AP Royal Oak back from a refinish (not by AP)

[jedione65]

So I just got my Royal Oak 14790st back from a refinish and a tube up. Thought it would need a service but apparently didn’t.

Anyway thought I’d post before and after pics, quite pleased with the results and can’t take my eyes off it.

Before pictures (1st 3) after (last 2). Came out great and quite sharp.

[construda]

Nice where did you send it, why not AP? Makes me so nervous to send it to non-AP

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by construda

Nice where did you send it, why not AP? Makes me so nervous to send it to non-AP

Yes I was also nervous about not sending it outside of AP but...
I sent to LA watchworks for several reasons. They are local to me so don't have to worry about shipping. They are also famous for refinishing vintage Rolex watches and also do refinishing work on AP's, even some that have been previously over polished.
I did a lot of research, it certainly was not cheap and took about 2 months.

On the other hand my wife took a vintage Royal Oak to AP for a service in March, sent to Switzerland and it will be done in September...maybe.

[Sho-nuff]

How much did they charge for the refinishing, and did it include the bracelet? Thanks

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by Sho-nuff

How much did they charge for the refinishing, and did it include the bracelet? Thanks

Yes the whole watch including the bracelet, about 850 just for the refinish, give or take. It depends how much extra work it needs also.

[fsprow]

The refinishing looks great, but I notice there’s an awfully large gap between the case and the first link. Were they going to work on this?

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by fsprow

The refinishing looks great, but I notice there’s an awfully large gap between the case and the first link. Were they going to work on this?

Not really noticeable for me, but I think what you're referring to is the way I'm bending my wrist for these photos. It's a vintage watch after all and the links do tend to loosen up, although the bracelet for this one is pretty tight.

[JettyOne]

Nicely done. At a very reasonable cost.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VogelPhoenix]

I'm usually very skeptical about refinishing ROs by independent outfits, but this seems to have come out very nicely!

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

I'm usually very skeptical about refinishing ROs by independent outfits, but this seems to have come out very nicely!

Me too, but I’ve heard great things about these guys, seems to be the only place outside of AP that are able to finish even overpolished APs back to glory. I think they’re heavily backlogged though as it took a lot longer than I expected but was worth the wait. I plan to take my vintage GMT to them for a case restoration which is really their specialty.

[Henrimontgomery]

Genuine question, why not AP? They can swap over polished parts

[ciceroyeah]

what I'm concerned about is the angle of the mirrored edge on the bezel nearest the crown. Looks a little... shallow?

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by ciceroyeah

what I'm concerned about is the angle of the mirrored edge on the bezel nearest the crown. Looks a little... shallow?

I think you’re referring to the way the sunlight is hitting the bevel because it’s so shiny. This can be seen better in the 4th picture above where I try to show the bevels from the side. They are quite sharp.

Here is another pic from the top also:

[jedione65]

I am posting here again as this watch was stolen during a recent burglary. If anyone comes across this for sale anywhere please contact me through DM.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST white dial Serial No 10459-F04918

[AperolSpritz]

ROs shouldn't be polished.
Period

if bezel gets too scratched get replacement bezel

[construda]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

ROs shouldn't be polished.
Period

if bezel gets too scratched get replacement bezel

Thx I'm sure OP found the opinion on his now stolen watch very helpful

OP my condolences

[messikens]

Originally Posted by construda

Thx I'm sure OP found the opinion on his now stolen watch very helpful

OP my condolences

Reading comprehension on point

Sorry to hear OP hope it turns up...

[rmlovett1]

Very sorry to hear! Hopefully insured and replaced or found unharmed