Audemars Piguet

When does "collecting" become "addiction"?

Sep 10, 2016,05:57 AM

Took the time briefly to take a family portrait of my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402

I had started this family originally with the A-818. The 5402 family and particularly the A-series belonged into the category: icon, really nice design, very comfortable to wear, fairly limited, early model - so, a couple of "ticks" difficult to resist. Then, shortly later, I had the fortune to find "Karl" the black 5402. Being an 4 Digit A-series (A-12xx), it ticked all the boxes of the A-818, but then in addition: famous provenance, "freaky" because of the black finish. Then I took an AP-RO 5402 rest, but it lasted not too long. I stumbled over the A-3x. Imagine: an A-3x, one of the first 30+ Royal Oaks ever produced. All original, good condition, seller physically nearby. Tick-tick-tick buy. And then, when I thought that my AP RO 5402 series is done, I came across the B-2000. Now that is a nice number. Good condition, all original, you can guess: tick-tick-tick buy.

And now: well, if there is ever an A-series single digit waiting out there for me in a good condition: I might be in danger. I came across earlier this year the A-9. But it was gone before I had a chance to start talking. Anyway: happy with my little 5402 family. Enjoy, have a good week-end and: cheers!

HSTE

The "Family"

A-3x

A-818

"Karl" - A-12xx

B-2000

More posts: 54025402STRoyal OakRoyal Oak Jumbo

Comments: view entire thread

Just fantastic!

By: Joepny : September 10th, 2016-06:45

Bravo HSTE! I think it takes a lot of diligence and discipline to stick on a great single theme like this. Also with these beauties, you have every excuse in the workd to commission a cabinetmaker to make you a special display case.

Thanks Joepny! It is "unfortunately" just one of many themes...

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-09:29

...I stck to so far. Cheers, HSTE

I think you are the answer to your own question

By: cazalea : September 10th, 2016-06:49

It's only an addiction when you stop referring to others as having a better collection than you do: For example, People ask me "How many Seikos do you own?" I answer "About 60" They either say "Oh my!" or "That's alright then, not so many" To which I add,...

Cool, thanks a lot, I am in safe territory then...! Nice B/W AP RO picture. [nt]

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-07:55

Or maybe a nice C Series? Incredible collection you have. [nt]

By: amanico : September 10th, 2016-06:59

Well, a late D series could be interesting....

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-07:16

.....I think the D's are in terms of production numbers the smalles batch. They made 2000 A-series, 1000 B- and 1000 C-series, and they began with D-1000 but did not go to D-2000 but stopped somewhere in the middle. The hihgest I have so far seen was the ...

I thought that only a part of the C Series had the AP at 6? [nt]

By: amanico : September 10th, 2016-07:18

Well, all A's, all B's and parts of the C's have it at 6 [nt]

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-07:23

I meant with A and B, of course, but that the AP at 6 o clock stopped with a big part of the C Series. [nt]

By: amanico : September 10th, 2016-07:27

Nicolas, my inventory of tracking 5402 models over the years seems to suggest that...

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-08:01

....the switch from "AP at 6" to "AP at 12" occurred somewhere around serial C-1700. But then, as you know, many AP RO 5402 have over the years suffered from getting service dials with "AP at 12" and "Swiss Made" (instead of "Swiss") so there are of cours...

Thanks for this precision, HSTE. [nt]

By: amanico : September 10th, 2016-08:07

Amazing collection [nt]

By: ns23 : September 10th, 2016-07:06

Wow! That's the first time I ever see all these together :)

By: Makilla : September 10th, 2016-07:36

amazing collection! Laurent

Amazing group

By: terenceho : September 10th, 2016-08:24

very very nice indeed. Wear any great piece in good health

indeed something i don't see often [nt]

By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : September 10th, 2016-08:39

This is great!

By: KMII : September 10th, 2016-08:56

Given the environment you are in here, it\'s definitely still at the collection end of the spectrum For watch utilitarians (one will do, or even worse - the phone) we are probably all obsessed And by all means keep it up!

Yip, got it, a matter of perspective.... [nt]

By: HSTE : September 13th, 2016-13:23

Wonderful collection. As you know, I really love your "Karl".

By: Alkiro1 : September 10th, 2016-09:11

Well, with that kind of watches, you could be the king of an auction. But, I know that after a huge hunt like yours to find all these beauties, it is better to keep them all for you ;-) I am very impressed! Thank you for your post with all these pics and ...

Thanks Alkiro for your feed-back. I agree, "Karl" is a....

By: HSTE : September 10th, 2016-09:22

....stunner in my view. It's one of a kind (black), and I remember when I held it my hand the first time, I fell in love with the "rocked" condition of the watch. This was one of the toughest watches for me to get my hands on. It took nearly one year befo...

When does "collecting" become "addiction"?

When does "collecting" become "addiction"?

Just fantastic!

Thanks Joepny! It is "unfortunately" just one of many themes...

I think you are the answer to your own question

Cool, thanks a lot, I am in safe territory then...! Nice B/W AP RO picture. [nt]

Or maybe a nice C Series? Incredible collection you have. [nt]

Well, a late D series could be interesting....

I thought that only a part of the C Series had the AP at 6? [nt]

Well, all A's, all B's and parts of the C's have it at 6 [nt]

I meant with A and B, of course, but that the AP at 6 o clock stopped with a big part of the C Series. [nt]

Nicolas, my inventory of tracking 5402 models over the years seems to suggest that...

Thanks for this precision, HSTE. [nt]

Amazing collection [nt]

Wow! That's the first time I ever see all these together :)

Amazing group

indeed something i don't see often [nt]

This is great!

Yip, got it, a matter of perspective.... [nt]

Wonderful collection. As you know, I really love your "Karl".

Thanks Alkiro for your feed-back. I agree, "Karl" is a....

You took the right decision. This AP is fantastic with a great story. Ok now I am jealous :-)))

Nice

Right place, right time and this twice.

And a pinch of luck I suppose ;-)

Yip, that's what I call: right place, right time, and this twice. [nt]

Very true :-)

A beautiful, thoughtfully considered collection!! [nt]

I think collecting is a form of addiction, no matter of what you collect!

I think this is a simple yet good view Blomman. Thanks [nt]

Very cool group shot!

Mind....Blown

The minute you can take pictures like this ;-) [nt]

Yip, I am afraid you might be right... ;-) [nt]

My kind of foursome! [nt]

Very cool to bring together.

Great collection of AP's--- enjoy. [nt]

Thanks, happy with the result on AP's so far... [nt]