Parallel Universe: The Commoner APs

[mrarchiegoodwin]

From my sock drawer come two APs. Sorry, to disappoint, but they are not Royalty. These are humble "commoner AP" chronographs. I bought them used (dunno how many previous owners) and I don't even know how old they are. I think they are from the early 90s but maybe they are from the 80s. This is not helpful and I promise to post information if I find an AP guidebook.

Why do I have 2 almost identical watches? Because they look understated and I like that--I thought they looked kinda stealthy. And my wrist is too small for an ROO. They have platinum cases around 40 mm in diameter. One has a white dial that is not easy to read because the hands are very skinny and sometimes disappear against the white. The other has a gray dial and is not easy to read for the same reason. I discovered after buying them that the stealth part is in trying to tell the time. Nonetheless I enjoyed wearing them--except the center crown dug into my wrist (I can get used to anything--including a tiny divot and callous on the back of the wrist). I especially enjoyed getting one of them serviced because AP in Clearwater was so accommodating.

I have tried to take one arty picture from my window so you fans of Royalty wouldn't be too bored looking at these watches. The rest are standard mug shots.

If anyone can share information about these I would be most grateful.

Thank you for looking.

RC

[Monte Cristo]

So 2 more fine APs come out of that sock draw of yours. Nice!

[Darlinboy]

Amazing.........

how you get by with only two pairs of socks! There can't be any more room in there with all of those "forgotten" watches!

Two more nice pieces!

[APristi]

beautiful watches, not everyday you get to see these classics.

[orangedial]

Are these the predecessor of ROO? The magnifying date aperture and misaligned chrono pushers and crown just look like the ROOs. Are they using the piggy-back chronograph module as well?

Thanks for sharing :)

[nick c]

very nice

[kilyung]

Very nice AP Les Huitième chronograph Ref. 25644! Cal. 2126/2840 automatic nickel lever movement based on JLC 889 movement w/ DD module - 51 jewels, mono-metallic balance, adjusted to 5 positions, and 21k gold rimmed rotor. Made between '85-'96. Last one I saw sold at auction for $11,250.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by orangedial

Are these the predecessor of ROO? The magnifying date aperture and misaligned chrono pushers and crown just look like the ROOs. Are they using the piggy-back chronograph module as well?

Thanks for sharing :)

While the Huitième started production in '85, 7yrs before the ROO, it's generally viewed as part of the Jules Audemars line.

[Dickson Lim]

Nice sock treasure, again.


Dig harder, look forward to see more.

[Submarino]

Beautiful APs. Understated, yet perfect!

[WhatTheDeuce]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

So 2 more fine APs come out of that sock draw of yours. Nice!

What else is in your sock drawer?

[ChristianN]

Very Nice! That drawer of yours.... ;)

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Very nice AP Les Huitième chronograph Ref. 25644! Cal. 2126/2840 automatic nickel lever movement based on JLC 889 movement w/ DD module - 51 jewels, mono-metallic balance, adjusted to 5 positions, and 21k gold rimmed rotor. Made between '85-'96. Last one I saw sold at auction for $11,250.

Thank you, Mike, for this information that I did not know at all. Nobody was able to tell me anything about them.

They were not expensive when I got them. In fact there were several of these used watches on internet sites then--not popular. They are definitely not iconic like the ROO, but they fit on my narrow wrist.

Again, thank you this very useful information.

RC

[TSW]

Have a look in all your drawers.....it looks like a hidden treasure.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Thanks, everyone, for your encouraging remarks.

Maybe I should photograph the sock drawer next. Some of you guys must keep your watches in the sock drawer.

When I started looking at watches the moderator of a watch forum kept his in a sock drawer. He lived in Singapore. Participants said they kept their watches in the sock drawer or empty cigar boxes. Where else do people keep them?

Thanks, again.

RC

[chicagofan]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

[Hairdude1]

Very cool!

[jrmca]

Beautiful watches. I have a 1994 Huitieme Chronograph in Steel on a brown crocodile strap. I personally love the understated elegance of this model. I too enjoy the 40mm size. I also really like the "Audemars Piguet" engraved on the bezel. I think it's a nice touch.

[Rolex Freak]

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by jrmca

Beautiful watches. I have a 1994 Huitieme Chronograph in Steel on a brown crocodile strap. I personally love the understated elegance of this model. I too enjoy the 40mm size. I also really like the "Audemars Piguet" engraved on the bezel. I think it's a nice touch.

Me too. Engraving the name into the bezel seemed innovative and more function than when Bulgari did it (although I still like Bulgari's version even though Bulgari itself doesn't want to do it anymore).

Please post a picture. I bow the Royals but considering the warm reception on this forum there seems to be a place for commoners too.

Thanks.

RC

[arezzo66]

Sweet watches, I love the old skool elegance of these pieces and you can't go wrong with the platinum cases, thanks for sharing :)

S

[gregoryhunt1]

Greetings well over five years on. Have a similar Huitieme one in escrow. Yes that sounds odd but so does the watch when turning it over near my ear to listen to the rotor wind. It sounds like rattling so maybe the axis is damaged. Or is this just part of its "charm." Thanks. Regards.

[Xerxes77]

Cool watches!
Enjoy it in good help!

[P2725TMB]

For heavens sake, I wasted at least 60 seconds of my already aged life before I realised this rubbish was over five years old. How do people even find such ancient posts?

[LAFLARE]