How many AP boutiques have you visited?

[APWhale]

Originally Posted by aldyrifqi

AP in central Hk landmark building is not a boutique is the only Ad inHK

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

I think I know the one you're talking about, they do seem to work differently to the other boutiques but as you say, they may well be operating as an AD

Interesting, what’s the difference and how do they operate?

[thecrownprince]

Originally Posted by APWhale

Paris had 2 boutiques and 3 ADs last year, but now there's only 1 boutique left. House hasn't opened yet?




:

Sorry need to clarify:

I believe in 2019 when I went both times it was AD stores (2) - not sure they own own it back then but it was definitely AP only in a single store - and one boutique (company owned) very large stores - doenst matter anyways because they didn’t have anything and basically greeted customers from the sidewalk


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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by APWhale

You must not like traveling. Or fun.

Feeling inspired by your challenge.

So far:
Taipei/101
Taipei/Far Eastern
Taichung
Tokyo/Ginza
Shanghai/Nanjing Rd
Hong Kong/Elements (now closed)
London/Harrods
Frankfurt
Munich/Old AP House (now closed)
Boston

Coming up:
AP House NYC

Should be able to add another 1/2 dozen this year.

[messikens]

Idea is interesting but not sure what you're getting out of it? Just for fun? Showing how serious you are about the brand (I.e. Hoping it gets logged in your profile?)

Otherwise I'd have to assume the conversation is about the same since none of th SAs know you at all, they'll have roughly the same thing to show / not show (I.e. I assume you get to try on a ROO but they won't pull our a tourbillon that you can't have anyway) and you leave after 45min...

Or can you shed some light if multiple one offs to different locations have actually been insightful etc? Genuinely curious!

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by messikens

Idea is interesting but not sure what you're getting out of it? Just for fun?

My money is paying for the fancy boutiques, so I better at least get a free coffee out of it!

[Mercutio]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

My money is paying for the fancy boutiques, so I better at least get a free coffee out of it!

That quote was just

Do us all a favour & don‘t try to get your watches‘ value in espresso cups recouped :D - I think jitters start at around 12

[AperolSpritz]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

My money is paying for the fancy boutiques, so I better at least get a free coffee out of it!

That one made my day !
Thanks!!! You are the man...

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Feeling inspired by your challenge.

So far:
Taipei/101
Taipei/Far Eastern
Taichung
Tokyo/Ginza
Shanghai/Nanjing Rd
Hong Kong/Elements (now closed)
London/Harrods
Frankfurt
Munich/Old AP House (now closed)
Boston

Coming up:
AP House NYC

Should be able to add another 1/2 dozen this year.

Also curious esp if you visit the AP boutiques in other countries do you usually wear your AP. I have to say I've never worn my AP when i go travelling, would love to but more safety issues

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

Also curious esp if you visit the AP boutiques in other countries do you usually wear your AP. I have to say I've never worn my AP when i go travelling, would love to but more safety issues

I try to, makes for a nice conversation starter. AP boutiques in general seem to be pretty safe

[SMD]

The term boutique is being thrown around very loosely. Very big difference between Beverly Hills and NYC. Chicago and Bal Harbor. I would guess less than half of the "boutiques" and "houses" are actually owned by AP. If it's not owned by AP, in my mind, its not AP. It's a fancy AD with a tighter contract.

[oscarjhli]

Originally Posted by aldyrifqi

AP in central Hk landmark building is not a boutique is the only Ad inHK

That’s actually a JV :)

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by Mercutio

That quote was just

Do us all a favour & don‘t try to get your watches‘ value in espresso cups recouped :D - I think jitters start at around 12

It’s weird but I’ve only been offered a drink at AP house and never at the boutique, apart from the most recent visit when I picked up a watch. But before that, perhaps 20-30 visits over a period of time

Conversely places likes Hublot, Roger Dubuis always get drinks. Esp the latter the last time I visited they let me try several Macallans, prob trying to get me drunk so I’d make an impulse purchase!

