AP Royal Oaks rep FAQ thread.

[1675lover]

It’s mainly a matter of attitude, whenever I say that owners are the main tell when it comes to APs. If you think you can, you can.

I concur. Hence the sentiment.

Thanks for the insight on the dial price btw. one day perhaps, one day… maybe I‘ll engage ur services if u are up!

I’ll stick to admiring the 15450 on instagram and enjoy the prx for now

 

[legend]

I concur. Hence the sentiment.

Thanks for the insight on the dial price btw. one day perhaps, one day… maybe I‘ll engage ur services if u are up!

I’ll stick to admiring the 15450 on instagram and enjoy the prx for now

Actually what you need is a good backstory on how you got the watch. It can be a gift, inheritance, a deal too good to pass up, or whatever you can think of.
It’s not so much a question of affordability than a question of confidence. I look forward to welcoming you to the club. I don’t see why you should be the exception when so many here are rocking their APs in style.

 

[grillbrill]

I concur. Hence the sentiment.

Thanks for the insight on the dial price btw. one day perhaps, one day… maybe I‘ll engage ur services if u are up!

I’ll stick to admiring the 15450 on instagram and enjoy the prx for now

99% of people cannot recognize AP watches and their reps. If you like AP reps then why don't you pull them off?

 

[RDRoss]

@legend , many thanks for this thread good Sir. If this question has already been asked, my apologies. Do you have any insight or information about the carbon fibre builds available? Are they a significant weight reduction and can they take any gen parts for future upgrade consideration?

 

[Luca_1]

99% of people cannot recognize AP watches and their reps. If you like AP reps then why don't you pull them off?

Exactly that! Most people are not that interested in watches and if they are the majority will still only know Rolex.
IF they know APs in almost any case they won't identify it as a rep (Keep in mind that the watch on the wrist is completely different then those 10x Zoom pics) - even more unlikely if you go with a Gen dial

So in my opinion, @1675lover, you should join the club if you like APs, life's too short to don't do/get things just because of other peoples opinions

 

[legend]

@legend , many thanks for this thread good Sir. If this question has already been asked, my apologies. Do you have any insight or information about the carbon fibre builds available? Are they a significant weight reduction and can they take any gen parts for future upgrade consideration?

Do you mean forged carbon? If so yes they are a lot lighter than the stainless steel models and your choices of the watch bases are essentially limited to: the forged carbon diver, the Grand Prix ROO, the bumblebee and the 44mm forged carbon ROO.
Yes most if them do take gen parts like dials and movements and hands. Parts of the base watch may need to be modded to fit the gen parts but they can mostly be done.

 

[mwp1971]

Guys,

I have been receiving on a daily basis questions regarding the Royal Oaks (and other models and brands) and so I am starting this FAQ thread which I feel can be useful for the newer guys starting out on AP and/or is interested to get a rep Royal Oak. Remember though this is my opinion, so please feel free to make your own observations and conclusions. I do not intend this to be definitive, but I hope to save some time replying to PMs for repeated questions. So here you go, in no particular order, are the questions I receive frequently and my replies to them.

1. What AP Royal Oak do you recommend?

I will recommend either the APSF/ZF 15500, the APSF 15400, and the ZF15202. The new APSF 15450 has potential as a quality rep too.

2. If you can only choose one, which Royal Oak will you purchase and why?

I will choose the APSF 15500. Either black or blue dial. I like the clone 4302 movement, the instant date change and the overall appearance of the watch.

3. Is there such thing as a 1:1 AP Royal Oak replica?

No there isn't. But haven't said that, majority of the differences are academic and evident in pics on the forum rather than real life. Remember that rep watches should always be accompanied by gen attitude.

4. What mods do you recommend?

Strictly speaking, mods are NOT necessary but the following could be beneficial for the discerning owner to improve their watches over the factory replica watches:

- Service and regulation, for reliability of movement

- Dial refinish, to improve the finish and texture of the dial visually over stock. It does NOT change the tapisseries construction vs gen obviously.
- Bevel and polish case and bracelet edges (to define the bevels in the case and bracelet edges, to give the bevels a high mirror polish and to make the inner edges softer and more comfortable to wear

- Alignment (lateral and vertical) and polish of bezel screws, where necessary. Not every watch needs it.

