Obtaining 15500ST as first AP

[acaixguard]

Just wondering how realistic it is to get a 15500ST (non-blue) as a first AP these days.

Just a summary of my efforts/timeline so far. I have been in talks with the NYC boutique on getting the 15500ST since Feb 2020. Established a good rapport with an associate there when I visited the boutique. At the time, he put my interest in for the grey dial. He told me there's a chance I could be allocated one by August. If nothing by August, then it would likely have to wait until 2021. Then we all know the pandemic took full effect, and I kind of forgot about it. AP also closed for a few months so don't think I missed out on much then. Fast forward to October 2020, I called to follow up, and expressed interest in the white/silver dial instead of the grey, for which he took note in the system. In December, I stopped by the boutique when I was in the area just to see how things were going, and to ask a little more about the white dial. No change in status then.

Last week, I called him to follow up and reaffirm my strong interest in the 15500ST silver dial. Mentioned I would be in the city the upcoming weekend, and he said to stop by to chat more. When I stopped by, he filled out my online profile in greater detail, which just includes things like my interest, why I like, AP, etc. His current estimate is about 6 months, but hopefully less. Mentioned that when I'm allocated a watch, the full amount would be due, and easiest is to do a wire transaction. All interactions thus far have been very positive sounding.

For those who have a lot of experience dealing with AP, does it sound like I can count on the 15500ST silver dial sometime in 2021?

Thanks in advance!

[chiscott_29]

It's a total crapshoot right now. You seem to be staying in touch with the boutique and the SA and have an ongoing dialogue. So, my take is you're playing the game as good as it can right now when demand far, far outstrips supply.

I'd keep checking in every 3 months and if I were to bet, you'll have a 15500 on your wrist by end of 2021.

Good Luck!

[Fort Rolex]

Use a credit card man, lot of reward points you miss out on with a wire!

[phow]

Originally Posted by Fort Rolex

Use a credit card man, lot of reward points you miss out on with a wire!

Not allowed for your first purchase with AP Corp.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by phow

Not allowed for your first purchase with AP Corp.

Huh? My first purchase in the boutique was with a credit card. In fact, AP sends invoices via email for deposits and purchases that you can use any major credit card to pay.

[acaixguard]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I forgot to mention, that my SA told me during one of the phone calls that if I pay by wire, then they can just charge me my state's sales tax vs the NYC one (if shipping). But if paying by credit card, they have to collect NYC tax. I may have misheard or misunderstood him since it was a pretty fast paced call at the time. Can anyone clarify this?

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I forgot to mention, that my SA told me during one of the phone calls that if I pay by wire, then they can just charge me my state's sales tax vs the NYC one. But if paying by credit card, they have to collect NYC tax. I may have misheard or misunderstood him since it was a pretty fast paced call at the time. Can anyone clarify this?

You should be charged sales tax based on where you take delivery. So if you took it out of the boutique, it’s NYC sales tax. If it’s shipped, I believe it’s based off of Billing Address.

[phow]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Huh? My first purchase in the boutique was with a credit card. In fact, AP sends invoices via email for deposits and purchases that you can use any major credit card to pay.

I should have clarified. If it’s not an in person purchase and they are shipping the watch to your address, the first purchase has to be done by wire.

So the first purchase I made with AP Corp was wire and the second was eligible for credit card via the form your described by email. I have not been asked for a deposit on any purchases so far.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by phow

I should have clarified. If it’s not an in person purchase and they are shipping the watch to your address, the first purchase has to be done by wire.

So the first purchase I made with AP Corp was wire and the second was eligible for credit card via the form your described by email. I have not been asked for a deposit on any purchases so far.

Ah makes sense! Thank you for clarifying...


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[phow]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Ah makes sense! Thank you for clarifying...


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No worries! I just assumed the OP was out of state based on his initial statement about payment by wire :)

OP, I think you have a good shot getting a 15500 this year. I would just follow up every 3 months until you have it. I purchased 2 pieces (15500 for myself and 15450 for my wife) in 2020 and got both within 6 months. I definitely noticed AP seems to give some preference if you are purchasing several pieces so if you have a significant other who has expressed interest in AP or if you have plans to acquire other references personally, I would definitely let your SA know that you aren’t a one and done client. That may help move things along.

