AP Royal Oak 15202 Service Mishap

jlc.thomsen · 2015-11-11T04:03:12Z

Explore jlc.thomsen's frustrating Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 service experience, including a watch mix-up and brand response issues. A must-read for AP owners.

jlc.thomsen

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

50 replies21150 views1 photos

JLC.thomsen's account of a service mishap with his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 highlights the critical importance of meticulous handling and communication in luxury watch after-sales service. His experience, where his watch was swapped with another during service, underscores the potential for significant distress even with esteemed manufacturers. This thread serves as a cautionary tale and a discussion point on brand accountability and customer advocacy.

50 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

After years of wandering, I finally got my RO 15202-beautiful and with still the additional year of warranty to be activated.

For that it has sometime to go back to Switzerland and it's free of charge which is a great service.

I got a text message 2 weeks ago that it came back and that I could pick it up anytime. Yesterday I finally had time to do it after intensive travelling. I brought my JLC master compressor memovox to rest in the box and was really looking forward to pick it up.

It was nicely packed in a green AP repair box wrapped in protective plastic with a see through window in the box. He just showed it to me and asked if I just wanted it in the box.

Luckily I asked him to unpack it as I was planning to wear it now. He unpacked it-it looked weird at first glance, I couldn't recognise it-I looked at the bezel and found lots of scratched that I couldn't recognise-it seemed like the bezel was all polished out and the brushed was gone. Oh my God, I just can't see me having an issue with AP. Since I got the watch I have registered myself as the owner, but so far they have not replied to one single of my emails. Jees man remember to take pictures before you send it to service. I looked closer still having this strange feeling about the watch and the bezel seemed different all together, and after 30 seconds I realised THIS IS NOT MY WATCH!!!! I told them and they ran out to the work shop-It took a long 10 minutes.

He came back. -I'm sorry this is very embarrassing Mr. we have just realised that Audemars Piguet have mixed up the watches and sent you back the wrong one. WHAT? Do you think they sent my watch to another customer- what are these guys doing? this watch is over 20 years old. -I'm sorry we just don't know what happened, we will contact AP immediately.

OK, please call me as soon as you hear from AP. I left the shop a bit shocked. By the end of the day I called the AD and the reason they didn't call back is because AP have not reacted and are probably still trying to find out how they messed it all up.

In the meantime I'm still waiting and have no clue what so ever on how they are going to handle this. Did they send the watch to another guy and are now trying to get it back?

Is that the Welcome to AP. People have warned me, but the RO kept singing to me from it's mermaid rock. They are one of the most prominent manufacturers in the world, part of the great trinity and I absolutely adore my 15202. That can give room for a little arrogance and not answering emails, but the mix of arrogance, stupidity, radio silence and basic logistic failures, that is a dangerous mix.

I will let you know what happens next.

Attached is a phone shot of the missing beauty.

What happened to my beauty?

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

The original poster's repeated complaints across multiple threads about the same service issue with AP and his 15202 suggest a pattern of 'axe grinding' rather than just informing the forum.
The watch was eventually returned, but with new scratches on the bezel, which the author refused to accept. The service center admitted a packaging mistake, and the watch was never actually sent to Switzerland as initially believed, but to a regional service center in Amsterdam.
Despite the negative service experience, the author still praises the Audemars Piguet 15202 as an iconic watch with a fantastic movement and bracelet, noting its thinness and comfort.
The lack of a prompt and appropriate response from AP, including a personal apology from a high-ranking executive and a clear resolution plan, is considered unacceptable for a luxury brand.
Another collector shares recurring issues with the Royal Oak's minute hand, suggesting a potential flaw in the movement design that AP has struggled to fix across different references.
A moderator reveals that he had been working behind the scenes with AP to investigate the situation, implying that not all aspects of such stories are publicly known and that forum moderators often assist members discreetly.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 11, 2015

Silly and sad story. AP should avoid this kind of mess. [nt]

shortys home

Nov 11, 2015

Oh no! Good luck with getting your 15202 back!

That\'s a nightmare story. At least, if they do not find it, they have to give you a new one. That would be the least they have to do. Crossed fingers! Henrik

dr.kol

Nov 11, 2015

Sorry to hear but

I am not surprised. My own experience regarding AP based on two watces is more negative in one year then much over 50 watches in over 20 years. Based on the quality issues I have experienced, it is very difficult to place AP to something called "Holy Trinity". Best Kari

meatrackmd

Nov 15, 2015

Out of. Curiosity, what happened [nt]

dr.kol

Nov 15, 2015

To cut the long story short:

I bought less than a year ago a new RO Perpetual and ordered 15202. The perpetual functioned some two weeks and the other one around a month. First 15202 was "repaired" by AP but the same problem appeared in a week. Now the watch is repaired again and I'll pick it up in December and then the perpetual goes back to the manufacturer. In both cases the oscillating weight is not moving freely and fails to give power to the watch. If I would say "I'm disappointed with AP", it would be an understateme

cdmoore1855

Nov 16, 2015

AP have some serious issues that need addressing

I have had numerous issues over the years with various versions of the Royal Oak. Currently my 26401RO is back with the service centre because the minute hand keeps on moving. WTF is it with the damn loose minute hand, every one I have had has done the same thing. it either jumps when you set it, or it wanders off track in normal use. I have never had another watch do it. The main issue now is that whenever you use the chrono, the minute hand jumps forward thus messing up the time. The AP dealer