Starting to get pissed at AP.

[PalmBeacher83]

I’ve played the game with AP. Gone into many boutiques, chatted with sales reps, I’ve put my name down for a RO, I’ve even bought a Code. Still, anytime I ask to buy a RO I’m told they don’t have any to sell me. I just left the boutique in London and I felt they weren’t even interested in talking to me. I had to lead the whole conversation. AP is going to seriously alienate customers soon with the sales tactics they employ.

[cosmoliu]

I scratched the AP itch with a 14790 I bought grey (of course) earlier this year. I have no interest whatever in playing their "journey" game.

[PalmBeacher83]

It’s not even a journey if everytime you go it’s a dead end.

[DVR]

I am so sorry for you. It's frustrating. I understand completely.

Why don't you ask directly why you can't buy the RO. Ask for transparency!

In 2019 I desperately wanted the then launched 15500 and ordered it at the AP boutique by email. They called me and we had some sort of "interview". I was deemed "worthy" because in 2022 I got the call. Still happy and grateful about that.

A few weeks later, so still 2022, I asked for the ROO in baby blue, Ref. 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01.
My boutique contact said she would put me on the list but we are now more than 2 full years further and nothing.

Thinking about it I believe I destroyed all my changes by arriving at the boutique in shorts, with my 3 young kids and wife. I was deemed "not worthy'" anymore. I accepted it and moved on. It is what it is.

It's a strange world and sometimes we just have to let it go.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by DVR

Thinking about it I believe I destroyed all my changes by arriving at the boutique in shorts, with my 3 young kids and wife. I was deemed "not worthy'" anymore. I accepted it and moved on. It is what it is.

It's a strange world and sometimes we just have to let it go.

If you still want the ROO, I would ask again...when was the last time you stopped in to say hello?

I personally feel like sometimes we over think things with AP. The SAs and managers are normal people and most of the time, they are very nice people. When we picked up my wife's RO....they gave my kids stuffed bears and security was playing with them the whole time.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by DVR

I am so sorry for you. It's frustrating. I understand completely.

Why don't you ask directly why you can't buy the RO. Ask for transparency!

In 2019 I desperately wanted the then launched 15500 and ordered it at the AP boutique by email. They called me and we had some sort of "interview". I was deemed "worthy" because in 2022 I got the call. Still happy and grateful about that.

A few weeks later, so still 2022, I asked for the ROO in baby blue, Ref. 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01.
My boutique contact said she would put me on the list but we are now more than 2 full years further and nothing.

Thinking about it I believe I destroyed all my changes by arriving at the boutique in shorts, with my 3 young kids and wife. I was deemed "not worthy'" anymore. I accepted it and moved on. It is what it is.

It's a strange world and sometimes we just have to let it go.

lol I know you must be joking but why would the boutique deem you unworthy because you brought your kids and wife and you were wearing shorts that’s just insanity - who thinks like that


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[Notimetodie]

Originally Posted by DVR

I am so sorry for you. It's frustrating. I understand completely.

Why don't you ask directly why you can't buy the RO. Ask for transparency!

In 2019 I desperately wanted the then launched 15500 and ordered it at the AP boutique by email. They called me and we had some sort of "interview". I was deemed "worthy" because in 2022 I got the call. Still happy and grateful about that.

A few weeks later, so still 2022, I asked for the ROO in baby blue, Ref. 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01.
My boutique contact said she would put me on the list but we are now more than 2 full years further and nothing.

Thinking about it I believe I destroyed all my changes by arriving at the boutique in shorts, with my 3 young kids and wife. I was deemed "not worthy'" anymore. I accepted it and moved on. It is what it is.

It's a strange world and sometimes we just have to let it go.

Ha. I’ve never shown up dressed other than shorts, flip flops and a t shirt. Got RO in 2021 as my first AP.

[LndLord]

Originally Posted by DVR

I am so sorry for you. It's frustrating. I understand completely.

Why don't you ask directly why you can't buy the RO. Ask for transparency!

In 2019 I desperately wanted the then launched 15500 and ordered it at the AP boutique by email. They called me and we had some sort of "interview". I was deemed "worthy" because in 2022 I got the call. Still happy and grateful about that.

A few weeks later, so still 2022, I asked for the ROO in baby blue, Ref. 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01.
My boutique contact said she would put me on the list but we are now more than 2 full years further and nothing.

Thinking about it I believe I destroyed all my changes by arriving at the boutique in shorts, with my 3 young kids and wife. I was deemed "not worthy'" anymore. I accepted it and moved on. It is what it is.

It's a strange world and sometimes we just have to let it go.

Yikes you think so?

