Messages: 866 Location: Sydney
Registered: December 2010
ROC.. Some quick pics – and initial thoughts
Wed, 23 November 2011 05:15
A new addition: The Royal Oak Chrono 26300ST.
I was looking for a chrono on bracelet to replace my Daytona, which although a beautiful and iconic watch I didn’t totally connect with.
I had the offshore panda on bracelet for a while and loved it but for some reason that now escapes me I let it go :(
So, loving the Royal Oak design and not wanting another offshore at this stage (I also have a ROO Diver) ….
….I jumped on this ROC when it appeared on TZ Showcase (big thanks to Ken Le).
Initial thoughts:
Its size and profile make it both elegant and sporty IMO. The red accents on the dial give it some drama and urgency (it is a chronograph after all!).
The case and integrated bracelet are a work of art with their tapestry of brushed and polished finishes. No one makes a bracelet like AP IMO. The attention to detail is outstanding. The clasp takes some getting used to though. Haven’t mastered it yet :)
I’m enjoying the lower profile of the watch compared to some of my others, which gives it versatility – business or casual – and great balance and comfort. Also less stress when walking through doorways :)
The movement is buttery smooth and a pleasure to wind and it’s razor sharp on the chrono stop/start/reset (think it’s based on an F. Piguet movement? Is this right Howard? Think it’s the one Walt’s talking about I this great article: http://www.timezone.com/library/horologium/horologium631672754676986923 ) and being integrated the chrono is less ‘twitchy’ than my Offshore was. The date is also a little easier to read as it doesn’t need the Cyclops.
As others have said before - it definitely wears bigger than 39mm. probably because of its length of almost 50mm and its strong angular form.
Image from AP site
They are some of my first impressions anyway. Thanks for listening to my ramblings.
- TrA