This AP grail watch is disappointing - but amazing
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- Hands-on with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202ST
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#AP #RoyalOak #BarkAndJack
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15202st, 15400,
Adrian, I must say, I hold your opinions in high regard. You explain everything so well but more than this, you give your honest personal opinions and back them up with detailed yet concise points which blend together to validate your position and overall assessment of the time piece(s). Your videos have improved tremendously over time, well done and thank you for providing the content you do, you do it so well mate you really should be proud of yourself.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. And I’m so glad you can see an improvement in the content. 👍🏻
I had the opposite experience. Never liked the RO in photos, but was completely blown away by it in the steel. Impeccable finishing and proportions. It’s boldly industrial and elegant at the same time. Nothing comes close to its finishing or actual wrist presence, imho. Not even Grand Seiko or Vacheron.
Tissot Prx.
Well done. I'm a year into the watch hobby and I'm starting to realize how I'm prioritizing things like usability (quick date function, high power reserve, etc) way over brand name and sometimes over visual design. Thanks for the video!
This demonstrates the importance of being able to try watches on before you lay out your dough. People speak of the watch world moving toward selling online, but that would take away this crucial part of the watch buying process; being able to try the thing on.
milineals dont care about that too much lol
a lot of places have returns ,so you are not wed to it. still a pain to return something purchased online though
Do you think they will have a Royal Oak in store ready for you to try on? You probably need to pay them full RRP even before the watch arrives! At least that's how it goes in Asia
What if the AD was a demo and experience shop who had the model range to view and try on, rather than being in charge of who can purchase and fictional waiting lists. If Rolex, AP etc had a system where you pay a sizeable deposit and your wait time was dictated by the manufacturer. Pay the AD a commission for looking after and delivering the watch. You would soon see the levels of customer service go through the roof!
@@jire9831 I had to laugh at your post. So true. I bought a Tesla Model 3 and 39mm Explorer before ever testing them out in real life. Both worked out beautifully, but it could have totally gone the other way.
Never meet your heroes... That's all i have to say about driving your childhood iconic cars, wearing most of the top tier production watches, playing the most wanted guitars... I'm glad you liked the AP.
Have played a lot of really cool guitars.
They are REALLY cool haha.
Comment is spot on.
Owning an AP Royal Oak is like dating a pretty girl with a few personality issues. In the presence of beauty some men are just willing to forgive quirks and let downs.
Your analogy... Spot on!
Same guys who like changing their "grail"😂
Comparing an object you own to a person. Comes off as quite misogynistic.
Some people get metaphors George. Other's don't. Personally I could not care less what you consider misogynistic, or not. As long as you hide your wanna-be-identity behind Eric Arthur Blair's pseudonym on social media, your ill informed comment rings hollow and pretentious to me. NEXT!
@@robimacher4221 The metaphor doesn't work because owning a watch is nothing like being in an equal partnership. And from your tone, it seems you do care. Your comment is at best dumb and at worst, as I say, it betrays your disrespect for women.
When you wear this timepiece it comes alive and no video or picture can substitute for that. I've tried on my fair share of watches and this and an A Lange & Sohne are the two that make me smile.
What a brilliant video Adrian. Glad you enjoyed your time with it and created such wonderful content for watch lovers to enjoy.
Thanks for lending it to me Jonathan.
@@BarkandJack Can I borrow it next J dog?
@@BarkandJack next you should do a compare video with the 15500!
For people saying this watch doesn't have a quick set date. It's actually integrated into the movement, where you turn past 2am, go back to 10pm and forward again to get the date to jump more quickly. The 16202st has the quick date set.
Better than nothing I guess
Keep in mind that the 15202 is something of a "throwback" model, meant to closely track the original 70s version. Take a look at the 15300, for example--same 39mm but with slightly more robust case and bracelet, screw down crown, balance bridge, seconds hand ... Still, agree with your overall feeling that there's room for improvement with this (and other) hyped and high-priced models. Great channel, always love to hear your enthusiastic take on things!
