Your path to AP...

[wetfeet]

I'm curious what all of your paths to owning AP were.

Mine were kind of backwards, as I had met a certain gentleman with extreme knowledge of swiss watches, and I am a specialist in another type of craftsmanship, antique Japanese swords and consult on behalf of collectors. We discussed the similarities between the two (differences being obvious, as one was meant to kill, and one was meant to find out how much time you had to kill) and I learned at the time about there existing a whole other world of swiss watches other than Rolex.

Anyway this discussion inserted AP into my brain as something I'd have one day if I ever owned a fine timepiece (last item was some watch I found at 10 years old with a highly luminous digital dial... the kind that ... kills you I guess!). I lost it. And I have a Seiko given to me by my staff that went into a drawer of keepsakes and was never worn.

Finally bought my ROO this year after finding the forum here and bouncing some questions around. And here I am.

How did you come to own your first?

[bayerische]

I saw it at my local watch dealer... Held it in my hands, and felt a different watch-urge than before.

[dsk28]

I first fell in love with a Rolex Daytona...at that time I was around 15, and I saw the Daytona on my Uncle's wrist. I fell in love immediately, but upon finding out the price tag of the Daytona I gave up any hope of owning it at that time...

Five years later, I was in college and my parents had come to visit me. It was near my birthday, and they took me out to dinner with my family and voila! A White dial Daytona appeared right in front of me. It was the first time I ever fell in love with a timepiece, and that's when my passion for watches began.

A few years down the road came the AP craze. I finished college and returned to my home country. I had agreed to meet a friend of mine for a couple drinks at the local bar, and he showed up with an AP on his wrist. At first look, I was quite amazed at the built of the timepiece. It had the shine of a winner, and its beauty was captivating. I could not help but felt mesmerized by the timepiece with its loud yet classy streak (hint: Orange). After a few round of drinks my buddy got a little drunk and he took off his AP, asking me to wear it for him in case he accidentally dings it and there we go, I have the AP Volcano on my left wrist.

Since then I have been thinking about an AP...but it wasn't until 4 months down the road where I actually was provided with a genuine chance of owning an AP. A friend of mine wanted to sell his Volcano cheap, but in my most decisive moment for the AP Volcano my father came across the picture I had left open on my laptop. He immediately vetoed my decision and I was left to research more about AP and its models. I found out that not only were ROOs AP's most popular models, they were also sporty, yet classy and elegant.

The moment of truth arrived when I saw a picture of the Panda...it was clean, it was charming, it took my breath away. After tens of forums and "AP Panda vs Volcano" threads, I decided on the Panda and finally acquired a brand new piece from a dealer.

I am wearing the Panda currently...and even though I tried to sell it a couple times (to fund for the Novelty SS) I ended up keeping the Panda and acquiring my second AP...the Novelty FC. It is a wonderful piece, very much a keeper.

In a few days I am going to pass the Panda down to my brother. His love for watchmaking and timepieces have just developed recently, and due to him still being in college, he has no means to acquire these wonderful beauties (or beasts) by himself. It is up to me, the big brother, to give him the luxury of enjoying these luxurious horology, in hope that one day he might receive as much enjoyment that I have felt for them.

The Panda was my first AP, the Novelty FC second. I certainly have no plans to stop just yet, and I can see many more APs to come!

Cheers.

[cdnyc]

When I was about 24, I had a friend at work who was bringing in a lot of $$$ between his day job and his very successful exploitation of the new online poker craze. Looking for ways to enjoy spending his cash, to got into watches. I always loved Rolexs because of seeing a GMT on my dad all my life, so I immediately related to him when he bought his Deepsea and Daytona. He pulled me in on a couple of his decision-making processes and, in the process, gave me my first real exposure to other brands (A. Longe, Panerai, PP, etc.). I never had love at first sight with any of these non-Rolexes, until he showed me a Royal Oak pic. Love at first sight. After that, it was just a matter of being ready to spend.

Funny thing is, while he loves the Safari, that friend of mine still hasn't gone for an AP...

[benlee]

I started off with an Omega as my first "serious" timepiece. Went to join the Omega forum in WUS and started to pay attention also to Rolex as many Omega owners are also Rolex owners. Founded and joined TRF and become addicted to watches. Bought 2 Rolex in a matter of weeks. I thought I was satisified. How wrong...

