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THE DC REVIEW: AP Royal Oak 15202 automatic

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_DC_

Let's start by acknowledging that the Royal Oak Jumbo is perhaps one of the most revered watches of all time, it's the original luxury sports watch, with serious cult status, and as such a replica of this icon of horology is always going to polarise opinion.

 

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That said this isn't going to be a blow by blow of minutiae, my reviews rarely are. What I'm interested in are three things. Firstly, does it have the important character and features of the gen, does it command my attention and make me look at it, and finally is it a good watch, that is to say is it high quality such that it can fool me into believing I have something expensive on my wrist.

 

So when it comes to being a good representation of the gen there are things I can forgive and things I can't. For example movements are not something I care about aesthetically, as long as it works and is solid I'm not concerned with it looking pretty, ultimately it's never going to be as pretty as this so what's the point...

 

F186A0E1-A429-4606-B451-DA656F28D572_zps2xoueout.jpg

 

However what I can't forgive is badly shaped case or bezel, especially on a watch like this where the bezel is the whole character of the watch. And don't get me started on decorated movements and overly thick cases to accommodate them!!!

 

As an example of what I mean, the previous quartz rep of the 15202 was ok, and I could forgive the quartz movement especially since it meant the watch was nice and thin, but the bezel was too flat and the brushed face of the bezel too wide as a result...

 

CAE31EB5-1E58-4A49-B9F9-A4821E44C4BC_zpsqnu6u0a7.jpg

 

It was that detail that ultimately ruined it for me and saw it leave my collection.

 

With the new rep I'm pleased to say the bezel is pure perfection, this picture illustrates the difference (old quartz rep on top and new auto rep underneath). It's subtle but such a small thing makes a huge difference (to me at least) and especially on this watch...

 

AC73E049-27F1-48C8-9AFE-E3072194DBF9_zpsnwap1kmq.jpg

 

What you can also see on this shot is the quality fit and finish of this new rep, the bezel screws are always a difficult area with Royal Oaks but here they are just set below the bezel and fill their respective recesses perfectly, just like the gen...

 

09E78D81-A8FE-42D0-970B-E5E32E913005_zpsi4opqpmm.jpg

 

These side by sides demonstrate nicely how well they've actually done in terms of representing the gen...

 

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(In case anyone is wondering, I superimposed the rep onto the same background as the gen to fool you all, mwahahaha)

 

And here's a half 'n' half...

 

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I think you'll agree, pretty damn good job?!? The one thing I will point out which bugs me on EVERY Royal Oak rep, and is clearly visible in the above picture (and is on the verge of being unforgivable) is the rehaut. Royal Oaks have very visible rehauts, they almost sit inset of the bezel with a gap in between and only the TF 15400 comes close to getting this right, which is a shame coz it's such a noticeable trait of all Royal Oaks!

 

Thankfully the rep factory have redeemed themselves with regard to the reps thickness. Yes folks, no decorated movement bridge nonsense here, just a good old reliable Miyota (which I happen to think is one of the more attractive movements used in reps anyway). And unlike the Nautilus there isn't even an engraved rotor, just a standard Miyota rotor which is uber thin, with laser etched AP logos!!

 

6D7E3C55-ADD2-4AA9-B8D7-A2E6AF5BB32E_zpsim6pwlvu.jpg

 

Now that sounds like a bad thing right? But to me it shows that the rep factories have prioritised the things that really matter. They could have at least used an engraved rotor like on the V1 Miyota Nautilus, and it would have looked prettier from the back, but it would have added thickness, and the only way to compensate for that thickness would have been to slim the bezel, see? So they decided the bezel shape and the slim overall case profile were more important than a pretty movement... WHICH THEY ARE!!!

 

The result is an 8.9mm thickness, that's only 0.6mm more than the gen. To put that into context, the gen watch has to use an ultra slim movement with peripheral bearing rotor to achieve its slim profile, so to only be 0.6mm thicker is really something!!!

 

8A5FEBD5-434D-4CFA-929A-6DA8F12F3268_zps9ic3dvtc.jpg

 

So for me this watch ticks the first box, it's a great representation of the gen, with the only improvement I could see being the rehaut, but the rest is so good it's not a deal breaker for me.

 

Next up is the matter of the watch catching your attention. For this I think it's best to let some pictures do the talking, wouldn't you agree?

 

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This is a watch that demands to be looked at. It is stunning from any angle and in virtually any lighting, it's multi-faceted and multi-finished case and bracelet play with light beautifully, and I often find myself just moving my wrist around and staring at it... so that's a tick too!

