Malaysia Watch Forum
Main Forums => Watch Reviews => Topic started by: hanz079 on October 10, 2012, 10:15:32 AM
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5th August 2012.
My day started like any other. Family breakfast at my usual dim sum restaurant.
After dim sum, we had no plans. Until my son tells me "Pa, I wanna go to 1Borneo jalan-jalan... buy Famous Amos Cookies"
It's an innocent enough request that would yield 2 weeks of sleepless nights and countless messages with my buddies.
What happened that fateful day?
After window shopping for awhile, I walked past the one and only major AD in town... decided to walk in to take a look. Well, I have been there many times... never once have I asked the sales to take out a watch for me to hold and try... Why? Since I know I ain't buying... why waste other people's time when they can serve more serious customers right?
Wrong... I was walking around the usual displays, then something caught me eye... it was a stainless steel Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref:15400 in Black Dial.
I have no idea what have gotten into me, I ask the nearest salesgirl and asked if I could take a closer look? Sure she said... (Just for the record... I was wearing a T-Shirt, Short pants and slippers if you guys need to know)
Once my mortal hands touched the brushed stainless steel case of the Royal Oak... I knew it was something special. Slap it on my wrists... Holy!! Perfect fit, curved nicely and felt excellent!!
So I thought... hey, this is a Royal Oak... an iconic piece from AP, would not be able to afford even if I wanted to. So, with my AhBeng accent I asked "How much?"
The sales girl told me that the retail was rm50200... there!! I thought... I know it was out of my league...
BUT... The salesgirl added, I can give you a discount of xx%... mental calculations were running and....
It is ACCESSIBLE to me!!!, albeit with some shuffling of the collection and departure of some.
But I told her I'd need some time to think... it's a big purchase... She agreed... handed me her card and asked me to leave my number so that she can contact me there's anything. (I swear to you that these salesgirls are trained to see if you're already poisoned!!)
Ok, went home to sleep on it.
6th - 11th August 2012.
Sleep? What sleep? To be honest I could not sleep... I was messaging my buddies on whatsapp... a group that consists of 3 other WIS spread around KL, Penang and Taiwan.
I needed a crash course on AP, what they're about and so on... and they did not disappoint. Knowledge was abundant in that group... as well as a master enabler... well... chinese would say that "if a cow does not want to drink water, you can't push the cows head down toward the water..."
So, in simpler terms, I am already poisoned... just need a nudge on the right direction...
But I do have another problem when I visited other forums and watch websites... purists seems to swear on the classic 39mm case size of the Royal Oak... So, I am in a dilemma... Besides costing less... the 39mm model seems overwhelmingly popular... instead, the 41mm seems to conjure up much hate among the Royal Oak fans...
And then there's the dial colour... since it came with 3 colours... White, Blue or Black... and I have only seen the black... So, another dilemma... White was never in the picture... but the Blue dial seems to be portrayed as THE colour of the Royal Oak.
This is where my WIS friends spread across the land came into play.
The KL fellow sacrificed his lunch break to take the LRT to Starhill to test out both the 39mm and 41mm models in blue and black to give me his honest opinions. He liked the 39mm in blue.
The Penang fellow... who like me, have never walked into a high end AD let alone asked the sales to take out the Royal Oak for him to inspect closer takes some balls... His opinion? 39mm as well... in blue.
The one residing in Taiwan, drove all the way to Taipei 101 where the AP Boutique is at... tried the 41mm and 39mm jumbo... He liked the 41mm in black.
I also posted some wristshots in some other forums and some of the responses were pretty intense... going as far as saying that the Royal Oak at 41mm looks like a plate on my wrists. Some others commented that no one else's opinion matters as much as my own. Sounds diplomatic.
Damn... all these inputs and opinions is giving me more problems than a solution.
So I decided to sleep on it again... (Who am I kidding right? I can't sleep)
39mm or 41mm?
