AP paying AD's to stop selling watches?

[P2725TMB]

Perhaps it is. Generally speaking I can't say I like London at all though!

[tyler1980]

we have an answer. BOO

Brooks Mews v 2.0
Edit: Brooks Mews v 1.1

Mews: a group of stables, typically with rooms above, built round a yard or along an alley.The word may also refer an alley or back street onto which such stables open. It is sometimes applied to rows or groups of garages or, more broadly, to a narrow passage or a confined place. Very low market indeed

Hopefully we can now call a spade a spade and agree this is terrible. We lost Marcus for this after all.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

we have an answer. BOO

Brooks Mews v 2.0
Edit: Brooks Mews v 1.1

Mews: a group of stables, typically with rooms above, built round a yard or along an alley.The word may also refer an alley or back street onto which such stables open. It is sometimes applied to rows or groups of garages or, more broadly, to a narrow passage or a confined place. Very low market indeed

Hopefully we can now call a spade a spade and agree this is terrible. We lost Marcus for this after all.

Blows my mind. So the entirety of the U.K. Is supplied by one AP owned boutique that you need reservations to get into?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by AK797

I agree the Moss House location is too low brow, there's a W/F round the corner now! It has to be on a prime thoroughfare. As to appointments I take Tyler's point that it would be awkward to keep returning just to browse. If security can be guaranteed then maybe a walk in or rather up system might work.

WF is an AP authorized service center now (seriously). Whats the problem?

Fighting grey market sales which per their CEO is a top priority by teaming up with the largest grey dealer in the UK. Weird .

[AK797]

Well Mr Wempe sure is smiling, they are now the de facto boutique.

[Snow-Dweller]

Being aware of the AP retail situation, my (probably naive) guess would be that this is a step towards trying to ensure less (huge) discounting of the brand.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Being aware of the AP retail situation, my (probably naive) guess would be that this is a step towards trying to ensure less (huge) discounting of the brand.

i tend to agree in general and I'm fine with that in principle. London does not have that problem. AD's here do not discount hardly at all so its not an existing problem in this market to the extent it is elsewhere.

Its the non-boutique, boutique that gets me. It screams cheapness and non commitment to one of the most important cities in the world. The appointment only system is the icing on the cake. Patek has 3 salons in the world, and one is in London, rightly so. I think the city is that important to the watch market.

But from reading the forums, it appears Canada got allocated the same number of summer edition 44's as the UK did, so i could be wrong

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i tend to agree in general and I'm fine with that in principle. London does not have that problem. AD's here do not discount hardly at all so its not an existing problem in this market as it is elsewhere.

OK, but I'm originally a Londoner and am often there. When I chose to buy a couple of APs it was with 25%+ discounts.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

OK, but I'm originally a Londoner and am often there. When I chose to buy a couple of APs it was with 25%+ discounts.

recently? which models? I know my AD doesn't do that currently, a small one sure but nothing substantial. For sure APSC doesn't discount at all, but they could not discount from a boutique just as effectively as they could not discount from a waiting room (lounge). Personally for me i would rather no one discounted ever so I'm not upset about stopping discounting. Paying more just ensures that 2nd hand prices stay high so in the end you really are not losing any more money when you sell.

The current lounge isn't terrible as far as appearance so i would say its on par to an airport lounge at Gatwick, but below LHR. The location however would be Stansted in my airport analogy.

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

recently? which models? I know my AD doesn't do that currently, a small one sure but nothing substantial. For sure APSC doesn't discount at all, but they could not discount from a boutique just as effectively as they could not discount from a waiting room (lounge). Personally for me i would rather no one discounted ever so I'm not upset about stopping discounting. Paying more just ensures that 2nd hand prices stay high so in the end you really are not losing any more money when you sell.

The current lounge isn't terrible as far as appearance so i would say its on par to an airport lounge at Gatwick, but below LHR. The location however would be Stansted in my airport analogy.

I totally agree. My point is that AP want to bring it under their own control to avoid their ADs discounting.

[tng11]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

we have an answer. BOO

Brooks Mews v 2.0
Edit: Brooks Mews v 1.1

Mews: a group of stables, typically with rooms above, built round a yard or along an alley.The word may also refer an alley or back street onto which such stables open. It is sometimes applied to rows or groups of garages or, more broadly, to a narrow passage or a confined place. Very low market indeed

Hopefully we can now call a spade a spade and agree this is terrible. We lost Marcus for this after all.

Ugh. That's pathetic.

However, I don't think this concept is new - the Madrid boutique sounds a lot like this setup, being located on the second level and being a "lounge" attached to the APSC.

http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf....18/pi-5919148/

I went to the Madrid boutique and found it a pretty awkward setup (could have been a language barrier too.)

It's a real pity Marcus shut down. They had one of the most amazing selections of AP and RM the few times I've been and the staff were always wonderful and knowledgeable.

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

recently? which models? I know my AD doesn't do that currently, a small one sure but nothing substantial. For sure APSC doesn't discount at all, but they could not discount from a boutique just as effectively as they could not discount from a waiting room (lounge). Personally for me i would rather no one discounted ever so I'm not upset about stopping discounting. Paying more just ensures that 2nd hand prices stay high so in the end you really are not losing any more money when you sell.

