Visiting AP Boutique in Chicago

[midwesterner]

Hello,
I am becoming increasingly interested in the Royal Oak 15450 and 15500st. Maybe it’s because I am sick of the waiting game at my Rolex AD or maybe it’s because I am ready to diversify my collection. I’ve also been intrigued with the Code 11.59 since it’s has a lot of subtleties that give it a unique style/depth.

I’ve booked an appointment with a sales representative, who already informed me the royal oak is in high demand and difficult to get. I told her I was interested in coming in and wanted to see the watches (or similar models), appreciate the detail in person, and determine which size works for my wrist. I made an appointment for this weekend.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks!

[Helmi]

With the models yiu mentioned, do not expect different experience than what you get with rolex. Those models are also waitlist models and hard to get. Good luck.

[Screwly]

I find it harder to break in at the ap dealer here in Houston than Rolex. I’ve gotten 3 watches this year from Rolex and still waiting for my deposit call on from AP.....

[sgfortino]

Originally Posted by midwesterner

Hello,
I am becoming increasingly interested in the Royal Oak 15450 and 15500st. Maybe it’s because I am sick of the waiting game at my Rolex AD or maybe it’s because I am ready to diversify my collection. I’ve also been intrigued with the Code 11.59 since it’s has a lot of subtleties that give it a unique style/depth.

I’ve booked an appointment with a sales representative, who already informed me the royal oak is in high demand and difficult to get. I told her I was interested in coming in and wanted to see the watches (or similar models), appreciate the detail in person, and determine which size works for my wrist. I made an appointment for this weekend.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks!

Is this at Swiss fine timing I assume?

[sgwatchguy]

If you’re keen on a Code and start with that as your first purchase, you should be able to see the SS RO models sooner than you would otherwise.

[SMD]

When did AP open a boutique in Chicago?

[midwesterner]

Originally Posted by sgfortino

Is this at Swiss fine timing I assume?

That is correct, I think believe they have converted from an AD to a boutique.

[midwesterner]

Originally Posted by Helmi

With the models yiu mentioned, do not expect different experience than what you get with rolex. Those models are also waitlist models and hard to get. Good luck.

Thanks, I fully appreciate that the 15450/15500 are hard to get and I don’t have any expectations other than seeing the watches in person. The code 11.59 seems far more available.

[AG_Watches]

Originally Posted by midwesterner

Thanks, I fully appreciate that the 15450/15500 are hard to get and I don’t have any expectations other than seeing the watches in person. The code 11.59 seems far more available.

Not something they typically have on hand from my experience. Ive really only ever seen the Codes or the occasional offshores in stock unless it was my RO allocation that came in.

[chiscott_29]

So, it’s official now so I won’t allude to it or be “shy”. Swiss Fine Timing has opened an official AP boutique within the store. It’s in the back of the store and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s the full AP experience and is all branded and decorated in the same fashion as other AP boutiques.

The team at SFT is great...I can’t recommend them enough. Great people and very knowledgeable about watches. I would like to also mention they carry other brands too (Glashuette, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Laurent Ferrier, and more).

To the OP, I think you need to be sure your expectations are realistic in terms of a Royal Oak. AP inventory is thin everywhere, especially right now. There isn’t anything in Chicago (or anywhere) that you’re going to say “oh my God how is that sitting there!” Even Codes are getting hard to get (but I think that also has something to do with the fact that they’re actually cool watches).

If you want a 15450/15500 in black, gray, or silver, it probably can be done in a year if you register interest and start building a relationship. And build a relationship doesn’t necessarily mean “buy stuff”, but let’s not lie. That helps. A blue dial isn’t happening as a first watch. I’m not trying to be snobby with you...I am just saying it isn’t realistic.

One thing I will say for sure is you need to go in person. You can’t just ask for one of the hottest watches out there over the phone and expect it to happen. I’m sure every AP boutique is getting pinged dozens of times a day asking for a Royal Oak, so as I always say it helps to be realistic.


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[Tanuki]

Please post pictures if possible!!! I’ve worked with them when they were Swiss Fine Time in Highland Park but I moved away years ago. I would love to see pictures of the new boutique.

[midwesterner]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

Please post pictures if possible!!! I’ve worked with them when they were Swiss Fine Time in Highland Park but I moved away years ago. I would love to see pictures of the new boutique.

Absolutely. I ended up rescheduling my visit as they had a limited selection of watches. I imagine the holidays have made an already scarce selection even worse. Let’s hope things are better in a few weeks.

[Johnny Crystal]

Walked in and got a ROO Diver. Good luck!

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by midwesterner

Hello,
I am becoming increasingly interested in the Royal Oak 15450 and 15500st. Maybe it’s because I am sick of the waiting game at my Rolex AD or maybe it’s because I am ready to diversify my collection. I’ve also been intrigued with the Code 11.59 since it’s has a lot of subtleties that give it a unique style/depth.

I’ve booked an appointment with a sales representative, who already informed me the royal oak is in high demand and difficult to get. I told her I was interested in coming in and wanted to see the watches (or similar models), appreciate the detail in person, and determine which size works for my wrist. I made an appointment for this weekend.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks!

It’s a good thing you are interested in the Code. Because that’s all they will have. Enjoy.

[SeikoBake]

Originally Posted by midwesterner

Hello,
I am becoming increasingly interested in the Royal Oak 15450 and 15500st. Maybe it’s because I am sick of the waiting game at my Rolex AD or maybe it’s because I am ready to diversify my collection. I’ve also been intrigued with the Code 11.59 since it’s has a lot of subtleties that give it a unique style/depth.

I’ve booked an appointment with a sales representative, who already informed me the royal oak is in high demand and difficult to get. I told her I was interested in coming in and wanted to see the watches (or similar models), appreciate the detail in person, and determine which size works for my wrist. I made an appointment for this weekend.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks!

if you go in and buy a model that they have available , i think you're much more likely to get the 15500 (non blue dial). just my 2 cents

[Ragnarok]

Originally Posted by midwesterner

Thanks, I fully appreciate that the 15450/15500 are hard to get and I don’t have any expectations other than seeing the watches in person. The code 11.59 seems far more available.

If you can accept a grey dial, then you should be able to get it much sooner. I have been contacted from there prior . If it’s blue, then your chances are slim to none


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