AP RO Jumbo (Platinum) - Hodinkee Article

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Btw, the real logical conclusion would be weekly online live auctions, e.g., every Monday, 12PM GVA time. Certified account statements due the week before. Finally everyone on equal footing. No more whining, just put up or shut up.

That would probably be a glorious disaster.

Then it would turn into a d*ck measuring contest and then the biggest d*cks would own all the best watches, at least the existing method ensures that total d*cks don’t get what they want as fast as they’re accustomed to.


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[cascavel]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Then it would turn into a d*ck measuring contest and then the biggest d*cks would own all the best watches, at least the existing method ensures that total d*cks don’t get what they want as fast as they’re accustomed to.


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Dream on.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by Reign

That would really take the fun out of it. All of this stuff about relationships and getting to know / interacting with people. An internet based system would be so transactional

AP, more than any other brand that I know, are about people and interactions. It’s why they don’t do online sales and regularly host marketing events

I am perplexed at the stubborn clinging to this idea of the importance of the personal relationship when it's clear that the move in high end watches is toward the spend. AP don't care whether you're a nice guy and you sit around with the SA shooting the breeze and having espressos for hours. They want you to buy watches they feel they have to make but can't sell. Go in to a boutique and spend one million $/Euros/Pounds/CHF and treat the SAs like dogs and you'll still get an invite to buy whatever you want. All this personal relationship stuff is so much smoke and mirrors.
That's why, I think, the move to online vetting is all but inevitable.
Fortunately, the mighty, equalizing Grey Market exists where it's clear that only your money matters. A few TRFers have made the calculus that, ultimately, it's the same cost to suck up to the boutiques and up your spend on watches you don't want as it is to buy Grey and pay the premium. And, in the grey market, you might actually make a friend, though it's unlikely.

[911AP]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Then it would turn into a d*ck measuring contest and then the biggest d*cks would own all the best watches, at least the existing method ensures that total d*cks don’t get what they want as fast as they’re accustomed to.


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The people with the biggest d*cks do own all the watches. What reality are you living in?

The house concept is nice. But they shouldn't make any watch a house exclusive until they have more of them all over the world. It's complete BS and gives an advantage to anyone who has one in their city.

Houses and boutiques should get the same stuff. When there are as many houses as boutiques then fine, they can do that stuff to make certain pieces only for the houses.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by 911AP

The house concept is nice. But they shouldn't make any watch a house exclusive until they have more of them all over the world. It's complete BS and gives an advantage to anyone who has one in their city.

Not sure how this is any more BS (or not) than any other method for allocating oversubscribed goods?

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by 911AP

The people with the biggest d*cks do own all the watches. What reality are you living in?
.

I’m sure those guys have also worked extremely hard at building their AP relationship and are rewarded accordingly. All I’m saying is don’t open up the system to where it’s only the size of you wallet that counts, that system already exists in the grey market.


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[GS93108]

Originally Posted by cascavel

I am perplexed at the stubborn clinging to this idea of the importance of the personal relationship when it's clear that the move in high end watches is toward the spend. AP don't care whether you're a nice guy and you sit around with the SA shooting the breeze and having espressos for hours. They want you to buy watches they feel they have to make but can't sell. Go in to a boutique and spend one million $/Euros/Pounds/CHF and treat the SAs like dogs and you'll still get an invite to buy whatever you want. All this personal relationship stuff is so much smoke and mirrors.

You are way off the mark, but there's no point going over old ground, so believe what you like.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by 911AP

The people with the biggest d*cks do own all the watches. What reality are you living in?

The house concept is nice. But they shouldn't make any watch a house exclusive until they have more of them all over the world. It's complete BS and gives an advantage to anyone who has one in their city.

Houses and boutiques should get the same stuff. When there are as many houses as boutiques then fine, they can do that stuff to make certain pieces only for the houses.

It's just an allocation, it's not set in stone. If a US client has the credentials with a US AP Boutique then for sure an 'exclusive' AP House piece can and will be made available.