[Jones.nl]

I’m also done with that crazy people. Just buy grey. The prices differences is short

[PalmBeacher83]

It has come to the point where I don’t want to have loyalty to the boutiques

[Steele]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I’ve played the game with AP. Gone into many boutiques, chatted with sales reps, I’ve put my name down for a RO, I’ve even bought a Code. Still, anytime I ask to buy a RO I’m told they don’t have any to sell me. I just left the boutique in London and I felt they weren’t even interested in talking to me. I had to lead the whole conversation. AP is going to seriously alienate customers soon with the sales tactics they employ.

I Feel your pain and the deal is there are amazing RO's at or below Retail I just found one waiting for delivery tomorrow

One thing to remember is that each Boutique gets like 1 watch a day to sell. also I had amazing luck in Spain and Italy for walk in watches

Get out there and Hunt my brother and Just make sure you are Texting your SA and stay in contact with them thats what has worked for me!

Cheers

[huncho]

if you're from florida what are you telling the boutique in london? if they know you're not local it's not really surprising that they don't really wanna put any effort into working with you. people always recommend just working with one boutique

[rjohnston713]

I waited 2 1/2 years from our boutique here for a 15550 or 26715 only for the boutique to close completely this year. AP is opening another one that will be AP owned later this year but that would restart the process. Will most likely bite the bullet, buy grey, and move along.

My issue is I am having trouble finding anywhere around here I can actually try on a few different models to know which size I want before going grey. 37mm RO, 38mm ROC, or Jumbo

[Steele]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I’ve played the game with AP. Gone into many boutiques, chatted with sales reps, I’ve put my name down for a RO, I’ve even bought a Code. Still, anytime I ask to buy a RO I’m told they don’t have any to sell me. I just left the boutique in London and I felt they weren’t even interested in talking to me. I had to lead the whole conversation. AP is going to seriously alienate customers soon with the sales tactics they employ.

Originally Posted by huncho

if you're from florida what are you telling the boutique in london? if they know you're not local it's not really surprising that they don't really wanna put any effort into working with you. people always recommend just working with one boutique

In Spain I used my Hermes SA to set me up with the AP SA and worked like a charm I got 2 pieces RO Ceramic Music edition for the wifey 37mm and the 26420CE for myself then in Capri we got the Diver the blue one for my business partner

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Steele

In Spain I used my Hermes SA to set me up with the AP SA and worked like a charm I got 2 pieces RO Ceramic Music edition for the wifey 37mm and the 26420CE for myself then in Capri we got the Diver the blue one for my business partner

So the Hermes takeover is confirmed :) how in the hell does that work ?

Can I use my Loro Piana sales person to get me a Ferrari and an AP openworked ?


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[messikens]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I’ve played the game with AP. Gone into many boutiques, chatted with sales reps, I’ve put my name down for a RO, I’ve even bought a Code. Still, anytime I ask to buy a RO I’m told they don’t have any to sell me. I just left the boutique in London and I felt they weren’t even interested in talking to me. I had to lead the whole conversation. AP is going to seriously alienate customers soon with the sales tactics they employ.

If you don't plan on collecting multiple pieces, prices are back down to acceptable levels over retail for most regular ROs.

Pay today, get tomorrow, save yourself the "journey" / empty coffee talk.

If you are considering having a multi year sales relation, then I'd keep at it but make it clear that you've been quite consistent and would like to see / experience some reciprocity. Sometimes being honest about it (and also acknowledging you already bought a Code) can certainly help...

[cbalster]

I bought a 15202ST grey. I've dealt with the service center in FL for extra links and such. Has been great

[supernova]

You need to work with the one boutique/SA rather than several. Overseas boutiques will generally recommend you continue the relationship with your local, they are usually helpful if you’re just visiting and looking around though.


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[7sins]

Originally Posted by supernova

You need to work with the one boutique/SA rather than several. Overseas boutiques will generally recommend you continue the relationship with your local, they are usually helpful if you’re just visiting and looking around though.


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This is exactly right, stick with one boutique and the same SA. Check in every quarter, you will eventually get an allocation.

[Eldad]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I’ve played the game with AP. Gone into many boutiques, chatted with sales reps, I’ve put my name down for a RO, I’ve even bought a Code. Still, anytime I ask to buy a RO I’m told they don’t have any to sell me. I just left the boutique in London and I felt they weren’t even interested in talking to me. I had to lead the whole conversation. AP is going to seriously alienate customers soon with the sales tactics they employ.

Dude It has two points of view. One is numbers and bottom line, if you go gray in today's market situation, it is much more profitable "than the journey" in the boutique. Buy a code for 30-40% less. Jumbo at 10-20% above and Royal Oak at more or less the retail price.
If you want company and personal attention AP house are the best in the business. You will receive the best service, conversation and swag in the market. Ultimately decide what is most important to you.


