AP 2019 is on FIRE

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i pretty much like everything except the 15500

the hour markers are too thick and IMO it makes it less elegant and more offshore ish. I like the new position of the date window and new movement though. Also removing the word automatic makes the dial unbalanced so they should have moved the AP logo down like on the 15202

They can't move the AP logo down as that is sacrilegious to the reimagined and original Jumbo. I never much liked the logo at the bottom of the dial, but I accepted it only on this seminal watch... probably as it was made before I was born.

[redsubby]

Originally Posted by AK797

They can't move the AP logo down as that is sacrilegious to the reimagined and original Jumbo. I never much liked the logo at the bottom of the dial, but I accepted it only on this seminal watch... probably as it was made before I was born.

It would've been best if they just left "automatic" as is, and move the date window just a tad to the left......

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i pretty much like everything except the 15500

the hour markers are too thick and IMO it makes it less elegant and more offshore ish. I like the new position of the date window and new movement though. Also removing the word automatic makes the dial unbalanced so they should have moved the AP logo down like on the 15202

Having just the logo without “Audemars Piguet” would make the dial more elegant and balance imo. Agree with what you said above.

[JR16]

I would be surprised if they put a new chrono caliber in the new 38mm case anytime soon as (I assume) it will be thicker and could make the proportions awkward. The 38 is 11mm thick ... 1mm thicker then the 37mm 15450 which some of us consider to be slightly out of proportion. Just my 2 cents


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[Borossd]

38mm to me is a ladies size way too small for a man

[XOREL]

But do you think the 15400 is now discontinued?
And why there isn't a white 15500?

[Tschyvon]

Originally Posted by XOREL

But do you think the 15400 is now discontinued?
And why there isn't a white 15500?

Yes.
No idea. Wears too large maybe so AP was tired of hearing people crying.

[tonupbklyn]

IMHO, had AP limited its 2019 announcements to the development of new movements, the evolution of 15400 to 15500, and the new 38mm ROCs, this year would've been a HUGE success... not to mention even greater momentum for the brand coming off a great 2018 (eg, change is distribution model, ROs increasing in value, open works and concept models, etc).

instead, i fear the CODE release will cause a significant step backwards, or at a minimum a huge stain on brand reputation, for 2019.

the 15500 and 38mm ROCs better fly off the shelves.
if not, AP is looking at a rocky year, i fear.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tonupbklyn

IMHO, had AP limited its 2019 announcements to the development of new movements, the evolution of 15400 to 15500, and the new 38mm ROCs, this year would've been a HUGE success... not to mention even greater momentum for the brand coming off a great 2018 (eg, change is distribution model, ROs increasing in value, open works and concept models, etc).

instead, i fear the CODE release will cause a significant step backwards, or at a minimum a huge stain on brand reputation, for 2019.

the 15500 and 38mm ROCs better fly off the shelves.
if not, AP is looking at a rocky year, i fear.

I foresee everyone will just ignore the code line. It will become the datejust of display cases (not meant to diss the datejust as it’s a much much much better design).

I think the 15500 will have people lined up for the new royal oak. The watch was already in demand and now you have a new release which will entice more buyers into the pool.

[tonupbklyn]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I foresee everyone will just ignore the code line. It will become the datejust of display cases (not meant to diss the datejust as it’s a much much much better design).

I think the 15500 will have people lined up for the new royal oak. The watch was already in demand and now you have a new release which will entice more buyers into the pool.

100%.

that said, i have to say that the recent releases have given me greater appreciation for having my c3120 RO. a proven workhorse movement, and (at least in my case) a size/case/dial/PM configuration that is/will be a seemingly rare model as time goes on.

and (hope it won't be the case, but) if the new movement ends up having problems in the first few years, the past models with the c3120 are going to end up being highly coveted.

here's to the beginning of being a 'rare vintage'....

