Audemars Piguet Thread

[Devonian]

There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of AP posts on here so I thought I’d start a thread and see what happens - be nice to see photos from owners.

My AP history is as follows. A couple of years ago I posted a thread on here about the blue Royal Oak. Around that time I asked a few questions over on Rolex forums in the AP section. I was kindly given the details of the boutique manager at Harrods and made contact. A few messages and never heard anymore. I went into the boutique in February this year and again said I’d like the blue 15500 or the chrono. It seemed positive. Come July I email and again it’s positive, then a couple of weeks back. Positive response initially but then nothing more on my follow up email. I just thought that was it. Last week I was reading the AP forum and thought I’d ask again - had a pm from a member giving me the phone number of his contact at the AP House in Bond Street. I made the call and had a very positive and helpful chat. I was told that going in would be more advantageous. By now I was also keen on the grey and white 15500 dials. I was told a white dial might be possible very soon, a grey possibly in the next few months and a blue, highly unlikely but it wasn’t totally ruled out.

I’ve been due to go to London for a short meeting and Monday night thought ‘sod it I’ll go tomorrow’. The AP House is a lovely location, service was exceptional and I can only praise the helpful and friendly manner from start to finish. Got to try on a Panda chrono and a 38mm grey chrono.

As to the watch, my pictures don’t do it justice. It is stunning. The quality of the bracelet is incredible - 20 hours of polished hand finishing is clear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen and certainly not owned a watch with a better bracelet. As to the white dial, pictures don’t really tell the story. It shimmers from white to silver and back to white. Everything about this watch is sublime. I have some great watches and this is as good as any, if not better. So glad I didn’t give up!

[Sonos]

Stunning very nice watch I need a new job

[tiny73]

Ian there is an AP thread, I think it’s titled the APpreciation thread (am on my phone and the search never works properly).

Nice watch by the way. I have a 15300 AP RO chrono and a ROO Diver (had a 15400 and the AP ROO chrono and another APROO diver in the past).

[gladders]

I love an AP. I’ve had a few divers, but my tastes are moving to a “gentler” design. I think I’m one of the few people that really like the 11.59, in fact, I absolutely love it.

Here’s mine, on an ABP rubberised calf strap...





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[Gareth-W]

That experience with the Boutique at Harrods exactly mirrors mine for the 15500.

Ordered one in may 2019 was assured I'd see my watch "well within 12 months" Plenty of follow ups and calls from my side (and have bought from Harrods before) but still feel I am getting fobbed off by them - or at least, feels that way. My contact there said they get one in every "6-8 weeks" and given I was towards the sharp end of the list from when they became a Boutique there it doesn't quite tally. Anyway since then the price went up (natch....) and I'm still waiting......

Well done on getting a decent contact and service to buy yours O/P. Enjoy in good health.

[tiny73]

Here’s the other thread: https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...ciation+thread

[Yokel]

I love an AP. I’ve had a few divers, but my tastes are moving to a “gentler” design. I think I’m one of the few people that really like the 11.59, in fact, I absolutely love it.




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Well make that at least two of us. Everything about the 11:59 is gorgeous (except the date implementation IMHO -- but, one can't have everything).

Never been a fan of the RO (or the "Nauts", or Hublot) -- personal taste thing. I just prefer less metal around my watch face.

However, I do rather like my Huitième -- which I bought new in Hamburg in 1994 (after the launch of RO).

[Devonian]

Here’s my 1st ROO. It’s the new 43mm smoked taupe in black ceramic and steel.

I really love AP and have wanted to add a ROO to my RO. It’s taken a bit to get my head around the price point for a watch on a rubber or leather strap. Also added to that, the Royal Oak bracelet is simply stunning. I imagine that ROO’s are possibly a marmite watch which is fine as I like marmite :-)

We had a couple of days in London sorting out my sons new flat, so I took the opportunity to go to the AP House on Thursday and tried on some fantastic watches including 3 of the new ROO’s. The new Rose Gold, the blue titanium and this one. All 3 were fantastic but for me there was something very special about the dial on this. My photos aren’t the greatest but I will say that none of the pictures I’ve seen anywhere do justice to this dial.

That night I discussed it with my wife and she told me to just go for it, so I decided on the smoked taupe dial. Its so different to anything I own, have owned or probably even seen. Blue is my favourite colour dial and it would have been a safe option as I know I couldn’t go wrong with that dial, but we both agreed that this was the one. I slept on the idea and late yesterday afternoon went to pick it up.

