Horological Meandering

Maybe you remember that a few months ago, I bought this Royal Oak: The bezel was certainly polished by Borat himself, the dial had an awesome patina, the hands too, but maybe let guess some problems with the water resistance of the watch. The case and cas...  

...seeing the new bezel did I realise how badly the old one was abused, and how much it ruined the aesthetics. The new one really brings the watch back to life. AP definitely did a good job with that, but you know me....original hands and dial, unless the... 

But will as if it is possible to get my old ones... As for the bezel no regrets at all! The dial is an old one, with tritium indexes, and shows a very nice patina. Best, my friend. Nicolas

did they keep the old dial ? I really liked the tropical look.... Here's my ex A Serie ...  

This era of AP is just..... Ultimately Iconic. Few watches equal the importance, the influence, the quality, of this one. The Daddy of the ROO and maybe , just maybe the most influential watch design of all time? Arguable... I love my 15002st. Congrats on... 

And a difficutl to beat, in terms of Ourity and Beauty! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Very nice, Dr.Strong! My favorite, even if later editions were better built and "more solid." Kinda like vintage Lambos and Ferraris where the headliner and dash don't quite fit perfectly compared to modern Audis and even Toyotas, but they just make the s... 

that was my all original 1974 A Serie with the cheap early clasp ;-) Cheers Jeff

So I had to change for this beautiful one. Yours was very nice, and I remember it very well! Best, my friend. Nicolas

does AP still have old dials? I've been told that they (i) are short of them and (ii) encourage people to switch the dial to a modern one with the logo @ 12h, as this makes service easier and cheaper. Thanks and congrats to your beautiful watch! Magnus

I've been told by AP SC that they were short on Vintage Dials for the jumbo, it was one year ago. Then, my guess is that they may not have them anymore... But Thomas should know better than me, on this matter. Best, Nicolas.

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of course I remember my friend ! Cheers Jeff

Wow really a great pic! Best, Nicolas

Thanks for sharing. Oliver

I think AP did a wonderful job of reconditioning this watch. I loved your pictures of comparison and in depth discussion of the characteristics. Thanks for sharing your impressions. It's clear you're getting a lot of enjoyment from this great piece. All t... 

But I didn't have doubts about it! The good thing is the communication I had with them, too. The outcome is just sublime. Thanks for your nice comments, my friend. Best, Nicolas

Like the look of the awesome NOS dial (will perfect if match with old tritium hands IMHO)... Congrats n Enjoy my friend :o) Best Chung

These tritium hands are my only regret, but it seems that I didn't have the choice... Best, Nicolas

It is always interesting to re-examine the original with the benefit of hindsight. I enjoyed seeing the Royal Oak next to it's PP cousin. Thanks for posting. Best, Jed

There is an evident air de famille between these 2, when put side by side. APerfect duo, truely! Best, my friend. Nicolas

At home in your wrist, Nico. What an amazing job they did to restore this Royal Oak back to its full glory. It looks killer on your wrist, and I am sure it will share with you many moments of pleasure. Thanks for sharing, my friend. Abrazo, Alejandro

Yes, my friend, I deeply enjoy it. There is something very special in this watch, in its ...Simplicity. Thanks for the nice words, my friend. Best, Nicolas

The 15202 Jumbo is my next watch!

I had several AP¨RO, like the City of Sails ( 2003 ), or the titanium Montoya, but this one is the one which sings the louder to me. So, I can recommend it to you! Best, and let us know when you get it, please. Nicolas

And it's good to hear of your other APs. Because I find myself really turned on by many, including the Volcano, the Survivor, and some of the ROO LEs. There is something utterly sublime about the Jumbo that I find difficult to put into words. I look forwa... 

the perfect dimensions, too, which are unbeatable, to me. The jumbo is not only beautyful, it is also intriguant. That makes the difference! Best, and thanks, Howard, for your nice words. Let us know! Nicolas

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...... Nicholas and Nostalgia. Being a current owner of a 15300, and as an afficiando of the RO, I can deeply relate and associate with your post. Thank you for the excellent write up.

