The AP questions thread (All the questions you want to ask about AP but were afraid to)

[AAH1483]

Exactly what's the purpose of these mods??
Case shave to gen thickness
Tachy shave
Pinion shave . Mickey date wheel ????

 

[AAH1483]

Another n00b question.

I gathered from all the help, research and DM's that ZF, APSF and to some extent JF are the best ones in the market today (for AP ROO 15703 A2824)
But I found some TD's selling the same from GF as well --> significantly lower priced (~$70-$80)

Has any of the forum members purchase the model from GF? how was the experience?

From what I gather the ZF is the better above them all straight out the box , no necessary mods needed.

 

[serumdiesel]

From what I gather the ZF is the better above them all straight out the box , no necessary mods needed.

Yeah, from what I've gathered reading around this AP section, that seems to be the case. The "CONSENSUAL" NWBIG list says JF is the best, so it's a matter of researching, learning the flaws and figuring out which one is best for you, specifically, as usual.

 

[AAH1483]

To each is own mate and very understandable but I follow “Legend” on his knowledge about these AP’s in alot of conversations. He’s the AP enthusiast on this forum. You have others but from my standpoint he’s the go to guy

 

[AAH1483]

If you like JF then that’s what you go with . It’s what you like that’s what’s important to you.

 

[xairate]

If you like JF then that’s what you go with . It’s what you like that’s what’s important to you.

Was more interested in knowing the experience of people who purchased pieces from GF

 

[AAH1483]

I think no one has purchased one. GF specializes mostly Breitling from what I understand.

 

[Caril]

Who else thinks this Titanium RO Perpetual Calendar is amazing and is also wishing for the day it gets reppified?
The RO shines like a faceted gem, and that's part of its charm. Still it seems the Ti darker shade/colour does tone the bling down just a bit , useful for those those moments/environmtns when to much shine is .. too much when a tiny bit more industrial and less attention-grabbing vibe is what you want..

Hands-On: A New Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar U.S. Exclusive!

Coming to other markets in a limited capacity next month.

www.hodinkee.com

There does not seem to be a lot of interest of the perpetual calendar RO, here in the forums.
Is it because the movements aren't fully functional (months/years, moon phase)? size?

 

[legend]

Who else thinks this Titanium RO Perpetual Calendar is amazing and is also wishing for the day it gets reppified?
The RO shines like a faceted gem, and that's part of its charm. Still it seems the Ti darker shade/colour does tone the bling down just a bit , useful for those those moments/environmtns when to much shine is .. too much when a tiny bit more industrial and less attention-grabbing vibe is what you want..

Hands-On: A New Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar U.S. Exclusive!

Coming to other markets in a limited capacity next month.

www.hodinkee.com

There does not seem to be a lot of interest of the perpetual calendar RO, here in the forums.
Is it because the movements aren't fully functional (months/years, moon phase)? size?

Yes, an amazing watch but a few reasons why such grand complication watches aren't mainstream-popular in the forum:

- Believability: I am not talking about only the price tag, but also the attainability and access to such rare high end timepieces. Lets face it, a small percentage of the general population are serious watch collections, and a small percentage of those watch collectors can and will spend on such a timepiece, or have it allocated to them at retail.

- Functionality: You already mentioned this yourself. A lot of the complications are often faux on the rep.

- Reliability: There are instances of complications like moonphase, calendar and power reserve being loaded on a modified movement which is not designed to handle the additional gears. This makes the design very precarious.

- Accuracy: This aspect often speaks for itself. One look and you know it is a replica.

Of course, if one just likes the visual aspect of the watch and do not care about the above, then the above become superfluous considerations and you can wear it as a nice watch on the wrist.

 

[pam63C]

Who else thinks this Titanium RO Perpetual Calendar is amazing and is also wishing for the day it gets reppified?
The RO shines like a faceted gem, and that's part of its charm. Still it seems the Ti darker shade/colour does tone the bling down just a bit , useful for those those moments/environmtns when to much shine is .. too much when a tiny bit more industrial and less attention-grabbing vibe is what you want..

Hands-On: A New Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar U.S. Exclusive!

Coming to other markets in a limited capacity next month.

www.hodinkee.com

There does not seem to be a lot of interest of the perpetual calendar RO, here in the forums.
Is it because the movements aren't fully functional (months/years, moon phase)? size?

Speaking for myself, I would rather have a time-only REP with a good-enough case and dial than any complication. In fact the less complication, the better it is regardless whether such complication is functional or not.

A rep movement especially a clone movement that is build entirely for the purpose of looking and feeling real with little regards to reliability and serviceability may be adequate for time-only but may not last long with complications. So unless the rep is using a proven ebauche as the base, I would not touch any with complication. Well, this is only my opinion, not proven nor researched.

 

[AAH1483]

Yes, an amazing watch but a few reasons why such grand complication watches aren't mainstream-popular in the forum:

- Believability: I am not talking about only the price tag, but also the attainability and access to such rare high end timepieces. Lets face it, a small percentage of the general population are serious watch collections, and a small percentage of those watch collectors can and will spend on such a timepiece, or have it allocated to them at retail.

- Functionality: You already mentioned this yourself. A lot of the complications are often faux on the rep.

- Reliability: There are instances of complications like moonphase, calendar and power reserve being loaded on a modified movement which is not designed to handle the additional gears. This makes the design very precarious.

- Accuracy: This aspect often speaks for itself. One look and you know it is a replica.

Of course, if one just likes the visual aspect of the watch and do not care about the above, then the above become superfluous considerations and you can wear it as a nice watch on the wrist.

I agree . Most likely 1 or more subdials would be very much faux.