This comes on a light rubber brown strap which I really like. I’m not particularly into black rubber straps but it comes with this as well and I’m not sure if I actually prefer it. I think it goes with the black ceramic bezel. The quick releases strap change is great and takes less than a minute including the buckle change.

This watch had a lot to live up to for me and it did!

[peterdo]

Lovely watch, congrats. I managed to secure a blue Chrono from the AD just before they made these boutique only, the finishing is unbelievable.

Turn 40 next year, would love a 11.59 Chrono but precious metal and price rises mean they are looking pretty steep plus I need to see one in the flesh




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[Devonian]

That experience with the Boutique at Harrods exactly mirrors mine for the 15500.

Ordered one in may 2019 was assured I'd see my watch "well within 12 months" Plenty of follow ups and calls from my side (and have bought from Harrods before) but still feel I am getting fobbed off by them - or at least, feels that way. My contact there said they get one in every "6-8 weeks" and given I was towards the sharp end of the list from when they became a Boutique there it doesn't quite tally. Anyway since then the price went up (natch....) and I'm still waiting......

Well done on getting a decent contact and service to buy yours O/P. Enjoy in good health.

Thanks Gareth. My guess is/was a lot of Harrods are from overseas buyers with deep pockets, but with travel restricted I thought chances would be increased. Hopefully though they will come good for you.

Lovely watch, congrats. I managed to secure a blue Chrono from the AD just before they made these boutique only, the finishing is unbelievable.

Turn 40 next year, would love a 11.59 Chrono but precious metal and price rises mean they are looking pretty steep plus I need to see one in the flesh



That stunning Peter and funnily enough that’s the one I asked about initially - apparently they had one recently so I was a couple,e of weeks too late. The panda was very special, so I’m guessing this is as well.

Cheers Stephen


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[Ctam]

There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of AP posts on here so I thought I’d start a thread and see what happens - be nice to see photos from owners.

My AP history is as follows. A couple of years ago I posted a thread on here about the blue Royal Oak. Around that time I asked a few questions over on Rolex forums in the AP section. I was kindly given the details of the boutique manager at Harrods and made contact. A few messages and never heard anymore. I went into the boutique in February this year and again said I’d like the blue 15500 or the chrono. It seemed positive. Come July I email and again it’s positive, then a couple of weeks back. Positive response initially but then nothing more on my follow up email. I just thought that was it. Last week I was reading the AP forum and thought I’d ask again - had a pm from a member giving me the phone number of his contact at the AP House in Bond Street. I made the call and had a very positive and helpful chat. I was told that going in would be more advantageous. By now I was also keen on the grey and white 15500 dials. I was told a white dial might be possible very soon, a grey possibly in the next few months and a blue, highly unlikely but it wasn’t totally ruled out.

I’ve been due to go to London for a short meeting and Monday night thought ‘sod it I’ll go tomorrow’. The AP House is a lovely location, service was exceptional and I can only praise the helpful and friendly manner from start to finish. Got to try on a Panda chrono and a 38mm grey chrono.

As to the watch, my pictures don’t do it justice. It is stunning. The quality of the bracelet is incredible - 20 hours of polished hand finishing is clear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen and certainly not owned a watch with a better bracelet. As to the white dial, pictures don’t really tell the story. It shimmers from white to silver and back to white. Everything about this watch is sublime. I have some great watches and this is as good as any, if not better. So glad I didn’t give up!

That is the one I would go for. Love it in white! Congrats and wear in good health.

BW,
Chi Kai


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[Lantenac06]

A magnificent watch! Congratulations.

For what it’s worth, I have never bought a watch from them but I will admit I’ve never found the service in the Harrods AP boutique terribly prompt or friendly. The Vacheron boutique there is much better; they have lovely staff. Of course, I suspect if I spent a great deal of money with the AP boutique that would likely change!


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[Gareth-W]

A magnificent watch! Congratulations.

For what it’s worth, I have never bought a watch from them but I will admit I’ve never found the service in the Harrods AP boutique terribly prompt or friendly. The Vacheron boutique there is much better; they have lovely staff. Of course, I suspect if I spent a great deal of money with the AP boutique that would likely change!


