The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been looking at installing an Audemar Piguet as a reigning jewel of my collection and wanted to see what ya'lls thoughts were on this model. They have a large number of models/dial colors/complications that appeal to me, but this one really sticks out after having tried one on in Dubai. I love the complimenting Horn-back croc strap, the wrist presence which is outstanding, and the dial colors are stunning IMO. No doubt that an AP Royal Oak Offshore would be an outstanding addition to my collection and take it to the next level and would love to be able to afford more than one model in the collection, but with stepping it up a notch also comes much higher costs. So I want to make sure at least if I can only do one of these that it's the best choice. Highly subjective I realize, but am looking for some suggestions before committing.




Other models of high interest are as follows:

LE AP ROO Red Scuba


AP ROO Rubber Clad w/black dial


AP ROO Rubber Clad w/white dial


AP ROO Bumblebee....out of my financial means to be honest, but would love to have one


AP Royal Oaks Moon Phase Day/Date (a little smaller at 36mm vs 44mm for the Royal Oaks Offshore models)



As I mentioned I am leaning heavily towards the Volcano, but ya'lls input would be most welcome.

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no doubt about im a big AP ROO fan! i think that they do everything right. the volcano is a nice piece clearly you like orange so that makes it that much better.

in terms of complications its a chrono with a date so its hard to judge and compare against other models. IMO for me its all about the name and AP is at the top of the food chain.

i think that any of the models youre looking at are good.

Had mine for a month and sold it this summer. I didn't like the way it wore since I have a smaller wrist. If I was to do it over I would consider an AP 15300 and of course their perpetual moon phase watches are incredible but well beyond my means. I don't like the volcano but I love the bumblebee!

Here is my departed ROO on an AP F1 singapore strap...which IMO is one of the hottttest straps I have ever seen.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Gotta go with the ROO Chrono. Thats one one to have. Just make sure its got the new movement in it. I think the Black Themes is probably the most versatile of all. Safari is pretty close behind. I had a chance at a screaming deal last year; $14k for a white dial on bracelet that retailed for around $27k.

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-RJ

The Volcano is very cool, considering you have about 30 other gorgeous watches I think that the Volcano with the orange accents would be a great addition.

Personally if I were to buy a ROO, you know after I sold a kidney or some other non-vital body part, I'd go with the Safari. There's something about that off white dial that I just love. I've never owned a ROO but I did try one on for like a half hour while I was in Nassau and thought it was amazing.

The BumbleBee is pretty damn awesome also. But out of the ones you listed I like the Volcano.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

My vote goes to the Bumblebee, quite a unique and unusual piece.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Before they went fully in-house, I was never a big fan of the ROO. I thought it was a bit of a cop out for a brand considered right at the apex of watchmaking. However, these days I'm a HUGE fan of that model, pretty much to the exclusion of everything else AP make. I know they make some exceptional other pieces (I've been getting the AP catalogue for the last few years), but for me the ROO is what's it's all about.

If I had to choose any of those you suggested, it'd be the Volcano without a moments hesitation. That said, it's still some way from being my favourite ROO. I would personal wonder if the colour scheme would still appeal to me in 5, 10, 20 years time......

If it was my money, I'd go for the more conservative Safari Themes (white/silver/cream dial on brown hornback), or a Black Themes on the awesome bracelet. In fact I think Altair owns both of these fantastic combinations, so he'll have some pictures on here somewhere.

But irrespective of the colour scheme it'll be one hell of a piece that you pick up!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

The newest version of the black themes has the house movement, H series....all other black themes do not. AP's website was never updated to show that the black themes is now available with the new movement. The safari, volcano, panda, and bee all have the in-house 3126 movement. The AP diver is also in-house. The first page of the warranty booklet will let you know what calibre is in the watch, if it says 3126 or 3120 (non chrono) then it's in-house.

Richard - as RJ mentioned about the pre-owned pricing, these watches DO NOT hold their value very well, if you can find a top notch trusted seller then pre-owned is def the way to go on an AP.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

If i could consider this watch, i'd go with the Safari. White dial with brown strap. Altair has the dream watch.

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Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

I can wear SA and 48mm Pams no problem, but unfortunately the ROO just sits strange on my wrist.

Out of those you listed, my vote is for the bumblebee.

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a few Pams...

Serge that is good advice and I would not have thought that AP's didn't hold their value that well. I had imagined that AP's being one of the
'Pedigreed Brands", they would hold their value much better. What do you attribute this fact to, any ideas?

Fortunately the one I have located is indeed a pre-owned version and the price seems reasonable. I just have to wonder though if the value will depreciate much further or hold pretty much stable at this point.

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I think if you're considering grail Richard you should go simple but classic... the volcano is nice, but over time I think you might get sick of it, considering the others in the collection might get neglected... Definitely the black and white... don't know about the rubber clad though... kinda worried about that too for the long term. An AP is definitely stepping up the game...

I actually like Serge's model... that thing looks timeless...

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Heres the kicker...that one I came across was brand new. Technically pre owned, but stamped booklet and all stickers still attached to the case and bracelet. I think I might have even PMed you about it

But yeah, there are definitely some good used deals to be found.

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-RJ

I do remember you mentioning it awhile ago....that was a pretty awesome deal since it was brand new!! Since then, AP has had multiple price increases, 3 or 4 I believe. Pre-owned is absolutely the way to go, especially if someone wants a diver, I've seen near mint Divers on TZ for $13k. I agree with some other comments that the safari is amazing. If I had the wrist to pull it off I'd give that one a go.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I, too like the one that Serge owned and sold. Never tried one on, though, as I probably saw it as outside my watch budget and didn't want to fall in love. I have thought occasionally of a 39mm model like the moonphase you pictured, but didn't you just pick up a beautiful Glashutte with moonphase? If that was yours, it was gorgeous.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless