The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Design: Love it or Hate it?

A Review and Discussion of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The video looks at how it influenced the development of the luxury steel sports watch, how its design looks to be a prototype but also something from a different time. And answers the question as to why you can both love and hate the design of the watch.
#AudemarsPiguet #RoyalOak #APRoyalOakdesign
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[@ID-Guy]

Channel Support - Patreon: www.patreon.com/idguy Latest Releases: kzbin.info/door/zf6rqsEBni5G2TSevD6F4Afeatured Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/id.guy/

[@yuvalmor7594]

What do you think about the Tag heuer link? Can you make a video on it?

[@tituschase4074]

i guess I am quite randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to watch newly released movies online?

[@markusalexzander5891]

@Titus Chase I dunno I would suggest flixportal. You can find it thru google:D -markus

[@tituschase4074]

@Markus Alexzander thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it !!

[@markusalexzander5891]

@Titus Chase Glad I could help :D

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Another brilliant video ID Guy! Personally, I love the Royal Oak, but I agree that it is a watch with many love/hate virtues! Keep up the great work my friend!

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you as always Blueshirt! I have wanted to put some real thoughts down on the piece for a while and it was so good to finally address why I love/hate it. I'm sure there are many others who feel something similar. It's a great talking point. The watch is by no means boring ;) Thank you as always for the comments, sir!

[@nicholasevennett8231]

My goodness IDGuy, and others. As a proud owner of a 15400st, a true grail piece, I can't tell you how gorgeous it is. It is far, far more than the sum of its parts, and makes any Rolex short of a Daytona look like a toy, like a Swatch that I bought as a kid. Some perspective is needed here, it's like most people have never seen one, let alone worn one!

[@ID-Guy]

I've worn my fair share of them in the past (when AD's actually stocked them) and it truly is something special. The comments seems to be very 50/50 for the piece, but I really do enjoy it. The design is wholly unique and really is a watch that deserves a status above most. Thanks a lot for the comment Nicholas! Keep wearing your 15400 is good health! It's one helluva beast

[@thawasly]

Beauty is in the eye of the credit card 💳 holder

[@ID-Guy]

You're damn right hahaha! Thank you for the comment thawasly!

[@thawasly]

IDGuy watchfinder's quote to tell you the truth

[@themrgumbatron]

Exceptionally informative review

[@Mark..P]

There is something very intriguing about this watch. Unfortunately I have never tried one on so I can’t truly say what I feel about it. One day hopefully

[@ID-Guy]

Try and get your hands on one at a RedBar or something Mark. They are well worth experiencing. I tried them on back in the day when AD's actually had stock hahaha! It is a marmite watch though, like me, you'll either love it, hate it or both ;)

[@dariodeagostini5176]

Wonderful discussion about the RO. I agree with your sentiment. I cannot understand whether I love the RO or dislike it. The only sure thing I know is that I cannot just ignore it, I think it's a design the keeps talking to me, regardless of its age. I think I'd love to try one.

[@rickmann1587]

Another great post/video. 👌Thanks!

[@davidgriffiths8720]

Love this design. Lifted straight from the 70s and looks good today. Nice and sharp lines that never look dull. They cant stand still though so in my opinion they need the next watch to be something completely different.

[@alienhatz3265]

code 11.59 is different

[@ID-Guy]

Very true, their Code 11:59 was quite a misstep. The saddest thing is that this watch sums up the entire line of the AP family nowadays... It would be great to see some real groundbreaker arrive on the scenes from them in the future. Thanks as always for the comment David!

[@garyggarner7738]

I Love the Royal Oak! In every configuration! All the watches shown in your review are all Beautiful timepieces!

[@nephroghost1912]

In my opinion and personal experience both the RO and Nautilus are beautiful and unique in its design. Finished impeccably both around the casing and movement. The AP bracelet is amazing with its multiple polished angular facets. Very comfortable as well. Nice review!

[@thomassteffora2210]

I share so many of your thoughts... I end up being appreciative that it's out there, continuing to evoke such strong responses in me. It remains one of the designs I'm most fascinated by and have no interest in owning...thank goodness

[@jonnyrotten8095]

Indeed, a very complicated watch. I found the peace with a 15000ST (33 mm) with dark blue dial from 2004. AND I LOVE IT !!! Designed at the time of the charming Jaqueline Dimier. And so is the watch. Nothing to do with the more blingbling and hyped pieces of the Benhamian aera. And a big thanks for the quality of your videos.

