Popping into store for catch up?

[Ashj52]

Hi everyone,

I am new to watches in general, and was hoping for some advice.

I attended an AP store through appointment 6 months ago, requesting a Royal Oak 37mm. The sales person immediatley brought out the AP code to show me instead, which I politely refused. She explained that Royal Oaks are hard to get etc.The ROO are way too big for my thin wrists.

I emailed her again recently, she explained there is no guarantee that she could secure it this year either, but says I am most welcome to pop into store for a "catch up".

I'm not quite sure what the point of these catch ups are, I am guessing a waste of time or does visiting in store carry some weight? I don't mind popping along to see what happens but not quite sure what the point of it is.

Guidance would be much appreciated!

PS. No purchase history with the store

[DonLee]

the catch up part, is a test to see how much of a watch enthusiast you are. It's not just showing up, it's about you actually appreciating watch designs, enjoying seeing watches and showing you are a genuine collector, and not just someone who wants the hottest thing like everyone else.

[Ashj52]

Originally Posted by DonLee

the catch up part, is a test to see how much of a watch enthusiast you are. It's not just showing up, it's about you actually appreciating watch designs, enjoying seeing watches and showing you are a genuine collector, and not just someone who wants the hottest thing like everyone else.

Ah great, makes sense, thanks for your response!

[only1swami]

I try to shop up ever 6 weeks...it's a fun time at least at my AD. My SAs are watch nerds and always love to catch up. If you're able to make time, I would show up and def check in over text regularly

[Ashj52]

Originally Posted by only1swami

I try to shop up ever 6 weeks...it's a fun time at least at my AD. My SAs are watch nerds and always love to catch up. If you're able to make time, I would show up and def check in over text regularly

Ah ok, that makes me feel better to know! I will make an appointment to see her soon. Thanks!

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by DonLee

the catch up part, is a test to see how much of a watch enthusiast you are. It's not just showing up, it's about you actually appreciating watch designs, enjoying seeing watches and showing you are a genuine collector, and not just someone who wants the hottest thing like everyone else.

It's also a chance for them to try to sell you a Code again.

But in general, no harm going to the store for a catch-up. Check out some watches and build a human relationship/connection with a sales is never bad. That's how it use to work. Personal connection vs. spend history!

[MONTANTK]

I follow this AP forum a lot and general collectors of the brand and it seems AP is much more welcoming to new customers than PP and Rolex. The flip side is that only appears to be the case if you show a serious interest in the brand and watches in general. Not sure if I’m accurate with that or not since AP is out of my range but that’s my general observation.

[icjewelry2]

Originally Posted by MONTANTK

I follow this AP forum a lot and general collectors of the brand and it seems AP is much more welcoming to new customers than PP and Rolex. The flip side is that only appears to be the case if you show a serious interest in the brand and watches in general. Not sure if I’m accurate with that or not since AP is out of my range but that’s my general observation.

So you're saying there's a chance! Woohoo wish I lived closer to an AP spot I'd pop in plenty

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[BatteryVoltas]

I was in the same boat, even down to the SA trying to sell me a code (look at my post history to read about my experience). I popped in recently because my wife was getting her Rolex sized and the SA didn't show any interest in trying to chat. I didn't burst into the store all huffy and puffy either. Just wanted to catch up and talk watches while I had some time but I was in and out in a couple of minutes... There's only so much you can say to a wall.

Left the store pretty depressed because I realized that while there are some lucky ones out there that get an RO as their first AP after a 3 minute wait, that was not my destiny. Plus, there are only so many stores and so many SAs so it's not like I can swipe left on the guy and try my luck again.

This story ends on a happy note though because my wife and I end up in the Lange boutique and I end up falling in love with the Saxonia Outsize Date. My wife pulls out her card and the rest is history. Perhaps I'll pop in again next time with my Lange and he'll see that I'm a real enthusiast and put me on the bottom of the real list.