Just be aware you could be in a situation where you are purchasing several pieces back-to-back ;)

[acaixguard]

Thanks again for the further feedback!

My wife actually does like the 34mm RO automatic. But she got a piece a couple months ago and also an H bag, so we aren't in a position to get 2 AP watches together. But I'll definitely mention to the SA that we may potentially be interested in an AP for her in the future!

[10XRolex]

It's very realistic, don't despair.

[JakeK]

Originally Posted by 10XRolex

It's very realistic, don't despair.

This gives us all a glimmer of hope.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by phow

I should have clarified. If it’s not an in person purchase and they are shipping the watch to your address, the first purchase has to be done by wire.

So the first purchase I made with AP Corp was wire and the second was eligible for credit card via the form your described by email. I have not been asked for a deposit on any purchases so far.

Yeah, that is not unheard of with high-end purchases at any store. The first time I bought from my AD (not an AP boutique) they were reluctant to let me use my CC (I was shipping it), but they ended up making an "exception."

[azizu]

I don't blame you, the silver is the best option (if blue is not avaliable :))
it does help if you are able to convy to them that you are a serious watch collector and not some random dealer who will flip thier watch as soon as he leavs the boutique. visiting with different high end watches could carry accross that idea.

[dauster]

good for you and I wish you nothing but success. but may I say how absolutely tired I am of this game with ADs. still into watches and AP and PP but not into playing these games...

[pav333hp]

I think it might be possible given that you've visited the boutique several times in person. Just be patient with it - you will appreciate and enjoy the watch a lot more once you get it. Just don't flip it... LOL... but you know that...

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Just wondering how realistic it is to get a 15500ST (non-blue) as a first AP these days.

Just a summary of my efforts/timeline so far. I have been in talks with the NYC boutique on getting the 15500ST since Feb 2020. Established a good rapport with an associate there when I visited the boutique. At the time, he put my interest in for the grey dial. He told me there's a chance I could be allocated one by August. If nothing by August, then it would likely have to wait until 2021. Then we all know the pandemic took full effect, and I kind of forgot about it. AP also closed for a few months so don't think I missed out on much then. Fast forward to October 2020, I called to follow up, and expressed interest in the white/silver dial instead of the grey, for which he took note in the system. In December, I stopped by the boutique when I was in the area just to see how things were going, and to ask a little more about the white dial. No change in status then.

Last week, I called him to follow up and reaffirm my strong interest in the 15500ST silver dial. Mentioned I would be in the city the upcoming weekend, and he said to stop by to chat more. When I stopped by, he filled out my online profile in greater detail, which just includes things like my interest, why I like, AP, etc. His current estimate is about 6 months, but hopefully less. Mentioned that when I'm allocated a watch, the full amount would be due, and easiest is to do a wire transaction. All interactions thus far have been very positive sounding.

For those who have a lot of experience dealing with AP, does it sound like I can count on the 15500ST silver dial sometime in 2021?

Thanks in advance!

[huncho]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

It's a total crapshoot right now. You seem to be staying in touch with the boutique and the SA and have an ongoing dialogue. So, my take is you're playing the game as good as it can right now when demand far, far outstrips supply.

I'd keep checking in every 3 months and if I were to bet, you'll have a 15500 on your wrist by end of 2021.

Good Luck!

agreed it seems hit or miss with 15500s...i had no luck trying to get even a 15450 silver from the nyc boutique before the pandemic hit so i just ate the premium and went grey before the very first of the price increases so i guess it worked out well anyway lol

[le_baron]

Based on my recent experience, it's possible to get a silver 15500 as your first AP. I went into the Manhasset NY boutique at the end of July 2020; introduced myself; shared that I am a "watch enthusiast" (spoke about my interest in watches, membership on watch fora, my current collection, and long-standing interest in a silver dialed Royal Oak); and confirmed that I am not a flipper. I also emailed my SA twice over the next four months to check in and reaffirm my interest. I got the call to pick up my new silver 15500 in December—just over fourth months after my first venture into an AP boutique.

