Starting to get pissed at AP.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by V25V

That is not true at all. Many true collectors do not buy into buying something else to get what they want, myself included. I am not saying I am going away but I am certainly not going to buy a Code I do not want in order to get another reference I do. It is in fact turning a lot of people off and I do believe eventually they will have to make an adjustment here.

You say this all so matter of fact. My first allocation was my wife's blue dial 37mm RO that is a 50th Anniversary edition. My boutique has repeatedly told me not to buy anything I do not really want to keep and wear for many years.

They have showed me a couple codes (which I do actually like) but never once have they said I should buy one in order to get an allocation of something else.

This line that you "have to buy a CODE to get a RO" is just not accurate across the board and I guarantee is not a AP company policy.

[messikens]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

You say this all so matter of fact. My first allocation was my wife's blue dial 37mm RO that is a 50th Anniversary edition. My boutique has repeatedly told me not to buy anything I do not really want to keep and wear for many years.

They have showed me a couple codes (which I do actually like) but never once have they said I should buy one in order to get an allocation of something else.

This line that you "have to buy a CODE to get a RO" is just not accurate across the board and I guarantee is not a AP company policy.

I'm kinda 50-50 on your comment. I was lucky to be allocated a few nice references, incl a 15500 during the craze.

They're never overly pushy but some hints (at least for me) have been dropped that a code would "nicely round out the collection" while we are discussing some complications/ ceramic pieces etc.

I don't disagree with the notion but make of it what you will. I'm sure if I picked up a PM Code or two the wheels would be a bit greasier...

[Octagon Guy]

Originally Posted by messikens

They're never overly pushy but some hints (at least for me) have been dropped that a code would "nicely round out the collection" while we are discussing some complications/ ceramic pieces etc.

According to my SA, what AP is looking out are clients who appreciate their brand as a whole. Not just any particular line of their collection. I was told I needed an all rounder collection to be considered for any highly desired pieces. And guess what, the only timepiece on my list is a steel CODE (I'm probably one of the rare few who doesn't fancy the ROs and ROOs) which I'm still waiting to be allocated and I'm checking out my chances of getting a Starwheel for my next purchase. So I was told to consider getting a RO and ROO for my 2nd and 3rd piece before placing interest for the Starwheel.

I would believe many misinterpreted their statement as getting a CODE is the ticket to being allocated a RO as many owns a collection of ROs/ROOs in their profile but not a CODE to round it up. For someone like me, they are instead telling me being focused on owning multiple CODEs are also not what they look for as a preferred client. I need to look into ROs/ROOs as well.

[SMD]

Ap has never pushed a code on me. In fact when the first ones came out I made it clear I was not interested. Subsequently I was allocated a perpetual and a ceramic open worked. I may buy one of the latest versions but not because I think I need to but because I want to.

[mickyd329]

My boutique has never pushed a CODE to me or even hinted at it. I offered to buy one at one point if it was going to bolster my profile. They told me not to buy anything I didn't love. I've received multiple incredibly hard to get pieces since. I don't believe it's a brand initiative at all. It probably varies by boutique.

[APman3000]

It really just comes down to your boutique. Contrary to the experience of the posters above, I was in no uncertain terms told to buy a Code to get what I wanted. Purchased a ladies RO and then a ROO from the boutique. Asked for a blue dial RO or ROC next and SA told me not yet and that my next piece should be a Code to help work towards the blue dial. Purchased a Code and still no blue dial RO or ROC a year and a half later.

But my boutique sucks and is probably the worst one in the U.S. so this may in fact be the only boutique this happens at.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by APman3000

It really just comes down to your boutique. Contrary to the experience of the posters above, I was in no uncertain terms told to buy a Code to get what I wanted. Purchased a ladies RO and then a ROO from the boutique. Asked for a blue dial RO or ROC next and SA told me not yet and that my next piece should be a Code to help work towards the blue dial. Purchased a Code and still no blue dial RO or ROC a year and a half later.

But my boutique sucks and is probably the worst one in the U.S. so this may in fact be the only boutique this happens at.