How is it possible that your videos get better and better every week Adrian? I love the way you approached this whole video and that you shared your uncertainty. 😊👍
This AP Royal Oak is exactly how I feel about my Santos de Cartier: no screw down crown, okay water resistance, and fairly standard in-house movement you can’t even see - yet I am IN LOVE with it because it is such a gorgeous design with incredible finishing. Design-wise, it’s sort of the antithesis of the AP aesthetic; they would make a great complimentary pair in your collection.
I do really like it. It might be boring but something like a Day Date would be available at retail, be more useful daily despite the precious metal than this is. It would be properly swimmable, make just as much of a statement (a discrete one in white gold). I think wearability would matter more than the horological significance of the AP, which is without doubt far superior.
The more I’m into watches, the more I think haute horology is not for me or perhaps maybe one day just one amazing dress watch. They’re just not an everyday wear type of watch. Unless you’re a gazillionaire of course. I’d rather wear a mid tier watch from JLC, Omega, Rolex etc and enjoy them than baby a 15202. This still ends up having to be your special occasion watch when I dunno something like a Lange Saxonia, or a Calatrava could be bought alongside a daily Seamaster or similar for the money a 15202 would cost.
Wow didn't know you were into watches Paul!
@@joshuabutler818 I’m into them far too much tbh!
@@TheRunningManZ haha that’s awesome dude, love your content ❤️
I think it is maybe a watch that is designed to be a status symbol. Doesn't have the technical specs to justify the price (and I've heard they don't keep great time) but it looks great and it's iconic so you can charge what you want. AS you said gazillionaires only need apply
AP RO looks beyond badass on you. I'm with ya - I really don't think the world of like... "Haute horology" is for me. I just love the way a watch like this makes me feel! If I'm buzzing when I'm wearing it... Winner! Great video as always. Always looking forward to your videos!
The case profile is just nuts... definitely different and pretty amazing engineering
"Those feelings of being on a pedestal are gone after I feel you. You just don't feel substantial." is what I said to my wife after watching this watch video. apparently you're not allowed to compare an Audemars Piguet with your wife in 2021.
Now I'm living in the guest room.
Nice place. Enjoy your freedom.
Like "wife has got nice finishing but specs-wise..."
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Tissot PRX has a quick-set date, JS...
Haha - yes - I was just thinking the Tissot PRX with automatic movement would check a lot of boxes for me.
Apple Watches don't need any input from you to be 100% accurate, JS...
@@rousseau327 there's nothing wrong with smartwatch technology. If it gets people into the hobby, and brands like TAG Heuer and Frederique Constant are implementing smart capabily in some lines, H. Moser Swiss Alps watch is based on the aesthetic of the black mirrors on our wrists, and people even wearing one of each, a smartwatch or fitbit on one arm and a traditional piece on the other.
You have to be able to adapt or die as a brand. Look how many companies went bankrupt because Seiko brought out quartz movements. It was a quartz revolution for them - not a quartz crisis. Seiko uses a mix of mechanical and quartz in the spring drive movements that are super accurate and so smooth in the sweep second hands. If Citizen wants to try to blend the contemporary with the classic, it's certainly going to appeal to someone.
And the PRX being quartz kind of makes sense. It's a throwback to watches from an era where quartz watches, particularly their own Tissot Seastar PRX, but also higher end pieces like the Rolex Oysterquartz, were all the rage. It's a decent level of finishing, chops all of its own, at a price that real people can afford.
@@ZachyAbsynthe I think you missed the point of my comment. My point is, there's no point in comparing the features that a cheap PRX has versus a Royal Oak, because these two watches are catering to 2 completely different audiences. The Royal Oak buyer likely doesn't care or mind if there's a quickset date, or hacking seconds, or whether the movement is designed to absorb shock. It's a jewelry piece, art piece, whatever you want to call it, more-so than a functional one.
In fact, you don't even need to go that far up the price bracket to see this. The previous Speedmaster Moonwatch Pro did not hack. It's accuracy is crap compared to the standards that we're used to, whether it's COSC, METAS, Rolex's Superlative Chronometer, etc. But people love the watch, cause they just don't care about those things *in that particular watch*.
