AP Newbie Royal Oak Assistance please?

[Simonja]

Hello to you all,
Could I ask for some advice please?
I am very new to the AP watch world and am not as yet an owner.

A few questions follow that I am having difficulty in obtaining answers. I have written to AD's / Boutiques but no repsonse (seems to be the norm from what i have read?)

The models in question.

Royal Oak

Ref # 15400ST. 00. 120ST.03
Stainless steel, Blue dial, 41mm.

Ref # 15202ST. 00. 1240ST.01 'Jumbo' or extra thin
Stainless steel, Blue dial, 39mm.

What would be the approx. wait / order time? (US or UK)
Current approx list prices? (with or without tax US or UK)

When you purchase an AP what 'papers' do you receive from the AD? Is it the same principle as say Rolex, i.e. named AD, serial number etc?

With the Royal Oak I notice a serial number on the case which starts with a letter - often i see another number ...others i don't? What would be the other number?

Simple questions I'm sure for many - unfortunately my work location is not in viable distance for a AD visit.

I would be very grateful for any assistance on the above.

Kind Regards
SJ

[dr.ns23]

Hello SJ,

I’ll try to answer some of your questions.

I am not sure about the wait time for 15400 and 15202 but they could range from available immediately (if you’re lucky) to up to 1-1.5 years. I believe the wait time for the 15202 is longer than 15400.

Regarding pricing, the 15400 retails for approximately £15,000 and the 15202 for approximately: €22,800 (2016 price, not sure of today’s price).

When you purchase an AP from the boutique or AD they give you a green card (similar to credit card size), they started with this format recently, with serial number, etc. There was a thread here discussing the new warranty card, try searching for it. You can register your watch online and get additional 3 years warranty so total of 5 years warranty.

The second number you are talking about is the movement number I guess. They stopped putting it recently, at least for the 15202, and replaced it with ‘Royal Oak’. Some J serial number watches have it, and the newer J ones don’t have it.

I hope this helps.

By the way, in general boutiques do reply to emails. I am not sure of ADs.

Keep us posted in case you decide to buy an AP.

[AK797]

Those two are hot pieces so you probably have to visit the AD and make them think you are a serious buyer then you still will be waiting many months, otherwise not much chance to get on a list, esp in the UK.

[Simonja]

Hello Jeopardy,
Thank you sincerly for your very informative reply to my post.
It was very helpful & much appreciated.

I will keep you posted on purchase.

Regards
SJ

[Simonja]

Hi AK,

yes I do agree with that advice.
My nearest are Westime in Miami or the AP dealerships in London.

Thank you for replying.

Regards
SJ

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by Simonja

Hi AK,

yes I do agree with that advice.
My nearest are Westime in Miami or the AP dealerships in London.

Thank you for replying.

Regards
SJ

You can also check with the AP boutique in Bal Harbour (Miami).

[tyler1980]

both are boutique only in the UK. The AP lounge in London is the only choice (now renamed "AP House" if you do a london retailer search on their website). They will have a list and it won't be short. Good luck though.

100% sure no AD in the country can get them. I guess maybe Harrods if they get an official "boutique" designation.

The US is your best bet, by far.

[pblondon]

I have the blue 15400. I bought it in 2013 when the demand wasn't as crazy as it is now but still tough. I contacted several boutiques in Europe and struck lucky with the Paris one having it in stock so jumped on the Eurostar the same day (I live in London) and picked it up!

[leisen]

Regarding to AP numbering a long time ago I read in another Forum the following, however, you should take it with a grain of salt: The numbering preceded by "Nº" is a sequential reference number of each concrete model in each specific metal regardless of the color of the dial. I think this number no longer exists in the latest watches.
The number preceded by a letter, i.e. F1234, the letter itself covers a certain period of time (sometimes longer and others less) and the subsequent number is random and a kind of "secret number" since AP uses them for security reasons (in the fight against the fake watches) so nobody knows the meaning since AP has not revealed it.

[GB-man]

Given your location I am inclined to recommend buying from the forums. The AP boutique in NY was not even taking names for the 15202 last I checked. The 15400 is much more accessible.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by pblondon

I have the blue 15400. I bought it in 2013 when the demand wasn't as crazy as it is now but still tough. I contacted several boutiques in Europe and struck lucky with the Paris one having it in stock so jumped on the Eurostar the same day (I live in London) and picked it up!

Good on you, I've been on a plane to Europe to buy a watch but had a month of planning first, don't think I could move that quick, I hate just getting on the Tube, that's two months of planning.

[Simonja]

Hello all,

Many thanks for all your information and advice..
All very much appreciated.
Will be heading home to UK in June for a few days so will try the AP lounge and also the AP located in the Bucherer store in Selfidges...
Thank you once again
Regards
SJ

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by Simonja

Hello Jeopardy,
Thank you sincerly for your very informative reply to my post.
It was very helpful & much appreciated.

I will keep you posted on purchase.

Regards
SJ

You’re welcome:)