Real issue or not? Would welcome advice

[Avidcollector]

First of all merry Xmas and happy holidays to all on here!
So this may not even be a thing, but would welcome some sage advice. I have been trying to build a relationship with AP house for over 12 months ( fully appreciate this isn’t a long time!) with the aim to be considered for a 15500 ( not blue!)
Similar to a previous thread “ Should I give up on AP?” I have decided to go the grey route with a secondary market 15500 at a considerable premium to list, because I love the piece!
Now, should I tell AP house that I’ve bought this piece to try and continue building the “relationship” or will it be perceived as negative and “ why should we consider him now as he’s now bought one!”. I’m still happy to consider other references as there are some stunning other models, but availability , as with all brands is very limited.
Would really welcome any advice or guidance on this!
Thanks

[cascavel]

Definitely do not tell them, at AP House, that you bought grey. NEVER wear that RO to the House, only wear your most valuable other brand watch. Make them aspire to sell you a watch so you quit wearing that other brand around town. Buy anything that they have for sale at the House whether it cufflinks, books, donuts, anything. Spend $20K on paraphernalia.
Tell them exactly what you want, as in "I want a white dial 15500". That way they'll offer you some other dial color but you'll be OK with it since you don't really care.
Keep in mind that nothing is going to work.

[77T]

Wear any watch you want…especially your newly acquired AP. I think you should assess if the SA or manager is open to new customers.

And if asked where you got it, “it was a well-deserved gift” is the only answer.

The best question for you to use at the shop is open-ended and that flanks vs. a direct, categorical one.

For example, “I love this 15500 I just got - you know a lot more about AP than I - what is the best model I should add that might complement it in my collection?”

You’ll soon know if you’re dealing with a hack SA, or one who is open to a consultative relationship.


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[yOyOYoo]

Congrats on your new pick up! Are you trying to pick up the exact same watch from AP House (at retail)?

[Avidcollector]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

Congrats on your new pick up! Are you trying to pick up the exact same watch from AP House (at retail)?

Thank you! I haven’t specified a colour with AP, which is probably my first mistake to be honest. Like I say, I’d consider other references, but even though I’ve got fairly big wrists, the ROO collections just feel a little big to me. Maybe that’s because most of my collection is Rolex!

[VogelPhoenix]

Don't know about the particular AP house or boutique, but AP top brass have been pointing people to the secondary market at various media events, so they shouldn't hold it against you if you follow that advice. But I probably wouldn't ask them to supply another 15500ST.

[srvrf]

I don't think we can ever know what AP (or any other brand boutique) may think. I personally think that the AD would conclude that you purchased the 15500 from a grey dealer at market price simply because you loved that watch. Paying market price instead of MSRP should prove you're not a flipper. Then as 77T (Paul) said, you can discuss what may be your revised wish list.

I also get the point cascavel makes. Going in to AP with a Patek or something nice also shows them you're a serious collector.

But these two lines of thought really only matter if there's a realistic chance of being allocated a watch. I think there are simply too many people on "the lists" and not enough watches. If doing one of these two things bumps you from #30 to #25 on the list, you're still never going to get it.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by srvrf

I don't think we can ever know what AP (or any other brand boutique) may think. I personally think that the AD would conclude that you purchased the 15500 from a grey dealer at market price simply because you loved that watch. Paying market price instead of MSRP should prove you're not a flipper. Then as 77T (Paul) said, you can discuss what may be your revised wish list.

I also get the point cascavel makes. Going in to AP with a Patek or something nice also shows them you're a serious collector.

But these two lines of thought really only matter if there's a realistic chance of being allocated a watch. I think there are simply too many people on "the lists" and not enough watches. If doing one of these two things bumps you from #30 to #25 on the list, you're still never going to get it.

This is like a court of law, arguments can be made on both sides, as outlined above for telling or not, in the end its best for you to judge the House in question and go with your gut feel of how they will react.

[Reign]

If you have another piece in mind, it’s okay to let them know you went grey and that you’re looking for more and don’t want to go down that route again.

Going grey meant that you’re in it because you like the watch - I only see it strengthening your ask and the story the SA needs to tell when watches are being allocated

[slim]

AP house offered me a ladies Royal oak in RG, was they my opportunity to build a relationship?