From TRF, I wondered into the "dangerous" AP section. I stared at all the beautiful pics of AP watches and wanted to see one in real life for myself. Went to AP boutique in Singapore with a friend and got enchanted by the iconic RO. Finally got one after some hunting. Thinking its the end of it, no its not as I soon got smitten by the charms of the gorgeous AP SS Diver. Hunted high and low and finally got one. Now by and large happy and contented with my two AP watches for now....

[00pumpkin]

The first time I saw an AP in person was in a Neiman Marcus in Atlanta, GA. I went there with my old boss because he was interested in the RO and ROC. I tried each of them on and thought they were really nice but a little too high for my budget. Plus I didn’t really want a watch that was < 40mm. So, I convinced myself that other watches were better for me.

Circle around a few years later, the new 41mm RO comes out!

This news brought my attention back to the brand and I started reading up on the company's history and drooling over pics on the web. I was finally able to check out a new black faced RO 41mm while in Vegas and that about did it for me. That watch was definitely a gateway into the brand for me. Now I love a few different styles, but my all-time favorite is the white/silver faced RO 41mm.

This will be my next watch for sure! I will actually be stopping by the AP boutique in NYC this weekend with my wife. I think my plan is to hug the case and not let go until she agrees I can have one....ha!

[AK797]

First luxury watch I wanted was naturally a Sub. After that I looked at the big three and AP was the one for me as it was the most modern and sporty and the RO and ROOs captivated my interest tho as they were out of my price range back then I bought Breitling and Omegas. Now Im mainly interested in precious metal Rolexes and APs.

[Jim12345]

I was an Omega man for years, then IWC's, with a brief flirtation with Panerai. It was my IWC Mission Earth Ingy that got me interested in Genta pieces. I had seen a Safari, and for a long time thought that was the one. It was when I saw a friend of mine with a black with white sub dials rubber clad, that things really turned for me, I thought it had amazing wrist presence. It was at that point I thought I need to find out more about AP and after a lot of reading and drooling on here I decided the Diver was the one for me to break into AP.

[thlax]

Tag Heuer 2000->Rolex Sub Date->Panerai 112->Rolex Sea Dweller->Omega 40th Aniv Moon->Rolex DSSD->AP ROO Diver

[SMD]

"I will actually be stopping by the AP boutique in NYC this weekend with my wife."

You may want to consider visiting Cellini in the Waldorf. Great selection of APs and if you get the requisite permission, they will work with you on pricing. PM me if you want the contact info of who I deal with, $ etc.

[Acro-Pilot]

Believe it or not the morning brunch after a Panerai GTG was my first, in-person experience with an AP. It was a 40th Jumbo (15202ST.OO.1240ST.01) and I knew the minute I put it on and experienced the fit and finish in the real that I'd need to have some kind of RO at some point.

3 months later I still thought about that piece and looked at the wrist shots I took that day and started getting serious about understanding the brand, learning the history and searching for the right piece.

So glad I had all of you to lean on during that process!

[kilyung]

To be honest, I can't pin down when I got interested in AP. It seems like forever. The RO line has always been in my sights and when I could finally get one, I did so with a vengeance.

[kissfromarose]

First post but I thought this would be appropriate.

I received my first luxury watch 5 years ago when I got married. FIL bought me a Milgauss. At that time I never thought I would ever wear a Rolex since I didn't even really wear a watch at that time. Been using that as my daily wear since then.

A couple of years ago I started browsing some luxury watches online and found the diver (wanted something sporty and the price point was good). While in Hong Kong, I saw the 44mm ROO Chronograph RG and just fell in love with it, but thought it would be stupid to spend that kind of money on a watch. Told myself that one day I would own it as one of those goals that you kind of never think you'll ever reach. Two weeks ago, I finally got mine. Definitely not something I wear daily, but really love it and think it is a stunning piece!