[m3jasper]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

For those who have a lot of experience dealing with AP, does it sound like I can count on the 15500ST silver dial sometime in 2021?

Definitely.

Be sure to visit the boutique in person and express your interest and make an introduction. Get to know your SA and they'll feel comfortable once they see you're not a flipper.

[Fort Rolex]

Happened to me, it’s very possible. Good luck!

[acaixguard]

Thanks again for some further encouraging info. He did ask if I have other watches, to which I replied "just Rolex". When asked "why AP", I said I have liked them ever since I saw my uncle's Royal Oak over 20 years ago, and have aspired to own one since, and decided now is the time to do so, though I wish I did earlier. So hopefully I did not give off the flipper vibe, which I definitely am not.

I'll give him a call in March/April, and hopefully try to stop by in person to express continued interest. Also will inquire then about women's pieces as a possibility for my wife in the future.

[imsayingthough]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Just wondering how realistic it is to get a 15500ST (non-blue) as a first AP these days.

Just a summary of my efforts/timeline so far. I have been in talks with the NYC boutique on getting the 15500ST since Feb 2020. Established a good rapport with an associate there when I visited the boutique. At the time, he put my interest in for the grey dial. He told me there's a chance I could be allocated one by August. If nothing by August, then it would likely have to wait until 2021. Then we all know the pandemic took full effect, and I kind of forgot about it. AP also closed for a few months so don't think I missed out on much then. Fast forward to October 2020, I called to follow up, and expressed interest in the white/silver dial instead of the grey, for which he took note in the system. In December, I stopped by the boutique when I was in the area just to see how things were going, and to ask a little more about the white dial. No change in status then.

Last week, I called him to follow up and reaffirm my strong interest in the 15500ST silver dial. Mentioned I would be in the city the upcoming weekend, and he said to stop by to chat more. When I stopped by, he filled out my online profile in greater detail, which just includes things like my interest, why I like, AP, etc. His current estimate is about 6 months, but hopefully less. Mentioned that when I'm allocated a watch, the full amount would be due, and easiest is to do a wire transaction. All interactions thus far have been very positive sounding.

For those who have a lot of experience dealing with AP, does it sound like I can count on the 15500ST silver dial sometime in 2021?

Thanks in advance!

Its possible, my friend got a white dial as his first AP believe he waited only 4/5 months.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by phow

Not allowed for your first purchase with AP Corp.

All my three purchases at AP owned boutique were by CC (but outside of US).

[RazorD]

Originally Posted by phow

Not allowed for your first purchase with AP Corp.

I was told the same thing and am in the near identical position.

[m3jasper]

Originally Posted by RazorD

I was told the same thing and am in the near identical position.

I take it you're not buying your piece from the NYC 57th St or Bal Harbor corporate owned boutique?

[RazorD]

Originally Posted by m3jasper

I take it you're not buying your piece from the NYC 57th St or Bal Harbor corporate owned boutique?

No, that is where I’m trying to get from. I expressed interest last year and explained that based on my location, I wasn’t able to travel to meet them in person. I’ve had a few conversations and logged in their system (which I just says feels a bit more legitimate than a Rolex AD’s “list”). I think/hope from my conversations they recognize I’m not looking to flip the watch, but I still suspect it’ll be a fair amount of time.

Separately, since I got into their system a boutique opened in Boston a few months later which is closer to me, so I’ve tried to get on their radar as well in the event an in person purchase is required.

[spryken]

You are on the right track to be a new owner of AP.

All the best

[snowvapor]

Originally Posted by phow

Not allowed for your first purchase with AP Corp.

I did not know that as well, thanks for the heads up. Any reason why ?

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[EyeoftheTiger]

Originally Posted by snowvapor

I did not know that as well, thanks for the heads up. Any reason why ?

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Fraud protection I guess