No I regret not buying it.

[Avidcollector]

Thank you all for the responses so far, interesting to see that the room is kinda split 😂

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by 77T

Wear any watch you want…especially your newly acquired AP. I think you should assess if the SA or manager is open to new customers.

And if asked where you got it, “it was a well-deserved gift” is the only answer.

The best question for you to use at the shop is open-ended and that flanks vs. a direct, categorical one.

For example, “I love this 15500 I just got - you know a lot more about AP than I - what is the best model I should add that might complement it in my collection?”

You’ll soon know if you’re dealing with a hack SA, or one who is open to a consultative relationship.


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+1 to this, especially the open ended question to propose to the folks at the Boutique.


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[Willyjo]

Originally Posted by Avidcollector

First of all merry Xmas and happy holidays to all on here!

So this may not even be a thing, but would welcome some sage advice. I have been trying to build a relationship with AP house for over 12 months ( fully appreciate this isn’t a long time!) with the aim to be considered for a 15500 ( not blue!)

Similar to a previous thread “ Should I give up on AP?” I have decided to go the grey route with a secondary market 15500 at a considerable premium to list, because I love the piece!

Now, should I tell AP house that I’ve bought this piece to try and continue building the “relationship” or will it be perceived as negative and “ why should we consider him now as he’s now bought one!”. I’m still happy to consider other references as there are some stunning other models, but availability , as with all brands is very limited.

Would really welcome any advice or guidance on this!

Thanks

The best way to get someone who is a current VIP customer take you there and introduce you as their good friend who wants to start their AP journey. I have done this for some close friends and they were able to get their first pieces very quickly ( within 2 months). However your first piece can't be an RO, you would have to start w an ROO or something else.

Hope you have someone who can do this for you. Good Luck.

PS I stay away from Greys, half the fun is the chase and getting these at retail!

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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Willyjo

... half the fun is the chase and getting these at retail!

True, if the gettin' part works out eventually.

[Avidcollector]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

True, if the gettin' part works out eventually.

Yep, that’s the bit I’d like a little assurance on 😂😂

[TunaTuna]

Why would you tell them? I'm not sure it would ever come up. Do you frequently talk about you finances and other purchases with them? Just chill

[Avidcollector]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

Why would you tell them? I'm not sure it would ever come up. Do you frequently talk about you finances and other purchases with them? Just chill

I only propose this, because it may show commitment to the brand and willingness to stick with the brand as you are prepared to potentially pay a premium to wear a piece. I’m perfectly chilled thank you, was after some opinions regarding use of grey market vs original dealers. And no, wouldn’t discuss other finances, but likely to wear another timepiece into the store which would show same brand or other brand purchase history.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by Avidcollector

I only propose this, because it may show commitment to the brand and willingness to stick with the brand as you are prepared to potentially pay a premium to wear a piece. I’m perfectly chilled thank you, was after some opinions regarding use of grey market vs original dealers. And no, wouldn’t discuss other finances, but likely to wear another timepiece into the store which would show same brand or other brand purchase history.

If that’s the game plan, I think you’d be better off (both in outcome of the plan) and enjoyment buying out of production pieces or limited edition pieces.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by Reign

If you have another piece in mind, it’s okay to let them know you went grey and that you’re looking for more and don’t want to go down that route again.

Going grey meant that you’re in it because you like the watch - I only see it strengthening your ask and the story the SA needs to tell when watches are being allocated

Reign has a point here only if the watch you buy in the Grey Market is out of production and you couldn't have gotten it at the AP House, anyway. But it would be unadvisable to wear a 15500st and tell them you want another. Remember, this is becoming a religion and you will need to demonstrate your purity of soul and purpose. Wearing a Patek to the AP House may inspire them to try to convert you from the Patek sect to the AP sect but wearing a current production AP that you purchased Grey only establishes your desperation which is a poor way to approach any aspiration, just look at Renfield.

[robertengel]

Do not wear it, its not about religion or loyalty or how you acquire watches, plain and simple you will look like a flipper. A pretty bad one at that :D and they will feel that something is kinda off. Not because you did anything wrong, but its the market they live in. They deal with people trying to get in the door every damn day and they can afford to err on the side of caution.