- 1/6/20
- 150
- 94
- 28
TL;DR: 8.0 Rating. Better quality than I expected. A big, heavy impressive build with better quality than most DHGate watches. I'm happier with this watch than my rating indicates!
Price: $56.89
Delivery Time: 8 days
https://www.dhgate.com/product/luxury-mens-automatic-mechanical-designer/488647960.html
The AP Royal Oak on stainless is one of the most iconic of sports watches...which I didn’t think I wanted to own until I found it at a very attractive price. The low price of ownership coupled with an icon, allowed for an instant rationalization and an immediate order. Even better was the fastest delivery of all my watches, received it extremely quickly, in only 8 days. It came in what I now understand is Standard DHGate packaging, which was sufficient and decent enough.
Once on the wrist, I began to understand the hype and longevity of this watch. It is truly a heavy hitter, with nicely polished links and a properly finished bezel. The dial (in blue) had the kind of shimmer expected of the Gen and the applied markers and logo looked excellent. On very close inspection, I could tell that the AP logo was ever so slightly shifted to the right compared to the “12” markers and could have used a fraction more vertical breathing room from them as well. Not perfect, but clearly not visible from anything but extremely close up. Probably have to expect these issues over the course of purchasing several of these watches from DHGate.
The bracelet is a standout. There are some well honed, sharp edges to the links as well as the case, but my reading seems to indicate this is expected of even the Gen. Maybe true, maybe not, as I’ve never seen a Gen in person. On the wrist, these edges seem to disappear and blend into the bracelet naturally and without revealing themselves. The clasp is a double deployant and sequential operation and is very secure. The AP logo on the clasp is quite well done and seems very authentic.
Overall, this is a serious watch to wear. I don’t think it should be worn as an every day watch and would not be suitable for golf or the beach (at least for me), but you know when this is on the wrist and it feels great. There is a serious amount of light reflection off the bracelet and case, so much so that you have to wonder how this is done on brushed surfaces. This Rep version is really solid and is a lot of watch for $50. Comparing it to a Trusty version, there's essentially no difference in the look of the watch, but there is a slightly more metallic feel to the bracelet than the more expensive Rep version...a quick baby oil bath seemed to improve on the harshness and now this watch is wearing extremely well.
On to the ratings:
Fit and Finish: 7.5, Nothing material to note or even complain about the overall fit and finish except for some perceived sharp edges. I could be convinced that these are expected and add another point to the rating…
Legibility: 8.5, A gorgeous and well executed dial that has above average legibility for me. Lume is quite nice but just a little thin on those hands and markers. This watch shines and gleams on my wrist without any issue...it is a true performer.
Comfort: 7, Can only be as good as a heavy watch can be. Pretty, pretty pretty comfortable.
Wearability: 8, Loud and proud on the wrist. It announces itself almost. I’m looking forward to each day it's worn in the 5 watch rotation.
Value: 9, Definitely worth the price, and glad I bought this particular version. An integral sports watch to own at this price. Probably will also buy this in another dial at some point.
Overall: 8.0
Price: $56.89
Delivery Time: 8 days
https://www.dhgate.com/product/luxury-mens-automatic-mechanical-designer/488647960.html
The AP Royal Oak on stainless is one of the most iconic of sports watches...which I didn’t think I wanted to own until I found it at a very attractive price. The low price of ownership coupled with an icon, allowed for an instant rationalization and an immediate order. Even better was the fastest delivery of all my watches, received it extremely quickly, in only 8 days. It came in what I now understand is Standard DHGate packaging, which was sufficient and decent enough.
Once on the wrist, I began to understand the hype and longevity of this watch. It is truly a heavy hitter, with nicely polished links and a properly finished bezel. The dial (in blue) had the kind of shimmer expected of the Gen and the applied markers and logo looked excellent. On very close inspection, I could tell that the AP logo was ever so slightly shifted to the right compared to the “12” markers and could have used a fraction more vertical breathing room from them as well. Not perfect, but clearly not visible from anything but extremely close up. Probably have to expect these issues over the course of purchasing several of these watches from DHGate.
The bracelet is a standout. There are some well honed, sharp edges to the links as well as the case, but my reading seems to indicate this is expected of even the Gen. Maybe true, maybe not, as I’ve never seen a Gen in person. On the wrist, these edges seem to disappear and blend into the bracelet naturally and without revealing themselves. The clasp is a double deployant and sequential operation and is very secure. The AP logo on the clasp is quite well done and seems very authentic.
Overall, this is a serious watch to wear. I don’t think it should be worn as an every day watch and would not be suitable for golf or the beach (at least for me), but you know when this is on the wrist and it feels great. There is a serious amount of light reflection off the bracelet and case, so much so that you have to wonder how this is done on brushed surfaces. This Rep version is really solid and is a lot of watch for $50. Comparing it to a Trusty version, there's essentially no difference in the look of the watch, but there is a slightly more metallic feel to the bracelet than the more expensive Rep version...a quick baby oil bath seemed to improve on the harshness and now this watch is wearing extremely well.
On to the ratings:
Fit and Finish: 7.5, Nothing material to note or even complain about the overall fit and finish except for some perceived sharp edges. I could be convinced that these are expected and add another point to the rating…
Legibility: 8.5, A gorgeous and well executed dial that has above average legibility for me. Lume is quite nice but just a little thin on those hands and markers. This watch shines and gleams on my wrist without any issue...it is a true performer.
Comfort: 7, Can only be as good as a heavy watch can be. Pretty, pretty pretty comfortable.
Wearability: 8, Loud and proud on the wrist. It announces itself almost. I’m looking forward to each day it's worn in the 5 watch rotation.
Value: 9, Definitely worth the price, and glad I bought this particular version. An integral sports watch to own at this price. Probably will also buy this in another dial at some point.
Overall: 8.0