- Rebrush of watch to gen spec: Again, not every watch needs it. Some watches come well-finished. Others sometimes come in a finish which is too satin. I have also seen "over brushed" watches done by modders. There is a specific finish employed by AP and this is defined by a range and not a specific one. Even between batches on gens, the differences in finish are evident, but I own, and have seen enough Royal Oaks to know what is and isn't AP.

- waterproof and pressuretest: This is self-explanatory for most

- Cleaning and refinish of markers, logo and hands: There is no need to replate the rep markers and hands in Rhodium, but a cleaning and light polish will bring that extra sheen to the markers and hands.

- Alignment of logo, markers, self-explanatory and when needed

- Alignment of datewheel, to center the date as much as possible, but given the movement/datewheel print and alignment tolerance the date may not always end up dead center.

- Smoothen the winding for the "close to gen feel" especially for the 4302. The gen winding for this caliber is very smooth and refined.

- Of course, where possible, an array of gen parts like dials, hands, bezels, datewheels etc can be added to the watch to improve the aesthetics and reliability

5. Can the ZF15202 be thinned to 8.1mm as per gen?

Yes it can.

6. Are gen bracelets sharp?

Not always but they can be at times. They vary from watch to watch.

7. Are the Royal Oak replicas in general indistinguishable from gen on the wrist in real life?

For me yes. The wearer attitude makes the most difference. Think about it, we are talking details being crammed into 40-50mm of space in real life. If anyone cares to scrutinize your watch to check for flaws, it is either he is a replica watch enthusiast or owner, OR your attitude is not convincing enough. You cannot control the former but you can definitely work on the latter.

8. Are gen hands needed for the Royal Oak reps in general?

For the 15202, I will recommend them if the owner desires visual accuracy, but no for the 15500, or latest APSF 15400. They are good as they come and perhaps just need that cleaning and refinish.

9. Is the Miyota 9015 used in a lot of Royal Oak replicas reliable?

Yes in general, but they sound like tin cans filled with coffee beans when shaken, and the hairspring is prone to entanglement. They are however easy to silence, and maintain. The Miyota 9015 is a sensible movement choice for Royal Oak replicas.

10. Is the clone 4302 movement reliable?

Yes in general but I will recommend a service within 6 months of receiving the watch, as there is always invariably dirt/grit in the movement, or it could be dry or have parts misaligned. Letting the watch run extensively under these non-optimal states could (but not always) lead to more serious issues for the movement.

11. Do the factory watches come waterproofed?

Toss a coin for this one, but in general, yes they are good for handwashing and rain showers. If you intend to swim with them in the swimming pool, at least get it pressuretested. If you intend to swim with it in the sea, you are on your own. Even if pressuretested, the gaskets may or may not hold up to prolonged exposure to the corrosive salts in the sea water.

12. How rude can you get, really? (and its endless variations)

It all depends but I try not to be whenever approached. What you perceive as rude may be subjective.

13. If I drop the watch, what do I have to do to remedy it

After you are done blaming yourself and the concrete floor, understand that any drop more than 30cm will warrant at least a realignment and regulation of the parts. Check and note the impact area for damage, try to show your watchsmith or modder the damages and after placing the blame on the family dog or reckless cyclist, get it sorted out calmly. Do not fret, what is done is done. Be thankful that it is not a gen.

14. Which dial color is the best typically? (15500, 15400, 15450)

Typically black is closest. Blue for the 15500 has potential. Grey is typically off for all models and silver is good for the old JF 15450 and 15400 but too matte for the 15500.

15. Can gen dials be fitted into the replica Royal Oaks

Yes for the 15500, 15400, 15450, 15202, 15300, 67650 (these are what I have worked on for gen dials)
One thing to note that is that for miyotas, the dial feet will need to be clipped. For clone movements, the feet and movement groove alignments may sometimes be off. Adjustments may be needed or one or both dial feet clipped. But yes gen dials will fit.

16. Can I wear my replica Royal Oak to a gen watch gathering/the brand boutique/to my grandmother's house/to meet the President/to a social event without getting called out?

Yes you can possibly. But you will always know that it is a rep, and the mental deterrence works more strongly than any social "call outs" IMHO. My advice is not to do so when there is a chance that someone will focus on the watch and ask to see it off the wrist. As a mark of respect, please do not wear it to the AP boutique as well. You can, but please try not to.