The current lounge isn't terrible as far as appearance so i would say its on par to an airport lounge at Gatwick, but below LHR. The location however would be Stansted in my airport analogy.

Absolutely agree. Discounts and gray devalue a watch because of the large volatility. I like the move by AP to consolidate and become more of a premium product, it makes the brand more elusive. I love curated experiences for premium products and believe part of the reason for owning a premium product, is the experience.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

I totally agree. My point is that AP want to bring it under their own control to avoid their ADs discounting.

yes. I support this.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by tng11

Ugh. That's pathetic.

However, I don't think this concept is new - the Madrid boutique sounds a lot like this setup, being located on the second level and being a "lounge" attached to the APSC.

http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf....18/pi-5919148/

I went to the Madrid boutique and found it a pretty awkward setup (could have been a language barrier too.)

It's a real pity Marcus shut down. They had one of the most amazing selections of AP and RM the few times I've been and the staff were always wonderful and knowledgeable.

that doesn't look terrible. London doesn't have any sort of displays to see watches. They are all in the safe so you have no idea what they have or don't have. Of course that might change though, but that is what its like now. The book shelf with AP books is a nice touch, which London also doesn't have at this point.

[P2725TMB]

Having a good relationship with AP London I'm reluctant to start speculating on what none of us know for sure yet.

However if the lounge is to be at Moss House I think that would be a mistake. The rooms themselves are ok but its exterior presentation - the road its in and getting in through the door and up to the lounge etc isn't the short of feel I'd expect AP to want for their customers. I'm a strong believer in the overall buying experience and at the moment Moss House doesn't really provide that in a positive way, although for me the people who work at AP London do.

[SC11]

As previously said I like the idea of the lounge I will say though I’m not convinced the current location is ideal.

But this is just an update on the AP site which I feel is needed as the SC has been acting as a boutique for a while now and not that widely known, there’s been a few topics over a few forums were I’ve had to correct this misunderstanding so I’m hoping this is just to validate the lounge is at the SC for now while a more prime location is sought.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by SC11

As previously said I like the idea of the lounge I will say though I’m not convinced the current location is ideal.

But this is just an update on the AP site which I feel is needed as the SC has been acting as a boutique for a while now and not that widely known, there’s been a few topics over a few forums were I’ve had to correct this misunderstanding so I’m hoping this is just to validate the lounge is at the SC for now while a more prime location is sought.

the website has always listed APSC as a retail outlet. But i agree that is was not "widely" known. Truth be told, the appointment only stipulation was probably the big driver to people who saw it and didn't follow up to see if they could buy there or not and hence the fact that most didn't know for sure.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

the website has always listed APSC as a retail outlet. But i agree that is was not "widely" known. Truth be told, the appointment only stipulation was probably the big driver to people who saw it and didn't follow up to see if they could buy there or not and hence the fact that most didn't know for sure.

Yes it did but was a little more ambiguous before.

Mind you they could of put Service Centre and Sales.

Yes I agree but as above maybe they are going to look for alternative location not just for better placement but also the SC only has that one room which isn’t ideal (unless they plan a refit)

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by SC11

Yes it did but was a little more ambiguous before.

Mind you they could of put Service Centre and Sales.

Yes I agree but as above maybe they are going to look for alternative location not just for better placement but also the SC only has that one room which isn’t ideal (unless they plan a refit)

I know we have both gotten pushback to some extent when trying to utilize the SC as a boutique as they are also hesitant to steer business away from the dealership network. So to me its all very confusing. Is it a full retail operation for everyone or only to some? At the same time they are also restricting models which are not boutique specific to AD's as well so some of us are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They are sort of playing both sides and can't decide if they are supplying authorized dealers or selling watches directly and being in the middle creates confusion. A lounge continues this ambiguity to me as its not really a traditional retail boutique where the sales aspect is more clearly defined.

I don't fault Chris one bit for his vote of confidence as he has the relationship in place and access. If everyone had the same experience, there would be no debate on what APSC/lounge offers as well as its future potential. It does illustrate the difference in service though for two people who both purchased two 2017 new releases in almost exactly the same time frame (not counting past purchases, but those are comparable as well). The difference is where we purchased. One used an AD and the other used APSC, both are authorized sources.

There are a lot of mixed messages being sent at the moment and that is pretty clear. I would welcome some clarity even if the lounge isn't my first choice.

I guarantee they won't deliver my 15407 via AD for me to buy. I will ask when that time comes. Its not boutique specific so they should. Did i make the request to the direct sales arm or the distribution arm?

[P2725TMB]

I think (hope) we have to assume AP aren't silly and must have some sort of suitable general sales/marketing strategy for all in mind, as it would seem ridiculous if they alienate existing and future clients due to lack of sales venue. Time will tell.

[AK797]

I think it is a transitional time. I assume that is why Lounge is in brackets. Clearly more thought is needed.

