AP Boutique Experience

[Mr.Jack]

Hey all, so I'm just dipping my toes into the AP waters after I started taking a liking to the ROs as of late. I've been wanting to add another dress/sport hybrid with more emphasis on dress to complement my 114060.

With the way the Rolex experience has gotten with unobtainable models and that the 5711 is a pipe dream to get at an AD... everything that I've read about the AP boutique experience and their visibility/order process really stood out. Not only do I love the ROs but I also want to push my business toward a brand that doesn't have such a veil over the buying process.

So I went into the new ATL boutique recently and inquired about 15500 and a 15450 (turns out I love the 15450 and the 15500 just swallows my wrist) and the salesman, who was very kind and definitely a watch lover, said they aren't taking deposits or orders or anything and would just take my information. He said they've gotten one blue dial and a couple whites, but no greys yet. Seemed very much like talking to a Rolex AD... Not like an ordering process with guarantees to timing and your watch.

This seems to be a much different experience as the ones I've read on here... did I do something wrong? I thought AP took orders and were very upfront about timing and the process. Just would like a little more clarity!

Thanks!

[blacke90]

You didn’t do anything wrong. They most likely ran out is their allocation for the year for the 15500 and 15450. Same thing happened to me last year for the 15400 (late oct) and the sales person told me to come back in January to check in with him for 2019 allocation.

Hope this help. Seems more transparent than getting a Rolex imo. I gave up trying to buy a Rolex.

[V25V]

I will speak highly of APSC, I cannot do the same for their boutiques.

[calh22a]

The boutiques tend to be transparent as they know their allocations for the year. The SS shortage has affected AP as well. They probably don’t have an allocation available to you. If you hit it off with the SA, I would recommend checking in with them periodically to see if an allocation becomes available.

[AK797]

The 15450 should be buyable but AP know the direction this is going so ADs are going to be cautious. If you keep showing them you are serious I don't think you will have a long wait, altho the blue might be hard now if you are in a large market city.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jack

Hey all, so I'm just dipping my toes into the AP waters after I started taking a liking to the ROs as of late. I've been wanting to add another dress/sport hybrid with more emphasis on dress to complement my 114060.

With the way the Rolex experience has gotten with unobtainable models and that the 5711 is a pipe dream to get at an AD... everything that I've read about the AP boutique experience and their visibility/order process really stood out. Not only do I love the ROs but I also want to push my business toward a brand that doesn't have such a veil over the buying process.

So I went into the new ATL boutique recently and inquired about 15500 and a 15450 (turns out I love the 15450 and the 15500 just swallows my wrist) and the salesman, who was very kind and definitely a watch lover, said they aren't taking deposits or orders or anything and would just take my information. He said they've gotten one blue dial and a couple whites, but no greys yet. Seemed very much like talking to a Rolex AD... Not like an ordering process with guarantees to timing and your watch.

This seems to be a much different experience as the ones I've read on here... did I do something wrong? I thought AP took orders and were very upfront about timing and the process. Just would like a little more clarity!

Thanks!

They still aren't easy to get. It's just if you can get on a wait list, it is a real list, unlike Rolex where the list is a nice way to say no.

[illini675]

Originally Posted by othertbone

They still aren't easy to get. It's just if you can get on a wait list, it is a real list, unlike Rolex where the list is a nice way to say no.

This, exactly. Unfortunately for us, clear and transparent doesn't mean that they have an unlimited number of allocations available. Keep in touch with them if you are really into it- it will all work out

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by othertbone

They still aren't easy to get. It's just if you can get on a wait list, it is a real list, unlike Rolex where the list is a nice way to say no.

In my experience, the list is a real list. And if they accept your deposit, then you should get it within 3-4 months.

[Collector2019]

ATL boutique is owned by Mayors "they own rolex and omega next door as well". So they are def operating under Mayor's policy, thus, no deposits/orders etc.,

Look for boutique owned by AP, I think bal harbour in Miami is. There you would expect a transparent process, but unfortunately their allocation for 15450/15500 is full for this year.


A question to you; did you try the 15500/450 at the ATL boutique?

[danicasi2002]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

ATL boutique is owned by Mayors "they own rolex and omega next door as well". So they are def operating under Mayor's policy, thus, no deposits/orders etc.,

Look for boutique owned by AP, I think bal harbour in Miami is. There you would expect a transparent process, but unfortunately their allocation for 15450/15500 is full for this year.

I read it is run by Watches of Switzerland. Nonetheless, I agree that you try for your sampling purposes, an AP owned boutique. Given it is near the end of the year, all 2019 allocation of RO model you mentioned are committed.

[Mr.Jack]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

ATL boutique is owned by Mayors "they own rolex and omega next door as well". So they are def operating under Mayor's policy, thus, no deposits/orders etc.,

Look for boutique owned by AP, I think bal harbour in Miami is. There you would expect a transparent process, but unfortunately their allocation for 15450/15500 is full for this year.