17. Are the crystals on the replica Royal Oaks in general good enough?

IMHO yes they are. Gens have single AR crystals (or no AR for the vintage models). The rep crystals are good enough for me.

18. I have $500 to spend. What should I do with the watch to improve it?

Fold the bills and stick the $500 out of your front pocket. Buy confidence and then wear the watch as it is.

19. Is it really true that the gen steel Royal Oak cases are made from 316 steel, like the rep?

Yes and no. The gens and reps are both made from 316 steel but they have slight variations in the metal composition (from the color which are at times visible) and the finish. Needless to the say the gen finish is a lot more refined.

20. How is the lume on the replica Royal Oaks?

The gen Royal Oaks are not known for strong or long lasting lume. They work sufficiently well and you will forget about the lume faster than the lume fades. The rep lume is consistent with the gen. These are not Panerai. So don't worry about the lume.

Legend, as a new member, I enjoyed the FAQ's on the AP. There are certain reps I just wouldn't entertain. The AP is one. 1) I couldn't pull it off, but I do really like them. The two reps I purchased recently, I can certainly pull off and swing the purchases. 2) Anything with yellow gold as it will not hold up. Word on the streets is YOU ARE THE AP man!

 

[FakeWatcher11]

@legend thank you so much for all this info. I'm considering getting a blue-dial ASPF 15500 and have read through every post in the thread twice now. I'm getting the engraving on the open case-back as an added mod from one of the TD's connections. He's also offering a DP or SW dial mod. Do you have any experience with the dial mods to say if one is better than the other and if they're worth doing over stock? The incremental cost is not an issue for me.

 

[AG91]

@legend thank you so much for all this info. I'm considering getting a blue-dial ASPF 15500 and have read through every post in the thread twice now. I'm getting the engraving on the open case-back as an added mod from one of the TD's connections. He's also offering a DP or SW dial mod. Do you have any experience with the dial mods to say if one is better than the other and if they're worth doing over stock? The incremental cost is not an issue for me.

what do you mean by the writing on the open case back? i haven't heard of it. can you explain please?

 

[legend]

@legend thank you so much for all this info. I'm considering getting a blue-dial ASPF 15500 and have read through every post in the thread twice now. I'm getting the engraving on the open case-back as an added mod from one of the TD's connections. He's also offering a DP or SW dial mod. Do you have any experience with the dial mods to say if one is better than the other and if they're worth doing over stock? The incremental cost is not an issue for me.

Well to be frank with you, the DP dial looks very different from any version of the gen that I’ve seen. The sw dial is marginally better but your best bet is to stick with the stock APSF dial which looks decent on its own.

 

[FakeWatcher11]

what do you mean by the writing on the open case back? i haven't heard of it. can you explain please?

The gens have 'Audemars Piguet' and the other bits engraved on the movement (not the rotor - the movement itself). The latest versions of ZF and APSF have them printed - cost cutting/time-saving measure employed by the factories. See here for the ZF V2 vs V3 comparison. This also holds true for APSF - hence why you want to get that engraved if possible as it no longer the 'Super Clone' that it originally claimed to be otherwise.

 

[Ryzen]

@legend quick one here and thanks for all the info.
1. Do you know if ZF/APSF 15510 reps still use miyota movements? Or have they switched to the 4302 clone?
2. At present, do you still believe for the 15500, APSF is still the best overall? Would this also be your choice for the 15510?
3. In case the 15510 reps are still using miyota, in order to have the clone movement, would it be possible to install a 15510 dial in a 15500 rep?
Thanks

 

[samsoniteman]

@legend quick one here and thanks for all the info.
1. Do you know if ZF/APSF 15510 reps still use miyota movements? Or have they switched to the 4302 clone?
2. At present, do you still believe for the 15500, APSF is still the best overall? Would this also be your choice for the 15510?
3. In case the 15510 reps are still using miyota, in order to have the clone movement, would it be possible to install a 15510 dial in a 15500 rep?
Thanks

I'm not @legend ( ) - but I've just recently purchased both a 15500 and a 15510 - both from APSF and both have clone movements, not Miyota.
Can't speak for the ZF. Hope that helps.