'Trading' favours between AP Boutiques is certainly done, e.g. if AP House London knows that there's a piece in AP Germany and a local customer wants it, then they'll call in a favour and ask for that piece to be sent over to London.

P.s.

The US is due for some ONLY FOR THE US market pieces, is that fair? :)

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by GS93108

You are way off the mark, but there's no point going over old ground, so believe what you like.

Ok, thanks, I will.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by guanxi

Just a nice guy ;-)

Besides the means, that's usually all it takes to acquire these references from AD...

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by cascavel

Thanks for attempting to clarify, yet, how is this different from my interpretation?AP could save themselves a lot of money by simply allowing clients to apply online for Royal Oaks, after all, you don't actually have to see the watch, you know you want it. They would be able to check your bona fides and accept or reject you, or tell you how much more of a spend you need, within moments. No real estate, no SAs, no security guards to throw out disappointed clients who get violent, no lunch, no Scotch.
The entire system needs a revamping. Just like ADs were dumped in favor of Boutiques, Boutiques are now dumped in favor of Houses, and Houses will be dumped in favor of internet vetting.

That internet stuff is for Ming, Kurono Toyko or sneaker drops..

AP? Nope

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by GS93108

It's just an allocation, it's not set in stone. If a US client has the credentials with a US AP Boutique then for sure an 'exclusive' AP House piece can and will be made available.

'Trading' favours between AP Boutiques is certainly done, e.g. if AP House London knows that there's a piece in AP Germany and a local customer wants it, then they'll call in a favour and ask for that piece to be sent over to London.

P.s.

The US is due for some ONLY FOR THE US market pieces, is that fair? :)

I think all non Japan markets need some love!

[NiJaRo1225]

Originally Posted by dh1

No tapisserie and the green / black color gradients makes it look like H. Moser to me.

This.


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[HelixL]

You may like or dislike the fumee dial. You may argue that a tapisserie would have been nicer. BUT
This doesnt feel like a Moser and doesnt look like a Moser.
Have to hold one in the flesh to be able to truly get the feel.

[guanxi]

Originally Posted by helixl

you may like or dislike the fumee dial. You may argue that a tapisserie would have been nicer. But
this doesnt feel like a moser and doesnt look like a moser.
Have to hold one in the flesh to be able to truly get the feel.

+1

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by cascavel

I am perplexed at the stubborn clinging to this idea of the importance of the personal relationship when it's clear that the move in high end watches is toward the spend. AP don't care whether you're a nice guy and you sit around with the SA shooting the breeze and having espressos for hours. They want you to buy watches they feel they have to make but can't sell. Go in to a boutique and spend one million $/Euros/Pounds/CHF and treat the SAs like dogs and you'll still get an invite to buy whatever you want. All this personal relationship stuff is so much smoke and mirrors.
That's why, I think, the move to online vetting is all but inevitable.
Fortunately, the mighty, equalizing Grey Market exists where it's clear that only your money matters. A few TRFers have made the calculus that, ultimately, it's the same cost to suck up to the boutiques and up your spend on watches you don't want as it is to buy Grey and pay the premium. And, in the grey market, you might actually make a friend, though it's unlikely.

My belief is quite the opposite. These days, there are numerous people with plenty of money to spend on expensive watches. I believe AP is looking to establish long lasting relationships with customers who appreciate the product and can represent it well in public.

[HMHM]

I think we can simply the argument to three statements:

1. Money + good attitude = relationship + watches available.
2. No money + good attitude = no relationship and no watches available.
3. Money + arrogant entitled attitude = no relationship but watches available.

https://youtu.be/8eH4eD7q04o

okay?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by AshAP

The idea of the Houses is a new concept and it’s not intended to be more exclusive, it’s a ‘club’ experience where you can go with friends, spend 2-3 hours there having a coffee and then maybe a whisky and maybe even something to eat. While you’re there the staff will bring a selection of watches to show you but there’s no pressure at all. The House concept really allows the brand a better opportunity to get to know you and to really build the relationship. The concept is excellent and I imagine other brands will follow and I would expect AP to add more around the world.


