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Thread: AP royal oak 41mm blue or black dial

  1. #1
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    AP royal oak 41mm blue or black dial

    I have been offered both dial options blue and black, i already have many black faced watches including AP so i am heavily considering the blue, just wondered if any other AP owners went with the blue boutique dial, and if so any thoughts on how it wears.

    many thanks tony

  2. #2
    Master
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    I wanted the blue, tried the black and have been happy with it all the time I have had it. It is a 15300 though but for once in these kinds of discussion I don't think the size makes a difference.

  3. #3
    Master
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    Having never owned either, I realise my opinion is somewhat down the list but to my mind, AP's suit a blue dial better.

  4. #4
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    I think blue will hold up better if you ever want to sell
    Also boutique edition not as common
    Regards

  5. #5
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    Thanks for the replies, I had the same thought about the blue being a rarer watch, but just wondered if I would get bored with the blue dial, I just think the black is more versatile, going to look at both I guess then I will decide.

    Tony

  6. #6
    Master
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    RO blue dials are mercurial, at times and in some lights appearing a lighter blue, in the evening often appearing a very dark midnight blue, and at times and from some angles appearing almost black. This gives them a bit of extra interest, like two dials in one. I thought I always preferred black but this has changed my mind, and some photos of what appear to be black dials are actually blue. No really wrong answer here though.

    This is based on looking at a blue 14790ST but I'd imagine it's the same principle.

  7. #7
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    Not that I know anything on this subject, but are both/either of the dials engine-turned rather than stamped?

  8. #8
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    I would go for the Blue assuming they are at the same price? The Blue is boutique only and hence will hold its value better. Also is more unique.

  9. #9
    I'd go for blue too, especially given what you say about your current watch collection.

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    Not that I know anything on this subject, but are both/either of the dials engine-turned rather than stamped?
    I believe it is not stamped - I think the nautilus dial is though?

    As for the OP - I'll throw a curve ball, have you tried the white dial? I thought blue before trying the white and would lean that way now.

  11. #11
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by crazyp View Post
    I believe it is not stamped - I think the nautilus dial is though?

    As for the OP - I'll throw a curve ball, have you tried the white dial? I thought blue before trying the white and would lean that way now.
    It was in a conversation about the Nautilus that someone told me some RO dials were now being stamped as well. As I say, I know nothing (beyond having drooled copiously over that video of a RO dial being made) so I've no idea what models that might have been in reference to. Or even if it was true. But I do know that given a choice between an engine-turned dial and a stamped one my decision would come very promptly!

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    It was in a conversation about the Nautilus that someone told me some RO dials were now being stamped as well. As I say, I know nothing (beyond having drooled copiously over that video of a RO dial being made) so I've no idea what models that might have been in reference to. Or even if it was true. But I do know that given a choice between an engine-turned dial and a stamped one my decision would come very promptly!
    I hope that isn't true - the workmanship of the AP is visibly higher than PP. Would be interesting if someone could chime in?

    Should point out aesthetically I prefer the Nautilus - just.

  13. #13
    I'm having the same dilemma, 40th birthday is coming up and i like all three dials!

    What is the best new price for these now?

    Thanks

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by crazyp View Post
    I believe it is not stamped - I think the nautilus dial is though?

    As for the OP - I'll throw a curve ball, have you tried the white dial? I thought blue before trying the white and would lean that way now.
    I have though about the white but it looks quite silver to me ,and i have a safari with white dial and the 44mm RG with black dial so that is why i am leaning to the blue, the dial is amazing on this watch

    did you get white dial?

    cheers
    Tony

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boarder1 View Post
    I'm having the same dilemma, 40th birthday is coming up and i like all three dials!

    What is the best new price for these now?

    Thanks
    1st work problems and all that,ha ha ha
    new from AD is £14300 not much cheaper in the grey market i am going AD for this purchase

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by crazyp View Post
    I hope that isn't true - the workmanship of the AP is visibly higher than PP. Would be interesting if someone could chime in?

    Should point out aesthetically I prefer the Nautilus - just.
    all you Nautilus owners out there please Don't shout at me, but Personally my only problem with the Nautilus is that it feels cheap and very inexpensive when i handle one,but of course i know this is totally incorrect, aa i am sure i will be corrected.

    cheers

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Tony E View Post
    all you Nautilus owners out there please Don't shout at me, but Personally my only problem with the Nautilus is that it feels cheap and very inexpensive when i handle one,but of course i know this is totally incorrect, aa i am sure i will be corrected.

    cheers
    All subjective of course - though i admit I understand given the cost to.

    I didn't buy the AP in the end - the service costs scared me massively. I got a white dial daytona which really did hit the sweet spot for me in terms of 'luxury' sports. Don't get me wrong I'd like a royal oak at some point. Guess not now.

