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Why are AP watches loved?
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I've always been curious about the fascination with Audemars Piguet watches, especially the Royal Oak. Personally, I don't find the design of the Royal Oak particularly appealing, and I don't know much about the other models. Yet, I constantly hear about how incredible AP watches are.
For those of you who are fans, what is it about Audemars Piguet that you love so much? Is it the craftsmanship, the history, or something else entirely? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with these watches. Maybe you can help me see what I've been missing.
In any case I sure can't afford one. But if I could I would definitely chose the VC oversees even though it's historically their answer to the royal oak which came first....
Top Comment: At this point it’s a watch guys wealth flex. That’s kind of it. Although the hip hop world has started birding both AP and PP so that won’t be a thing in 10 years.
[Recommendation] Narrowed it down to the AP Royal Oak or a JLC 8 Days Perpetual 40, now need to decide which. Help?
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So I'm going to be coming into a nice amount of money in the next few months, and I've been researching since I found out. I currently have the new model Breitling Colt Chronograph as my daily/quartz (pics are in my submission history), a Sea-Gull M172S as my beater, and a G-Shock for the gym. I've been a lurker here for a while, drooling over Pateks and Langes, and researching more and more into the higher end watches in my free time, although I hadn't considered the fact that one of my grails would be attainable.
- The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, in stainless steel. http://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/royal-oak-chronograph/26320ST.OO.1220ST.01
- The JLC Master 8 Days Perpetual 40, in stainless steel. http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/US/en/watches/master-eight-days-perpetual-40/1618420#/t2
I'm 23, in tech consulting, and wear at least a button down shirt and slacks (business casual) every day, sometimes a jacket and tie if I'll be meeting with clients or giving a presentation (2-3 days a week on average). I'm required to be billable down to the 6 minute increment (I.E. .1 hours), so I spend an inordinate amount of time staring at my watch.
I'm really leaning towards the JLC, but the Royal Oak is just so unique looking and Iconic that I can't quite tell myself no. I love complications in my watches, which initially puts the JLC in the lead. I feel that at this price point between the two manufacturers, I'm getting an equivalent level of quality and heritage (AP is slightly more prestigious, but the JLC is a true in-house movement, etc), so the brand isn't really a factor here. I love the idea of an 8 day power reserve, because even if I'm traveling for a week (typically Sunday-Thursday evening), I won't need to worry about re-adjusting the watch when I return. I also think the fact that the JLC is manual is incredible, as to me this is such an intimate way to interact with the watch, and for the amount I'm paying I intend to wear it often and not just leave it in a safe. It’ll also give me a quartz, an automatic, and a manual, which I think is cool.
The Royal Oak, however, is not as classic a look as the JLC, which very much appeals to me. My office tends to Tags and Rolexes, so the Royal Oak will definitely be unique. I also think most people would not know what it is, and the ones who would recognize it (I’ve had two people spot the Breitling and pull me aside to discuss their Rolex rotation.) would be interested instead of turned off. But, it doesn’t come with a transparent case-back like the JLC (dat ass-http://static.squarespace.com/static/512f9596e4b0ed945e3306aa/t/523be52be4b04ae2ff0f54eb/1379657007584/L1170456.jpg?format=1500w) and at this price point I think that it should. Nobody is going to go diving with it, and they’re not even rated beyond 50M, so why not show the movement? It’s beautifully finished and detailed, why hide it? Seems like a waste of an opportunity to me, one that would make the choice somehow harder. I’m in love with the shape and finish of it though, the way it looks in the light. It’s also an iconic watch from one of the top watchmakers on the planet, and in 100 years, I think that will still be true. I understand it’s a polarizing style, so some of you will disagree here, but for the rest of us, when you have a chance to add one to your collection, you need to.
But where else am I getting an in-house perpetual calendar for this price? It blows my mind that as long as I keep it wound, the watch won’t need to be adjusted until my son does it in March of 2100.
And before someone suggests it, I also thought about multiple watches for the same money, but I’d rather save over a shorter time for the mid-level pieces (I’d love a Submariner and a Reverso, and the Breitling Transocean Chronograph is perfection to me) and jump to the top now while I can enjoy it, before I have real responsibilities.
