Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Service

MichaelC · 2016-11-19T10:03:23Z

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 crown failure and service experience. MichaelC details AP's US warranty process, return kit, and insights on mechanical issues. Learn about AP service.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

51 replies13338 views4 photos

MichaelC recounts a surprising crown failure on his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Extra-Thin and details his experience with AP's US service center. This post offers a transparent look into a collector's unexpected watch issue and the brand's response, providing valuable insights into warranty coverage and service processes. It also sparks a broader discussion on mechanical failures and customer support in luxury watchmaking.

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Last week, I flew to Las Vegas with my wife for a weekend away. Naturally, I wore my best, the 15202 Extra Thin. After the plane took off, I pulled the crown to set the hour back. It started to come all the way out of the case. Before completely removing it, I slowly pushed it back, without rotating it, to where it should have stopped. I believe I got very lucky here, I was able to adjust the hour and push the crown back in. The watch kept perfect time for my entire visit. I did not attempt to readjust it when returning.

My watch was purchased from the Audemars Piguet Boutique in Bal Harbour over 3 years ago. AP Boutique purchases in the United States are fully covered for 5 years. I thought to call the AP Service Center in Clearwater Florida, but instead emailed my girl Francina at the Boutique.

Within minutes, I had a reply that she had started the service process on my behalf. Shortly after that, I was contacted directly by the Clearwater service department, indicating they were overnighting me a return kit. The kit arrived the next day with very clear instructions. It took all of 5-10 minutes to fill out the return form (which was already typed with all of my info and the watch's serial information) and prepare the watch. A foam liner and return box and label were all provided. It is a very sturdy and secure setup.

I have posted here before that in 15+ years of collecting Audemars Piguet watches, I have never experienced a failure or general problem with any of my pieces. I have decided to service watches over the years through the AP Service Center in Clearwater, and each of these past experiences have been exemplary. This particular watch has been flawless the entire time I have owned it. Why did it fail? Impossible for me to say, I have operated the crown on countless APs and other watches over the years and know it is nothing I did. But it is a material thing, and these things happen. No big deal.

I am well aware of some recent problems with APs on our forum, specifically the horrors our own Dr. Kol has experienced. And I fully support him, and have done what little I can behind the scenes to help. There is no denying that AP has some issues to address at that particular service department in Singapore. But like Kari, I am most interested in how the brand stands behind its products. Here in the US, I categorize that support as first class.

This process has been astoundingly easy so far, and completely stress free. I will keep everyone updated on the outcome.

A few minutes after the failure but the 15202 is plugging along...

A very comprehensive return kit. I had not previously seen or used one.

The foam springs to life...

So long for now my love... hope to see you again soon

About the Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 YG Ref. 15202

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" ref. 15202 is a significant reference within the Royal Oak collection, known for its close adherence to the original 1972 design. It maintains the distinctive slim profile and integrated bracelet that defined the initial Royal Oak, distinguishing it from other Royal Oak models that introduced different sizes or complications. This reference is particularly valued for its historical continuity and minimalist approach to the Royal Oak aesthetic.

This reference features a 39mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, with a thickness of 8.1mm. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. Powering the watch is the self-winding Caliber 2121, a movement known for its slimness and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The dial is presented in blue, complementing the yellow gold case and bracelet.

For collectors, the 15202 represents a direct link to the Royal Oak's origins, appealing to those who prioritize historical accuracy and understated design. Its production run from 2012 to 2019 makes it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts of the "Jumbo" lineage. The combination of its classic dimensions, integrated bracelet, and the Caliber 2121 solidifies its position as a key reference in the Audemars Piguet catalog.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.2121

Case: yellow gold

Diameter: 39mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

A common cause for a crown coming out is not a part failure, but rather the setting lever or detent being dislodged, which can often be reset by gently pushing the crown back in.
Another collector experienced a similar crown issue with an AP, where the crown came completely out but was reinserted and functioned normally for years without needing repair.
A watchmaker could not find any problem with a crown that had previously come out and been reinserted, suggesting that sometimes the issue resolves itself or is not easily detectable.
Mechanical failures are inevitable, and a brand's service quality and customer support in these moments are crucial for maintaining customer loyalty.
The author's first problem with an AP after 15+ years of collecting reaffirms his confidence in the brand, highlighting that isolated incidents do not necessarily indicate widespread quality issues.
The US/North American AP service center is highly regarded for its superb process and results, suggesting a need for consistent performance across all global service departments.
Such crown issues are not common when considering the high volume of Royal Oaks produced annually, despite a few reported incidents among forum members.

The Discussion

Alkiro1

Nov 19, 2016

Dear Michael

Do you think the pressure could be an explanation to your problem? I hope you will get back your RO very soon and in perfect working order. At least, AP has reacted very promptly to your problem which is something very appreciable. Best wishes Alkiro

MichaelC

Nov 19, 2016

No, definitely not.

Just some little part along the stem must have failed. Actually, I was a little nervous to let it run, in case something jammed in the escapement or balance. But it functioned completely normal.

Alkiro1

Nov 19, 2016

Well, you will know more about your problem very quickly I think. Be patient and your timepiece will come back very soon ;-)

Best wishes Alkiro

MichaelC

Nov 19, 2016

I am in absolutely no rush.

They can keep it as long as they want, so long as when it is returned, it is 100% correctly fixed. I am so busy these days, I will blink my eyes and she will be back.

Alkiro1

Nov 19, 2016

Fingers crossed!

Best wishes Alkiro

JerryW

Nov 27, 2016

No rush, neither am I.

I currently have two at the AP spa for regular service and a little freshen up. They always come home in better than new condition. JerryW