Ap 26315 panda - Ap code 11.59 - pp5167A - Daytona 116520 balck dial - 116520 white aph dial - daytona - 116500ln - Ap 15720 green khaki- submariner 1680 mark II

[Balance]

Originally Posted by Eldad

Dude It has two points of view. One is numbers and bottom line, if you go gray in today's market situation, it is much more profitable "than the journey" in the boutique. Buy a code for 30-40% less. Jumbo at 10-20% above and Royal Oak at more or less the retail price.
If you want company and personal attention AP house are the best in the business. You will receive the best service, conversation and swag in the market. Ultimately decide what is most important to you.

I agree with this 100%, couldn't have said it better myself.

The only pieces in the journey that will give significant numbers advantage are ceramic, but if you aren't already a multi year customer of AP you have no chance of getting one.

[scottmlew]

Originally Posted by Eldad

Buy a code for 30-40% less. Jumbo at 10-20% above and Royal Oak at more or less the retail price.

Where are Royal Oaks being sold near MSRP?

[dauster]

Originally Posted by scottmlew

Where are Royal Oaks being sold near MSRP?

Probably 20% premium or so

https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...l-4-53370.html


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[scottmlew]

Originally Posted by dauster

Probably 20% premium or so

https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...l-4-53370.html

That's 83% over the MSRP for that watch when it was retired. I guess if you're comparing it to a 15510 as being "equivalent", then it's a 22% difference, but all told, I'm not sure I consider that "close to MSRP", especially given the age of the watch. Personally, I'm hoping prices come down a bit more.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by scottmlew

That's 83% over the MSRP for that watch when it was retired. I guess if you're comparing it to a 15510 as being "equivalent", then it's a 22% difference, but all told, I'm not sure I consider that "close to MSRP", especially given the age of the watch. Personally, I'm hoping prices come down a bit more.

Plenty of 15500 in the mid 30s as well but yes I was comparing it to the 15510 retail not really fair to compare it to the 15400 retail pricing but maybe I’m wrong


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[soupy]

Where did you buy the Code? That SA is your assigned SA whether you like him/her or not. You can't just go to another one or a different boutique to purchase just because you want to. It's just not how it works with them and their stupid CRM and sales ops. You have to actually internally request a transfer to who/where you're assigned and reset your wishlists, otherwise what you're doing is simply "touring" and wasting your breath and time. The market is crashing so fast for AP anyway that eventually no one is going to want to even baghold certain ROs anymore that there's going to be no point to visit boutiques anymore other than to visit the parts and service people and eat their free chocolate.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by soupy

The market is crashing so fast for AP anyway that eventually no one is going to want to even baghold certain ROs anymore that there's going to be no point to visit boutiques anymore other than to visit the parts and service people and eat their free chocolate.

It is very apparent from some of the recent comments here that people that didn't get allocations are licking their chops hoping to see AP fail. Things are getting weird in China, but I just don't see some impending crash where no one wants to buy ROs.

I am all for a price adjustment and the ability to buy whatever AP I want...but the speculators and people that didn't really want the watch in the first place (just to make a buck) are the only ones that will go away.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

but the speculators and people that didn't really want the watch in the first place (just to make a buck) are the only ones that will go away.

That is not true at all. Many true collectors do not buy into buying something else to get what they want, myself included. I am not saying I am going away but I am certainly not going to buy a Code I do not want in order to get another reference I do. It is in fact turning a lot of people off and I do believe eventually they will have to make an adjustment here.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by V25V

That is not true at all. Many true collectors do not buy into buying something else to get what they want, myself included. I am not saying I am going away but I am certainly not going to buy a Code I do not want in order to get another reference I do. It is in fact turning a lot of people off and I do believe eventually they will have to make an adjustment here.

You say this all so matter of fact. My first allocation was my wife's blue dial 37mm RO that is a 50th Anniversary edition. My boutique has repeatedly told me not to buy anything I do not really want to keep and wear for many years.

They have showed me a couple codes (which I do actually like) but never once have they said I should buy one in order to get an allocation of something else.

This line that you "have to buy a CODE to get a RO" is just not accurate across the board and I guarantee is not a AP company policy.

[messikens]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

You say this all so matter of fact. My first allocation was my wife's blue dial 37mm RO that is a 50th Anniversary edition. My boutique has repeatedly told me not to buy anything I do not really want to keep and wear for many years.

They have showed me a couple codes (which I do actually like) but never once have they said I should buy one in order to get an allocation of something else.

This line that you "have to buy a CODE to get a RO" is just not accurate across the board and I guarantee is not a AP company policy.

I'm kinda 50-50 on your comment. I was lucky to be allocated a few nice references, incl a 15500 during the craze.

They're never overly pushy but some hints (at least for me) have been dropped that a code would "nicely round out the collection" while we are discussing some complications/ ceramic pieces etc.

I don't disagree with the notion but make of it what you will. I'm sure if I picked up a PM Code or two the wheels would be a bit greasier...