A question to you; did you try the 15500/450 at the ATL boutique?

Ahhh okay! I was under the impression that all boutiques are owned by AP now. Since you mentioned, I looked at the sales associates card and it does say operated by Mayors. Good call.

I tried on a rose gold, diamond bezel 15450, but they did not have any 15500s at all. I'm aiming toward a SS model but just wanted to see how it sat on my wrist. I'm loving AP's rose gold though so maybe that will be in my future!

I'm unfortunately on the west coast so I think LA has the only AP around here?

[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by danicasi2002

I read it is run by Watches of Switzerland. Nonetheless, I agree that you try for your sampling purposes, an AP owned boutique. Given it is near the end of the year, all 2019 allocation of RO model you mentioned are committed.

Mayors owned by Watches of Switzerland! complicated ownership structure of who owns who

[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jack

Ahhh okay! I was under the impression that all boutiques are owned by AP now. Since you mentioned, I looked at the sales associates card and it does say operated by Mayors. Good call.

I tried on a rose gold, diamond bezel 15450, but they did not have any 15500s at all. I'm aiming toward a SS model but just wanted to see how it sat on my wrist. I'm loving AP's rose gold though so maybe that will be in my future!

I'm unfortunately on the west coast so I think LA has the only AP around here?

Which dial color did you decide on? if blue might be difficult for this year but very possible for 2020 allocations considering you're after 15450? 37mm is perfect fit imho, if we are not considering 15202 "39 mm" which is very long shot!

Good luck

[Mr.Jack]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

Which dial color did you decide on? if blue might be difficult for this year but very possible for 2020 allocations considering you're after 15450? 37mm is perfect fit imho, if we are not considering 15202 "39 mm" which is very long shot!

Good luck

I'm preferring the blue dial, but will consider the grey dial as well. I'm in the Bay Area, is there a boutique you'd recommend?

37mm was definitely the perfect fit for me. 15202 is lovely, but I think I much prefer 37mm on my 6.5 inch wrist

[s14roller]

Pretty normal given alot of AP SS pieces are allocation (esp the boutique only colors).

[GB-man]

I have no experience with the non AP owned locations. With AP allocations arrive in January so best bet will be to make your rounds now then check in come January. Best thing about this is many people are not spending in Jan after the holiday. Blue will be tough as a first but not impossible.

[ROA]

Unfortunately, I do not believe there is an AP owned boutique in the Bay Area. But good that you were able to try the 15450 for size reference. It is a personal choice and it depends on what you are used to. In my case, I have a 6.4in flat wrist and I prefer the 41mm RO. I once tried the 15450 on and I felt it was a bit small. I usually see myself/wrist in a mirror from a distance. Looking at it up close (or taking a close up photo of it on your wrist l) always makes it appear larger than it is imo. But good luck and I hope you are able to get into a wait list soonest.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jack

Ahhh okay! I was under the impression that all boutiques are owned by AP now. Since you mentioned, I looked at the sales associates card and it does say operated by Mayors. Good call.

I tried on a rose gold, diamond bezel 15450, but they did not have any 15500s at all. I'm aiming toward a SS model but just wanted to see how it sat on my wrist. I'm loving AP's rose gold though so maybe that will be in my future!

I'm unfortunately on the west coast so I think LA has the only AP around here?

The boutique in Beverly Hills sucks. I was almost turned off to AP completely until I got referred to Bal Harbor. Check out the Vegas boutique-- I've heard good things and I think they're AP owned.

[thekman]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I have no experience with the non AP owned locations. With AP allocations arrive in January so best bet will be to make your rounds now then check in come January. Best thing about this is many people are not spending in Jan after the holiday. Blue will be tough as a first but not impossible.

I just received my black 15500 and was thinking of starting the conversation about the next piece with my SA (15500 blue or maybe 15202). Do you recommend waiting until January?

OP, hopefully you can get an allocation for next year. I remember being told by the NYC boutique back in March when they took my name that those were the last allocations. So try contact the boutiques early in the year.


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[Mr.Jack]

Thanks for all the replies! Looks like the course of action is to keep in contact throughout the remainder of the year and try to grab an allocation at the beginning of 2020 :)

[Townshend]

Originally Posted by blacke90

You didn’t do anything wrong. They most likely ran out is their allocation for the year for the 15500 and 15450. Same thing happened to me last year for the 15400 (late oct) and the sales person told me to come back in January to check in with him for 2019 allocation.

Hope this help. Seems more transparent than getting a Rolex imo. I gave up trying to buy a Rolex.

I reached out to the same boutique as the op. I'm not sure they have much in the way of allocations as they just opened a couple of weeks ago.

