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orangedial · 10 February 2013, 12:33 AM

AP ownership has been a very rewarding experience to me so far and the joy was perfectly illustrated yesterday when I met a new WIS friend through the forum and yet another perfect experience at the Singapore AP Boutique

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Had a nice coffee before the meeting...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ben had posted here not long ago for some advice on adding an RO in his growing collection. I had the pleasure to offer my 2-cents and we soon met up for some AD/boutique crawling yesterday. After meeting at our favourite AD along the Orchard Road, we decided to check out the RO/ROO at the boutique which is just a stone throw away.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the help from the boutique, it is confirmed that my 25721ST is produced in late 2001. Hence it's now 11+ years old. Still young...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were greeted by Bindy, the wonderful boutique manager. It was kind of a pleasant surprise for both of us to have finally met because prior to this visit, we had several email correspondences over many months but without a chance to meet up. Of course, my visits to the boutique so far have always been excellent, and I know now the reason even better after spending a good 2 hours with Bindy. Well-groomed, knowledgeable and forthcoming in forging a good customer relationship, Bindy has displayed the kind of service attitude a premium brand should render to its customer. After all, isn't customer connection the key reason of setting up a boutique for? Bindy is definitely a role model in this respect and I can see the similar quality in her staff (at least 3 of them that I've met)

While we have heard some negative feedback lately regarding the services at APSC, my encounter at the boutique had continued assuring me that AP is still all about customer satisfaction

------------------------------------------------------------------------
A rare GEM... So rarely available even in the boutique

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to watches! It was an amazing day to be able to handle some really great RO after having seen countless of photos online. More importantly, there are several news from AP that I think we are all interested... Some good, some bad, some horrible...

------------------------------------------------------------------------
This piece was sold... But look at this! It's marvellous, the blue hue is almost identical to my 25721ST, mesmerising... I really think I NEED one, sooner or later

------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD NEWS

Not really the latest news, but AP has slashed the MSRP of the precious metal watches by more than 20%. If you are into RGRC, RG44mm, or even the Plat44mm, etc it is a good time to realise your dream.

BAD NEWS

AP is reducing and tightening control on discounts, that means we will have to pay more for the popular models, especially the SS ROs and most ROOs

For those who still can't decide on their choice of SS RO, especially the 15400, AP is limiting the production of blue dial 15400 to a very low number and will be exclusive to boutique only!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
The now-exclusive blue dial 15400 has a different blue from the venerable 15202 Extra-Thin. It looks equally fantastic in my eyes... A stunner in its own right

Another stunning 15400... The new size is commanding

------------------------------------------------------------------------

How about some ROOs? This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ROO, and the SIHH novelties are mainly high complication models which showcase AP's haute horology strength. I'm very pleased with the announcement of the 2 new ceramic models, which are definitely more wearable and durable as ROO should be. And talking about ceramic model, I was rather fortunate to try out the humongous Legacy LE on a Kevlar strap!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite its huge size, it feels pretty comfortable on my 6.75" wrist. Do you think I can pull it off?

Molten rose gold... Heart-melting

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally... finally I had the chance to really handle the 44mm ROO mmodels. I feel pretty good with the size, surprisingly! And man... I love stick markers

HORRIBLE NEWS

Again, not the latest news, but ALL FC models will be discontinued! Yes, ALL, sooner or later! It's a very sad news to me because such an avant-garde and unique technology will soon become a history

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now I know why the 44mm FC ROO is so popular. It is really comfortable...

... And handsome...

... And suits me well

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, the most shocking news to me... The ever popular Rubber Clad will soon be going down the history lane too! While I respect the inevitable product design evolution, some ever-green and iconic designs are still worth being preserved in the product line IMHO.

