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

[legend]

This is what makes me a little less worried about wearing reps. I feel like the only time the average person will assume you're wearing a "fake watch" is when it's a Rolex, even if it's gen. Which is why I still haven't pulled the trigger on one.

If you choose to wear a rep then wear it with pride. Don’t worry about what others think, they are likely too busy worrying about themselves in life. In life it’s a lot about perception. Majority of the people we meet form short term relationships with us as opposed to long term ones and perceptions are based on “impression” assessments rather than “ok knowing you for twenty years, I think that…”
So you choose whether you can pull off the watch on yourself. Don’t worry about anyone else. It’s a rep if it’s a rep, no matter how many people think it’s a gen, you know it’s a rep so you can never escape the knowledge yourself. So if you already know it, it’s no point worrying about whether anyone else does. It won’t change what the watch is.

 

[eBoy]

It’s a rep if it’s a rep, no matter how many people think it’s a gen, you know it’s a rep so you can never escape the knowledge yourself. So if you already know it, it’s no point worrying about whether anyone else does.

My inner Costanza disagrees!

 

[Procurator]

I would probably add brushing to the list of bracelet differences.
15400 and 15500 have a different method of finishing.

If you know, you won't unsee it, but if you don't know and don't study your watches with a loupe, it's mostly fine. The sheen and light refraction will differ, but not enough to cause any real visual disturbance.

 

[CutePinkKitty]

They are interchangeable but not identical.

Crap... not only don't I wanna spend the money on a gen leather + clasp my AD told me those are not easy to come by either.

I was looking on ali and it seems all the straps are for 15400, they don't even have much option for leather, only rubber/silicone.

I'm guessing the rep clasps from them aren't good either?

 

[eBoy]

Crap... not only don't I wanna spend the money on a gen leather + clasp my AD told me those are not easy to come by either.

I was looking on ali and it seems all the straps are for 15400, they don't even have much option for leather, only rubber/silicone.

I'm guessing the rep clasps from them aren't good either?

From my experience, and actually I used to think that wasn't the case, the straps available from TDs are usually of a much better quality than those available on Aliexpress or Dhgate.

Sometimes it happens that the dealers on Ali have two categories of products, regular and 'high quality'. Those options, if available, are usually hidden in the size/color option menus.

I think those are items that mostly match TD quality, but usually —while still more expensive than their low grad stuff— are a bit cheaper than TD items.

But, like I said, it's not the norm on Ali. The stuff there is 85-90% only low grade. But at least it's really cheap, so if you're not happy with an Ali product, it's at least not a huge financial loss.

 

[photoman9988]

Just how thick is the bracelet on the 15500? Is it much thicker than the average SS watch bracelet?

 

[Feefo]

Crap... not only don't I wanna spend the money on a gen leather + clasp my AD told me those are not easy to come by either.

I was looking on ali and it seems all the straps are for 15400, they don't even have much option for leather, only rubber/silicone.

I'm guessing the rep clasps from them aren't good either?

Jtime has rubber straps for the AP 15500 with buckle and endlinks. You can buy one of those and then buy a leather strap elsewhere using jtimes buckle. I think you'll get rid of the rubber in m2m in no time.

 

[CutePinkKitty]

Jtime has rubber straps for the AP 15500 with buckle and endlinks. You can buy one of those and then buy a leather strap elsewhere using jtimes buckle. I think you'll get rid of the rubber in m2m in no time.

the clasps and endlinks are good ?

 

[Feefo]

the clasps and endlinks are good ?

That I don't know, haven't bought any, although thinking about it. Supposedly from clean Factory.

JTIME

JTIME WATCH

jtime.io

 

[erockz]

hello everyone, I can get an AP with Asian auto movement by Miyota, is this good movement? Thanks

 

[legend]

Just how thick is the bracelet on the 15500? Is it much thicker than the average SS watch bracelet?

"Average" is subjective and so is "much thicker". But the 15500 is very wearable don't worry.

 

[legend]

hello everyone, I can get an AP with Asian auto movement by Miyota, is this good movement? Thanks

It is a cheap but reliable movement for any 3 hand (Hour minute second) watch. It can be rattly and hairspring can tangle relatively easy but yes it works as a movement for AP reps, on a fundamental level.

 

[legend]

Crap... not only don't I wanna spend the money on a gen leather + clasp my AD told me those are not easy to come by either.

I was looking on ali and it seems all the straps are for 15400, they don't even have much option for leather, only rubber/silicone.

I'm guessing the rep clasps from them aren't good either?

For any gen AP owner, you just have to walk in and ask to buy any straps/buckle/plots for any AP watch you already own. You will 100% get it in a matter of time.
The 15500 and 15400 rubber and leather straps are 100% interchangeable. Gen uses exactly the same rubber straps for their RG models for both the 15400 and 15500.
"Good" is subjective. I would say that the rep clasps are decent enough especially for any rep AP watch.

 

[erockz]

It is a cheap but reliable movement for any 3 hand (Hour minute second) watch. It can be rattly and hairspring can tangle relatively easy but yes it works as a movement for AP reps, on a fundamental level.

will they wind if I move my hand or do I have to wind it with the knob?

 

[legend]

will they wind if I move my hand or do I have to wind it with the knob?

Yes it is an automatic winding movement. The optimal way to set this movement up is to wind it with the crown until second hand starts to move, and then give it another 20-30 winds. Then wear the watch normally and let it wind with the natural movement of your wrist.

 

[CutePinkKitty]

For any gen AP owner, you just have to walk in and ask to buy any straps/buckle/plots for any AP watch you already own. You will 100% get it in a matter of time.
The 15500 and 15400 rubber and leather straps are 100% interchangeable. Gen uses exactly the same rubber straps for their RG models for both the 15400 and 15500.
"Good" is subjective. I would say that the rep clasps are decent enough especially for any rep AP watch.

I did ask for one until they told me how much it cost and how long it'll take.

So you're saying I can just buy a NON-AP leather or rubber strap for 15400 and it'll fit the 15500 ?

"Good" I mean the folding clasp actually is secure and it locks. I've bought a Rolex folding clasp from Etsy and Ali and they are utter shit. like ABSOLUTE garbage.

 

[legend]

So you're saying I can just buy a NON-AP leather or rubber strap for 15400 and it'll fit the 15500 ?

Yes

 

[Pater_Pen]

@legend : Intime listed the 15703 ROO Diver from ZF as V2 with the SA3120 Super Clone movement. Would you chose this ofer the V1?

@legend what are your thoughts on that?

 

[daytonadude]

Hey everyone, any chance someone could advise on whether a gen dial can be installed on a JF 67651 Royal Oak 33mm Quartz? Thank you very much.

 

[gilrob]

Hey everyone, any chance someone could advise on whether a gen dial can be installed on a JF 67651 Royal Oak 33mm Quartz? Thank you very much.

You'll need to ask @legend. If anyone knows, it'll be him. Best of luck.