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Snap!

As Stephen said it would appear they are more tuned into their Billionaire clients than hoi polloi watch fans!

[dr_akash]

That watch is simply stunning in white!


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[Desert_Weasel]

That is lovely Stephen, never seen one in the flesh but they really do look sublime to my eye, and that bracelet is just wonderful.
Coincidentally I’m off to Riyadh this morning so may keep my eye out..... not that I’ve changed my mind

[ajw232]

I think the white/ silver dial is very underrated. As you say it flips colour depending on the light. I actually chose mine over the blue dial back before it was boutique only.



I’ve had the 15400 for nearly 8 years now although more recently I don’t wear it nearly enough. It’s time for a service so once I’ve had that done I’m sure I’ll wear it more regularly again.


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[LukeBird]

The watch itself doesn’t do much for me, the dial is great, just never been able to get on with the case shape.
Staggeringly bad service in two posts there though, madness. I wouldn’t be at all impressed by that.

[cyrusir]

thats a stunner in silver OP, id prefer it in that config over the blue myself,

mine is a little bulkier, but really like it as well

[Devonian]

Thanks all for the great comments - two days in and I’m really appreciating what high quality this watch is.

Cheers Mick, looking forward to seeing your incoming - I’m sure you’ll be very happy when you see it?

That is lovely Stephen, never seen one in the flesh but they really do look sublime to my eye, and that bracelet is just wonderful.
Coincidentally I’m off to Riyadh this morning so may keep my eye out..... not that I’ve changed my mind

Funny you say that, blue is my favourite colour and they let me try on a blue 15500 (already allocated) and I’d have thought 100% blue beforehand, but I’d actually be torn if both had been available.

thats a stunner in silver OP, id prefer it in that config over the blue myself,

mine is a little bulkier, but really like it as well

[MartynJC (UK)]

That white is amazing. Rivals my VC 4500 - it would be interesting to compare and contrast.

thats a stunner in silver OP, id prefer it in that config over the blue myself,

mine is a little bulkier, but really like it as well

I recognise that one!! Looking good my friend!

Martyn.

[DigitalSeb]

I think the white/ silver dial is very underrated. As you say it flips colour depending on the light. I actually chose mine over the blue dial back before it was boutique only.



I’ve had the 15400 for nearly 8 years now although more recently I don’t wear it nearly enough. It’s time for a service so once I’ve had that done I’m sure I’ll wear it more regularly again.


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Love this one! Definitely on my list to own at some point! Currently got a few Rolex (am I allowed to speak such words on this thread?!) but definitely been getting more and more into APs as of late



S

[Boss13]

Great purchase and good colour choice.

I was offered a grey dial early this year...i didn't go for it as felt the legibility wasn't great. Doesn't seem you will have those problems on yours by looking at the pictures?

This thread also reiterates my desire for the VC!

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the comparison again when you have had the AP a little longer and out of honeymoon period!

[JP28]

A few different options if you want a blue dialled AP 
This one a bit more of a beast !

[DigitalSeb]

A few different options if you want a blue dialled AP 
This one a bit more of a beast !

Now that’s a tank! How big is that one??



S

[JP28]

Now that’s a tank! How big is that one??



S

It’s 44.
It’s big but wears really well (pic distorts the sizing a bit) which it needs to as it’s not the lightest.

[Gareth-W]

A few different options if you want a blue dialled AP 
This one a bit more of a beast !

Nice but I’ve done the AP ROO thing with a RB 2 that I never should have sold!

[Topcat30093]

Congratulations Stephen.
Suits your wrist perfectly.
You are certainly on a roll

[gregjd]

Lovely watch. I really fancy a 15500 in blue or grey. There's not an AD anywhere near me and I wonder whether the waitlists are any better outside of London. Do you need 'history' with AP to be able to get in the queue and what is a realistic lead time?

[Van Diemen]

Here's mine.

Picked it up 12 months ago, boy have prices moved since then.

[peterdo]

Lovely watch. I really fancy a 15500 in blue or grey. There's not an AD anywhere near me and I wonder whether the waitlists are any better outside of London. Do you need 'history' with AP to be able to get in the queue and what is a realistic lead time?

Blue dial watches are now boutique only, for RO models.