In the end, it boils down to personal preference. Can you carry the extra 2mm? If yes, then the 41mm is the way to go. If not, then the 39mm is as good a watch. I tried the 39mm Royal Oak Chrono and I do find it too small.
Blue or Black?
This is one of the hardest decision. Reason being I have only seen the black. So how on earth would I know if the blue is not nicer? I can't... but I know deep down inside, I am a black dial guy... evident from the pieces in my collection. White dial (Damasko) blue dial (Omega Seamaster) that I owned previously are all gone...
Went to the AD again to try out the Royal Oak, still it looked ok to me...
Like and idiot I walk around the AD asking other customers... hey, looks ok to you? Too big? etc...
Then it hit me... why am I asking other people for something that I am buying for MYSELF to wear?
So, for the next 3 days, I did not wear a watch... I let my wrists "forget" the feeling of wearing a watch.
Then to the AD I went... strap it on, feels good... done deal... Deposit paid pending collection in a few days.
16th August 2012.
The day I collected the Royal Oak ref:15400.
I can never forget the feeling... I have bought and sold quite a number of watches and no journey of an acquisition is as memorable as this. To my WIS friends spread across the land, you know who you are.
It's you guys that made this journey a memorable one. The laughs, excitement, knowledge, pictures, enabling that we shared.
(Oh, and after getting the Royal Oak, I can finally sleep like a baby)
This is where I start the review. Thank for bearing with my long winded story...
THE watch.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02063.jpg)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref:15400 Black Dial.
Looking at the whole watch, one will realize why the design has been largely unchanged since it's launching in 1972. The beauty of this Genta design is much more than any picture can portray. It has to be held in your hands... placed on your wrists... and let the eyes marvel at the finish of the watch, the interplay of polished and brushed surfaces, what different lighting effects the look of the watch.
The design carries an industrial flair... Nothing is curved except for the Octagonal Bezel that feature some curve, I am hard pressed to find any other. Everything is sharp and pronounced. 30 degree, 45 degree sharp angles are the defining design language.
The Bezel, Dial and Hands
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02067.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02067DialCloseUp.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02068CropHands.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02080CropDate.jpg)
The dial is beautiful... for the lack of a better word. It's more than beautiful actually.
From the close-up, you can actually see the concentric grooves among the tapisserie...
This pattern is called the "Grande Tapisserie" Which slips in the middle of "Petite Tapisserie" of the Jumbo and "Mega Tapisserie" of the Offshore models.
Under certain lightings, the dial looks jet black, sometimes charcoal grey, sometimes rustic brown. I am not sure what to make of it but it's hypnotic to look at I can tell you that.
The iconic octagonal bezel with 8 polished white gold screws are a sight to behold.
The interplay between polished and brushed is here as well. With the top part brushed, the mid curved part mirror polished and the bottom part brushed again.
The hands follows the design principle of using sharp corners instead of curves.
Gives it an edgy look.
One of the improvements (If I am allowed to call it that) is the return of the double hash at 12 o'clock.
I am one that felt the AP at 12 on the previous model a little design breaking.
Another welcome improvement is that now the date wheel is the same colour as the dial. Which is nothing much, but helps in the overall cohesiveness of the design.
Let me elaborate a little over here.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Audemars%20Piguet%20Royal%20Oak/DE7F375A-2180-45CC-8C84-20E1822D10EC-15456-0000192AF3F0BAD1.jpg)
The picture above shows the 15400 (left) and 15300 (Right)
(These opinions are merely my own observations of the 2 models)
At 1st glance, the dial of the 15400 looks more balanced... it has hour markers on every hour, even at the 3 o'clock position even if it's half the size of the other markers.
Now looking at the 15300, the dial just looks disproportionate to me.
AP at 12 breaks the flow of the design, and the date wheel at white as well as no hour marker at 3.
This 2 "blip" on the older dial is one of the reasons why I choose the to go for the 15400.
The Bracelet
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02065.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02066.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC01437.jpg)
The bracelet kinda reminds me of a robotic spinal collumn.
It measures 26mm at the widest tapering to 18mm.