@@rousseau327 they need an iPhone though
Maybe it's like school days, having a deep crush on "the" girl.
And then finding out she only has a 40 hour power reserve, tragic.
@@mrbacchus6127 I wouldn't mind a manual wind in that case...
@@DarthJabba504 or a minute repeater...wait I'm not sure that works
That leather roll scene was a winner.
The fact that that watch doesn't have a quick set date function absolutely blows my mind.
It makes sense given everything else Adrian talked about in the video. This watch, and many like it, don't care about being functional.
@@rousseau327 fair point. Still ridiculous though!
@@oomsoutie14 it’s crazy yeah. my grail is a travel time aquanaut and that watch doesn’t even have hacking
They used the original 2121 movement from 1972. I suppose heritage has its price.
@@Kr0nicridah , it's laziness. "People will buy it anyway, so why bother?" - A.P.
A sports watch for 10s of thousands is an oxymoron, its a high end fashion item.
I would treat it as well as a dress watch.
That's jewelry.
You’re right.
Well everybody wants a sports watch that they will truthfully only wear as a dress watch.
Like buying a souped-up can do off-road hard core 4X4 that never leaves the burbs.
Literally laughed out loud at the watch roll bit... Still beautiful watch and roll.
Haha. Thanks Luke.
Yup loved it, very funny Adrian it was a great moment.
Your authentic and raw take on this AP grail watch - much appreciated.
Honestly the AP and the nautilus are for me, over hyped. Price compared to specs - again for me its a symbol of power of acquisition rather than horological genius. Just me tho!
No doubt it’s overhyped. But when you hold that watch… man it becomes a little easier to understand that if you have that kind of dough, then it’s still “worth” it.
Let’s just hope we get rich enough that spending $50k on a watch isn’t a big deal.
Yes and Yes! About time for a 15202 video, my next pick! I love AP
Terrible watch
I feel you! I tried on the AP RO when my best friend got it. I, too, was underwhelmed. I was completely won over by the VC Overseas and pulled the trigger as soon as I had it on my wrist. No to take anything away from the tapisserie dial on the AP, but the dial on the VC is faultless! The AP bracelet plays better with light, it grabs your eye from across a room, but the VC bracelet is an absolute monster! Supremely comfortable, exquisitely finished and with 2 extra features that trump the AP; not one, but 2 small extensions together equal to a half link, and a quick release to switch between again, not 1 but 2 alternative straps that come included with the watch as standard. A MUCH better purchase and one bought on the occasion of my son being born meaning he will get a VC 4500V as his birth year watch... one day
I’d love to grab a coffee when I’m in London next time
Art and taste are so personal that while "I" dont get this watch, I cant fault anyone who does. For me, it passes entirely beyond stats and features into the world of fashion. And in that way its been appropriated as a social signifier in the same way other intentionally conspicuous goods have. More, "I can afford this." than "this is a great watch." And that's unfortunate.
What a fabulous video Adrian. This one fees like the never meet your heroes analogy. Fantastically well done as always Adrian, keep it up mate!
Dude, so refreshing to see an honest review about this watch. Massive props to you brother!!
thanks mate.
You can easily set the date by moving the hour hand back to 10 and forward to 2 and back again, vs winding it around 24 hours.
Well now you have to see if you can get hold of a VC overseas, great video again!
Perfect articulation of how knowing what you want from a watch and why. The disappointment of a grail always cuts pretty deep but also serves as a way to further refine your taste.
Being that you have now had some time with the AP and Patek, it would be great if one day you had some time with the Vacheron Constantin Overseas
My SNK803 finally arrived. Thanks Adrian for the strap upgrade!!! 10/10 product and service (written note was much appreciated/unexpected touch)
The first time I ever held a Patek my reaction was, "huh." I admired the craftsmanship, but it felt flimsy and did nothing for me. I had the same realization that haute horology would never be for me, not that I could have ever afforded one in the first place, haha. I can honestly say that, without considering how much I could sell them for, I would keep my white OP39 over the Patek chronograph I handled if I were given the opportunity to make a straight trade.
