15202ST.OO.1240ST.01 - How to get in line?

[Maverick686]

I'm looking for a Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin, but I don't really feel like paying twice retail for it.

I have heard wait times for this piece is 2-3 years. That's okay - I'm willing to wait for it.

My question is - how do I get in line for one? I'm happy to plunk down cash for a deposit.

My second, related question is, are there similar references I should be looking at?

[AshAP]

Your location isn’t listed however I can say with 100% certainty that if you live in the UK the 15202 is boutique only and therefore if you do live in the UK you need to meet the guys at AP House as they will want to meet you before they even add your name to the list, or in fact before they consider selling you any other model. They may even suggest that as the 15202 is a very limited production model you might want to consider buying an alternative model to start a relationship and look at adding the 15202 later.

It’s a little bit like walking into a Ferrari dealership for the first time and asking to buy a new 812 sf and the salesperson asking if you’d considered buying a 488 first and then looking at the 812 once you’ve enjoyed the 488.


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[GS93108]

Sorry Maverick, no chance, you'll be waiting for ever and you'll be behind AshAP in the line :)

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Sorry Maverick, no chance, you'll be waiting for ever and you'll be behind AshAP in the line :)

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[AshAP]

Originally Posted by GS93108

Sorry Maverick, no chance, you'll be waiting for ever and you'll be behind AshAP in the line :)

Gary, Maverick may actually be Tom Cruise in which case AP would no doubt supply a 15202 without delay.


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[GS93108]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Gary, Maverick may actually be Tom Cruise in which case AP would no doubt supply a 15202 without delay.


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In which case it'll likely be too large for him.

[Maverick686]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Gary, Maverick may actually be Tom Cruise in which case AP would no doubt supply a 15202 without delay.


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Ahaha I wish.

I'm American but living abroad. I usually go to Hong Kong for my watch buys, but it may not even help in this case...?

I am, in fact, not Tom Cruise (shocker) but I am about his size.

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

Ahaha I wish.

I'm American but living abroad. I usually go to Hong Kong for my watch buys, but it may not even help in this case...?

I am, in fact, not Tom Cruise (shocker) but I am about his size.

Your best bet is to start to build a relationship with your preferred AP House/Boutique and let them know you are keen and not a 'flipper'. If you can show some passion and not let them forget who you are, then maybe you might get lucky if you are in the right place at the right time when one comes up but the original customer no longer wants it.

Else, be kind and polite and enthusiastic and omnipresent and then hope that your chosen god smiles on you.

Good luck.

[Maverick686]

I don't have a preferred boutique, but will get on a plane to meet one. Any suggestions?

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

I don't have a preferred boutique, but will get on a plane to meet one. Any suggestions?

Any AP House will do.

London is awesome, but I can't possible introduce you to them in case it bumps AshAP down the list :)

If you frequent Hong Kong then AP House there will no doubt try to assist you, they are awesome too.

Choose the location that best suits you and then build those ties.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

I don't have a preferred boutique, but will get on a plane to meet one. Any suggestions?

Don’t fly to the UK as you’ll face a 2 week quarantine when you land.


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[TankTom]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Don’t fly to the UK as you’ll face a 2 week quarantine when you land.


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Yes. You absolutely will. The latest advice from Boris is clear as can be - no confusion or remote chance that suggestions like this won’t be followed through

[chiscott_29]

Not to start the debate of retail vs. gray, but I really don't understand why you wouldn't just buy it on the secondary market if you genuinely want the watch? I wouldn't say this is the best approach for every hot model (for example, this is a terrible idea for most SS Rolex IMO), but I'm pretty confident it's a pretty safe move for the Jumbo as long as you don't jump on the first ad you see on C24.

The Jumbo's price is very unlikely to collapse, unless there is some massive change in the industry or change in trends. Even a global depression isn't going to change it too much.
The Jumbo is a quintessential classic that is almost universally loved by AP collectors and the supply is strictly limited.