[Hairdude1]

I was a rolex guy and then met a fellow TRF member here in chicago, he would always rave about wonderful AP was and now the rest is history. I am now the owner of a 15300 and SS diver

[Soly20]

Quite some years ago, I got into fashion watches, especially Bulgari. Then all of a sudden, last year I just decided its time to get a Rolex, although I had bought many Rolexes as gifts before.While buying a Rolex, the AD had AP too. I thought they looked fantastic but I thought I would never pay this much for a watch. 5 months later I couldn't resist and got the novelty FC. Now I have decided I will get 1 watch a year above 30K. Next up an RG AP or a Gold PP.

[Tony-GB]

I was about to buy a RG Nautilus after owning a Yacht-Master. I didn't know about watch forums at the time & just liked the Nautilus. In the shop an old guy told me not to as it's not as pure a design or as much value for money as an Audemars Piguet. I had no idea what AP was and didn't take much interest in the old guy, but I didn't buy the Nautilus after he showed me his RO. Plus, the Nautilus felt too light & fragile after my YM. But I decided to research on the net, found The Purists, Paneristi, TRF and a few other sites.

This is what sparked my interest in AP & fueled my interest in watches in general.

[SubKing]

Jay-z told me about AP so I went and bought one.

On a serious note, I always knew about the brand somewhat, I always knew they were very exclusive and expensive.. But, it wasn't until I was in marbella spain on holiday when I saw this Tan gentleman coming out of the ocean almost like the way james bond does in the movies. He was wearing a rose gold rubber clad. It was one of the most memorable moments, for the watch that is!

I just remembered how good the combo of black rubber and rose gold looked. this was back in 1999. I had never seen one up close nor had I ever held one. All I knew was, the prices were insanely expensive and I myself was not ready for such a watch. several years later after expanding my pallet to vintage rolex, modern rolex, as well as other brands, I finally thought it was time to pull the trigger. in 2009 I purchased my first AP. I figured I would start off with stainless and work my way up to the rose gold. Purchased a SS ROO RC. loved the watch, owned it for a year, then flipped it. Went 2 years without an AP, then purchased a Ti ROO themes, couple years later I then got the watch I had been wanting for years, the ultimate RG ROO RC.. kept that for a couple months, flipped for a RG 44mm ROO before the price decrease.... That's where I stand now with AP.

There is a certain magic about AP that non of the other brands can capture.
The textured pattern on the dial is just to die for.. Here I am today and I will still never forget the first time the AP caught my eye in Spain.. the AP RG ROO's have to be the sharpest watches around IMO>

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

I was a rolex guy and then met a fellow TRF member here in chicago, he would always rave about wonderful AP was and now the rest is history. I am now the owner of a 15300 and SS diver

that's what happens when you hang around Hal for too long.

[michaelryuen]

I knew about AP Royal Oak back in 2008 when I worked in a stock trading department. The banker that I talked to got a habit of twisting his wrist and so happened that wrist got a white 15300 on it. I took chances to look at the dial for the brand just to know that "AP" logo watch cost something at about $14k at that time. I managed to get him unwrist it and tried on the watch for the first time.

The brand has always been on my mind and I regard that as a " banker's choice" watch; as I discovered 2 more bankers wearing the same RO.

In 2010 I bought my first luxury timepiece , it was a 16610LV F serial with Flat 4 bezel and mark 1 dial. It was followed by a Tudor Big Block Chronograph 79160 and later a mid size SS YM.

AP came back into my wish list as I saw my good friend wearing the same 15300 in 2012.

I tried the 15300 a couple of time but always blame myself for not able to pull off with those long lugs sticking out of my small wrist.

In late 2012 AP finally introduced a unisex 37mm RO .with the case size at a comfortable 37mm, my dream of owning an AP came back to life again.

JAN 2013 I tried on the 37mm when it got stocked in boutique and immediately fall in love with it! For the following 3 months I tried
back the same watch for about 5 times and now i will be counting down to about in a weeks time when my new RO 15450ST will be reaching at my door step!

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by kilyung

that's what happens when you hang around Hal for too long.

Very true! Hahahaha.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

[SAS76]

I was in my early twenties when I first saw two ROO in a catalogue of a popular dealer in Germany. I did not know the AD brand at that time, but the design was strinking me already. Prices were completely off, so I lost focus.