I recall they had a few pieces; Cuban, a black and a white diver, and I believe a RG offshore.

Rep didn't seem aware of what was inbound; just whatever AP is stocking them with.

[Mr.Jack]

Originally Posted by Townshend

I reached out to the same boutique as the op. I'm not sure they have much in the way of allocations as they just opened a couple of weeks ago.

I recall they had a few pieces; Cuban, a black and a white diver, and I believe a RG offshore.

Rep didn't seem aware of what was inbound; just whatever AP is stocking them with.

Yeah, that's what was kinda strange to me as I've heard that AP boutiques usually have an idea of what's in the pipeline. The way the sales associate spoke reminded me a lot of the Rolex experience, which is what I'm trying to avoid at this point.

[RolexZen]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jack

Yeah, that's what was kinda strange to me as I've heard that AP boutiques usually have an idea of what's in the pipeline. The way the sales associate spoke reminded me a lot of the Rolex experience, which is what I'm trying to avoid at this point.

I’ve been to this new boutique. Nice guys, but it’s a unique situation—they just opened about 5 weeks ago, and AP started them up with a handful of SS models and a number of other pieces.

They have been allocated a few additional pieces the remainder of the year, but not a full year’s worth. As others have said, AP boutiques tend to learn their allocations at the very end of the year.

Since opening, this shop gets non-stop phone calls asking about the hottest models. And some store visitors come in, see what they have, then come online to find out what is hot. A large percentage of these browsers are only looking to make a profitable quick flip.

Yes, this may seem a lot like your Rolex experience, but it’s largely driven by their “customers”, and what choice do they have? AP only makes 40,000 watches a year, the same number they’ve made for several years now.

But the key difference is that if you’ve been promised an allocation, you’ll be getting that watch. The Boutique may or may not require a deposit, and someone suggested this shop won’t accept deposits since they are owned by WoS. I don’t know whether or not that’s true, as I didn’t ask to be put on a list for anything, but they did tell me they operate under some, but not all, WoS policies. But when the SA said this, it was brought up in regards to his own employment and training benefits.

But anyway, that’s a key part of establishing a relationship with a Boutique—not just coming in or calling, asking about the same list of hot watches they get endless phone calls about. Not even just coming in with a brick of cash and buying a Millenary or Gold ROO (though that helps). Come in and talk watches, talk AP, talk about the Braves.

Wear a nice watch, but don’t come in with a DaytonaC on your wrist and immediately ask “how long is the wait for a blue 15500”?

[m3jasper]

Originally Posted by bruinmd

The boutique in Beverly Hills sucks. I was almost turned off to AP completely until I got referred to Bal Harbor. Check out the Vegas boutique-- I've heard good things and I think they're AP owned.

LV is owned by the same company that own Beverly Hills, Westime.

Their sale strategies are identical.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by m3jasper

LV is owned by the same company that own Beverly Hills, Westime.



Their sale strategies are identical.

Thanks.....Didn’t realize west time owned both of them. For the OP, I would still at least feel them out.
I know of a forum member here who recently had a good experience there.


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[tyler1980]

i dont think the populars are necessarily a better process. the reality is most of them are easier to get to begin with than a 5711 for sure and a daytona.

Especially if you are after a 15450.

Its hard to gauge experience when you are comparing watches/brands with vast differences in how obtainable they are or are not.

If the demand was equal then i imagine the process would be just as frustrating. Thankfully its not. The sheer amount of sports watches AP offers in the RO range helps vs the handful Patek offers. The demand is spread out a bit.

[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jack

I'm preferring the blue dial, but will consider the grey dial as well. I'm in the Bay Area, is there a boutique you'd recommend?

37mm was definitely the perfect fit for me. 15202 is lovely, but I think I much prefer 37mm on my 6.5 inch wrist

Unfortuantely not aware of AP's boutiques in Cali. Lots of insights and useful recommendations have been given here about the process etc., my only piece of advice is to keep in contact with the sales professional at ATL boutique and reach out to Bal Harbor's boutique as well.

[rockdrock]

Can someone explain the AP allocations at branded boutiques? Places like WatchesofSwitzerland or Bucherer who operate AP boutiques. Do these boutique know their year allocations in January for the entire year or they come each quarter/mid year? I really like some of the advice in this thread and could use some clarity. Thank you.


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[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

Unfortuantely not aware of AP's boutiques in Cali. Lots of insights and useful recommendations have been given here about the process etc., my only piece of advice is to keep in contact with the sales professional at ATL boutique and reach out to Bal Harbor's boutique as well.

There's one in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

Unfortuantely not aware of AP's boutiques in Cali. Lots of insights and useful recommendations have been given here about the process etc., my only piece of advice is to keep in contact with the sales professional at ATL boutique and reach out to Bal Harbor's boutique as well.

LA or Vegas are your best bets if you're located in the Bay