I get that it's painful to pay that premium. It was painful for me for sure (yes, I admit it...I traded for a Jumbo on the secondary market and paid substantially above retail). But, I'm enjoying the watch right now and it brings a smile to my face every single time I see it on the winder. I may lose a few thousand if I had to quickly sell it for some reason, but to me a couple of thousand dollars is worth the price of enjoying it now and not lying to myself that I'm ever getting one at retail.

If you're really patient and you're going to commit to becoming a good AP customer, you may be rewarded. But, two of the most respected members of this board just spelled out the reality. You likely aren't getting one from a boutique.

If you want it, go get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

And by the way, just because it's worth a couple of thousand dollars risk to me doesn't mean it is to you. I can appreciate this. Everybody's money situation is unique and while this may be OK for some, I know people that are multi-millionaire's that would scoff at my philosophy. You do you, and unless they're paying your bills, pay the detractor's no mind.

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Not to start the debate of retail vs. gray, but I really don't understand why you wouldn't just buy it on the secondary market if you genuinely want the watch? I wouldn't say this is the best approach for every hot model (for example, this is a terrible idea for most SS Rolex IMO), but I'm pretty confident it's a pretty safe move for the Jumbo as long as you don't jump on the first ad you see on C24.

The Jumbo's price is very unlikely to collapse, unless there is some massive change in the industry or change in trends. Even a global depression isn't going to change it too much.
The Jumbo is a quintessential classic that is almost universally loved by AP collectors and the supply is strictly limited.

I get that it's painful to pay that premium. It was painful for me for sure (yes, I admit it...I traded for a Jumbo on the secondary market and paid substantially above retail). But, I'm enjoying the watch right now and it brings a smile to my face every single time I see it on the winder. I may lose a few thousand if I had to quickly sell it for some reason, but to me a couple of thousand dollars is worth the price of enjoying it now and not lying to myself that I'm ever getting one at retail.

If you're really patient and you're going to commit to becoming a good AP customer, you may be rewarded. But, two of the most respected members of this board just spelled out the reality. You likely aren't getting one from a boutique.

If you want it, go get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

And by the way, just because it's worth a couple of thousand dollars risk to me doesn't mean it is to you. I can appreciate this. Everybody's money situation is unique and while this may be OK for some, I know people that are multi-millionaire's that would scoff at my philosophy. You do you, and unless they're paying your bills, pay the detractor's no mind.

Well said!

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Not to start the debate of retail vs. gray, but I really don't understand why you wouldn't just buy it on the secondary market if you genuinely want the watch? I wouldn't say this is the best approach for every hot model (for example, this is a terrible idea for most SS Rolex IMO), but I'm pretty confident it's a pretty safe move for the Jumbo as long as you don't jump on the first ad you see on C24.

The Jumbo's price is very unlikely to collapse, unless there is some massive change in the industry or change in trends. Even a global depression isn't going to change it too much.
The Jumbo is a quintessential classic that is almost universally loved by AP collectors and the supply is strictly limited.

I get that it's painful to pay that premium. It was painful for me for sure (yes, I admit it...I traded for a Jumbo on the secondary market and paid substantially above retail). But, I'm enjoying the watch right now and it brings a smile to my face every single time I see it on the winder. I may lose a few thousand if I had to quickly sell it for some reason, but to me a couple of thousand dollars is worth the price of enjoying it now and not lying to myself that I'm ever getting one at retail.

If you're really patient and you're going to commit to becoming a good AP customer, you may be rewarded. But, two of the most respected members of this board just spelled out the reality. You likely aren't getting one from a boutique.

If you want it, go get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

And by the way, just because it's worth a couple of thousand dollars risk to me doesn't mean it is to you. I can appreciate this. Everybody's money situation is unique and while this may be OK for some, I know people that are multi-millionaire's that would scoff at my philosophy. You do you, and unless they're paying your bills, pay the detractor's no mind.

Excellent, very well put.

[DeeTee]

Here’s a good story for you.

I know of someone who wanted a 15407st badly. Refuses to pay over MSRP.
His wife liked a 400k ladies watch in stock at the boutique.
Salesman mentioned if he got that, he can get the 15407st.
He buys it.....then gets his 15407st for MSRP.

That ladies watch is worth probably 150k out in the market, but it doesn’t matter he got his skeleton for sticker.