Seems pretty common to me - they strung you along and you are no where near your blue dial RO - sorry man unfortunately that’s the journey and happened to me


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[APman3000]

Originally Posted by dauster

Seems pretty common to me - they strung you along and you are no where near your blue dial RO - sorry man unfortunately that’s the journey and happened to me


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Sorry to hear it happened to you, too. I accepted it a while ago and just started focusing on other brands. I don't dislike any of the watches I purchased, including the Code, but it still sucks to know that I probably won't get the piece that I thought I was working towards. At least grey prices are coming down and I can just pick it up for not too high of a premium.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by APman3000

Sorry to hear it happened to you, too. I accepted it a while ago and just started focusing on other brands. I don't dislike any of the watches I purchased, including the Code, but it still sucks to know that I probably won't get the piece that I thought I was working towards. At least grey prices are coming down and I can just pick it up for not too high of a premium.

all good I accepted the fact too that I don't have enough financial fire power to be someone at AP and moved on.

I did make a nice connection with an AD for Patek and so far it's been great, even though I am not the one buying the most watches at least I know what I can get and what I can't and I am not forced to buy useles stuff - most of the jewlery my wife buys she would have bought anyway.

[Halothane]

Originally Posted by APman3000

It really just comes down to your boutique. Contrary to the experience of the posters above, I was in no uncertain terms told to buy a Code to get what I wanted. Purchased a ladies RO and then a ROO from the boutique. Asked for a blue dial RO or ROC next and SA told me not yet and that my next piece should be a Code to help work towards the blue dial. Purchased a Code and still no blue dial RO or ROC a year and a half later.

But my boutique sucks and is probably the worst one in the U.S. so this may in fact be the only boutique this happens at.

Yep it happens. Despite what some like to claim. Happened to me at the Las Vegas boutique.


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[WatchingAustin]

Originally Posted by APman3000

It really just comes down to your boutique. Contrary to the experience of the posters above, I was in no uncertain terms told to buy a Code to get what I wanted. Purchased a ladies RO and then a ROO from the boutique. Asked for a blue dial RO or ROC next and SA told me not yet and that my next piece should be a Code to help work towards the blue dial. Purchased a Code and still no blue dial RO or ROC a year and a half later.

But my boutique sucks and is probably the worst one in the U.S. so this may in fact be the only boutique this happens at.

I think this is way more common than others want to admit. It has happened to me and a few of my closest friends. I am guessing if one was already an AP buyer before the Code, you have more leverage to never add one. If you are new to the brand, they will demand you build a 'well rounded collection'. I think all brands are doing this though, so can't really hate on AP for doing so.

[Shmoopy]

I was never told directly to buy a Code. But, after my first boutique purchase (ROOC Ti 42mm) I was told that the second watch I wanted (green dial RO 3 hand) would not happen "without a couple more references in my profile." My SA knew how to phrase things lol. I wasn't upset with her reply, she was just telling me how it is.

A few months later, I informed her I was going to sell my ROO, as I just could not get a good fit on it, I am not really into chronos, and I just didn't bond with the watch. I sort of flippantly mentioned that if I am blacklisted for selling a watch at a loss that I did not really bond with that it is no big deal for me. She was adamant that one should be happy with all purchases, let alone his first AP, and there is no blacklisting going on.

I like my SA. She's always been super transparent, which is a big thing for me, but I do not anticipate dealing with AP direct anymore based on the fact that the three APs I want will likely never be offered to me directly with my well-rounded AP collection of 0 watches lol. (Starwheel, RO green dial, and a MR)

I recently almost pulled the trigger on a Starwheel, until the seller tried to do a "safe" sale at the last second. I mentioned the potential transaction to my SA, and she did mention that it definitely looks favorable to buy pieces from grays, stating that while it's not boutique spend, it shows a commitment to the brand.

[Halothane]

Originally Posted by Shmoopy

I recently almost pulled the trigger on a Starwheel, until the seller tried to do a "safe" sale at the last second. I mentioned the potential transaction to my SA, and she did mention that it definitely looks favorable to buy pieces from grays, stating that while it's not boutique spend, it shows a commitment to the brand.

The way prices are coming down on the aftermarket (and going up rapidly at MSRP) buying AP on the secondary from now on seems more satisfying for me. I saw a Starwheel at a reasonable price lately - just slightly above MSRP and tax. And the great thing buying grey is that if you ever wanted to sell there is no pressure to keep it from AP.


