A few questions about the new carbon cases

[HailToTheVictors]

How well do you guys think they hold up? I know the diver is relatively new, but I've seen some of those infamous earlier versions of the forged carbons from AP being absolutely worn out.

I sold my 15300 a few months ago and have been looking for something a bit more "refreshing and new" in a sense. What do you guys think about the Carbon or ceramic diver? Or should I go with the normal stainless version? The only reservation I have about the carbon diver is my uncertainty about its quality and also if black would look good.

Any suggestions?

[kilyung]

FC is gorgeous. AP worked out the issues a while ago.

[HailToTheVictors]

Is it still pretty vulnerable to desk dives? I've been wearing my rolex ceramic sub religiously lately and I've honestly banged it on a million things without giving it a second thought

[singe89]

I recently picked up the FC diver for daily wear specifically for the forged carbon case and ceramic bezel. I feel it to be better in tems of scratch resistance to the SS diver as well as my Rolex DSSD. The weight and comfort of the FC diver is also much better for extended daily wear.


I think the marbled case with polished/brushed ceramic and splash of yellow looks great, especially in natural light/sun. However, its not quite as versitile as the SS Diver or Sub and it tends to hide a little more in the shadows in dark places.

All in all I love this watch and think its my best daily beater yet. I say go for it

[Manofsteelpt]

Love my 44mm FC, wear it all the time and still looks NEW!

[Soly20]

I have the 44mm FC and its amazingly scratch proof. I even wear it when I travel with luggage and all. I think it's much better than SS as far as scratches are concerned.

[HailToTheVictors]

Ahh that's great info. Thanks guys. Well I'm not afraid of scratching the sub since its polished SS so scratches can be polished out. Can anything be done if the carbon gets dinged or something?

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

Ahh that's great info. Thanks guys. Well I'm not afraid of scratching the sub since its polished SS so scratches can be polished out. Can anything be done if the carbon gets dinged or something?

Nope. If the case is properly FUBAR'd, then your only alternative is to have it replaced, as forged carbon cannot be refinished (fortunately, the cost for a case replacement is quite reasonable). That said, you really have to work hard to get forged carbon properly damaged, as it's remarkably resistant to the everyday slings and arrows that the average watch encounters. What's more, should you manage to scuff it, you're gonna need a magnifying glass and hyperwhite LEDs to find it, since the natural marbling of the case tends to hide any imperfections.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a daily driver that can take abuse and still look brand new for years to come, then this is your watch.

Regards,
Adam

[HailToTheVictors]

Thanks Adam, I was hoping you'd chime in. That was very helpful - how was your order process, I understand you got yours beginning of summer?

[FightOnSC!]

Case replacement is 1200 bucks plus tax. And for every day wear you won't see any of the scratches if you encounter them. I've had an issue or two with some wear but it's not generally noticeable unless you look closely.

The material can dull, but only if you grind at it with your finger nail or on a sharp edge repeatedly (something you wouldn't do anyway).

In all my FC Diver gets the every-day wear nod, and my Ginza is my go-out and party watch (Vegas proof).

Maybe I need a FC 44 too...


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

Thanks Adam, I was hoping you'd chime in. That was very helpful - how was your order process, I understand you got yours beginning of summer?

My pleasure. As for the ordering process, I went through my usual AD (whom I'd be happy to share with you, if you'd like), who contacted me as soon as he got one in. It did take a while from when I informed him that I was interested, 'til it arrived, but this was when the FC Divers were scarce due to rumors that forged carbon was being dropped from AP's line up, which caused a rush on what few models were in AD's display cases. Yes, I might've been able to source one sooner through another AD, but I'm loyal to the one I've already got.

All-in-all, I love it and I'm grateful that it arrived in time for me to enjoy it during the summer months, as it's a perfect pool/ocean/vacation watch!



Regards,
Adam

[HailToTheVictors]

I will definitely shoot you a msg when the time comes, Adam. Thanks again.

Now I just need to move to an eternally summer location. Thats your signature HTFU bracelet isnt it? :P Watch looks great. Do you have any other APs in your collection?

@FightOnSC - you have the carbon Ginza? That watch looks awesome. I'm not too sold on the design of the 44s... they just look too big and plain..

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

I will definitely shoot you a msg when the time comes, Adam. Thanks again.

Now I just need to move to an eternally summer location. Thats your signature HTFU bracelet isnt it? :P Watch looks great. Do you have any other APs in your collection?

Eternal summer? Sounds like Southern California to me, and frankly, it sounds boring as hell (hey, I like seasons). But seriously, the FC Diver works equally well in fall, winter and spring, AFAIC, and mine will be getting serious wrist time the whole year through.

As for other APs, I just have a Jumbo for the time being, but I'd love to add an ROC at some point down the road (the RBII is my long-term grail...).

Regards,
Adam

PS - And yes, that's my trusty HTFU bracelet; good eye!

[TSW]

FC is definitely one of my favorites materials from AP.
Have you considered the BB?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

I will definitely shoot you a msg when the time comes, Adam. Thanks again.

Now I just need to move to an eternally summer location.

Don't come to London then as we don't get enough sunshine for the FC to be showcased at its best for long enough in the year, so thats why the SS will do for me.

[HailToTheVictors]

Haha, London :P

What's the BB?

[incontrol]

Bumble Bee

[lakbum]

So, I'm about to purchase an AP FC Diver this Thursday.

I'm coming from a SS Rolex Sub so the FC case and the ceramic bezel was the selling points for me since I abuse my Sub.

Just wondering...so the FC cases aren't being dropped from future watches?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by lakbum

So, I'm about to purchase an AP FC Diver this Thursday.

I'm coming from a SS Rolex Sub so the FC case and the ceramic bezel was the selling points for me since I abuse my Sub.

Just wondering...so the FC cases aren't being dropped from future watches?

Look forward to pics

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by lakbum

Just wondering...so the FC cases aren't being dropped from future watches?

Not for the foreseeable future.

Regards,
Adam

[v5cog]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

What's the BB?

Ta Da ! ...my BB...... An awesome watch IMHO

[Jim12345]

Originally Posted by v5cog

Ta Da ! ...my BB...... An awesome watch IMHO

Congrats!!love it, bumble bee is bad ass

[texex91]

Originally Posted by FightOnSC!

Maybe I need a FC 44 too...


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Yes you do Jason

[Bigbadbns]

Originally Posted by texex91

Yes you do Jason

I second this!

Been wearing my 44mm FC almost daily and no sign of wear at all. Looks like the first day i peeled off the sticker.

[HailToTheVictors]

^ your avatar is so cute :P whats the watch besides the AP?

[Soly20]

Originally Posted by texex91

Yes you do Jason

That's the way to go!

[Bigbadbns]

Originally Posted by HailToTheVictors

^ your avatar is so cute :P whats the watch besides the AP?

thanks! It was an IWC Portuguese FA Jones Hand Wound Limited Ed. Man that's a mouthful

[kwang]

I also love my FC Diver, it is my go to AP for now

[lakbum]

Originally Posted by AK797

Look forward to pics

I posted a new topic at http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=311506

But, here's a shot of it.

[BZA]

Originally Posted by v5cog

Ta Da ! ...my BB...... An awesome watch IMHO

Awesome!