GMTiic or AP RO 15300

[mater]

Hi all, long time lurker first time poster here looking for some bias or un bias advice from this side of the Rolex fence.

My 30th Birthday is approaching and I am looking to add a watch to my repertoire (currently have a speedy co axial). I have thought long and hard and have come to be set on the GMTiic as I feel it is a fantastic all around watch that I can wear daily and also dress up. There is a love hate relationship when it comes to the brand for me as I know it is classic and reliable. Part of me likes that it is so recognized, the other half can't stand that it seems like everyone and their uncle seems to have one.

Then there is the AP RO 15300 that speaks to me in ways the GMTiic does not. I love the uniqueness of it.. the minimalistic almost engineered look, and the fact that I probably won't see the guy sitting next to me at dinner wearing one.

I am aware of the price difference here, but that is not as much a a factor as the other internal debates I am having. Anyone in here with one or the other, or maybe both watches willing to chime in on how they compare worn as a daily, durability, types of attention they get etc? Opinions are appreciated!

[Cru Jones]

two very nice, but very different, watches.

the GMTIIc has the additional function and the ceramic bezel to withstand scratches, which probably makes it more of a day-to-day piece. for some, the bezel font can be a bit busy/distracting.

the 15300 is pure beauty. people tend to say that the 15300 is a tad on the dressier side compared to the 15400, but, i'm not sure about that one.

i guess it depends on what you want it for and where you think your watch collection will go.

good luck and happy pre-b-day.

[padi56]

Myself not a fan of any of the AP RO range good movements but just don't like that style of watch. So for me it will be the GMTIIc but again not a huge fan of the ceramic type inserts but the GMT is quite a versatile watch.

[texex91]

Wow that's a tough one. Any chance you could get both? They are so different, but are perfect to balance each other out.

15300 (white dial) can dress up or down. More up than down. Great watch.

GMTIIc Sporty. Good all around Rolex and my fav sports watch from Rolex.

Ultimately if you can pull them both off then get them both. I guess if I had to choose I would say GMTIIc first, then get the AP. But touch call. Maybe an AP Diver instead?

[Hairdude1]

I would save for both

[mater]

Thanks for the words so far.

As for the dial on at AP, I would go with the blue. My wrist is small and flat. So the diver is out of the question, as is the AP 15400. I am looking to swap my speedy co axial for the 42mm moonwatch as the 44.25 just wears way too big and tall on my wrist.

Knowing myself, I would eventually get the GMTiic down the road if I got the AP first. Can not say I would get the RO after I got the GMTiic as I could only justify the price of the RO as a 30th Birthday present! However, I would not like this to influence your opinions or my current choice!

[kilyung]

Repost from AP section:

The Rolex is very rugged and durable. It's a bit flashy with the ceramic bezel and polished center links. While not as ubiquitous as Subs, you will often see GMTs out and about. It dresses up nicely for a sports watch and the GMT complication is very useful. In short it's a dressy sports watch.

The AP 15300 is now discontinued and increasingly hard to find. The finish of the watch is spectacular and pictures don't do it justice. It does scratch easily and probably isn't as robust as the Rolex. I wouldn't go diving with one but a few laps in the pool is no issue. It looks great dressed up or casual and the odds of encountering another in the wild is low... very low. If you do, it'll likely be another aficionado. I think of it as a sporty dress watch.

I love both but the AP gets top billing in my book.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mater

As for the dial on at AP, I would go with the blue.

A blue dial 39mm AP is classy!

[jvo300]

As an owner of both, I'd say focus on the way you plan to wear the watch. You can't go wrong with the GMTIIC as an all around everything watch. However, the AP15300 is definitely more refined and in a different class when it comes to fit and finish. This makes it more delicate also (you will curse the first scratch on this beauty). If you plan on keeping your Speedy, I think the 15300 would be a great addition/pairing. Good luck!

[capote]

Originally Posted by kilyung

A blue dial 39mm AP is classy!

This is the one

[clock]

Originally Posted by capote

This is the one

Brilliant picture

[Rashid.bk]

Difficult choice, so different. The AP is gorgeous but doesn't strike me as a durable all around watch. If this is for a collection, get the AP. But if this is a daily all arounder, you cannot beat the GMT2c. It has in my opinion a more durable and reliable movement, more robust outer shell(even go diving) and can dress up and down with the only exception being a tux.
I'd like to own both, but if this is a Highlander type situation get the Rolex.

[petenyc]

gmt

[beshannon]

Personally I like the GMT although I do not need the GMT function and I despise the cyclops.

In this case I would go AP

[00pumpkin]

Try them both on the same day and take lots of pictures. I prefer the 15400 and would take one any day over the GMTIIC.

[TAKUYA]

As an owner of both, i'd love to save for both, but get AP15300 first if you can now. you can always get gmt 2c anytime. If you need Gmt, then get GMT2c first. AP 15300 can be every day watch to me as well.

[clock]

The AP will cost a lot more for maintenance.
That said the RO is a classic and the better watch in terms of fit and finish and beauty of the movement.
I would choose the Royal Oak all day long.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by clock

The AP will cost a lot more for maintenance.

"a lot more" is relative. IMO, it's not that much more particularly given what you get.

http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

[clock]

Originally Posted by kilyung

"a lot more" is relative. IMO, it's not that much more particularly given what you get.

http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

A good watchmaker can service a Rolex for ~ $300 and if needed can easily source parts. Relatively fewer watchmakers have experience with servicing an AP and procuring parts is much more difficult.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by clock

A good watchmaker can service a Rolex for ~ $300 and if needed can easily source parts. Relatively fewer watchmakers have experience with servicing an AP and procuring parts is much more difficult.

Without a Rolex parts account, it's not easy to source parts anymore but yes you can find more economical Rolex service although a good polish job isn't a given.

I have no problem paying for the extra cost of the AP given the added quality of the watch. Gotta pay to play. If that's an issue, an AP (or any other luxury brand) may not be in the cards.

[superdog]

I personally think the GMT is one of the best most versatile watches ever produced.

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by superdog

i personally think the gmt is one of the best most versatile watches ever produced.

+1.
Never liked the look of the AP. Just my opinion but very 1970's looking. GMT2C IMHO best sports watch in current Rolex lineup.

[AK797]

If blue dial then def the AP 300, that's its best colour.

[clock]

The RO was initially introduced as the first (or one of) luxury watch in stainless steel.
The Rolex GMT was initially introduced as a tool watch.

I love my ceramic GMT, but it's no Royal Oak.

[jbsmith]

GMTIIc gets my vote. Just my personal preference, but the AP styling has never sang to me. Just my opinion.

[Rolex Freak]

This one.

[GMT2crazy]

AP for sure.

[Billywiz]

Ap...great watch but I just dont like the look...

[Daytona-Dan]

Originally Posted by Billywiz

Ap...great watch but I just dont like the look...

We seem to have almost identical taste!

[beaglehusky]

AP. I love the GMT, but in this case I'd go AP.