AP Divers

[olc]

Haven’t posted very much to this forum, but have been reading for a while. I bought a 15202 steel last year and am thinking about adding a diver. I have been looking at the white/blue boutique only dial that launched in 2017.

Apologies if this has been discussed at length before, but what is generally considered the taxonomy of desirable AP divers? The crazy colors from this year and last year seem too much to me. But what is considered the canonical example of a modern AP diver and how does something like the white/blue version fit in? Is the ceramic significantly better? Any thoughts appreciated.


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[benlee]

For me, the best AP Diver to get is still the SS Diver in black dial. It's the original and till date the best looking one for me. It also matches well with many type of straps. This is followed closely by the black ceramic Diver ( discontinued ).




It's no secret that I utterly hate these new 2018 colored divers. They are ghastly, utter worthless crap. But that's just my opinion. End of the day, buy what you really like.

[singe89]

The divers are among my favorite APs. My personal favorite is the FC diver, perfect combination of light weight, unique look/materials and durability. It’s been my most worn watch for 5+ years by far and looks perfect. Also love that it has the original carved dial vs the newer stamped ones and love FC since AP pioneered it in watch making.



That being said you can’t really go wrong with any of the divers except maybe the newest strange color options.

[HK Islandboy]

Both of the divers above are great.

I personally went for the CE, which I really like. While it is discontinued, they come up for sale every 4-6 months or so.

[christianj]

I owned the original black dialed SS Diver. (which I tend to wear on the SS bracelet and not on the rubber strap) I do love the CE and would likely be very tempted to pick one up if I saw a good deal. Also not a fan of the new color variations but to each his/her own.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by singe89

The divers are among my favorite APs. My personal favorite is the FC diver, perfect combination of light weight, unique look/materials and durability. It’s been my most worn watch for 5+ years by far and looks perfect. Also love that it has the original carved dial vs the newer stamped ones and love FC since AP pioneered it in watch making.



That being said you can’t really go wrong with any of the divers except maybe the newest strange color options.

I love that look, what a fun watch!

[Chadridv]

First off, I had to look up "canonical", lol, so thank you for teaching me a new word. I shoot with canon cameras so I thought for a second, maybe it meant photogenic haha.

Anyway, I don't think there is any one AP diver the epitomizes "classic" in the same way you'd categorize a 15202 or even a Rolex Submariner no date.

The watch doesn't really have much history.

IMO however, the color series of divers doesn't do it for me. If I had a ridiculous amount of disposable income, sure, I'd try one, but for most of us that have to be careful about these acquisitions, I can only justify owning one, and IMO this CE Diver is the best. It's not easy to find and it's not cheap, but it's totally worth the premium IMO.

Not only does it look great and wear extremely well, but the CE finish will keep it looking mint forever. So not only is it a watch that will inherently appreciate due to it's availability, but the value range should stay pretty consistent, since the only real points that show wear are relatively easily replaced.

Anyway, I know appreciation and demand should not be the most important thing when deciding on a watch, but I think it's a significant aspect to consider when making a big purchase.

I really do like the new boutique blue accent dial though! I think it's beautiful, however I didn't care much for the build and quality of the white dial when I owned it briefly and I suspect they will look similar. I'd personally follow my CE Diver with the 15710 Black Dial.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

First off, I had to look up "canonical", lol, so thank you for teaching me a new word. I shoot with canon cameras so I thought for a second, maybe it meant photogenic haha.

Anyway, I don't think there is any one AP diver the epitomizes "classic" in the same way you'd categorize a 15202 or even a Rolex Submariner no date.

The watch doesn't really have much history.

IMO however, the color series of divers doesn't do it for me. If I had a ridiculous amount of disposable income, sure, I'd try one, but for most of us that have to be careful about these acquisitions, I can only justify owning one, and IMO this CE Diver is the best. It's not easy to find and it's not cheap, but it's totally worth the premium IMO.

