AP - buying & 'liquidity' come sale time?

[sealtt]

Hello,

Really found myself falling for both the AP Royal Oak in Rose Gold:



And also the Offshore Chronograph:



First of all, what's the best way to buy these watches? Watchsource looks about 15% off, does that sound about right or is there bigger discounts to be had? They are pretty pricey so I don't mind taking a trip to Geneva if it's going to save thousands.

And my really big question... what's liquidity like for APs? Which is to say... if I want to cash out, what chance do I have of getting a half decent bid from a UK dealer which won't make me squeal? I'm guessing the offshore would be a more solid purchase on that front?

I am brand new to AP so would really appreciate any insight to owning the brand, thanks for any advice.

Seal

Edited by sealtt on Saturday 11th July 23:40

[gvij]

Buy used right ie with box and paperwork and with little sign of wear and get a commercial invoice and keep it safe. More or less you can always get your money back then. Buying new you will loose 50+% . This means you don't want to sell as you are being 'bested' and are stuck with it.

[sealtt]

Thanks for the reply, as these are both quite new models - certainly the blue offshore - it looks like I might have to consider an older model to be able to get a decent used deal.

Might look at the panda instead, can find those for around 50% off RRP on the 2nd hand market.

Cheers.

[gregf40]

They are liquid - I have had good prices paid by Blowers for my AP's in the past with no messing about.

You should aim for 25-30% off a gold model from an AD...20% for a SS Offshore.

[sealtt]

Thanks for the info, I'll go back to London this week and try to get a good deal on one. I'd be more than happy with 20% off.

Love the new Offshore 42mm collection, though the AP rose gold is stunning too... let's see what deals can be had!

[Chad_Hugo]

Buy used 100% with a royal oak offshore- there is plenty of choice and numerous reputable dealers who have stock and get ROO's in regularly.

If you buy new at RRP you and decide to change in a year or two you will lose up to 50% of what you paid.

The supposed discounts mentioned on here as available from AD's are often VERY optimistic. On a stainless steel ROO you won't get 20% off just walking into an AD..

It's a popular sports watch and sells well, I would say 10-12% would be a more realistic figure, especially from a London AD. There not exactly struggling to sell them.

watchfinder, blowers, watch club, iconicwatches etc all usually have a decent selection of ROO's.

[z4RRSchris]

I got a New RO chrono for £10k against retail of 17800.

[sealtt]

The problem is I really want the new ROO 42mm - well the one released in 2014 with the sapphire back to view the movement - so there is very little used supply.

Limits my options for getting a really good deal, but looking on Chrono 24 I can see dealers with brand new ones for £14k-ish on a retail of approx £19k. So the discount is there, just obviously not from the AD, where I guess discount is going to be pretty limited in London.

Certainly can't imagine the grumpy Chinese woman at an old bond street retailer who showed me one on Saturday would have much time for people who want discounts! Wouldn't even tell me the reference number of the model I liked!! Said they don't give it out, so within 30 seconds of leaving the store I got it off the AP website. I was so impressed with the watch I could definitely have been persuaded to buy it on the day with a small discount if they had a half decent sales person working there.

Edited by sealtt on Sunday 12th July 23:53

[alanm_3]

I have a 15400 Royal Oak which was at a good discount.

Edited by alanm_3 on Monday 13th July 11:37

[memps]

Servicing can be very very expensive. AP have a reputation of being difficult as well. I am also looking for a used 42 Roo but have my eyes open, good luck in your search.

[Adam B]

z4RRSchris said:

I got a New RO chrono for £10k against retail of 17800.

Oooof can I ask where from?

[z4RRSchris]

Adam B said:

z4RRSchris said:

I got a New RO chrono for £10k against retail of 17800.

Oooof can I ask where from?

oman

[gregf40]

memps said:

Servicing can be very very expensive. AP have a reputation of being difficult as well. I am also looking for a used 42 Roo but have my eyes open, good luck in your search.

I don't agree.

Relative to the price of the watch the servicing isn't that expensive - Rolex or Omega are far more expensive relatively.

Not sure what you mean by having a reputation of being difficult? AP customer service is the best of the haute horology brands by absolutely miles - and this is a unanimous opinion amongst owners - not just mine.

Don't think twice about buying AP - they are incredible watches, you won't regret it.

[sealtt]

I'm going to go for it, will head up to London tomorrow and decide on which colour combo and try and get a deal on one. It's going to be a ROO for sure, a new one with the visible movement. List is approx £19k, how close to £15k will I get? Hmm, might just go to indie dealers if authorised AP shops won't play ball but let's see.

[z4RRSchris]

there is a shop on old bond that has basically every model out brand spankers..

I would find the one you want then buy online

[chris56]

The shop on Bond Street (New Bond Street) which has more or less every model is Marcus. In my experience, you will have your work cut out getting that level of discount on a new model AP at a London AD. I bought my AP RO at Harrods and had to work hard for a discount. Harrods now seem to have tightened up on discounts so I would not waste your time there. The Watch Gallery in Selfridges is an AP dealer and has quite a lot of stock and in my experience are easier to get a discount from. I would imagine that 15% maybe 20% might be achievable there.

[cinque]

I'd be looking at paying 13-14 at the very maximum.

I was offered a brand new Safari for £14k last week from a very reputable dealer and that's before a haggle.

If you want details, just shout, they may have what you want.

[alanm_3]

Wempe on New Bond Street are an AP AD too, so you could try them.

[chris56]

Wempe on New Bond Street generally have quite good AP stock and have always been very pleasant to view watches - however when I tried to buy a watch there - they would not discount so I walked away and bought the watch
elsewhere.

[Adam B]

alanm_3 said:

Wempe on New Bond Street are an AP AD too, so you could try them.

for looking only IME, cheap they are not