Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Discussion
Hi guys,
I have started to take an interest in luxury watches recently and really like the look of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I have not owned a luxury watch to date and do not really have much knowledge on them.
I have also considered a Rolex Submariner but have taken more of a liking to the AP.
My budget is around £15k, I would preferrably like a brand new watch, but I am open to the idea of a pre-owned in excellent condition (I guess pre-owned is my best bet for my budget for an AP?)
My questions are:
1) Which specific AP Royal Oak or Rolex Submariner models tend to hold their value? (or not decrease more than 10-15% when it comes to resale)
2) Which specific models would you recommend in terms of quality and value for money?
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
Many thanks in advance
I have started to take an interest in luxury watches recently and really like the look of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I have not owned a luxury watch to date and do not really have much knowledge on them.
I have also considered a Rolex Submariner but have taken more of a liking to the AP.
My budget is around £15k, I would preferrably like a brand new watch, but I am open to the idea of a pre-owned in excellent condition (I guess pre-owned is my best bet for my budget for an AP?)
My questions are:
1) Which specific AP Royal Oak or Rolex Submariner models tend to hold their value? (or not decrease more than 10-15% when it comes to resale)
2) Which specific models would you recommend in terms of quality and value for money?
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
Many thanks in advance
GolfR12 said:
Hi guys,
I have started to take an interest in luxury watches recently and really like the look of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I have not owned a luxury watch to date and do not really have much knowledge on them.
I have also considered a Rolex Submariner but have taken more of a liking to the AP.
My budget is around £15k, I would preferrably like a brand new watch, but I am open to the idea of a pre-owned in excellent condition (I guess pre-owned is my best bet for my budget for an AP?)
My questions are:
1) Which specific AP Royal Oak or Rolex Submariner models tend to hold their value? (or not decrease more than 10-15% when it comes to resale)
2) Which specific models would you recommend in terms of quality and value for money?
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
Many thanks in advance
I'd go directly to AP to buy a Royal Oak. When I last checked the wait for a white dial was only a few weeks. A blue "Boutique Special" rather longer however.I have started to take an interest in luxury watches recently and really like the look of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I have not owned a luxury watch to date and do not really have much knowledge on them.
I have also considered a Rolex Submariner but have taken more of a liking to the AP.
My budget is around £15k, I would preferrably like a brand new watch, but I am open to the idea of a pre-owned in excellent condition (I guess pre-owned is my best bet for my budget for an AP?)
My questions are:
1) Which specific AP Royal Oak or Rolex Submariner models tend to hold their value? (or not decrease more than 10-15% when it comes to resale)
2) Which specific models would you recommend in terms of quality and value for money?
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
Many thanks in advance
Ive had a look at the Royal Oak previously , beware that the servicing costs can be between 800 to 1800 pounds!
Thats what put me off. And to be honest they dont tend to hold their money like a comparable Rolex.
If i were looking to spend 15k on a new watch , i'd still go for Rolex. I owned a Rootbeer GMT . Beautiful watch and was a wee bit too flashy for me as a daily.
15 Grand will get you a nice Daytona. If i recall the Ceramic bezel steel versions are a possibility for 15k? I may be incorrect.
Go for a pre owned one with all the box and papers. Or you could go for the anniversary deepsea Submariner. James cameron deepsea? All worthy investments and if you like a chunky watch theyll be spot on.
I still think a steel Daytona would be a decent bet though.
Thats what put me off. And to be honest they dont tend to hold their money like a comparable Rolex.
If i were looking to spend 15k on a new watch , i'd still go for Rolex. I owned a Rootbeer GMT . Beautiful watch and was a wee bit too flashy for me as a daily.
15 Grand will get you a nice Daytona. If i recall the Ceramic bezel steel versions are a possibility for 15k? I may be incorrect.
Go for a pre owned one with all the box and papers. Or you could go for the anniversary deepsea Submariner. James cameron deepsea? All worthy investments and if you like a chunky watch theyll be spot on.
