26120OR / Potential first AP

[Navarino]

Been quite awhile since I've posted here after a long hiatus from TRF. This is also one of my first posts in the AP subforum.

TLDR: I want a rose gold Royal Oak, am tired of waiting on boutique, and don't want to pay a meaningful premium to retail price. I dig the unique dial of the 26120OR (black dial) and am wondering if others think it is a decent "value buy" while I wait it out for a new watch from my local boutique.

Long post:

I have a big milestone coming up in a few months and am trying to make the goal of purchasing a rose (or "pink" in AP lingo) gold Royal Oak a reality in time for the event. I haven't had any luck with the boutiques in the past, but am hoping that will start to improve now that I have one locally and have at least started the process with them by having an initial client meeting. I'm realistic about what the wait times may be for that.

As brief background, I have signaled interest in the following references from the current catalogue: 15510OR (preferably on bracelet but will accept strap), 16202OR (I know this is a long shot), and 26715OR. I am listing these so you have a sense of my "top picks" from the new/retail options. I also told the boutique I'd be open to steel variants of these models, but would actually prefer the rose gold equivalent for each of them (except for the chrono, which I'd probably take in steel over rose gold if given the choice).

This past week, I spent a while looking at various older rose gold Royal Oak references on the reseller/used market. The 26120OR caught my eye for a few reasons. First, it's an interesting and bit of an unusual dial compared to other Royal Oaks - I'm a big fan of "whimsical" dial layouts with various complications (the Patek 5712 is easily one of my all time favorites). Second, based on asking prices it seems like there is quite a bit of "value" in this particular reference for those who have a genuine desire for the watch. I recognize "value" in that statement is heavily subjective. This statement is partially based on comparing prices to similar older rose gold references, such as a 15400OR on a strap (not bracelet). I've never paid over retail for a watch in the past, and personally refuse to pay a meaningful premium over retail for any of the references from the current catalogue I listed above.

For the AP collectors in this community, I welcome your opinions or other thoughts you may have on the 26120OR. I also welcome any thoughts on other references in rose gold you think may be worth considering instead of this. To me, it's not the "grail" AP that I will continue waiting for, but it's a watch I genuinely like and would be happy paying a fair price for to finally scratch the AP itch I've had for awhile. I also recognize this one isn't on the bracelet, and I am okay with saving those funds towards a new purchase from a boutique in the future. I know this won't be my last AP purchase and I'm okay with that :)

I was able to try one on today that's available locally. Photo below. This particular watch is on a rubber strap, which is nice to have for variety, but I would intend to opt for the slightly dressier original black leather strap more often. My wrist is 6.5 inches and think the 39mm size is perfect for me. After trying this on today, I am actually a little concerned that a 15510 / 41mm may be a hair too big for me.

P.S. I am considering this vs. a new Day Date 40 in rose gold with the new slate ombre dial. I would be able to get that watch at retail in my required timeline. That's obviously a brand new watch on a bracelet and would cost more in absolute $. Tough to compare to this older AP model on a strap. Just sharing this to give you some more color on where my head is right now.

[In-N-Out]

Dual time is a great complication from AP. With that said, if this particular combo is not exactly what you want, I wouldn’t spend that much money on it. I personally wouldn’t recommend getting a watch just to get a taste of the main course I was actually striving for.

The watches you are looking for at the boutique is highly unlikely to materialize as your first watch. Jumbo is out of the question entirely. 41m and ROC are both very unlikely, but since you are fine with a strap I think you still have a 5% chance if I had to guess a random number. Demand is strong but nowhere need the peak, so I guess you never know.

That DD is nice and is a sure classic too. And if that’s a watch you desired I would recommend that over the DT. I personally would choose the DT bc I like that complication and that dial, but it sounds like you will be “settling” with that piece and would be second guessing…so I vote DD for you and to wait out the market to get a 41 RO or ROC in any config at the boutique after the hype dies out after the 150th anniversary

[creid213]

I had a very similar debate myself and ultimately went with the 26120or and am now adding the bracelet at service. The case size and comfort is perfect for a sub 7” wrist. (6.8 myself).

While I can still pull off my 15510st, it catches a lot more dings and scratches due to the mid case thickness and width on my wrist. Thus a softer precious metal on my wrist would catch even more.


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[nazarian]

Is that a green or grey royal oak?

[creid213]

Gray


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[Edwardfry3]

Congrats in advance.