Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Service Issues

dr.kol · 2016-11-11T11:44:29Z

Dr.kol details his frustrating Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 service experience, highlighting repeated failures and comparing AP's service to Patek Philippe and Rolex. A must-read for collectors.

dr.kol

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

147 replies58500 views10 photos

Dr.kol's post from 2016 highlights a critical issue for luxury watch owners: the after-sales service experience. His detailed account of repeated issues with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202, despite multiple service attempts, underscores the frustration when a high-value timepiece fails to perform as expected. This thread serves as a valuable case study on brand accountability and customer satisfaction in the luxury watch sector.

I decided to act like Euronews is acting with some stories just having the headline:

NO COMMENTS

Before the photos, still a couple of facts:

I bought my RO 15202 from an AP Boutique mid January 2015. The watch did not work for many weeks and I took it back for repairs under warranty. It functioned after the service just two or three days and I took it back. The watch was staying a longish time in the AP Service Centre and was "throughout tested" and repaired.

I picked up my 15202 last summer. I wore it just a few days because the accuracy was not what a watch should have. Sometimes it was slow up to 10 minutes per day. However, I decided just to accept it and left the watch to an AP winder.

Last Tuesday I got my AP RO QP back. The movement was changed and the watch seemed to finally run. I was so happy that that finally, after two years of ownership and two long services plus movement change the watch seemed to work. Already for nearly four days! Thus I decided to take my 15202 from the winder and take some photos of the beautiful movement and my personalised oscillating weight. I took the pictures with an iPhone and when I loaded the same to my desktop, I could not believe my eyes!

I cleaned the case back and checked with my 9x Zeiss loupe. It was true...

That's how the beautiful movement of my soon 2 years old 15202 looks like. The watch has been on my wrist less than a month during that time and it has spent very long periods in the AP Service Centre.

I'm waiting for the comments of AP. Till then, No Comments from my side.

Nice weekend to all of you.

Best, Kari

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 quality of service at some authorized centers, particularly in Asia, has been questioned, with experiences mirroring the author's issues with watches returned in similar or worse condition.
Another collector shared a similar negative experience with an AP 15202, noting issues with the hour hand and the watch stopping despite proper winding, leading to extended service times.
The author contrasts AP's service with Patek Philippe's, praising Patek's rapid problem resolution and client-focused organizational culture, suggesting a significant difference in customer care philosophy.
Despite extensive communication with AP's service management, including a Board Member, the author received no satisfactory explanation for the recurring issues, indicating a lack of accountability.
A contributor expressed strong disapproval of AP's handling of the situation, suggesting it borders on 'Res Ipsa Loquitur' and reinforces their decision to avoid the brand due to perceived lack of accountability.
It was noted that service 'horror stories' are not exclusive to AP, with other major brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and JLC also having documented instances of poor service experiences.

The Discussion

Horology411

Nov 11, 2016

The only headline possible when one is beyond words.

dr.kol

Nov 11, 2016

Have a good weekend. Best, Kari

Andy

Nov 11, 2016

Well you know my opinion on AP so no further comment required out of courtesy.! Other than this I hope you are all well my friend Andy.

dr.kol

Nov 11, 2016

I placed both of my AP aside and placed my Ceramic Daytona to my wrist. That watch represents beauty, value and real quality . Far from being rubbish. I really enjoy mine. Best my friend, Kari

Andy

Nov 11, 2016

Absolutely love it.....I actually saw another last week at SalonQP, pic on wrist scan Harrods were also surprised to see one which was funny. Have you heard that Tudor are releasing a new piece next week..? Apparently something they do in Nov. Andy.

dr.kol

Nov 11, 2016

I got my first Rolex on 26.4.1986 - on the same day Tschernobyl exploded. After that the watch has been serviced three times, in average every 10 years. My nephew is still wearing it often and during these over 30 years there were never the slightest problems. I wore this Rolex on daily basis the first 15 years. I took it with always to sauna, I used it in big game hunting in Africa. This watch did not mind .470 N.E. or .500 Jeffery. I also practiced golf wearing the same and the watch was alway

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Service Issues

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

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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