Looking back at the games, it really pisses me off how much time I wasted pandering to these people. Hoping for that slim slim chance you're the lucky person that the SA deems worthy of bypassing the no code no RO game. I understand the spirit behind what AP is trying to do (getting to know you, blah blah blah) but the execution left a bitter taste.

Tl;Dr
I think it's a waste of time to pop in in the hopes you're one of the lucky few who don't have to play the no code no RO game.

[brucethemanlee]

Your chances are higher if you go in - because as others have said they get to know you better (i.e. are you flipper)

That said, popping into the store also does not guarantee you will ever get RO either but certainly higher probability than never going in.

[Henrimontgomery]

Went to the store yesterday and was just met with poorly trained staff that couldn’t get their excuses aligned. Basically you have the usual spiel (3000 people waiting, 80% already allocated, etc.)

they went to say my SA was not here and that I needed to make an appointment to change the watch I wanted. However they then said that I could not change the watch I wanted and would be automatically rolled to the new equivalent.

So that begs the question. If people waiting can’t change their wish, how come the green model is already fully allocated, since it is new? And how come SA are booked for weeks despite the fact that having a meeting with them is not useful as you are rolled into the new model automatically ?

I’ve always found ridiculous the hoops and loops the staff of any boutique would go through. Really if you’ve been trained a little bit in investigative work, you’ll get a good laugh by pushing them in a corner and see them try to dig themselves out of a little hole.

Meanwhile Rolex has never disappointed me as such. The will tell you upfront how it is. For exemple recently I received a model and asked immediately for a new one. They said “no request until watch and wonders because we will change the line up”.

Try honesty for once AP. Lol

[RolexZen]

I think the AP Boutique SA’s I’ve talked to in the past did like talking watches with me and showing me watches. And I enjoyed talking watches and seeing what they wanted to show me, even if it wasn’t a piece I planned to buy. Sure, they are thinking about future sales, but establishing that relationship couldn’t hurt. Didn’t hurt, as I managed to purchase a Jumbo in 2018.

But I hear people asking if they are wasting their time, and don’t like feeling they have to play games or kiss up. If you’re not actually enjoying chatting with them and seeing what they want to show, they probably see that, so…

[TunaTuna]

Everyone wants a Royal Oak my friend. We get them because most of us have been AP clients for years and wanted the RO before the craze. Now you must do the same, become a client and buy something undesirable, like a code, before they will sell you a Royal Oak. Even a 37mm. Otherwise you will have to buy a second hand one... your choice. Sorry but you asked

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by BatteryVoltas

I was in the same boat, even down to the SA trying to sell me a code (look at my post history to read about my experience). I popped in recently because my wife was getting her Rolex sized and the SA didn't show any interest in trying to chat. I didn't burst into the store all huffy and puffy either. Just wanted to catch up and talk watches while I had some time but I was in and out in a couple of minutes... There's only so much you can say to a wall.

Left the store pretty depressed because I realized that while there are some lucky ones out there that get an RO as their first AP after a 3 minute wait, that was not my destiny. Plus, there are only so many stores and so many SAs so it's not like I can swipe left on the guy and try my luck again.

This story ends on a happy note though because my wife and I end up in the Lange boutique and I end up falling in love with the Saxonia Outsize Date. My wife pulls out her card and the rest is history. Perhaps I'll pop in again next time with my Lange and he'll see that I'm a real enthusiast and put me on the bottom of the real list.

Looking back at the games, it really pisses me off how much time I wasted pandering to these people. Hoping for that slim slim chance you're the lucky person that the SA deems worthy of bypassing the no code no RO game. I understand the spirit behind what AP is trying to do (getting to know you, blah blah blah) but the execution left a bitter taste.

Tl;Dr
I think it's a waste of time to pop in in the hopes you're one of the lucky few who don't have to play the no code no RO game.

That’s a heck of a consolation prize, the Saxonia is awesome!

[Ashj52]

Thank you everyone for your replies! Very helpful indeed!