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[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by Halothane

The way prices are coming down on the aftermarket (and going up rapidly at MSRP) buying AP on the secondary from now on seems more satisfying for me. I saw a Starwheel at a reasonable price lately - just slightly above MSRP and tax. And the great thing buying grey is that if you ever wanted to sell there is no pressure to keep it from AP.


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This is the same thing many people said just prior to the big jump in popularity and grey prices. Then, they bitched and complained about not getting an allocation.

Everything runs in cycles....you just shouldn't piss and moan if you can't get the hottest watches direct from the brand when you didn't support them when things were down.

[Halothane]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

This is the same thing many people said just prior to the big jump in popularity and grey prices. Then, they bitched and complained about not getting an allocation.

Everything runs in cycles....you just shouldn't piss and moan if you can't get the hottest watches direct from the brand when you didn't support them when things were down.

Agree in general. Not sure if you were speaking in generalities or about me.
I’ve been buying AP for a while. Bought a 15400 shortly after the 15300 was dc’d. Long before the hype. I remember boutiques full of watches on the wall for sale.
I’m just not interested in buying new from AP currently. I don’t care for the current management / leadership / customer service and some of the sales tactics which have previously been discussed and do not need to be rehashed.


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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

You say this all so matter of fact. My first allocation was my wife's blue dial 37mm RO that is a 50th Anniversary edition. My boutique has repeatedly told me not to buy anything I do not really want to keep and wear for many years.

They have showed me a couple codes (which I do actually like) but never once have they said I should buy one in order to get an allocation of something else.

This line that you "have to buy a CODE to get a RO" is just not accurate across the board and I guarantee is not a AP company policy.

Exactly my experience so far.

[Mac-Apple]

I understand your frustration. The demand for AP watches, especially the Royal Oak, can make the process feel like an uphill battle. It's disappointing to feel ignored or undervalued as a customer, especially after investing in the brand. Many have shared similar experiences with AP's sales tactics, which can indeed be off-putting.

[IGY]

I read the story here and it sounds like there is more to the story than you are volunteering.

Is it correct that you live in Florida? And you asked one of the London AP boutiques for a Royal Oak?

If so, I am not surprised that you were given hospitality but no watch. Even though the watch market has cooled considerably from the lockdown revenge spending bubble, most Audemars Piguet watches remain in high demand at current retail prices relative to production and availability.

There are three AP boutiques in London (Sloane Street, Harrods and Bond Street) and I have personal experience at the AP House in Bond Street. During one of my visits the sales person explained that all of their watch allocation was given to UK residents. (Not necessarily UK citizens, but people residing in the UK). I am not making any observation about whether this is fair / just, a good approach or anything. Just that is what I was told.

(From my personal opinion I thought "good" as I get pretty annoyed thinking about some UAE / Saudi prince playboy on his summer holidays and daddy's oil money hovering up all the watches allocated to the UK. No offense to the middle eastern playboys but you have AP Houses in your own countries, so please share! I'd be given good hospitality, but be turned away for more than window shopping for the hottest watches in your country).

I agree that it is frustrating for you (or anybody) that purchasing from 100% manufacturer owned AP Houses in one country like Switzerland might not be recognised as part of a sales relationship in your own country when trying to get a watch. That seems very self defeating for the brand.

Also I am curious, which Royal Oak variant are you wanting to buy at retail following the code? While all are popular, there is still a big difference in demand and availability. You didn't say, unless I missed it.

[joa]

just go grey...

and let the boutique service the RO and the Code from time to time.

if they then ever offer you a nice piece at MSRP, take it as a pleasant surprise.

[daysky1]

A quick search finds the $28,600.00 Royal Oak, self winding, blue dial, date, Stainless Steel, ref 15510ST.OO.1320ST.06 at at least $20,000.00 over retail...If you know of one that is close to retail GM please post where it is. As I would also be interested.

[youthagainsttt]

I've dealt with many AP staff over the years and the staff at London esp AP House are the worst.

[PalmBeacher83]

I have been working with the Miami boutique for a while and the sale department has not been very friendly. I literally text my SA every few months about a RO (either stainless or rose gold) and his response is “I see you work with the Geneva boutique”. I tell them, I was visiting Geneva and bought a watch on vacation but I live here. In any event, I am alway told that it would be very difficult for me to get any RO allocation.

