Thoughts on 26400 Panda as first AP

[marc2828]

Hello,
Thinking about pulling trigger on first AP, the 2015 model 26400 44mm Panda. I really like the new 43mm 26420, but seems to be a difficult purchase, and they trade 15k over the 44mm in the gray mkt. I found one with B&P and recent full service. I hear the older 44mm Roos have 2 movements, one for time, and one for chrono and are in need of service often. The new model I believe has one integrated movement. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Marc

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[AshAP]

The 44mm is an awesome watch, the only negative would be that it’s large so I’d recommend trying one on before you buy one. Regarding servicing, I’ve found my 44mm to be extremely reliable, the bezel is relatively easy to chip though and that’s a £2000++ replacement. The problems with the movement that I’ve gathered from others is that some people have experienced reliability problems from new however those are fixed relatively quickly at the service centre and then the watch should run fine. I’m not aware of constant issues with these watches and that’s certainly not my experience. Also the 44mm has had numerous iterations over its production cycle and all the relevant straps will all be compatible with the watch you’re looking at so there’s a huge choice.


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[zinzanzigara]

Originally Posted by marc2828

Hello,
Thinking about pulling trigger on first AP, the 2015 model 26400 44mm Panda. I really like the new 43mm 26420, but seems to be a difficult purchase, and they trade 15k over the 44mm in the gray mkt. I found one with B&P and recent full service. I hear the older 44mm Roos have 2 movements, one for time, and one for chrono and are in need of service often. The new model I believe has one integrated movement. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Marc

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You should be able to pick up a 43mm at the boutique, definitely worth trying.

[wb55]

Originally Posted by zinzanzigara

You should be able to pick up a 43mm at the boutique, definitely worth trying.

Quite a price difference between the two though

[zinzanzigara]

Originally Posted by wb55

Quite a price difference between the two though

Yeah fair enough!

[VogelPhoenix]

There are pretty good deals on the 44mm ROs available. But vs the 43mm they were much larger than the 1mm difference would suggest. Works on some wrists, but looks odd on many others.

[10XRolex]

Having both; the 44mm titanium slate and 43mm taupe Offshore, I would say if the 44mm fits you, go for it.

If you go with the 44mm that you are looking at. See if the full service was actually done by AP and if they upgraded the movement; which they were doing free of charge. If so you should be fine and would also have a warranty with it. If it wasn't serviced by AP and within warranty try to locate a watch thats still within the AP warranty period for that piece of mind.

[ryehn]

44mm ROO will still be the king of Offshores for me

[marc2828]

thank you to all for replies. Gonna go try on 44mm today again to decide.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

There are pretty good deals on the 44mm ROs available. But vs the 43mm they were much larger than the 1mm difference would suggest. Works on some wrists, but looks odd on many others.

100% this, to a tee

I wanted to love some 44ROO but they’re simply HUGE on wrist. Way bigger than 43ROO.

[J.T.]

That was my first AP! I love it, currently wearing it as a matter of fact. I had a titanium with blue dial 43mm for a few months but it didn't have the same wrist presence to me and I didn't enjoy it as much so I traded it away.

I now have 7 variations of the 44mm Offshore in my collection. They fit me well and I love them. I've only had 2 issues, 1 the crown got a gritty feeling but would still work, the other would not wind properly. They both went back to AP for service and were upgraded to new movements with no issues since. FYI the quick detatch strap mechanism can be retrofit to the 44mm Offshores now. I got my kit installed 6-8 months ago and love it.

[bpetty13]

Originally Posted by J.T.

That was my first AP! I love it, currently wearing it as a matter of fact. I had a titanium with blue dial 43mm for a few months but it didn't have the same wrist presence to me and I didn't enjoy it as much so I traded it away.

I now have 7 variations of the 44mm Offshore in my collection. They fit me well and I love them. I've only had 2 issues, 1 the crown got a gritty feeling but would still work, the other would not wind properly. They both went back to AP for service and were upgraded to new movements with no issues since. FYI the quick detatch strap mechanism can be retrofit to the 44mm Offshores now. I got my kit installed 6-8 months ago and love it.

Can you purchase the detachable strap mechanism from AP or do you have to send your watch in to have them do it?

[10XRolex]

I now have 7 variations of the 44mm Offshore in my collection.


That's phenomenal. Would like to see a picture of them. I may be a bit jealous.

[Gladiat0r]

I have that exact watch, 44mm with the white face and black subdials. It is the only watch I wear that I actually get constant compliments on. It is a very big and bulky watch, but it wears very comfortably. If you can pull off the size, absolutely go for it! It’s a bargain these days.

I’m really curious about the quick change straps fkr the 44. This is possible thru AP service?

[marc2828]

https://watch2parts.com/products/con...ect-watch-band

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[J.T.]

Originally Posted by 10XRolex

I now have 7 variations of the 44mm Offshore in my collection.


That's phenomenal. Would like to see a picture of them. I may be a bit jealous.

Here's 6 of them together, one was out for service when I took this pic. The RBII is technically 42mm but with the massive pushers it wears like a 44mm.

[J.T.]

Originally Posted by marc2828

https://watch2parts.com/products/con...ect-watch-band

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This is not the quick change mechanism. The quick change is only available from AP directly

[10XRolex]

Originally Posted by J.T.

Here's 6 of them together, one was out for service when I took this pic. The RBII is technically 42mm but with the massive pushers it wears like a 44mm.

Impressive.

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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by J.T.

Here's 6 of them together, one was out for service when I took this pic. The RBII is technically 42mm but with the massive pushers it wears like a 44mm.

A man who knows what he likes

[Gladiat0r]

Originally Posted by J.T.

Here's 6 of them together, one was out for service when I took this pic. The RBII is technically 42mm but with the massive pushers it wears like a 44mm.

Absolutely love this

[AK797]

Originally Posted by J.T.

Here's 6 of them together, one was out for service when I took this pic. The RBII is technically 42mm but with the massive pushers it wears like a 44mm.

44s the one for me, if you can pull off the size then it's still the best Offshore for me.