[@yourydavydov5680]

I think only thickness of AP Offshore are sometimes makes me look on side of other brands but I own Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400ST grey dial and I love it to death!!!!

[@vgbudau]

Really enjoy your videos and your perspectives on watch design. Keep up the good work! Here's an idea for a comparative video: how do Laureato, Polo S and Defy Classic stack against the Nautilus, Royal Oak and Overseas? Just for fun :) Cheers!

[@jimmyjay122]

Excellent video! Almost every single statement is spot-on. And even though I think it's one of the most beautifully designed watches of all time, I can totally understand why it can also be perceived as ugly and all these fluctuating love hate feelings you have towards it. Reminds of when I first saw it some 10-12 years ago. I just couldn't understand it. And I don't claim that I now understand the mindset behind the design, but I just truly admire the end result.

[@Taragaca]

Great review again! Thank you! Would you please make a review of Breitling watches? I'm not a big fan of them but like the Navitimer and the Colt a lot. I would like to hear your opinion on the Colt or Avenger.

[@ID-Guy]

Great suggestion and thank you Taragacia! I will put some time aside and address Breitling in the future! I'll also be sure to discuss them on my Livestream tomorrow night!

[@TheKillWizard]

Gorgeous watch

[@mrp9498]

I just never really been attracted to this design. Maybe I would need to wear one for a few days to like it. Great video 👍🏼

[@chrisnyc3641]

Loved your commentary in this video. I too love and hate the AP RO, and struggle to settle on an opinion of it. At least we all agree on its significance.

[@macoyupadoodle]

I would also love to hear your thoughts on the ORIS propilot x

[@ID-Guy]

I'm going to scour my page for the link to original unveiling video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmjNqHRuepmCaJo Bear in mind this was done an hour or so after it was released (so my thoughts might have changed a bit since then) but hey!

[@The-Journe-identity]

ID Guy...Love how you made the connection with the Tesla Crypto truck. Interestingly, both highly hated out of the gate. Both brutally masculine. I have zero conundrums...The AP RO is one of my favorite watches.

[@ID-Guy]

I really think the watch and the truck pair well together. We're going through a process where these brutalist late 70's early 80's designs are creeping back in! It's very exciting to see where concepts like these will go in the coming years! Thank you for the comment Shelby!

[@macoyupadoodle]

What i don't like is how some people see Genta as the ultimate designer (ahem Carter Santos bezel, and his other designs don't get the same love). The RO was considered ugly and expensive when launched but gained popularity simply because it was expensive (rich snobs would never wear quartz ever since the Japanese made it mainstream). I personally don't think its a looker but the finish is excellent.

[@wajplays]

Great commentary. Did you accidentally leave a sound clip at the end of the video?

[@ID-Guy]

Hahaha! Sometimes I like to add little excerpts from earlier parts of the recordings (you might find them at the end of some of my latest videos) Thank you for the comment wajubalo! It was great putting this discussion together

[@shadimagdy8196]

I love the royal oak and the royal oak offshore. They really appeal to me more than anything else

[@Mark..P]

Just watching this again in late July 20. I have looked at this watch several times and although I love the design, there is something that stops me every single time from buying one (cost aside). You nailed this one...... I love and hate it and I personally don't know why. But I also have the same feelings for the Daytona Panda now 🤔

[@styx4947]

people do compare the two watches, but i think they forget that the Oak had 4 years by itself before the Nautilus existed. I would like to see a study of those years

[@alexandruflorianturda5379]

Since 1972, it has been, is and will be PERFECTION. Forever!

[@atothek302]

The first watch I truly lusted after, and while it’s no longer that, I prefer it over the Patek Nautilus. Brilliant analysis.

[@michaelkyriakou1832]

I'm surprised that you didn't mention the crown. The hexagonal design grates me. It should have been octagonal like the bezel.

[@ID-Guy]

I actually adore the "M8 style nut" crown. An octagonal cut would have probably looked to complicated (less pronounced). Also, the Hex shape pairs nicely with the screws around the bezel. Thank you for pointing it out though Michael! This watch really has a lot of love it, hate it elements ;)

[@n.hermanto9667]

I owned a RO long time ago before the price got crazy. Within a year I sold it because I just couldn't love its angular design. Had I know that the price will skyrocket I would have kept it in the box and sell it today at a whopping profit :)

[@rsr789]

You haven't fully completed your life as a watch lover until you've tried on (or if lucky, worn) a reference 5402 A-Series under 1000... there's nothing quite else like it, and that includes the Nautilus 3700/1A.