 

Finally the simple question of, is it a good watch? The only person I'm trying to fool with my reps is myself, I want to feel like it's expensive and unfortunately this is an area many reps fall short on. They look good but as soon as you hold them there's a lack of solidity and a rattley feel that just screams cheap! No such problem here, the usual Miyota noisy rotor issue is absent, unsure as to why but it's virtually silent. Maybe because it's a standard Miyota rotor (with laser etched AP logos) I don't know for sure, but both the 15202s I bought were silent so I'm assuming it's not just a one off and it's the same on all these 15202 reps, hopefully others will be able to confirm in time.

 

The case feels solid and is really well finished, the bracelet is if anything a little too stiff but will hopefully loosen up a bit over time, and it just all works perfectly. It definitely feels expensive!

 

So it's a good watch, all three boxes ticked!

 

It's not perfect, no rep is, to chase perfection is to drive yourself mad (and broke), but I think it's as close as a rep has come to the iconic Royal Oak Jumbo, and possibly as close as one ever will... who knows, I'm certainly not willing to wait any longer when this rep scratches my itch so thoroughly!!

 

Also available in rose gold and much to my surprise yellow gold, which I snapped up (now on its way to a new home as couldn't afford to keep both)...

 

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Fantastic summer piece!!

 

Thanks for reading and sorry it took so long to put together!

 

DC

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frosty1980

Excellent review....as always!

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MAJ75

Great job on this review mate, provides solid reference material for those pondering this particular piece.

 

None of us should underestimate the time that goes into doing something like this for the community.

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Foxindebox

Great review as usual DC :thumbsup:

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brang1

fantastic review, not a nit picking review, just an overall summing up of what looks to be a superb rep. Well done, great pics.

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Kleen™

Great read...makes me want to swap one of my ever-so-slightly-different blue-dialed 15400's for this one instead.

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baxter

applause_large.jpg

 

great review Dave .... is this only available from fat panda ?

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baxter

ordered :)

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Nickfive

And boys and girls that's how you take some seriously beautiful photo's

 

Nice review pal.

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phone

Regardless of how long it took, the review is fantastic. Much rather prefer a well written review to a thrown together one. Thank you for your contribution to the community.

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Cleebeauregard

Great review DC, as always. 8.9mm thick, correct tapisserie pattern on the dial, recessed bezel screws-- I want one! Perhaps I missed it, but I looked back over your review and still didn't see which factory this is from?

Thanks.

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_DC_

No idea of factory, forget about the factory and just send a pic of it to any TD, I got mine from WatchFinder but can't believe they're the only TD with it... they do come highly recommended by me though, faultless service as always!!

 

DC

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_DC_
ordered :)

 

I should charge Tim commission :P

 

Assuming you went for the stainless steel?!

 

DC

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baxter
ordered :)

 

I should charge Tim commission :P

 

Assuming you went for the stainless steel?!

 

DC

yep ... although i notice that the bracelet is overhanging a little .... is it noticeable in the flesh ?

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_DC_
ordered :)

 

I should charge Tim commission :P

 

Assuming you went for the stainless steel?!

 

DC

yep ... although i notice that the bracelet is overhanging a little .... is it noticeable in the flesh ?

 

I hadn't noticed that, lol!! That's probably got more to do with my puny wrist though!!

 

DC

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Foxindebox

Fucking hell Dave, that's another one I've bought because of you... :lol:

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_DC_
Fucking hell Dave, that's another one I've bought because of you... :lol:

 

Sorry not sorry!

 

DC

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Foxindebox
Fucking hell Dave, that's another one I've bought because of you... :lol:

 

Sorry not sorry!

 

DC

 

Ha ha ha, I'm sure it won't be the last either!

 

In all seriousness, I can't wait to get this one. It is my all time favourite AP. whilst some may nit-pick, I'm just happy there is an auto (thin) rep to fill that jumbo sized hole in my collection.

 

Thanks again for providing the great pictures and review mate. :thumbsup:

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_DC_

^^^ My sentiments exactly Foxy my friend, and you are quite welcome!!

 

DC

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GS535i

Verrrrry nice! While lusting for a JF V2 15400, this 39mm appears to be better suited to a 7" wrist??

 

Heresy, I suppose ... but if only it had a second hand as a constant reminder of interior mechanical perfection ....

 

PS - what watch is it in the early pics - the one with the funky bezel screw @ 10:00? The wrist shot watch is perfection.

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jordanrides

Thanks DC. Looks a winner.

 

You mind sharing the price with us?

 

Cheers

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azeus

which site did you purchase from?

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_DC_

WatchFinder, contact Tim (aka FatPanda) for prices!

 

DC

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Foxindebox

Just had my QC pics from Tim... really excited now :)

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Moondustesp

Great pictures and and a great review. Another one added to my shopping list. Had a ROO and a Diver before but I haven't got the wrist for it so I think this might be perfect

 

 

 

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