Since each and every link measures 5mm in length, it follows the curve of your wrists for a comfortable fit.
It just hugs your wrists snugly with no play if sized right.
The clasp.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02069.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02074.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02075.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02076.jpg)
The watch features a butterfly double clasp that is all new for the model.
(I have read that later production batches for the 15300 39mm model does carry the same clasp)
The older AP insignia clasps are no more.
There were complaints that the old clasps dig in to the skin. (whatever that means)
I can safely say that my experiences with this clasp is all good.
I have never been a big fan of double clasps, I find them troublesome to use.
The the solid construction of this new clasp changed my perception of double folding clasps... they can be good if designed properly.
The clasp closes with a reassuring and firm click... and the release is smooth.
The Crown
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02070.jpg)
The crown is hexagonal with signed AP engraving.
Screw in crown, easy to handle and operate... but I am disappointed why the crown does on align when screwed in? I mean, how difficult it is to produce a crown that will always line up with the AP logo straight?
The Case
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02071.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02078.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02072.jpg)
The case is well constructed. Measures a 9.8mm thick.
The interplay between brushed and polished is so detailed that it can only be told when the watch hits the light and the reflections tell you where is it polished.
The brushed areas are a class of it's own.
All brushed in the same direction which gives the watch a uniform look and shows the level of detail that went into these small areas. Run your fingers across the brushed areas and you can actually feel the lines... Try that with any other brushed surfaces of any other watch...
Another thing is that I figured alot of people would be interested in the dimensions.
So here goes.
Bezel left to right - 41mm
Case up to down before the sharp curve downwards - 43mm
Case up to down before the 1st link of the bracelet - 52mm
Dial size - 31mm
Bezel width - 5mm
The Movement
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC02081CropRotor.jpg)
Powered by the in house AP Caliber 3120.
This movement has been fitted on the older Royal Oak 15300 since it's launching on the year 2005.
Caliber 3120 itself was produced starting from 2003.
I believe any teething problems should be rectified by now... but I haven't heard of any so far.
Beats at 21600vph... which is on the low side of today's standards.
60 hours of power reserve.
Features a solid gold rotor that is hand engraved. Beautiful piece of work.
I have read that it is impossible to damage the date wheel and date change mechanism no matter when you change the date... do I dare try it? Nope.
After wearing it for a full 7 weeks, accuracy is spot on.
One thing I do not like is when I adjust the time, push the crown back in and the minute hand "jumps"
Even if I were to line it up properly after a few tries, after a few minutes... the hands will misalign... annoys the high hell out of me to be honest.
Wristshots
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/AP%20RO%2015400%20For%20Reveiw/DSC01443.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Audemars%20Piguet%20Royal%20Oak%2015400/6742C2BE-92C3-4135-A1A5-431A67A12789-2728-000004CCF3A4CA89.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Audemars%20Piguet%20Royal%20Oak%2015400/282C503C-1AD4-4E21-B0E2-5362D6A3DFBC-7873-00000C01348567E7.jpg)
Collection of wristshots throughout the 7 weeks. My wrist is size 6.75
I have been wearing the Royal Oak daily since the day I bought it... I can definitely say that the Royal Oak is definitely a watch to be appreciated in the flesh.
Pictures can only tell 30% of the story.
Pricing of this watch is not exactly astronomical as for the level of work put in to this timepiece, it is worth every single sen. I am sure AP could have priced it closer to it's closest rival the Patek Nautilus but chose not to... Not saying that one day it won't. Just saying that I am surprised that it is within my reach at the moment... that is why I took the plunge...
Thank you for reading and I hope some of you will go thru a journey like mine.
Not because it's an AP, but because for a watch, friends from all over took time just to satisfy my every query... all the whatsapp messaging that lasted til the wee hours of the morning.
It will forever be my most wonderful acquisition experience and I believe it will take something special to top this.
