Time to give up on AP?

[grahammackay86]

I’ve been into watches since I was a teenager. I still have my first watch and can remember one time a nurse complimented it when I was getting a jab, maybe that’s where it all began…

Fast forward quite a few years later (more than I’d like to mention) and the love of watches is there more than ever. It went from fashion watches, to Tag Heuer, to Omega, to Rolex. So as I’m now in the fortunate position to have enough income I’ve been looking follow the “progression” and purchase an AP.

Over the last few years I’ve bought 7 Rolexes, most of which are deemed “tricky to get” from various ADs. They say Rolex is hard to obtain but I’m finding AP another level. I’ve always had my heart set on a clean dial Royal Oak as my first purchase as it’s one of my favourite watches but it doesn’t seem possible.

I’ve tried to get one through an AP boutique in London and was also on the list with an AD for over one year (with a deposit paid) and they recently contacted me to say they’ve lost their dealer status so won’t be able to fufill the order… I was next on the list apparently which makes it worse.

So as AP is now only available in London I can’t help but think they’ll become even more difficult to obtain from now on to the point where is it even worth trying anymore?! Maybe I’ll move straight onto Patek, might have more luck there!

[Images and Words]

PP sports models are a whole different level of impossible. But I agree that the experience for those who have enjoyed watches, now can finally afford them, and can’t get them is quite disheartening. I wouldn’t give up, many of us here, myself included, got a RO from a boutique with zero prior relationship. It may have taken a while and required periodic check ins but it’s not impossible. From what I understand the London AP team is very friendly and willing.

[brkn]

try AP houses. it really sucks, RO's are so hard to obtain right now. Today I offered to buy a $50k Code in exchange for getting on to a waitlist for an 15500st and the boutique said they can't help me.

[grahammackay86]

Unfortunately the London boutique I was referring to is AP House. Was there over one year ago and they were super friendly and helpful so was added to the list but haven’t heard anything positive since. The last time I “checked in” was just told 15500’s are very difficult to obtain now so can’t see myself getting one there from the sound of things.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by grahammackay86

Unfortunately the London boutique I was referring to is AP House. Was there over one year ago and they were super friendly and helpful so was added to the list but haven’t heard anything positive since. The last time I “checked in” was just told 15500’s are very difficult to obtain now so can’t see myself getting one there from the sound of things.

Graham, I'm literally off out for the evening and this will be my last post on here for a while.

Give AP a call, speak to Vanessa and remind her that you were on our group call earlier in the year. What you've been told about the 15500 is correct of course and London's allocations for the year were all gone months ago. Next year is a big year for AP and it wouldn't surprise me if there were a couple of new colours added to the 15500 range that will help the supply a little. Again though, it's all about keeping in contact with them and letting them know you haven't lost interest. In your case you made a huge trip to see them, so remind V of that :)

Best of luck.

Gary.

[mrN]

It is easier than you think if you have an AP house near you. London is a tough market anyway.

You can always buy it from a gray dealer, it is not ideal but it won’t be the end of the world.

Good luck!


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[WalterW]

Do not give up! Just buy an offshore first. Once you get the offshore then you can ask for the royal oak. Black 15500 is a 25k profit flip. No way they’re just going to hand out something like that to every Tom dick n harry

[grahammackay86]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Graham, I'm literally off out for the evening and this will be my last post on here for a while.

Give AP a call, speak to Vanessa and remind her that you were on our group call earlier in the year. What you've been told about the 15500 is correct of course and London's allocations for the year were all gone months ago. Next year is a big year for AP and it wouldn't surprise me if there were a couple of new colours added to the 15500 range that will help the supply a little. Again though, it's all about keeping in contact with them and letting them know you haven't lost interest. In your case you made a huge trip to see them, so remind V of that :)

Best of luck.

Gary.

Hi Gary,

Okay I’ll give them a call next week just for a chat and let them know I’m still interested in the 15500st. Yes it’s not a short trip for me that’s for sure, when you live in the far North of Scotland nowhere is a short trip! Some new colours would be good to see, would be nice if that increased supply a little but guess we’ll have to wait and see…. will probably just increase demand even more. Have a great evening and thanks for the advice as always!

All the best,
Graham

[bmaier]

Im in a similar boat. I'm 25 and have loved AP since about 12 years old. I can finally afford them now but unfortunately passionate young collectors are boxed out by this market. Hype and resellers are killing us.

They say purchase history is the best way to get pieces but how the hell am I supposed to get a buying history if you wont sell me a watch? All this while i see folks getting allocation after allocation and some of those same people just sell the watches months later on IG.

I would think young collectors like ourselves would be ripe targets for AP. Young passionate collectors who can grow with the brand. Start with an entry level watch and work our way up to concepts and pieces with complications, but no. I cant even get a boutique to message me back and i already have a 26315st.