The idea of understanding what YOU want in a watch really resonates with me. I'm in the same boat as you: after years of collecting I realize I'm not a haute horology guy, either. Love the watches... I just realized having one wouldn't work well with my lifestyle and what I want in a watch.
It’s absolutely stunning and I would buy it if I ever had the chance to do so. It is effortlessly cool 😎
AP has already solved the issues that he complained about. They made a 41mm RO that has has balance bridge, quick set date, and second hand. Not to mention it has AP’s in house movement. It is also much cheaper that this 15202. People that buy the 15202 doesn’t care for all the “faults”, they want the watch that save the Swiss watch industry.
@@tonyfu2200 I absolutely agree. And, also, in my opinion all the finesse of the 15202 disappears with the advent of the 41mm models. The old Jumbo has the exact proportions that Gerald Genta envisioned for this watch in 1972.
I have a Royal Oak and I love it. It’s a watch that you can wear that’s not in your face, it sits on your wrist comfortably and it does the main thing very well. It tells the time in an easy to read fashion both in the day or at night. If you wear it everyday you don’t have to wind it, if you don’t wear it a watch winder keeps it ready to go.
You just described every mechanical watch ever 😂😂😂
I love the design but the specs make me not ever want to dish out that kind of cash even at retail. No quickset date and 50m water resistance...?
No quickset and 50m water resistance sound like low tier seiko 😳
And the big one being with a power reserve of only 40 h.
No screw down crown
Integrated bracelet
Poor water resistance
No second hand
No quick set
Low power reserve
Screwed case back
No full balance bridge
No in-house movement
Goofy hexagonal bezel screws
What a piece of shit.
@@astifcaulkinyeras dont forget the pricetag
Its a joke isnt it?
I have the 15202 and I love it. It’s wears amazingly well. But, the crown is a drag. It is small, hard to ge a good grip. No quick-set, but not necessary to set it like you do, which I’m certain you know. The quirky ”10 to 1”-mechanism. It also doesn’t have a quick ’n easy bracelet adjustment, and if you need a half-link to get the proper sizing it’ll cost an arm and a leg.
Still love it!
It's gorgeous, but when I tried one, I can't help but feel that it's half jewelry and half watch.
Yes it is. That’s the whole point.
That´s a good thing, right?
Aren’t all watches?
No, if you want jewellery by a Jacob &Co.....or if you're on a very tight budget......an Invicta!!!😁
@@GustapoGomez I think it is a little too flashy, though. Not so understated..
I don’t miss my 15202 for all the reasons you mentioned plus more. Gorgeous, but hard to own.
Never meet your heroes. Great video brother, can't wait to check out your watch rolls!
Adrian, you just convinced me to get a Zenith Defy classic. 95% of the charm but zero drawbacks
Hi Adrian, it is so funny to see a video about this watch.. after having it for a year I decided to sell it because of the same reasons you just mentioned!
It is just darn beautiful.. but it doesn’t make any sense 😄 I got some backslash from the community after selling it.. but you have to experience it first hand imo!
Thank you so much for your insight - cheers ✌🏼
how much did u sell it for
Adrian, once again your sincerity shines through your videos. God in you, mate.
New watch roll, perfect for... Oh no wait.
Absolute lad. Keep up the great content, it’s appreciated.
Haha. Thanks Rob. 👍🏻
Wow. I wasn't an admirer of the Royal Oak but your video really made it pop. Well done. Great, honest channel.
I really appreciate the honesty in this video. Too often I see reviewers making excuses for the big brands and just chalk it up to "that's just how these watches are". Objectivity is important to me and I'm happily subscribing to see more content like this. Keep up the excellent work!
Couldn’t agree more with so much. Nautilus in person is lackluster, Royal Oak definitely feels special, but not a watch I’d actually own after consideration. It’s a piece of art, but lacking in too many key areas. Great video Adrian.