When I bought my code, I was specifically told that they had a system for getting RO allocations and if I started with a code, then ROO, I would be in a position to be offered a RO. After not getting an allocation for a ROO from the Miami boutique, and because the price dropped on the grey market, I bought a taupe dial ROO which I love.

The frustration comes from basically having to beg and jump through hoops to get a RO allocation, and even after I try to build a relationship, show I am a committed customer, they still basically ignore me. I have texted the sales rep from Geneva about some of this and asked if he can help me. I have received no response from him after 3 weeks.

My point to all of this is that while AP makes a great watch and I love them, their brand loyalty will suffer because of what I perceive to be really poor customer service and not really being dedicated to the “little guy”. It’s easy to make John Meyer feel like the most important person ever, but to constantly push aside the people who are actually keeping your brand afloat is a piss poor business model.

Originally Posted by IGY

I read the story here and it sounds like there is more to the story than you are volunteering.

Is it correct that you live in Florida? And you asked one of the London AP boutiques for a Royal Oak?

If so, I am not surprised that you were given hospitality but no watch. Even though the watch market has cooled considerably from the lockdown revenge spending bubble, most Audemars Piguet watches remain in high demand at current retail prices relative to production and availability.

There are three AP boutiques in London (Sloane Street, Harrods and Bond Street) and I have personal experience at the AP House in Bond Street. During one of my visits the sales person explained that all of their watch allocation was given to UK residents. (Not necessarily UK citizens, but people residing in the UK). I am not making any observation about whether this is fair / just, a good approach or anything. Just that is what I was told.

(From my personal opinion I thought "good" as I get pretty annoyed thinking about some UAE / Saudi prince playboy on his summer holidays and daddy's oil money hovering up all the watches allocated to the UK. No offense to the middle eastern playboys but you have AP Houses in your own countries, so please share! I'd be given good hospitality, but be turned away for more than window shopping for the hottest watches in your country).

I agree that it is frustrating for you (or anybody) that purchasing from 100% manufacturer owned AP Houses in one country like Switzerland might not be recognised as part of a sales relationship in your own country when trying to get a watch. That seems very self defeating for the brand.

Also I am curious, which Royal Oak variant are you wanting to buy at retail following the code? While all are popular, there is still a big difference in demand and availability. You didn't say, unless I missed it.

[Octagon Guy]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I have been working with the Miami boutique for a while and the sale department has not been very friendly. I literally text my SA every few months about a RO (either stainless or rose gold) and his response is “I see you work with the Geneva boutique”. I tell them, I was visiting Geneva and bought a watch on vacation but I live here. In any event, I am alway told that it would be very difficult for me to get any RO allocation.

When I bought my code, I was specifically told that they had a system for getting RO allocations and if I started with a code, then ROO, I would be in a position to be offered a RO. After not getting an allocation for a ROO from the Miami boutique, and because the price dropped on the grey market, I bought a taupe dial ROO which I love.

The frustration comes from basically having to beg and jump through hoops to get a RO allocation, and even after I try to build a relationship, show I am a committed customer, they still basically ignore me. I have texted the sales rep from Geneva about some of this and asked if he can help me. I have received no response from him after 3 weeks.

My point to all of this is that while AP makes a great watch and I love them, their brand loyalty will suffer because of what I perceive to be really poor customer service and not really being dedicated to the “little guy”. It’s easy to make John Meyer feel like the most important person ever, but to constantly push aside the people who are actually keeping your brand afloat is a piss poor business model.

There's always 2 sides to a coin. I realise it's not a Boutique issue but the individual SA that makes or break a relationship.

[Vivalas]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

I've dealt with many AP staff over the years and the staff at London esp AP House are the worst.

I would say the opposite. APH London have always been fantastic to deal with. Lovely people

[Bach609]

I am dealing in Switzerland (not Geneva), and it has always been perfect.

[PAFG]

Originally Posted by PalmBeacher83

I have been working with the Miami boutique for a while and the sale department has not been very friendly. I literally text my SA every few months about a RO (either stainless or rose gold) and his response is “I see you work with the Geneva boutique”. I tell them, I was visiting Geneva and bought a watch on vacation but I live here. In any event, I am alway told that it would be very difficult for me to get any RO allocation.