[watchfan0529]

Originally Posted by tonupbklyn

IMHO, had AP limited its 2019 announcements to the development of new movements, the evolution of 15400 to 15500, and the new 38mm ROCs, this year would've been a HUGE success... not to mention even greater momentum for the brand coming off a great 2018 (eg, change is distribution model, ROs increasing in value, open works and concept models, etc).

instead, i fear the CODE release will cause a significant step backwards, or at a minimum a huge stain on brand reputation, for 2019.

the 15500 and 38mm ROCs better fly off the shelves.
if not, AP is looking at a rocky year, i fear.

The code was too new of a concept to release in a massive scale like that. They should have started with a concept piece or one piece just to get the market used to the idea, then roll out a few more pieces and design based on how the market reacts.

Revolution magazine just had an interview with AP CEO FHB and it seems he was the one who thought about the concept behind the watch. He didn't want to put a bezel, and the inspirations were contemporary objects like a phone with no bezel. The more i think about it, the more I realize the code became FHB's personal project, at least on the face side of the watch.

I think they should have built on top of last year's successes as you said. What ever happened to the RD2? A lot of us were expecting for that to be released this year..

[bronzeband00]

I think its stunning, it's cool they are putting the chrono movement on this case size again. AP is on fire

[Amiroo]

As a 15400 owner I can't understand how they can come out with a 15500 and make the watcher thicker!! By .6mm!! The last thing this watch needed was more size.

[HarryLime]

You realize it's a whole different movement in the 15500?

[zahain]

I think everyone has forgot because of the dreadful 11.59 but what happened to Francois statement that there would be some sort of E-commerce established on the Audemars website by the end of 2018? He did not keep him promise or go into detail about what type of reservation you could do online to then collect and purchase your watch at one of their boutiques? He seems to of just kept to jd.com in China?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by zahain

I think everyone has forgot because of the dreadful 11.59 but what happened to Francois statement that there would be some sort of E-commerce established on the Audemars website by the end of 2018? He did not keep him promise or go into detail about what type of reservation you could do online to then collect and purchase your watch at one of their boutiques? He seems to of just kept to jd.com in China?

you can order online from selfridges(Bucherer). So its probably going to be similar. You can order and pay for a diver right now or a grey ghost or many other watches. When it gets delivered, no clue

https://uk.bucherer.com/audemars-pig...a002ca-01.html
https://uk.bucherer.com/audemars-pig...a006ca-01.html

If i was guessing though, i think distance selling laws are probably a bit tricky as you have many more rights as a consumer to return a product bought online vs a store where individual refund/exchange policies vary. Having the AD do it vs AP themselves makes the AD have to deal with logistics, returns, shipping etc.

[zahain]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

you can order online from selfridges(Bucherer). So its probably going to be similar. You can order and pay for a diver right now or a grey ghost or many other watches. When it gets delivered, no clue

https://uk.bucherer.com/audemars-pig...a002ca-01.html
https://uk.bucherer.com/audemars-pig...a006ca-01.html

If i was guessing though, i think distance selling laws are probably a bit tricky as you have many more rights as a consumer to return a product bought online vs a store where individual refund/exchange policies vary. Having the AD do it vs AP themselves makes the AD have to deal with logistics, returns, shipping etc.

He was supposed to launch something on their own. I'd say the Bucherer is just themselves getting onto E-commerce just like Govberg who has been questionable being a patek AD and pumping out nautilus and aquanauts at the crazy grey prices. It wasn't supposed to be a add to order and purchase/ship to your door, but maybe some sort of 'reservation list' which could be beneficial for some who want a new novelty from SIHH without a prior relationship with an AD/Boutique. Even if you paid online and collected in store it saves all the time travelling for the WIS who know the watch they want and want to do a purchase quickly without interaction to order what they want.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by zahain

He was supposed to launch something on their own. I'd say the Bucherer is just themselves getting onto E-commerce just like Govberg who has been questionable being a patek AD and pumping out nautilus and aquanauts at the crazy grey prices.

they are selling new pieces online though. They also are selling preowned online. Generally the move to selling new pieces over the internet is very uncommon. They have been doing it for a while though, even back with they were the watch gallery so AP hasn't seemed to mind where as if they did that with Rolex, they would probably lose their AD status.