[@shaneoneal1658]

Thought provoking, as always. To me, both the Royal Oak and the Submariner are like classic songs on the radio that have been overplayed to the point of being obnoxious to listen to again.

[@ID-Guy]

Brilliantly said... and now everyone is going around with the songs in their heads (and so often you see others singing out loud / or humming the tune and it's equally annoying - meaning, seeing the watches on everyone's wrists) Great line Shane and thank you for the comment!

[@picanha694]

Most people cant afford a 15202st so i rarely seen it on people's wrists. The submariner on the other hand are overplayed till the point that its just a watch and not something as a status symbol anymore.

[@Weaselboy]

The white ceramic perpetual calendar is my screen saver

[@ID-Guy]

I've always asked myself "Why don't they make watches out of ceramic" and then this arrives on the scene. Such a slick material! I really hope it becomes mainstream in the future! (The white ceramic finish is just so badass on a watch like this)

[@giorgiodelpalatinato6718]

Iconic seventies design: For me the Royal Oak is the edgy Lamborghini Countach of wristwatches and the Nautilus is the rounded Ferrari 512 BB! Pinifarina's 512 is a great design, Gandini's Countach (the original LP400) is the even greater design. The Offshore models are the winged and bagged obscenities of the late or very late Countach models.

[@ID-Guy]

Hahaha! Very nicely said Giorgio! I must also agree with you that the Offshore's do less than nothing for me... The design of the Royal Oak should stay with the line and not be cross pollinated with the rest of the family. Thank you for the comment!

[@mohamedalketbi2326]

Always the first hit is the strongest , Gerald Genta has his best design in the beginning which explain why it’s better than PP or the rest of his designs,,, I like guilloche patterns applied in blue dial ,,, it adds 40 % aesthetic into the watch.

[@cedarcanoe]

A 35mm RO is the most desirable watch on the market imo. Genta himself shivered when he first saw the oversized diver and chronograph versions. So do I. I dream of a 3-hand RO but I will never buy one because of its price.

[@ID-Guy]

The smaller sizes really look great! And because of their case shape wears at least 2mm's larger. But the price of steel nowadays... some brands selling watches for 20k, others for 200, both using the same materials. It's bizarre. Thank you as always for the comments, sir!

[@cedarcanoe]

IDGuy my pleasure, greetz from Sweden

[@b.2221]

It's a hideous spanner heads watch, but great presentation video Sir 👍 Tam.

[@ID-Guy]

Hahahaha! Brutalism down to the last detail ;) But I agree, it's a love it / hate it creation (that seems to be getting a 50/50 reception in the comments) Thank you as always for the comments Tam!

[@yourydavydov5680]

How about frosted steel of frosted gold... those nobody’s tried to copy... they are looking awesome ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@karl_m3013]

I prefer the Nautilus. I like the simpler lines. I ignore most Royal Oak videos but i always want to hear you opinions.

[@minga007]

2020 and is still Gorgeuos Beautiful Flawless Stunning Different Is a simple master mind piece ! If your xwife looks like this watch, you shouldn't never let her go😕

[@rootedrotor525]

Loved the RO from the start - still love it today.

[@meson183]

For me the Royal Oak grew on me. At first it was too brutal and I dismissed it. But on subsequent looks, there is much more detail to be found in the finishing, the brushing and polishing and all the bevels. And this includes the meticulously crafted bracelet. It's all a bit architectural in feel. But then it gets softened in such subtle ways, it almost doesn't register. I particularly grew to love the "screws", because of their incongruity of the slots, yet they couldn't possibly turn being hexagonal. I liked the paradox. Also, I think it would be so much more appealing in real life. I think it will be a far better looking watch in the flesh.

[@Lozej]

"It's because the design is THAT GOOD!"

[@JamesVincex]

As a Royal Oak owner (ref. 15400), my experience says it's heavy, cumbersome, uncomfortable at times. But the Caliber 3120, with it's 278 individual components, 40 jewels, and 60-hour power reserve keeps amazing time after 3 years (+ 2.5 seconds per day) without service and protects me from doing stupid things like changing the date at or near midnight. Not only that but it turns more heads than any Rolex or Omega I've ever owned. Even if 4/10 times people say "Nice watch, is that a Rolex" lol.

[@ranadenikhil07]

ugly thing, beautiful video. great going IDGuy

[@styx4947]

when you ask, could it have been done differently, was it necessary? first you must define the intent/reason behind it's creation. i.e. what was the problem that the Oak was supposed to solve.

