Dr.kol shares a deeply frustrating experience with two new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches, a Perpetual Calendar ref. 25820ST and a Royal Oak ref. 15202, both of which repeatedly stopped working shortly after purchase or service. His candid account highlights significant concerns about quality control within Audemars Piguet, particularly regarding the Caliber 2120 movement. This post serves as a critical discussion point for brand accountability and collector expectations.
In the end of last year I bought a fantastic brand new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 25820ST.
What a nice watch! However, it worked on my wrist only for 12 days and it stopped working on 20th February at 16:40. Sad...
I also bought in January a beautiful Royal Oak ref. 15202 from AP's Singapore Boutique.
I also bought two pairs of Royal Oak cufflinks. The model totally made of white gold from the Boutique from where I got my watch plus another pair with blue centre from Europe.
I was a very happy man! Till my 15202 stopped working after 20 days on my wrist. On the other hand, it was still 66% more reliable than my 25820 and because 15202 was cheaper, I would say that it was at least 150% better purchase than the perpetual Royal Oak.
But no worries! I had ordered for my 15202 a beautiful custom made oscillating weight already in October 2014 and it had just arrived the Boutique from where I bought the watch. So I took my watch to the Service Centre of Southeast Asia on 20th April 2015 where the Regional Manager of Service, Mr. Ruby, received my visit. He was very "sorry" because of my non-functioning watch...
AP promised to assemble the new oscillating weight and check what is wrong with the watch. A week later, on Monday 27th April at 10:00 I picked up my watch. The rotor was stunning!
Kind Mr. Ruby also told me what was wrong with the watch and after that I continued to a business meeting wearing my lovely 15202.
In the beginning of the year I promised in Patek Forum that this year I would wear my four Gerald Genta designs and after wearing these four watches for the entire year, I would give "my verdict" about them: the comfort, readability, reliability, etc.
Now I could continue this journey. My other Royal Oak was functioning again!
When leaving Singapore, I noticed again one fuck-up of the local AP Boutique. But I did not let it spoil my mood because I had a fantastic watch on my wrist. I must admit that also quite often I took the watch off from my wrist and admired the small tanker circulating inside.
Till this morning. I woke up early because the jet-lag is still pressing. The first thing I did was to check the time from my fantastic 15202. It was 04:22.
But what a heck! Sun is shining and the time is 04:22. I just checked yesterday that the sunrise is at 05:20!
MY 15202 HAD STOPPED WORKING AGAIN! This time it worked after the service 4 days 23 hours and 38 minutes. Fantastic Audemars Piguet!
I had to calm down - what can I do. Yes, I can do three things:
1. Write a mail to Audemars Piguet telling wat happened again. Tell them that now I have Scrap Metal of which I paid over € 80,000.
2. Tell about my fantastic Royal Oaks in Watchprosite.
3. Choose to my wrist a well-made reliable watch in order to calm down.
Both of my Patek Nautilus have always functioned without any problems. But because my 3712 has been with me for such a long time, I decided to wear that for the day.
For me there are no reasons to compare Royal Oak with Nautilus anymore. I have in my possession two non-functioning watches I spent some € 80,000 and watchmaking art called Patek Philippe Nautilus references 3712 and 5711 to witch I spent tens of thousands less.
Conclusion: I AM A PATEK MAN!
Good Labour Day to all Purists!
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
About the Audemars Piguet Vintage 1945 Ref. 25820
The Audemars Piguet Reference 25820 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, a complication that represents a significant aspect of the brand's horological output. This reference is distinguished by its integration of a perpetual calendar mechanism within a relatively slender profile, making it a notable example of complicated watchmaking from the period. It was offered in various precious metals, catering to collectors seeking a sophisticated dress watch with advanced functionality.
This reference typically features a case crafted from white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, housing an automatic movement. The specific caliber employed is known for its thinness, allowing for the watch's refined dimensions. The dial layout includes subdials for the day, date, month, and moon phase, often with a leap year indicator. The crystal protecting the dial is sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.
For collectors, the Reference 25820 holds appeal as a classic perpetual calendar from a prominent manufacturer. Its design emphasizes legibility and traditional watchmaking aesthetics, positioning it as a formal timepiece. The various metal options and subtle dial variations provide collectors with choices within this specific reference, reflecting Audemars Piguet's approach to high complications during its production era.
Specifications
- Caliber
- AP Caliber 2120/2802
- Case
- White Gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 20 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
