First AP - Deciding Between AD and TRF Dealer

[nsguy]

Hi everyone, I'm looking into buying from my first AP - a 15400. I have a few other watches (Rolex, Panerai, Ulysse Nardin, etc), but this will definitely be my biggest purchase.

I'm curious to learn more about going with a TFF dealer who typically offer the 2+1 year warranty versus the AP Boutique's 5-year warranty. The boutique told me that 5-year warranty covers the first service, which typically runs around $1300. Is that service really necessary within the first 5 years? Rolex recommends the first service after 10 years.

Anything else I should be aware of? Is adjusting the bracelet myself relatively simple? There are only two ADs near me. Once has terrible customer service so I won't even bother going there, and the other will be bummed I didn't buy from them, so I'd rather do it myself if I don't go through the boutique.

[goog53]

Contact Thanh Do and save yourself some cash

[Samui]

Hmm I bought my watch from a boutique but I dont think I have 5 year warranty. I think its still 2+1. Are you sure its 5 years and is it for every boutique or just yours?

I would not attempt sizing it myself but thats just me. Im also interested to know the answers to some of your questions.

[Hairdude1]

The AP Boutique from what I have heard offers a 5 year warranty. Buying from an AP AD offers a 2 + 1 warranty. Buying brand new from a trusted seller (Thanh Do, David SW, Just rolexes) will too be 2 + 1 from AP.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

The AP Boutique from what I have heard offers a 5 year warranty. Buying from an AP AD offers a 2 + 1 warranty. Buying brand new from a trusted seller (Thanh Do, David SW, Just rolexes) will too be 2 + 1 from AP.

I was at an AP dealer last week and they offered 2+1. I have to send it in to AP for a pressure test to get the third year. They also said a service cost on the 15400 or 15300 was $750. I've never heard of a warranty covering a routine service. I wonder if that was just a sales pitch??

[texex91]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

The AP Boutique from what I have heard offers a 5 year warranty. Buying from an AP AD offers a 2 + 1 warranty. Buying brand new from a trusted seller (Thanh Do, David SW, Just rolexes) will too be 2 + 1 from AP.

This is spot on. NYC Boutique will offer you 5 year. However the $$ saved by going trusted is greater to me than an extra 2 years of warranty.

If you're going to keep the watch for more than 3 years, then you be the judge as what the cost/risk reward is worth to you.

Good luck.

[Nyquist]

I'd buy new from a TRF trusted seller. The savings would be considerable.

In any case, I would definitely bring the bracelet to an AD to be resized instead of attempting it myself. I would not risk scratching it.

[the_Hunter]

I would get pricing from a trusted seller and ask an AD if they can match it. You might be shocked.

[Narbeh]

Depending on what color dial you want, i.e. Black or silver, get one from takuya davidsw etc TRF sellers.


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[dchang81]

Originally Posted by the_Hunter

I would get pricing from a trusted seller and ask an AD if they can match it. You might be shocked.

+1 as much as I like trf and have dealt with sellers here, some of the prices are kinda strong. I'd rather have the dealer experience for the same price on an AP.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by the_Hunter

I would get pricing from a trusted seller and ask an AD if they can match it. You might be shocked.

This is what I did on my first AP, a 15400.

Might be tough in SF though. Your best bet is to call an out of state AD and have it shipped to you. That's what I would do if I wasn't going to deal with thanh or david.

As far as sizing, give your AD a chance to match your best AD price and if they chose not to that's their fault. Happily pay a fee to size it if they like.

[Speed]

The only "AD" I know of in San Francisco carries a small selection of AP. They are NOT a Boutique. Price wise these folks wont do much for you.

Try Downtown Watch repair at 201 Post St. I had the indie watchmaker size my 15300 bracelet for me. No issues.

[nsguy]

What are everyone's thoughts on when the 15400 will be next updated? Am I correct in thinking the last update (from 39mm-> 41mm) was in 2012? I'm curious if they're going to go from a 3hz to 4hz movement soon.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Samui

Hmm I bought my watch from a boutique but I dont think I have 5 year warranty. I think its still 2+1. Are you sure its 5 years and is it for every boutique or just yours?

I would not attempt sizing it myself but thats just me. Im also interested to know the answers to some of your questions.

Boutique in Tokyo does not do the 5 year warranty.

[Samui]

Originally Posted by SMD

Boutique in Tokyo does not do the 5 year boutique.

I bought it in Milan. They dont do it either.


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[lapince]

Got mine from the AP Boutique and I got 2+1, really not 5...

[sciotoboy]

+1 on DavidSW and takuya.Sizing is simple,you can do it yourself.

[Lordofrolex]

Bought my first AP from a trusted seller on here and very happy. Went to an AD the week before and saw the same watch for 26k but found it on here used for 10k cheaper. Do your homework and buy from a trusted seller on here.

[Peterandwatches]

No right answer, and gotta go with what you're more comfortable with. Personally, I've enjoyed all my dealings with Than and DavidSW.

[masyv6]

Trusted seller!

[CrazyMD]

Bought a rose gold ap last month from than do takuya. Saved myself $10k, got a brand new watch with warranty booklet stamped. No reason to go to and AD with this kind of discount.