AP Singapore boutique - Registering Interest

[Ch4d]

Hi everyone, I’m new to AP but have been collecting watches for some time. It’s my 30th birthday this year and I would really love to add a 37mm RO in gray or blue to my collection. I went to the Liat Towers boutique a while ago to have a look and indicate interest, but the SA only seemed lukewarm. Is it a good idea to try again at MBS? Would leaving contacts at both boutiques somehow jeopardize my chances instead?

I’m really looking to buy an RO at this time, but I’m actually also interested in the cherry 11.59 - however I don’t really appreciate being forced to ‘bundle’. If that’s what one must do now to get any RO at all, then I guess I might start with Lange or something instead...

[youthagainsttt]

Hey mate, I got the call recently from a boutique & coincidentally I was also looking at some Lance's just before that but they did nothing for me. But, to each his own

I'd only give the following as tips:
- maybe go in at different times, find an SA that at least would have a conversation with you and your reason for buying
- obviously dress nicely and look presentable, certainly couldn't harm your chances
- drop off your business card. My office is quite close to the boutique plus I guess I have a pretty senior title at my firm, dunno if it made any difference

But when I was picking up my watch I was told they had to put my interest through for approval to buy the watch. I think the demand is so high they can literally pick and choose & use any factors deemed necessary.

This is purely speculation but if a young professional in a suit, well dressed came in and picked up the watch, don't you think it's better for the brand to have ambassadors like these rather than a scruffily dressed guy who they may not want to represent the brand?

[Tcjreid]

Seconded. Seems booking a slot online did nothing so I called in advance and discussed what I was interested in. Then there’s some foundation for the conversation at the boutique.

[benlee]

Those "interest list" are useless. Just a polite way for AP to tell especially first time clients they are not interested to sell. There can be literally hundreds of names for hot models. If you are a regular client, the sales rep will actually try to get the watch and let you know the outcome.

[watchloversg]

Originally Posted by Ch4d

Hi everyone, I’m new to AP but have been collecting watches for some time. It’s my 30th birthday this year and I would really love to add a 37mm RO in gray or blue to my collection. I went to the Liat Towers boutique a while ago to have a look and indicate interest, but the SA only seemed lukewarm. Is it a good idea to try again at MBS? Would leaving contacts at both boutiques somehow jeopardize my chances instead?

I’m really looking to buy an RO at this time, but I’m actually also interested in the cherry 11.59 - however I don’t really appreciate being forced to ‘bundle’. If that’s what one must do now to get any RO at all, then I guess I might start with Lange or something instead...

Drop me a PM? I’ll link you up for the above

[ukbbc]

I got an APROC grey dial 26315 quite easily with zero purchase history from Liat Towers boutique, it took less than a week from enquiry to it being on my wrist.

Think you need to be realistic in expectations vs what you are looking for. High demand pieces are going to have a wait list.


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[Ch4d]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm only looking at 37mm RO for now, the rest look weird on my wrists (tried 34/39, ROO and ROC as well). I genuinely want to build a r/s with AP and work up to the gold models and perhaps even one 11.59 or two (I really like the Cherry one), but I would appreciate if the SAs were more forthcoming - if they arn't looking to sell a 37mm as a first purchase to a new customer and require bundling, just say so and I might consider.

But I guess it is what it is, I'd probably start collecting the stuff from other brands I want and see if the ROs eventually becomes easier to purchase at MSRP

[Ch4d]

Thanks for the replies guys! Seems like getting 37mm RO is pretty impossible as well - guess i'd just turn my attention to something else first

[WatchLover1234]

Originally Posted by Ch4d

Thanks for the replies guys! Seems like getting 37mm RO is pretty impossible as well - guess i'd just turn my attention to something else first

If you need help, you can send me a PM :) it is definitely achievable :)

[Fleetlord]

When buying directly from the boutique channel, I believe purchasing the 11:59 in some form is a requirement to progress further with AP.

Then the SA will curate a steady progression of complications for your collection. Then you can be possibly considered for the RO references at some point.

[watchloversg]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

When buying directly from the boutique channel, I believe purchasing the 11:59 in some form is a requirement to progress further with AP.

Then the SA will curate a steady progression of complications for your collection. Then you can be possibly considered for the RO references at some point.

Complications before RO? I would think it’s the other way round?

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by WatchLover1234

If you need help, you can send me a PM :) it is definitely achievable :)

Can help me get a 15202BC at MSRP with no other catch please?

[Zlllj]

Just got a 77350st from boutique. Would like to get 15500st blue dial. Is it possible to get it from the boutique? Was thinking of getting it for my hub.

[rolliepolly]

Went down 2020 jan to leave my interest on the waiting list for the 15450. Didn’t have any luck with that. Went back down after the “lock down” (cb) around end June 2020, and they have the 15450st grey dial in stock. Just happen to be at the right place at the right time.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by watchloversg

Complications before RO? I would think it’s the other way round?

