AP First Time Buying Advice

[Chadridv]

I'm not exactly on the verge of a power move, but I have a few ideas bouncing around that could land me with my first AP. I would like to ask you fine folks for some words of wisdom on getting my feet wet with Audemars Piguet.

Watches in consideration are...

• Offshore Diver 15710ST
• Offshore Chronograph 26470ST
• Royal Oak 15400

First off, I am no stranger to Rolex. Been around Rolex my entire life and owned for about 16 years now. Although I'm not an expert, I have no hesitations pulling the trigger on a model I've settled on.

For whatever reason jumping into AP is a little intimidating. Here are some topics and potential issues i'm concerned about as a new buyer...

• Service Cost
• Service Intervals
• Domestic vs International Purchase Origins
• Warranty Ins & Outs
• preowned vs brand new
• known issues among certain models, specific movements, etc.

Going back to Rolex for a moment, I have read enough and made enough visits to RSC to understand how the warranty works and what is the best way to buy pre-owned.

An example 'issue' might be double checking the now infamous cyclops before committing to a watch, whether it be pre-owned, NIB trusted seller or even AD. These are the small things I know to be aware of as a Rolex buyer.

Any little issues I should be aware of before moving into Audemars? Anything to double check before pulling the trigger?

Thank you all very much!

[GB-man]

Both my Diver ceramic and 15400 were purchased from US ADs. 15400 new by me with discount and diver preowned through Takuya. Both were reliable, reasonably accurate and a joy to own. I flipped both for matters of taste that are just my thoughts.

One thing that's a touch annoying with the cal 3120 is that when you set the time, the minute hand jumps when the crown is pushed in which often results in you cursing and fiddling for a moment before getting the time correct. It can be mitigated somewhat by setting the time before you wind the movement.

Other than that I would look the finishing on the case over thoroughly as its so easy to have a mark and buying new I would want perfect. I have never observed a dial error on an AP which is great, cough Patek cough

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Both my Diver ceramic and 15400 were purchased from US ADs. 15400 new by me with discount and diver preowned through Takuya. Both were reliable, reasonably accurate and a joy to own. I flipped both for matters of taste that are just my thoughts.

One thing that's a touch annoying with the cal 3120 is that when you set the time, the minute hand jumps when the crown is pushed in which often results in you cursing and fiddling for a moment before getting the time correct. It can be mitigated somewhat by setting the time before you wind the movement.

Other than that I would look the finishing on the case over thoroughly as its so easy to have a mark and buying new I would want perfect. I have never observed a dial error on an AP which is great, cough Patek cough

Thanks very much! Great insight here.

[lapince]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Both my Diver ceramic and 15400 were purchased from US ADs. 15400 new by me with discount and diver preowned through Takuya. Both were reliable, reasonably accurate and a joy to own. I flipped both for matters of taste that are just my thoughts.

One thing that's a touch annoying with the cal 3120 is that when you set the time, the minute hand jumps when the crown is pushed in which often results in you cursing and fiddling for a moment before getting the time correct. It can be mitigated somewhat by setting the time before you wind the movement.

Other than that I would look the finishing on the case over thoroughly as its so easy to have a mark and buying new I would want perfect. I have never observed a dial error on an AP which is great, cough Patek cough

Ok I had the same problem with setting the time on mine at the beginning but strangely I don't anymore, I push it back in and the minute hand doesn't move at all, it was also annoying me at the start, had to do it a few times to get it almost right, now it's aways right on the first try, can't figure out how is that but I'm quite happy like that

Oh and yes the CE diver is a real pleasure to own and wear, light very comfortable, much more than certain brands and much more than a modern sub for example, you see it's perfectly made, with the PP 5712 it's the 2 watches I loved the most, if to count watches from 5K and up I've had around 15, these 2 were just perfection as far as I'm concerned

[AK797]

If you are coming from Rolex the RO might be better as the ROOs are comparatively pretty thick. I went the other way from AP and a Diver to Rolex and initially found Rolexes a little too slim, but not any more.

I would buy new from a trusted seller and then you have a 3 year total warranty and any problems that come up usually show pretty quickly, no major ones like the Cyclops, and AP service is exceptional and quick, much quicker than PP for example. And just for balance to Tom's point I have had an AP with dust on the dial and a Rolex, but my PP is fine, so QC issues can happen on any watch.

[jd57]

I bought my 15400 from an AD with a fair discount. The minute hand jumping on pushing in the crown can be mitigated by backing it slightly before pushing the crown. This is a great piece that I wear for casual (it is my beater to some extent) but also looks fine with a suit. I dont wear it daily but at least weekly and I have not had any problems with bezel scratches, etc. Service is absolutely best in class - sent mine in for two year check to obtain the free third year on the warranty. They found some dried oil, did a full service for free, extended the warranty two years because of the identified problem, and I had it back in less than four weeks (including time for my AD to ship to Clearwater and get it back). Quite a contrast with certain other high end brands you can read about in the Patek Forum...

