ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

FeelingTheBlues · 25 July 2013, 09:49 AM

Greetings TRF,

I have never posted a thread in this section before so I thought I would do it today to share with you my first experience with Audemars Piguet and one of their AD's. As some of you may know AP only has one dealer in Montreal, La Swiss on Ste-Catherine Boulevard (which is in downtown Montreal). I went there the other day with my girlfriend.

First of all, allow me to talk to you a bit about the staff. Upon entering in the store we were greeted by a young lady who politely asked us if we needed help. Since it was my first time I told her I was just looking around and she told us to take our time before letting us take a look at the watches. A few minutes after a man came to us and after talking to him a little bit I asked him if I could try one on, he then invited us to a small desk and took the gloves out to let us take a look at some models. Overall the staff was very, very polite and kind, the man that helped me while I was there didn't seem to be your ordinary salesman, the things he'd say about AP wouldn't be about the movements so much but he did bring some good points and he sounded like a man who had a real interest in the brand. They were great!

P.S.: He even noticed my Datejust (it was one of the few days where I had it on my wrist) and I was surprised when the things he told me weren't even about the brand itself, we spoke about watch sizes and he complimented me on the shape of my bracelet (he asked me if it was an original one because he said that he's seen some very stretched ones over the years) and noticed my acrylic crystal.

Now here are the three watches I saw...

I didn't try that one on but did handle it, funny how this thing is light! I must say (though some people may call this blasphemy) that it reminded me a very little bit of the Patek 5204 pièce unique in titanium, it's a great mix between an elegant look and a case metal that makes the watch looks sporty. I was also surprised (in a good way) by the rose gold pusher at 2, it's a small detail that makes the watch look very special.

This is the first watch I saw when I got in the store, a very lovely timepiece that has a beautiful dial despite the complications and subdials that could have made it look too busy (it was, obviously, the busiest dial I saw in that store but nonetheless it did look nice and clean in person). The white gold polished case gives it a very fancy look and for a 41mm watch it looks great on a smaller wrist (and that's saying something when I say that...

). The rose gold hands and markers make the watch very easy to read and give a good separation between all the complications, it's easier to read the time or the date on that watch than it may seem when you take a quick look at it.

And the last one...my favorite...

At 39mm, this watch was just perfect on my wrist, the thickness of all the watches I saw and tried on was great but this one felt simply great on my wrist, it seemed to have been made for my wrist!

I actually didn't notice this watch (or the chronograph) before sitting down in front of the salesman as they were in the very desk, he showed them to me as I was trying on the white gold fuseau horaire one. When I saw it, I asked him if I could try it on and he gladly accepted to put it next to the GMT watch, he then went on and told me that for someone who doesn't travel a lot he prefers to recommend the moonphase one as it is, and I quote him on that one, a much more "poetic" complication that may not be the most useful one but always nice to admire...

...And boy can I only agree with him!

I usually like original watches but the symetry of that dial is simply mesmerizing, it looked great in person and you can get any information you want at a simple glance on the dial. Besides, for a dress watch I find it casual enough to be worn with all sorts of clothes, I would gladly wear it with my usual jeans and t-shirts...

Overall, it was, as I've said, the first time I had tried some Audemars Piguet's and I must say it couldn't have been better. I've been to a lot of AD's and had a lot of great experiences with different brands but I was looking forward to trying those on as AP is a brand I really like! Speaking for myself I could definitely see some quality work in those watches and it helped me to understand much more why they were considered a haute horlogerie brand!

Small note to add: Obviously it's nobody's fault but my only regret is that they didn't have any RO's or ROO's for men to try one, they only had women models and though I thought their sizes were perfect for me AP makes them look too feminine for me to try them on and appreciate the way they're built. I would have liked to really feel what it's like to have a 42mm or 44mm ROO chronograph on my wrist and see by myself if my very small wrist can pull it off. However, I must say that, at the same time, I'm kind of glad that I could try some of AP's dressier models as, from what I understand, AD's don't usually carry a lot of them since they don't sell as much.

Thank you for reading, feel free to comment!

oilman666 · 25 July 2013, 10:10 AM

I agree the moon phase is a nice addition to a dress watch.. You saw and picked some nice pieces... Let us know what you end up with ..

belk7 · 25 July 2013, 10:18 AM

A very nice way to spend some time, the way watch browsing should be. Love, love, love the Jules moonphase. The JA Classic Collection has some wonderful pieces.

AK797 · 25 July 2013, 10:52 AM

Always nice when high class items come with high class service, and you really have to try on the RO and ROOs too.

FeelingTheBlues · 25 July 2013, 11:01 AM

Thank you for the comments guys!