I am just not a Huge Fan of the Royal oak...Not that it’s an ugly Watch, but I do like Datejusts, Seamasters and Explorers more 😅
Same here. I also feel the same way about Submariners. No idea why, I’ve just never found them attractive.
i feel like were telling people what they should like, calling watches like this a GRAIL watch. i agree with you, not a big fan and prefer my seamaster
Agreed, I prefer Rolex, Omega to AP and Patek. I don’t like the shape, no seconds hand and hate the bracelet. Same for Nautilus...
stop it lol
Adrian, thanks for the incredible work as always. I can’t wait until your back on the streets again toting your backpack and visiting shops.
That redundant "AP" on the dial really bothers me. Same with "GS".
How is that any different than the Rolex coronet, Omega symbol, VC cross, Breitling "B" or wings, or JCL's "JL"? ....just to name a few
@@brucethemanlee Rolex/VC ones are pretty different considering they aren't straight-up acronyms/initials. Maybe Omega, but it's at least in Greek...
@@rohanes Yes your're right
@@rohanes vc is not initials?
@@yixunnnn I was referring to the cross...
Loved the video! Laughed out loud when you tried to put the Royal Oak in the watch roll. Also loved you saying that the 8800 movement sh*ts all over the Royal Oak movement. Awesome. I'm in sync with you on it all. Very fun. Thanks.
Having owned this watch for the last nine years I can certainly appreciate your comments and thoughts on the 15202 however I humbly disagree with them. What attracted me to and what I love about this watch is the 2121 movement. It’s an engineering marvel and is still one of the thinnest center rotor automatic movements on the market today despite being designed and developed over 50 years ago. While there’s no quick set date per se you can quickly change the date by moving the minute hand between 10p and 2a. AP sent me one of their nifty winding tools to make this process even easier. Sure it does not have the longest power reserve or deepest water resistance but let’s be honest it wasn’t designed to climb mountains or dive to great ocean depths. It was intended to be a luxury steel sports watch that cost more than the finest gold dress watch. It was a Hail Mary play during the quartz crises when mechanical watches were at risk of extinction. The design and size was a radical departure from anything prior and AP went out on a limb and most would agree it was a bet that paid off. While I agree on your positives and some of your shortcomings I have to say that I love the Jumbo today as much as I did the day I got it. It’s the one watch in my collection that I think I could live exclusively with for the rest of my life. I understand and appreciate that not everyone feels the same but for me it has never disappointed. Thanks for a great video as always. Cheers.
how is servicing? i heard it's a pain and really expensive
@@ionutcatalin6620 Yep no one talks about servicing cost. I’d really like to know too.
@@NEROROYAL because AP used ultra slim movements in sport watch case. that's why the date is closer to the center. go and play golf with it and then pay 2k to repair it in 6 months.
i don't like AP. they are milking the same cow since the 70's with wild combinations, diamonds, skeletons, turbillions... watches for rappers...
there are other wonders like A Lange, Fp Journe, Vacheron that strive craftsmanship on multiple levels ;)
@@ionutcatalin6620 Having said that I’d still love to own one 😂😂😂
Me too but if I receive it as a gift! haha
I tried this watch and the play of light on the bracelet is glorious. It’s more about the design. The beauty of the light coming off a case that’s quite industrial in its design is a remarkable contrast.
"Without sounding overly pretentious" -- When I was invited to Rolls Royce.
That was a damm good video, his Rolls Royce visit. Look it up.
I owned the vintage bulova homage of the royal oak for a short time in the past. The quality was obviously not up to par, but the design, fit, and size of it was absolutely great. I could see why people would like the actual royal oak. Funny thing though, the bulova actually had quick set date. XD
A opposite tale: The first time I held an Octo Finissimo I expected to be underwhelmed. It seems so fragile, and it comes from a maker of weird women’s jewelry. Totally unique for the price point: bazaar thinness, light as a feather. It seems like people who really wanted to make a great watch spent some time thinking about it. Despite the style I can’t call it a sports watch. It could never be a daily wearer. Still, I want one.
the finissimo 100m water resistant steel watch could totally be a daily. it's so sexy on the wrist too.
