If you've ever wondered what it takes to get a Royal Oak, this is my “journey” at Audemars Piguet. In less than eight months, I went from a visit to owning three APs and two Royal Oaks.
I'll share my journey, the watches I got, and some tips at the end if you're wanting to get a Royal Oak at retail.
- Watch 1
- Royal Oak 34mm, light blue dial, diamond-set bezel (ref. 77451ST), for my fiancée
- Watch 2
- Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 43mm in blue ceramic (ref. 26420CD), May
- Watch 3
- Royal Oak 41mm, blue dial (ref. 15510ST), August
- Time taken
- Less than eight months with a new sales associate
AP vs. Rolex: How the Retail Experience Compares
I've played the Rolex retail game and worked my way up to the Panda, so I know a thing or two about getting some big watches at retail. The AP journey overall was much smoother, but it didn't always feel that way. Overall, they are amazing at communicating realistic timelines and expectations, whereas Rolex really feels like Russian roulette on what your next allocation may be.
Starting Out: No Royal Oak as a First Watch
It started in 2021 or 2022, when I first went into the AP boutique, and there were no watches in the showcases. And of course, my expectation, like a lot of people's, was to purchase a Royal Oak as a first watch. I was told a 37mm could be a first for myself, but that never happened. It is pretty well known at this point that a Royal Oak, especially the 41mm, can't typically be a first.
I didn't want to go grey. I knew I'd eventually want to try to get some big watches like a perpetual, a skeleton, or something along those lines. So I put my name down, checked in every few months, and it was just crickets. Not sure if my sales associate left or what.
A New Sales Associate and a Wedding Watch
At the beginning of this year, I went back into the store with my fiancée and connected with a new sales rep. As I am getting married next year, I wanted the Royal Oak to be our wedding watch. She reiterated that a Royal Oak could not typically be a first, or at least the men's 41mm, but she might be able to get my fiancée a 34mm or 37mm.
I also expressed interest in the light blue Gulf Offshore as a model I would like to add to the collection.
And it was a total refresh. More responsive and a better vibe. I didn't do anything drastically different. It really just started with that face-to-face introduction with my fiancée. From there, I checked in about once a month and we just talked naturally about the wedding timeline, which isn't until next year.
Watch 1: The 34mm Royal Oak With a Light Blue Dial
After a few months, I was offered a 34mm diamond Royal Oak with the light blue dial. I was ultimately pretty shocked, as I had no idea this could be a first piece, but it couldn't have been a better piece for my fiancée for our wedding.
At this point, it was very clear my next watch wouldn't be my wedding watch. As they say, it typically has to alternate between Royal Oak and non-Royal Oak models. Which for me wasn't an issue, as I really love the Offshore (I previously bought one on the grey market) and I really like some of the Code 11.59s like the Starwheel.
Don't Be Afraid to Say No
One tip: don't be afraid to say no. I was offered a few of the new divers and a few Chrono Offshores, but I turned them down as they weren't the exact dial I was looking for. My SA was super respectful of this; she really tried to help me find the watch I absolutely love, not just one I liked.
Watch 2: The Blue Ceramic Royal Oak Offshore
I had really wanted the light blue Offshore; however, it was rumored to be discontinued. After a trip to the boutique to see more watches, I absolutely fell in love with the full ceramic Offshore. I was able to try on the green one, but decided I wanted the full blue one, which I was told was possible.
Luckily, a few weeks later in May, they sent me the text that the blue ceramic one was ready for me.
I absolutely fell in love with this watch. The ceramic is outstanding. It feels like a more significant watch than the steel Offshore I already own.
The full reference and movement specifications are on our Royal Oak Offshore 26420CD shop page.
Is the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Too Big?
If you ever get the chance to try one, do it. The size objection is completely overblown; on a 7-inch wrist, I feel like it fits perfectly. The curved end lugs really help it tuck in, the rubber strap is incredibly comfortable, and as a lefty, wearing it on the right arm means the crown and pusher placement feel perfectly ergonomic.
Watch 3: The Blue Royal Oak 15510ST
At this point, it was clear my Royal Oak was next. I was able to pick what dial I wanted from any of the five 41mm dials. I am pretty sure I would've been able to pick any steel chronograph as well, but I only had one in mind: the 15510ST in blue. The 15510ST has been my absolute grail. I am a big blue dial fan, and the Royal Oak is no exception.
Then in August, I got the call to pick up my blue Royal Oak in 41mm. It is so stunning. In a deep shade of navy, the dial is very chameleon-like and the finishing is exceptional.
I've put the full owner review, with a lot more photos, here: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15510ST blue dial review.
Was My AP Retail Journey Normal?
Overall, I think my journey was pretty standard. The one thing I've loved from all of this so far is how upfront they are. It was very clear what pieces I could or couldn't get, and still is clear.
I don't think I would have been able to get my blue Royal Oak as a second piece. It probably would have been a grey, black, or white dial if it was my second watch rather than my third, so I got lucky that I was able to get my fiancée's Royal Oak as a first. It really worked out for us, which I was glad about. And I do look forward to continuing to grow my collection with AP.
Tips for Buying an Audemars Piguet at Retail
Some tips I have:
- Choose wisely. You can typically only get one dial of each reference, so pick the exact ones you want.
- Know the timeline limits. AP limits you to three watches in the first year in most cases. I was able to get both my fiancée and me watches in less than a year, which is something I didn't expect to be able to do before starting this.
- Play the long game. If you just want one watch, the AP journey probably isn't for you. My goal long term is to be able to collect multiple watches and grow my collection over the years!
What's Next?
And that is my retail journey at AP so far. I'll make sure to keep updating, or you can follow along on YouTube and Instagram.
So is this a normal retail journey? What do y'all think I should get next? I would love to get a Starwheel, a gold Royal Oak, or something along those lines! If you have any thoughts or want to share your own retail journey, let me know in the comments on the video.