[dauster]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Pretty sure like in Dr. Strange's world of deciding where to put the sanctums against threats to earth, only HK/London/NY matter.

lol this made me almost spit out my coffee - but at OP why is my number 1 questions????

[APWhale]

Originally Posted by messikens

Idea is interesting but not sure what you're getting out of it? Just for fun? Showing how serious you are about the brand (I.e. Hoping it gets logged in your profile?)

Otherwise I'd have to assume the conversation is about the same since none of th SAs know you at all, they'll have roughly the same thing to show / not show (I.e. I assume you get to try on a ROO but they won't pull our a tourbillon that you can't have anyway) and you leave after 45min...

Or can you shed some light if multiple one offs to different locations have actually been insightful etc? Genuinely curious!

I travel a lot as it is and most AP boutiques happen to be in locations that are fairly accessible and I would travel to regardless. Had I decided to do this challenger sooner, I would probably have hit half the boutiques already by now. I guess the inspiration came from reading travel blogs about certain people hitting million miler status on a flight, or reaching lifetime elite status during a hotel stay, which would generally result in some sort of celebration with the brand. Then there was also Austen Chu @horoloupe who essentially thanks to his social media following got the chance to collaborate with AP on the China edition Royal Oak QP in 2020. And since I hadn't heard of anyone visiting every single AP boutique I thought it would be a unique and fun challenge that suited my lifestyle and who knows what may come from it.

I am definitely not looking to buy anything during any of my boutique visits, as I have a great relationship already with my local boutique, but if ever I am offered a special piece on the spot I can't see myself saying no :)

And to answer your question, I've had only good experiences visiting AP boutiques, perhaps due to the fact that the SAs realize off the bat that I understand the current market situation and am not seeking something from them, and that somehow puts them at ease. I find that AP employees are generally proud to be part of the company and are passionate about the brand. And often a 45 minute conversation leads to some juicy insider tidbits that I can then share on the forums :)

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

Also curious esp if you visit the AP boutiques in other countries do you usually wear your AP. I have to say I've never worn my AP when i go travelling, would love to but more safety issues

I travel with my Code and based on recent boutique visits in foreign countries the SAs have all shared my appreciation for how well it flies under the radar. They seem to prefer it to the rose gold version for that reason alone.

Originally Posted by SMD

The term boutique is being thrown around very loosely. Very big difference between Beverly Hills and NYC. Chicago and Bal Harbor. I would guess less than half of the "boutiques" and "houses" are actually owned by AP. If it's not owned by AP, in my mind, its not AP. It's a fancy AD with a tighter contract.

The customer experience is supposed to be the same whether corporate owned or JV. However, boutique allocations do not necessarily reflect that equality.

[APWhale]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Feeling inspired by your challenge.

So far:
Taipei/101
Taipei/Far Eastern
Taichung
Tokyo/Ginza
Shanghai/Nanjing Rd
Hong Kong/Elements (now closed)
London/Harrods
Frankfurt
Munich/Old AP House (now closed)
Boston

Coming up:
AP House NYC

Should be able to add another 1/2 dozen this year.

I guess I should list my visits as well, and will continue to provide updates in this thread as my challenge progresses. Anyone who would like to undertake it as well is welcome to join. I love me some healthy competition

So far:
Bal Harbour
Beverly Hills
Boston
Las Vegas
Barcelona House
Madrid House
Monte Carlo
Paris
Paris (closed)
Porto Cervo
Rome
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall of the Emirates

[only1swami]

- Boston
- NYC
- NYC House
- Las Vegas

def want to visit every boutique as a (partial) excuse to travel haha. Looking forward to my first intl. one

[tcpx]

I do try to visit them (among other brand boutiques) if time permits while I travel as well. Obviously, expectations are tempered, but I do recall how accessible pieces were back in the day.

Curious as to if anybody's actually managed to pick up a piece as a tourist though from an int't boutique in the past 3-4 years by just dropping in?

[Screwly]

I have an appointment to visit AP house in NY coming up in November. Anyone know what I should expect? First time to an AP house, so pretty excited. My sales associate in Dallas connected me to the them to make an appointment.


