Question/advice from the AP knowledgeable

[cochese2323]

Been lurking in the AP section now for a couple weeks. I'm a Panerai guy at heart, but I've been looking for something new to switch it up. I really wanted a watch with a white dial as everything I have now is black.

Found the ROO Safari and I'm in love.

Then I start doing my homework....not so in love anymore.

Is it really this complicated/expensive to get one of these and have it keep decent time? From what I gather this is the process:

Step 1. Spend around $500 for one from a dealer and wait the standard two weeks to get it. (No big deal and not too unreasonable of a price for such a nice piece)

Step 2. (this is where I get a little confused) Send the brand new $500 unworn watch out for service even though it's not broken (brand new.... unworn) because it's unreliable and it will probably break down.

Step 3. (a couple weeks later after my new brand watch is done being "repaired") Now that I can finally wear it and count on it keeping decent time....I have to shell out another $300+ for a decent strap......

So $1000+ later and probably at least 4-6 weeks later (if I'm lucky) I can finally wear this thing.

It can't be that complicated. I am missing something?

BTW.....I am fully aware that I am probably going to get hassled for this post, but I also understand that in the rep world you get what you pay for and patients is key..... but I am stumped on this one. I don't expect a 1:1 Gen quality rep for $50.... but for $500 I would expect that it could at least keep time.

 

[QinetiQ]

Yup you pretty much got it all right. The movement isn't all that unreliable but it does have problems. Some people claim that they have been solved in the recent models but I've seen some "new models" with the same old problem.

You don't necessarily need to shell out 300 for a good strap. 200 will be enough and if I were you I'd keep it either on a bracelet or the rubber both of which are top quality but that's just me. If you want a hornback gator strap then yeah, 300 sounds about right. This hobby does get expensive if you get carried away and yeah, in case you want a reliable and good looking APROO you need to shell out around 800-900 bucks

 

[cochese2323]

Gotta tell ya..... that kinda busts my bubble on this thing. I would want to do it right and it just wouldn't look the same on a bracelet or rubber.

sent from my HTC Evo via tapatalk

 

[QinetiQ]

Well as I said, they say the last batch has an improved movement and the one I saw was maybe just a lemon ya know.

 

[cochese2323]

I think I saw Guru posted out somewhere that the newest batches had improved movements but how would I know if I am getting a "newer" one ya know.....

sent from my HTC Evo via tapatalk

 

[Klockis]

I dont agree
I have never understand why You should service a new and fully working watch?
Save that money and get get a nice hornback for the money instead. (I will have some for sale in a week or so).
If You are getting problems with the watch in the future then its time for a service.

Just my 0.02

About the ROO movement problems:
All watches with the A7750 movement with seconds in another possition then the normal @ 9 will have problems due to added gears in order to move the second to another possition.
This is also true for the IWC Portuguese, Rolex Daytona and other.
They did however added a jewel to the movement in early 2010 to reduce friction in the AP ROO's.
Just make sure You dont get any old stock and You should get a updated movement.
Ask You prefered dealer that You get the new movement with added jewel. I get my ROO's from Ms. King but all dealers can get them.
I have 3 AP ROO's and two more in shipping right now. None is serviced (yet) and no is having problems.
I do however keep them hacked when not in use.

 

[guru]

great post klockis......so true, regarding your sale, I will PM you and I will raise up your green lights!
send a pm to Midasmoke and ask him how much he paid, how his watch is running and from whom he got it

 

[cochese2323]

@klockis
Noob question.... is hacked with the crown out so the movement is stopped?

@guru
Were you saying I should PM midasmoke for the details on his purchase?

sent from my HTC Evo via tapatalk

 

[guru]

@klockis
Noob question.... is hacked with the crown out so the movement is stopped?

@guru
Were you saying I should PM midasmoke for the details on his purchase?

sent from my HTC Evo via tapatalk

Hacked is when the crown is out and the movement stopped
and I mean this member ; midasmook he bought an AP and ask him about his experience.

 

[OSX]

thats an interesting thread. I think that it's really down on taste and experience to choose what you do with your money. I got my first ROO and it's amazing. I put it on a gen hornback and it does attract a lot of attention. Everybody, even people who dont know AP love that watch.... and its so big and heavy that it doesnt even occur to anyone it would be a rep.
When it comes to service, It needs it, apparently it depends on your luck. Mine needs one... it needs it more as time goes on.

Get the safari or a black theme to start with. Its addictive... as guru said. defo.

 

[cochese2323]

I appreciate all the feedback guys. I sent a PM to Midasmook. He hasn't sent anything back yet.

So it sounds like basically if I choose to get one of these, it is going to need service sooner or later, just a matter of when. Just bothers me that I would spend that much money on a watch and it might have problems right out of the box.

Such a good looking watch though, I guess investing some $$$ in proper service for something I want to keep for a while isn't so bad. I would just be kinda pissed if I got it and it didn't run well brand new.

 

[fitipaldi]

hey Cochese, maybe this pic of my Aps will help you to take a decision:

 

[cochese2323]

So Sexy! Thanks for sharing. Maybe get a grey or black theme on a bracelet. Then I don't have to deal with a strap. But all my current watches have black faces. Really wanted one with a white face. Not a big fan of the bright colors. I like it simple.

 

[OSX]

Filipaldi you re a good photographer.
Here s a pic from my watch. I ll try that again tomorrow, when I am not drinking champagne

add rep if you liked the pics (;

 

[cochese2323]

Filipaldi you re a good photographer.
Here s a pic from my watch. I ll try that again tomorrow, when I am not drinking champagne

add rep if you liked the pics (;

Pics aren't workin bro

 

[OSX]

 

[Edgematic]

looks lovely OSX! You should try to put you're images a bit smaller though

how much did you pay for the gen strap?

@Klockis: my guess is your straps will sell out in no time! I'll have a look at them!

 

[Klockis]

cochese2323, I forgot the most important:
You will love it!

I agree with others, go with the Safari or Black themes first.
That gives me a reason to flash mine

 

[cochese2323]

The safari on the hornback is perfect.....that is the winner

sent from my HTC Evo via tapatalk

 

[Edgematic]

you know what to do now don't ya?