What do Boutiques and AD's think of collectors that utilize the secondary market?

[chiscott_29]

Hi,

I am curious about something and want to ask a question of the forum. As I've lurked around here for a few weeks, I've come to appreciate that 99% of the responses I see on here are well thought out and people generally provide their opinions which are often rooted in experience.

My question is does anybody have any idea what the AP boutiques and AD's think of the secondary market and the collectors that utilize it? I am not necessarily asking from a perspective of whether they like or benefit from the secondary market (I remain convinced they actually need it and help in many ways to foster it). But instead, my direct question is what do boutiques and/or AD's think of somebody that has no buying history through them, but has acquired AP watches via the secondary market?

I know many people have strong feelings about the secondary market. Some hate it, and some think it's great. I don't really want to debate that specific point.

I do often ask myself if I were to go out and try and build relationships with someone directly representing the brand at a boutique or an AD, should I tell them I have utilized the secondary market to demonstrate my interest in their watches and their brand? Or, will they cast me aside and put me on the "Never Sell List" and pretend I never exist?

I've thought through this and I can see it both ways. I feel I can defend why I purchased an AP from a non-authorized dealer and am very comfortable having that conversation. I definitely do want to start building a relationship, not because I think I'm getting a Ceramic or a Jumbo (I'm not going to), but because there are several pieces that just shouldn't be that hard to get and building the "official" relationship I think will pay off down the line perhaps as early as a few weeks, and in future years as I am sure AP will continue to produce watches that I strive for and want to be part of my collection.

What do you guys think? Has anybody actually had this discussion with an authorized representative of AP? What is your advice when I do speak with them - Is it ok to say I went grey, or don't go there?

I genuinely look forward to hearing your thoughts.