[AK797]

The Watchfinder around the corner from APSC was attacked yesterday. I don't like the location even more now, but maybe sky lounges are not such a bad safety idea now. London is rife with criminal gangs, mostly organised from East Europe, according to Haywood.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...oped-gang.html

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by AK797

The Watchfinder around the corner from APSC was attacked yesterday. I don't like the location even more now, but maybe sky lounges are not such a bad safety idea now. London is rife with criminal gangs, mostly organised from East Europe, according to Haywood.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...oped-gang.html

Awesome that people nearby were able to catch one of the bums. Bold strategy by the older gent with the umbrella

[AK797]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Awesome that people nearby were able to catch one of the bums. Bold strategy by the older gent with the umbrella

Can't get more English than that, what what.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by AK797

The Watchfinder around the corner from APSC was attacked yesterday. I don't like the location even more now, but maybe sky lounges are not such a bad safety idea now. London is rife with criminal gangs, mostly organised from East Europe, according to Haywood.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...oped-gang.html

funny story. My entire APSC experience was awful which has been going on the better part of a year now, so i won't get into that, just the last bit as its relevant.

So, leaving APSC with my repaired watch, they handed me a white plastic bag (supermarket bag) to put my still basically brand new watch in. I did protest (mainly because it was huge) and they finally ended up giving me an AP branded paper bag. Their excuse was it was for "my security".

Why then did they decide to put the service center in a back alley in the first place?

[benlee]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

we have an answer. BOO

Brooks Mews v 2.0
Edit: Brooks Mews v 1.1

Mews: a group of stables, typically with rooms above, built round a yard or along an alley.The word may also refer an alley or back street onto which such stables open. It is sometimes applied to rows or groups of garages or, more broadly, to a narrow passage or a confined place. Very low market indeed

Hopefully we can now call a spade a spade and agree this is terrible. We lost Marcus for this after all.

I guess over my part of the world, I should be happy as Singapore alone boost not one but two AP boutiques including a two storey flagship boutique at Orchard Road wih a private reception area. I often drop by there for my free coffee.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by benlee

I guess over my part of the world, I should be happy as Singapore alone boost not one but two AP boutiques including a two storey flagship boutique at Orchard Road wih a private reception area. I often drop by there for my free coffee.

i would be thrilled with a lounge anywhere actually. I know the impression is that I'm not.
My issue is more that its an extension of AP London which already has issues to begin with. My hope was a boutique would create a bit of separation between the two entities and not merge them into one. I would go to any lounge, just not London's.

But yes, i would love it if this was Singapore... or Paris for that matter.

If the Lounge has coffee, buy the time you book an appointment, find the back alley, and go though 3 security doors it would be cold anyway.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i would be thrilled with a lounge anywhere actually. I know the impression is that I'm not.

My issue is more that its an extension of AP London which already has issues to begin with. My hope was a boutique would create a bit of separation between the two entities and not merge them into one. I would go to any lounge, just not London's.

But yes, i would love it if this was Singapore... or Paris for that matter.

Yes, London definitely deserved it's own flagship AP boutique, preferably at a prominent location like the heart of Knightsbridge.

I visited the Paris AP boutique during my summer vacation in Europe and was not impressed. Not only is it very rather small, I made an appointment with the Boutique Director and he failed to turn up and didn't even bother to inform before hand. Anyway, I supposed until London has their own boutique, the AP boutique Paris is the outlet for you guys that need boutique exclusive pieces. It's after all only a train ride away by Eurostar.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by benlee

Yes, London definitely deserved it's own flagship AP boutique, preferably at a prominent location like the heart of Knightsbridge.

I visited the Paris AP boutique during my summer vacation in Europe and was not impressed. Not only is it very rather small, I made an appointment with the Boutique Director and he failed to turn up and didn't even bother to inform before hand. Anyway, I supposed until London has their own boutique, the AP boutique Paris is the outlet for you guys that need boutique exclusive pieces. It's after all only a train ride away by Eurostar.

No the UK SC/lounge can supply BO pieces

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by benlee

Yes, London definitely deserved it's own flagship AP boutique, preferably at a prominent location like the heart of Knightsbridge.

I visited the Paris AP boutique during my summer vacation in Europe and was not impressed. Not only is it very rather small, I made an appointment with the Boutique Director and he failed to turn up and didn't even bother to inform before hand. Anyway, I supposed until London has their own boutique, the AP boutique Paris is the outlet for you guys that need boutique exclusive pieces. It's after all only a train ride away by Eurostar.

its all relative i guess. I took the eurostar to Paris last week to visit the boutique as thats where I'm buying now, and i was impressed. London is my basis of comparison though. I didn't book an appointment or anything, but they seemed nice enough.

Originally Posted by SC11

No the UK SC/lounge can supply BO pieces

thats debatable In theory yes. Boutique only as well as the multitude of other models they won't sell AD's. The problem is they have hardly any stock so unless that changes booking an appointment to look at a catalogue won't be too popular. The catalogues fall apart after one flip through anyway so its less of a catalogue and more a collection of individual pages.