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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#31 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: London, New York
Watch: ing art & watches
Posts: 117
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Cheers!
Very useful information, particularly around the serial number / age of watch one is advised to look at and/or avoid.
It's all coming in very handy at the minute as I'm circling a few ROOs on the second-hand market, and ready to pounce... ![]() ![]() |
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#32 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: mark eisenberg
Location: long island, ny
Watch: AP ROO Themes
Posts: 77
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AP Service
Very sound advice, thank you
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#33 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 7
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3. If you buy a 5402 be very careful with the crown and avoid using the quick-set calendar advance feature that comes with cal. 2121. (While the watch doesn't have a date setting crown position, you can quickly advance the date by going with the hands past midnight to around 1am or 2am and then back to 10pm to adjust the date without having to go around 24hrs for each day). This is not an isolated case as on the four 5402s that I've owned I always had problems with the crown stem breaking and the crown coming off will pulling it out to set the time. On one of them this happened twice in a two-year period. When pulling the crown out to set the time, pull very slowly! Another thing to consider will be to wind the watch via the crown by turning it no more than 5-7 turns.
Valuable advise! I will be VERY careful. Strange the pdf i downloaded from the AP website says to turn the crown to wind no more than 30 turns. As for the date setting, i guess each time i set i do it very gently eh. ![]() |
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#34 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Michael
Location: Singapore
Watch: AP, PP, Rolex
Posts: 33
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FYI, I hope this will help others. A full service, including repair and replacement of parts of an AP Diver that had been tampered by a grey market seller was carried out by AP Singapore.
They were very helpful and initially quoted a 10-week timeline and the work was completed in 8 weeks. Since the watch had been tampered with, the bill for the service came to little over SGD 1500/- When I went to pick it up, I was told their initial assessment didn't cover all the parts needed for the repair, but since they had provided an official estimate before carrying out the work there was no extra charge for the work done. An overall excellent service experience with AP Singapore. Also goes to show that servicing costs aren't that expensive if you do not have warranty; then again, it's a "simple" Diver. |
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#35 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: eduardo
Location: new jersey
Watch: 116610LV 126600
Posts: 254
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thanks for the info!
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#36 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
Posts: 24
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one thing i would say... with AP royal oaks, depending on the light source, angle at which photos are taken, a watch that is actualyl quite scratched can appear to be MINT! so it is very important to try to see the watch in person or at least request photos taken with+without flash...
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#37 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
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WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle |
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#38 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NYC
Watch: Lange, Patek
Posts: 518
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This is a great post on AP. I recommend anyone buying a preowned AP to read it
Thanks |
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#39 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Mark
Location: Washington DC
Watch: GS, AP
Posts: 21
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Thanks for a great guide Mr H!
I had no idea the quartz was such an issue (though it makes sense now I think about it). So much for my desire for a Royal Oak square to liven up the collection ;) |
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#40 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!
__________________
WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle |
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#41 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Real Name: Mike
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 3,971
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ROO have a recommended servicing every 5 yrs, correct? What if it's running well, would one still wanna send it in at that 5 yr mark?
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#42 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: JF
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Rolex Sub 1680
Posts: 1,426
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I wish I would've read this sticky before I bought. I recently picked up an H series AP Diver and a G series AP ROO Safari, both pre-owned but from reputable dealers.
Luckily I did not do any of the Don'ts... |
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#43 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: tom
Location: northern ireland
Watch: my fins
Posts: 10,063
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i was tempted towards a ro ,,,, looks like its a bit more saving and a pp aqua instead ,,, i wont take much talking into that , great read. great sticky.
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#44 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Real Name: Robert
Location: new york
Watch: Audemars Royal Oak
Posts: 137
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GREAT ADVICE FOR ALL...
FYI: I have a vintage 4100BA ,mov. 332042, cal 2125, beautiful piece, I sent it to Audemars in Fla. The cleaning of movement and polishing of watch and band was estimated at $1500.00, albeit was 2005. Was not a bad price. Good Luck All, The RO is a great piece, I have never been happier with a watch, I have many brands, but this puppy is tops on my list.. and currently looking to get another. I will keep in mind the issue with the 5402 |
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#45 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,753
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[QUOTE=Submarino;3094368]I hope this can become a sticky on the AP Forum as I believe a lot of people considering buying a pre-owned AP would benefit from the advice I am giving out.