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Don't forget ping pong with the staff, and fingers crossed a pool table soon...

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by AK797

Don't forget ping pong with Ines, and fingers crossed a pool table soon...

It’s a great ping pong table, I got beaten by Sandra!


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[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I think we can simply the argument to three statements:

1. Money + good attitude = relationship + watches available.
2. No money + good attitude = no relationship and no watches available.
3. Money + arrogant entitled attitude = no relationship but watches available.

https://youtu.be/8eH4eD7q04o

okay?

Sounds like a BCG 2x2 is in order…

@guanxi, how is your 26574ST holding up in your power rankings after all these new heavy hitters? Where does it sit in your preferred AP’s now?

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I think we can simply the argument to three statements:

1. Money + good attitude = relationship + watches available.
2. No money + good attitude = no relationship and no watches available.
3. Money + arrogant entitled attitude = no relationship but watches available.

https://youtu.be/8eH4eD7q04o

okay?

Precisely.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Sounds like a BCG 2x2 is in order…

So that's how consultants make a living?

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by fsprow

My belief is quite the opposite. These days, there are numerous people with plenty of money to spend on expensive watches. I believe AP is looking to establish long lasting relationships with customers who appreciate the product and can represent it well in public.

It will be interesting to see if AP begins closing some Boutiques in favor of having Houses, albeit, fewer of them in a "we're not going to come to you, you can come to us" play. If AP can rely on the big spenders to buy their annual production they don't need outlets all over the hinterlands when the well heeled, traveling class can make a trip to the House and pick up five high margin pieces at a time.
The Houses can even be turned into micro hotels to accommodate your visit and, thereby, become their own buying/vacation destinations.

[AperolSpritz]

Originally Posted by GS93108

'Trading' favours between AP Boutiques is certainly done, e.g. if AP House London knows that there's a piece in AP Germany and a local customer wants it, then they'll call in a favour and ask for that piece to be sent over to London.

I very much doubt this is the case.
There is such shortage of offer vs. demand in all markets, I can't see how in the world AP Milan would send a watch to Germany, UK or France. The few they get is sold nearly instantly anyway. And from my personal experience they don't even know what will be in the batch they receive every fortnight.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

I very much doubt this is the case.
There is such shortage of offer vs. demand in all markets, I can't see how in the world AP Milan would send a watch to Germany, UK or France. The few they get is sold nearly instantly anyway. And from my personal experience they don't even know what will be in the batch they receive every fortnight.

It is correct, how do you think people in the UK & US managed to buy the pride of Germany and other limited editions?

[sokoloka]

Originally Posted by AshAP

It is correct, how do you think people in the UK & US managed to buy the pride of Germany and other limited editions?

Not disagreeing with you Ash but some of us flew to Germany to get their PoG's :)

[xsnv]

Originally Posted by cascavel

The Houses can even be turned into micro hotels to accommodate your visit and, thereby, become their own buying/vacation destinations.

Can't tell if you're being serious or sarcastic...which is something in itself

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by xsnv

Can't tell if you're being serious or sarcastic...which is something in itself

Remember when Baccarat only sold crystal and Hard Rock sold burgers? Now they're Hoteliers. Based on AshAP's description of the AP House (I've never been to one myself) they have entertainment, food, liquor so what's next? This way you can sleep on your decision and place your watch order in the morning when you check out.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by cascavel

Remember when Baccarat only sold crystal and Hard Rock sold burgers? Now they're Hoteliers. Based on AshAP's description of the AP House (I've never been to one myself) they have entertainment, food, liquor so what's next? This way you can sleep on your decision and place your watch order in the morning when you check out.

Check out the new AP hotel in Le Brassus, you’re not far from the truth. I haven’t been to the new one yet but I did stay at the old one and it was a fantastic few days away.


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[guanxi]

Originally Posted by fsprow

My belief is quite the opposite. These days, there are numerous people with plenty of money to spend on expensive watches. I believe AP is looking to establish long lasting relationships with customers who appreciate the product and can represent it well in public.

Exactly this!