MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18872
With all the Royal Oak Chronographs lately, here is one of my favorite creations
My entrance into high end watches started with a Panerai. When you have only one nice watch, and it is a Panerai, you learn early on about strap options, and all the wonderful combinations you can create.
With Audemars Piguet, it is a bit different. Firstly, AP always seems to supply the best possible match for each watch they sell. Second, changing a strap on an AP Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore is not quite as easy as a Panerai or other springbar attached strap. So you need to have the correct tools, steady hands, and a bit of nerve if you want to work on something like the End of Days, where one little slip could cause much anxiety.
When you have a bracelet model, perhaps you want to try a strap. As we have discussed, recently too, sourcing authentic AP parts required for this change is not always the easiest thing to do. Policies vary by region, and even in a single market, the rules change and evolve over time. Sometimes you can purchase something, sometimes not.
I started with the Royal Oak Chronograph reference 26300 and enjoyed it for a while on the supplied steel bracelet. I think all of the dimensions on this 39mm Royal oak are perfect, and that includes the sturdy bracelet. Definitely thicker and heavier than Jumbo owners are accustomed to, but it fits this robust watch wonderfully.
Despite the wonderful look provided by this watch right out of the box, I still saw some nice possibilities to match it with a strap. If you have never held an AP without a strap attached, it is a cool experience. I'm not sure we always realize how heavy these watches are until we handle the case alone.
My first attempt mounted the watch on the Royal Oak Chronograph Tour Auto edition strap. The perforations in the black leather definitely match well with this "panda" dial.
Serious on the wrist. Still, I could not help but wonder if some colored stitching would elevate it even higher.
I got sidetracked a bit when I was able to hunt down a strap I had always kept an eye on, the Royal Oak Chronograph City of Sails rubber strap. I'm not sure it is as rare as a unicorn or hen's teeth, but at the time I acquired it, the task was difficult.
The smooth black rubber is awesome on this watch. The strap itself is also more pliable than the same style rubber strap mounted on something like a rubberclad Offshore. Quite enjoyable, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. A sports watch all the way now.
But that perforated leather was so unique, I had to place a custom order for my vision. And behold, the original "ROC Racer". This is it for me, the best combination of an AP Royal Oak Chronograph in steel.
Red is so commonplace on sports watches, and AP certainly has utilized the bold color frequently over the years. But for me, it is most effective as an accent, and to carry that accent across the entire piece is what makes this pairing so special.
Mmmm....
As always, any watch or strap or combination comes down to the feelings it evokes while on the wrist. The ROC Racer never disappointed.
I have really enjoyed these past few weeks and seeing all of the special Royal Oak Chronographs posted. This 26300 is not a limited edition, and while discontinued, it is still able to be found. With a little creativity and authentic AP parts, you can really take this model in a different direction.
More posts:
With all the Royal Oak Chronographs lately, here is one of my favorite creations
My entrance into high end watches started with a Panerai. When you have only one nice watch, and it is a Panerai, you learn early on about strap options, and all the wonderful combinations you can create. With Audemars Piguet, it is a bit different. First...
My favourite ROC, too.
I seriously thought about acquiring a 39 mm ROC. I asked the AP Boutique to sell me the needed parts for converting the ROC to a strap watch. They refused... So I did not buy the watch but two other chronographs. The other came today, the other early next...
That's a nice one, for sure!
I can't believe I had two of those pass through my hands. I'd love to have one back. M4
Nice choices aside from the usual ones
I must say I especially like this rubber design on pics, even if I think I would go for a natural material if I was considering a change (and if I had one haha...). I'm not a fan of the ROCs' layout usually but I love this one (I was really thinking about...
The rubber strap is wonderful.
Too bad they are not more readily available. It is a bit thinner and certainly more supple than an Offshore rubber strap.
Very nice color combo
The tour auto strap with red stitching looks great with your ROC. Regards, ED-209
I wish I still had it ED209
I had this watch several years and sold it to help fund another AP. I now own the 39mm white gold ROC, which is a bit dressier than the ROC Racer.
My favorite generation of the ROC
No question about it. I live every dial color for this generation, too. But yours is probably the most versatile, and it is one of the most beautiful sporty chronographs I can think of. I like all the combinations of strap and watch you show, but I think ...
Looks great
I'm glad you posted these pics Michael, makes my decision to change out the bracelet easier. Still trying to convince AP to sell me the plots,but not having much luck.
Keep after it
I did not source the parts easily, but in time was able to find them. One thing is for sure, OEM parts only on an AP. The aftermarket brands just do not have the quality and fit, and ruin those fine attributes of a real AP.
Appreciate the thoughts DRMW. As posted in a reply above...
I enjoyed the ROC Racer a few years before selling it to fund a higher priced AP. I currently have the WG ROC which has me wonderfully content. But this one is so sporty, I miss it at times.
Agreed!!
I think is one of the beauty of this brand you can mix it with leather, rubber, bracelet and the watch will look pretty nice!! Great pictures of the watch!
Beautiful Combo
The ROC Racer combo is stunning, wear it in a good health. By the way where did you source that strap ?, was it direct from AP ? Kosi
Kosi - welcome here to PuristSPro!
Glad to have you on board. The strap was ordered directly through my regional Audemars Piguet Service Center. Ordinarily, straps can be ordered with custom stitching. You can always check with your local AP Service Center and they should be able to help y...
Wonderful combination!!! Way to go!!
Very nice combination Michael! I think it looks original from the AP factory. Do you have any information on the original auto tour 2007 ROC? All I know is limited to 50 pieces. I don't see many info & nice pictures on the net. Any archive picture of ...
I will have to search the hard drives
For a photo of the Tour Auto ROC. It had the white / silver dial with black subdials and a black outer dial minute ring. The hands were red and it was supplied on the all black perforated strap. Quite striking.