[AshAP]

In year 2000 I ordered a steel Daytona and it took 6 years to arrive, while I think 6 years is too long I think 1 year is no time at all. I’d be patient and stick with AP. In terms of switching allegiance to Patek, I’m not sure you’d be any happier - I’ve been waiting 4 years for a 5726 and the Patek dealer is a friend, it’s impossible right now as everyone is after the hot models. Also if you’ve been to AP House once and that was a year ago and you’ve made no further contact since then then the reason you don’t have a watch is obvious (to me).


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[chiscott_29]

I feel your pain…It sucks. I haven’t experienced what you have but I’ve certainly had runarounds and misfires in dealing with AP.

However, I’d stick it out with them and not give up. Follow Gary and Ash’s advice. It will test your patience for sure, but I think you’ll be rewarded in the end if you indeed are after a standard RO.

Personally, I would never pay the gray premium on a 15450/15500 as I think it’s beyond insane, but that’s my personal belief. And I can almost with 100% certainty tell you Patek will be an entirely different level of frustration if you’re after sports models. You are unlikely to get anything if you don’t first drop 6 figures on complications, and even then I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Good luck and stay the course!


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[HMHM]

Unfortunately this is the state of watch collecting nowadays. Like all that have been said, Rolex and Patek are having the same issues. Even VC is going the same exact route. I think of all the brands, AP is the fairest via the boutique/house pathway. No one knows how long this will last, but waiting lists and frustration may be a mainstay of watch collecting for years to come.

[macrowatch]

Waiting sucks, but you have time. (I assume the 86 in the handle means you were born in ‘86). I mean what else are you going to wear for the next 40 years anyways. More Rolexes that look like the same ones you already have?

[SoylentGreenChi]

This sucks, and it’s natural to feel frustrated. But patience and persistence are your friends here. This is a long game, and you will get what you want in the end. Yes, stick with AP. Incredible brand. Keep your head up.

[1William]

It is frustrating but you can take the time and start developing relationships with other sellers. If you really want the watch then buy it, Grey Market. Find the best dealer, that is always key, negotiate your very best price and step up. You will pay more than the AD but you will have the watch you want and you can then move on to the next watch you are interested in. The Game is only the Game if you choose to play. Good luck.

[grahammackay86]

Thanks for all the messages guys, was very frustrated when I wrote the OP… mainly because of my order getting cancelled from the AD, was actually expecting the watch arriving in the next couple of months.

I really don’t mind waiting, I work abroad half the year so time flies in far too quickly, the last year has gone in a blink! It’s just disheartening when you feel like it’s got to the point where you won’t get one.

I’ll keep trying with AP in London and visit next time I’m there. I know an option is to maybe go for an offshore first so may try that, some of the new models are stunning but also in demand from what I understand. I’ve never purchased a watch on the grey market yet and the premiums just now are beyond crazy… last year I nearly resorted to buying a blue dial 15500st for £27,500 from a grey dealer and in hindsight should have.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by grahammackay86

Thanks for all the messages guys, was very frustrated when I wrote the OP… mainly because of my order getting cancelled from the AD, was actually expecting the watch arriving in the next couple of months.

I really don’t mind waiting, I work abroad half the year so time flies in far too quickly, the last year has gone in a blink! It’s just disheartening when you feel like it’s got to the point where you won’t get one.

I’ll keep trying with AP in London and visit next time I’m there. I know an option is to maybe go for an offshore first so may try that, some of the new models are stunning but also in demand from what I understand. I’ve never purchased a watch on the grey market yet and the premiums just now are beyond crazy… last year I nearly resorted to buying a blue dial 15500st for £27,500 from a grey dealer and in hindsight should have.

FWIW, I came from a Rolex heavy collection too. Once the hype wore off, I found the RO, well, hyped up. If it wasn’t for its inflated value, I’d feel more meh about it.

I personally found the new ROO 43’s to offer max visual contrast and diversity compared to the existing Rolex watches I had, and most exciting to wear. I’m also a Chrono addict so take that into account for my view point on what I find exciting about a watch.

[grahammackay86]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

FWIW, I came from a Rolex heavy collection too. Once the hype wore off, I found the RO, well, hyped up. If it wasn’t for its inflated value, I’d feel more meh about it.

I personally found the new ROO 43’s to offer max visual contrast and diversity compared to the existing Rolex watches I had, and most exciting to wear. I’m also a Chrono addict so take that into account for my view point on what I find exciting about a watch.

I think they hype that goes along with the Royal Oak is justified, when I tried on the blue dial 15500st last year I absolutely fell in love with it instantly, more so than any other watch I’ve tried.

I was never really into chrono’s that much but my tastes have changed and got my first Daytona this year. The thing with the offshore range is I always found them a bit large for me personally but with the new smaller case sizes maybe I need to try some on.

