Unexpected interest

[Wcdhtwn]

Hi everyone. I'm pretty active on the Rolex part of this forum as that brand has had 95% of my interest over the past few years. I've never been a big AP fan, just can't dig the screws on the bezel. However I came across the 26331OR - RG on Blue Leather- and may now be obsessed with this piece.

I've read a decent amount on AP, but am far less knowledgeable than I am about Rolex. This piece is beautiful, no doubt. I'm interested in how this, or AP in general, is for durability and frequency/cost of maintenance. I've been pretty lucky with my collection of Omega, IWC, and a couple Rolex that I've had few service needs or costs, and would like to keep that record going.

I'm in the market for a new watch, have been waiting since October for a Blue SkyD from my AD. I am next, I'm sure they aren't going to screw me on my place in line. It's my 50th birthday gift, which was last December. In addition to the "fund" to buy that watch I have another "fund" set aside for something, maybe a watch as well, and have been thinking about a WG DD Green or Blue or a WG Daytona Blue Dial.

Since the SkyD seems "nowhere to be found" I'm starting to consider other options, which had been the DD and Daytona. But now this AP is in the mix. For the same money I can get a full gold Rolex, where as the AP is on leather. Conceptually this rubs me the wrong way, but for this AP I might be able to get over that. How would you compare the AP vs the Daytona and DD? Or maybe an easier comparison AP vs Rolex?

Thanks for your input!

[macrowatch]

It’s just a very, very different experience watch wise. There is no doubt Rolex gets you “more” for the same price in terms of material use. Eg you could get a PM OF Daytona instead of a steel ROC.

No doubt as others have said before the AP will feel more delicate vs a ceramic bezel Rolex sports model.

I found after a decent Rolex collection, the AP was a nice change of pace. I wouldn’t go AP first if I did it all over again, but I do like having an AP over a Nth Rolex. It feels higher quality (but more facile even on the crown) in SS vs PM.

[Benzsiam]

It's good to have variety brands collection. If I were you, I would rather go all the way with rose gold bracelet. AP is the most famous for their bracelet especially in rose gold. You can buy extra leather strap to go along with for another look too. It is cheaper to buy with bracelet from the beginning, if you buy with leather strap only and wanted to buy bracelet later, it will cost you a lot more.

[AK797]

It's an interesting choice between a gold AP on strap and a full gold Rolex, I would be inclined to experience an AP now as you have a few Rolexes plus the finishing on the gold is exquisite. I was in the same boat a few years back and did that with a RG ROC, then I went on to full gold Rolexes, which I suspect you will too, and also probably a bracelet AP as well, but all in good time, it's a fun ride for sure.

[sgwatchguy]

My 2c would be to work out how you could go all the way to full RG bracelet and not leather. The timepiece you’re considering is a stunner in full metal and the bracelet is essential, imo, to the complete AP RO experience.

[Fort Rolex]

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

My 2c would be to work out how you could go all the way to full RG bracelet and not leather. The timepiece you’re considering is a stunner in full metal and the bracelet is essential, imo, to the complete AP RO experience.

Seconded. OP if you can make the full bracelet work then that’s the play.

Best to you!

[sokoloka]

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

My 2c would be to work out how you could go all the way to full RG bracelet and not leather. The timepiece you’re considering is a stunner in full metal and the bracelet is essential, imo, to the complete AP RO experience.

This all the way.



The bracelet literally is something else!

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by AK797

It's an interesting choice between a gold AP on strap and a full gold Rolex, I would be inclined to experience an AP now as you have a few Rolexes plus the finishing on the gold is exquisite. I was in the same boat a few years back and did that with a RG ROC, then I went on to full gold Rolexes, which I suspect you will too, and also probably a bracelet AP as well, but all in good time, it's a fun ride for sure.

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

My 2c would be to work out how you could go all the way to full RG bracelet and not leather. The timepiece you’re considering is a stunner in full metal and the bracelet is essential, imo, to the complete AP RO experience.

Thanks for your input, and everyone’s. The full bracelet would be ideal. I’m really good at justifying things to myself, but haven’t gotten to the point I can justify $60K+ on a watch. As AK said, that’s part of the ride for the future.

Maybe that’s what I’m trying to determine in this thread... is a full PM Rolex DD/Daytona a better deal/option than the AP on leather. Service and durability play into that substantially for me. I wouldn’t beat the thing to death, but I also don’t want to get into annual shipments to AP and a $2000 to keep it running in top form.

The other part of this that’s difficult is finding the AP to try on. As great as watches photograph I won’t buy one without trying it on. From pictures I was dead set on a BLNR, when I got one on my wrist I didn’t like it, went with the LN. Mistake avoided and I’m not going to unlearn that lesson.

