Audemars Piguet

Hi all, So, I've been obsessed with the RO skeleton (2010 release) for quite some time now, and the AD finally got one in! Decided to drop by the store the same day they called me and obsess over it in person. Its gorgeous, and lived up to every pic previously taken at SIHH by other reviewers. Now, its the same retail price of a PP 5396, which I'm also in love with, however, I think that AP's (especially this one) are meant to be worn by younger eyes (as its hard to tell time). What's the groups opinion? Get the AP RO skeley or the PP 5396 (older model with the blue tracks) Thanks all!

been waiting for some wrist shots of this beauty   Like you say it has a youthful look to it...love it.

Is the movement as dark as it seems in the press pics..? What is you impression of it..? There aren't many about so you are lucky to have seen one...very jealous..!!

I assume it was in it's plastic wrapping still.

Yours,

Andy.

Hi Andy,

to answer your questions, no, the color of the movement is exaggerated in the press pics, as you can see from my pics, its less grey as portrayed in my pics. (i was slightly worried about that myself)

my impression on the watch...beautiful...just drop dead gorgeous...it has embodied two of my favorite design elements, luxurious in the excessive details, and industrial look with the use of the raw material. I'm in the design field myself, so I am drawn to great designs like a moth to a flame...and its burning this time!

The price is higher than i would like it to be as its just a SS model, but this can elevate the rarity of this watch more...so I'm not sure what i'm talking about anymore...late night here.

I have heard that AP is only planning less than 30-50 pcs production yearly for this style...granted...the source is iffy.

Lemme know what u think of my delimma, PP 5396 or this beauty!

Thanks,
Eric

forgot to mention that the detail is in the depth perception of movement. you can see from the three quarters angle pic i took.

as for which one it is obviously a personal thing but I adore and want a skeleton, and this is one of the best for the money - not cheap but then again AP are known for the quality of their skeletons.

As for the PP - yes beautiful (not sure if it's annual or perpetual) but JLC have just released an 8 day perpetual for very cheap money, if it had a black face it would be even more interesting.  I have to say though the PP does nothing for me.

The only thoughts I had/have on the AP is the colour of the movement (like you) but I'm hoping to see one soon'ish so I'll see for myself, and probably like you too the fact you can get a perpetual with more 'complications' for less money so is the fact that it is an AP skeleton enough to push me over the edge and have a mid life crisis..!!  When I see it i'll know..!!

Yours,

Andy.

Really incredible, great pictures. Congratulations on your purchase and wear in good health.

Best regards,

George

Hi,
this skeleton AP is gorgeous indeed. But to be honest it is too large for your wrist. I would instead go for a 5396, if I were you, if I were you of course..
The case is even larger than your wrist.
But of course only yourself knows what is worth buying and only your heart decides.
Cheers,
Pank

Hi Pank,

Great point, as this is my key concern on this style. I have been in love with ROs and ROOs for the longest time, but the wrist length has always bothered me with the ROOs.

I find that the ROs are more or less compatible with my wrist size, if i chose to wear it slightly larger/looser on my wrist.

I'm still in the dilemma.

Thanks for the comment.

Eric

This RO Skeleton is really gorgeous while PP5396 is, well, conservative (even the sector dial).  Totally different watches.  In the modern eyes, I may lean to RO Skeley... but I may pick 5396 sector dial if I intend to keep it for a long, long time - the descendant of 96 with sector dial has history and value for some.

Good luck!  Either way, you won't go wrong!

Best,
Ken

.   .   .   but I must say that the AP skeleton is strikingly gorgeous.   I wondered about the legibility of the watch.  Your comments on that subject are interesting, but the legibility in the photos is very good.   Good luck on your choice and thank you so much for posting pics of this rare AP beauty!

Dan

In this regard, it seems the RG version would have an advantage.  Beautiful watch on that bracelet though.

I'm still waiting for my AD to get one of these in stock so I can check out the skeletonizing and color contrast.

Regards,
ED-209

Cannot wait to see one in person.

JerryW

I will definitely choose this AP Skeleton over PP5396.  Although I collect PP as well but this Skeleton AP attracts my attention and interest.  The only thing is I find it hard to read the time, I suppose all skeleton watches have this problem.  From the pics, the RG version seems to be easier to read.

Which is never an evident detail with ROs, I'd say go for the AP.

In my opinion, this is one of the rare modern RO which brings something to the Vintage Milestone, due to its very interesting dial which looks like a sculpture.

Now, the question is: Can you set this bracelet to your wrist?

I had a lot bof issues with some ROO, and even with some ROs, like the City of Sails.

With my jumbo, at the contrary, after a few tests, I found the right lenght.

Best,

Nicolas.

After letting my eyes linger on this piece I am warming to the opposite conclusion.  I do like how the grey serves as a counterpoint not only to the hands but to the steel case as well.  This is a piece that is a WELCOME departure from the history of the RO--I should say a welcome ADDITION to the history of the RO......

do let us know if you decide to add it to your collection

J

Glad that it has finally hit the stores, I have been waiting for a long time to see one in person.

Although the 5396G is so beautiful, esp on the sector dial, the AP skeleton is more appealing to me.

Good luck with your decision.

Best,

Goh

Both watches in their own right are special, but in my opinion are not comparable.
One is sportier and a bit more blingy/attention grabbing the other is far more elegant.

Now I have the PP and I have a RO Chrono. And even I cant answer your question because it come down to personal choice and how you enjoy your watches.

I personally find a date the most useful function on my watch, which would mean that I as the skeleton does not have a date I would find it inconvenient to wear it every day, but would then use it at night or on the weekend when I dont look at the date. At the end of the day its personal, and I think you would be happy with either watch.

Let us know which you decide on, and enjoy......

Gorgeous watch could someone please PM me the retail price in the UK for this?

No message body

How times have change the skeletons....property of a purist friend.

Battleship......

 

 

 

 

 

Long live Royal Oak....

Jacky

dun think its comparable. annual calender versus simple 3 hand, sector dial vs Skeleton, leather strap versus bracelet. if you can oly choose one, the reality is the PP is more useful, having the calender function. and if you are one who doesnt tire of his watches easily...i say the RO. the 5396 is relatitvely easily available, whilst the RO is isnt. so i say try the RO first, and you could easily reverse that decision, should you regret it.

Best, Horo

This watch is a beauty...



Fr.Xavier

it really shows the colour of the face - the press pics seem to show a much darker charcoal colour.  In the flesh does it look more like your picture..?

Thanks foversta,

Andy.

That's a very beautiful piece!

The Patek Philippe 5396 is also another great piece that really reminds me of the perpetual calendars Patek Philippe used to make from the 1950s to 1970s.

I wouldn't necessarily rule out the A. Lange & Soehne Saxonia Annual Calendar if you like annual calendars. This one has a large amount of value since it is really a perpetual calendar that has been modified to become an annual. It is also assembled by one individual and goes through double assembly. Definitely not a very mass produced piece.

Hi Partick,

Thanks for the input, i've actually been keeping my eye out for the Richard Langes All and any models in comparison to the 5396G. However, I basically just have enough extra spending cash to get one out of the three mentioned...Thus my pain!

Just wish i have more money!

Work work!