Audemars Piguet

Although I've been through hundreds, I'm now down to half a dozen or so. One is an old thing with sentimental attachment, two have been in the safe from day one and three offer my rotational options. Of those three, the JLC Diver is for sale, so I realistically have just two in my eyes, the Rolex Sky-Dweller in white gold and this, the AP ROO Diver 15710.

So, rewind a year or so ago and I had the opportunity to pick up the updated version of AP's instantly recognisable Royal Oak diver, with traditional black dial. Previously, Audemars Piguet was a brand which never appealed. I'd owned other Genta designs, including PP and VC, but always considered the ROO somewhat brash - and that is some statement coming from me - I define brash! But I wanted to try and I was immediately smitten.

Not all was perfect. The quoted 42mm is for all intents and purposes a complete misquote, as that dimension refers solely to the bezel. Add the chunky case and it wears 46mm plus. That said, it was comfortable, but not perfect, so after an enquiry with the boutique, I was able to source an alternative tapering rubber strap, which made a huge different to the watch on the wrist. Time goes on and I'm back at the boutique to collect the bracelet - on its own a work of art, adding a completely different look, but only short lived, as the micro adjustment is non existent, so it now sits in the box.

Wind on a year or so and a friend asks if he can buy it. I agree and the watch is now mentally not part of my collection, so I need to find a replacement. The AP is my weekend watch, so look for something casual and toolish, ending up with a JLC Navy Seals Diver. As much as the JLC is a really cool watch, it was immediately apparent it was no match for the AP, but come on, I probably knew that beforehand. I made a call to the friend and withdrew from the transaction. He was understanding and I still have the AP.

So, just a ramble really, but in the last few years, I have changed from a mad flipper to someone who has two 'certain to stay' watches I really, really like and have proven to myself, you can find the grail, or grails, which in my case are defined as watches I enjoy wearing and don't wish to sell.

Two photos from my day visiting the boutique, before and after the bracelet was fitted...

More posts: Navy ChronographRoyal OakRoyal Oak OffshoreRoyal Oak Offshore Diver

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