Horological Meandering

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. This is my opinion, and this is widely held by most watchmakers and long time collectors. 

It is based on the JLC 920, but the relationship is a bit more complex than that; I really want to avoid the whole damned (and boring!) in house vs non-in house debate, but basically, AP and VC helped fund the development of the calibre, and in return received exclusives to the thinnest versions of the movement. PP also participated, but to a lesser degree, so got a slightly thicker version for PP use (don't remember the PP cal. number right now, but it was used in the original Nautilus, which command a substantial premium over later Nautilus without that movement)  So the relationship is a bit more than "getting a movement to custom specs and casing it up after regulation" ...

It is unfortunate that most Royal Oak buyers of pre-owned pieces often don't know the delicate and fine beauty of the RO bezel as it left AP; they literally don't know what they are missing, and are willing prey for self-described master watchmakers who too easily say, "sure, I can refinish that case, no problem. and a lot cheaper and faster than AP!"

Cheers, and thanks for the pics and comments.

TM

 

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 is certainly possible the clasp was part of the additional links provided, which also appear from a later generation - the links are slightly thicker than the A, B, and early C series bracelet links. (apologies if I am wrong, as even AP records themselves are not 100% reliable when the transition to later spec bracelets and dials occurred during the C series.)

Cheers,

TM

This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2009-09-16 09:46:04

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 gives a lot of pleasure while admiring or wearing it ( or both )

As for the clasp, yes I knew it ,and have to ask if I can get it back, as I prefer it to the modern one.

You said that technically it is not possible ( at least that is what I understood on your " ps " post ), so I will as without great illusions...

That is my only reserve, with the tritium hands, but yes, the wor done by AP on my watch is just awesome, as the relation I had with the watchmaker.

Best, Thomas.

Nicolas

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 that this watches are no for me... too much elegant and dressy now for me. But it´s in my wish list.

I think that the work made by AP is really impressive, I only think that it´s a pity the luminova hands and the dial... the brown original one is awesome. Why the new dial has this touch of brown at the top of the hobnails? It´s curious, but feets really well with the patina of the indexes.

I will define and name this watch as a perfect Luxury Dressy Sport Watch.

And I must add that the PP is simply awesome... a Dreamed Luxury Dressy Sport Watch, in this case.

Best my friend and thanks again for this stunning hommage to a watch wich is in a top level in this watches´s industry. An Icon, indeed.

PS: recibiste mi correo hermano.

Emilio

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 comments.

Nicolas

PS: Te he contestado!

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 you went for the change in the dial and hands as they had a very interesting patina, but the bezel surely needed the work and AP did a marvelous job overall.  You must be very happy indeed. 

I have been looking for a modern Jumbo, and your post is very inspirational.  Not sure which dial color to go for (blue, blue/black or white), but if AP offered the brownish color of your patina-ed, pre-spa RO, I would not hesitate for a moment. LOL.

Congratulations, my friend.  Just an awesome piece.

respo

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 so beautiful!

Good hunting.

Best,

Nicolas

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 through time.

Sorry, I don't mean to spoil your mood.  Your new watch is still a great watch.

Regards

Ling

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 words,

Nicolas

nt

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 some for the original hands, you just could not have flaking tritium bits freely messing your mechanism.

Regards,

MTF

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 returned it to the Hong Kong service centre, they required me to replace it with a total new movement! The cost is 3 times what I paid for the watch! I end up paying HK$1000- (about US$130) for the inspections after refusing to carry on with the service.

This is why I admire yours so much! Enjoy the watch!

Ashley

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