Not only does it look great and wear extremely well, but the CE finish will keep it looking mint forever. So not only is it a watch that will inherently appreciate due to it's availability, but the value range should stay pretty consistent, since the only real points that show wear are relatively easily replaced.

Anyway, I know appreciation and demand should not be the most important thing when deciding on a watch, but I think it's a significant aspect to consider when making a big purchase.

I really do like the new boutique blue accent dial though! I think it's beautiful, however I didn't care much for the build and quality of the white dial when I owned it briefly and I suspect they will look similar. I'd personally follow my CE Diver with the 15710 Black Dial.

Nice pics

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by singe89

The divers are among my favorite APs. My personal favorite is the FC diver, perfect combination of light weight, unique look/materials and durability. It’s been my most worn watch for 5+ years by far and looks perfect. Also love that it has the original carved dial vs the newer stamped ones and love FC since AP pioneered it in watch making.



That being said you can’t really go wrong with any of the divers except maybe the newest strange color options.

Traded mine back in -15. Still regret it.

[Andrés G]

The original is still the best AP Diver. I regret selling mine, from time to time.

[AK797]

Love the CE case so would get that Diver, until a buyable RO bracelet model emerges.

[eal15]

I’d go for the black dialed as. I love the originally glossy disk but purchased the 15710 because I love the display back. I could spend the money on the 15707 ceramic and occasionally I wish I did. I like the fc as well. White isn’t for me and the colored ones aren’t crap, just not my taste! You can’t go wrong though. I find mine very durable overall and an absolute looker. I daily wore it for 2 years but after service Ing and a new AP strap I wear on weekends and special occasions and wear the Panerai daily.


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[olc]

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.


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[2nastie]

Got to go with the original black Diver. Definitely on my list. The one following that is the CE Diver.

[bluebeamer]

i love the original black diver with the closed back because of the glossy black dial.
not really into the open back with the new matte black dial.
i'm looking for one in mint condition or BNIB

[GB-man]

For me the 15703st was the best rendition. Proper dial and I just don’t favor the SS screws against the all black ceramic ce having owned it.

If I’m being honest they are all a bit too large for my 7” wrist.

[singe89]

Originally Posted by GB-man

For me the 15703st was the best rendition. Proper dial and I just don’t favor the SS screws against the all black ceramic ce having owned it.

If I’m being honest they are all a bit too large for my 7” wrist.

Great point on the screws. Really feel that all the FC and CE ROOs should have Ti screws

[printrep]

I had both the original black dial with solid caseback and then the white dial with the sapphire caseback. I regrettably sold both but will probably acquire another black dial. In the meantime I just picked up this boutique edition white dial with blue accents.

[Colin W]

My only AP Diver



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[tubojunk]

My interest in the divers has risen recently as well. I am very new to AP so definitely still have a lot to learn. But can someone explain give me the different characteristics of the forged carbon over ceramic? I have read great things about both and people love both materials but why does the ceramic sell for slight premium while carbon seems to be discounted while I think it’s a harder material to work with and priced more than the ceramic to begin with? Is it just availability?

[eal15]

For one, the carbon is a few years older and the run was basically done when ceramic was introduce. The fc has the original dial production method and has a solid case back. There ceramic had the newer less desirable dial although it is more readable in all conditions and the display back with ceramic crowns as well. Tough choice!


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[Doctock]

I just traded 2 watches (Panerai 243 and GO Sport Evolution) + $ for an AP Diver with black face.
I had tried a Boutique white dial and it was gorgeous, and would love to see a Ceramic or Forged Carbon in real life as they are definitely on a personal high interest list based on pictures.

[G'ed]

Nice clean reference from AP. Had a white dial version however it's sold as the lume is terrible for a diver. Non existence. If you don't need or use the timing bezel regularly, black dial is a classic!

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by bluebeamer

i love the original black diver with the closed back because of the glossy black dial.
not really into the open back with the new matte black dial.
i'm looking for one in mint condition or BNIB

Not matte (technically still shiny) just doesn’t catch the light as much as the scribed dials.


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