  18. #18
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    Blue dial from AD :) thats what i would pick. Also get it serviced by an uncertified AP specialist and pray that its doesn't need parts replaced people often say "If you buy an expensive watch, you pay for the expensive service costs" i beg to differ ... It really comes down to trust of you watchmaker, and from what i've heard AP RO date isn't that hard to service.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Danishman View Post
    Blue dial from AD :) thats what i would pick. Also get it serviced by an uncertified AP specialist and pray that its doesn't need parts replaced people often say "If you buy an expensive watch, you pay for the expensive service costs" i beg to differ ... It really comes down to trust of you watchmaker, and from what i've heard AP RO date isn't that hard to service.
    AP servicing cost and timescales are just rediculous,you are right about that

  20. #20
    Master
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    The 15400 blue is nice and dynamic, the 15300 and Nautilus have the more grey/blue Genta dials.

    AP service is very good, around 1 month, PP is much worse, closer to 6.

  21. #21
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tony E View Post
    I have though about the white but it looks quite silver to me ,and i have a safari with white dial and the 44mm RG with black dial so that is why i am leaning to the blue, the dial is amazing on this watch

    did you get white dial?

    cheers
    Tony
    I'd have definitely gone with blue given your existing collection. Hope you like the Daytona.

  22. #22
    Ive just been offered either black or white dial for £11,950 on the grey market. Fully boxed papered and brand new. Have been told the blue is retail or slightly more than retail due to being boutique only.

  23. #23
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boarder1 View Post
    Ive just been offered either black or white dial for £11,950 on the grey market. Fully boxed papered and brand new. Have been told the blue is retail or slightly more than retail due to being boutique only.
    God, I remember when these were offered for £8k by Darren a couple of years ago. Even tho we know now they were black market with no taxes paid, still can't bring myself to pay these kinds of figures. I'd only buy the blue one.

  24. #24
    Grand Master
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    Tony, both great watches and the blue is a little sportier and in my opinion suits the style slightly better
    RIAC

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post
    Tony, both great watches and the blue is a little sportier and in my opinion suits the style slightly better
    yes i am pretty sure it will be the blue, should be picking it up on 29th

  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by aksing View Post
    God, I remember when these were offered for £8k by Darren a couple of years ago. Even tho we know now they were black market with no taxes paid, still can't bring myself to pay these kinds of figures. I'd only buy the blue one.
    i think i read that Darren had a few issues regarding his pricing

  27. #27
    Master
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    Again, I am not a Royal Oak owner, but this watch is a grower.

    A few weeks ago I would not have given one house room never mind wrist time but I am now looking for the cheapest prices around.

    Personally, I would go for the blue, it looks great and I am sure will stand the test of time really well.

  28. #28
    Master Murdoc's Avatar
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    How much do they cost to service?

  29. #29
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    Blue is amazing

    Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

  30. #30
    Craftsman logan2z's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    Not that I know anything on this subject, but are both/either of the dials engine-turned rather than stamped?
    The 41mm Royal Oak dial is engine turned, not stamped. My understanding is that AP are only stamping the Mega Tapisserie dials of watches like the RO Offshore Diver.
    Last edited by logan2z; 23rd December 2016 at 11:34.

  31. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Murdoc View Post
    How much do they cost to service?
    I think some where around £700

  32. #32
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by logan2z View Post
    The 41mm Royal Oak dial is engine turned, not stamped. My understanding is that AP are only stamping the Mega Tapisserie dials of watches like the RO Offshore Diver.
    Thank you for the clarification, I was beginning to get worried about peddling in incorrect rumour. For what it's worth, I went through all the time only Royal Oaks on their website and there was no variation in the descriptions of the dial, but unfortunately they don't specifically say "engine-turned". Anyway the visual difference is very clear

    RO:



    ROOs:






  33. #33
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    What about the Jumbo. The dial is a blue/black so you get the best of both worlds.

  34. #34
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    Thank you for the clarification, I was beginning to get worried about peddling in incorrect rumour. For what it's worth, I went through all the time only Royal Oaks on their website and there was no variation in the descriptions of the dial, but unfortunately they don't specifically say "engine-turned". Anyway the visual difference is very clear
    The ROO Diver’s mega tapisserie has been stamped since part way through the production of the I serials, coinciding with the display case back. They also became matted, losing the previous glossiness.
    The ROs are still guillochéd.
    Last edited by PJ S; 24th December 2016 at 06:46.

  35. #35
    Craftsman logan2z's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PJ S View Post
    The ROO Diver’s mega tapisserie has been stamped since the introduction of the I serials, which coincided with the display case back. They also became matted, losing the previous glossiness.
    The ROs are still guillochéd.
    I'm in the market for the Diver and the stamping does bother me a bit, but I prefer the matte finish so I can probably overlook it.

  36. #36
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Nice conundrum to have, and I can only go by my own experience... the blue dial is sublime.


  37. #37
    The RO is an amazing watch and both dials (blue and black) would go well with the stainless steel case. If I have to make my choice I would buy stainless steel RO with a blue dial and gold RO with a black dial.

  38. #38
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    I think blue also.
    The blue is something I would also like to own at some point.

  39. #39
    Craftsman logan2z's Avatar
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    Just a note on the blue RO: the blue on the 15400 is quite a bit different than the blue on the Jumbo. The blue is quite a bit lighter on the 15400s that I've seen. I'd be sure and check the watch out in person before buying.

  40. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Nice conundrum to have, and I can only go by my own experience... the blue dial is sublime.

    Looks Amazing

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