I still think a steel Daytona would be a decent bet though.
traffman said:
Ive had a look at the Royal Oak previously , beware that the servicing costs can be between 800 to 1800 pounds!
Thats what put me off. And to be honest they dont tend to hold their money like a comparable Rolex.
If i were looking to spend 15k on a new watch , i'd still go for Rolex. I owned a Rootbeer GMT . Beautiful watch and was a wee bit too flashy for me as a daily.
15 Grand will get you a nice Daytona. If i recall the Ceramic bezel steel versions are a possibility for 15k? I may be incorrect.
Go for a pre owned one with all the box and papers. Or you could go for the anniversary deepsea Submariner. James cameron deepsea? All worthy investments and if you like a chunky watch theyll be spot on.
I still think a steel Daytona would be a decent bet though.
Thank you for your reply. Thats what put me off. And to be honest they dont tend to hold their money like a comparable Rolex.
If i were looking to spend 15k on a new watch , i'd still go for Rolex. I owned a Rootbeer GMT . Beautiful watch and was a wee bit too flashy for me as a daily.
15 Grand will get you a nice Daytona. If i recall the Ceramic bezel steel versions are a possibility for 15k? I may be incorrect.
Go for a pre owned one with all the box and papers. Or you could go for the anniversary deepsea Submariner. James cameron deepsea? All worthy investments and if you like a chunky watch theyll be spot on.
I still think a steel Daytona would be a decent bet though.
How often do these types of watches need servicing? Or is it as and when required?
There are so many specific models of each watch which makes it difficult to establish which ones would be a good investment. Or would specific watches such as the Rolex Daytona be a good investment regardless of the specific model?
Also, where are the best places in the UK to purchase pre-owned watches?
Thanks
A friend of mine runs a large independent jewellers and I asked him about services. He said not to bother unless the watch starts keeping poor time.
The 3/5 year intervals stated by manufacturers are, in his opinion, in place solely to make money. He reckons about double what the manufacturer claims is usually somewhere about right.
The 3/5 year intervals stated by manufacturers are, in his opinion, in place solely to make money. He reckons about double what the manufacturer claims is usually somewhere about right.
OP you don't say what size wrist you have, RO's wear large so wrist size will help you with choice of model.
My advice would be to buy second hand and one of the following models.
15450 37mm I believe this is still a current reference so probably the best spread of age and budget options
15300 39mm the iconic size, long since discontinued, values climbing steadily
15400 41mm, discontinued in the last couple of years, values climbing steadily
15500 41mm out of budget as far as I can see as the current RO reference with waiting lists
15202 39mm the classic, forget it way way out of budget.
I would recommend steel, as like Rolex RO demand is all about the steel. They hold value very well of recent times, it is an in demand watch and all of the versions I have listed above have appreciated a fair amount over the last couple of years.
Looks like 15k will get you a good 15450, it will be difficult to get a 15300 or 15400 in good condition for your budget from a dealer; that ship is definitely starting to sail so you will need to act fast, but there are a few for sale on Chrono 24 close to your budget give or take an extra £200 - £1000.
Do not consider a quartz, servicing is crazy expensive for these and value retention very low.
RO Offshore's are an alternative option, 15k would comfortably present you multiple different options within budget.
My advice would be to buy second hand and one of the following models.
15450 37mm I believe this is still a current reference so probably the best spread of age and budget options
15300 39mm the iconic size, long since discontinued, values climbing steadily
15400 41mm, discontinued in the last couple of years, values climbing steadily
15500 41mm out of budget as far as I can see as the current RO reference with waiting lists
15202 39mm the classic, forget it way way out of budget.
I would recommend steel, as like Rolex RO demand is all about the steel. They hold value very well of recent times, it is an in demand watch and all of the versions I have listed above have appreciated a fair amount over the last couple of years.
Looks like 15k will get you a good 15450, it will be difficult to get a 15300 or 15400 in good condition for your budget from a dealer; that ship is definitely starting to sail so you will need to act fast, but there are a few for sale on Chrono 24 close to your budget give or take an extra £200 - £1000.