Just saying AP is clearly getting comfortable with the online thing so its probably coming as is the death of AD's/boutiques actually having in store stock. The AP house concept makes much more sense when you consider they have zero interest in showrooming watches and you now have to know what you want in advance and without seeing it in person.

thats the bit everyone forgets in this push to embrace online. Sure its great to order a watch, but it only works in conjunction with a place where you can go to actually see watches in person. IMO you need both but you wont get both. Same concept with people who buy online from DSW for Rolex or whatever. I guarantee they have used an AD to try on what they want first so at least they know what they are actually ordering online.

[Watchurself]

Really wanted some new ceramic 42 dial options, but guess I’ll be waiting at this point.


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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Watchurself

Really wanted some new ceramic 42 dial options, but guess I’ll be waiting at this point.


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its getting to be a bit like Panerai IMO. I dont mean that in a negative way, just a frustrating way.

They have a million dial/case variations and you would think you could get one exactly the way you want but nope they dont make that.

For me its the new 44mm Grey ceramic in a 42mm case with a 42mm dial with the arabics. they grey ghost doesnt quite do it for me with the titanium and the 44mm is a tad large, but i can pull it off but 42mm is my ideal.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

its getting to be a bit like Panerai IMO. I dont mean that in a negative way, just a frustrating way.

They have a million dial/case variations and you would think you could get one exactly the way you want but nope they dont make that.

For me its the new 44mm Grey ceramic in a 42mm case with a 42mm dial with the arabics. they grey ghost doesnt quite do it for me with the titanium and the 44mm is a tad large, but i can pull it off but 42mm is my ideal.

Completely agree............. I had the exact same thoughts. So many dial options, but not one with exactly the specs I want.

The new 42mm blue dial/grey sub dial titanium comes closest for me

[socalwatchcollector]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

its getting to be a bit like Panerai IMO. I dont mean that in a negative way, just a frustrating way.

They have a million dial/case variations and you would think you could get one exactly the way you want but nope they dont make that.

For me its the new 44mm Grey ceramic in a 42mm case with a 42mm dial with the arabics. they grey ghost doesnt quite do it for me with the titanium and the 44mm is a tad large, but i can pull it off but 42mm is my ideal.

Good to know you don't like the ghost! I have one inbound tomorrow! Damn you !

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by socalwatchcollector

Good to know you don't like the ghost! I have one inbound tomorrow! Damn you !

i like it, but its a lot of tone on tone. the elephant is probably my favorite 42mm ever but its pretty grey on grey too. If i was more into that, i would be all over both of them. Part of why the 44mm Ti didn't stay very long

For some reason i think the grey ceramic with the blue looks more contrasting

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by socalwatchcollector

Good to know you don't like the ghost! I have one inbound tomorrow! Damn you !

Post some pics John.

I'm going back and forth between the ghost and the new 42mm blue dial/FP movement as my first ROO.

I can't wear a 44mm, or else I would have better options.

[socalwatchcollector]

Originally Posted by bruinmd

Post some pics John.

I'm going back and forth between the ghost and the new 42mm blue dial/FP movement as my first ROO.

I can't wear a 44mm, or else I would have better options.

My apologies Bruin, I just saw your reply. Here you go..

To give you a quick back story.. I bought both the vampire and ghost at the same time. My CEO decided he wanted the ghost instead so I let him take that one and I no longer have it. It is much lighter as you can see and the contrast is beautiful. Here is a photo of it on his wrist that he provided. I returned the vampire as it was too top heavy IMO.

[uniqueMR]

Fire is already started at AP :)

[SearChart]

I don't like the new proportions of the Royal Oak, and the 11.59 is a bit odd... Not impressed with the new releases.

[dwatcher]

I think the new 38mm is very similar to what already existed in the past, the 25860st 39mm with exactly the same movement and currently probably cheaper than this new one. I think it's cool they are putting the chrono movement on this case size again.

I do think AP is on fire, but in a different sense because of that new "code"