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

Was the hype for the Royal Oak solidified by the lack of pieces hitting the AD's, was this a conctious decision from AP, well learnt from Rolex??? Patek is always a price issue first and given the quality it is understandable that they will under supply!! Just points for thought!

[@ID-Guy]

It's very difficult to know or justify. Rolex is the master of trickery at this point... and have really jumped onto the "haute" bandwagon. A very good topic for the dealer channels to bring up though! Thank you for the thoughts Vaughan!

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

I’m a watch obsessive but looking at the Royal Oak I get a schizophrenic vibe-thankfully the prohibitive cost will save my sanity!! Great video

[@ID-Guy]

Hahahaha! Very nicely said! The price is enough to keep us guessing about how we actually feel haha! Thanks as always for the comments Krist

[@TimG--]

Great watch RO! So ugly it’s beautiful! Timeless. Nice video mate

[@jebusgod]

Personally I love the Royal Oak, the angles and harshness are what I love contrasted with the tapisserie dial in blue has to be the best out there, it is a goal in life to own one, conversely I don't particularly like the nautilus, its too bulbous too feminine for me

[@MTbone7]

We all love Rolex, but when you put on your AP it's like nothing else... a cut above. It just can't be worn all the time as it is more delicate. Amazing watch that I love love love. Great vid IDGuy and nice to hear the behind the scenes at the end lol

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you for the comment M Tbone! I feel the same way. Wearing it is a different experience (I've had some great experiences with them at AD's back in the day) It's also a watch that you'd choose to wear on a certain occasion and not everyday (unlike Rolex's etc) Such a difficult piece to pinpoint, but it's oh so cool (and marmite)

[@1517the_year]

As someone new to the watch community don’t slaughter me for this... My first reaction was NO WAY, it just doesn’t seem special. Then I gave it a few weeks and I started changing my mind and it grew on me. And now, I just don’t know.

[@invisuu6280]

Nathan Mawhinney it’s an ugly watch. People just succumb to the hype.

[@pilotstyle123]

Thats normal, everyone has their 15min affair with the Royal Oak, some get stuck on it.

[@alienhatz3265]

it's a great watch, classic design, easy to say it's overplayed, that's a fair position to end up in

[@ID-Guy]

Keep thinking about it until you try it on. Your reaction might be different depending on the day (that's how weird of a watch it is) And thank you for the comment Nathan! Welcome to the ever-present sickness / disease that is the watch hobby!

[@yuvalmor7594]

Its all in the straps Put a leather strap on it and it is a dress watch, put anything else and it is a sports watch

[@ID-Guy]

I wore a 5712r on leather the other day and it was the absolute bomb. I totally get why the pieces get so much attention! Thank you for the comment man!

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

I never considered the Royal Oak to be a true sports watch. To me the RO is a dress watch in a sports watch costume. A watch that emulates the form factor of something it was never intended to be. Sure the Offshore is arguably a sports watch, but it still derives from dress watch foundations.

[@alienhatz3265]

it's a sports watch in the context of delicate AP dress watches

[@jcbsplace]

Great video pal. I’m in the same camp but more of a hater than lover. I do like the ceramic versions as they tend to tone the piece down a lot. But I’d still prefer something from the house of A Lange or patek. Overseas it’s orf shore you idiot!!!

[@ID-Guy]

Orf Shore for sure!! And Jean-Claude, I'm with you... tried a platinum Lange last week and all I can say is that the hype is so real. They are unbelievable. I'd gladly take an 1815 Chrono over a Royal Oak. Thank you as always for the comments, brother!

[@locutusdborg126]

@@ID-Guy I owned an RO for a week before trading it because I did not bond with it. White dial. It was blah. I now own an Aquanaut 5167 and am happy.

[@SoXFireBlade]

I feel like the royal oak was inspired by rolex datejust. To me i find them in the same category except for the integrated bracelet

[@epicv7dayz824]

My ex wife started out beautiful....then...not so much !!

[@ID-Guy]

That's why she's your ex-wife, right? Just don't tell people where you buried her Ron ;)

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

Just think what she's saying about you!

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

I am surprised that it attracts so much bias and emotion. I actually find it quiet attractive but at the same time prohibitively expensive. What makes it worth 10 times the price of my Grand Seiko SBGX 261? But then again if any watch could be worth 10 times the price it can probably only be the Royal Oak or the Patek 5196G

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Watches, cars, suits. Who does really believe the 70’s and 80’s were a high water mark in style ? Come on, it’s been the nadir of taste.

