Buying 15500ST at a boutique

[Santiago32]

Is it near impossible to buy a 15500ST white dial without history w/ AP? I'm contemplating whether I should even try.

FWIW, I'm in Southern CA and the boutique in Beverly Hills is closest to me.

[shkure]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

Is it near impossible to buy a 15500ST white dial without history w/ AP? I'm contemplating whether I should even try.

FWIW, I'm in Southern CA and the boutique in Beverly Hills is closest to me.

There is no downside on trying, give it a shot. I find AP boutiques to be a much nicer experience and more welcoming that Rolex. I got the exact same watch with a 11 month wait (no purchase history). But a much smaller market than LA.


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[Vivalas]

I managed to get one without any history last September. I was very kindly given the name of a SA at the AP House by a couple of forum members and I contacted him. I was told that they wanted to meet me so I travelled to London just to make the association (8 hour round trip maybe). Certain watch brands and models require relationships and a bit of leg work. If you want one, go for and introduce yourself and take it from there.

[huncho]

worth a try for non blue dials. you'd have to get lucky but if you do you can have one within a year or two

[SteelCity]

It’s definitely possible.

I was put in contact with a SA via a family friend that has a good history with the brand. I said I wanted to start an AP collection and the 15500ST white dial would be a great first piece. This was three weeks ago.

Got the call last night- I have a watch allocation. Wired over the funds today. I take delivery early next month. Really excited. Now just doing research on how to size the bracelet as there are no AD’s anywhere close to western PA.

So yes, there’s hope. Give it a shot!

[szabo_martin]

Lol one boutique in Canada, called them twice and it was pretty much an FU. Pateks been great to me so I'll stick with them. Thats just my experience with AP here. If they open a dedicated AP boutique maybe I'll give it another shot one day.

[EEpro]

In Vegas they are worse than Rolex. I have a Pepsi from AD here without much spend. AP won't even let me pay up front and wait a year.

[rolex16]

Originally Posted by SteelCity

It’s definitely possible.

I was put in contact with a SA via a family friend that has a good history with the brand. I said I wanted to start an AP collection and the 15500ST white dial would be a great first piece. This was three weeks ago.

Got the call last night- I have a watch allocation. Wired over the funds today. I take delivery early next month. Really excited. Now just doing research on how to size the bracelet as there are no AD’s anywhere close to western PA.

So yes, there’s hope. Give it a shot!

Tell the boutique your wrist size and they will size it for you before shipping.

[SteelCity]

Originally Posted by rolex16

Tell the boutique your wrist size and they will size it for you before shipping.

That’s a great idea that never occurred to me. Thanks!

Otherwise my other plan was to wait until I get married in Vegas next month and have the boutique at Crystals do it for me. Every time I’ve gone into that shop and expressed interest they made it obnoxiously clear that I would have to buy a Code chrono from them before they would even consider helping me with anything else. A little petty, sure, but it would have been satisfying.

[7sins]

Will be VERY VERY difficult at AP BH. *Maybe* if you bundle with a code. I am there often and have several strong relationships, they are not even taking names for any waiting lists. Last time I was in the store, within 30 minutes, 3 people tried to walk in off the street and ask for a Royal Oak.

Ebony and Kimberly there are great to work with.

[LndLord]

Man 15500 is my dream watch, and the market been picking up. I don't think being in nyc helps much but hopefully someone can connect me with a great SA

[le_baron]

I got that exact watch, a 15500 with a silver dial, after four months. To overcome my lack of a purchase history, I did my best to present myself as a watch enthusiast (i.e., I'm neither a flipper nor a person simply looking to flash wealth/status). I was told my passion for watches and the brand played a role in my quick allocation.

[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by EEpro

In Vegas they are worse than Rolex. I have a Pepsi from AD here without much spend. AP won't even let me pay up front and wait a year.

Erg, that's rough if its worse than Rolex. Last time I visited the Rolex Boutique in Vegas (Crystal) the gentlemen wouldn't even entertainment the idea of showing me any non DJ and said sport/stainless models are exclusively for those with existing relationships to their store.

I commented times have changed to which he commented you're welcome to look at Patek next door.

[seadubs]

Originally Posted by le_baron

I got that exact watch, a 15500 with a silver dial, after four months. To overcome my lack of a purchase history, I did my best to present myself as a watch enthusiast (i.e., I'm neither a flipper nor a person simply looking to flash wealth/status). I was told my passion for watches and the brand played a role in my quick allocation.

which boutique did you purchase from?

[le_baron]

Originally Posted by seadubs

which boutique did you purchase from?

The boutique in Manhasset, New York.

[supernova]

To answer your question, yes it is near impossible but I suppose it's not totally impossible.

Demand for this watch has been increasing every month so even compared to last year is a big difference. Obviously no harm in trying but be prepared to be disappointed.

Good luck!

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by EEpro

In Vegas they are worse than Rolex. I have a Pepsi from AD here without much spend. AP won't even let me pay up front and wait a year.

I’m pretty sure that’s company policy not to take payment until your watch is in their possession.


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[AshAP]

Originally Posted by poweredbyjae

Erg, that's rough if its worse than Rolex. Last time I visited the Rolex Boutique in Vegas (Crystal) the gentlemen wouldn't even entertainment the idea of showing me any non DJ and said sport/stainless models are exclusively for those with existing relationships to their store.

I commented times have changed to which he commented you're welcome to look at Patek next door.

Not sure what the deal is with Rolex dealers, the main dealership in my hometown is staffed by morons, a female SA quoted me a 50 year wait for a SS ceramic Daytona. They routinely ignore emails which has lead me to form the opinion that they can’t read or write.


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[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Not sure what the deal is with Rolex dealers, the main dealership in my hometown is staffed by morons, a female SA quoted me a 50 year wait for a SS ceramic Daytona. They routinely ignore emails which has lead me to form the opinion that they can’t read or write.


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and unfortunately they will continue to do so...they simply do not want your business.

[bosch88]

Originally Posted by szabo_martin

Lol one boutique in Canada, called them twice and it was pretty much an FU. Pateks been great to me so I'll stick with them. Thats just my experience with AP here. If they open a dedicated AP boutique maybe I'll give it another shot one day.

I thought that dealership in Toronto (Royal De Versailles Jewellers) is no longer a dealership for AP... there are no AP boutiques in Canada... I don't think there ever was one... just dealers... therefore, right now, there are no places, besides grey dealers, to buy an AP watch in Canada...

[Rockland]

Originally Posted by Santiago32

Is it near impossible to buy a 15500ST white dial without history w/ AP? I'm contemplating whether I should even try.

FWIW, I'm in Southern CA and the boutique in Beverly Hills is closest to me.

I got the silver dial last year in the summer after indicating interest in Nov 2019. You should definitely try. You will be able to get a non blue dial I believe.