AP 26331ST 4 Months on

[inadeje]

So I’ve had the AP Panda dial for 4 months now. Despite me having never owned an AP before and, the brand not really being on my radar, I’m extremely pleased with the decision. It ticked the boxes of my desire for a black on white (well silver white...) Panda dial and, while I almost bought another Daytona with the same Panda look, I ended up with the AP. If anyone is on the fence about this watch, let me just say that it is exquisitely finished and, really pops in certain lighting conditions. It’s also quite the attention grabber for some reason (not sure why). My chrono itch continues however and I’m heading towards Daytona 116500LN Black dial for my collection. The AP is a keeper and I highly recommend this for anyone with a 7 inch or larger wrist. I’m 7.5.

[benlee]

I have the blue / silver 26331 and share your opinion. This watch is a keeper

[Sulituan]

Thanks for sharing, the Panda is so beautiful!

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by benlee

I have the blue / silver 26331 and share your opinion. This watch is a keeper

I saw the blue and black at the AD but my heart was set (for years) on a white dial black subdial panda. Nonetheless, had I not been, the blue is stunning. Almost chameleon in nature depending on the light, it gets darker or lighter.

[Takonwong]

Just got mine and it's so beautiful. Wanted a Panda chrono and this just stood out. I agree it's an attention grabber, I've had more comments, compliments wearing this watch than any other! AP awareness seems to be growing.

[Drdrew]

OP: Curious if you could only pick one to wear every, would you choose the royal oak or the smurf?

[Kjp061987]

Thanks for sharing! Great to hear your feedback after more time with the piece. It’s a stunner.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rty2k]

I have owned both the 116500 and the 26331 (blue). The finishing on the ROC is outstanding. It is definitely a keeper!

[JVM]

How is the size compared to the Daytona? I love my 116500’s size and an ROC will be my next piece but I’m conflicted on the 41mm or new 38mm. The 38mm seems very similar and I think the smaller size might make it less or a scratch magnet, so that’s the way I’m leaning.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Drdrew

OP: Curious if you could only pick one to wear every, would you choose the royal oak or the smurf?

They are both very different watches. I’m maybe not a good person to ask because I rotate all my pieces on and off wrist. 1 day rotation is my usual,

[Seaborn]

Damn, that thing sizzles.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by JVM

How is the size compared to the Daytona? I love my 116500’s size and an ROC will be my next piece but I’m conflicted on the 41mm or new 38mm. The 38mm seems very similar and I think the smaller size might make it less or a scratch magnet, so that’s the way I’m leaning.

I found the 38 too small. I have a 7.5 wrist. The AP I have wears similar to any 42 watch, however, visually it looks bigger in photos due to the integrated bracelet. Compared to my Daytona the AP does look larger when I look down at the watch but, its a minor visual increase. For anyone who has tried on a new watch and experienced “familiarity shock” then you’ll know that you need to wear a watch for a while, a day or two, before you get over the memorization of seeing your other watch on your wrist. This is more acute for those with a small collection or those going from a long time owned 1 daily wearer to the new piece. Its the part of human brain that identifies change and amplifies that difference we see to a kind of initial shock.

Here it is with a better shot at a distance on my 7.5 wrist

[slf86]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Odie-r]

Gorgeous watch. Appreciate the feedback on living with it. Tried on at the Vegas boutique a while back.. next time I'm taking one home!

[porschejeff]

Looks great, congrats

[Vivalas]

That’s a stunning watch indeed! Also the blue below it.

Out of interest are these available at AD’s or is there huge waitlists?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

That’s a stunning watch indeed! Also the blue below it.

Out of interest are these available at AD’s or is there huge waitlists?

I went to several ADs and tried them. Left my number. Contacted a few greys and left my offer. Waited a day or two, got one grey offering the watch BNIB with stickers still on for 1k below retail + tax. Pulled the trigger. Literally a week later, both ADs called me on successive days saying they had one for me...

[slf86]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

That’s a stunning watch indeed! Also the blue below it.

Out of interest are these available at AD’s or is there huge waitlists?

From AD on delay. PM me of you need an accelerated order.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

That’s a stunning watch indeed! Also the blue below it.

Out of interest are these available at AD’s or is there huge waitlists?

Bit tougher in UK than above posts but should be a months than years wait.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by AK797

Bit tougher in UK than above posts but should be a months than years wait.

Oddly enough, I understand that the blue dial is popular for some reason. Both ADs did have the blue dial but, I only wanted the Panda. They didn’t have the Panda...

[myusernamez]

I'm guessing they are a little harder to sell then the new 15500 so you might find them easier to get. I have yet to find them below/at MSRP online for the 15500/26331ST.

[newshound]

Quick question on the chrono pushers on your watch.

I've just bought the same model in blue, it's my first AP, and am a little unsure if I have a problem.

When I start the chrono the pusher feels a little soft to push in and I get a soft click as the chrono starts.

When I press the same pusher to stop the chrono the pusher feels very soft and there's no click as the chrono stops.

When I press the reset pusher it feels totally different. It's much more firm with a crisp click as the mechanism is reset.

Does the above sound normal or do I need to send it off to get sorted?