Overall, it was another fun visit, sweetened by the superb coffee... Oops! I mean superb service (yes, we were served coffee

). Thanks Bindy for the warm hospitality

Peppers90 · 10 February 2013, 12:45 AM

Great shots Wayne! I'm feeling that Forced Carbon on you, looks FIERCE!

texex91 · 10 February 2013, 12:49 AM

Loving the pics! Looks like a great day indeed!

kilyung · 10 February 2013, 12:53 AM

Awesome. Get the FC while you can! Oh and the Jumbo... and a gold piece... and...

benlee · 10 February 2013, 01:21 AM

Awesome Report Wayne!!! We should do it again next time!

恭喜发财!!!!

B. Doggy · 10 February 2013, 01:23 AM

Thanks for sharing those

Rolex Freak · 10 February 2013, 01:26 AM

Very nice Wayne. Thanks for sharing.

Soly20 · 10 February 2013, 01:40 AM

The FC looks awesome on you. You should get it.

simbal · 10 February 2013, 01:42 AM

Great post. Thank ou!

mb23 · 10 February 2013, 02:26 AM

Great report, great pics and some great and not so great news!

The second time I've heard the Rubber Clad news, and I am saddened by it!

The 15400 Blue dial has been missing in action for some time now, so I am glad to see it will go Boutique only.

As for Forged Carbon, very sad... I huge investment on the part of AP and a quick abandoning, makes little sense to me?

Oh well, evolution is inevitable!

nick c · 10 February 2013, 02:39 AM

Great pics

AshAP · 10 February 2013, 03:02 AM

Awesome post, amazing photos and insightful.

Cru Jones · 10 February 2013, 03:17 AM

great post! thanks.

that FC........

and the white 15400.....

alexlt730512 · 10 February 2013, 03:25 AM

very nice

TSW · 10 February 2013, 03:46 AM

Looks like you had a great day Wayne!

alexlt730512 · 10 February 2013, 04:31 AM

that 44mm ROO SS looks nice.

Submarino · 10 February 2013, 05:01 AM

Wayne, great post, awesome photography and nice to get confirmation on some news and stuff we've heard through the grapevine. I heard about the Rubberclad being discontinued back in August 2012 during a meeting with AP and I just couldn't believe it. I was told the RG RC would be gone but not the SS RC with Black dial and black calendar disc. What did you hear???

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

orangedial · 10 February 2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Submarino

Wayne, great post, awesome photography and nice to get confirmation on some news and stuff we've heard through the grapevine. I heard about the Rubberclad being discontinued back in August 2012 during a meeting with AP and I just couldn't believe it. I was told the RG RC would be gone but not the SS RC with Black dial and black calendar disc. What did you hear???

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

Hal, I heard that RGRC will stay, and SS RC axed

Hairdude1 · 10 February 2013, 11:10 AM

Awesome pics!

HL65 · 10 February 2013, 11:33 AM

Great post--great pics! Cheers,

mspeed76 · 10 February 2013, 11:50 AM

Hmm I wonder what they will replace the rubberclad with .. I hope for a titanium/ceramic 42mm model

mb23 · 10 February 2013, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangedial

Hal, I heard that RGRC will stay, and SS RC axed

I've heard the same!

Submarino · 10 February 2013, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb23

I've heard the same!

Interesting! I heard the complete opposite. Well, time to wait and see what really gets axed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

mb23 · 11 February 2013, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Submarino

Interesting! I heard the complete opposite. Well, time to wait and see what really gets axed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

I guess this time next year we will know for sure!

Submarino · 11 February 2013, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb23

I guess this time next year we will know for sure!

That's right Michael.

orangedial · 11 February 2013, 01:09 PM

I really hope that AP would rethink their strategy with FC and keep it going in the product line. The lightness, strength and look of FC is perfect for a sports watch and most importantly, it is uniquely AP. If long term durability is a concern, AP can always devise a long term care programme for FC owners. While I agree that ceramic is a good (if not better) material, it has been quite common nowadays, regardless of the method of finishing. Somehow it lacks some 'Oomph', unlike FC...

ra's ag · 14 February 2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangedial

I really hope that AP would rethink their strategy with FC and keep it going in the product line. The lightness, strength and look of FC is perfect for a sports watch and most importantly, it is uniquely AP. If long term durability is a concern, AP can always devise a long term care programme for FC owners. While I agree that ceramic is a good (if not better) material, it has been quite common nowadays, regardless of the method of finishing. Somehow it lacks some 'Oomph', unlike FC...

