RahulR
205
Unfortunately consistent with my experience with AP...
Mar 30, 2019,04:01 AM
I apologize if I may offend anyone, but I have quite a negative impression of AP boutiques. I have no doubt that the experience of buying a piece from the boutique would be great, but I am quite disappointed by the blatant tactics used to get a piece that you want.
What I have been noticing is that AP is taking a page out of RM's book and trying to mostly sell through their boutiques (which would explain why the most sought after watches are boutique editions). With RM it is quite straight forward which I appreciate (from my experience even though I have yet to purchase from a boutique), build a relationship and the popular pieces will come. Whereas dealing with a couple of AP boutiques that I have been to have left a bitter taste in my mouth. I also take 'boutique edition' with a grain of salt, as they are very readily made available to AD's if they're not as 'hot' as AP initially anticipated.
I like many others am a big fan of the Royal Oak. Seeing that they are reducing AD's and having all the sought after pieces as boutique editions, I started visiting a couple of boutiques once in a while. The staff are always great, charming, accommodating, and patient. I am told about waiting lists as long as 5 for popular royal oaks, which is fine (i understand how the game is played). I start looking at the new ladies Millenary on bracelet because I find them beautiful, and immediately I am told that if I buy it, they can arrange a steel 15202 immediately! I guess the 5 year waiting list had gone out the window
In the end I decided not to, as I know the Millenary i can get from my AD (with a decent discount), and it would be the same thing as paying premium. I try to keep a personal philosophy that the most I would pay for a popular watch is the retail price, nothing more.
Another example was a bit more recent at SIHH. Seeing the novelties I noticed a couple of pieces I liked (platinum perpetual RO and the salmon 15202). I expressed my interest and was immediately responded with a proposal to package with a 11:59. I took another look at the 11.59 collection again and inquired about a couple of the pieces. I am guessing by that time the sales manager had noticed the overwhelming feedback on the WG salmon 15202, read my message, and just chose not to respond nor follow-up.
I understand the demand for the RO's is sky high, as they are for some of the RM's. But i very much appreciate the 'building a relationship' aspect at RM boutiques rather than the 'i can give you this, but only if you buy that' at AP. Maybe it is just my personal preference. In the end, it has turned me off AP, have me more focus on developing my relationship with my AD and Patek, and also look at starting an account at RM.
In any case, I understand what you are going through, and it is your personal choice. I chose not to succumb to these tactics. These are expensive mechanical marvels that should be loved and appreciated, and you should purchase it if you actually want it, and if you are ready to purchase it. No one should ever make you rush or feel forced to get something you are unsure of!
Rahul