Getting First AP - in UK?

[zack777es]

Gents,

Based on my recent experience with my local Rolex AD on getting the Daytona 500 C http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=498665 , I realized that I was willing to spend a bit more than I would normally do to get a good watch which led me to consider my first AP.

With the help of some guys over at a local watch forum, I have more or less decided on the 15400ST blue dial at the local boutique at retail.

Only thing is, I'll be in making a trip to London in a couple of weeks time and with the current pound rate and the 16% effective VAT refund, I'm wondering if anyone can give some feedback on the following:

1. AP Boutique London?? AP website only list ADs ie Wempe, WOS, Selfridges, Harrods and the SC, but no boutique?
2. What's the current retail price of the 15400 blue dial and any idea of its availability at a London(?)/UK boutique

Appreciate any input.

[benteyboy]

Originally Posted by zack777es

Gents,



Based on my recent experience with my local Rolex AD on getting the Daytona 500 C http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=498665 , I realized that I was willing to spend a bit more than I would normally do to get a good watch which led me to consider my first AP.



With the help of some guys over at a local watch forum, I have more or less decided on the 15400ST blue dial at the local boutique at retail.



Only thing is, I'll be in making a trip to London in a couple of weeks time and with the current pound rate and the 16% effective VAT refund, I'm wondering if anyone can give some feedback on the following:



1. AP Boutique London?? AP website only list ADs ie Wempe, WOS, Selfridges, Harrods and the SC, but no boutique?

2. What's the current retail price of the 15400 blue dial and any idea of its availability at a London(?)/UK boutique



Appreciate any input.

Check chrono 24 you could score on a much better deal.


IPhone 7

[kaiserphoenix]

No boutiques in London. Closest bet is the Harrods one. If you go to Wempe, speak to Domique, and say you spoke to Jordan.

[texex91]

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by texex91

This is not actually a boutique, it's APs head office in the U.K. And you can only turn up if they know you!

[BlueIn2Red]

Nearest boutique for UK people is Paris! I heard a rumour they are opening one in London, but as far as I know that hasn't happened yet.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by AshAP

This is not actually a boutique, it's APs head office in the U.K. And you can only turn up if they know you!

I agree--but it clearly says RETAILER.

And yes it says BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Anyways, you UK guys know best, just tossing out.

[BlueIn2Red]

It's not a retailer in reality as far as I know, just a service centre (I've been there and it looked and felt just like a service centre anyway!). Probably just a mistake on the web site.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by AndyGarton

It's not a retailer in reality as far as I know, just a service centre (I've been there and it looked and felt just like a service centre anyway!). Probably just a mistake on the web site.

Probably.

Just FYI, one can go to Le Brassus HQ and actually purchase a watch there (or could last year). They have an entire room (in-house Boutique) with almost every watch they sell and you can buy on the spot and take with you (we previewed during tour). By private appointment only of course.

[AshAP]

They have an entire room (in-house Boutique) with almost every watch they sell and you can buy on the spot and take with you (we previewed during tour). By private appointment only of course.[/QUOTE]



I've been in that room, it's pretty cool. Also very classy of AP that they don't use the room to pressure people into buying.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by AndyGarton

Nearest boutique for UK people is Paris! I heard a rumour they are opening one in London, but as far as I know that hasn't happened yet.

I have also heard that AP is planning to open a boutique in London, but who knows when that will happen. It is too bad that Marcus is no longer an AP AD, because they carried some rare AP pieces.

[Samui]

Originally Posted by AshAP

They have an entire room (in-house Boutique) with almost every watch they sell and you can buy on the spot and take with you (we previewed during tour). By private appointment only of course.

I've been in that room, it's pretty cool. Also very classy of AP that they don't use the room to pressure people into buying.[/QUOTE]

How would they do that if they wanted to?

[AK797]

Tough to find any popular watches in London now, couldn't find my RG 44 for 3 months after Brexit, blue dial I suspect will be very hard, look on chrono24.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by Samui

I've been in that room, it's pretty cool. Also very classy of AP that they don't use the room to pressure people into buying.

How would they do that if they wanted to?[/QUOTE]

Ha! I see what you're getting at - I didn't write it very well. I was meaning that there's no attempt at selling at all, for example if you walk into a car showroom a salesman will walk up to you and try and sell a car, I've experienced it myself where they explain how difficult the car is to get hold of then offer a test drive and Boom suddenly there's a car just become available if you want it.

AP don't try any BS while you're in the room, they serve you tea, coffee & chocolates while you are free to try on any watch you want in the entire range.