When I bought my code, I was specifically told that they had a system for getting RO allocations and if I started with a code, then ROO, I would be in a position to be offered a RO. After not getting an allocation for a ROO from the Miami boutique, and because the price dropped on the grey market, I bought a taupe dial ROO which I love.

The frustration comes from basically having to beg and jump through hoops to get a RO allocation, and even after I try to build a relationship, show I am a committed customer, they still basically ignore me. I have texted the sales rep from Geneva about some of this and asked if he can help me. I have received no response from him after 3 weeks.

My point to all of this is that while AP makes a great watch and I love them, their brand loyalty will suffer because of what I perceive to be really poor customer service and not really being dedicated to the “little guy”. It’s easy to make John Meyer feel like the most important person ever, but to constantly push aside the people who are actually keeping your brand afloat is a piss poor business model.

I tried working with Arman at the Miami location based on a friend's recommendation to work with him. Originally came in to get a 26240st sized that I got it in the grey and met with him to meet and talk with him. I wanted to build something with the store. The guy was offended and losing his marbles and wouldn't even listen to me about other pieces I'm interested in. He would never text back and was fairly condescending and pushing me to the side when other customers he knew walked in, despite my appointment. He also kept asking what my job was, writing down info in an odd way, and it just not a pleasant experience.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by PAFG

I wanted to build something with the store.

What did you ask for?

[PAFG]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

What did you ask for?

Meant, build a relationship. Started talking about different pieces and I'm open to going with offshore first but wasn't too big of a fan of how the code fit with those straps. Arman kept losing his mind how I would buy the 26240st blue dial 50th in the grey despite telling me that I would basically never be able to get one like that in the store anyway.. so I kept repeating how I wanted an AP and that was how I began my collection with the brand. He just could not comprehend why I didn't come by to say I'm interested before purchasing, knowing I would never receive it.. so I think that is where I lost all credibility at the boutique lol. Got to love AP staff sometimes..

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by PAFG

Meant, build a relationship. Started talking about different pieces and I'm open to going with offshore first but wasn't too big of a fan of how the code fit with those straps. Arman kept losing his mind how I would buy the 26240st blue dial 50th in the grey despite telling me that I would basically never be able to get one like that in the store anyway.. so I kept repeating how I wanted an AP and that was how I began my collection with the brand. He just could not comprehend why I didn't come by to say I'm interested before purchasing, knowing I would never receive it.. so I think that is where I lost all credibility at the boutique lol. Got to love AP staff sometimes..

Bought my first AP from the miami boutique and previous SA went to upper management. Then a boutique opened in my city so they asked me to switch to the local one but I never got an allocation from them despite numerous visits and explaining my situation as a previous client at a different boutique.

Then I went back to Miami on a trip and stopped in as I always used to do and met Arman. He was nice in person and took my info that I wasn't getting any traction with my new local boutique. Then when I finally sold my AP after 2+ years of regular wear because I wasn't able to get any other pieces and wanted to switch things up, I got a scolding phone call from him as if I did something terrible. It was so off putting and this is why the brand has left such a sour taste in my mouth. I will be going grey for my 15202st when I can and will never step foot in any of their stores again.

[PAFG]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Bought my first AP from the miami boutique and previous SA went to upper management. Then a boutique opened in my city so they asked me to switch to the local one but I never got an allocation from them despite numerous visits and explaining my situation as a previous client at a different boutique.

Then I went back to Miami on a trip and stopped in as I always used to do and met Arman. He was nice in person and took my info that I wasn't getting any traction with my new local boutique. Then when I finally sold my AP after 2+ years of regular wear because I wasn't able to get any other pieces and wanted to switch things up, I got a scolding phone call from him as if I did something terrible. It was so off putting and this is why the brand has left such a sour taste in my mouth. I will be going grey for my 15202st when I can and will never step foot in any of their stores again.

Looks like we both share the same thoughts and sort of experience haha. I do not want to enter any of the boutiques anymore, the vibe is so off if they think you will not sell your soul to the brand. If there is any hint of you thinking of selling, buying elsewhere, or any other outside thoughts mentioned - you basically get shunned for not being a permanent fan boy lol. It's a shame the watches are so nice but the experience doesn't always match.