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Historical model, power house brand, legendary designer, good story, and of course...the Liverpool jersey!
one of the best and honest writeup here..
congrats bro! Happy this saga came to a happy ending for you! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Very nice fitting watch on your wrist :thumbsup:
Excellent write up :thumbsup:
Cant insert any :thumbsdown: at all ;)
Do you mind pm me the discount please, thank you :Cheers:
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Great writeups....
You should sell this article to magazines... May cover the AP RO purchase price....
May also send it to AP... May get complimentary blue 15300....he...he...
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Great review!
More than i can come up with and maybe lazy to do so hehe.
41mm looks just right on your wrist and you made the right choice in the end.
Its also fate that Gigi didnt buy that piece before it was flown over to your AD hehe.
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Ha ha, what you described was exactly the emotions I felt when I got my grail watch last year. The symptoms of the "poison" appears universal!! :Jumping:
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This must be one of the best review of the 15400 AP RO on the web today!! Good one Hanz!! :thumbsup:
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Very nice , timeless . regards tony
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Thanks for the kind words.
I find this model to be misunderstood among the Royal Oak lovers.
I am also having difficulty finding a good review so I reckon I would write one myself.
Not a really good review per se but passable I guess... ;D
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nice watch and equally good write-up :Cheers:
always wonder, how to screw down/take out the looked-perfectly-fit hexagon shape screws? :Confused:
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nice watch and equally good write-up :Cheers:
always wonder, how to screw down/take out the looked-perfectly-fit hexagon shape screws? :Confused:
From the bottom. The top is the screw and bottom is actually the screw nut... so just unscrew from the bottom. :D
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nice watch and equally good write-up :Cheers:
always wonder, how to screw down/take out the looked-perfectly-fit hexagon shape screws? :Confused:
From the bottom. The top is the screw and bottom is actually the screw nut... so just unscrew from the bottom. :D
Thanks for the explanation, really appreciate it :thumbsup:
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Thnx for sharing...
U r lucky to get this
No stock now
New stock price up
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beautiful dial close up, congratulations!
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A review written with passion. In person, he was even more passionate about this watch.
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The piece of literature is written by a person who is very much 'in love'. I can feel the underlining passion in each & every word. Rightly so cos the Royal Oak is one of the best crafted watches of all times, imo.
Bro, wear it in good health. May it brings you abundance of happiness & prosperity.
Sm
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:Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue:
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for the next 3 days, I did not wear a watch... I let my wrists "forget" the feeling of wearing a watch.
Bro - ppl like us who so mad about watch, when u do this... When u swing ur hand while walking, u sure feel bad... So I think u did this on purpose! Just to justify urself to buy it!!!
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for the next 3 days, I did not wear a watch... I let my wrists "forget" the feeling of wearing a watch.
Bro - ppl like us who so mad about watch, when u do this... When u swing ur hand while walking, u sure feel bad... So I think u did this on purpose! Just to justify urself to buy it!!!
No justification needed.
You're right I did that on purpose... ;D
:Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue: :Blue:
Dun be so blue Steve... I am sure you'll get yours soon... :Cheers:
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Without the presence of micro adjustment.
Was the full/half link removal sufficient for you to get a good fit?
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Without the presence of micro adjustment.
Was the full/half link removal sufficient for you to get a good fit?
Each link is 5mm in length, fortunately it is enough for me to size it just right for me.
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i share your joy... :Cheers: :Cheers: :Cheers:
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Very well written review mate. Congratulation for joining AP club. Saw your post at another forum asking for opinion before. I was one of the minority there encouraging you to go for 15400. I personally like 15400 more than 15300.
BTW, a piece of friendly advice, you may want to delete your picture about your backcase here asap. U didnt black out the no of your 15400 and the number is your watch no and this is a public forum. :thumbsup:
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yeah i know that feeling ;D especially after you had tried the watch on the wrist. Dangerous habit and hobby no doubt~ but there's no turning back after got caught up :Blue:
and i thought only i had sleepless night !!!! haha
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Very well written review mate. Congratulation for joining AP club. Saw your post at another forum asking for opinion before. I was one of the minority there encouraging you to go for 15400. I personally like 15400 more than 15300.
