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Old 27 March 2021, 01:50 PM   #1
Hank
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AP 26480Ti

This watch has been on my radar recently and now I have an opportunity to pick one up. The only thing holding me back is the all titanium case and bezel and its resistance, or lack of, to scratches. I’ve had a few ROOs before but all with ceramic bezels. I am OCD when it comes to scratches so I’m curious how well these watches will hold to daily wear. I have read that titanium is harder and lighter than steel but more prone to scratches. Any current owners here that can share their experiences? Much appreciated.


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Old 27 March 2021, 03:24 PM   #2
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I've not had a Ti AP, but have had other Ti watches, and they seemed to show daily wear marks similar to steel watches. But some type of oxidation process apparently makes surface scratches/marks a bit less visible.

Obviously, with my steel Diver vs my previous forged carbon 44mm ROO with a ceramic bezel, the vulnerable bezel is gonna get more marked up.

I think if you're really OCD about daily wear marks, a bezel such as that on an AP that sits up high, has sharp edges, and has polished surfaces, will show scratches/scuffs that bother you, no matter the metal material.
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Old 27 March 2021, 06:24 PM   #3
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I've not had a Ti AP, but have had other Ti watches, and they seemed to show daily wear marks similar to steel watches. But some type of oxidation process apparently makes surface scratches/marks a bit less visible.

Obviously, with my steel Diver vs my previous forged carbon 44mm ROO with a ceramic bezel, the vulnerable bezel is gonna get more marked up.

I think if you're really OCD about daily wear marks, a bezel such as that on an AP that sits up high, has sharp edges, and has polished surfaces, will show scratches/scuffs that bother you, no matter the metal material.

Hey Eon. Thanks for chiming in. I agree with you on all points. I was kinda hoping to hear that this model holds up better due to its slimmer profile. What also threw me off was Tim Mosso’s YouTube review of this model where he mentioned that Type 5 titanium is actually more scratch resistant than stainless steel. How is your Diver holding up?


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Old 29 March 2021, 04:36 PM   #4
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Hey Eon. Thanks for chiming in. I agree with you on all points. I was kinda hoping to hear that this model holds up better due to its slimmer profile. What also threw me off was Tim Mosso’s YouTube review of this model where he mentioned that Type 5 titanium is actually more scratch resistant than stainless steel. How is your Diver holding up?


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Perhaps different types of titanium have different surface scratch resistance qualities.

Diver has been great.
Has the usual marks born by a carefully worn watch in rotation.

Too bad the new Diver line doesn't have a ti option.

Back to the 26480, have you considered the new ROO 43 mm chronos?
Same dial layout, which I prefer to my previous 44mm FC, and the new ROOs have the new AP movement with a display back.
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Old 29 March 2021, 09:48 PM   #5
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Perhaps different types of titanium have different surface scratch resistance qualities.

Diver has been great.
Has the usual marks born by a carefully worn watch in rotation.

Too bad the new Diver line doesn't have a ti option.

Back to the 26480, have you considered the new ROO 43 mm chronos?
Same dial layout, which I prefer to my previous 44mm FC, and the new ROOs have the new AP movement with a display back.

Yeah, I saw the new ROOs in 43mm. They look awesome but I doubt I would be able to get my hands on them without paying a hefty premium.


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Old 27 March 2021, 11:22 PM   #6
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Hey,

I recently just got the 26470IO. I also have a 15500st. When I feel like it’s a scratch prone day, I put on the 26470IO. As long as you wear it snug on your wrist, it’s quite hard to scratch. I am not sure about the Titianium bezel though.


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Old 29 March 2021, 07:07 AM   #7
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I’ve had my 26480 for sober time now and it’s holding up ok. It’s in rotation so only gets worn a few times a month, but when wearing it, I don’t protect it in any way.

So i think it’s fine.

But...if you’re OCD about scratches then a non-ceramic Royal Oak of any descriptions is going to cause you a problem.


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Old 29 March 2021, 09:45 PM   #8
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I’ve had my 26480 for sober time now and it’s holding up ok. It’s in rotation so only gets worn a few times a month, but when wearing it, I don’t protect it in any way.

So i think it’s fine.

But...if you’re OCD about scratches then a non-ceramic Royal Oak of any descriptions is going to cause you a problem.


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Agreed. I’ve owned and sold 3 Royal Oaks already but I keep coming back. Maybe it’s time to overcome my OCD and learn to live with scratches.


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Old 30 March 2021, 02:04 AM   #9
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Agreed. I’ve owned and sold 3 Royal Oaks already but I keep coming back. Maybe it’s time to overcome my OCD and learn to live with scratches.


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That’s more like it!!


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Old 29 March 2021, 08:59 AM   #10
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I haven’t had any issues with mine. The Patek stainless bezels seem a little more prone to scratching but it’s going to happen regardless. It’s a great piece
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Old 29 March 2021, 09:47 PM   #11
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I haven’t had any issues with mine. The Patek stainless bezels seem a little more prone to scratching but it’s going to happen regardless. It’s a great piece

It looks great on you. What’s your wrist size?


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Old 29 March 2021, 09:48 PM   #12
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It looks great on you. What’s your wrist size?


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This one you can pull off with smaller wrist. I’m probably a hair under 6.75 inches. Very low profile too - I can’t do the bigger ones.
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Old 29 March 2021, 09:53 PM   #13
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This one you can pull off with smaller wrist. I’m probably a hair under 6.75 inches. Very low profile too - I can’t do the bigger ones.

I have a circa 6.5 inch wrist. I’ve heard that they wear more or less the same as the 15400/15500. I’ll probably need to source extra small straps.


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Old 30 March 2021, 01:50 AM   #14
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I have a circa 6.5 inch wrist. I’ve heard that they wear more or less the same as the 15400/15500. I’ll probably need to source extra small straps.


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I am pretty sure you’ll be fine with the straps that come on it. I was worried about that as well. I had a deposit down on the 15500 when they first came out and when I tried it on it felt too big. This one is really light but definitely has the wrist presence.
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Old 29 March 2021, 05:50 PM   #15
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Just got mine yesterday


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Old 29 March 2021, 09:50 PM   #16
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Just got mine yesterday


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Epic trio of APs! One for every occasion.


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Old 30 March 2021, 07:15 AM   #17
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Epic trio of APs! One for every occasion.


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Thank you .


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Old 30 March 2021, 05:08 AM   #18
blacke90
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Had the Ti, great piece. I would wear/treat it as ST watch. I love the piece and fits my wrist well. Is your hesitation just only getting scratches on the TI?
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Old 30 March 2021, 05:48 AM   #19
koko105
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Just got mine & it’s awesome piece

Here’s a rest shoot










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Old 30 March 2021, 10:48 AM   #20
Hank
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Just got mine & it’s awesome piece

Here’s a rest shoot










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It sure is. What is your thought on the skeleton hands and their legibility?


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Old 30 March 2021, 11:45 PM   #21
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It sure is. What is your thought on the skeleton hands and their legibility?


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It’s ok for me I haven’t problem reading time with the skeleton hands


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Old 31 March 2021, 07:05 AM   #22
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It sure is. What is your thought on the skeleton hands and their legibility?


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They’re not the easiest to read in my experience, but it’s not bad enough to bother me.


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Old 5 April 2021, 04:45 PM   #23
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This is a great buy.

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Old 5 April 2021, 10:22 PM   #24
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This is a great buy.

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Thank you

And here’s another 2 shoots





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