quickly even though that would be nice but that barely any watch are available. If you check the 44mm ROO lineup on their official website only two “entry” level ones are available. Frankly that’s a stretch because 30k plus and 45k plus is not entry level anymore.
Everything else is discontinued or openworked / tourbilions that I’m sure I could not even buy even if I wanted to ( my guess is a lot of them are discontinued also but didn’t ask).

Take the code out of it and that’s a Big maybe for 15500 in full gold, no skeleton of course, PC discontinued, all ceramic/ open worked only VIP not that I have that deep pockets anyway,

Other than a few 42mm ROO ( already have one) and a big maybe from the boutique for chrono (I think bal Halbour said much better chances than crystals) there is not much left anyone can buy. And lastly a few divers but that’s it.



So I guess I am more bewildered by the overall lack of watches that are actually available, all new 44 ROO already sold out in LV and Bal Harbour said nicely maybe :)

[sokoloka]

Originally Posted by dauster

So I guess I am more bewildered by the overall lack of watches that are actually available, all new 44 ROO already sold out in LV and Bal Harbour said nicely maybe :)

If you're looking to get in the 44 ROO game the 26401RG that they had available is a fantastic watch. Was my first 44 ROO and AP in general!

[dauster]

Originally Posted by ganiccus

living in Canada, I don't even bother with AP. they don't care opening even one boutique and there is only one AD in the whole country. It's actually easier to get a Nautilus here than any non-blue dial 15500, what a joke. if AP wants to shaft ADs so hard from their best stuff, they should at least make sure to have a better presence worldwide with their boutique network.

add on top of that the code 11.59 disaster they keep producing at a pace of 4000 watches per year and no wonder it's getting harder and harder to source a SS RO/ROC/ROO.

/end rant

Agreed, no AD/ boutique in the Bay Area is the reason I’m frustrated as well but also chose the Las Vegas boutique because I’m actually there a few times a year. Barely ever in nyc or Miami. Thought it’s hard to establish a relationship with a store where you can never be at.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by sokoloka

If you're looking to get in the 44 ROO game the 26401RG that they had available is a fantastic watch. Was my first 44 ROO and AP in general!

It definitely is. love it. but I guess in my slightly intoxicated state last night I just got frustrated by all the discontinued watches they still show on their website. Always fall in love with a few models and get hyped up and then to learn they no longer produce them is frustrating. Have to think about going grey or not. Really prefer buying new and from boutique but I guess I have to get comfortable with greys.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Reign

Ignore Westime boutiques and focus on corporate boutiques as mentioned before (Bal Harbour and NYC).

The corporate owned boutiques provide an experience that’s much more in line with the AP ethos.

The other thing is please try and be patient (I can’t stress that enough). A lot of people (VIPs or non-VIPs) that are successful on this forum have been buying APs for years (Ash, SMD, Gary, maciej, Roger, etc). So unless you have deep pockets, it will take time and a lot of patience - one piece within one year is not a relationship.

AP is right to prioritize existing relationships right now given the unprecedented times because the existing clients now are demonstrating loyalty which goes above and beyond if you’re the merchant. They don’t know if you’re the 1-3 watch guy that may want it now because it’s hot and disappear later but they do know that previous clients with history have ridden the wave up and down with them and hence giving them more love now

Very good point thanks and you are right... time will tell and I’m only 31 so plenty of time to establish a relationship... just frustrating at times.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by dauster

Agreed, no AD/ boutique in the Bay Area is the reason I’m frustrated as well but also chose the Las Vegas boutique because I’m actually there a few times a year. Barely ever in nyc or Miami. Thought it’s hard to establish a relationship with a store where you can never be at.

It’s even harder to establish a relationship if the AD doesn’t give a shit. IMO you are barking up the wrong tree by patronizing Vegas AP.

[Tanuki]

The big watch companies are all taking notes from Rolex. The reason it makes less sense for AP is that they have so few ADs and boutiques. Almost anyone can find multiple Rolex ADs where they reside where one could pop in to say hi regularly, even though Rolex has no merchandise in store to purchase.

Even if I plan a trip to an area with an AP AD or boutique there will likely be nothing that I can purchase or see in store That day so my one physical visit did little if anything. After that it defaults to phone or email visits which are very impersonal and often frustrating for us due to the one way nature they usually turn out to be.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by SMD

It’s even harder to establish a relationship if the AD doesn’t give a shit. IMO you are barking up the wrong tree by patronizing Vegas AP.

I guess you are right, still figuring the game out...

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by dauster

I guess you are right, still figuring the game out...

Which watch do you wear in as a “free agent” still picking which Botique to work with? Serious question.

[GS93108]

Just to add my two pennies...

AP try to interact with their clients and do so via their 'events' such as golf, art, music etc, and they are constantly evaluating new mediums to adopt to facilitate that interaction. Unfortunately, if you aren't a golfer or art lover then at the moment you aren't likely to get much direct interaction with them and thus a boutique or AD is the first and only real point of contact.

My wife has two AP's and she's a little miffed that she doesn't get the invitations that I do, so even in my household we have a differing experience :)

AP House 'should' be the main medium for direct interaction with AP, over and above special events, so always make yourself known to an AP House. I can't recommend AP House London enough.

There's no issue buying grey, but equally starting any sort of relationship with AP now costs nothing, and it may not yield anything for years, but then again it might.

Good luck.