 

[legend]

Speaking for myself, I would rather have a time-only REP with a good-enough case and dial than any complication. In fact the less complication, the better it is regardless whether such complication is functional or not.

A rep movement especially a clone movement that is build entirely for the purpose of looking and feeling real with little regards to reliability and serviceability may be adequate for time-only but may not last long with complications. So unless the rep is using a proven ebauche as the base, I would not touch any with complication. Well, this is only my opinion, not proven nor researched.

Here sir, we thrive on opinions. Very good points made. I feel the same way.

 

[grillbrill]

Yes, an amazing watch but a few reasons why such grand complication watches aren't mainstream-popular in the forum:

- Believability: I am not talking about only the price tag, but also the attainability and access to such rare high end timepieces. Lets face it, a small percentage of the general population are serious watch collections, and a small percentage of those watch collectors can and will spend on such a timepiece, or have it allocated to them at retail.

- Functionality: You already mentioned this yourself. A lot of the complications are often faux on the rep.

- Reliability: There are instances of complications like moonphase, calendar and power reserve being loaded on a modified movement which is not designed to handle the additional gears. This makes the design very precarious.

- Accuracy: This aspect often speaks for itself. One look and you know it is a replica.

Of course, if one just likes the visual aspect of the watch and do not care about the above, then the above become superfluous considerations and you can wear it as a nice watch on the wrist.

Regarding functionality fortunately there are some rare clone movement exceptions like A7751. Unfortunately the reliability issues stand for all clone calibers nonetheless.

 

[Caril]

Yes, an amazing watch but a few reasons why such grand complication watches aren't mainstream-popular in the forum:

- Believability: I am not talking about only the price tag, but also the attainability and access to such rare high end timepieces. Lets face it, a small percentage of the general population are serious watch collections, and a small percentage of those watch collectors can and will spend on such a timepiece, or have it allocated to them at retail.

- Functionality: You already mentioned this yourself. A lot of the complications are often faux on the rep.

- Reliability: There are instances of complications like moonphase, calendar and power reserve being loaded on a modified movement which is not designed to handle the additional gears. This makes the design very precarious.

- Accuracy: This aspect often speaks for itself. One look and you know it is a replica.

Of course, if one just likes the visual aspect of the watch and do not care about the above, then the above become superfluous considerations and you can wear it as a nice watch on the wrist.

This is why you're legend: patience and thorough answers even to noob questions you must have seen many times before.

All your points are very relevant, but I´ll just mention that in my context, an Omega or Rolex replica might not be so believable (people around me know those..) but an AP? its over the chart, no one knows it.. Maybe I should change environment?

Regarding my curiosity of the material Titanium on a RO, I've found this video where you can see its effect a bit clearer (studio photos don't give a full idea). My enthusiasm got toned down a bit looking at the video, but I still would like to wear one (even a fantasy time only Ti..) and see the effect for myself.

 

[B737KLM]

Hi fellow AP enthusiasts! I have a question for zf AP 15500 v3 owners. I just received mine (blue dial) last Monday and was flabbergasted by this stunning piece. The level of detail is incredible. I love it.

After a day I realized when pulling the crown to the second detent to set the time, there is some slack in the rotational direction. The minute hand moves after a slight delay. You have to rotate the crown a little bit before seeing the minute hand actual move.

Is this normal for this particular movement? Any other owners who experience the same?

Thanks!

 

[legend]

Hi fellow AP enthusiasts! I have a question for zf AP 15500 v3 owners. I just received mine (blue dial) last Monday and was flabbergasted by this stunning piece. The level of detail is incredible. I love it.

After a day I realized when pulling the crown to the second detent to set the time, there is some slack in the rotational direction. The minute hand moves after a slight delay. You have to rotate the crown a little bit before seeing the minute hand actual move.

Is this normal for this particular movement? Any other owners who experience the same?

Thanks!

The crown or hand may have slipped a bit. This is not normal, but until you get it fixed or serviced, it can be acceptable if the hands can be adjusted anyway.

 

[serumdiesel]

Hi fellow AP enthusiasts! I have a question for zf AP 15500 v3 owners. I just received mine (blue dial) last Monday and was flabbergasted by this stunning piece. The level of detail is incredible. I love it.

After a day I realized when pulling the crown to the second detent to set the time, there is some slack in the rotational direction. The minute hand moves after a slight delay. You have to rotate the crown a little bit before seeing the minute hand actual move.

Is this normal for this particular movement? Any other owners who experience the same?

Thanks!

I've received three of these in the past week or so and all of them behave exactly as you described.

 

[B737KLM]

The crown or hand may have slipped a bit. This is not normal, but until you get it fixed or serviced, it can be acceptable if the hands can be adjusted anyway.

Thanks for your answer. I will let this know to my watchmaker, maybe he can adjust it. I will post the result when finished.

 

[B737KLM]

I've received three of these in the past week or so and all of them behave exactly as you described.

Are you going to bring them to a watchmaker to have this fixed of serviced? Or does it not bother you?

 

[serumdiesel]

Are you going to bring them to a watchmaker to have this fixed of serviced? Or does it not bother you?

Well, let’s first make sure we’re talking about the same thing. On all of the ones I received, when you pull out the crown into the 2 position, there’s a bit of slack in either direction that you have to get rid of before it “catches” the hands. Once you’ve gotten rid of the slack, however, continuing to turn the crown in the same direction will result in immediate hand response. If you turn the crown in the opposite direction, there will again be slack you have to get rid of before the hand movement starts again.

For me, that doesn’t bother me in the slightest and I have no desire to address it.

If, however, you have slack in the crown at all times in BOTH directions that you can’t get rid of, even once you’ve already “caught” the hands and are trying to continue moving them in the same direction, that would be something I would definitely get fixed.