I found a Royal Oak I am interested in, need help!

[taghans]

Hi:
Well, I am back again with another watch for which I need expert opinions. I have been trying to acquire an older AP Royal Oak or PP for quite sometime now. However, every time they have slipped through my hands for one reason or another (typically flaky sellers-although they were not from this forum). Nonetheless, I found a AP Royal Oak which looks interesting. If anyone can provide any opinion as to its value, condition (based on 2 pics I have), and anythinig else that may help a newbie, it would be greatly appreciated. ALso, what would be a good price to offer. I think I may be able to get this for $4000+/- but we shall see.

Thanks!

[B. Doggy]

I'd check out the sticky at the top of this forum regarding buying older AP's if you haven't already. A worthwile read. Others will chime in on this piece though, I'm sure.

[Manofsteelpt]

Im no AP expert like Thomas, Hal or some of the others on here, but it looks like a 14790, 36mm RO. Could use a good cleaning and I'm sure a servicing. Looking at about $1500 for that from AP. I think $4k be a good price for it.

[taghans]

I read that (extremley informative). I believe this is a Series C from early 80's. I cannot however, pinpoint an approx value in $. Further, I believe it would cost around $450 to have it "cleaned up" by AP.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by taghans

I read that (extremley informative). I believe this is a Series C from early 80's. I cannot however, pinpoint an approx value in $. Further, I believe it would cost around $450 to have it "cleaned up" by AP.

Plus the service cost.

[taghans]

Oh, wow, the AP site noted a range on SFranc's that was no higher than $450 USD. However, I did not notice any service cost info but figured my price to be to low. Therefore, what in your eyes is the resale value on this watch (what could it fetch on this forum), alternatives for getting it "cleaned up" maybe at local high end watch store...?

[Manofsteelpt]

I believe the cost for a clean and polish is about $350 w/service and $450 w/o a service. The service fee is @ $1k maybe a little more. AP has machine to buff edges correctly and keep the sharp edges. I wouldn't let someone else do it if I were you.

[taghans]

I think if I get this I would hand polish to get the luster back but avoid the $1500 fee w AP as I assume the watch is only worth maybe $8,000?
http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

[T.S.Eliot]

Not liking the AP mark at 6, not to mention the condition.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by taghans

I think if I get this I would hand polish to get the luster back but avoid the $1500 fee w AP as I assume the watch is only worth maybe $8,000?
http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

AP will not polish that watch unless it is fully serviced. I would suggest you don't try to polish it yourself or through and independent as the bezel will get rounded. The contrast between matte and polished areas on a Royal Oak is something that should be left to the experts at APSC.

What's the case size? Is it 39mm? Who's selling it? Because of the lack of a seconds hand it seems to me that it could be a late 5402ST C-series with an earlier dial that does not correspond to the time period of the watch. The double baton dial with AP at six was discontinued after the A-series.

A service on that watch based on the condition shown on the pictures could run up to $3K. It is fair to assume that if the watch looks like that on the outside the movement might be in terrible shape.

PM if you want to further discuss.

[taghans]

@T.S. & Submarion:
Can you provide a ballpark value of the watch. My intent is to buy an AP to give to my son when I am an old man. However, I want a deal but not a money pit. I want to get the value so i know if I am getting a deal or not. Anyway, Thanks for the help.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by taghans

@T.S. & Submarion:
Can you provide a ballpark value of the watch. My intent is to buy an AP to give to my son when I am an old man. However, I want a deal but not a money pit. I want to get the value so i know if I am getting a deal or not. Anyway, Thanks for the help.

As discussed over the phone! Good luck!

[newbieincali]

Let us know how it goes 8-)

[TSW]

What happened with the 6 o'clock marker?

If you not want to fork up the service fee that this watch looks like be in order for..I'd definitely would recommend you to find a nice preowned 15300 instead.

[Dickson Lim]

What's the case size? You must be prepared to fork out a fair amount of money for service as the dial had to be changed (still wondering how did that 6 o'clock market fell out) and the movement would definitely need a full service. Not to forget about the cost to refurbish the watch case and bracelet.

[Darlinboy]

I would probably pass on that one, at that price. Just too many issues with condition, and that missing marker means someone has opened the case and who knows what else is inside. If you can get it for say..3K or less, might be worth taking a chance IMO.

Otherwise, I'd hold out to find one in better condition than that. There is a 36mm 14790ST on a well-known auction site right now, for a reasonable price, from a very respectable dealer. Check Chrono24.com to see what they're listing (not selling) for.