I did have a lot of fun trying on those watches and especially discussing with that man, he was very kind indeed! As for the one I'm going to buy, it will most probably be the moonphase J-A but obviously I'll have to wait a very, very long time as I don't plan on buying anything from AP right now (funds are...how to say it...not there for the moment!

).

HKRolexFans · 25 July 2013, 11:08 AM

Hi Carl, good to hear that you have wonderful experience with AP as a start. Do try on any RO or ROO in the future and I must say that you will fall in love with it at the spot. Do visit this section more often as we are all very nice guys too, cheers.

Manofsteelpt · 25 July 2013, 11:12 AM

Sounds like a nice time Carl... I'm still waiting for my first trip to an AP AD :-/

texex91 · 25 July 2013, 11:45 AM

Carl

Great to see you over here. We can always count on you for an honest AD experience no matter the brand.

I'm sorry he didn't have any ROO's. However, due to there popularity, I hope you understand

Hope all is well up North my friend!

Best
Paul

Hairdude1 · 25 July 2013, 01:09 PM

Hey Carl, thanks for sharing your experience at the AD. You have great taste. I look forward to seeing incoming from you!

alexinmontreal · 25 July 2013, 01:21 PM

Hi Carl,
I too walked into that particular AD but unlike yourself, when I was told they had no RO models, I left unimpressed. I just don't understand how an AD wouldn't carry even one model of AP's most popular watches.
I ended up going to NYC for a weekend of watches and gourmet restaurants; Bobby Flay, Daniel Bouloud, Audemars Piguet, and Sotheby's for a fine watch auction...what a city!

oilman666 · 25 July 2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexinmontreal

Hi Carl,
I too walked into that particular AD but unlike yourself, when I was told they had no RO models, I left unimpressed. I just don't understand how an AD wouldn't carry even one model of AP's most popular watches.
I ended up going to NYC for a weekend of watches and gourmet restaurants; Bobby Flay, Daniel Bouloud, Audemars Piguet, and Sotheby's for a fine watch auction...what a city!

You know it.. You won't be disappointed , you'll find it in NYC.. And AP Has many variations of the RO & ROO. As well as JA and Millinery ...

kilyung · 25 July 2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexinmontreal

Hi Carl,
I too walked into that particular AD but unlike yourself, when I was told they had no RO models, I left unimpressed. I just don't understand how an AD wouldn't carry even one model of AP's most popular watches.
I ended up going to NYC for a weekend of watches and gourmet restaurants; Bobby Flay, Daniel Bouloud, Audemars Piguet, and Sotheby's for a fine watch auction...what a city!

It happens. I've been to ADs that were missing very popular models.

Cru Jones · 25 July 2013, 04:09 PM

Very nice write up, Carl, and thanks for sharing those APs, which don't get a lot of coverage on this forum and look quite nice.

wrxsti · 25 July 2013, 04:14 PM

i went to la swiss in vancouver they had a few roos and 3 ro 15400s, in a week all those 15400's were sold, true the ad's do not get too many and they sell quickly too

FeelingTheBlues · 26 July 2013, 09:50 AM

Thank you for your comments and good words all and fear not, I understood perfectly the lack of popular models due to the demand, it didn't bother that much since they still carried some real beauties!

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexinmontreal

Hi Carl,
I too walked into that particular AD but unlike yourself, when I was told they had no RO models, I left unimpressed. I just don't understand how an AD wouldn't carry even one model of AP's most popular watches.
I ended up going to NYC for a weekend of watches and gourmet restaurants; Bobby Flay, Daniel Bouloud, Audemars Piguet, and Sotheby's for a fine watch auction...what a city!

Glad to see another Quebecer around here, thank you for sharing yor experience in New York!

WilliamFoley · 26 July 2013, 02:04 PM

So which one of them did you buy...all three looking just great..but my pick for the favorite one would have to be the first one..i like watches with complications.

capote · 26 July 2013, 08:04 PM

The chronograph is very very nice. As you say it is elegent yet sporty. Is it a piggy-back movement? Not a fan of the moon phase though, I feel that the registers are too close together, the moon is too small and there is a lot of empty space on the dial. There are some smaller AP models from the 90 that looks similar and are quite affordable by now if you are a fan of the lay-out.

GarageBMW · 26 July 2013, 10:59 PM

Hi Carl

Been to la Swiss many times and I was also unimpressed by the number of pieces in stock. Last time I visited them was the week of the Grand-Prix. While Chateau d'Ivoire was loaded with inventory, they had no RO or ROO at all. Ended up to Kaufmann de Swiss and get a very bad disease...

