AP RO 15500, boring?

It's a 70's disco ball design, not a timeless one.

I think for some people and their preferences, it's worth every penny and more. Same with lots of other watches. While for others, it ain't. I, too, fall in the latter category.

I suspect, if you care about...

• Heritage

• History

• Story

The Royal Oak would be an absolute marvel of a watch. But, if you don't... then... yeah, maybe I'd pay $1k for it? Don't know.

But, I feel that way about lots and lots and lots of watches.

There’s often been talk of diminishing returns when it comes to price increase in watches. How for example it can be quite easy to see adifference between a $100 watch and a $1000 watch. A quick scan of the specs or glance at the watches will allow you to see some obvious improvements, whereas this gets harder to spot between a $1000 and $2000 watch. I imagine when you get to the luxury level you’ll have to really work at it to spot the improvements. I’m sure they’re there but I’m also sure I’d need quite a bit of time and not sure I’d find them.

To me it is one of the most handsome/cool looking watches ever, the finishing is exceptional. Almost every brand has a similar/inspired model in their lineup. But I also get why it doesn’t appeal to everyone and I get why people would agree that it is overpriced.

I love all these things. But without aesthetic beauty, they are nothing.

The AP lacks that. Ugly, with a gas station bathroom tile dial. Same goes for the PRX.

Im pretty much with you on the AP..It doesnt do anything for me.

I find the RO dial and handset as basic and unappealing as they get. In fact, I don't get the 70s Genta trend at all. I guess it's just not for me.

It is without a doubt a watch full of heritage, but reminds me of a luxury car that hasn't moved with the times and now only looks suitable for weddings and funerals while other 'young upstarts' are better value and more desirable.

It's not that I wouldn't want one, but it's so far down the desirability scale that I could never imagine spending that money on one with so many more desirable alternatives at better prices.

But each to their own, it has a market and if they enjoy them then that's great too of course!

The APRO is a maze of contradictions. First of all, when it was introduced, it was a dog in the market. It did not sell well at all but AP stuck with it, for whatever reason. Now, it’s biggest selling point is its heritage which in truth is that it was an unpopular drag on the company. But now that it’s been around so long, it’s heritage is important.

It’s supposedly a sport watch but comes with a delicate movement that’s easy to break and very expensive to fix. This observation comes from a watch dealer and former APRO owner. You would expect that a sport watch would come with a very durable, reliable and easy to service movement, like a Rolex, but that’s not the case here. Also considering it’s 50m water resistance, it’s not ideally suited for much in the way of water based activities. Wherever you would go with your Khaki Field, I guess you could go with this if you were willing to risk 100x the Khaki Field’s price.

But speaking about water resistance, someone online once told me that the screws on the bezel were to ensure water resistance. LOL. Wait!!! What!!! They need exposed screws on the bezel to achieve a paltry 50m water resistance? I don’t think so. Let’s agree that the screws are strictly for appearance.

Let’s get back to the idea of contradictions. The screws on the bezel aren’t screws. They are hex headed bolts that cannot turn within their hex shaped holes. So why do they need screwdriver slots in a screw that isn’t a screw in a hole that it cannot turn in? So let’s agree that that the bezel bolts have no useful function and even their very appearance makes absolutely no logical sense.

We can see that it’s a terrible choice for a sports watch, so let’s look at it as a luxury watch. There’s no grace or elegance to the design. It’s all hard edges and straight lines. It was never designed to be a luxury watch and I argue that the exposed bolts on the bezel make that point. It’s supposed to resemble the porthole of a ship but I don’t know of any octagonal portholes so even that explanation doesn’t make any sense. It’s designed to look industrial and I think they have achieved that with the crudely brushed bezel and bolts. In fact, I would argue that it’s appearance is positively agricultural and it’s finish more closely resembles the working surface of a tractor’s plow teeth, scratched and polished by working the soil. In fact, the dial design reminds me of the rubber floor mat in a tractor than any luxurious design or finishing. It really has nothing to recommend it as a luxury watch except the price.

In my final analysis, it is marketed as a luxury sport watch that is neither luxury nor sport. It’s appeal lies entirely in its inaccessible price and unobtainable supply.

OK, for me, how functional is it? As previously highlighted, the fake hex screws in hex holes kill the watch for me. Before I get to the uninspired dial and handset. The AP Royal Oak could have the finest automatic movement in the world, with a heritage going back to the ancient Babylonians, a finish that would make angels cry, and I would still see it as a $100.00 Ali Express watch due to the screws.

