AP Royal Oak 15202 Service Mishap
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AP Royal Oak 15202 Service Mishap

By jlc.thomsen · Nov 11, 2015 · 50 replies
jlc.thomsen
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
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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.

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?
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

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The Discussion
SH
shortys home
Nov 11, 2015

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
dr.kol
Nov 11, 2015

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

AN
Ancienne Le Brassus
Nov 11, 2015

I'm super sorry this happend, it DEFINITELY SUCKS.... But my out is that When there's people involved, there's gonna be problems. No matter how you look at it. And paying sky high for soemthing doesn't mean problems won't come up... You have your serial numbers, etc, so it'll get back to you. BUT yes... the stuff Dr. Kol has gone through, IS indeed crap. So yeah... have some patience and it'll come back to you. Let us know. And boy, that IS a beautiful piece!! S

JL
jlc.thomsen
Nov 11, 2015

I understand what you're saying-but still even if I get it back how do I know it hasn't been round and delivered to another guy in Hong Kong and worn for a couple of weeks etc... People involved yes, but this is basic shit putting watches in the right boxes, Ancienne...! + If I had not opened the watch wrap and kept it in a locker for a year I would have had a bad case after that. No, Ancienne this is unacceptable by all standards.

MI
MichaelC
Nov 11, 2015

This one is nearly impossible to believe. I sure hope it works out for you.

AN
Ancienne Le Brassus
Nov 11, 2015

It does boil down to what you say... somebody in switzerland had 'brain fart', no? Again, let us know what happens...

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