This is after 2+ years, unpolished

[antbkny]

Originally Posted by jd57

I bought my 15400 from an AD with a fair discount. The minute hand jumping on pushing in the crown can be mitigated by backing it slightly before pushing the crown. This is a great piece that I wear for casual (it is my beater to some extent) but also looks fine with a suit. I dont wear it daily but at least weekly and I have not had any problems with bezel scratches, etc. Service is absolutely best in class - sent mine in for two year check to obtain the free third year on the warranty. They found some dried oil, did a full service for free, extended the warranty two years because of the identified problem, and I had it back in less than four weeks (including time for my AD to ship to Clearwater and get it back). Quite a contrast with certain other high end brands you can read about in the Patek Forum...

This is after 2+ years, unpolished

the photo may be deceiving but it looks like your watch like new. i was under the impression that if you look at an ap wrong, they scratch.

[s14roller]

I've owned about 7 APs, and know quite a few people that have owned them.

I'd say for service, it may depend on your school of thought. Some people follow the intervals, and some service when there's an issue. Rolex I believe has changed their intervals to 10 years from 5 years, and I personally don't think that's outside the norm for any watch.

Domestic/International - doesn't matter, as long as you have the warranty books and it's stamped correctly by the AD.

Warranty - not much to say here, standard 2 years + 1 year when you send it in to AP for water resistance. 3 years total for any issues. What's interesting is if there have been any issues that arise (needing to oil, etc.) they usually show up in the very beginning of ownership. Once it's resolved by Clearwater, they usually don't show up again.

Pre-owned brand new - like any other watch, it's all about pricing. I have bought new and pre-owned, just depends on condition/price/seller, etc.

Movement - for the most part the popular ones will all be based off the 3120, and it's solid.

Love AP!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I've owned about 7 APs, and know quite a few people that have owned them.

I'd say for service, it may depend on your school of thought. Some people follow the intervals, and some service when there's an issue. Rolex I believe has changed their intervals to 10 years from 5 years, and I personally don't think that's outside the norm for any watch.

Domestic/International - doesn't matter, as long as you have the warranty books and it's stamped correctly by the AD.

Warranty - not much to say here, standard 2 years + 1 year when you send it in to AP for water resistance. 3 years total for any issues. What's interesting is if there have been any issues that arise (needing to oil, etc.) they usually show up in the very beginning of ownership. Once it's resolved by Clearwater, they usually don't show up again.

Pre-owned brand new - like any other watch, it's all about pricing. I have bought new and pre-owned, just depends on condition/price/seller, etc.

Movement - for the most part the popular ones will all be based off the 3120, and it's solid.

Love AP!

This is great! Thank you.

[jd57]

Originally Posted by antNYC

the photo may be deceiving but it looks like your watch like new. i was under the impression that if you look at an ap wrong, they scratch.

Really no scratches - perhaps lucky or maybe not as bad a problem as billed. I can see where a scratch would really stand out on the brushed surface and am happy not to have an example to show you (yet).

[Speed]

Take a look at Submarinos sticky in the AP forum. Great advice about buying used APs.

[Speed]

I have had my 15300 in for servicing twice in > 18 mos ownership. Both times for quickset date issues.

I bought used from a trusted seller. Thankfully I was able to get my 3rd year warranty from Clearwater and my issue was covered.

The RO watch is a scratch magnet...you just have to be careful.

[Abdullasaif]

Just remember getting a steel AP get ready for scratches and should i polish vs not to polish? For AP its worth getting from an AD for the 5 year warranty, having the watch in your name and papers are important since they impact the resale value of the watch.

The service is really good from AP service centres havent heard one problem from clearwater or any complaints. From what i read and know i dont think I've ever seen any small issues on the models you wrote, the only issue is the sticking date which gets fixed in a day but thats very common with most brands.

With the diver and ROO 42mm both have interchangeability with straps and the bracelet. The discontinued Diver has a wet dial look to it and the new diver has a matte dial and clear case backs on both the new versions.

[JJ WA]

Get a 26470 Grey dial.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Abdullasaif

Just remember getting a steel AP get ready for scratches and should i polish vs not to polish? For AP its worth getting from an AD for the 5 year warranty, having the watch in your name and papers are important since they impact the resale value of the watch.

The service is really good from AP service centres havent heard one problem from clearwater or any complaints. From what i read and know i dont think I've ever seen any small issues on the models you wrote, the only issue is the sticking date which gets fixed in a day but thats very common with most brands.

With the diver and ROO 42mm both have interchangeability with straps and the bracelet. The discontinued Diver has a wet dial look to it and the new diver has a matte dial and clear case backs on both the new versions.