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[Shmoopy]

Just one thus far, but was thinking of stopping by the Vegas boutique when I am there for work this weekend.

Anyone know if the rubber straps in different colors (green/dark blue) are in stock for 42mm ROO, or is it something that needs to be ordered? (Tried doing a quick search but didn't see it discussed.)

[tcpx]

Originally Posted by Shmoopy

Just one thus far, but was thinking of stopping by the Vegas boutique when I am there for work this weekend.

Anyone know if the rubber straps in different colors (green/dark blue) are in stock for 42mm ROO, or is it something that needs to be ordered? (Tried doing a quick search but didn't see it discussed.)

Just went to the Vegas boutique a couple of months ago and had a great experience and chats with both Julie and Liezel.

Note that the boutique is very busy, so definitely recommend making an appointment prior to your visit. Not sure if they stock those straps, so would be good to inquire ahead of time as well. Enjoy!

[thekman]

Originally Posted by Screwly

I have an appointment to visit AP house in NY coming up in November. Anyone know what I should expect? First time to an AP house, so pretty excited. My sales associate in Dallas connected me to the them to make an appointment.


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Expect a warm welcome, seeing the space and the museum pieces. You can then see a few of the current catalogue pieces while enjoying some drinks. Ultimately you will be told to continue your great relationship with your SA at your local boutique.

[Screwly]

Originally Posted by thekman

Expect a warm welcome, seeing the space and the museum pieces. You can then see a few of the current catalogue pieces while enjoying some drinks. Ultimately you will be told to continue your great relationship with your SA at your local boutique.

That’s great to hear. That’s ultimately what I’m looking for and not necessarily looking to purchase.


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[hussain]

11 Boutiques - Most I've been to before 2019 in the good old days when you can try a few pieces on display.

2x Singapore
3x HK
1x Bangkok
2x Dubai
1 x Bahrain
1 x Kuwait
1 x London

[doze]

Fun thread, used to be more models available to try, except the Tokyo boutique which seems to always be empty!

New York boutique (>10x) + AP House
Miami
Las Vegas
Paris
London
Milan
Rome
Tokyo (>10x / Osaka)
Singapore (Orchard / Marina ~3-4x)

Funny thing is that the reason for most of the visit was after 2012 to try on the SS 37mm but never managed to find one available: so never put the order in before the 2020 craziness :( Kind of regretting it now .
Hope to visit the AP house in Tokyo next, but unsure if it'll be possible with the language barrier.

[fatcows7]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

I believe I've been to 8, as I think HK did have 8 until they closed a couple down

Will go back to London in a few weeks, submitted a request for an appt for the AP House in London with no response - this was 2 weeks ago.

Hi - just call them and explain your situation. They won't respond to emails (too many) and they immediately picked up my call when I called. Or ask your SA to organise.

[fatcows7]

London x2
Cairo x1
Istanbul x1
Milan x1
Hong Kong x2 (Q4-22)

[grahammackay86]

London x2
Florence
Dallas
Singapore

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by thekman

Expect a warm welcome, seeing the space and the museum pieces. You can then see a few of the current catalogue pieces while enjoying some drinks. Ultimately you will be told to continue your great relationship with your SA at your local boutique.

that's a pretty accurate description of our visit last weekend - very cool space, very nice conversation, some food, tried some exhibition pieces (which I however had almost all tried in other boutiques before) and an invitation to come again. I had no expectation and no intention to "cheat" on my regular boutique.

[messikens]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

that's a pretty accurate description of our visit last weekend - very cool space, very nice conversation, some food, tried some exhibition pieces (which I however had almost all tried in other boutiques before) and an invitation to come again. I had no expectation and no intention to "cheat" on my regular boutique.

Going this weekend. Will report back but hey at least it's some drinks and an hour or so spent looking at things I don't have and likely won't get

[thekman]

Originally Posted by fatcows7

London x2
Cairo x1
Istanbul x1
Milan x1
Hong Kong x2 (Q4-22)

How was your experience at AP in Cairo and was it recent? I am actually from there but have never been.