18k Royal Oak with steel parts?

[GregoryZ]

Hi AP family,

A fews back, I went to look at a pre-owned solid gold Royal Oak automatic. I was surprised while inspecting it, I noticed it had a steel bracelet clasp mechanism, not gold like my President. Is this factory or could it be a replacement of some kind?

If it's factory, I'm curious as to why a fine watch maker like AP would use steel parts in an all gold watch? Does Patek use any steel in the all gold Natilus? I don't recall any markings on this AP clasp. I've always wanted a Royal Oak and this certainly would'nt be a deal breaker, just puzzeling, I guess!?

Is this a normal configuration?

[watchdog507]

I've never seen steel used with Gold. I have seen different colours of gold used. Your Rolex DD's can have RG in the clasp.

[orangedial]

AP gold watch should come in all gold, including the clasp.
Do you have any photos of the "steel part" you have observed?

[benlee]

Definitely not normal. If it's a real AP gold watch, every part of the case and the clasp should be solid gold. Sounds fishy to me. Suggest you pass.

[SamGMT]

It's normal, the one you looking at likely a vintage model. However, for new models all should come in full gold. It will be good if you can show us some pictures.

[Dickson Lim]

It's normal for vintage 18k Royal Oak. You could post some pictures here if you still have doubt.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by SamGMT

It's normal, the one you looking at likely a vintage model. However, for new models all should come in full gold. It will be good if you can show us some pictures.

Originally Posted by Dickson Lim

It's normal for vintage 18k Royal Oak. You could post some pictures here if you still have doubt.

That's interesting. Something new for me. Any insights why AP would do that in the past? Seems a cut-corner attempt to reduce cost.

[robisan]

Could be aftermarket replacement, not sure thou.

[dysondiver]

probably just for strength on a part thats often used ,,, gold that thin would probably bend out of shape ,,, just guessing though.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

probably just for strength on a part thats often used ,,, gold that thin would probably bend out of shape ,,, just guessing though.

Probably why. Gold and steel usually do not mix well though.

This was new info for me too.

[Dickson Lim]

Originally Posted by benlee

That's interesting. Something new for me. Any insights why AP would do that in the past? Seems a cut-corner attempt to reduce cost.

It's basically for the purpose of strength as the old-styled vintage Royal Oak clasps were much thinner than the modern versions we have these days. It might be bent when being applied with the correct force while wearing or taking off the watch. There are quite a number of other top-tier brands doing the same thing for their vintage 18k gold bracelet models as well.


On the other hand, reducing cost of an 18k watch with full gold bracelet doesn't seem to make much sense IMHO, especially for brands like AP. Just my 2 cents.

p/s: That's why we love this place, Ben! Always something new and fascinating for us to learn each day.

[diver2012]

I saw a gold ladies Nautilus from 1988 with a SS clasp.

[GregoryZ]

Thanks everybody! Yes, this was a vintage Automatic AP. I will try to get some pics and will let everyone know. I really appreciate this feedback and details. Very helpful!!! Thank you!!!!

[GregoryZ]

Originally Posted by Dickson Lim

It's basically for the purpose of strength as the old-styled vintage Royal Oak clasps were much thinner than the modern versions we have these days. It might be bent when being applied with the correct force while wearing or taking off the watch. There are quite a number of other top-tier brands doing the same thing for their vintage 18k gold bracelet models as well.


On the other hand, reducing cost of an 18k watch with full gold bracelet doesn't seem to make much sense IMHO, especially for brands like AP. Just my 2 cents.

p/s: That's why we love this place, Ben! Always something new and fascinating for us to learn each day.

Thanks Dickson!