Thanks very much for this info!

So question, if I buy BNIB from a "trusted seller" w/warranty stamped and dated from AD, I can get the 2 +1 warranty correct? But from an AD you get 5 years?

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Thanks very much for this info!

So question, if I buy BNIB from a "trusted seller" w/warranty stamped and dated from AD, I can get the 2 +1 warranty correct? But from an AD you get 5 years?

Your name is not on the warranty book as with Rolex. You will then register in your name with AP to get 2+1 if you get from trusted seller (warranty book must be stamped and dated from AD or Boutique).

I believe you only get a 5 year warranty from the boutique, not sure about the AD.

I don't think it justifies the price difference. Buy 5/6 month pre-owned from a (VERY) trusted seller. You'll have 2+ years of warranty and will save big bucks.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Your name is not on the warranty book as with Rolex. You will then register in your name with AP to get 2+1 if you get from trusted seller (warranty book must be stamped and dated from AD or Boutique).

I believe you only get a 5 year warranty from the boutique, not sure about the AD.

I don't think it justifies the price difference. Buy 5/6 month pre-owned from a (VERY) trusted seller. You'll have 2+ years of warranty and will save big bucks.

Thank you Serg!

[s14roller]

AD is 2+1, Boutique is 5.

[masterserg]

If you buy pre-owned ... first and foremost, buy the seller! You know where to go.

Then, make sure you find a like new piece, a couple months old and with the books properly stamped (non issue with trusted sellers). Fairly easy with the references you are thinking about.

If you look at the 42 ROO chrono, you'll save what ... 10k vs. retail? No brainer.

An added benefit is that if the watch had a warranty issue, it was likely taken care of by the previous owner as these usually show up early in the watch's life. I used to be very picky about only buying new/stickered. I had several issues/flaws on watches where I cut the sealed baggie and peeled the stickers. Every single pre-owned piece I ever bought from my go-to trusted seller was flawless. Again, the keys are seller and condition (and price of course but this is more/less market standard).

Anyway, good luck with your decision

[SMD]

Originally Posted by s14roller

AD is 2+1, Boutique is 5.

Just to clarify -- only certain boutiques provide the 5 year warranty, not all AP boutiques (I am looking at you Tokyo!).

In the US they all do, but then you are pretty much paying full price no discount.

[SMD]

3 year old 15400. Never polished.



No marks on the bezel. Superficial scratches on the brushed surfaces of the bracelet. Key is wrist awareness. Once you get used to not banging a watch into everything (my first PAM bore the brunt) wrist awareness becomes second nature.

[lapince]

Originally Posted by Abdullasaif

Just remember getting a steel AP get ready for scratches and should i polish vs not to polish? For AP its worth getting from an AD for the 5 year warranty, having the watch in your name and papers are important since they impact the resale value of the watch.

Hi mate, What is this 5 year warranty? It's not the first time I hear this, I got from the AP private showroom but with 10% off, the director told me about the 3rd year warranty but never 5, I did get 10% off, which is more than a service, do you think if I contact them and ask I could have a chance of getting the 5th year or it's wasted since I didn't get when buying?

Originally Posted by SMD

3 year old 15400. Never polished.

No marks on the bezel. Superficial scratches on the brushed surfaces of the bracelet. Key is wrist awareness. Once you get used to not banging a watch into everything (my first PAM bore the brunt) wrist awareness becomes second nature.

same here, for me it was an Omega seamaster, I was bumping it 24/7, now I never ever bump my watches, amazing, after 1,5 years of wearing 24/7 my Nautilus had only 2 invisible hairlines on the bezel, and I was wearing it ALL the time, day and night, only clasp and parts of bracelet were a little scratched because of my macbook pro, cool looking notebooks but since it's metal very bad for time pieces..

[Abdullasaif]

Originally Posted by lapince

Hi mate, What is this 5 year warranty? It's not the first time I hear this, I got from the AP private showroom but with 10% off, the director told me about the 3rd year warranty but never 5, I did get 10% off, which is more than a service, do you think if I contact them and ask I could have a chance of getting the 5th year or it's wasted since I didn't get when buying?





same here, for me it was an Omega seamaster, I was bumping it 24/7, now I never ever bump my watches, amazing, after 1,5 years of wearing 24/7 my Nautilus had only 2 invisible hairlines on the bezel, and I was wearing it ALL the time, day and night, only clasp and parts of bracelet were a little scratched because of my macbook pro, cool looking notebooks but since it's metal very bad for time pieces..

It's an extension from 3 you don't get it right after buying a new watch in your name


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[Chadridv]

So does anyone want to chime in on actual service costs based on experience?

I am curious about general service on the RO Diver and ROO? Cost, recommended intervals, etc? Obviously I'm talking about out of warranty service.