Anybody into AP Royal Oaks?

[RogerF]

I recently got to see a Rubber Clad and it was simply stunning. At first I thought that it was weird that a company would use rubber for a bezel, but it really works. There is one issue I have with using rubber though and thats how long will it last. The down side to the watch if the bezel doesnt last is the price of AP parts

[Uncle-AJ]

I agree the downside is parts and service charges, however they are extremely well built. I saw a T3 a few weeks ago and I don't think I could wear one but the general RO's are very nice.

[Earl]

# Extreme interpretation of the Royal Oak Offshore case design
# Case material - titanium
# Case dimensions - 15.65mm thick x 61mm total length x 57.2mm wide

57.2mm!! I just lost the usage of my wrist! would certinally give Ommie a run for it's money in the size department LoL

[Rockrolex]

57.2 mm. Hmmm, anyone think JJ is going to graduate to that after he tires of the Ommie?

[JJ Irani]

At 57.2 mm, I'd use it as a wall clock!!

[dman]

I used to hate the look of the RO, but they are growing on me. I love the offshore chrono. All I have to do is sell my new truck and I can get one, LOL!

[Manatee]

I've never like the Royal Oak -- not in any version.

I love the AP Jules Audemars Classic with the 3120 movement though. :-)

[Uncle-AJ]

Show us a picture!!

[Manatee]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Show us a picture!!

Hi Adrian! :-)

How 'bout a link? :-)

http://audemarspiguet.com/en/timepie...l?collection=0

[Uncle-AJ]

Very nice.

[Rockrolex]

I like some of the AP Classic lines, particularly the Day-Date, the Time-zones, and the Equations of time.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by Manatee

I've never like the Royal Oak -- not in any version.

I love the AP Jules Audemars Classic with the 3120 movement though. :-)

Has your opinion changed at all?

And yes, I was curious what the last thread was and found this one to be a fun throwback!

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

Has your opinion changed at all?

And yes, I was curious what the last thread was and found this one to be a fun throwback!

Unlikely to get a response from someone who was banned from TRF in 2006

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Unlikely to get a response from someone who was banned from TRF in 2006

Haha...I didn't notice the "Banned"

[EdwardC]

almost 20-year old thread. the world is so different now

[Vince_76]

Was this the Roger Federer burner account? Thought he was a Rolex guy

[SylvainDXB]

Originally Posted by RogerF

I recently got to see a Rubber Clad and it was simply stunning. At first I thought that it was weird that a company would use rubber for a bezel, but it really works. There is one issue I have with using rubber though and thats how long will it last. The down side to the watch if the bezel doesnt last is the price of AP parts

The rubberclad is an outstanding ROO, and the one that made me fall in love with the brand back in the days. I own one (black dial late serial) and here are my 2 cents regarding the rubber and ownership experience.
If you decide to acquire one, chances are it will be a second hand. My recommendation is to either pay a little extra and buy one where bezel + straps have been changed recently OR use that argument to lower the price and have the service done yourself. To give you an idea, when I picked up mine, new bezel + cleaning + service on the movement ended up costing approx USD 2,700. I also changed the strap to a short version which cost me an additional USD 460.

You have to be aware that the rubber will age, and gradually become more black and shiny than its original configuration. This depends on how you use the watch, frequency it's being worn, part of the world you live in etc...

I'm fortunate to have a modest watch collection and a nice variety of pieces to chose from depending on my day/activity. Trying to "preserve" my Rubber Clad as much as possible, so only wear it when I know the rubber parts won't be in contact with too many oily or greasy things. Also try to wear it as much as possible with short sleeves so the cuffs don't rub the entire day on the bezel...
While with my steel ROC I have to be more concious about scratches and bumps, the ROO rubber clad forces you to be more aware of other materials interacting with the rubber if you want to enjoy it longer.

At the end of the day, it's really up to you to decide how you want to enjoy your ROO. I'm meticulous, so trying to preserve my timepieces is my thing, but I have not problem appreciating a ROO that's a bit "beaten" and has served its initial purpose, i.e. to be worn in more extreme conditions.