r/audemarspiguet

Questions from a longtime fan of the brand and someone who would eventually like to purchase a Royal Oak (15550ST):

To give a little backstory, I am located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in my mid-to-late twenties. Currently, I own a Rolex that I purchased at MSRP through an authorized dealer. I have not yet purchased a watch on the grey market. To commemorate an upcoming milestone, I’d like to purchase a Royal Oak in about five years. My question is, do I even bother trying to establish a relationship with the local boutique?

I often see that to be allocated a steel RO, you typically have to first purchase a Code, then an Offshore, and declining these offers from your SA can hurt your chances of eventually being offered a RO. The thing is, I truly have no desire to own either of these models, and I don’t have a super quick timeline on which I’m looking to acquire a RO.

I’m looking for any insight from others in similar situations and what your thoughts might be. My preference would be to buy from a boutique, but I’m unwilling to purchase pieces I don’t have an appreciation for. Is it worth stepping into my local boutique and establishing a relationship, or would I be better off waiting five years and buying grey?

Just trying to get some inputs from people with more experience

I’m trying to get myself a 37mm steel RO with the dark blue dial in France

Met with some AP sales reps and they seemed quite nice (I love how young AP feels)

They did emphasize that it will be a tough wait because of how high the demand is and I’m okay with waiting

Is there anything I can be doing to help my chances?

Recently purchased a Code chronograph and would like to add a deployment clasp. Does anyone know if a Royal Oak clasp can be used, or have a part number for a clasp specifically made for Code timepieces? (Original Kevlar strap measures 18 mm at the buckle.) Thanks!