NUT! I will tell you a secret...This is the very first time that a RO perfectly falls on my weird wrist! I'm very impressed by this watch, my friend. Not really a scoop, but a nice confirmation! Best, Nicolas

Hi, Nicolas, Glad you got back the classic and can restart a new-old love affair. I do play tennis with mine; to me (a bit old school) stainless steel=sporty casual. The cal. 2120 (or 2121 evolution - with date) is one of the greatest movements every made... 

The clasp is wrong for the case head. You may already know this, but the correct clasp leaves for that generation RO are two piece stamped leaves with safety flip lock (stamped "brevette" though I have yet to confirm with AP what the patent is for...) It ... 

You're correct! To me, this is exactly the kind of watch which proves that the " in house " debate is futile, when it cmes to such a mervelous movement. This watch is really fascinating me, my friend. The blend " sporty casual chic " is a nice alchimy and... 

Macro design-wise it outshines the PP in every respect.

The Nautilus has a lot of character, too! Best, and thanks for the nice comments. Nicolas

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to see a watch getting a second wind enjoy it Cheers

It looks like a keeper! Best, my friend. Nicolas

You made a great and marvellous review and hommage about one watch that I´ve loved for a long time (and I still love). I´ve had two or three times where I was able to buy a modern one, but I thought that this watch is for me but in some years. Now I think... 

It really has something magic, my friend, and not too spohisticated, which allows to wear it with a jeans as well as with a more dressy suit. A ployvalent marvel, a sweet alchimy wetween sports and luxury. Best, my friend, and thanks for your very kind co... 

You know my feel my feelings for AP. You have one of the very best they have made my friend. Thanks to you and AP for restoring this sample back to pristine condition!

And if I was able to afford it, I would say the RO Concept in alacrite. But I'm very happy with this one, much more wearable than the Concept. A Starwheel ( Millenary ) in SS with the blue dial may also make me dream! Best, Nicolas

Stop it, you are scaring me! Wow, I really enjoyed this post, Nicolas, as this watch is much on my mind. It is amazing that you found a vintage series, and from what I understand, found one that was in good shape both inside and out. I am surprised that y... 

If not I wouldn't be Vlad! The watchmaker at AP told me that this somptuous patined dial may cause some issues to the movement, so I had no other choice to go on a Vintage NOS dial. Not bad at all, by the way. Go for the dark blue dial, my friend, it is s... 

And a very nice example. I love the detail in this post of the textures, colours and details. Thanks Nicolas, a great read. Vernon.

Next time we meet, I bring it with me! Best, Nicolas

I always love to see before and after the watch was restored. One word - satisfaction. But, if I were you, I will ask AP DO NOT change the dial and the hands. Their vintage patina look just cannot be replaced by any new dial and hands. They have travelled... 

And that was my first willing, but the Watchmaker at AP told me that keeping the dial in such a condition would cause some issues to the movement, so, I had to change my plans. The outcome still remains very appealing, IMO. Best, and thanks for your nice ... 

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Nicholas, Was the 'Audemars Piguet' logo on the original dial printed in blue? Or did Borat mess with it? I think the most important restorations were the NOS bracelet and dial. Now, the bracelet fits and links tight. Despite the nostalgic comments by som... 

No more Borat Hand, here! As for the original dial, you got it, my friend. I had no other choice than getting a NOS onre, which is very nice too. So, I'm happy! Best, Snoopy.

They did a really good job I must say. It's a keeper no doubt about it. Congratulations and enjoy it for many many years to come.

Hi Nicolas, congratulations to such a good service you received from AP. On the contrary, I have very bad experience in servicing an AP with an ultra thin movement. This watch was and is running everyday. It has a faded dial and rusty hands. When I return... 

But if I'm right, AP does warn the client that if he refuses the service, he has to pay something... The service is indeed expensive, but this is the price to pay for Perfection. And whe you see the outcome, it is clearly a perfect job. Best, Nicolas

Thanks to the advise. AP did give me the quotation for the replacement of a new movement. My thinking is why they refused to overhaul the original one which is still running every day (loosing some 10 seconds/ day). Anyway, I have surrendered. This watch ... 

Love that Jumbo beauty. The bigger and thinner case makes it a special watch to enjoy. Love the "retro" look dial. Beautiful Nautilus also. (one of my fav indeed). Thanks for sharing. Vte

A watch to discover or re discover, my friend. One of these treasures of the Past, which is still alive! Best, Nicolas

this R.O. com from 1974 and is restore in my atelier. I work for AP. Roal Oak Bj.1974 Serie A 561 best regards Ch.U....  

