If you’ve collected high end watches long enough, one day you’ll want to add a good chronograph to your collection. The 41-millimeter Royal Oak Chronograph from Audemars Piguet might definitely be a good fit. It is a popular choice among our watch connoisseur clients.
Since this chrono is on Eric Rivera’s five favorite men’s watches list, our YouTube star went ahead and cranked out this video review of the black-dial version of AP’s stainless steel masterpiece.
At the beginning of his video, Eric states,
“Now, I know I have several favorite watches, but this being an AP and second, it being an AP Royal Oak Chrono puts it on my Top 5 list.”
In the video, Eric mentions that the Swiss watch manufacturer also makes white dial and boutique edition blue dial versions of their chronograph. The black dial chrono is what Eric prefers when it comes to AP watches in rose gold.
As Eric describes, the slimmer case of the Royal Oak line makes the watch dressier and more comfortable to wear with a formal attire. This low profile design makes the watch a lot easier under a dress shirt cuff, unlike the models of AP’s Royal Oak Offshore line.
The quick-release clasp of the AP Royal Oak chrono is one of the most comfortable deployment clasps ever deigned by Audemars Piguet, giving it a very balanced look on a man’s wrist. Nevertheless, Eric urges his viewers to be careful with the clasp and check the quick-release buttons often. Why? Because if one of the small screws that hold the buttons in place comes loose, you might lose one of the buttons. This will require that the watch be sent back to AP for replacement, so don’t make this expensive mistake!
Movement and Functions of the Chronograph
The AP RO Chrono comes equipped with an automatic movement and date and chronograph functions. The watch has a screw down crown made of stainless steel, like the chrono buttons.
Setting the date and time on the chronograph is pretty straightforward.
As Eric states…
“To set the date and time on the watch, it’s pretty much standard procedure. With the existing three-position crown, you can wind the watch, set the date, and then the time…For the chronograph, just simply press one button to start and stop it and the other button to reset it.”
The Look of the AP Chrono
The look of the 41-millimeter chronograph from Audemars Piguet is simply stunning.
The satin and polish blend that is characteristic of the Royal Oak line, combined a very balanced dial that never looks too busy, makes the watch very aesthetically pleasing.
Upon inspection, you will notice that the watch comes polished between each link on the bracelet, making it pop. This makes the watch remarkably conspicuous on the wearer’s wrist.
Another characteristic of the watch that Eric craves about is the attractiveness of the bezel.
He says…
“When it comes to bezels from Audemars Piguet, I’m simply just a sucker for them! The bezel is the first thing that grabs my attention when it comes to AP watches.”
The Price of the AP Royal Oak Chrono
If you have been following Eric’s Watch Your Style video series on our YouTube channel for some time now, you’ll know that he’s not a fan of paying retail price for a luxury watch.
Consequently, even if the retail price on the Audemars Piguet Chronograph is $24,300, he suggests that you attempt to get a good deal by finding a like-new, preowned model in a price range that’s somewhere between $17,000 and $18,500.
However, Eric mentions that finding a 41-mm AP Chrono at that price will not be an easy task due to the strong bond that owners have with their chronographs and the scarcity of the watches.
Eric explains…
“Most watch lovers tend to be happy with their AP chronographs and don’t want to sell them. Furthermore, these watches from Audemars Piguet have not been out for a relatively long period of time either, which sometimes makes them difficult to find.”
What to Look for When Buying a Chrono from AP
What are the two most important factors when buying the Audemars Piguet Chronograph? According to Eric, condition and the price.
As Eric has explained before on his videos, the most attractive deals can typically be obtained in the preowned, like-new category of luxury watches. This still holds true for the AP chrono on his video.
A watch in this condition can be placed next to a brand new watch and, for the most part, no one would be able to tell the difference.
Regarding his explanation of price and condition, Eric mentions…
“If both are good, it’s not a deal killer not to have the box and papers for the watch. Some think that the box and papers are a big factor in price when it comes to the AP Royal Oak Chrono, but this is only a myth. If you’re one of those people, get a life!”
Bluntly stated, the box and papers are a non-factor if price and condition are good.
How Well Does the AP Chrono Fit Into the Watch Game?
Being that one of the main objectives of Eric’s videos are to make sure that a guy’s “Watch Game” is strong, he provides his view on the chronograph:
“When you have the 41-mm Royal Oak Chrono strapped to your wrist, it will definitely say two things about you…One, that you have style and two, that you have balls!”
I don’t know about you, but I think that there’s nothing else to say after that comment!
If you liked Eric’s video about the AP Chrono, please share it with your friends (or with anyone that you know needs help strengthening his Watch Game) by using the social media buttons on this page.
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To see a variety of Audemars Piguet Watches in our inventory, click here.