When finishing university and starting as young consultant, I got myself an Omega Speedmaster, as I thought it to be iconic. It was my daily wear until 2011 focus went on other grails. From my father I got his YG ALS 1, not to wear, but to keep it in honour an as a lasting reminder of hin.

Starting to look for a SS Daytona first, then checking out the Nautilus. On my search I read about the trinity of watch manufactures and there it was, the ROO again. Immediately I fell in love again with the design, the perfection in manufacturing and the impressing history. Last year I finally got mysel my first AP ROO, titanium themes.

And today, an entire year forward, the fever Starts again, I start looking to enhance my collection with a 15400, blue dial.

[singe89]

I bought my first nice watch in college working to pay the bills and wanted something nice to celebrate my 21st birthday. Bought a slightly used Rolex SD that I still have today. After that the watch collecting bug bit and I bought a few omegas, tags, breightlings, IWCs, panerais, rolex, etc. All of them were great but they didn't really "sing" to me....then I saw it...one of the older VPs at my company had a AP ROO and I instantly fell in love. I started researching the history of AP and selling off some other watches that weren't longterm loves. I purchased my first AP and it was over. I've purchased 2 more since then and after my recent visit to AP learing the intricate deatils of the brand I have a couple more purchases lined up in the coming months. It's a brand that has everything for me, strong history, lasting designs, pride in ownership, value and still flies under the radar in most places. It checks all the boxes for me and I feel its a long standing brand that is well positioned for the future.

[texex91]

Three letters..T R F (AP section). VERY dangerous to my bank account

[ra's ag]

I was a rolex fan from the age of 9 when I read a Spider-Man comic and the Kingpin's son had one on and the other characters made a big deal of it.

While I had heard of AP through friends, I didn't actually become an AP fan until I started reading this forum. So this forum and some of its members are really the most responsible for getting me to pony up good money on a watch brand I had no desire for previously.

[wetfeet]

Originally Posted by ra's ag

I was a rolex fan from the age of 9 when I read a Spider-Man comic and the Kingpin's son had one on and the other characters made a big deal of it.

While I had heard of AP through friends, I didn't actually become an AP fan until I started reading this forum. So this forum and some of its members are really the most responsible for getting me to pony up good money on a watch brand I had no desire for previously.

The bad thing about this forum is that nobody is fighting they just constantly happy cheer you on to buy more AP, when you bring back your new baby they are happy for you.

It's 100% support.

So it's like going to AA and have everyone in there chanting "more beer more beer" then you crack open a Guinness and everyone screams with joy.

So I think many a person made this their last stop before forking over cash. I was one such person.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by wetfeet

The bad thing about this forum is that nobody is fighting they just constantly happy cheer you on to buy more AP, when you bring back your new baby they are happy for you.

It's 100% support.

So it's like going to AA and have everyone in there chanting "more beer more beer" then you crack open a Guinness and everyone screams with joy.

So I think many a person made this their last stop before forking over cash. I was one such person.

...and SO true!

[kilyung]

Nah, the AP love is there in everyone. We just chip away at all the misinformation and let the beauty shine forth.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by wetfeet

The bad thing about this forum is that nobody is fighting they just constantly happy cheer you on to buy more AP, when you bring back your new baby they are happy for you.

It's 100% support.

So it's like going to AA and have everyone in there chanting "more beer more beer" then you crack open a Guinness and everyone screams with joy.

So I think many a person made this their last stop before forking over cash. I was one such person.

Sounds like a good meeting then

[AK797]

Originally Posted by wetfeet

The bad thing about this forum is that nobody is fighting they just constantly happy cheer you on to buy more AP, when you bring back your new baby they are happy for you.

It's 100% support.

So it's like going to AA and have everyone in there chanting "more beer more beer" then you crack open a Guinness and everyone screams with joy.

So I think many a person made this their last stop before forking over cash. I was one such person.

I do agree with you, Rolex has more models and more members so you get more negatives than here, so I do try and point out when Im not so keen on an AP watch and why, and often I do note I am the only mildly negative voice.

[Jkysh]

Not an AP owner yet, but a friend of a friend showed up wearing a safari to the beach last summer. Asked to try it on while I left my Omega Seamaster on my wrist. A whole different ball game, now I am in hot pursuit of a SS diver after my first year out of school.