As time passed I’ve totally come to share the same point of view!
It's interesting you pointed that out . I think that's with most things in life. I've felt in love with watches when I try them on at the AD . Finally purchase them , get excited and then the feeling doesn't live up to the anticipation. Then I start thinking if it was worth it . I love watches but seems the moment you get them even though they are beautiful pieces , after a few months the feeling dies off a little but then again sometimes you look at it and makes you smile. It's and up and down feeling .I'd say same with a woman you love , the chase and the moment you finally get her is the exciting bit but then it's high and lows from then on haha .
Even a holy grail piece is never alone to satisfy a watch enthusiasts passion. There will always be a thirst for other pieces and at some point another journey for another holy grail piece ....
Thought you were gonna hit us with an espresso machine sponsorship
Well its a lovely looking watch! Fits your wrist perfectly! 50 metres of water resistance was a surprise to me when I handled a RO Chrono! Still need to win me over on the Seamaster!:]
Thoroughly enjoying your objective and honest reviewing mate, very refreshing to listen to. Plus that bit with the watch roll cracked me up 😂. Keep going dude, honest reviewing is what we need 👍👌
Haha. Thanks a lot James. 👍🏻
Brilliant and honest review. Really enjoy your sensible and pragmatic take on these high end watches.
I need a sweeping seconds hand for some reason
Nope not for me.
then go grand seiko
I always thought if I won the lottery, I would have one of those. Thank you for the honest review and addressing the same issues I would not be able to live with. I had a job where timing was essential, I need to look down at my watch and see the seconds hand sweeping and know I am on time, as I travel I also couldn't handle a watch with a non-quick set date. For nearly 30 large I no longer crave owning one.
So glad I watch this, just saved myself £26,000!
You mean £46,000. They're practically unavailable at MSRP
@@enriqueali Why are they so hard to get hold of? What about the standard 37mm or 41mm variants?
I've got the Casio version and its after-market suit of armour. Despite being too big, too heavy, and a bit sharp in places on the bracelet, that styling make it a great watch to wear and I wish I could afford the original.
Looks a bit like a Tissot PRX - except without the second hand, less accurate and with less water resistance. That and a £46,000 price difference on Chrono24.
Exaactly!
I am not a fan of integrated bracelets and 1970’s looks, but at least the Tissot gives you the vibe with jeopardizing your financial situation.
I own a frosted royal oak chrono... I've had it for a while. When I bought it, I paid retail. I don't wear it much today but it's worth 4x as much now. AP is a wonderful investment.
Way out of my price range, but a GREAT review...
Thanks for watching mate. 👍🏻
I have to say that your channel constantly evolves and quality improves with every episode. chapeau Adrian.
15500ST has 70 hr power reserve and quick date sets, hacks, has a screw-down crown and is £5500 cheaper.
Facts! That’s what I was thinking 🤔
Fantastic video Adrian, production quality through the roof on this one
If it were “gifted” to me, it would be the first watch d ever trade away.
Subscribed! Love the brutal honesty of this video and agree wholeheartedly. The last time I tried an RO in an AP (10yrs ago) it was just under £11k… I nearly went for it instead of buying an 116610, but then reason took over. I’m glad I did. Well done, Adrian
It’s beautiful for sure, it’s just that between it & it’s two competitors........... My pick is the VC Overseas 😎
I agree with you. No ability to quickly change the date is a deal breaker, for me.
Rolls Royce: let's add a huge amount of weight that benefits the driver, not the car
Lotus: use some duct tape. Atta boy, that'll do.
Hahaha.
"add lightness" WAS Colin, though...
Great video! As a 15300 owner... every issue raised here points towards the 15300. Same 39mm dimensions (albeit, a bit thicker). Quickset date and arguably more aesthetic & balanced dial layout (AP at noon), and a screw down crown and overall more robust feel. With that said, it’s definitely tradeoffs between the history + nod to the past vs. what I consider to be a more purpose-built piece of luxury that ticks more of my personal boxes - Eg. I prefer the seconds hand than a two hander.
