New to AP - SS model from boutique?

[Sub*Man]

Hey guys, my collection leans more heavily Rolex and I don't know a lot about AP overall, aside from the basics. I do know AP is experiencing the SS hype that Rolex and PP are experiencing. Are there any SS models that can be had from a boutique with no purchase history or has that ship sailed?

Thanks in advance,

JB

[ap1]

Sailed

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by ap1

Sailed

Copy that. Thank you!

[Watchflair]

I would have to disagree - go to your local boutique or AD. I have no purchase history with AP and met with an SA that I was referred to a few weeks back. The SA already reached out offering a Diver but I stated I wanted a 15500 first. I'm fairly confident I'll hear back from the SA in the coming months.

[danicasi2002]

A lot of threads here. Some folks have had recent luck in getting a non-blue 15500 but with months to a 1 year waiting list w no purchase history. Just have to ask and possibly introduce yourself as all AP sales are now boutique sales (owned by AP or run by WoS). But if you do get one, RO is a far superior watch than many Rolex SS models.

[Vivalas]

Im asking this based on what you’ve said, do you really want an AP or do you want one because of the hype?

If you really want one, I’d go into a boutique, introduce yourself and let them get to know you and what you’re looking for. Build a relationship and it’s possible. And yes, AP watches are excellent quality.

[Sub*Man]

Thanks for the responses. Since they went boutique only, they exited Charlotte and the closest boutique is ATL, so stopping in will prove a challenge. Although we do (did) go to ATL quite a bit for shopping and dining.

I’m interested in the build quality, as the fit and finish seem to be above Rolex, and I guess I am curious as to why the hype. I’ve never even held one before, so there is some allure there.

[Vipes]

I think you will have better luck with the corporate owned boutiques like AP in NYC and Florida. ROs in SS will be very difficult to get as a first time purchase. I think SS RO Offshores will be easier. Good luck.

[danicasi2002]

Originally Posted by Sub*Man

Thanks for the responses. Since they went boutique only, they exited Charlotte and the closest boutique is ATL, so stopping in will prove a challenge. Although we do (did) go to ATL quite a bit for shopping and dining.

I’m interested in the build quality, as the fit and finish seem to be above Rolex, and I guess I am curious as to why the hype. I’ve never even held one before, so there is some allure there.

I received my first AP (15500) through remote transaction so I think they will understand the predicament you are in. ATL I believe is not corporate owned but by WoS for AP.

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by danicasi2002

I received my first AP (15500) through remote transaction so I think they will understand the predicament you are in. ATL I believe is not corporate owned but by WoS for AP.

Thank you very much, good info.

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by Vipes

I think you will have better luck with the corporate owned boutiques like AP in NYC and Florida. ROs in SS will be very difficult to get as a first time purchase. I think SS RO Offshores will be easier. Good luck.

Thank you sir.

[Sub*Man]

If anyone has a sales associate in ATL that they would like to refer business to, please let me know.

[impactplayer]

I inquired with the Dallas boutique back in August last year. I felt like I had a pretty good rapport with the SA and he invited me to come into the boutique. In person, I was told it was impossible unless I "built a relationship" with them first by buying multiple Code 1159s or Offshores. They showed me a lot of Code 1159s that day and I humored them for a while, but ultimately told them I was looking for a SS RO. I offered to buy his and hers SS ROs, and the SA asked his manager but the manager came out to reject that offer. The manager even made a remark about the Rolex I was wearing was not hard to get because they can pump out a million watches a year but AP is much more exclusive and there's simply not many to go around unless you've built a strong relationship with them.

It was pretty insulting to be honest. I went grey because of that terrible experience.

[JodyHighroller]

Originally Posted by impactplayer

I inquired with the Dallas boutique back in August last year. I felt like I had a pretty good rapport with the SA and he invited me to come into the boutique. In person, I was told it was impossible unless I "built a relationship" with them first by buying multiple Code 1159s or Offshores. They showed me a lot of Code 1159s that day and I humored them for a while, but ultimately told them I was looking for a SS RO. I offered to buy his and hers SS ROs, and the SA asked his manager but the manager came out to reject that offer. The manager even made a remark about the Rolex I was wearing was not hard to get because they can pump out a million watches a year but AP is much more exclusive and there's simply not many to go around unless you've built a strong relationship with them.

It was pretty insulting to be honest. I went grey because of that terrible experience.

