WHAT SEALED THE DEAL: On Champs’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin 15202

Cameron Wong

Those who know Champs know that he has a special affinity for Audemars Piguet. And like many others, that fondness for the Swiss manufacturer began with nothing more than a few pictures found online – like the proverbial pin-up posted on our bedroom walls.

A few years later, an innocent trip to Baselworld led to an incredible visit to the AP factory and it wasn’t long before he returned to pick up his Royal Oak 15400 with boutique blue dial. Still the fire burned. And soon after he was back at the birthplace of the original luxury sports watch; only this time, it was to pick up this one, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin 15202.

When did you first see/hear about it?

I first heard about it back in 2012, when it was relaunched for the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak. I had been daydreaming about it ever since, but sadly, I couldn’t afford it yet.

Any story behind the purchase?

When I went to Baselworld in March 2017, I had the privilege of meeting the CFO of AP and other AP associates. We got along so well that I’ve stayed in touch with them, and every time I have been to Switzerland since then, I’ve visited the AP headquarters. In September, they told me that a Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin (15202) would be ready for me when I visited next, and I was so excited that I instantly booked tickets and took my wife to Croatia; on the way back home we picked up the 15202.

What was the deciding factor?

I have always liked and wanted the 15202, and as it’s not readily available in Australia, it made my decision much easier.

Any surprises?

AP really look after their clients, whether you’re purchasing an entry-level or a half-a-million dollar watch. They treat each and every customer the same, which I loved. Before presenting the watch to me, AP took my wife and I to lunch at restaurant ‘Bellevue le Rocheray’ next to the beautiful Lac de Joux. After lunch, they took us back to the AP headquarters and presented the watch in a private room. They even gave my wife an AP present. Their excellent customer service is one of the many reasons I love AP so much.

When do you wear it?

I wear it daily now (day/night), as this is my latest purchase and I absolutely love it.

How does it feel on the wrist?

It feels amazing on the wrist. It’s so light compared to my 15400 blue dial; it’s actually scary at times because it doesn’t feel like it’s there. And even though it’s smaller than my 15400, at 39mm, it’s so well balanced that it’s a perfect fit for my wrist.