New Incoming: Audemars Piguet Content & SOTC

[~dadam02~]

I've had an AP itch to scratch for a while now, having been a keen admirer of this style of watch for quite some time however a combination of lack of watch box space and not being able to find one at the right price and the right condition meant a fairly long wait to realise a desire. Fast forward 6+ months, endless hours scouring the net, visiting shops and bumping WTB's I had almost given up hope....then out of the blue one pops up briefly on another forum ticking all the boxes and of course I miss it by a couple of hours....isn't it always the way. Anyways what was meant to be was meant to be as a couple of weeks later a chance random email was received and less than 12 hours later and this puppy was mine. Incidentally, it happens to be the same one I missed on the forum. It's a funny old game this...

So what did we pick up, well it’s a white dial reference 15300 (15300ST.OO.1220ST.01 to be precise but what's a couple of extra letters between friends). True to the original Royal Oak 5402 released over 40 years ago it has the trademark octagonal bezel, 8 hexagonal screws, angular case, mixture of polished and brushed finish and waffle style 'tapisserie' dial. A bit about the dial….this type of dial is made using traditional techniques similar to that of a pantograph where a disc is fixed to a machine on one side and a burin chisels away at the disc as it follows the tapisserie pattern on an oversized model of the Royal Oak on the other side. Impressive stuff. And the result, a 3D grid like texture which my wife referred to as 'different'. She's not wrong. In this day and age where companies look to utilise modern technology and super sophisticated techniques in their watchmaking it’s quite refreshing to see such an age old tradition being preserved. It’s also hard to believe that only up until 3 years ago these dials were manufactured by a third party, Stern Creations, founded by the Stern Family and owner of Patek, it’s a pretty incestuous world this watchmaking. At 39mm this would ordinarily be a little on the small side for me, however the integrated case and bracelet make this wear much larger (more like 40/41mm).

So how does it wear? Surprisingly well actually - the case shape means a snug fit across the whole wrist and the bracelet is easily the most comfortable I have ever worn. Sized to my 6.75 inch wrists it weighs a respectable 132g (my Rolex Explorer II comes in at 154g and Datejust II at 148g) and fits comfortably under a shirt cuff which is where it currently gets most of its wear. The biggest negative, and also the biggest positive, of owning this watch in my view is the finish. Much has been made of the techniques AP use in getting this finish and boy does it look good….the negative being the amount of babying required to ensure it stays like that. Particular note should be made to avoid rushing around during rush hour wearing this, train stations during peak time are a no go, busy shopping malls a big no no....there doesn't seem to be any shortage of bag wielding maniacs out there so be careful RO owners. So far my OCD has not reacted well to owning this.

So that all being said was it worth the wait? You betcha! This watch has exceeded all expectations, the finish is simply breath-taking and the way the light catches the contrasting angles is simply mesmerising. I've never come across a dial with more subtle detail in my life, from normal wrist position you just don't realise how intricate it is and it's only when you get in really close do you notice the guilloche effect within guilloche effect. Sublime.

So enough of my waffle (excuse the pun), it's time to let the pictures do the talking...





















And to finish off a little dip into my current collection...having fairly recently taken this hobby up i've got the collection to a place i'm happy with. Yes some are predictable, maybe even boring, but you know what I don't care - each one brings huge joy and IMO that’s all that matters. Where to go next is the big question...

Rolex Datejust II 116334
The only sure fire keeper in my collection, having been gifted this by my wife as a wedding present and the one worn on the ‘special day’. Probably doesn't get as much wrist time as others but then it's not fighting for attention like the other contents of the watch box. Immensely comfortable due to the relatively modest case thickness and subsequent lower centre of gravity. Also gets the most comments and attention than any of the others, largely due to the bezel and how it shimmers as the light catches it.



Rolex Explorer II 216570
Another white dial (theme?), this time the larger and more substantial Explorer II. The iconic 'fraccione' hand makes a much welcome return and the increase in size brings this right up to date with the demands of today's market for larger watches. My daily wearer, this gets easily the most wrist time and one that I can't see leaving the collection.



Jaeger LeCoultre Master 8 Days Q1608420
Well every collection needs some level of complication (IMO) so this is mine......boasting a power reserve indicator, date and jour/nuit indicators plus a more than impressive 8 day power reserve it is typically Jaeger. Coming in at 40.5mm it's also quite different from most other 'dress' watches and just adds to the appeal more. Oozing quality, and packing class in abundance, it also provides a nice break from wearing bracelet watches.

[tavv160]

Very nice indeed. I have the 15400, and it is my favorite piece at the moment.

[scimps]

beautiful watches

congrats on the new one - enjoy

[TSW]

Congrats!

[kilyung]

Exceptional piece but I'm biased. ;)

[cdnyc]

Congrats, amazing pics

[v5cog]

Stunning macro shot of the dial !!

[metallic]

Congrats on the AP. Very nice collection.

[Soly20]

Congrats! Beautiful pics.

[lakbum]

Beautiful! I was also looking for a 15300 and missed out on a couple of close opportunities. I'm still hoping to pick up a mint 15300 with the white dial. Super jealous...

[sugiharto]

Nice watches... what else would you like to add in the collection?

[AK797]

Love a white dial RO.

[singe89]

huge congrats and amazing pics. Some of the better pics I've seen that actually catch all the subtle details.

[drhr]

Saw your post on another forum, but your pics are outstanding and I could stare at 'em over and over . . .

[SamGMT]

Awesome and very nice shots!!

[nick c]

Congrats

[B. Doggy]

A nice collection and addition to it, my friend!

[texex91]

Awesome! Congrats!

[slim4511]

Stunning watch. Congrats.

[wrxsti]

welcome to club 15300!, enjoy that beauty, outstanding pics btw.

[TAKUYA]

Congrats on the new beautiful royal oak and awesome pics of your collection.

[Hairdude1]

Congrats on the 15300!

[Mavrick]

Great photo's and beautiful RO, congrats

[conkers]

Congrats.

[Cru Jones]

amazing pix! congrats.

[dnutz]

great pics! are you secretly also a watch magazine photographer?

[Manofsteelpt]

That macro pic of the dial is amazing!

[~dadam02~]

Thanks all for the kind words, its good to see so many admirers out there. This being my first foray into the wonderful world of AP i'm now looking forward to picking up and trying many more from the range.

Originally Posted by lakbum

Beautiful! I was also looking for a 15300 and missed out on a couple of close opportunities. I'm still hoping to pick up a mint 15300 with the white dial. Super jealous...

Don't give up matey, they are out there, this is proof that you just need to be patient.

Originally Posted by sugiharto

Nice watches... what else would you like to add in the collection?

Well this is always the $10m question, all i know is there is never any shortage of options! That said i'm pretty happy with where the collection has got to that i'm not currently craving anything. Maybe an Aqua Terra or something like that, or maybe i should start that grail quest now, the AP Perpetual Calendar Skeleton

Originally Posted by dnutz

great pics! are you secretly also a watch magazine photographer?

Lol i wish, up until less than a year ago i didn't own a camera. It's becoming a fun hobby though, when i get the time.

[AshAP]

Unusually rare photography skills, no camera wobble at all.

[Hamish]

Congratulations