I really like that AP Oak - blue face - stainless. It would be my go to anytime the situation called for something like that. The most I would pay for it? Maybe three grand.

No micro adjustments in the AP Royal Oak. I like Rolex bracelets more.

I like everything about it other than the price tag, It is a little outrageous, for me!

I agree with most comments here as It’s definitely not a sports watch.

I applaud all crunchers whom have purchased the Royal Oak as it’s a bold watch to wear and sexy! It is well made and full of style.

Fake screws ❌ oh no not here!!

There really aren’t any fake screws, but in fact are threaded bolts. The hardware industry calls them sex screws as the nut is a female screw head the receive the male end.

Watch this video and you’ll see how the bolts have been applied.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbe2dCnMC14

I came here to post this about the screws. Totally real and functional.

The AP Royal Oak is a watch full of contradictions, and that is precisely what makes it so captivating. From its audacious design to its exceptional craftsmanship, this timepiece defies expectations in the most intriguing ways.

First and foremost, the Royal Oak stands out for its bold and unconventional appearance. It combines elements of a luxury sports watch and a refined dress watch, blurring the boundaries between casual and formal wear. The octagonal bezel, inspired by a diver's helmet, challenges the traditional round shape, creating a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette. It's a design that polarizes opinions, often eliciting both awe and skepticism.

Yet, beneath its unconventional exterior lies an incredible level of attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship. The Royal Oak is a testament to Audemars Piguet's commitment to excellence. The intricate finishing of the case, the meticulous brushing and polishing techniques, and the flawless integration of the bracelet and case exemplify the brand's dedication to perfection.

Furthermore, the Royal Oak embraces both extravagance and understatement. It is an ostentatious timepiece that commands attention, yet it possesses an innate elegance and sophistication. The interplay of brushed and polished surfaces on the case and bracelet, along with the intricate tapisserie dial pattern, adds depth and dimension to the watch. It is a paradoxical combination of boldness and refinement.

While the Royal Oak boasts a sporty aesthetic, it is not necessarily a watch for intense athletic pursuits. Its luxury origins and delicate mechanical movement make it more suitable for occasional outdoor activities rather than rugged adventures. It is a watch that defies categorization, blurring the lines between sports and luxury watchmaking.

In conclusion, the AP Royal Oak is a watch full of contradictions, and that is precisely why it has become an icon in the horological world. Its audacious design challenges conventions, while its exceptional craftsmanship showcases meticulous attention to detail. It effortlessly combines luxury and sportiness, elegance and boldness, creating a timepiece that captivates and intrigues. Whether you appreciate its contradictions or find them perplexing, there's no denying the Royal Oak's enduring appeal and its status as a horological legend.

I do appreciate the AP, but to me its not worth the price: i’ll admire from afar. If it’s a look you’re after I think I’d sleep better with a PRX.

Ah, the paradox of "WTF did you say this watch cost???"

I mean, Royal Oak is kinda a favorite watch to hate (as a bunch of others pointed out, it's a mass of contradiction). But it's far from the only ones. Some Patek look seriously bad. I inherited an Omega from my father, and it's still the most expensive watch in my collection, and it also happens to be one of my least favorite.

Modern watches are all about emotions. And tastes differ, right?

I tend to agree. Not a big fan of the integrated bracelet and I cannot get over the fake screws on the bezel. The screwdriver slot in a recessed bolt makes absolutely no sense. I believe it is well worth the price people are paying for this but not for me. I may change my opinion when I try one on?

I'm not above falling hard for things other people don't care for even one bit and also for spending what some people would think are obscene amounts of money for premium goods and services so I'm very comfortable doing me. Having said that the AP RO has never appealed to me...at all. I recognize it's outsized cultural significance and flex culture prominence but if you don't feel it, don't fake it.

A baller level watch that does live rent free in my head is the VC222 so it's all just a matter of individual preferences rather than good or bad choices.

Only the 15202, 16202 aka the jumbos (direct descendents of the 5402) are beautiful (imo of course). The 15500s seem out of proportion.

If not for the role it played during the quartz crisis, this is a totally forgettable watch and design. Even the gshock has better design and much better utility

Really dislike Genta's 70's designs. Fugly "Emperor's New Clothes" imho.

Hey Luis!! I think that Royal Oak 15500 in blue color way is amazing. I’m sorry it this offends some AP collector but I get a very close feel where my PRX Auto with the blue face color way. I think that AP looks awsome though and I hope your friend is happy with it.