Hard to swallow not having a second hand, imagine if your watch stops on the 15th of the month and 2 weeks later you want to put it back on again, you'd have to wind your finger out of your socket to set the date.
🤣Good one! Utterly daft not having a quick-set date in the year 2021 on a “sports watch” costing that much.
You can see from the back if it runs
You can quick set the date by forwarding hour past midnight and then back to approximately 11:30, then back past 12:00 again.
I can't handle not having a seconds hand and no quickset date. I honestly don't get the hype. To each his/her own I suppose.
There are obviously models with a second hand, but I absolutely agree with you. The Royal Oak was my dream watch years and years ago, long before I really got into Watches as an enthusiast... As far as luxury brands went, well... Most recognize the Rolex Crown whether they've ever seen an actual Rolex in their life or not... And then AP, probably dropped in songs before I graduated HS.
I even made the huge mistake of buying this disgusting MK (from Macy's iirc, so you know that price was hiked like a mofo 🙄) that back then, if not for the MK Logo on the ugly ass carbon fiber-ish Dial, I probably WOULD HAVE believed it was a RO... OK, maybe a bad counterfeit RO because the thing felt so cheap and had a pretty bad Quartz movement inside... But still, young and dumb. Knew I wouldn't be able to afford an actual AP of any kind for decades... And at that time (I think it was while I was in HS still... Probably 2007) neither I nor anybody I knew personally knew a single thing about watches.
I still remember the (definitely pretentious) Watchsmith at his small shop, local to me at the time, looking absolutely disgusted when I happily brought it in to be re-sized 😂👍 "(deadpan, trying not to puke as he took it from me) Fifteen Bucks" (Didn't say a single word after I paid, thanked him for his work (😂), and told him to have a great day. So awkward, thinking back now)
Shit, I've learned most of what I know since the Pandemic hit the States, and since then I've been soaking it all in like a sponge.
But obviously as time passes, tastes change. I've obviously come to love and appreciate all of the work that goes into a great Automatic/Mechanical Movement, and if I were gifted this exact Watch I'd be looking at it daily...before and after it was on my wrist... But the sweeping second hand is definitely a way to appreciate it while ON Wrist. GS' Spring Drive, for example... One of the most beautiful, smooth sweeps I've ever seen (and in LARGE part because of the Spring Drive Movement, I decided that the SBGA211 would be my first "Luxury" Watch 👀Soon👀). Just beautiful to look at.
The overall aesthetic of the Royal Oak IS STILL something I do love. No question. So for all I know, in ~10-20 years I may actually purchase one (Depending on if AP "pulls a Patek" with the RO before I'm able to comfortably purchase one 😔. I don't see it happening, but a lot can change in 10-20 years), we'll see.
But I'll admit, a second hand is an ABSOLUTE MUST if I'm going to be spending THAT much on a Watch, period. As my tastes started to develop and change, I also started disliking many Dial styles... One of them being the "Waffle Style" Dial here. Shit, I even decided to buy the Quartz Tissot PRX, (already knowing an Automatic was coming) once I saw the Auto Models will have nearly that same Waffle Dial... Bleh 😒
And honestly, I couldn't be happier with my PRX, Quartz Movement and all.
Many (ESPECIALLY the real Watch-Snobs 🥱) would gloss over ANY Watch with a Quartz Movement, based on that alone. Which depending on the PRICE of the Watch, I may actually agree with.
But as far as the PRX goes, I'll take the Quartz Model that's on my wrist right now (That I paid a mere $320 for, Brand New, from a great Shop. I'm sure you could find them even cheaper now... But even if I paid $500 for it, I'd still be just as happy with it 👏👏👏) over the Auto when it comes out 10 times out of 10.
Unless they offered other Dial options.
If I could have the same Black Dial with extremely subtle verticle brushing that I chose for the Quartz Model, a Blue or Grey Sunburst Dial, or possibly even a White Dial (sans the gold accents) with the PM80 Movement inside, I would buy one the day they were available.
