AP Crown Stems Very Thin?

[EchoBlueUK]

I went looking at a number of AP's today and one thing i noticed was that the crown stem appeared very thin. I found this a bit strange especially on the more 'robust' ROO's. When i unscrewed and pulled the crown out it looked like it could just snap off and it could bend very easily.

Has anyone had any problems with AP crown's? I think i may have just found a deal breaker

[Submarino]

Only on vintage Royal Oaks ref. 5402. The crown stems are the most fragile in the world. They can snap of very easily or break when setting the calendar with the midnight quick-advance feature. They're crap. Now on my RO 15300, ROO 25721 and ROO Diver 15703 they seem quite sturdy.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Only on vintage Royal Oaks ref. 5402. The crown stems are the most fragile in the world. They can snap of very easily or break when setting the calendar with the midnight quick-advance feature. They're crap. Now on my RO 15300, ROO 25721 and ROO Diver 15703 they seem quite sturdy.

I agree, On older AP's crown stems are slitzed and if your not careful you would end up having it in your hand.

[Speed]

Yikes.

I toy with the idea of getting a 15300 someday but more talk of fragility & APs

Hope the 15300s are robust.

[Submarino]

The 15300 are very robust!!!

[elevensheep]

Originally Posted by EchoBlueUK

I went looking at a number of AP's today and one thing i noticed was that the crown stem appeared very thin. I found this a bit strange especially on the more 'robust' ROO's. When i unscrewed and pulled the crown out it looked like it could just snap off and it could bend very easily.

Has anyone had any problems with AP crown's? I think i may have just found a deal breaker

you are right that the stem on the APs is definitely thinner comparing to say those on the Rolex.

my experience with the 15400 and 15300 is that they work fine, and can withstand "normal" pressure associated with normal wearing of the watch

one little complain i do have of the crown/stem design is that, very occasionally, the crown could become hard to screw down due to the stem being unclean. But a simple cleaning of the stem easily fixes the issue.

[aboen]

I’ve noticed it and have been a source of disappointment for me. Still like my AP diver though.

Poor showing compared to my Blancpain FF.