AD Visit

[Jeff412502]

Heading to Chi in march and want to visit the AD. What should I expect? I only have Rolex but have always been interested in the Royal Oak.

[Slackergirl]

Not sure where Chi is, but if going to an AP House have fun. Went for 1st time to one in October. Emailed ahead to set up appointment. Had a great talk with the SA about watches and just some general travel stuff. Showed me about a dozen different pieces across the lines as this was my first chance to try on any AP's. Honestly really helped me narrow down the pieces I am interested in getting. A few months later was able to buy my 1st and hopefully not last AP. Found it very relaxed and had a great time. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[srvrf]

If this is Chicago the boutique is part of Swiss Fine Timing. Call and set up an appointment because you can't just drop in.

[Jeff412502]

Chi=Chicago. Yes, I have been in contact with appointment.

[SMD]

Wouldn't waste the time.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by Jeff412502

Heading to Chi in march and want to visit the AD. What should I expect? I only have Rolex but have always been interested in the Royal Oak.

With an appointment you should expect to be shown a sampling of display models and a have a conversation about your own collection goals. Be prepared for being offered an offshore or code. This is usually the prerequisite to acquiring a Royal Oak.

[TimeKeepsOnTicking]

Was in Chicago two weeks ago and when I made an appointment call, was told they only had one Code 11.59 in gold and an Offshore available to "view only". Needless to say, I didn't even bother....

[John Doyle]

Wear your nicest / most expensive clothes, have your business card handy, bring some chocolates / flowers / bottle of something as a gift, rehearse your introductory speech 4-5 times until you master it, and finally if you are accompanied make sure the person with you is also wearing their most expensive clothes / jewelery.
Good luck!

[Mk2rick]

Originally Posted by John Doyle

Wear your nicest / most expensive clothes, have your business card handy, bring some chocolates / flowers / bottle of something as a gift, rehearse your introductory speech 4-5 times until you master it, and finally if you are accompanied make sure the person with you is also wearing their most expensive clothes / jewelery.
Good luck!

Lol. While you are at it, you can also tattoo the AP logo on your arm to show absolute commitment to the brand. That should impress the hell out of your AD.

[SMD]

Few comments here from people who clearly have never been to the Chicago AP AD (it's not a boutique in any sense of the word). Like I said -- don't waste the time, but if you do, please come back and report what it was like.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

With an appointment you should expect to be shown a sampling of display models and a have a conversation about your own collection goals. Be prepared for being offered an offshore or code. This is usually the prerequisite to acquiring a Royal Oak.

Never been to the Chicago boutique I take it?

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by SMD;[emoji[emoji638

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You’re correct sir! To quote Ed McMahon.


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[srvrf]

I've been there multiple times and have bought an Offshore and a Royal Oak Chronograph from them to add to a gold ROC that I bought several years ago from Material Good in NYC. They may not have much to show you, but when you set up the appointment they can give you an idea of what they have. However since the visit is in March, I'm not sure they would even know what will be there in a month.

If your goal is to play the long game and/or talk more about the brand then absolutely go. I think the AD model (not limited to AP) works best when you're in it for 3+ watches including the non-hype models. If you are primarily interested in the Royal Oaks you are better off going straight to the secondary market and buying what you want. But within a few blocks of AP there is Burdeens/VC and they've usually got a great collection of pre-owned APs. They also have a multi-brand boutique featuring IWC/Panerai with more great pre-owned watches as well. Of course there are other places you may find pre-owned APs like Howard Frum and Jewelers' Row shops in the Loop and maybe even Sydel & Sydel closer to Willis Tower.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by SMD

Never been to the Chicago boutique I take it?

Never been to the Chicago location. I have discovered that I can usually make the most out a visit anywhere with calling ahead and having a genuine watch discussion. Now, are we going to get a Royal Oak round one at any boutique? Likely not as I warned.

[apandy305]

Originally Posted by SMD

Few comments here from people who clearly have never been to the Chicago AP AD (it's not a boutique in any sense of the word). Like I said -- don't waste the time, but if you do, please come back and report what it was like.

Hahaha, who hurt you Bro? Got my RO there but not as my first watch. Bought an Offshore to start but only cuz I wanted it. There is no BS there and I appreciate that. Just be honest and nice, they are really good people.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by apandy305

Hahaha, who hurt you Bro? Got my RO there but not as my first watch. Bought an Offshore to start but only cuz I wanted it. There is no BS there and I appreciate that. Just be honest and nice, they are really good people.

Just telling the truth, Bro -- if you want to view APs, Chicago's "Boutique" is not worth the visit. But yeah, please all who read this go and report back on their vast inventory of APs.

[srvrf]

To be clear, there will most likely only be a few watches to see and try, but in my personal experience over the past few years, it isn't much different than the bigger AP boutiques in Las Vegas or NYC (I have not been to the newer AP House). The Crystals has a beautiful store probably 3-4 times bigger than Chicago (which is VERY small), but had very few watches to look at the last couple of times I was there.

So if starting a boutique "journey" is what the OP wants, then I say go for it. If the OP wants to actually see some APs, there are better secondary market options in Chicago.

I have no idea why they don't have a bunch of "Display Only" watches like Patek and Rolex. At least you see them and try them on. Of course, you can't buy them, but it may help you make up your mind and then just go to the secondary market.

[stanleyleecm]

Would not waste your time on the Chicago store. The manager there is the most unwelcoming person I ever encountered in all of luxury sales.