[PBJ1925]

Agree OP, I also find AP quite a bit tougher than Rolex or Vacheron. Patek is hit or miss depending on model.

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by grahammackay86

I’ve been into watches since I was a teenager. I still have my first watch and can remember one time a nurse complimented it when I was getting a jab, maybe that’s where it all began…

Fast forward quite a few years later (more than I’d like to mention) and the love of watches is there more than ever. It went from fashion watches, to Tag Heuer, to Omega, to Rolex. So as I’m now in the fortunate position to have enough income I’ve been looking follow the “progression” and purchase an AP.

Over the last few years I’ve bought 7 Rolexes, most of which are deemed “tricky to get” from various ADs. They say Rolex is hard to obtain but I’m finding AP another level. I’ve always had my heart set on a clean dial Royal Oak as my first purchase as it’s one of my favourite watches but it doesn’t seem possible.

I’ve tried to get one through an AP boutique in London and was also on the list with an AD for over one year (with a deposit paid) and they recently contacted me to say they’ve lost their dealer status so won’t be able to fufill the order… I was next on the list apparently which makes it worse.

So as AP is now only available in London I can’t help but think they’ll become even more difficult to obtain from now on to the point where is it even worth trying anymore?! Maybe I’ll move straight onto Patek, might have more luck there!

Sounds like you should stick to Rolex if you built a good purchase history and have a good relationship there. Probably easier for you to flip a daytona and buy a pre owned royal oak. Lol about the Patek idea

[AK797]

Originally Posted by grahammackay86

Thanks for all the messages guys, was very frustrated when I wrote the OP… mainly because of my order getting cancelled from the AD, was actually expecting the watch arriving in the next couple of months.

I really don’t mind waiting, I work abroad half the year so time flies in far too quickly, the last year has gone in a blink! It’s just disheartening when you feel like it’s got to the point where you won’t get one.

I’ll keep trying with AP in London and visit next time I’m there. I know an option is to maybe go for an offshore first so may try that, some of the new models are stunning but also in demand from what I understand. I’ve never purchased a watch on the grey market yet and the premiums just now are beyond crazy… last year I nearly resorted to buying a blue dial 15500st for £27,500 from a grey dealer and in hindsight should have.

Waiting is OK and if you can do it, great, but in the mean time I suspect you are earning/saving more so I'd still look for the best deal on the grey market as if you can afford the market price, retail is now for the birds - ie super VIPs - then I would just want to get the watch on my wrist; plus prices seem to keep rising, there is no shortage of rich folks or aspiring rich folks or any signs that Insta is dying down, quite the reverse, so financially you should be reasonably covered... unless a global pandemic black swan strikes of course and then you are royally screw... wait a minute...

[Mainewatchman]

My thoughts around the current market and I guess just in general. Life is too short to wait around, I am buying pieces that I can get today and will enjoy wearing them. I keep funds available to purchases something I really want if I get a call but I am not over paying for anything as I don't love any watch that much! I have owned a few APs and have always got them as I wanted them, so having to wait is a bit frustrating but just allows me to enjoy other pieces.

[Mr.GL]

Hi,

Getting a popular PP isn't any easier. Are you open to other references? AP is not all about 15500st . Shortlist a few references and let your SA works out something for you. I am sure you will find something you like other than 15500st, as AP takes very good care of their clients . If you are only want 15500st , then go for grey. Btw, I have been waiting for a 15500st for 2.5 years..

Merry Xmas in advance and good luck .

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[grahammackay86]

Yeah it would certainly be an option to go grey and pay the premium, just pains me that I could of got a blue dial 15500 last year for £27k and now the minimum price for any 15500 seems to be around the £40k mark with the blue at around £50k+.

I’d also be open to a few other models other than the 15500st to begin with so will call in at AP House early January as I’ll be in London for a visit so can have a chat and see how it goes.

Thanks for all the advice gents, wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

[GW44]

Originally Posted by grahammackay86

Yeah it would certainly be an option to go grey and pay the premium, just pains me that I could of got a blue dial 15500 last year for £27k and now the minimum price for any 15500 seems to be around the £40k mark with the blue at around £50k+.

I’d also be open to a few other models other than the 15500st to begin with so will call in at AP House early January as I’ll be in London for a visit so can have a chat and see how it goes.

Thanks for all the advice gents, wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

Best of luck for 2022 Graham.

I’ll be at AP House in January too and hoping to see/hear about the exciting plans for ‘22.

[joewang1988]

There is always secondary market

[MP777]

Good luck! AP house is the way

[R34lity]

Called a AP boutique looking for a royal oak 41mm. Pretty much told me year right. I have to purchase a few Royal Oak offshores before they every offer me a Royal oak