[@stevefox8605]

Watched it, enjoyed it but still find GG's designs ugly and dated. I just don't get the hype. Cheers 👍🏻

[@ID-Guy]

I think what I like the most about the designs is that they are in a family of their own (something that we seldom see with watch designs nowadays) You can look at pieces from this era and say "That's Genta". Thank you for the comment Steve! It is a true love it / hate it beast

[@kierenmoore3236]

#teamhate

[@rzezniqq]

Third!

[@invisuu6280]

I really wish you’d reach the treshold of getting watches in for review. Your insights are good, but you only ever evaluate watches from online pictures.

[@pilotstyle123]

I think thats good, the youtube space for watchreviews is packed already. This channel is different because it is design focused, has this mock up drawings and a man who looks at them not from a movement or price perspective. If anything he should indulge more in the design things. I was fascinated when he deconstructed the Lange one design. I dont need another Lange 1 Review, thats what we have Tim for.

[@primozkorenc2474]

@@pilotstyle123 That s why we love it, don't we?

[@alienhatz3265]

@@pilotstyle123 would be nice if he could hold the watches though

[@STUANX]

extrêmement surcoté !! en terme esthétique , c'est une montre bien construite mais de la crier au chef oeuvre il y a un monde après que le calibre soit de grande qualité c'est pas le sujet

[@ashken3985]

I don’t get caught up with all the hype. I don’t care for it at all. I’m not swayed by what others say, the limited availability, or the market price. It does nothing for me. I prefer prices with a more timeless design. Those that look relevant today and twenty years from now.

[@ID-Guy]

It's a good philosophy to live by. If all three pieces were laid out on the table, I'd probably go for the VC overseas just because of what it offers and the approach it has taken. But I fully agree that buying into the hype really isn't worth the money in the slightest. Thank you for the comment Ash!

[@wakajumba]

Having listened to all this, I still think this is a fugly piece.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Amen. Preach, brutha!

[@RN-wy3ei]

Lots of RO and even more ROO detractors. How many have worn let alone owned one? Only then does one appreciate their worth. The quality is impeccable regardless of the design. Rolex does not come close. Conversely, Grand Seiko does. I have a 26400. It's brutal but also exquisite. My GS GMT is just exquisite. My Daytona is lovely but not in the same league when it comes to finish. However it's up there in the general feeling of quality, but it's not as special. The RO simply is.

[@impexRQ]

Ess tiger jajajaj - Come on - I even own Rolex and will never say that Rolex is superior vs AP or PP neither Vacheron - be realistic please (Rolex ) and even if I own it - it’s a mass industrial produce watch ...

[@impexRQ]

Ess tiger well, maybe for you it’s but I believe people who appreciate art, knows what Horology means but of course - I don’t expect the masses to understand it ... do you know how many watches AP produces and how many Rolex sport model produces? But I understand - it’s your opinion and if you economic level doesn’t allow you the freedom of enjoying watches but only for retention purposes ... I do understand you situation

[@impexRQ]

Ess tiger jajajaj - man, Rolex make over million watches a year and now they are even producing more (do some research please ) and please stop trying to convince yourself that Rolex is better then the holy trinity. If you love Rolex, it’s all good but please stop comparing art with junk ...

[@impexRQ]

Ess tiger typical loser minded guy 😂😂 well, people who knows me knows that I own - you? I can already imagen what kind of boring and low pay job you have 😋👌🏻

[@impexRQ]

Ess tiger jajaja - idiot no everyone with a Spanish is Mexican - I can see how ignorant you are - I’m sure what a make a year it take you 10 years easily ( 😉😉😉😉

[@russellharris5072]

Two word description of the AP appearance:-Bloody awful.Get out of jail free baton indices on a watch of this price?Please.......................

[@ID-Guy]

Hahaha! I love how divided we all are on the watch. It's a strange, strange beast. There are many more pieces to get for a much better price, but hey, it's a cool talking point. Thank you for the comment Russell!

[@Ilestun]

It's ugly and clearly it has been designed super fast, in a hurry Without carring about comfort of the owner. However this design is a status symbol like the teletubbies head design of the nautilus.

[@surfside75]

It's ugly as duck🦆😱 and in pictures looks cheap with the printed name on dial. -😂🍻

[@grahamoreilly4]

Give me a break! First time to the channel and was not impressed. I find the narration behind this video so disingenuous that it distracted from the analysis. The script and style for this video is a taken almost totally from C. S Lewis' astounding book "Mere Christianity", almost verbatim with the Irish authors' argumentation changed out for watches?