Do not consider a quartz, servicing is crazy expensive for these and value retention very low.
RO Offshore's are an alternative option, 15k would comfortably present you multiple different options within budget.
Was in a similar situation as the OP - with a similar budget. I was looking for a 15400 with a blue dial - which is slightly above budget at around £20k (used). In the end I capitulated and and bought a 15202 blue dial(!).
However, unless you really geek out and want the ultra-thin classic (ie the 15202), the 15400 is perfect. The look and feel of it are unrivalled versus others (IMO) and that bracelet is out of this world and, in my humble opinion, much nicer than the PP nautilus bracelet. I'd personally recommend a blue dial for the rarity factory (and it looks soooo good!)
If your wrists/hands are smaller and the 15400 41mm is a little too big and you can't/won't pay up for the 15202, then I'd really consider a 15300 blue dial. Smaller (more classic) dimension with a lot of impact.
Either way, you're going to love it. I haven't been able to take mine off since I got it!!
However, unless you really geek out and want the ultra-thin classic (ie the 15202), the 15400 is perfect. The look and feel of it are unrivalled versus others (IMO) and that bracelet is out of this world and, in my humble opinion, much nicer than the PP nautilus bracelet. I'd personally recommend a blue dial for the rarity factory (and it looks soooo good!)
If your wrists/hands are smaller and the 15400 41mm is a little too big and you can't/won't pay up for the 15202, then I'd really consider a 15300 blue dial. Smaller (more classic) dimension with a lot of impact.
Either way, you're going to love it. I haven't been able to take mine off since I got it!!
z4RRSchris said:
utgjon said:
GolfR12 said:
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
I've got a rose-gold AP RO for sale in London, need to get rid quick if you're interested?utgjon said:
z4RRSchris said:
utgjon said:
GolfR12 said:
3) Where would you guys recommend to purchase luxury watches from in the UK?
I've got a rose-gold AP RO for sale in London, need to get rid quick if you're interested?Baldchap said:
A friend of mine runs a large independent jewellers and I asked him about services. He said not to bother unless the watch starts keeping poor time.
The 3/5 year intervals stated by manufacturers are, in his opinion, in place solely to make money. He reckons about double what the manufacturer claims is usually somewhere about right.
My Omega dealer told me the same, ie, don't service unless you notice poor time-keepingThe 3/5 year intervals stated by manufacturers are, in his opinion, in place solely to make money. He reckons about double what the manufacturer claims is usually somewhere about right.
I’d definitely look at the Royal Oak above a Daytona, the finish is a cut above. The Daytona has risen in value so much that I think it may have peaked, unless you can get one from a dealer at RRP then, in my opinion, you would be paying far too much for it in comparisons to the RO. I am biased though as I’ve just secured a 15400 after thinking the Daytona was my dream watch for a long time. When I wore it it looked too dainty on my wrist and too similar to my sub. When also considering what I’ve said about peak value of the Daytona it made up my mind.
I have a ROO Diver and a Safari which i bought second hand when I got a bit bored of my other watches. The non offshore models probably hold their value better but were a bit too boring for me and I wouldn't buy an offshore new as you immediately take a hit however the second hand values seem pretty stable. APs are definitely less common than Rolex and generally only recognized by people that appreciate watches, thieves or those that spend a lot of time on social media.
So said:
mikewood said:
utgjon said:
I've got a rose-gold AP RO for sale in London, need to get rid quick if you're interested?
I've got a spare box and booklet going cheap.. 
Bobajobbob said:
I have a ROO Diver and a Safari which i bought second hand when I got a bit bored of my other watches. The non offshore models probably hold their value better but were a bit too boring for me and I wouldn't buy an offshore new as you immediately take a hit however the second hand values seem pretty stable. APs are definitely less common than Rolex and generally only recognized by people that appreciate watches, thieves or those that spend a lot of time on social media.
so the same sort of people who are likely to notice any sort of watch then? 
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