26331st vs. Daytona

[Roger Lococco]

Would love to hear from people who have owned both the 26331st and the 116500 stainless steel Daytona - or at least considered both. What are the pros and cons for each?

What is the fit of the AP like for medium sized (I.e. 7-inch flat) wrists?

Which one do you like the best assuming a white dial for both?


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[Horolojust]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

Would love to hear from people who have owned both the 26331st and the 116500 stainless steel Daytona - or at least considered both. What are the pros and cons for each?

What is the fit of the AP like for medium sized (I.e. 7-inch flat) wrists?

Which one do you like the best assuming a white dial for both?


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Interesting topic. I couldn’t justify two times the retail for Daytona so ended up with this.

My wrist size is 6.5” and I think it wears fine.


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[JorgeCCW]

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[Hank]

I’ve owned several AP ROs and ceramic Daytonas. IMHO, APs are nicer in terms of fit and finish but no brand is more robust and reliable as Rolex. However, both can coexist nicely in any collection. If I were forced to choose one, I would go for the Daytona which I feel fits my active lifestyle better.





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[bruinmd]

I have two 116500's (white and black) and have tried on a couple of 26331st's.

For my 6.5" wrist, it was a no contest. The Daytona may be the most comfortable watch I've ever put on with a bracelet (I haven't tried on a Nautilus, but have owned a RO 15450 and now a 15400).

The 26331st was doable size wise, but not exactly comfortable, at least for me. Couple that with the lack of in-house movement, and it didn't justify the price tag.

[JorgeCCW]

To me is all about not worrying about scratching the bezel , so Daytona. But using the ROO sparingly could be done when you have a good rotation to minimize risk of scratches


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[zesty55]

I have a 7" flat wrist, own the panda 26331 still, flipped the Daytona. The AP is not a shrinking violet at all, has major presence. ROC looks between a classic RO and a ROO in size. Fits well, doesn't look too big.

The ROC looks and feels a level above a steel Daytona, but makes me think it'd scratch easy and show those scratches easy - so I baby the thing. If you want a no-thought beater the Daytona is a better choice, it'd wear scars better. If you want an eye-catching disco ball get the AP (seriously, in low light situations, when it moves; eyes draw to it, such a cool effect that bracelet finishing has.)

Daytona movement is way better - almost double the reserve, hacking, higher beat rate, rolex's famous durability. The F Piguet 1185 basis in the AP is reliable and has nice smooth chrono engagement, but dated compared to current Rolex.

Size of the Daytona is perfect, you don't think about it or notice it. AP you're always noticing, blinging in the periphery with it's powerful stance.

Such different pieces! I'd go AP if you prefer jewelry, Rolex if you want a no fuss watch.

The AP feels like it's worth $20k, the Rolex doesn't - not too compelling at secondary market prices.

IDK, lots of factors, try them both on and follow your heart. ��

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by zesty55

I have a 7" flat wrist, own the panda 26331 still, flipped the Daytona. The AP is not a shrinking violet at all, has major presence. ROC looks between a classic RO and a ROO in size. Fits well, doesn't look too big.

The ROC looks and feels a level above a steel Daytona, but makes me think it'd scratch easy and show those scratches easy - so I baby the thing. If you want a no-thought beater the Daytona is a better choice, it'd wear scars better. If you want an eye-catching disco ball get the AP (seriously, in low light situations, when it moves; eyes draw to it, such a cool effect that bracelet finishing has.)

Daytona movement is way better - almost double the reserve, hacking, higher beat rate, rolex's famous durability. The F Piguet 1185 basis in the AP is reliable and has nice smooth chrono engagement, but dated compared to current Rolex.

Size of the Daytona is perfect, you don't think about it or notice it. AP you're always noticing, blinging in the periphery with it's powerful stance.

Such different pieces! I'd go AP if you prefer jewelry, Rolex if you want a no fuss watch.

The AP feels like it's worth $20k, the Rolex doesn't - not too compelling at secondary market prices.

IDK, lots of factors, try them both on and follow your heart. ��

This is pretty well said and compared.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by zesty55

I have a 7" flat wrist, own the panda 26331 still, flipped the Daytona. The AP is not a shrinking violet at all, has major presence. ROC looks between a classic RO and a ROO in size. Fits well, doesn't look too big.

The ROC looks and feels a level above a steel Daytona, but makes me think it'd scratch easy and show those scratches easy - so I baby the thing. If you want a no-thought beater the Daytona is a better choice, it'd wear scars better. If you want an eye-catching disco ball get the AP (seriously, in low light situations, when it moves; eyes draw to it, such a cool effect that bracelet finishing has.)

Daytona movement is way better - almost double the reserve, hacking, higher beat rate, rolex's famous durability. The F Piguet 1185 basis in the AP is reliable and has nice smooth chrono engagement, but dated compared to current Rolex.

Size of the Daytona is perfect, you don't think about it or notice it. AP you're always noticing, blinging in the periphery with it's powerful stance.

Such different pieces! I'd go AP if you prefer jewelry, Rolex if you want a no fuss watch.

The AP feels like it's worth $20k, the Rolex doesn't - not too compelling at secondary market prices.

IDK, lots of factors, try them both on and follow your heart. ��

+1
With AP, I am more aware and careful and worried when I wear it.—its a beautiful piece and, in my mind, it’s delicate. With my Rolex, it’s definitely less stressful to wear. Hope this makes sense.