The staff at la Swiss are always kind, that a good thing. You did try some very nice peices ;)

Demonoid · 27 July 2013, 07:11 AM

Carl, thank you for sharing your experience with AP. As usual your post are what makes this place great!

FeelingTheBlues · 28 July 2013, 05:11 AM

William, I didn't buy anything but my choice would have been the moonphase.

Daniel, thank you for your input and the suggestion, I have seen relatively affordable vintage dress AP's and may buy one someday.

Dominic, I think the kind staff made it up for the lack of models, they really made my experience great.

Logan, thank you kindly!

25 July 2013, 09:49 AM	#1
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	My first experience with Audemars Piguet... Greetings TRF, I have never posted a thread in this section before so I thought I would do it today to share with you my first experience with Audemars Piguet and one of their AD's. As some of you may know AP only has one dealer in Montreal, La Swiss on Ste-Catherine Boulevard (which is in downtown Montreal). I went there the other day with my girlfriend. First of all, allow me to talk to you a bit about the staff. Upon entering in the store we were greeted by a young lady who politely asked us if we needed help. Since it was my first time I told her I was just looking around and she told us to take our time before letting us take a look at the watches. A few minutes after a man came to us and after talking to him a little bit I asked him if I could try one on, he then invited us to a small desk and took the gloves out to let us take a look at some models. Overall the staff was very, very polite and kind, the man that helped me while I was there didn't seem to be your ordinary salesman, the things he'd say about AP wouldn't be about the movements so much but he did bring some good points and he sounded like a man who had a real interest in the brand. They were great! P.S.: He even noticed my Datejust (it was one of the few days where I had it on my wrist) and I was surprised when the things he told me weren't even about the brand itself, we spoke about watch sizes and he complimented me on the shape of my bracelet (he asked me if it was an original one because he said that he's seen some very stretched ones over the years) and noticed my acrylic crystal. Now here are the three watches I saw... I didn't try that one on but did handle it, funny how this thing is light! I must say (though some people may call this blasphemy) that it reminded me a very little bit of the Patek 5204 pièce unique in titanium, it's a great mix between an elegant look and a case metal that makes the watch looks sporty. I was also surprised (in a good way) by the rose gold pusher at 2, it's a small detail that makes the watch look very special. This is the first watch I saw when I got in the store, a very lovely timepiece that has a beautiful dial despite the complications and subdials that could have made it look too busy (it was, obviously, the busiest dial I saw in that store but nonetheless it did look nice and clean in person). The white gold polished case gives it a very fancy look and for a 41mm watch it looks great on a smaller wrist (and that's saying something when I say that...). The rose gold hands and markers make the watch very easy to read and give a good separation between all the complications, it's easier to read the time or the date on that watch than it may seem when you take a quick look at it. And the last one...my favorite... At 39mm, this watch was just perfect on my wrist, the thickness of all the watches I saw and tried on was great but this one felt simply great on my wrist, it seemed to have been made for my wrist! I actually didn't notice this watch (or the chronograph) before sitting down in front of the salesman as they were in the very desk, he showed them to me as I was trying on the white gold fuseau horaire one. When I saw it, I asked him if I could try it on and he gladly accepted to put it next to the GMT watch, he then went on and told me that for someone who doesn't travel a lot he prefers to recommend the moonphase one as it is, and I quote him on that one, a much more "poetic" complication that may not be the most useful one but always nice to admire... ...And boy can I only agree with him! I usually like original watches but the symetry of that dial is simply mesmerizing, it looked great in person and you can get any information you want at a simple glance on the dial. Besides, for a dress watch I find it casual enough to be worn with all sorts of clothes, I would gladly wear it with my usual jeans and t-shirts... Overall, it was, as I've said, the first time I had tried some Audemars Piguet's and I must say it couldn't have been better. I've been to a lot of AD's and had a lot of great experiences with different brands but I was looking forward to trying those on as AP is a brand I really like! Speaking for myself I could definitely see some quality work in those watches and it helped me to understand much more why they were considered a haute horlogerie brand! Small note to add: Obviously it's nobody's fault but my only regret is that they didn't have any RO's or ROO's for men to try one, they only had women models and though I thought their sizes were perfect for me AP makes them look too feminine for me to try them on and appreciate the way they're built. I would have liked to really feel what it's like to have a 42mm or 44mm ROO chronograph on my wrist and see by myself if my very small wrist can pull it off. However, I must say that, at the same time, I'm kind of glad that I could try some of AP's dressier models as, from what I understand, AD's don't usually carry a lot of them since they don't sell as much. Thank you for reading, feel free to comment! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