Didn't you manage to put an original dial for your A series, with the AP Logo above 6? Best, Nicolas

absolutely magnificent restoration. watch looks brand new and brought back to life!

Ch.U....  

before ! Ch.U....  

loooook: AP movement 2121 before restore ! best regards Ch.U....  

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We'll mae some comaprison pics! Thank you, my friend. Nico

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Fr.Xavier...  

Thanks for posting these! Cheers, Daos

Congratulations, Nicolas, on the return of this lovely watch. Its stay with AP has resulted in a fine, restored timepiece. I like quite a few AP ROOs, but find myself more drawn toward the look of the Royal Oak. I just saw Aaron's post on APs, and respond... 

This jumbo is difficult to beat, indeed, in terms of elegance and purity of the design. I even think that a bigger size makes it loose its balance, hence my reserve on the ROOs. A killer, heeeerm... a keeper! Best, and thanks for your nicely written input... 

The AP Jumbo is a true classic and yours looks brilliant. - SJX

A very strong love for this piece, my friend. Best, Nicolas

What a nice find! I would like to add one of those to my collection as well someday, thanks for the great photos and commentary. Tony

It is a long story wit the AP RO, but it seems that I found the right one! I wish you the best of luck in your hunt. Best, Nicolas

It is still a unique feeling to wear this watch. I also serviced it because of water resistance issues. This a watch you can wear in any occasions with a subtle and understated sense of elegance and sophistication.

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What a wonderful piece and no surprise, it belongs to you How could I miss that post for four days? Unbelieveable. One day I will find mine RO (Series A, B or C) ... Could to know that it was a great experience with AP-Service. Now I have to change the wa... 

Luck was on my side with this Vintage RO, indeed. First because I found it with the original box and a warranty paper, then because things worked nicely with AP. But this last point wasn't a surprise, to me. I'm very happy to own such a watch. I'm totally... 

Went to see one of them at the boutique in Paris but they had the white dial only :-( Is your Royal Oak the blue one (15202st.oo.0944st. 03 ) or the grey (15202st.oo.0944st. 02 )? In case it's the blue one, is it "dark" blue? By the way, good feeling when... 

So the Blue of the dial has faded in a nice greyish slight brown on the top of the " tapisserie " color. It is normal you don't find the same in the current production. Thanks for the nice comments. Best, Nicolas

Beautiful watch Nicolas and how lucky you were to be able to get a New Original dial. I have a RO Jumbo B serie which will come back in 1-2 weeks time from a complete service + refurbishing from AP. When they sent me the quotation they suggested a change ... 

The original dial is part of the charm of this watch, its signature, if I may say so. Can't wait for your pictures! Best, Nicolas

Sorry Nicolas but I don't know where to post the pictures so here they are and please let me know what I should do next time. After one year in the waiting my RO is back from AP and they did a really fantastic job, complete overhaul, change of all screws ...  

Happy to see that you got your Beautiful AP RO back. Well, I had no doubt that AP would do a perfect job, on it. So, in love again, like on the first day, eeeh? Really nice trio! Best, Nicolas

I'll post some more pics with the watches on the wrist. Where should I post them? Also after reading your article on the VC Historique Chronographe I fell in love with the watch and have just found one platinum with silver dial which I am purchasing. Will... 

If the watches you want to post are belonging to a brand which is represented in our forum, use this forum to post them. For example, your VC " Les Historiques " Choron " can be posted in our VC forum. Super cool watch, by the way! Huge congrats, Francois... 

Thanks for sharing your nice Trilogy. Oliver

no two things the summer WS & roof shot :0) What is the best about this thin beast is that it looks 10X better in flesh ..... still can get it out of my mind along with some other pieces you poisoned me with few moths ago Best Damjan

The only problem is that you answered to my first post, not the latest one. Aaah, Grappa! I can totally understand why you're obsessed by this beast, Damjan. One of my favourite piece of my collection, a watch I learnt to appreciate, indeed. Best, my good... 

when you torture me too much you see.... Grappa is the ony solution :0) Best Damjan