Maybe AP is seeing a lot of FC owners complaining about damage and the associated costs for repair? Either way, I'm glad my analysis paralyzed me enough to not buy one. I'm currently pondering the SS 44 ROO for the exact reason of predictability of the case material.

10 February 2013, 12:33 AM	#1
orangedial "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Wayne Location: Singapore Watch: AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 1,791	A Great AP Day AP ownership has been a very rewarding experience to me so far and the joy was perfectly illustrated yesterday when I met a new WIS friend through the forum and yet another perfect experience at the Singapore AP Boutique ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Had a nice coffee before the meeting... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ben had posted here not long ago for some advice on adding an RO in his growing collection. I had the pleasure to offer my 2-cents and we soon met up for some AD/boutique crawling yesterday. After meeting at our favourite AD along the Orchard Road, we decided to check out the RO/ROO at the boutique which is just a stone throw away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ With the help from the boutique, it is confirmed that my 25721ST is produced in late 2001. Hence it's now 11+ years old. Still young... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ We were greeted by Bindy, the wonderful boutique manager. It was kind of a pleasant surprise for both of us to have finally met because prior to this visit, we had several email correspondences over many months but without a chance to meet up. Of course, my visits to the boutique so far have always been excellent, and I know now the reason even better after spending a good 2 hours with Bindy. Well-groomed, knowledgeable and forthcoming in forging a good customer relationship, Bindy has displayed the kind of service attitude a premium brand should render to its customer. After all, isn't customer connection the key reason of setting up a boutique for? Bindy is definitely a role model in this respect and I can see the similar quality in her staff (at least 3 of them that I've met) While we have heard some negative feedback lately regarding the services at APSC, my encounter at the boutique had continued assuring me that AP is still all about customer satisfaction ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A rare GEM... So rarely available even in the boutique ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to watches! It was an amazing day to be able to handle some really great RO after having seen countless of photos online. More importantly, there are several news from AP that I think we are all interested... Some good, some bad, some horrible... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This piece was sold... But look at this! It's marvellous, the blue hue is almost identical to my 25721ST, mesmerising... I really think I NEED one, sooner or later ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GOOD NEWS Not really the latest news, but AP has slashed the MSRP of the precious metal watches by more than 20%. If you are into RGRC, RG44mm, or even the Plat44mm, etc it is a good time to realise your dream. BAD NEWS AP is reducing and tightening control on discounts, that means we will have to pay more for the popular models, especially the SS ROs and most ROOs For those who still can't decide on their choice of SS RO, especially the 15400, AP is limiting the production of blue dial 15400 to a very low number and will be exclusive to boutique only! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The now-exclusive blue dial 15400 has a different blue from the venerable 15202 Extra-Thin. It looks equally fantastic in my eyes... A stunner in its own right Another stunning 15400... The new size is commanding ------------------------------------------------------------------------ How about some ROOs? This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ROO, and the SIHH novelties are mainly high complication models which showcase AP's haute horology strength. I'm very pleased with the announcement of the 2 new ceramic models, which are definitely more wearable and durable as ROO should be. And talking about ceramic model, I was rather fortunate to try out the humongous Legacy LE on a Kevlar strap! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Despite its huge size, it feels pretty comfortable on my 6.75" wrist. Do you think I can pull it off? Molten rose gold... Heart-melting ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Finally... finally I had the chance to really handle the 44mm ROO mmodels. I feel pretty good with the size, surprisingly! And man... I love stick markers HORRIBLE NEWS Again, not the latest news, but ALL FC models will be discontinued! Yes, ALL, sooner or later! It's a very sad news to me because such an avant-garde and unique technology will soon become a history ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now I know why the 44mm FC ROO is so popular. It is really comfortable... ... And handsome... ... And suits me well ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lastly, the most shocking news to me... The ever popular Rubber Clad will soon be going down the history lane too! While I respect the inevitable product design evolution, some ever-green and iconic designs are still worth being preserved in the product line IMHO. Overall, it was another fun visit, sweetened by the superb coffee... Oops! I mean superb service (yes, we were served coffee ). Thanks Bindy for the warm hospitality