Does anyone have experience with either of the two firsthand? Anyone feel strongly one way or another? My friends would rather use a cable box or their phone as a clock than a watch, so they’d be worthless here. So I turn to you. OP will deliver sometime towards the end of the summer.
Top Comment:
As a huge RO fan, particularly of the chronograph models in steel, it's difficult for me to say it but you've got to get the JLC.
Like you said, you simply can't get a perpetual calendar anywhere else for the money. It's also practically the ultimate complication, maybe short of a minute repeater.
The choice is a little too clear as for which piece is more appropriate, but understandably the style aspect of the RO is probably difficult to get over. At the end of the day, it is which watch you will like and use more, so go by that - but my vote is a tough decision in favor of the JLC.
Good luck!
[Audemars Piguet] Just got my first AP
Main Post: [Audemars Piguet] Just got my first AP
Top Comment: It's odd, I love the way the case looks on APs, but I cannot stand how the bracelets look. Not like it matters since I probably won't be able to afford one ever haha. Glad you love it.
[Brand Guide] - Audemars Piguet
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This is part eighteen in our ongoing community project to compile opinions on the many watch brands out there into a single list. Here is the original post explaining the project.
This week, we're taking a look at the third of the so-called "holy trinity" of Swiss watchmaking: Audemars Piguet. Let's get started:
Though the Audemars Piguet company dates back to the 19th century, today they are one of the more adventurous and contemporary of the major watch brands. Though they have a working relationship with Richemont, the exact details of which I'm currently unable to find (and would appreciate more information on), they remain an independent brand, which gives them the freedom to experiment much more than other watchmakers might. Their signature piece, the Royal Oak and its derivatives, is a good example of the brand's free spirit, as its unique avant-garde styling looks rather unlike anything you'd find from Vacheron or Patek. The Royal Oak Offshore collection takes these ideas even further, though the fact that AP seems to constantly be releasing new "limited edition" ROOs for various events and celebrities is unfortunate. For the more traditionally-minded, they also offer the Jules Audemars line, which consists of more classic dress watch styles, including several tourbillons. Needless to say, all of their watches are made in-house. Ultimately, though their designs may not be for everyone, AP's offerings, both contemporary and classic, should be on anyone's short list of watches to check out if shopping for a high-end timepiece.
KNOWN FOR: Royal Oak collection, Jules Audemars collection
Other Resources:
Community Archives Search
Wikipedia
As usual, anything and everything regarding this brand is fair game for this thread.
If you disagree with someone, debate them, don't downvote them. The purpose of these discussion threads is to encourage discussion, so people can read different opinions to get different ideas and perspectives on how people view these brands. Downvoting without giving a counter-perspective is not helpful to anybody.
Top Comment: Thanks for the Guide, spedmonkey. My take: I'm sure they're mechanical marvels, but I find the Royal Oak line to be to an example of excess for status' sake. They're mostly ugly (especially in rose) and expensive, which seems to be the height of fashion. The Jules line is nice-looking, but nothing really special. I slightly prefer the style of Edward Piguet line. I give them a solid "meh."
[Discussion] Can someone explain to me how Audemars Piguet is considered one of the "big three" when the Royal Oak seems to be the only popular model they have?
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Hello r/Watches,
This is a genuine question and I'm just interested to know how AP was put next to Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin in terms of prestige. The Royal Oak has got to be one of the most beautiful watches but is it the sole reason for AP's success? I mean, when you think Omega you think Seamaster, Speedmaster, DeVille; Rolex, Datejust, Submariner, Explorer; but in the case of AP, it's only Royal Oak.
I'd be very happy to know what makes AP what it is, I'd love to hear from everyone. Thanks in advance.