BTW, a piece of friendly advice, you may want to delete your picture about your backcase here asap. U didnt black out the no of your 15400 and the number is your watch no and this is a public forum. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the advice.
I remembered I already airbrushed off the numbers at photobucket but it still appears in the pics... ???
Anyway, I removed the photo altogether.
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u r the man my fren.. whn let me test wear..ha ha ...
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Very nice , timeless . regards tony
hi tony, nice meal tht night at ur shop with ck...
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Thanks for the advice.
I remembered I already airbrushed off the numbers at photobucket but it still appears in the pics... ???
Anyway, I removed the photo altogether.
[/quote]
No worries mate, wear it in good health :Cheers:
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VEry good choice indeed.. i tried the white dial version in hk a few days ago.. too bad they didnt have the black.. it's really a huge watch.. :) wear it in good health :)
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really nice piece. I never looked at the Royal Oak series before but this one has definitely grabbed my attention.
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I have tested both 15300 and 15400 on my average size wrist. Eventhough 15400 is bigger, I found that it sits better on my wrist.
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Good review. I have the same AP for some time now. Extremely happy with the watch. The only complaint is my bezel was easily scratched. May be I am the careless type but I need to send in the watch for polishing as some of the minor scratches are visible. :(
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Good review. I have the same AP for some time now. Extremely happy with the watch. The only complaint is my bezel was easily scratched. May be I am the careless type but I need to send in the watch for polishing as some of the minor scratches are visible. :(
Good to hear. And which colour dial did you go for?
Share some pics yeah?
And tell me about the watch getting scratched easily, I have mine for 2 months only and there are scratches on the bracelet, case and bezel already... ;D
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Nice long long story to go tru man :thumbsup:
I actually considering getting 38mm AP, fits my small wrist very well as compared to larger ap ones :) But my priority on other stuff now so wont be getting any of it soon.
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Good review. I have the same AP for some time now. Extremely happy with the watch. The only complaint is my bezel was easily scratched. May be I am the careless type but I need to send in the watch for polishing as some of the minor scratches are visible. :(
Good to hear. And which colour dial did you go for?
Share some pics yeah?
And tell me about the watch getting scratched easily, I have mine for 2 months only and there are scratches on the bracelet, case and bezel already... ;D
Mine is Black dial. I actually posted it here long time ago and may not be viewable now. Nowadays I dont have time nor money to buy the watches as I used to as I have other new hobbies.
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peanut u been MIA too loong bro.
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Bro, very nice review, can feel the emotion you going through to get this piece :thumbsup:...you are going so fast...so happy for you...wear for good health :Cheers:
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A stunning acquisition!
Am still on waiting list for my 15202... wish i was like you and can walk in and walk out with your purchase so soon once u decided...
:Cheers:
The 41mm does look ideal for on your wrist... good choice!
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A stunning acquisition!
Am still on waiting list for my 15202... wish i was like you and can walk in and walk out with your purchase so soon once u decided...
:Cheers:
The 41mm does look ideal for on your wrist... good choice!
eh, I thought you got your jumbo already?
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still in a different city from me
:'(
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A very good review on your watch~! I am absolutely poisoned by ap now. any sifu here can point me to some sources to do my own research about ap? :D
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A grand review worthy of a grand watch. Wear it in good health. :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup:
Nice
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Superb catch...one of grail list items.... :)
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Hi, I'm new here and this is the first time I'm registering on to a forum just because your write up that has invoked an inner desire to congratulate you on your beautiful catch!
Wear it in good health.
I have actually gone down to the Starhill Boutique to enquire on this piece and was wondering whether it would be possible for you to pm me the discount you got. tq.
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Hi, I'm new here and this is the first time I'm registering on to a forum just because your write up that has invoked an inner desire to congratulate you on your beautiful catch!
Wear it in good health.
