how reliable is forged carbon?

[alexlt730512]

hi guys:

i need your inputs, I've heard that forged carbon is not as reliable as SS and will faded and scratch easily, but of course it'll hide some marks. most importantly, it's can't be fixed.

is this true? what would you pick between 44mm SS or 44mm FC?

thank you so much for your help and i know there are many threads cover this topic already.

[Alvinbmx]

FC definitely resist scratches better than SS. Period.

U gotta try both on to see which is better for your wrist/skin tone.

Do note that the grayish black FC makes the watch looks smaller.

[FNFZ4]

hmmm I wonder if its like the Ceramic Panerai where as when dropped they crack?

[craniotes]

Forged carbon is almost the exact opposite of ceramic in that it's extremely resilient; it won't crack if subjected to shock. That said, it can be scuffed or scratched, though not nearly as easily as stainless steel. What's more, due to the nature of its somewhat mottled appearance, it hides imperfections much better than steel as well.

The downside? Forged carbon can't be refinished, only replaced.

Regards,
Adam

PS - It's worth noting that AP has been continually perfecting its manufacturing process for forged carbon. The cases being made today all benefit from APs ever-increasing mastery of this novel material.

[kilyung]

I have no fears when wearing my FC AP unlike wearing gold or steel.

[travisb]

This was the first model made entirely of forged carbon that I bought new in 2007. Although I don't wear it daily, it still looks as good as the day I took it home.
SS will show more wear and tear but it all depends on the look and feel you want.

[Soly20]

I just bought a 44mm FC. I have been wearing it nearly daily. It feels great on the wrist and its much lighter than the SS. No scratches or anything although I have banged it at least 3 times already.

Also it looks awesome!

I say go for FC.

[scuba77]

I was wearing my bumble bee on flight few weeks ago ..we hit bumpy spot and I hit watch quite hard...there was white mark so I got worried untill I realised it was just the finish from the aircraft wall ! wiped off without even a mark ...even checked under loupe when got back to london ...no damage :-)

[Andad]

Forged carbon goes faster.

[AshAP]

I love the forged carbon line, on my wish list is a Trulli. My view is that each material is going to have pros and cons.

[randyyeap]

Forged carbon is really good onces you wear and handle it. Light yet durable. Comfortable yet stylish. As long as AP is out there i don't think any problem of maintanance in future.

[TSW]

I love FC and scratches doesn't show that easy.
And i still haven's seen any case that has cracked either.

[alexlt730512]

thanks for everyone's feedback, i guess FC is the way to go.

[Rolex Freak]

Great info gents.

[theseire]

I used to own the GP FC but the carbon bezel did not look right to me, just got the 44FC recently, no regrets whatsoever. My daily beater and that includes playing with my 3 and a half year old son in the playground etc., no fear at all about it, the ceramic bezel is just awesome. I even wear it to the gym sometimes.

[s14roller]

I wouldn’t be worried at all with a FC…as for SS or FC, that’s up to you. I went with the SS as it was replacing my Panda and couldn’t be happier.

[abnerc15]

Hi... Could you post some pictures up of the 44mm SS with wristshots maybe.... I'm torn between the FC and SS and need help deciding..... SS is definitely cheaper and I just sold my Panda too which I loved the color scheme on...

thanks.
Abner

[conkers]

I had a less good experience with my BB a few years ago, as I have posted elsewhere. Gave it a serious knock which led to a hefty bill for replacement parts. Having said that, I accept that in normal usage with basic care, it would have been fine and as has also been said AP's forging processes seem to have improved a lot over the last 3 years.

[Fred_Tan]

If you are looking for a daily beater, stick w forged carbon case & ceramic bezel if possible.

I wear my Bumble Bee to gym everyday for weight training since January.
Now I find myself not able to handle stainless steel, Ti & gold watches anymore as I am too used to swing my arms too with no worries thanks to the Bee

[kilyung]

FC and ceramic will ruin every other watch for you.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by Fred_Tan

If you are looking for a daily beater, stick w forged carbon case & ceramic bezel if possible.

I wear my Bumble Bee to gym everyday for weight training since January.
Now I find myself not able to handle stainless steel, Ti & gold watches anymore as I am too used to swing my arms too with no worries thanks to the Bee

Originally Posted by kilyung

FC and ceramic will ruin every other watch for you.

Agreed, love love love my 44mm FC

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by abnerc15

Hi... Could you post some pictures up of the 44mm SS with wristshots maybe.... I'm torn between the FC and SS and need help deciding..... SS is definitely cheaper and I just sold my Panda too which I loved the color scheme on...

thanks.
Abner

I'm on my iphone but do a search for pics. I did the same...loved the Panda but sold it and got a 44mm SS. Love the watch! As for price, $33K USD vs $36.5K USD so price isn't really a deciding factor, IMO.

I think FC looks better in pics depending on lighting, and SS has a little more pop in person. Both look fantastic! I have the SS and one of my good friends has the FC.

[v5cog]

FC and Ceramic all day long... Because if your like me and constantly making sure your bezel is free of smears or marks, therefore always polishing it with your top or a duster, even stainless steel will develop tiny marks over a short time where as Ceramic sparkles like you wouldn't believe no matter how many times you clean it!
FC is very resistant as I have knocked mine two or three times, and it still looks perfect... You will not be disappointed !

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by kilyung

FC and ceramic will ruin every other watch for you.

Originally Posted by v5cog

FC and Ceramic all day long... Because if your like me and constantly making sure your bezel is free of smears or marks, therefore always polishing it with your top or a duster, even stainless steel will develop tiny marks over a short time where as Ceramic sparkles like you wouldn't believe no matter how many times you clean it!
FC is very resistant as I have knocked mine two or three times, and it still looks perfect... You will not be disappointed !

Agreed fellas.. Forged carbon is just sick, flat out !

I'd still like a 44 FC to match my GP and bee, I guess it's getting a bit redundant though lol