That’s how you get a hot model from the boutique with no history.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by DeeTee

Here’s a good story for you.

I know of someone who wanted a 15407st badly. Refuses to pay over MSRP.
His wife liked a 400k ladies watch in stock at the boutique.
Salesman mentioned if he got that, he can get the 15407st.
He buys it.....then gets his 15407st for MSRP.

That ladies watch is worth probably 150k out in the market, but it doesn’t matter he got his skeleton for sticker.

That’s how you get a hot model from the boutique with no history.

I am well aware this is a valid approach, but to me it simply justifies why I tell people to go gray if they really want something and they are not a VIP level customer.

This person basically lost $175k. They lost $250k on the ladies watch, and made up about $75k on the Skeleton. This genuinely makes zero sense unless this person can now get several hot models at retail (and then flip them and avoid getting caught).

[ragsk]

Originally Posted by DeeTee

Here’s a good story for you.

I know of someone who wanted a 15407st badly. Refuses to pay over MSRP.
His wife liked a 400k ladies watch in stock at the boutique.
Salesman mentioned if he got that, he can get the 15407st.
He buys it.....then gets his 15407st for MSRP.

That ladies watch is worth probably 150k out in the market, but it doesn’t matter he got his skeleton for sticker.

That’s how you get a hot model from the boutique with no history.

That's just totally dumb. Lose 250k on the ladies watch to get the 15407ST at retail saving only 40k on it........

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Not to start the debate of retail vs. gray, but I really don't understand why you wouldn't just buy it on the secondary market if you genuinely want the watch? I wouldn't say this is the best approach for every hot model (for example, this is a terrible idea for most SS Rolex IMO), but I'm pretty confident it's a pretty safe move for the Jumbo as long as you don't jump on the first ad you see on C24.

The Jumbo's price is very unlikely to collapse, unless there is some massive change in the industry or change in trends. Even a global depression isn't going to change it too much.
The Jumbo is a quintessential classic that is almost universally loved by AP collectors and the supply is strictly limited.

I get that it's painful to pay that premium. It was painful for me for sure (yes, I admit it...I traded for a Jumbo on the secondary market and paid substantially above retail). But, I'm enjoying the watch right now and it brings a smile to my face every single time I see it on the winder. I may lose a few thousand if I had to quickly sell it for some reason, but to me a couple of thousand dollars is worth the price of enjoying it now and not lying to myself that I'm ever getting one at retail.

If you're really patient and you're going to commit to becoming a good AP customer, you may be rewarded. But, two of the most respected members of this board just spelled out the reality. You likely aren't getting one from a boutique.

If you want it, go get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

And by the way, just because it's worth a couple of thousand dollars risk to me doesn't mean it is to you. I can appreciate this. Everybody's money situation is unique and while this may be OK for some, I know people that are multi-millionaire's that would scoff at my philosophy. You do you, and unless they're paying your bills, pay the detractor's no mind.

I agree Scott. I remember a small window in time where the 5711 started sky-rocketing, and wondering why the 15202st hadn't followed suit. Then it did, and it hasn't really trended down since then, just flattened recently. I can't imagine the bottom dropping out on this reference rapidly, so it will always be easy to move compared to the vast majority of other watches on the market.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Not to start the debate of retail vs. gray, but I really don't understand why you wouldn't just buy it on the secondary market if you genuinely want the watch? I wouldn't say this is the best approach for every hot model (for example, this is a terrible idea for most SS Rolex IMO), but I'm pretty confident it's a pretty safe move for the Jumbo as long as you don't jump on the first ad you see on C24.

The Jumbo's price is very unlikely to collapse, unless there is some massive change in the industry or change in trends. Even a global depression isn't going to change it too much.
The Jumbo is a quintessential classic that is almost universally loved by AP collectors and the supply is strictly limited.

I get that it's painful to pay that premium. It was painful for me for sure (yes, I admit it...I traded for a Jumbo on the secondary market and paid substantially above retail). But, I'm enjoying the watch right now and it brings a smile to my face every single time I see it on the winder. I may lose a few thousand if I had to quickly sell it for some reason, but to me a couple of thousand dollars is worth the price of enjoying it now and not lying to myself that I'm ever getting one at retail.