I have actually gone down to the Starhill Boutique to enquire on this piece and was wondering whether it would be possible for you to pm me the discount you got. tq.
Thanks for your kind words.
Nice to know that my review prompted a new member to join our fray.
PM sent on your queries.
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Hi hanz 079, here's mine in blue dial. And thanks once again for your assistance.
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag111/Tsw80/20130103_024606_zps618ac671.jpg)
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag111/Tsw80/20130103_024650_zpsd0e93492.jpg)
decided on 15400 instead of 15300. It seems to sit better on the wrist , have worn it yet but will try it out this weekend.
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COOL!! The blue dial.
I have yet to see the blue dial yet.
Congratz on that wonderful piece.
And I am glad my review pushed you over the edge... hehehe
All the time spent on writing my review is not wasted.
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Hi hanz 079, here's mine in blue dial. And thanks once again for your assistance.
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag111/Tsw80/20130103_024606_zps618ac671.jpg)
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag111/Tsw80/20130103_024650_zpsd0e93492.jpg)
decided on 15400 instead of 15300. It seems to sit better on the wrist , have worn it yet but will try it out this weekend.
Will you be wearing this to the GTG???
:P
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What is gtg?
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What is gtg?
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,7330.0.html
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,7329.0.html
Where did you get the watch? Did they still have the 15300 for sale since you chose this one instead?
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Hi dpkong,
The boutique had one last piece of 15300st in blue dial, discount isn't as much as the new model 15400st. In fact, it worked out to be the same price after discount for both, when the matter of fact is that the 15300st retail price is slightly lower at RM44,400 compared to the 15400st at RM50,200.
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I forgot to mention, it was the starhill boutique.
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FUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!
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Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
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Dear Hanz
I am not the kind who has any interest with the ultra high end especially the three holy trinity AP, PP and VC.... I do admire the craftsmanship but I could not imagine bringing myself to buy those three, One as I am not keen with the design, two for the price is really crazy to me. But that about to change.
When I first read your posting, I look at your pictures and wonder what make you go crazy over it.... I am thinking perhaps I would not fall for the same trap...I was wrong
One hour later a friend called me up for a drink....so happened he own AP Royal Oak 42mm.... He is a deep pocket guy but I have no Idea whether this is an original piece or not, dare not to ask but I assume for someone who drove a Porsche it must be real.......and not that I care at that time, to me what ever it is , this is the first time I saw an AP live and have the oppurtinity to molest.....
And I am not the kind who like small watches. Mine is always 44mm and above.... But this AP royal oak come with a significant aura. The simplicity of the design is stunning. It look exactly NOT like in picture. No picture can explain the feeling and sensation. Yes like you Hanz, I am in love. For two nights I cant stop thinking about it and still drooling over it....It is crazy.... Albeit being smaller than what I would usually like, it felt so damn good on my wrist, it is almost perfect.....I have this weird tingling feeling, the very same feeling i felt when I fall in love with my wife and exes last time.... No watch has ever give me this feeling....it is love....it is nothing else....
So yeah, I am planning to either rob a bank or casino...something ala ocean eleven....i really NEED this watch.....or else, I will start to track you down hanz....better keep yours safe....hehehhehe
Some wrist shot
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/19013_10151245058795662_643945359_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/37086_10151245058545662_1251337410_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/19519_10151245058460662_115434064_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/317905_10151245058725662_747381951_n.jpg)
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Nazri, it is exactly those feelings that made me dive in headfirst and logic goes out the window.
Anyway, the piece that your friend has is the ref 15300... 39mm... Which is nice as well.
I too liked the silver dial for the ref 15300.
The newer references is 41mm which is the 15400.
Good luck on your hunt if you decided to go for one.
No regrets i assure you.
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Out of all the colours, I like the silver dial the most :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
of course legibility is another issue.....
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Hahahaha...i hope it wont take forever
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Actually i dont know which model is which... Any link u can share other than the website for me to study more about the brand and models?...