10 February 2013, 01:23 AM	#6
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Thanks for sharing those __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

10 February 2013, 03:46 AM	#15
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Looks like you had a great day Wayne! __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

10 February 2013, 05:01 AM	#17
Submarino "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Mr. H Location: Dallas Watch: them for me! Posts: 7,180	Wayne, great post, awesome photography and nice to get confirmation on some news and stuff we've heard through the grapevine. I heard about the Rubberclad being discontinued back in August 2012 during a meeting with AP and I just couldn't believe it. I was told the RG RC would be gone but not the SS RC with Black dial and black calendar disc. What did you hear??? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency! __________________ WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle

10 February 2013, 11:33 AM	#20
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,192	Great post--great pics! Cheers, __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

10 February 2013, 12:45 AM	#2
Peppers90 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Shannon Location: USA Watch: AP & Rolex Posts: 2,264	Great shots Wayne! I'm feeling that Forced Carbon on you, looks FIERCE!

10 February 2013, 12:49 AM	#3
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	Loving the pics! Looks like a great day indeed!

10 February 2013, 12:53 AM	#4
kilyung "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,942	Awesome. Get the FC while you can! Oh and the Jumbo... and a gold piece... and...

10 February 2013, 01:21 AM	#5
benlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ben Location: SIN & JKT Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 9,874	Awesome Report Wayne!!! We should do it again next time! 恭喜发财!!!!

10 February 2013, 01:26 AM	#7
Rolex Freak "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Sandro Location: Canada Watch: Rolex/GS Posts: 4,412	Very nice Wayne. Thanks for sharing.

10 February 2013, 01:40 AM	#8
Soly20 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Soly Location: UK/US Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 3,089	The FC looks awesome on you. You should get it.

10 February 2013, 01:42 AM	#9
simbal "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Joe Location: USA Posts: 833	Great post. Thank ou!

10 February 2013, 02:26 AM	#10
mb23 Banned Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Michael Location: Westchester, NY Watch: Audemars Piguet Posts: 4,744	Great report, great pics and some great and not so great news! The second time I've heard the Rubber Clad news, and I am saddened by it! The 15400 Blue dial has been missing in action for some time now, so I am glad to see it will go Boutique only. As for Forged Carbon, very sad... I huge investment on the part of AP and a quick abandoning, makes little sense to me? Oh well, evolution is inevitable!

10 February 2013, 02:39 AM	#11
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	Great pics

10 February 2013, 03:02 AM	#12
AshAP "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ash Location: UK Watch: AP Royal Oak Posts: 4,544	Awesome post, amazing photos and insightful.

10 February 2013, 03:17 AM	#13
Cru Jones 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: CET Posts: 35,535	great post! thanks. that FC........ and the white 15400.....

10 February 2013, 03:25 AM	#14
alexlt730512 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,249	very nice

10 February 2013, 04:31 AM	#16
alexlt730512 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,249	that 44mm ROO SS looks nice.

10 February 2013, 11:10 AM	#19
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Awesome pics!

10 February 2013, 11:50 AM	#21
mspeed76 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: United States Watch: AP, RM Posts: 613	Hmm I wonder what they will replace the rubberclad with .. I hope for a titanium/ceramic 42mm model

11 February 2013, 01:09 PM	#26
orangedial "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Wayne Location: Singapore Watch: AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 1,791	I really hope that AP would rethink their strategy with FC and keep it going in the product line. The lightness, strength and look of FC is perfect for a sports watch and most importantly, it is uniquely AP. If long term durability is a concern, AP can always devise a long term care programme for FC owners. While I agree that ceramic is a good (if not better) material, it has been quite common nowadays, regardless of the method of finishing. Somehow it lacks some 'Oomph', unlike FC...

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