I’m not sure on the buying history angle, I suspect it would help, but if you’re slapping £20k down on a watch it might not be as problematic, albeit desirable models might have a long wait


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[Devonian]

Congratulations Stephen.
Suits your wrist perfectly.
You are certainly on a roll

Thanks Tony . . . . . Next time you’re passing :-)


Some lovely watches above - I’ve discovered the quality of AP is quite special!

[Topcat30093]

Thanks Tony . . . . . Next time you’re passing :-)


Some slovenly watches above - I’ve discovered the quality of AP is quite special!

Will do
Have you still got all your pieces?
Did you get the Blancpain?


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[paskinner]

Interesting that in Wimms latest monthly thread, AP scores very low....two mentions against 100 for Rolex, ranking with the likes of Corum. Whether this tells us much about AP sales, as against TZ interests, I don’t know. But it looks as if the gap between Rolex and the ‘holy trinity’ remains pretty large.

[Devonian]

Interesting that in Wimms latest monthly thread, AP scores very low....two mentions against 100 for Rolex, ranking with the likes of Corum. Whether this tells us much about AP sales, as against TZ interests, I don’t know. But it looks as if the gap between Rolex and the ‘holy trinity’ remains pretty large.

Rolex apparently makes 800,000 to 1,000,000 watches a year if its true. AP makes 45,000 but last year were down to 37,000. AP prices are probably an average of 3x Rolex prices as a guess?

So the market is far slower in production and far higher in price, so the 2 against 100 seems relative. I know of 4 members here waiting to buy RO's - small production being the wait reason.

[Gareth-W]

Rolex apparently makes 800,000 to 1,000,000 watches a year if its true. AP makes 45,000 but last year were down to 37,000. AP prices are probably an average of 3x Rolex prices as a guess?

So the market is far slower in production and far higher in price, so the 2 against 100 seems relative. I know of 4 members here waiting to buy RO's - small production being the wait reason.

Good things are worth waiting for eh Stephen?!

[Devonian]

Good things are worth waiting for eh Stephen?!

Definitely Gareth, let’s hope it’s not too much longer :-)

[tiny73]

Here’s one of mine, the “slightly smarter than a ROO diver”;

[Tony-GB]

Here’s one of mine, the “slightly smarter than a ROO diver”;

They don't make 'em like that anymore! Absolutely stunning.

[Devonian]

It sure if this has been posted anywhere but there’s a price increase coming in January.

[Devonian]

At an AP zoom meeting a few weeks ago, they told us their website was being totally updated. Appears it’s happened today. Some good changes, but a few teething problems that I’m sure will be ironed out:

https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/home.html

Also new releases announced today including a variety of green dials - on various RO’s.

[sevvy]

I’ve really got the itch for a RO Chrono and had an appointment at London boutique which got cancelled due to lockdown. However when booking appointment I was questioned by sales rep more than my prospective in laws before I got married...... all just to hopefully buy a watch. Crazy and it’s a game I just don’t like. Only 5-6 years ago I was offered a discount in Selfridges on a RO 41mm..... really regretting not buying then

[Woodguy]

This is my grail watch, it ticks every box, iconic AP shape, salmon dial and extra thin. the problem is it’s almost impossible to source from an AD and like most popular models has to be sourced from a grey dealer at a huge premium.

Attachment 18352

[Hooshabak]

Got mine on tonight standing in the freezing cold at my lads football training, as been said earlier the quality of the watches is absolutely second to non

[Itsguy]

Gratuitous 14790ST pic...

[paskinner]

You show exactly the commitment that great brands need from buyers; ‘marmite’ or not is hardly the issue. You get behind what you love. I hope you will get many years of satisfaction from your determination. That watch will always feel special for you. Well done!

[tiny73]

Just a quick n dirty AP RO diver, the other AP in my collection.

[Devonian]

Some great AP’s here. A couple of months in now and the quality of the whole watch is outstanding, especially the bracelet, that’s on another level altogether.

[jackjack]

Here’s mine. I agree with the comments. Bracelet is amazing when you see it in person. I used to be anti AP but now I love them. I have another incoming tomorrow. I’ll share soon.




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[Gareth-W]

Here’s mine. I agree with the comments. Bracelet is amazing when you see it in person. I used to be anti AP but now I love them. I have another incoming tomorrow. I’ll share soon.




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Lovely 26331ST there. I’m waiting for mine still.

[UMBROSUS]

That is stunning to be fair....

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