Opinion needed on AP 15202 finish vs scratch

[Sir Larry Wildman]

I slightly loathe myself for asking this question, but here goes anyway. I have been enjoying the 15202 that I bought about a month ago immensely. I absolutely am head over heels in love with it.

Because I am super OCD about QC issues (been burned in the past), I inspected the heck out of the watch before I actually paid for it at the boutique. Looked at the dial and movement under a high powered loupe. Everything is perfect.

The other day I noticed that one of the "teeth" between the non-removable links had a "scratch" on it. I put scratch in quotes because I literally don't know how the heck it could have gotten there. It's only on the "tooth" - and not on the actual link - and I can still see the vertical finishing. But, I'm also aware of AP's stellar QC and how the bracelets are finished - by dragging it across the diamond sandpaper. Neither the link above or below it have this on it. In fact, it's not even the whole link... just the middle left portion of it.

I'm 99.9% sure this is something that I did (grazed it on something) and that this is a true scratch. But the other 0.1% of me things it could be an issue with the finishing.

I have to take the bracelet in to get an extra link added to it anyway. Should I just ask for a new bracelet, or am I being nuts, and once I wear it more it won't matter at all (it barely matters to me now). You can barely see it now. It's on the fourth tooth down on the bracelet on the left, and even then only in certain light if you are looking for it and the bracelet has no fingerprints on it.

Pics:

[dr.ns23]

Of course don't buy a new bracelet! It is almost impossible to see it, and it is also impossible to know if you scratched it or it came like that. Most probably you did. I don't have a RO yet (hoping to buy a 15202 in the near future) but I read a lot a lot about these watches and almost every where it says that they are scratch magnets. I think you should just enjoy the watch and be ready for other scratches! Wear it in good health :)

[kilyung]

Based on the picture, likely your fault. Just live with it until the ne t service. If it bugs you that much, flip the bracelet around to 12 o'clock.

[GB-man]

I managed a few marks in the same section of the bracelet on my 15400 while I had it. I would guess it's something you made given how rigorously you inspected it at purchase.

Asking someone at the boutique wouldn't hurt though. They should offer an honest opinion.

[Starguru]

Yeah don't let this bother you. The watch is beautiful and it is going to pick up nicks and dings if you wear it. There is no way to avoid it. After reading these forums for a while, I can say many feel these add character to the watch.

To give you some context, here is mine after 2 years. Look at that long thin scratch from ~10-12, and the little knicks above 12. No-one will notice them unless they look intently and under the right lighting conditions.

[AK797]

Go rent Frozen.

[Sir Larry Wildman]

Originally Posted by AK797

Go rent Frozen.

[eonflux]

On bracelets, scratches show up in the most unexpected places where they would seem to be impossible to appear. You'll likely get more that will be more readily apparent.

That said, if you're already visiting the AD, doesn't hurt to ask if they're aware of any finishing issues that look like that.
If not, just enjoy wearing your beautiful watch!

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by AK797

Go rent Frozen.

Hahahahaha!!!!


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[subtona]

That is so minor compared to what will be if you decide to wear the heck out of it...of course I think you should do just that and enjoy it.

[.db]

Agreed. Wear and enjoy! I'm another one who is totally anal about avoiding knicks and scratches on my watches, but they do happen.

[s14roller]

Impossible not to get hairlines on a RO

[Le Chef]

There are better things to do with your time than worry about a few insignificant scratches.

[sirish19]

I also obsess over scratches in my watches, especially on the bracelet of the Jumbo because it is such a thing of beauty. But I have put a few scratches in mine in a few short months but have accepted them as inevitable and, as others have said, giving the watch my own personalized character.

Just enjoy the watch and don't worry about the scratches.

[el1125]

I don't like scratches either but there is nothing one can do if you own any watch with a bracelet. Of coarse strap watches are less prone to scratches as there is much less area. I would not worry about it truly. In 5-10 years have them just polish/buff all of them out. You will most prob get more scratches....

[benlee]

I used to be OCD about scatches. Now, I only OCD about them while still brand new and after a while, I don't bother anymore because most of the time, I don't even noticed them. A well "scratched" watch is a well loved watch. It implies lots of wrist time. During the next service, they can be polished away if you so choose to.

Dings on the other hand....

[jrs146]

Don't sweat it. When you send it in for the pressure test in a few years ask them to buff it out. You're maybe talking $75


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[Hairdude1]

I wouldn't worry about it

[asleep]

You can relax now, having added the first of inevitably many character marks on your watch. Wear it with pride.

[locutus49]

Wear it and forget about scratches - they are part of life.

[Chute]

The sooner you get accustomed to scratches, the sooner you can truly enjoy a watch

[aleeboy]

Looks fine to me.

What you need is that first ding. Then you can truly learn to accept that you can only wear it and enjoy it, rather than trying to keep it mint.

[PaulRP]

Won't be the first one, but not noticeable

[1F1Fan]

The first one is always the toughest.

[Eddo]

It adds character

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[Pedros]

With AP I doubt it's a qc issue. Doesn't matter either way tho. Scratches are inevitable on the RO bracelet. I'm starting to enjoy the look of mine with the surface scratches. The deep ones still hurt a little bit.

[lapince]

just buy a new one, put scotch tape all around it and problem solved, no scratches

[texex91]

Plenty more to come...it's SS, get use to it.

Great watch just go enjoy!

[Abdullasaif]

If its a scratch get over it end of story if you cant you can always get it polished. I'll always post this picture when people complain about scratching their royal oaks.

[djtheot]

It's gonna get scratched. Unavoidable.


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