But as far as I know, that's not going to happen. I hope I'm wrong, though... Because I wouldn't mind owning one of each, as I'm a HUGE fan of the design overall... And the thing fits my wrist, as well as my personal style (clothing/accessory-wise) PERFECTLY.
I guess we'll see.
The PRX wasn't something I purchased because of the few similarities to the RO, because I do see it as a completely different Watch altogether... But I can't deny, I do love the overall design of the Royal Oak. So the few similarities did play a part in loving the PRX as soon as I saw it.
🙏🤞 Here's to hoping that by the time I'm making as much as I can as an LADC in the next decade or two (and WILL be able to afford one without feeling that deep buyers remorse after a huge purchase), AP releases some newer Royal Oak refs with different Dials/Movements 🤞🙏
GOTDAMN I wrote an entire fucking novel 📖. I also had some espresso this morning. Maybe a taaaaaad too much 😂 (even WITH the L-theanine I always take with anything containing caffeine), considering how sensitive to caffeine I've been ever since back when I stopped drinking Pop, and cut down on both sugar and caffeine in a major way quite a long time ago. My bad 😅
I appreciate the honesty of the review. I would prefer it without the date complication too, instead of not having a quick set like you mentioned. The watch-roll looks gorgeous BTW
Give me an Overseas any day.
It might not be whether or not haute horology is for you, but rather, which haute horology piece you choose.
There’s a certain enjoyment you get looking at the hand finished movement and exterior; like staring at a piece of art at the Musée d’Orsay, This experience with haute horology takes the appreciation, by watch enthusiasts, of these micro-engineered beauties to the next level.
I chose the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. It has a quick set date, which is a must for me (The date on the AP would drive me mental).
Great shot of an exquisite looking timepiece. ☕️☕️👊👊
Great review..... I think the attraction is how hard some of these watches are to get and the market is crazy over inflated. My "High Horology" piece is a Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date and I would say finishing and specs it blows the Royal Oak and every Rolex out of the water. That all said the hobby is more of a sickness and opinions are all over the place.
Yeah the Panorama Date really is an amazing piece. Love that.
Made a video about my 3 grail watches and this is one of them. Thanks for showcasing it! Really as good as I thought it was.
I LOVE the small design details, especially the lack of the second hands, is "quiet" to look at
Surely the fact it’s priced at £26000 has some influence on how you’d feel about this watch.
I was in the same position, I tried the Nautilus and was not impressed. I tried a Royal Oak 15300, turned my wrist around and thought “ I’m so screwed!’’. It is my grail and I love it for being so gorgeous.
You are right, it doesn’t make sense but when I look at it, it’s my BIRTHDAY every day!
In general, there is very lazy engineering inside these models. If you have to then 15400 all day long. Saying that, the Royal Oak has to be Chrono to look good. Thanks for the vid.
Agree, the chrono looks good, the calendar too in white. Sub dials go well with this watch.
New Jumbo ref 16202 (released in 2022 - for 50th anniversary of Royal Oak) solves all of the mentioned issues: New calibre 7121 (in house) 55 hr power reserve, balance supported with bridge and quick date set mechanism. Please don't neglect that this watch is 8.1mm thick, sorry thin :)
but the new 7121 is ugly with it's architecture and lack of hand finishing relatively. i think in the long run collectors will put a premium on jumbo ROs with the original 2121.
JLC make great watches , even 50 years ago
You are right about the blue dial it is beautiful! Almost as deep as the 16613’s blue dial
I feel sorry for AP. The same way I feel sorry for Fender and Gibson, where their whole reason for being is reminding customers of the past.
That’s so true.
I agree I love the heritage and look of this watch but AP could at least have the integrity to upgrade the movement to the 21st century.
Timeless beauty and a great homage to the 70's original Gerald Genta 5042ST that changed the whole watch industry!
Not a fan. Movement is beautiful, but nothing special.
What I love about the 15202 is essentially, you're still getting the same watch you would have, all those years ago. Yes finishing may have improved and you have more precision now and there are definitely better movements out there, but for something that stays true to Genta's design, this is it.