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Follow up question, Thomas

Date: Mar 04, 2010,07:17 AM -  (view entire thread)

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Hi, respo,

The Jumbo (with capital J) never had anything to do with the A series (or even B series, etc) - it was reference based, not series based (though the two are somewhat correlated to each other)

Keep in mind the context - back in 1972, the typical men's wristwatch size was 33mm-36mm and the "tool watches" that were 39mm and 40-42mm were generally very thick and mid grade, not "fine" and high end - Zenith; Omega; Favre-Leuba; etc

There really was no "concept" of "jumbo" and the term really came into casual unofficial usage decades later to refer to the original, now prescient 39-40mm size of the original Royal Oak and the Nautilus.  Both went on to evolve into smaller versions (PP 3800 and the 36mm RO, both which became the "standard" size for their respect model ranges and the original 39-40mm sizes disappearing from the line until they made a comeback years later.)

Only then did the term "jumbo" have any meaning - they were "jumbo" because they were larger than the later (for awhile) smaller versions.

As the appellation became popular with collectors, AP rereleased the cal. 2121 based model, under a new reference number, and adopted the term Jumbo with a capital J.

Which iteration of the Royal Oak with cal. 2121 did the term start with, "officially?" There is no "official" position on this!

But definitely after the ref. 5402 ended, and before the 15-202 started.

Cheers,

TM

 (edited to correct typo on ref #)

This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2010-03-18 14:17:20

I have been enjoying the opportunity to learn more about AP from you here on our new AP forum.

Cheers,

Daos

nt

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I was travelling and just had the chance to read your reply to my follow up question.  I understand now, and it makes sense.  Thanks again fro taking the time to reply.

Best,

respo

The watch was originally launched as ref. 5402 in SS with the AP logo at 6 o'clock. After the first 200 pieces the AP logo appears at 12 o'clock. Here's a picture of my two-tone ref. 5402.

Hi,

I am fairly sure there were more than 200 pieces/dials with the AP just over the 6 vs AP at 12...I have seen even C series with AP over 6, and by that point that would be well in the 3000 piece range...of course, I realize the C series dial could have somehow been replaced with a NOS old dial.

All A series should have come with AP over 6 dials, which would put the number at AT LEAST 1000 ...

Would love to see you picture; it didn't come through in the post.

Also, can you confirm if the number on the case back does or does not have a leading alpha caracter?  A-xxxx or B-xxxx for example.

Cheers,

TM