NickO
1726
Is AP a "One-Trick Pony"?
Okay, that was a sensational title just to get your attention. But I had a couple minutes to spare, so I counted back the last hundred or so pictures on this esteemed forum: From the last 116 pictures we have collectively posted here, 106 are of Royal Oaks or Royal Oak Offshores, 10 are of something else. Now, of those 10, only three are of other Audemars watches, and all three are Millenary's.
So the ratio of RO & ROO pictures to all other AP watches recently posted here is 106 to 3 (or 97%).
So back to my question - if AP a one-trick pony?
When Jean-Claude Biver simplified Hublot to just the Big Bang collection, it was widely considered to be logical and smart business move. I'm not suggesting AP ditch all their lines except the RO & ROO, but I'd love to see the economics of the other collections. And if AP did cancel all their other collections, would anyone really mind? According to the recent posts here, and we're quite a savvy bunch of AP aficionados, there would hardly be a wrinkle.
Can you think of another major manufacturer that relies so heavily on one collection? Of course, pictures on the PuristS AP Forum do not necessarily equal sales volume, I thought it was just an interesting observation.
Food for thought,
NickO
Is AP a "One-Trick Pony"?
Okay, that was a sensational title just to get your attention. But I had a couple minutes to spare, so I counted back the last hundred or so pictures on this esteemed forum: From the last 116 pictures we have collectively posted here, 106 are of Royal Oak...
No I don't think so.
They have some very impressive looking complications in other cases. I think it's just that most casual buyers cannot appreciate them and hence gravitate towards something more visual than intellectual.
No different from Rolex, where all the watches are cased in Oyster case. I've yet to see
anyone with a Cellini watch. They do pretty well as an one-trick pony.
NickO, interesting and frightening observation.
I had the same feeling, a few weeks ago, when I opened our AP forum. And I was thinking to myself that it was not fair, that there was a life outside the Royal Oak. Ok, the Royal Oak is certainly an icon, and, in my opinion, one of the finest Genta design...
AP used to be one of the Top Three
manufacturers. However, I do not think that they can be placed there anymore because of the limited collection. Yes, AP has also other collections than RO & ROO but also their main focus is in these collections: unlimited amount of limited editions - ...
I think AP is still a top-three
I understand that you had a bad experience but there is nothing wrong in producing something different and even in colours. Why not ? Patek exercises a different policy of artificial scarcity but I don't think it charges less multiples than AP..... Patek ...
We all have our own opinion.
AP has some nice references but the movements of their most sold watches are less impressive - here I refer to ROO. Breguet is not very "fashionable" here among PuristS but in my mind I'm easily placing Breguet above AP. Best, Kari
absolutely, I agree...
one mistake I would say AP did is with the modular chronograph in the new coloured divers but again is just my opinion. I own only one AP and visited service only once. I really don't know enough to judge who is in the top but I still think that in terms ...
Yes, that modular movement is not very impressive.
AP's finishing level is a bit above JLC and likes but in my opinion not above i.e. Breguet. However, AP's finishing is far behind VC, ALS & PP and from my own experience I know that their quality control is limping badly. Design is naturally a matter of t...
Well, how many brands could stand on one collection?
AP could. That is a fact. AP's round and oval watches that interest me are far beyond my reach. But don't let anyone trick you into thinking those watches don't belong among the most elite in the world. And AP does it with daring design and new mechanisms...
I hear you and I agree with you
But I do think it's a shame that APs best non-octagonal offerings cost hundreds of thousands and are outside the reach of all but the most affluent collectors. I love AP, and there was a little sadness in my original post that the other pieces do not get ...
Well we are ALL
Following this forum so it sure as hell works. I recall seeing a youtube video where AP CEO says the new integrated chrono will be introduced in their classic models (please don\'t quote me on that though). Will be grate so see AP take inspiration from th...
Yes, I read this also...
the new integrated chrono will first be housed in the new classic model offering that is coming in the next year or so. I am very much looking forward to seeing these new designs.
I LOVE the Millenaries & Jules Audemars ...
More so than the octagon APs... however like Michael, these are currently beyond my reach... I am really looking forward to seeing the new classic watch offering that I have read about which is coming in the next year or so and will be a completely new de...
Still love the audacious Audemars Piguet Millenary MC12 Tourbillon Chronograph design ...
Maybe AP will bring a little more of this touch back in the new modern/classic line?
not a one trick pony but inevitably you will have more successful designs...
RO and RO offshore are the best sellers but having some variety in the collection isn't necessary bad. I understand that Jules Audemars tourbillon and PP are pretty popular in some markets!
How often can one reinvent the wheel?
It\'s not easy.... As mentioned 2 of the 3 most recognizable sports watch designs come from one man. Mr Genta. And before that there was and still is the undisputed #1. The Oyster Case. What I\'m saying is is that true timeless classics don\'t come along ...