I wish i have deep pocket like u in which for now I am not...hahahah...hopefully soon enough but i do understand the insanity that come from the first time u wrapped this on your wrist...the emotion,the sensation,the enigma....it is majestic feeling...
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Out of all the colours, I like the silver dial the most :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
of course legibility is another issue.....
I've not seen the white dial in person. Is it hard to read?
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Actually i dont know which model is which... Any link u can share other than the website for me to study more about the brand and models?...
I wish i have deep pocket like u in which for now I am not...hahahah...hopefully soon enough but i do understand the insanity that come from the first time u wrapped this on your wrist...the emotion,the sensation,the enigma....it is majestic feeling...
My pockets is not that deep.
I had to shuffle my collection and let go of 2 Rolexes and top up own cash only can afford.
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Out of all the colours, I like the silver dial the most :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
of course legibility is another issue.....
I've not seen the white dial in person. Is it hard to read?
I have seen the white dial but I don't think legibility is a big issue.
Of course not as good as the blue or black but still OK to me.
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Hanz, you have poisoned alot of people.
After I got mine, a close friend spotted it on my wrist and asked to look.
Next thing I know, he bought one for his up coming wedding.
And worse part for me, it was purchased with similar discount as yours from a local ad in pavillion.
I should have hunted around more before puling trigger.
But anyhow, this piece is a gem.
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Hanz, you have poisoned alot of people.
After I got mine, a close friend spotted it on my wrist and asked to look.
Next thing I know, he bought one for his up coming wedding.
And worse part for me, it was purchased with similar discount as yours from a local ad in pavillion.
I should have hunted around more before puling trigger.
But anyhow, this piece is a gem.
Yeah, I noticed that too.
Just hoping the AP gods somewhere noticed my work and reward me with an ultra rare limited edition piece.
Yeah right.... ::) ::)
Anyway, it is my opinion that this piece is worth every sen it's retail asking price.
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Hanz, you have poisoned alot of people.
After I got mine, a close friend spotted it on my wrist and asked to look.
Next thing I know, he bought one for his up coming wedding.
And worse part for me, it was purchased with similar discount as yours from a local ad in pavillion.
I should have hunted around more before puling trigger.
But anyhow, this piece is a gem.
If only the boutique holding the 15300 would give me such a discount level, I would jump on it...
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Hanz, I read your post with interest late last year. It piqued my interest, and I'd been reading as much as I could online, over the past several months. Last weekend, I finally walked in an AD and it turns out they had one such unit. It was a 41mm, but it sat perfectly on my (7 5/6-in) wrist. Long story short, I was hooked.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8540966637_85b2846c3a_c.jpg)
I don't know yet how I can afford this (because I can't), but I know for a fact that this will be my grail, and that I need to find a way to work towards this. Someday.
Thank you for sharing your journey :)
Won
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Hanz, I read your post with interest late last year. It piqued my interest, and I'd been reading as much as I could online, over the past several months. Last weekend, I finally walked in an AD and it turns out they had one such unit. It was a 41mm, but it sat perfectly on my (7 5/6-in) wrist. Long story short, I was hooked.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8540966637_85b2846c3a_c.jpg)
I don't know yet how I can afford this (because I can't), but I know for a fact that this will be my grail, and that I need to find a way to work towards this. Someday.
Thank you for sharing your journey :)
Won
Ah ha!! Another one got hooked!! Congratz!!
Watch in hand, calculator in the background... do some calculations... I am sure there is a way... lol
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nice watch u have u buy from [No mention of AD name - Mod]
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I have to visit an AP dealer soon. The poison is to venomous.
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Hanz, Thanks for the awesome "poison". Drooling now. Super drooling. Super, duper drooling.
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Hello Hanz, that's a nice review with awesome pictures I would say.
Read it few times already and poison slowly seep in...
Been to Pavilion last month but didn't see the actual watch, no stock.
Price - standard discount. Dare not pull trigger yet to make a booking.
Btw can you pm me the price / discount you got?
