Comments:
Hopefully!
I for one am badly looking for someone who owns a Millenary Starwheel in SS, and a Metropolis.
For a photosession.
And in the goal of preparing something.
But I find no one...
The RO is an iconic watch, I mean the original one, a legend, witrh an incredible look, a blend of elegance, sportivity, coolness.
Few watches can compete with this one.
But, yes, AP cannot be summed to this model.
So, if you find me the above mentionned watches, no problems, I will organize a photo session!
Best,
Nicolas
Has AP become too single-minded?
Just an observation...while looking at the AP main page, it was obvious that the photos, articles, and reviews are dominated by the Royal Oak line. Here is the breakdown:
-- 6 of 7 articles about RO
-- 3 of 4 reviews about RO
-- 11 of 12 watch photos depicting RO
Now, I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing as I am a fan of the RO case, especially the Jumbo. However I am not too keen on the seemingly endless 'limited editions' of the Offshore.
Is it the collectors and 'investors' who are driving so much focus on the RO line to the detriment of the others?
From a branding and business standpoint, is it good for AP to have so much attention focused one a single line?
No reson really for this post other than to start a discussion...
m
You're right, there is a life outside the RO or the ROO...
Hopefully!
I for one am badly looking for someone who owns a Millenary Starwheel in SS, and a Metropolis.
For a photosession.
And in the goal of preparing something.
But I find no one...
The RO is an iconic watch, I mean the original one, a legend, witrh an incredible look, a blend of elegance, sportivity, coolness.
Few watches can compete with this one.
But, yes, AP cannot be summed to this model.
So, if you find me the above mentionned watches, no problems, I will organize a photo session!
Best,
Nicolas
Not at all.
This topic constantly resurfaces. Just because the RO and ROO lead the forum does not mean AP is or has become "single-minded". On the contrary, they have had some incredible developments in the Jules Audemars and Millenary lines the past few years. My favorite APs are non-octagonal, but I can't quite afford them. Certainly no need to worry about AP's branding and business standpoint. If the excessive number of available Offshores diminishes your enjoyment of that line, I would definitely look into some of the circular and oval models, there are many beauties to choose from.
An Observation over the Years...
Many proud owners of non-RO/ROO watches hardly ever post about their watches online, they are very discreet and tend to keep to themselves and their closed knit circle and are not comfortable with sharing their prized possessions with strangers. Generally speaking RO/ROO owners are younger and more akin to share/express their enthusiasm and passion online. As much as I love ROO and ROs, I've begun to view them as starter watches that pull you deeper and deeper or higher and higher (depending on your perspective 
) into the world of horology.
) into the world of horology.S
Oops this discussion again...
its inevitable for sure.
Ap is strongly linked to the legend that the RO and derivates are and obviously and rightfully it still plays a pivotal part in the brand exposure.
Fortunately AP ,being far far away from being a novelty brand(you know who you are),has a chest full of wonders and jewels,just dig a bit deeper and you'll find watches dreams are made of.......I know a thing or 2 about it,,,,many hunt me at night.....AP is a great brand,right on top of the mountain...start climbing.
Mo
This message has been edited by moc on 2012-11-04 08:25:24
Never meant to imply that...
AP was a novelty company in any sense of the word. I think most here realize their achievements in all facets of horology. Part of my original post was wondering about how much of the ROO sales are driven by collectors/investors eager to snap up yet another limited edition (which I do view as novelties and rather silly in some regards).
How many of those watches never see the outside of a safe or winder? And what happens when the iconic bezel shape of the RO line fall out of favor? Don't think it can't happen...for a good part of the mid-20th century, rectangular cases were extremely popular. How many do you see today outside of quartz variants?
I know, everyone believes that they are immune to the vagueries of fashion and only buys what they truly like, but there was a time when every man wore a hat and a woman wouldn't be caught dead wearing pants...something to ponder.
They're by no means single-minded, but...
...their main focus is of course to produce whatever the market wants. And the market wants ROs.
But that's a good thing even if you're not a fan of the RO and ROO because it's these watches that bring in the money needed for the brand to grow, which means money available for the R&D needed for watches like the Millenary Deadbeat Seconds and the Jules Audemars Grande Complication to name just two. And there are many other models that may not even exist today if not for the success of the RO.
It's the RO lines that have made AP the company it is today.
Emil
Too easy to criticize
It's like being mad at Rolex for too many Submariner-variants (GMT, EXP2, Yachtmaster, Sub date, etc, etc.)
I find many new ROO's really ridiculous, BUT at the end of the day, AP is a brand I drool over and profoundly admire at the very high levels...
They may know where their bread is buttered, but they are in no way a limited or narrow minded brand. AP at the high-high levels are the most amazing watches in the world, and multi-varied, and worthy of all they have achieved and then some.