AP Royal Oak

[So]

I am thinking about trading in some of my watches and buying something smart on a bracelet.

I’ve never liked the APs due to their bezel shape and I still don’t like the design massively. But I am struggling to find an alternative. I am not crazy about the Vacheron designs, and the Pateks are similar to the APs.

I’ve heard some not complimentary things about AP timekeeping too. But, I think the Royal Oak with a blue or white/silver dial looks smart with a shirt cuff.

Anyone here got one? How well does it keep time and do you get on with it? Any downsides?

[Fullook]

I don't have anything helpful to say about AP, sorry.

I am intrigued by your thought process and decision however.

I'm not sure whether you are looking to buy new or second hand, but however you dice it, you're looking to spend a lot of money on something that by your own admission you don't particularly like... why?

Does your purchase have to be from one of the 'holy trinity', if so, why? And why have you ruled out something on leather (I don't know your watch owning history, maybe you've already owned and got bored with these?)

What about something on a bracelet from somebody else - Glasshutte Original (not 'haute' enough?); Girard Perregaux (bit too similar in design to AP?); Grand Seiko (some truly beautiful watches, but maybe not Swiss enough?)...

If you only want input from those with experience of AP, as per your OP, I'll bow out - if you're open to other suggestions, I'm happy to play.

[matrignano]

For that sort of money I’d look at one of the more complicated JLC Master Control series (Perpetual calendar?) or a Duometre.

I also love the Glashutte Panoinverse XL and it’s quite “cheap” too compared to a RO.

A Lange & Sohne? Maybe too expensive?

Wouldn’t sniff at a Patek Nautilus either but I believe SS models are very very tough to get hold of.

Edited by matrignano on Friday 28th September 09:21

[Cipo]

I took the plunge earlier this year and managed to buy a RO blue dial chrono from the London Mayfair boutique.

I can only comment against my other Rolex watches. Firstly, try one on! They fly under the radar in a funny way but the build quality is just sublime. IMO, the bracelet is one of the best ever built and you can change this to a rubber or leather strap to get a different look. Mine doesn’t have an in house movement (nor does the equivalent VC) but this should not detract you whatsoever.

Regarding timekeeping, the movement is very well regarded and the watch comes with a 5 year warranty. Also looks great in jeans or with a shirt cuff.

Taking nothing away from Rolex, I do love them and they offer many great model watches at a price point that is reachable for many, but in the short time I’ve had the AP, on the wrist, again, IMHO, it really is in a different class.

The only downsides is I can’t stop wearing it!!

[Justayellowbadge]

Have to agree on the finish, I had a couple of Royal Oaks and they were beautiful to the touch. The only bracelet I've preferred was an 18k Zenith Rainbow that felt like it was constructed of buttered silk...

Having said that, the VC Overseas is a more appealing design to me. just.

[So]

Fullook said:

I don't have anything helpful to say about AP, sorry.

I am intrigued by your thought process and decision however.

I'm not sure whether you are looking to buy new or second hand, but however you dice it, you're looking to spend a lot of money on something that by your own admission you don't particularly like... why?

Does your purchase have to be from one of the 'holy trinity', if so, why? And why have you ruled out something on leather (I don't know your watch owning history, maybe you've already owned and got bored with these?)

What about something on a bracelet from somebody else - Glasshutte Original (not 'haute' enough?); Girard Perregaux (bit too similar in design to AP?); Grand Seiko (some truly beautiful watches, but maybe not Swiss enough?)...

If you only want input from those with experience of AP, as per your OP, I'll bow out - if you're open to other suggestions, I'm happy to play.

Why, why, why, Delilah.

Basically turning some unworn watches into one that I might wear more.

I like Rolexes but they are becoming too prolific. Even Rolex seems to think so.

I’ve not seen a Glasshutte or GP I like.

Yes, being from the holy trinity helps.

I’ve got a very nice watch on a strap,

Happy to hear other options, but I do spend quite a lot of time looking at watches so I am fairly familiar with what is out there. Hence why I am considering a RO. It’s not perfect but it has something about it.

[So]

Justayellowbadge said:

Have to agree on the finish, I had a couple of Royal Oaks and they were beautiful to the touch. The only bracelet I've preferred was an 18k Zenith Rainbow that felt like it was constructed of buttered silk...

Having said that, the VC Overseas is a more appealing design to me. just.

How was the timekeeping on the ROs?

[whoami]

So said:

Justayellowbadge said:

Have to agree on the finish, I had a couple of Royal Oaks and they were beautiful to the touch. The only bracelet I've preferred was an 18k Zenith Rainbow that felt like it was constructed of buttered silk...

Having said that, the VC Overseas is a more appealing design to me. just.

How was the timekeeping on the ROs?

Mine has been spot on. Very accurate.

[So]

Audemars Mayfair has just let me have a play with one and to be honest they are very much nicer on the wrist than I imagined. The 39mm is, I gather, discontinued, but I quite liked the size of the one I tried at WF.

[baronetto]

I’ve had an AP RO with blue dial for a few years now and love it. I haven’t experienced any issues with timekeeping and, as mentioned by coop, the bracelet is very high quality. If you place the clasp in a table the bracelet will hold its form and support the watch itself (sure way of spotting a fake!).

My only criticism is that it’s a ding magnet. I have no idea why this watch is more prone to bumps and scratches than others but it is.

You should give it a try. There’s always a market for this watch if you don’t bond with it. Good luck!

[So]

baronetto said:

My only criticism is that it’s a ding magnet. I have no idea why this watch is more prone to bumps and scratches than others but it is.

Ah, now then. This is something that occurs to me. The Watchfinder watch above looked very used, which was not something the marketing photos portrayed (another discussion right there).

I suspect it is because the watch is all edges and brushed. I have an old Tank Francaise that is similarly prone to dings and scratches.

[Calculator]

I wear a 39mm RO daily (15300) and love it. Suitable for every occasion, reasonably subtle and feels great on the wrist. The size suits me perfectly (15400 was too big), and never feels heavy/cumbersome. It’s picked up a few knocks but that’s inevitable and I wear it regardless of what I’m doing. It’s a keeper so I’m relaxed.

Interestingly, WF are listing one without papers for £15k. I think I paid c£10k about three years ago (box, papers and serviced).

For me, nothing comes close for the money.

[ZesPak]

baronetto said:

If you place the clasp in a table the bracelet will hold its form and support the watch itself (sure way of spotting a fake!).

you mean like this?

[Beni997]

I have the Royal Oak Chronograph with the blue dial and strap. I absolutely love it , so my advise would be take the plunge.

I have only had it a couple of months but so far so good but they do get noticed an awful lot as they are a bit different to your normal Rolex

[Beni997]

[InductionRoar]

Nice watches. I have had mine for coming up to ten years and no issues to report.

[Calculator]

That’s stunning Beni, any more pics showing the strap?

[Beni997]

[Beni997]

[jakesmith]

I love APs, have done ever since a room mate at boarding school had one aged 13, he was Swiss and his dad was senior at AP. Think they’re utterly classy and ‘discrete’ish