If you're really patient and you're going to commit to becoming a good AP customer, you may be rewarded. But, two of the most respected members of this board just spelled out the reality. You likely aren't getting one from a boutique.

If you want it, go get it and enjoy the hell out of it.

And by the way, just because it's worth a couple of thousand dollars risk to me doesn't mean it is to you. I can appreciate this. Everybody's money situation is unique and while this may be OK for some, I know people that are multi-millionaire's that would scoff at my philosophy. You do you, and unless they're paying your bills, pay the detractor's no mind.

Easy, because at gray prices, I would just rather buy the RG ROC beauty you have. Then I'll still want the jumbo, and then I'll have then bought two watches instead of one to quell my madness.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by GS93108

In those situation I tend to wait and somewhat enjoy the thrill of the chase, so much so that often times the obtaining isn't as much fun as the wait.

I totally get this. I don't know what makes me "chase" versus what makes me simply fulfill the thirst, but the "chase" is definitely fun and I've had that feeling you talk about where you finally get the object of desire and it just wasn't as great as you imagined it to be. I guess I try and be realistic about it all, in terms of watches. I know I will never get a Jumbo at retail unless I truly catch lightning in a bottle. So, I needed to fulfill that one. However, my next grail is hopefully the 26574ST. It's a realistic goal if you put in the time and demonstrate an interest in the brand, and I know I have to play the game to get one. Sure, I could buy this one gray and actually save a little bit of money, but this one is special in my mind and I want to be sitting at the boutique when I put this one on my wrist.

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Easy, because at gray prices, I would just rather buy the RG ROC beauty you have. Then I'll still want the jumbo, and then I'll have then bought two watches instead of one to quell my madness.

Haha I know this feeling too. I love the RG ROC, I really do...but this one may be on the way out for me. It's not getting hardly any wrist time and I'm struggling right now to see how it fits into my collection.

[cascavel]

Follow the advice of chiscott_29. There is absolutely zero chance you will be able to get on line to get a 15202st from an AP boutique without spending a few hundred thousand first. And it will still take longer than two years.

[RUpanerai]

Lot of people waiting... you need to buy other watches from boutiques because spend history is the biggest indicator to see if you will be allocated one. I had a 7 watches purchased before getting my Jumbo but had to buy a Code with it... =(

[GS93108]

Yes, Scott's pretty much bang on with his assessment. It's just the game that we play, always a battle of 'want vs patience', or to put it another way, 'delayed gratification', which is itself a characteristic attributable of many successful people.

I fall in between. If I can have something that I want and I can shortcut that 'patience' process at an acceptable cost then I probably will. But, I've tended to be really disciplined when I really really want something. In those situation I tend to wait and somewhat enjoy the thrill of the chase, so much so that often times the obtaining isn't as much fun as the wait. I'm weird I know, so no comments necessary.

[GS93108]

Here's a statement for you all.

If I was offered a 15202st by AP, I'd genuinely say no thank you. It's a lovely watch, but it's not something that I've ever coveted. There are plenty of AP's that I do covet and plenty that I don't, I appreciate them all.

But, I'd definitely post on here to tell you all I'd been offered one!

[P2725TMB]

I was offered one a couple of years ago, even though I'd not requested one. Perhaps foolishly I turned it down, as it's really not a piece that sings to me - hopefully it ended up with a more worthy owner.

[J to the Z]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

I'm looking for a Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin, but I don't really feel like paying twice retail for it.

I have heard wait times for this piece is 2-3 years. That's okay - I'm willing to wait for it.

My question is - how do I get in line for one? I'm happy to plunk down cash for a deposit.

My second, related question is, are there similar references I should be looking at?

I think a similar reference you should look at would be the 15300 which was discontinued around 2012. It’s one of the few 39mm Royal Oaks ever produced so it will give you the dimensions and similar feel to a 15202 but with the added benefits of a screw down crown, quickset date, and seconds hand. You should be able to pick up a white or black dial 15300 for less than a 15202 at retail, or a blue dial 15300 for about $5k more than a 15202 at retail. Either way you’ll end up getting a very similar Royal Oak for much less than a 15202 at grey prices and without waiting.


