It’s back!
Some of you might remember my original post when sometime last November, I picked up this “barn find” Audemars Piguet chronograph, while walking around in Manhattan’s diamond district. It was an honestly worn twenty three years old watch, as it turned out...
Quite possibly my favorite RO ever
Had it in the mid 2000s and often think of looking for another one. Enjoy it!
Thank you, promise I will:)
This one is from the first production year, full set and the FP 1185, is my favorite automatic chronograph movement to this day. If you still like it, go for it before this complete sets disappear…
AP seems to have done a wonderful job !
The watch looks great on your wrist. I can imagine your pleasure : enjoy ! Best, Emmanuel
Thank you Emmanuel, the 39mm feels so comfortable.
I’m happy to have it back, for sure
It’s a (restored) beauty, Zsolt!
I have always loved these 39mm chronos. Well done for taking a chance. Please don’t let your brother anywhere near this one! All the best, Jon
Hahaha, no way!!!
He already has two of my watches! This will be a perfect watch for the summer, when I get bored of Rolex(off course that will never happen) )) Take good care, Zsolt.
I know… AP, together with Lange, might be the most expensive aside from independents, when it comes to service costs!
But yes, it was factored in the price!
LOL, so imagine in 2026!
Did you know, that now if a watch has to go back to Switzerland (from U.S.), most brands charge tariffs on top of the service price? Another reason to stay with the crown…
Came out really excellent.
No big deal that they replaced the bezel. It’s better than a polished bezel in my opinion.
You are right, had the same thought.
Plus this was beyond polish, as they said… It would have touched the screws. Thank you Steve, for the comment!
Amazing piece!
May be my favorite of the RO chronos. Thanks for sharing this great story - indeed vintage is an awesome proposition.
Fantastic! For me, the Royal Oak Chronograph will always be best in its 39mm form.
And I have a 41mm. The 39mm is better. Enjoy!
Thank you Michael! It’s my first Royal Oak.
I had numerous Off Shores and like them, but this is much more versatile for my lifestyle. Best, Zsolt.
Congratulations!
Sweet-spot sizing across the Royal Oak line, but it really shines on the Chronograph. The F. Piguet 2385 is the unsung hero here. Ultra-thin, beautifully proportioned, and it allows the case to wear exactly how a Royal Oak should: sleek, balanced, and sli...
You summed it up perfectly!
I agree with all your points and agree that the luck of hacking seconds bothered me a little, however the positives described by you highly outweigh this “con”. Enjoy yours for eternity!!
Thank you Tony.
And let me grab the opportunity to congratulate you for your fantastic score!!! Enjoy!