To sum up the RO in the first seven days of owning it, in short, FANTASTIC!
Anyway, if anyone is interested to read on, my thoughts on a few things.
CaseI read that a 41mm RO wears more like a 44mm conventional circular watch.
I'm not really into big watches and I've always feel that my Sub, GMT and Daytona are all of ideal size to me.
So I had a lot of doubts at first whether the 41mm case would look good on my 7.5" wrist which is not really flat but thick.
After 7 days straight, although the 15400 shows a strong wrist presence, I feel very comfortable "visually" every time I look down on my wrist.
DialWith the blue dial, it is a joy to look at.
Indoors, under different lighting you get anywhere from bright electric blue, purplish hue, deep sapphire blue even black! (well, not exactly black but close)
Outdoors, you get a color that is more flat/matte and I love that sometimes it looks greyish, almost tropical.
I'm glad I forked out the full retail price at the boutique for the blue dial as it is definitely worth it.
BraceletThe bracelet is visually, a piece of art.
Not only that, it is surprisingly comfortable (my Daytona on oyster still have a slight edge), PROVIDED you have it properly sized.
Especially over here, high humidity and where the temperatures really swells up your wrist when you're outside.
One area which I feel AP can improve on the design is on the clasp.
The locking part is fine, functional.
However, I wish that the inner clasp was machined to a thinner profile. the clasp kind of ruin the lines.
If you like to have a snug fit, the inner clasp feels uncomfortable during hot afternoons as your wrist swells.
Comparing to Rolex bracelets, super jubilee and president bracelets, you don't feel at all the inner clasps and are truly out of sight.
MovementThere have been some reports on sticky date wheel, problems using with winder, movement running fast etc.
But in general, I believe that the AP Calibre 3120 has a good reputation since its launch back in 2003.
I have been wearing the watch on a daily basis over the last seven days, about 11 hours a day.
Watch is gaining 1.2s per day on average.
This is by no means exact as I was only using Watchcheck app, not a timegrapher.
But comparing to my '14 Daytona (+0.6s/d - last serviced 03/'16), '95 Sub (+1.6s/d serviced in '12, regulated 6/'16) & '06 Pepsi (4.1s/d 10 years never serviced! - another story on this one), using the same app, I'd say the Calibre 3120 held up quite well since it's not COSC.
I've read that you need to allow the 3120 on a new watch to settle down but mine seems to be doing pretty good.
It still early days so will be keeping a close eye.
(Not so) Final word.I debated on buying pre-owned, but since this is the first time into AP, I wanted to ensure that I have a 'good start', lowering the risks of warranty/service issue if I were to get a pre-owned piece.
So, went to the boutique for the blue dial and the 5 years warranty is a bonus.
I feel that the RO as ones first AP is the quintessential experience in getting to know the brand.
Similar to Rolex, people almost always recommend a Sub as a first Rolex.
Of course there is nothing wrong with getting the ROO as your first but the simplistic beauty of the unmistakably Royal Oak lines and AP metal works finishing, will let you appreciate the AP brand and heritage and of course, Gerald Genta as a design genius.