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[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by J to the Z

I think a similar reference you should look at would be the 15300 which was discontinued around 2012. It’s one of the few 39mm Royal Oaks ever produced so it will give you the dimensions and similar feel to a 15202 but with the added benefits of a screw down crown, quickset date, and seconds hand. You should be able to pick up a white or black dial 15300 for less than a 15202 at retail, or a blue dial 15300 for about $5k more than a 15202 at retail. Either way you’ll end up getting a very similar Royal Oak for much less than a 15202 at grey prices and without waiting.


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Agree with this. Nice examples and full sets of the blue dial are getting increasingly hard to find. But, you’ll save about $8k to $10k. Just remember you may also need to factor in a service on a 15300.

[rumnyc]

The internet has a way of herding everyone to the fanboy pieces and amplifying their value as sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have a 15500 and I genuinely don’t see why i would also want a 15202 when i already have the more modern take on it:

1) i like bigger size and the 15500 is by far my smallest watch. Do i want something smaller for more? No thanks...
2) they both have beautifully finished movements to almost the same degree to the naked eye and even with a loupe. This was not true in the case of 15400 but certainly is in the case of 15500.
3) more or less the same grade dial. PT vs GT is again not a big difference and earlier 39 had GT if I’m not mistaken.
4) obnoxious waitlists that basically limit the watches to the .01 percenters for no reason other than to artificially create scarcity.
5) no second hand/no quickset date

And everyone who researches AP wants one based on YouTube videos and horo articles and historical reasons.

I personally am very happy with the most modern take on the watch which is the 15500. As has been said, if its offered to me, i will buy it to say here i own it. It will never see wrist time as its too small for something I’d wear.

All APs are finished to the same ridiculous level of detail to perfection and i can walk into any AP dealer and if i didn’t know about 15202 there would always be 3-4 watches i would pick over the 15202 unless i went on the internet and researched it.

Now i want a 15202 only for internet bragging rights....self fulfilling prophecy lol....


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[myporsche]

Originally Posted by rumnyc

The internet has a way of herding everyone to the fanboy pieces and amplifying their value as sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have a 15500 and I genuinely don’t see why i would also want a 15202 when i already have the more modern take on it:

1) i like bigger size and the 15500 is by far my smallest watch. Do i want something smaller for more? No thanks...
2) they both have beautifully finished movements to almost the same degree to the naked eye and even with a loupe. This was not true in the case of 15400 but certainly is in the case of 15500.
3) more or less the same grade dial. PT vs GT is again not a big difference and earlier 39 had GT if I’m not mistaken.
4) obnoxious waitlists that basically limit the watches to the .01 percenters for no reason other than to artificially create scarcity.
5) no second hand/no quickset date

And everyone who researches AP wants one based on YouTube videos and horo articles and historical reasons.

I personally am very happy with the most modern take on the watch which is the 15500. As has been said, if its offered to me, i will buy it to say here i own it. It will never see wrist time as its too small for something I’d wear.

All APs are finished to the same ridiculous level of detail to perfection and i can walk into any AP dealer and if i didn’t know about 15202 there would always be 3-4 watches i would pick over the 15202 unless i went on the internet and researched it.

Now i want a 15202 only for internet bragging rights....self fulfilling prophecy lol....


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Well said, I would have said nailed it buy you screwed up on bullet point #2 (also disagree with #3). 15400 has the same level of high finishing and standards. I have held both in my hand, 400 and 500 to compare and they are both well finished at the same level. I remember the 500 was slightly more shinier, not sure why it seemed that way (more rubies and polished parts?) but the level of quality was certainly present on both pieces. I slightly preferred the 400 movement aesthetically due to having the amazing AP shield rotor and being slightly thinner. Also the CODE chrono movement was right up there as well in execution, all great movements. Jumbo is a great watch but surrounded by a lot of hype, I simply did not enjoy it when trying one one especially after I had tried on a 15400.