That’s awful to hear. Do you mind sharing some more details? You can PM if you wish. (I’m a local).

[supernova]

Depends on what SS APs your looking for as they make quite a few varieties, it’s like asking if SS Rolex are hard to come by without mentioning a specific model, since some are and some aren’t.

SS Offshores are attainable. SS Royal Oaks will definitely need many months to a year wait and that’s if your lucky, a lot get flat out rejected or never hear back.


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[huncho]

15450/15500 non blue dials could be doable in a ~1 year time frame. some people have luck here and some don't, i personally didn't

ROCs are easier, you can probably get one within half a year, maybe sooner

[EEpro]

At the Vegas boutique (where I live) I have stopped by 3 times. I was told they don't have enough watches for their current customers. In other words, they don't need any new customers.

I offered to pay in full for 15500 in white or grey up front and even ROC. Didn't even take my name.

[Sub*Man]

Thank you both for the feedback. I like the chronograph, the one that is 38mm. I also like the ROO self-winding chrono in grey.

At any rate, I will inquire in ATL and update this thread. Cheers all.

[chiscott_29]

I’d highly recommend you just go gray if you genuinely want a 15500/15450 and you have no definitive plans to add more APs .

It’s been said above...A year ago I would say almost certainly you’d get a grey/black dial RO within a year if you went and visited a boutique and put in some face time. Now, even that is unlikely and it’s totally hit and miss. I don’t see them becoming any easier to get in the near future, either.

If you get a 15500 or 15450 and fall in love with it, there’s always time to add more APs and build a relationship with an AD over time.

Good luck!


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[melhk]

I purchased mine (15500st silver dial) with just few months wait but to be frank, I didn't walk in asking "do you have any SS models?". I took the time to discuss with the SA, try the different colors (I went multiple times to try them on when he would receive them) and simply stating what I wanted which ultimately made me decide to to go for this reference.

I also tried a 44mm Offshore Titanium with Ceramic bezel afterwards which really caught my eye (and probably my next purchase) so I would definitely recommend visiting the boutique if you have a chance.

[Batmannr1]

Still waiting since 2019 on a SS Royal Oak. Ordered it at the local AD and
I was informed that AP barely delivers 15500's to non-boutiques. Nearest boutiques are 300 miles away across border. So a visit will take me a day.

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by melhk

I purchased mine (15500st silver dial) with just few months wait but to be frank, I didn't walk in asking "do you have any SS models?". I took the time to discuss with the SA, try the different colors (I went multiple times to try them on when he would receive them) and simply stating what I wanted which ultimately made me decide to to go for this reference.

I also tried a 44mm Offshore Titanium with Ceramic bezel afterwards which really caught my eye (and probably my next purchase) so I would definitely recommend visiting the boutique if you have a chance.

I will as soon as possible, I like the reference 26470IO too.

[Waybach]

Originally Posted by danicasi2002

I received my first AP (15500) through remote transaction so I think they will understand the predicament you are in. ATL I believe is not corporate owned but by WoS for AP.

Same. I asked a few questions via IG dm’s and the rest was done through text messages. My 15500 (black) was overnighted to me when it arrived 4 months after I reached out.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Im asking this based on what you’ve said, do you really want an AP or do you want one because of the hype?

If you really want one, I’d go into a boutique, introduce yourself and let them get to know you and what you’re looking for. Build a relationship and it’s possible. And yes, AP watches are excellent quality.

This.

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by Waybach

Same. I asked a few questions via IG dm’s and the rest was done through text messages. My 15500 (black) was overnighted to me when it arrived 4 months after I reached out.

May I ask what AD you used, or a specific SA you would like to throw some business to? ATL has yet to respond to an email I sent on Tuesday. I’m not hopeful.

[Sub*Man]

Duplicate

[Waybach]

Originally Posted by Sub*Man

May I ask what AD you used, or a specific SA you would like to throw some business to? ATL has yet to respond to an email I sent on Tuesday. I’m not hopeful.

Pm’ed you

[dchang81]

usually go to the BH boutique just for a quick 2 min flyby. few weeks ago sales guy just came out and told me we have nothing, then went back inside. feel a bit bad since they have nothing to sell and im sure every schmo is asking them for a royal oak. made me a bit sadder today when my wife randomly said, you know which watch i really liked was your old offshore.

[Sub*Man]

Originally Posted by Waybach

Pm’ed you

Thank you sir.