AP 2121: accuracy, power reserve, quirks?

[Sir Larry Wildman]

Not too long ago I posed the question:

"What is everyone's general experience with AP's accuracy, specifically the 3120 movement in the AP 15400 and Divers?"

Since then, I have fallen in love with the Jumbo. So, I want to pose the question, what about in the AP 2121 that is in the 15202: how is the accuracy? how is the power reserve, do you get the full 40 hours? any known quirks (sticky date, etc.)? is it a tougher movement?

This watch will be reserved for weekend wear, as I have my BLNR and Speedy Pro for during the week wear, so it's not something that'll be banged around or have to put up with daily wear and tear, if that matters at all.

Thanks!

[diver2012]

It's been around 40 years.

I think that says all you need to know!

[Tzehou]

Wow... Not much words. But strong words. Just got my new jumbo and is enjoying it.

[schinie]

not so accurate as others

[Fiery]

You don't buy a 2121-based AP time piece for accuracy, durability or to have a modern piece of gadget on your wrist. That's simply a piece of history, one of the most important wristwatch movements of all time. Similarly, if you bought a Speedmaster with the iconic manual-wound 321, 861 or 1861 movement, you wouldn't buy it for the accuracy or cutting-edge technological innovations, but for its historical significance and its space exploration pedigree.

BTW, when I used to have my 15300 on my wrist, I was a bit annoyed by its not-so-great accuracy. But, ever since I have had to move it, I miss it quite badly. I suppose I only was annoyed by the accuracy issues because I thought the modern 3120 movement was supposed to be more accurate. I wouldn't have such expectations for a 2121 movement for sure though :) Just as I don't care how accurate or inaccurate my '69 Speedmaster is :)

To sum up: get the Jumbo, and don't expect it to be on par with your Rolex in accuracy. It would however provide you with such charm, such charisma that -- sadly -- no Rolex could ever do. No offense to any owners, of course.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by Fiery

You don't buy a 2121-based AP time piece for accuracy, durability or to have a modern piece of gadget on your wrist. That's simply a piece of history, one of the most important wristwatch movements of all time. Similarly, if you bought a Speedmaster with the iconic manual-wound 321, 861 or 1861 movement, you wouldn't buy it for the accuracy or cutting-edge technological innovations, but for its historical significance and its space exploration pedigree.

BTW, when I used to have my 15300 on my wrist, I was a bit annoyed by its not-so-great accuracy. But, ever since I have had to move it, I miss it quite badly. I suppose I only was annoyed by the accuracy issues because I thought the modern 3120 movement was supposed to be more accurate. I wouldn't have such expectations for a 2121 movement for sure though :) Just as I don't care how accurate or inaccurate my '69 Speedmaster is :)

To sum up: get the Jumbo, and don't expect it to be on par with your Rolex in accuracy. It would however provide you with such charm, such charisma that -- sadly -- no Rolex could ever do. No offense to any owners, of course.

This. Exactly this. Mine runs 10-20 seconds fast a day. I observe that if I wear it a good 3-4 days in a row, it's about a minute fast.

Does that bother me? The pleasure I derive from wearing this watch is not diminished one bit.

[martinr]

No second hand so it's a little tricky getting it right. And, when you push in the crown the minute hand moves a little.

[B. Doggy]

Per my prior readings, be careful with the crown. The stem can be a little fragile. Great watch though.

[sebastien1975]

I find my jumbo (2120) to be very accurate. It gains about 1 minute per month, so about +2s per day. Better than my 15450 (3120) before i had it checked by APSC.

As for power reserve, i get the 40 hours, though i don't really need it since i hardly wear another watch these days.

[ciceroyeah]

I have two vintage 2121 movement watches. The rotor winding can be inefficient (once in a while I'll find it has stopped at 6am, but this may be because it's 30 years old), but generally I find the movement is very accurate when well serviced. Only mildly annoying thing is setting the date, which requires manually rolling it over by moving the minute hand back past 10:30pm and forward past 12am for each day.