Top Comment: Hodinkee covers this well I think: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/why-isnt-rolex-considered-one-of-the-big-three They point out that they are all of the following: 1) Oldest continuous operation - he big three are all 19th or 18th century companies 2) A focus on nothing but haute de gamme - where a large amount of effort is involved in providing a high level of finishing, over the top attention to detail, and the highest quality materials. Essentially a larger proportion, relative to other watch brands, of the costs are in the finishing etc. The reason why some of those other brands weren't in contention to be part of the big three are: Rolex: A 20th century company but importantly, it was never their intention to make haute de gamme/haute de horologie pieces. They wanted to make robust tool watches. Of course their level of quality control and attention to detail is still exceptional, less effort is put into the level of finishing you find in AP/PP/VC watches. Omega: Similar points as Rolex JLC: Similar characteristics as the big three, and even have the distinction of supplying movements to those brands. However, they haven't always been making watches, and were earlier in their history, more known for providing movements, than making watches. ALS: They're probably the closest brand that could be included in the big three, however, they pretty much ceased to exist post-war when the USSR nationalised the company. It wasn't until the 90s that the brand was revived. It should be noted that the big three is not a measure of quality, respect, popularity, or number of models they have. It's just a term perhaps born out of snobbery, or admiration of traditional watchmaking during the quartz crisis, or a simplistic way to rank brands, or maybe a combination of all of that.
I have between $2,000-$4,000 USD to spend on a watch. I've always wanted a real Audemars Piguet. Is eBay my best bet?
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I realize I can never afford a $25,000 AP but I've always wanted a simple and chic Audemars. This means I have to buy one used, but I'm worried about getting ripped off on eBay. Any suggestions or tips by the reddit watch experts?
Top Comment: sigh r/watches for me is purely aspirational. I'll post here someday, if anyone needs me I'll be over on r/frugal
[Audemars Piguet] Still can't believe I own this
Main Post: [Audemars Piguet] Still can't believe I own this
Top Comment:
This is my new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST with black dial introduced in late 2018. It was just delivered to me 48 hours ago. As a guy who has been into watches for a long time with no AD connection I was unable to even get on any waiting lists for the models I coveted from Rolex and PP. I wasn't about to spend x2 their retail prices or go buy some full gold day date I had no desire to wear. Last March I walked into the AP Boutique in NYC with absolutely no purchase history and asked if they had the new 15500ST models to try on. I was amazed at how beautiful all three dial colors were and how exquisitely finished the Royal Oak was. To my surprise I was actually told I could I could place a deposit for a black or grey one. It took me all of 2 mins to decide that instead of paying 15k for the BLNR I desired for a long time I will get a Royal Oak, a watch that was on my grail list but was more of a long term goal. Fast forward 4 months and my piece was delivered. Now that it is actually mine it amazes me even more. It's the nicest thing I have ever owned and nicest stainless steel watch I have ever put on my wrist. Dare I say AP steel looks even better than Rolex white gold? The dial although black is very playful and shows different grades of black depending on the lighting. The updated AP in house movement is also a pleasure to look at especially the AP rotor. Overall I am very happy with AP and they did gain a long term customer and I see myself buying more APs in the future, hopefully a 15202 and maybe in the distant future an Openworked. I will continue to covet some Rolex and PP models but until this madness settles down I will continue to be happy with my AP.
how to acquire my first AP Royal oak
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hi! so anyways im from philippines and since there is no AP boutique in my country, how can i buy my first AP ive already called marina bay , and thailand. id love to buy the 15500ST or the 16202ST blue dial but they said that i need to have a purchase history from one of their boutiques.
my question is
do i really need to buy other model of AP first to have a history so they can offer me the blue dial
or it depends on their stocks?
or it depends on their discretion?
someone please enlighten me.
Top Comment: You will need to buy other pieces. Code 11.59 offshore and maybe even a ladies piece. That is if they like you. No chance just getting a Royal oak. They will also make you wait with the watches you purchase so prepare for at least a 6 months to a year and wearing the watches to visit them during that time. You will also have to have the watches still while you get the Royal oak and then maybe you could sell one of the originals. Total starting cost might be something like 75k-90k+ just to get your hands on a 15500ST. My advice is if you want just a Royal Oak go grey market because it’s not worth all the resources if you just want one watch. If you are playing the long game and have significant resources and want higher pieces down the line then you have to spend and be trusted to get them. Hope This helps.