Audemars Piguet

I hope I don't offend any RO lovers out there. For a brief period of time I owned a 15300. I could not get past how it looked on my wrist. I know it is a classic designed by Genta but is it stuck in time. As a relative new comer to the world of horology I thought the design was stale. I know the ROO are very popular ( not a big fan of them either as I don't like anything over 40mm) the bezel design is nice and unique. I couldn't help though but feeling like a 70's guy with the watch on. I hated how it sat so flat on the wrist felt it looked likes a bracelet how it sat not a watch. Just wondering how others feel, does the RO looked dated and stale to you?

Hello

IMO, of the 3 watches from the 70's (AP, PP, VC) the RO design has aged extremely well.  I liken the AP RO to a 911!

ozbronx33, what other sports watches do you wear?

-MW

I have a Rolex ND Sub and a Patek 5196. Want a GMT IIC badly. I had a LV, had a Navitimer World ( too big) also sold my 15300.

The Royal Oak is one of the the most successful watch designs of all time. It is classically
simple, not overdone, a lasting tribute to knowing when to stop and leave the design stand
on it's own. The way the light reflects of the bracelet never ceases to attract my attention and delight!

Jeff

I like the Royal Oak design, not necessarily the 15300. Besides, I think that the 70s are back in watch design, meaning smaller diameters on three handed watches.

The only problem I have with 15300 is the chunky bracelet. This message has been edited by radone on 2010-02-22 11:07:08

large, chunky watches (think the variants Omega Speedmasters and Seamasters, Zenith, Heuers of the day; even the Favre-Leuba Bathy which were actually released in the 1960's...) - the Royal Oak (and Nautilus and VC 222) was/were the more elegant yet still sporty of the period.

Cheers,

TM

I love my 15300. Of course, loving or disliking a design is very subjective. Same as ozbronx33, I love the Rolex GMT Master, and managed to buy a new IIc SS last month. Indeed, last Thursday I wore the 15300 on one wrist, GMT IIc on the other. I was a bit crazy that day. Told myself not to do that anymore. I also love Patek, and plan to get a 5135R or P. Is that a dated design? Or timeless design?

So, it is interesting that ozbronx33 and I share similar opinion on some designs, and totally opposite opinion on others.

I don't think it looks like a 70s watch, and I'm attuned to the issue because I think the Nautilus does look like a 70s watch and wouldn't buy it for that reason.  And I would have bought the 15300 in a heartbeat if the bracelet had fit my wrist, but it didn't, so I didn't.

Hi,

Not agreeing or disagreeing (such matters have no "objective truth" just general consensus) but I'm curious what about the Nautilus reminds you of '70's designs?

The blocky, chunky Omegas and Zenith and Heuers share a common design aesthetic (as well as many other now forgotten, now defunct brands) but I can't think of another reminiscent of the Nautilus? (except for the "layering" and "stacking" effect which it shares with the RO and VC 222)

Cheers,

TM

There's just something about that gratuitous wing and the port-hole shape; it looks "experimental" in that goofy, groovy 70s way.  Or so it strikes me; other people will of course have completely different reactions.

Hi,

Far be it for me to "defend" the Nautilus, but those "wings" are actually functional - one side actually serves as a hinge to "lock" the case together.

It's actually a pretty complicated, sophisticated case design.

Whether one likes it aesthetically is another matter (I happen to like it)

Cheers,

TM

But I'm guessing they didn't really need to append that thing to the watch; they created a complicated hinge mechanism as a justification for the groovy design.  Function following 70s form. 

knowing what I do about the design specifics and history, I'm afraid you're wrong.

But it really isn't that big a deal; this is the AP forum, afterall, not PP...

Cheers,

TM

ps: boy, did I miss something all this time, or are you just really cynical? I've never noticed that before in your posts!

Hi, Jon,

I knew I recognized your handle from somewhere, past threads, but I couldn't place where.

I just realized you had asked a question about "the Big Three" and I responded (necessarily briefly; I was travelling in London and Switzerland at the time) and then never got back to that topic/thread.

First, forgive my bad memory.

Second, apologies to leave that topic hanging.

I've taken a quick look at that thread again and if you are still interested, I do feel there is a bit more to add to the subject - nothing that would change any of the points made, just a bit more "historical context."

Keep in mind that "catch phrases" are a product of their times (as are designs; as are brand images; as are...und so weiter)

So it seems a natural segue in this thread.

Knowing the historical context can be helpful, but again, it doesn't change, necessarily, one's perceptions or point of view.

Afterall, Hitler wasn't such a bad guy in 1928...

Cheers,

TM

(apologies to anyone who thinks Hitler is a sacred subject, for good or evil)

IMO, the AP Royal Oak design has aged very gracefully and has developed a strong following.  The 15300 to me looks great and at approx 39mm is the perfect size and can be worn casually and formally.  I like the thicker bracelet and the double deployant clasp as it feels very comfortable on my wrist.

Regards,
ED-209

for something you spend (lots of) money, isn´t it?

Why do you ask these questiones after you sold your watch? Are you unsure with your decision or what is it about?

Just wondering.

Oliver

No regrets sale funded the Patek purchase. I've only regretted one watch decision that was the Breitling Navitimer World. It was my first purchase and way tooo big. Never go over 40 mm again felt like I was wearing clock not a watch. Should have thought that purchase through better. I felt the watch looked cartoonishly big. The RO just looked too flat and the way the lugs laid on my wrist I didn't like it. Also the tank tread bracelet I was not too keen on. At first I was pleased but it quickly went away.I was just curious to see how others felt about it. It is obviously a classic just wanted to see if people felt it was a bit stale.

and enjoy your PP ;-)