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Gonna pinned this for future reference :Praying:
Awesome story & review Hanz!
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Glad to know that this review is still alive and kicking.
Thanks for the compliments. :Cheers:
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Hanz, I got hooked also... ;D
mind pm me the discount u got from AD? plan to visit them soon.
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Nice watch, very classic and exclusive design.
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Hanz, I got hooked also... ;D
mind pm me the discount u got from AD? plan to visit them soon.
Prices went up quite a bit early this year... as if it's not already out of reach... :Scolding: :Mad:
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Hanz, I got hooked also... ;D
mind pm me the discount u got from AD? plan to visit them soon.
Prices went up quite a bit early this year... as if it's not already out of reach... :Scolding: :Mad:
Really? That's a really bad news...
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List price up a little, but disc available reduced substantially from last time Hanz enjoyed.
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Hi guys,
I've always been a silent reader of this forum and haven't had the chance to post often enough. Nevertheless, I'm an avid watch fan and my regular readings would be a combination of MWF, hodinkee, and Revolution magazine.
I have a small watch collection made up of mainly JLC and IWC brands as I've always loved these two iconic brands. However, I've always been toying with the idea of moving up to the next level and this was what I did recently (no thanks to Hanz's poison review!)
I had to beg, borrow and steal (actually, I had to sell off a few dear pieces in my collection) but I finally got my first grail watch - the AP 15400 with blue dial.
(http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r491/artyca88/IMG_3279.jpg)
The feeling of wearing this watch is second to none and the iconic Gerald Genta design has certainly withstood the fashion trends of the past 40 years. I'm definitely sure this watch will be a keeper in my humble collection and I'm already setting myself a target to get a PP Nautilus in a few years' time to complete my holy Gerald Genta trinity of the AP RO, IWC Ingeniuer and the PP Nautilus!
Here's another wrist shot of my RO - The beautiful blue dial is certainly a sight to behold and well worth the extra premium I had to fork out for it - not to mention the fact that it's only available at the AP boutique with a long waiting list!
(http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r491/artyca88/IMG_3284.jpg)
Thanks for reading and enjoy the pictures!
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Awesome acquisition!!!
It is one beautiful watch and you're right... It is worth every ringgit paid...
Congratz and wear it in good health!!
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Congratulations for your new purchase...
I dont think you will regret this....
This is a timeless piece..... :thumbsup:
wear it in good health....
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dear bros....i m currently looking for a black or blue 15300....any help or directions are very much welcomed....many thanx in advance
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Superb watch ! Saving my money for my 2015 goal
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Hi Hans great review there :thumbsup:
15400 always be my dream watch, yet I think 15300 white dial with rose gold bezel and leather strap also gorgeous elegance but size 39 just too small for my wrist.
Right now I am having ROO navy 2014 which is also nice , but in my deepest passion this ROO still cannot satisfy my thirst for 15400 :Blue:
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Great write up on your expedition! I enjoyed reading every bit of it. :)
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Hi Guys.
Need some advice.
New to the thread..hopefully can get some feedback about the AP calibre 3120 on the royal oak.
Just got my piece 2 weeks ago from starhill boutique and noticed is running +1 min within 7 days.
Anyone here facing such issue?
Thanks in advanc w
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Hi Guys.
Need some advice.
New to the thread..hopefully can get some feedback about the AP calibre 3120 on the royal oak.
Just got my piece 2 weeks ago from starhill boutique and noticed is running +1 min within 7 days.
Anyone here facing such issue?
Thanks in advanc w
Give it another month to let the movement run in.
If problem persists, send back via the boutique, might need a rebanking.
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Hanz, it is always a joy reading your review from A to Z. Your poison is real strong. I need to check out some APs now :) nice watch and wear in good health.
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looking to pick up a piece myself and was comparing the 2
this review definitely helped me make my decision ty
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Thanks for the sharing, AP is one of my target collection =)
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Awesome reviews ..
thanks for sharing such great journeys and dial history.
Royal Oak :thumbsup: