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

[willthewristmaster99]

Actually the clone 3120 movement with instant date change exists now. I have already built a few 15400 with it.
This may seem frivolous to anyone else but for me, AP watches always comes with instant date change and I do associate it with one of the necessary traits of high end luxury watch brands. Yes I have not stayed up to watch the date change as far as my memory goes but this is evident when setting the time (when you do it the proper way) and also knowing this gives me some weird form of satisfaction. It is just my preference, I cannot speak for anyone else but whenever I see an AP with a slow change date, it tells me that the date gear is either faulty, or the watch isn't truly an AP.

Now that you mention it, I forgot that there was a 3120 clone movement with a instant date modification (if I understood it correctly) but I had never heard of someone who actually had their hands on one. Very cool. I would definitely love to get one of those one day, thanks for the clarification.

I also agree with you, while it doesn't matter honestly it is still a more premium feeling and is a gen like feature so it makes sense to want it. I just think that it's an expensive upgrade and should honestly only be bought if you're going balls to the walls. Tell me if I'm wrong but I assume you have to buy the entire modded movement and you can't just have your current movement modded. Small deal to some, big deal to others. Until a date snapping 3120 is widely available from TD watches I won't recommend that or say it to someone who is new.

 

[germanynrw]

Actually the clone 3120 movement with instant date change exists now. I have already built a few 15400 with it.
This may seem frivolous to anyone else but for me, AP watches always comes with instant date change and I do associate it with one of the necessary traits of high end luxury watch brands. Yes I have not stayed up to watch the date change as far as my memory goes but this is evident when setting the time (when you do it the proper way) and also knowing this gives me some weird form of satisfaction. It is just my preference, I cannot speak for anyone else but whenever I see an AP with a slow change date, it tells me that the date gear is either faulty, or the watch isn't truly an AP.

It is a ZF v3, right?
My dealer says, it exist now a v3 15400 from ZF.

 

[legend]

Now that you mention it, I forgot that there was a 3120 clone movement with a instant date modification (if I understood it correctly) but I had never heard of someone who actually had their hands on one. Very cool. I would definitely love to get one of those one day, thanks for the clarification.

I also agree with you, while it doesn't matter honestly it is still a more premium feeling and is a gen like feature so it makes sense to want it. I just think that it's an expensive upgrade and should honestly only be bought if you're going balls to the walls. Tell me if I'm wrong but I assume you have to buy the entire modded movement and you can't just have your current movement modded. Small deal to some, big deal to others. Until a date snapping 3120 is widely available from TD watches I won't recommend that or say it to someone who is new.

You can actually order a 15400 with an instant date change movement now, in lieu of the standard 3120 clone caliber. The offerings in this hobby is actually a lot larger than what our trusted dealers are offering and knowing where to look is the key. It does not mean that you will automatically get scammed if purchasing from sources outside the TD list or that buying from the TD list will automatically be problem free. Whatever route you choose, caveat emptor remains a key consideration.
Many like yourself won’t care if the AP comes with slow date change but for those who know their APs intimately, a slight detail off would be enough for them to stop wearing the watch. It’s just different levels of the game we play at but the level of enjoyment should be enough to keep us going. If I am to build a 15400 for myself to wear personally I would definitely need gen dial, hands, datewheel and yes the instant date change 3120 caliber. I will then refinish it myself to how I like it to look and then and only then will I enjoy it. But another member can buy the ZF or APSF stock offering and enjoy it right out of the box. It’s all about expectations and also how well you know your APs (or any other brand).
As long as you’re able to enjoy the watch you’ve chosen, ignorance is truly bliss in this regard sir!

 

[willthewristmaster99]

You can actually order a 15400 with an instant date change movement now, in lieu of the standard 3120 clone caliber. The offerings in this hobby is actually a lot larger than what our trusted dealers are offering and knowing where to look is the key. It does not mean that you will automatically get scammed if purchasing from sources outside the TD list or that buying from the TD list will automatically be problem free. Whatever route you choose, caveat emptor remains a key consideration.
Many like yourself won’t care if the AP comes with slow date change but for those who know their APs intimately, a slight detail off would be enough for them to stop wearing the watch. It’s just different levels of the game we play at but the level of enjoyment should be enough to keep us going. If I am to build a 15400 for myself to wear personally I would definitely need gen dial, hands, datewheel and yes the instant date change 3120 caliber. I will then refinish it myself to how I like it to look and then and only then will I enjoy it. But another member can buy the ZF or APSF stock offering and enjoy it right out of the box. It’s all about expectations and also how well you know your APs (or any other brand).
As long as you’re able to enjoy the watch you’ve chosen, ignorance is truly bliss in this regard sir!

Perfectly said my friend, thank you for the knowledge bomb I think you said it best when we all have different standards of what we find nice and wearable. I'm sure my taste will age as I mature. Well in any case I hope the original person can find what they are looking for , and bless you Ledg' for informing me that a standard 3120 with date flip snap is available to buy. Definitely will look for one for my watch in the future. Have a blessed night both of y'all.

 

[legend]

Perfectly said my friend, thank you for the knowledge bomb I think you said it best when we all have different standards of what we find nice and wearable. I'm sure my taste will age as I mature. Well in any case I hope the original person can find what they are looking for , and bless you Leg for informing me that a standard 3120 with date flip snap is available to buy. Definitely will look for one for my watch in the future. Have a blessed night both of y'all.

And in the midst of that did you just call me leg?
While you’re at it why not leg end?

 

[willthewristmaster99]

And in the midst of that did you just call me leg?
While you’re at it why not leg end?

Stupid autocorrect, I typed "Ledg' " but well.... you see the result edited to make myself look less stupid lol.

 

[Frank Martin]

The color of an AP Royal Oak dial depends on not just the paint color used, but also the tapisserie construction affecting light reflection/dispersement, material of dial, surface finish, and post-paint finish. The rep dial and gen are completely different in terms of the tapisserie construction, the surface finish and the post-paint finish. I would say that the material of the dial is arguably similar effectively. That is the reason the colors would always seem a tad off even if the same exact paint color is being used.

Very informative. Thank you.

 

[MrG_EU]

I can build the watch for you within the time frame or can recommend other modders to you if you are keen. Just send me a PM.

I've PM'd you in the past and didn't have an answer, could we get in touch?
I'd be interested in getting a nice build done

 

[MrG_EU]

I've PM'd you in the past and didn't have an answer, could we get in touch?
I'd be interested in getting a nice build done

can*

 

[legend]

I've PM'd you in the past and didn't have an answer, could we get in touch?
I'd be interested in getting a nice build done

If I did not respond to you it is either I didn’t receive it or the request isn’t something I’m comfortable with. Believe me I have been getting a lot of unrealistic requests recently.
So you can PM me if you want. I’ll do what I can thanks.

 

[Frank Martin]

Very informative. Thank you.

Legend, with all these factors would it do any good to compare photos of a gen dial with a rep? Seems like time of day, lighting in a room, etc. would factor in when comparing the blue dials. Would you be willing to post comparison photos of an AP or PP Nautilus high end rep versus gen dial?

 

[willthewristmaster99]

Legend, with all these factors would it do any good to compare photos of a gen dial with a rep? Seems like time of day, lighting in a room, etc. would factor in when comparing the blue dials. Would you be willing to post comparison photos of an AP or PP Nautilus high end rep versus gen dial?

There are already many comparisons of this very thing

 

[daytonadude]

I was wondering if there is a specific WTB for the AP thread? I’m looking for an old BP 14790 which has turned out quite difficult to track down…

 

[cbshitter]

Hi guys,

I’ve been looking for a long time. I have a 16202 AP 39mm ZF with a green sunburst dial. It’s only about 2 weeks old, I was wondering if it’s worth it to platinum plate the entire piece as gen is platinum. Would this be a required mod?

 

[germanynrw]

Hi guys,

I’ve been looking for a long time. I have a 16202 AP 39mm ZF with a green sunburst dial. It’s only about 2 weeks old, I was wondering if it’s worth it to platinum plate the entire piece as gen is platinum. Would this be a required mod?

@legend says it is not worth, I have read it in a thread.

 

[cbshitter]

@legend says it is not worth, I have read it in a thread.

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it. I’ll only change the pizza hands then. Might it you have a reference for the thread as I’ve been searching the whole platform looking for an advice on this. I’m thinking of making this one a super franken project and most of the plating services I know recommend not wearing the watch before you plate it. I’m all the way in NY as well so contacting legend for a full mod at this time seems complicated

 

[germanynrw]

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it. I’ll only change the pizza hands then. Might it you have a reference for the thread as I’ve been searching the whole platform looking for an advice on this. I’m thinking of making this one a super franken project and most of the plating services I know recommend not wearing the watch before you plate it. I’m all the way in NY as well so contacting legend for a full mod at this time seems complicated

Good decide with @legend . And something like pizza etc, is no problem for him. He is like his name, a legend in themes AP.

 

[willthewristmaster99]

Hi guys,

I’ve been looking for a long time. I have a 16202 AP 39mm ZF with a green sunburst dial. It’s only about 2 weeks old, I was wondering if it’s worth it to platinum plate the entire piece as gen is platinum. Would this be a required mod?

The white gold plating is not worth it unless you spend hella money on a special tungsten case and bracelet. Platinum is way way heavier than steel. Honestly you can if you want to, but you'd basically be spending 2-500$ on a few shades difference. This watch is such a unicorn no one will know or care if it's really made from steel or platinum.

Pizza hands, date wheel, service, and case and bracelet refinish and you will be set for a decade.

 

[germanynrw]

The most important point normally is the instant date, but actually impossible.

 

[willthewristmaster99]

The most important point normally is the instant date, but actually impossible.

Facts, this is why I actually prefer the ZF 15202 and just swap a green dial in it. At least it has the old style date change so it's the same as gen. I also like the 15202 is thinner than 16202 (ZF)