You must buy complication(s) piece before you will have approved access to RO through the boutique.

That is the way.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You must buy complication(s) piece before you will have approved access to RO through the boutique.

That is the way.

What’s a complication that’s available? PC or tourbillon are they actually available for normal people ? Can you specifically name a complication piece I can buy right now without hassle ? Maybe code PC!anything else ?

[DJH1977]

Originally Posted by dauster

What’s a complication that’s available? PC or tourbillon are they actually available for normal people ? Can you specifically name a complication piece I can buy right now without hassle ? Maybe code PC!anything else ?

Code 1159 chrono?

[Ch4d]

Code 1159 chrono is definitely available. I was shown a few and tried them on - it's actually quite nice, but overly thick on me

[GS93108]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You must buy complication(s) piece before you will have approved access to RO through the boutique.

That is the way.

That may be your personal experience in your location but that is definitely not the global position and I’d question whether that’s perhaps a misunderstanding or an indifferent sales person.

RO models are far from impossible to get for newbies, not easy, but not impossible, but in almost all scenarios patience is required.

If I was confronted with such a position I’d contact the boutique manager for confirmation of such a policy and/or contact AP head office directly.

[tufa]

Originally Posted by Ch4d

Thanks for the replies guys! Seems like getting 37mm RO is pretty impossible as well - guess i'd just turn my attention to something else first

Back in December, I remember walking in to an AD here in the UK and seeing it on display.. It was too small for me so I passed on it

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You must buy complication(s) piece before you will have approved access to RO through the boutique.

That is the way.

Disagreed, I have bought a blue 15400 with no purchase history, as well a couple of friends who've the same experience. And this is a very busy/wealthy watch market in hk

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

Disagreed, I have bought a blue 15400 with no purchase history, as well a couple of friends who've the same experience. And this is a very busy/wealthy watch market in hk

It certainly didn't use to be the case, but 15400 suggests this was 2018 or earlier. Things have changed quite a bit since then and my impression was that the allocation process has evolved even over the last year or so. I don't think however that "complications" as starter watches applies to AP.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by DJH1977

Code 1159 chrono?

You kidding right ? I guess I meant something else than a ! Than every ROO falls under that category ... anyway doesn’t really matter it is what it is.

[itfrithoo]

Tried Liat Towers last year, without any purchase history. But SA was pretty chill and passionate. Quoted from SA " honestly speaking, totally no chance for blue 15500" but 'confident' I could get the black or grey 15500 within a year from registering interest. Was hoping for a call, but after reading through this thread, kinda pessimistic. Oh well.

[watchloversg]

2020 situation and 2021 escalated very quickly. The situation is now there’s a surging demand for the 15500, no thanks to social media and Instagram

[itfrithoo]

Originally Posted by watchloversg

2020 situation and 2021 escalated very quickly. The situation is now there’s a surging demand for the 15500, no thanks to social media and Instagram

Totally agree with the influence from social media. In addition, fueling the grey market. Truly sad.

[lx384]

My experience at Liat boutique has always been pleasant. Even though I've not had the luck/opportunity to buy something from them. I've been in there about 5 times over the past couple of years. One time to repair a watch. The other times were to inquire about purchasing either a 15450ST or 15500ST. Never fancied the 15450 Blue dial till a friend of mine let me try it on. It's the most gorgeous thing when viewed under sunlight! So I went to Liat boutique hoping to buy one. The SAs will basically take note of your preference using their tablet. Angeline and Dylan are the SAs that entertained me. Both of them are nice and chatty. It's been 2 years since my first expression of interest. Still hoping and praying that a miracle will happen! I say just be patient instead of boutique hopping. It's a shared system anyways.

[CastorKrieg]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

This is purely speculation but if a young professional in a suit, well dressed came in and picked up the watch, don't you think it's better for the brand to have ambassadors like these rather than a scruffily dressed guy who they may not want to represent the brand?

From the point of view of 'commercial potential' it's probably the opposite - people dressed in jeans and t-shirt do not need to prove anything to anyone since they 'made it' a long time ago.

[watchloversg]

Probably... but in a world where most wear T-shirts and jeans, a nice suit probably stands out.

I don’t wear suits by the way- but I buy watches, and recommend friends to come in and buy watches too. That way, what you wear matters much less.

But coming in cold, probably not.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by watchloversg

Probably... but in a world where most wear T-shirts and jeans, a nice suit probably stands out.

I don’t wear suits by the way- but I buy watches, and recommend friends to come in and buy watches too. That way, what you wear matters much less.

But coming in cold, probably not.

I think the impact of the junior-banker/lawyer/consultant-in-a-suit look tapers off rapidly above say entry-level Rolex price levels.