This will take some consideration, and justification, but I think it’s worthwhile for this piece. I’ll let you know if/when any decisions are made and incomings imminent.

[AK797]

I wouldn't worry about service/repair costs, you have up to a 5 year warranty and any issues tend to show up early and AP service is excellent and efficient, and the ROC has the rock solid and tried and tested F Piguet 1185 Cal, I had no issues with mine. For sure it's best to try on before buying, and value wise I think they are about the same bang for your buck, plus both hold value quite well nowadays so a good springboard to a full gold.

[ap1]

I’d go full gold Rolex. You need that AP bracelet

[Benzsiam]

If you don't go with AP 26331OR with bracelet, I think Rolex Day-Date 40mm rose gold with olive dial looks gorgeous.

[GSDLover]

I had a full yellow gold Daytona 116508. It was gorgeous. But the bracelet got many very minor scratches that drove me nuts.
I sold it and bought a 26331or with leather straps. The gold bracelet was heavy, about $14,000 more and i knew the scratches it would get would bother me.
Ive had this watch about a year. I wear it frequently and the gold has no scratches i can see. I can consciously and unconsciously protect the watch, but i fail protecting the bracelet.
Honestly, I feel this AP is finished way beyond the rolex. This decision worked for me.

[Sirocco]

The bracelet on the AP is one of the most beautiful ever made, imo.

The AP ROC in steel could be a good choice.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Sirocco

The bracelet on the AP is one of the most beautiful ever made, imo.

The AP ROC in steel could be a good choice.

Yes, this crossed my mind. These are impossible to get at an AD though, aren’t they? And trade for a premium on the gray market? I’m already on one impossible to get watch list, and am sticking to my guns of not paying over retail for a watch.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Yes, this crossed my mind. These are impossible to get at an AD though, aren’t they? And trade for a premium on the gray market? I’m already on one impossible to get watch list, and am sticking to my guns of not paying over retail for a watch.

Some more than others. Not impossible, there may be a bit of a wait but nowhere near the crazy wait times for SS Rolex sports models. The Jumbo is impossible to find.

[Sirocco]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Yes, this crossed my mind. These are impossible to get at an AD though, aren’t they? And trade for a premium on the gray market? I’m already on one impossible to get watch list, and am sticking to my guns of not paying over retail for a watch.

The new ROC in 38mm is trading at retail (more or less)

I don't know for the 41mm

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Sirocco

The bracelet on the AP is one of the most beautiful ever made, imo.

The AP ROC in steel could be a good choice.

Agreed. A first AP should be on a bracelet, imo. If that's not an option for now, my vote would be for the full pm rolex. As Mike used to say, they're some of the best bang for buck deals out there.

[strettyend]

For your first RO you gotta get the bracelet

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Hi everyone. I'm pretty active on the Rolex part of this forum as that brand has had 95% of my interest over the past few years. I've never been a big AP fan, just can't dig the screws on the bezel. However I came across the 26331OR - RG on Blue Leather- and may now be obsessed with this piece.

I've read a decent amount on AP, but am far less knowledgeable than I am about Rolex. This piece is beautiful, no doubt. I'm interested in how this, or AP in general, is for durability and frequency/cost of maintenance. I've been pretty lucky with my collection of Omega, IWC, and a couple Rolex that I've had few service needs or costs, and would like to keep that record going.

I'm in the market for a new watch, have been waiting since October for a Blue SkyD from my AD. I am next, I'm sure they aren't going to screw me on my place in line. It's my 50th birthday gift, which was last December. In addition to the "fund" to buy that watch I have another "fund" set aside for something, maybe a watch as well, and have been thinking about a WG DD Green or Blue or a WG Daytona Blue Dial.

Since the SkyD seems "nowhere to be found" I'm starting to consider other options, which had been the DD and Daytona. But now this AP is in the mix. For the same money I can get a full gold Rolex, where as the AP is on leather. Conceptually this rubs me the wrong way, but for this AP I might be able to get over that. How would you compare the AP vs the Daytona and DD? Or maybe an easier comparison AP vs Rolex?

Thanks for your input!

I totally get you! I too live in your same shoes! Very avid modern rolex collector, with all the “hot” ss models in my collection and recently took a leap of faith into the AP world with a 15500ST
totally different experience! I still like my rolex collection but love my new AP. To me it’s a piece of art! The attention to details, the craftsmanship, the dial design, the work and the open case back revealing the movement, are all features that are very unique to AP
I’d say rolex is a tool watch while AP is fine jewelry! not in a bad or blingy way but rather in an artsy fine work way!

[Jfo122]

Lovely choice between a gold AP on strap and a full gold Rolex. That's a lovely bracelet too.