[drhr]

Originally Posted by Fiery

You don't buy a 2121-based AP time piece for accuracy, durability or to have a modern piece of gadget on your wrist. That's simply a piece of history, one of the most important wristwatch movements of all time. Similarly, if you bought a Speedmaster with the iconic manual-wound 321, 861 or 1861 movement, you wouldn't buy it for the accuracy or cutting-edge technological innovations, but for its historical significance and its space exploration pedigree.

BTW, when I used to have my 15300 on my wrist, I was a bit annoyed by its not-so-great accuracy. But, ever since I have had to move it, I miss it quite badly. I suppose I only was annoyed by the accuracy issues because I thought the modern 3120 movement was supposed to be more accurate. I wouldn't have such expectations for a 2121 movement for sure though :) Just as I don't care how accurate or inaccurate my '69 Speedmaster is :)

To sum up: get the Jumbo, and don't expect it to be on par with your Rolex in accuracy. It would however provide you with such charm, such charisma that -- sadly -- no Rolex could ever do. No offense to any owners, of course.

One of the most objective and balanced opinions I've read in a long time, well said!

No problems with mine though I don't think I would even know how to time it. I never have to adjust the time while it's on my wrist and that's all I expect. Even if/with flaws, it is a most beautiful watch and I enjoy it immensely . . .

[Sir Larry Wildman]

Originally Posted by Fiery

You don't buy a 2121-based AP time piece for accuracy, durability or to have a modern piece of gadget on your wrist. That's simply a piece of history, one of the most important wristwatch movements of all time. Similarly, if you bought a Speedmaster with the iconic manual-wound 321, 861 or 1861 movement, you wouldn't buy it for the accuracy or cutting-edge technological innovations, but for its historical significance and its space exploration pedigree.

BTW, when I used to have my 15300 on my wrist, I was a bit annoyed by its not-so-great accuracy. But, ever since I have had to move it, I miss it quite badly. I suppose I only was annoyed by the accuracy issues because I thought the modern 3120 movement was supposed to be more accurate. I wouldn't have such expectations for a 2121 movement for sure though :) Just as I don't care how accurate or inaccurate my '69 Speedmaster is :)

To sum up: get the Jumbo, and don't expect it to be on par with your Rolex in accuracy. It would however provide you with such charm, such charisma that -- sadly -- no Rolex could ever do. No offense to any owners, of course.

Great reply. No, I don't expect Rolex-like accuracy, and you're absolutely right, I'm not buying it to have the latest, greatest movement in the world on my wrist. I value the aesthetics and the history of the 15202 and 2121 much more than I do it's technical capabilities.

That being said, the watch still has to be worn, and I just wanted to make sure that there were no major known issues. I could live with 10-20 seconds fast per day no problem. But it is things like a date that constantly sticks that gives me pause. Like I said, this will primarily be a weekend watch, so it doesn't have to put up with the wear and tear of every day life. Also, being worn two days, if it is a minute fast after those two days, who cares? I am going to have to reset it the next weekend anyway.

I'd love to hear others' opinions too!

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by Sir Larry Wildman

Great reply. No, I don't expect Rolex-like accuracy, and you're absolutely right, I'm not buying it to have the latest, greatest movement in the world on my wrist. I value the aesthetics and the history of the 15202 and 2121 much more than I do it's technical capabilities.

That being said, the watch still has to be worn, and I just wanted to make sure that there were no major known issues. I could live with 10-20 seconds fast per day no problem. But it is things like a date that constantly sticks that gives me pause. Like I said, this will primarily be a weekend watch, so it doesn't have to put up with the wear and tear of every day life. Also, being worn two days, if it is a minute fast after those two days, who cares? I am going to have to reset it the next weekend anyway.

I'd love to hear others' opinions too!

For me the date change is instantaneous. I love mine. I've had no issues.