 

[Ryzen]

I'm not @legend ( ) - but I've just recently purchased both a 15500 and a 15510 - both from APSF and both have clone movements, not Miyota.
Can't speak for the ZF. Hope that helps.

Thanks! Having both which one do you prefer and why?

 

[samsoniteman]

Thanks! Having both which one do you prefer and why?

They’re both the same to me more or less. I got the 15510 because I needed another watch to mount to an extra strap lol.

Appearance wise the 15510 removes the AP from the dial. I believe the bracelet on the 510 is also not properly tapered like gen but that’s the one I’ve swapped to a rubber strap so no issues for me.

Both are beautiful.

 

[legend]

They’re both the same to me more or less. I got the 15510 because I needed another watch to mount to an extra strap lol.

Appearance wise the 15510 removes the AP from the dial. I believe the bracelet on the 510 is also not properly tapered like gen but that’s the one I’ve swapped to a rubber strap so no issues for me.

Both are beautiful.

The length of the dial markers are longer on the 15510, and the counter weight shape is also different on the 15510. Bracelet is about 1mm thinner and the midcase is also slightly different with the 15510 rehaut diameter being ever so slightly smaller than the 15500 one.

 

[litty]

Hey everyone I'm new here but been doing a bit of a deep dive and some research but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of the ORF/GF models of the 15400, 15500 and 15510 from ORF as I do notice that the price is slightly higher from TDs.
ORF seems to offer clone movements and from a glance from photos it also does seem that the brushing is similar to APFS but I haven't seen anyone do a comparison besides 1 or 2 videos on billibilli

One thing that I do notice from the photos is that the bolts in the case bezel are somewhat gen like as they are recessed into the case. (15400 bolts across APSF, ZF on gen are white gold which none of the factories have.

Has anyone had any experience with ORF Royal Oaks?

 

[legend]

Hey everyone I'm new here but been doing a bit of a deep dive and some research but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of the ORF/GF models of the 15400, 15500 and 15510 from ORF as I do notice that the price is slightly higher from TDs.
ORF seems to offer clone movements and from a glance from photos it also does seem that the brushing is similar to APFS but I haven't seen anyone do a comparison besides 1 or 2 videos on billibilli

One thing that I do notice from the photos is that the bolts in the case bezel are somewhat gen like as they are recessed into the case. (15400 bolts across APSF, ZF on gen are white gold which none of the factories have.

Has anyone had any experience with ORF Royal Oaks?

Just 2 facts from a gen AP collector:

1. Not all bezel screws on the 15400 are white gold. AP has stopped using white gold bezel screws on the 15400 from around 2016. My 2018 J series 15400 has stainless steel bezel screws, for example.

2. It’s also not true at all bezel screws are recessed. For the gen royal oaks I owned, about 90% of them have screws which are flushed with the bezel.

I’m not saying that there are no white gold bezel screws on royal oaks or that there are no recessed bezel screws. I’m simply saying that not all of the screws or white gold or recessed. It’s a fallacy. I do currently own gen royal oaks with stainless steel bezel screws and flushed bezel screws which are definitely not recessed.

@QueTip what we spoke about just yesterday.

 

[QueTip]

Just 2 facts from a gen AP collector:

1. Not all bezel screws on the 15400 are white gold. AP has stopped using white gold bezel screws on the 15400 from around 2016. My 2018 J series 15400 has stainless steel bezel screws, for example.

2. It’s also not true at all bezel screws are recessed. For the gen royal oaks I owned, about 90% of them have screws which are flushed with the bezel.

I’m not saying that there are no white gold bezel screws on royal oaks or that there are no recessed bezel screws. I’m simply saying that not all of the screws or white gold or recessed. It’s a fallacy. I do currently own gen royal oaks with stainless steel bezel screws and flushed bezel screws which are definitely not recessed.

@QueTip what we spoke about just yesterday.

Where can I buy the best 2xAR crystal for my ROO?

 

[j2k]

Been comparing the APSF 15450 and ZF 15450 blue dials. From what I can see, the sunburst is much nicer on the APSF but the color is a lot deeper and richer on the ZF. I also read on a thread that I can't seem to find that the gen 15450 has had different shades of blue on the dial henceforth the APSF is closer to gen? Currently just leaning towards the ZF however. I also heard APSF has better case and bracelet. Any corrections or info would be greatly appreciated thanks.