25 July 2013, 10:10 AM	#2
oilman666 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: Robert Location: new york Watch: Audemars Royal Oak Posts: 137	I agree the moon phase is a nice addition to a dress watch.. You saw and picked some nice pieces... Let us know what you end up with .. __________________

25 July 2013, 11:01 AM	#5
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Thank you for the comments guys! I did have a lot of fun trying on those watches and especially discussing with that man, he was very kind indeed! As for the one I'm going to buy, it will most probably be the moonphase J-A but obviously I'll have to wait a very, very long time as I don't plan on buying anything from AP right now (funds are...how to say it...not there for the moment! ). __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

25 July 2013, 01:21 PM	#10
alexinmontreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: alex Location: montreal Watch: Gold RO Jumbo Posts: 28	La Suisse Hi Carl, I too walked into that particular AD but unlike yourself, when I was told they had no RO models, I left unimpressed. I just don't understand how an AD wouldn't carry even one model of AP's most popular watches. I ended up going to NYC for a weekend of watches and gourmet restaurants; Bobby Flay, Daniel Bouloud, Audemars Piguet, and Sotheby's for a fine watch auction...what a city!

25 July 2013, 04:14 PM	#14
wrxsti "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 1,695	i went to la swiss in vancouver they had a few roos and 3 ro 15400s, in a week all those 15400's were sold, true the ad's do not get too many and they sell quickly too __________________ PP Geneva

25 July 2013, 10:18 AM	#3
belk7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: USA Posts: 1,439	A very nice way to spend some time, the way watch browsing should be. Love, love, love the Jules moonphase. The JA Classic Collection has some wonderful pieces.

25 July 2013, 10:52 AM	#4
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	Always nice when high class items come with high class service, and you really have to try on the RO and ROOs too.

25 July 2013, 11:08 AM	#6
HKRolexFans "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: David Location: Hong Kong Watch: R-A-P-I-O Posts: 289	Hi Carl, good to hear that you have wonderful experience with AP as a start. Do try on any RO or ROO in the future and I must say that you will fall in love with it at the spot. Do visit this section more often as we are all very nice guys too, cheers.

25 July 2013, 11:12 AM	#7
Manofsteelpt "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Mike Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,971	Sounds like a nice time Carl... I'm still waiting for my first trip to an AP AD :-/

25 July 2013, 11:45 AM	#8
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	Carl Great to see you over here. We can always count on you for an honest AD experience no matter the brand. I'm sorry he didn't have any ROO's. However, due to there popularity, I hope you understand Hope all is well up North my friend! Best Paul

25 July 2013, 01:09 PM	#9
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Hey Carl, thanks for sharing your experience at the AD. You have great taste. I look forward to seeing incoming from you!

25 July 2013, 04:09 PM	#13
Cru Jones 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: CET Posts: 35,559	Very nice write up, Carl, and thanks for sharing those APs, which don't get a lot of coverage on this forum and look quite nice.

26 July 2013, 02:04 PM	#16
WilliamFoley Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: William Foley Location: New Yorker, USA Watch: Timex MF17 (gifted Posts: 112	So which one of them did you buy...all three looking just great..but my pick for the favorite one would have to be the first one..i like watches with complications.

26 July 2013, 08:04 PM	#17
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	The chronograph is very very nice. As you say it is elegent yet sporty. Is it a piggy-back movement? Not a fan of the moon phase though, I feel that the registers are too close together, the moon is too small and there is a lot of empty space on the dial. There are some smaller AP models from the 90 that looks similar and are quite affordable by now if you are a fan of the lay-out.

26 July 2013, 10:59 PM	#18
GarageBMW "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Third Degree Location: Glenfinnan Watch: the step Posts: 1,901	Hi Carl Been to la Swiss many times and I was also unimpressed by the number of pieces in stock. Last time I visited them was the week of the Grand-Prix. While Chateau d'Ivoire was loaded with inventory, they had no RO or ROO at all. Ended up to Kaufmann de Swiss and get a very bad disease... The staff at la Swiss are always kind, that a good thing. You did try some very nice peices ;)

27 July 2013, 07:11 AM	#19
Demonoid 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Logan Location: USA Posts: 2,513	Carl, thank you for sharing your experience with AP. As usual your post are what makes this place great!

28 July 2013, 05:11 AM	#20
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	William, I didn't buy anything but my choice would have been the moonphase. Daniel, thank you for your input and the suggestion, I have seen relatively affordable vintage dress AP's and may buy one someday. Dominic, I think the kind staff made it up for the lack of models, they really made my experience great. Logan, thank you kindly! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)