[tourspecgolfer]

I own a ceramic daytona white and paid 10k over retail for it. I also have the 15400OR and agree with the opinions here. Daytona fits so well and feels so solid. My AP has to be a rotation piece. Once i wore it for a month long trip and it took more damage than the previous 3 years had done to it.

[GB-man]

If the AP was no date I’d take it all day but since it’s not Daytona.

[Ar_Mi]

There is absolutely no dying that the Daytona is a fantastic watch, but just as everyone said its most deff not worth twice retail if you dont want to wait in crazy multi year waitlists. If its at retail its a totally diff argument.

Price aside thogh its my honest opinion that as a watch enthusiast you have to try both.
The RO gives you unmatched finishing, design and style. Rolex gives you Robust beautiful watch you can wear for years and years without worrying about it. Throw it on and go.

And for some reason the date aperture being placed a bit off between 4/5 makes me kind of like it. Having a date is a huge plus for me with the RO.

[dwatcher]

The Daytona should be better for me. Take it

[Helmi]

At retail Daytona wins. At grey prices, the AP wins

I own the blue roc and love it. Still waiting for the Daytona at retail.




Instagram: @mydream_watches

[CoveWatch]

Originally Posted by Helmi

At retail Daytona wins. At grey prices, the AP wins


Instagram: @mydream_watches

My thoughts exactly!

[AK797]

Maybe the new Code Red, coz you can't handle the truth, is a better comparison now, no real bezel to damage, inhouse and longer PR.

The new ROCs are better finished, and have more dial combos, esp if you like blue they have nailed it with contrasting silver subdials, but it does wear wide, more like a 42/3mm, as opposed to the 38/9mm feel of the Daytona, which with its smaller size and CE you can wear anywhere at any time.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by AK797

Maybe the new Code Red, coz you can't handle the truth, is a better comparison now, no real bezel to damage, inhouse and longer PR.

The new ROCs are better finished, and have more dial combos, esp if you like blue they have nailed it with contrasting silver subdials, but it does wear wide, more like a 42/3mm, as opposed to the 38/9mm feel of the Daytona, which with its smaller size and CE you can wear anywhere at any time.

38mm ROC takes the size issue away now.

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by AK797

38mm ROC takes the size issue away now.

Yeah, it looks super tempting.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

Yeah, it looks super tempting.

Have to see if it is now too bezel heavy, something I felt on the 450, think 39mm was probably ideal.

[Xerxes77]

Originally Posted by AK797

Maybe the new Code Red, coz you can't handle the truth, is a better comparison now, no real bezel to damage, inhouse and longer PR.

The new ROCs are better finished, and have more dial combos, esp if you like blue they have nailed it with contrasting silver subdials, but it does wear wide, more like a 42/3mm, as opposed to the 38/9mm feel of the Daytona, which with its smaller size and CE you can wear anywhere at any time.

You have right with ROC 38mm.
I speake yesterday with my AP AD and he tell me the new ROC 38mm it’s like 39-39,5mm.
So I think can be a true competition btw this two.
IMO AP win this time.

[Roger Lococco]

Here is my collection. Mrs. Lococco has told me that 3 watches is the limit :).

I bought the Daytona last year from an AD at retail and no tax, but was thinking about trading it for the white AP Chrono.

The Vacheron will be a lifetime keeper. I absolutely love it in every way. The Pepsi is much the same.

Note, the Overseas is a great fit and feel but I wouldn’t want anything that fit larger / heavier. I sold a Rolex SD43 because the case thickness was just too uncomfortable. The 3-hand APs don’t sing to me as much as the Chronos.






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[Locust]

Have both. I have a 6 3/4 ish wrist. Prob closer to 7 after the holidays. They are both super comfy. I’m bigger (6 2”) so I prefer the size of the roc to the Daytona. For me the ROC wins by a hair.


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[dcash0615]

I own both and love both. However the blue dial 26331ST doesn’t get wrist time so have for sale. I have a 7.5+ inch flat wrist and both fit great.

[Deityjazz]

i have owned both the 26331st and the 116500 stainless steel Daytona. If am to pick one now again it'll be the former

[holdtime]

Ap.

[ocwatching]

rolex is fuss free ownership...(of course at retail)...
AP is better finished all around but its gonna need coddling...

[TheMethod]

Originally Posted by ocwatching

rolex is fuss free ownership...(of course at retail)...
AP is better finished all around but its gonna need coddling...

Ironically, over the past 5 years, I had to send Daytona and Submariner to Rolex Service Center for various issues but the two AP's had no issues at all.

[Xerxes77]

I have AP ROC 26331 and I can tell you I wear it around 6 mounth like everyday watch.
In this time I was in vacation and wear it every where.
Yes the bezel will have some little scratch but that’s it......Daytona will have scratch on the case and on the bracelet too!
And about price for the money you can buy a Daytona ceramic from grey you can buy a ROC and it’s next level!
Send you 2 picture to see what treatment have my ROC



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[VICI]

I just received a blue dial ROC and also have a grey dial 15400.

The bracelet is on a different level compared to the Rolex but to most, the wearability is easier w the Rolex.

I think the AP wins!

[zahain]

the ROC is the better watch on all levels. Finishing, has a date function and more modern aesthetic compared to the daytona. Plus if you find the daytona small, the 41mm or now the new introduction 38mm ROC will work for you.