The corner ribbing, the guard assembly, the numerals and clean tach. This watch could easily be rendered with a more common AP type dial and people would go crazy for it. I never saw the BP movie, but I would enjoy seeing this carved detail up close.
I'm sure from AP's standpoint, they did not make a poor choice. They made a business decision and good or bad they will deal with it. I agree the opinions of loyal owners are important, but there sure are a lot of new AP experts on the forum. I don't think AP is going to be too worried about those opinions.
Recently, there was the thread about Thierry Stern and his private yacht. I could not help but laugh reading that thread. What a sellout he is, I thought he was a different guy, the brand is really changing, etc. And again the "I think I am done buying anything from that brand!" sentiment. Oh sure, but the same folks will will do everything they can to score a 5711 or a new green dial and forget all about Thierry on his boat.