![]() Always keep in mind the following when making a purchase of a pre-owned AP. Especially when buying a Royal Oak or a Royal Oak Offshore. 1. If you own a vintage AP and don't know the service history on the watch do not send it in for service at AP unless it stops running. Don't let an independent watchmaker work on a vintage AP no matter what. The money you save today, you'll have to pay it tomorrow. 2. If you buy a pre-owned modern AP RO or ROO try to get one that is not very old (F series and up) ideally with some service history and in overall great shape. Don't by a beater even if it's a good deal! You'll pay the difference afterwards. 3. If you buy a 5402 be very careful with the crown and avoid using the quick-set calendar advance feature that comes with cal. 2121. (While the watch doesn't have a date setting crown position, you can quickly advance the date by going with the hands past midnight to around 1am or 2am and then back to 10pm to adjust the date without having to go around 24hrs for each day). This is not an isolated case as on the four 5402s that I've owned I always had problems with the crown stem breaking and the crown coming off will pulling it out to set the time. On one of them this happened twice in a two-year period. When pulling the crown out to set the time, pull very slowly! Another thing to consider will be to wind the watch via the crown by turning it no more than 5-7 turns. 4. On 5402s even after being serviced, AP doesn't guarantee any water-resistance. Don't even get it wet while washing your hands. 5. If you buy a ROO (Pre F-series) make sure it comes with service papers or service history. Otherwise stay away, unless you know the owner or the watch is really flawless. 6. Do not have the watch or bezel polished by independents. You might lose the AP bevels and bezel will become rounded over time and thin out. AP uses a special machine to keep the octagonal shape intact and polished/brushed areas perfectly balanced. 7. If you buy an AP still under warranty make sure to get the warranty registered and get your third year sticker. If the warranty is close to expire send the watch in and work will be done under warranty giving you another 2 years. 8. If you open a case back on a ROO do not attempt to open the anti-magnetic casing that holds the movement inside as those screws are very delicate. If you open the case back you are voiding any warranty on the watch as AP will know it was opened. Get it pressured test it if you do. 9. If you want to go AP make sure you have done your research, tried the watch on and have money ready for the service when the time comes. As Ken accurately mentioned, the service on modern APs will be expensive but not as expensive as it is on a Vintage piece like mine unless something is seriously wrong or other watchmakers before your ownership messed up the movement. 10. Stay away from a RO Quartz as changing the battery is something that needs to be done every 2-3 years. To change the battery you need to disassemble the whole watch. Remove the bezel, dial, hands, crown, etc. to access the movement and then replace the battery. If done by an independent there are a ton of things that can go wrong. Then again you will need to have AP do it and it gets really pricey even when it's just a battery change as they will still force you to do a periodic service. I hope other owners and future owners learn from my experience and use this advice moving forward. I would hate to see anyone else go through the ordeals I've been dealing with this week. If my crown came apart in my hand twice in two years, I'd lose faith in the quality real fast and be taking my affections elsewhere. You must really like the brand. ![]() |
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#46 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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[QUOTE=WJGESQ;4195022]
Quote:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!
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#47 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 7
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Great info!
Just doing my research, and glad I stumbled over here. ;) Thx. Cheers, Dave |
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#48 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
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#49 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 117
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Quote:
I am wondering what the basis is for your first piece of advice quoted above. If I buy a high-quality vintage watch with an unknown service history I first wear it for awhile and decide if it is a "keeper." If it is, I go ahead and send it our for service. I have done with with both my Rolex 16750 and Zenith A385 and am glad I did so. Your advice below to NOT get it serviced is contrary to the advice I have received from most other collectors of vintage watches. I know that an AP service is much more expensive than Rolex, but they are reputed to do a great job in Le Brassus. What gives? Cheers, Jon SF, CA Because everyone loves photos, here is the watch underlying my curiosity... ![]() Last edited by gingi310; 22 November 2013 at 11:50 AM.. Reason: Added photo... |
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#50 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
I gave that advise since I try not to send a watch in for service until it stops or if something seems off regarding the running condition of the watch —accuracy, power reserve, crown issues, weird noise coming from the rotor, etc. Sometimes you can avoid a $3-4K bill from a service on a vintage AP Royal Oak or at least postpone the expense if it's in good running condition. By the way that RO on your picture is beautiful!!! Serial???
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#51 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 117
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Quote:
It's a D Series - 13xx |
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#52 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 253
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great thread!
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#53 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Real Name: Jaime
Location: Miami
Watch: Rolex sub TT
Posts: 9
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Awesome info which will definitely help me as I'm on the quest for a pre-owned ROO safari.
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#54 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Real Name: alex
Location: montreal
Watch: Gold RO Jumbo
Posts: 28
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Weird noise from rotor
Hi and thanks in advance for any info. I have a Jubilee (yes I'm in love) and recently it started making noise when the rotor turns. The watch already loses about 1- 2 mins per day and after reading your post about waiting until the watch stopped before servicing it, I was OK with the time loss. With this new noise, I'm wondering if I'm causing more damage by not doing anything. It actually sounds like it needs oil or a lube job.
What do you think? 14802BA
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#55 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 19,706
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Great write up Submarino! There is a YouTube video which features some guy reading your post verbatim!
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#56 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
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__________________
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#57 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 19,706
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That's exactly what I thought!
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#58 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: gus
Location: East Coast
Watch: APK & sometimes Y
Posts: 26,175
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Quote:
![]() great bunch of info ![]() |
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#59 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Mr. H
Location: Dallas
Watch: them for me!
Posts: 7,180
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Quote:
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__________________
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#60 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: HK
Posts: 1
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