Considering an AP

[Commandopat]

I’m considering buying my first AP. I have a 44mm 126660 Rolex DSSD, and a 40mm 116622 Yachtmaster blue dial.
I’m stationed in Okinawa, Japan right now and have limited access to any boutiques or ADs to try on watches so I’m hoping people here can help me out.
I’m 5’9 and 230lbs with a 7.75-8” wrist so I have some concerns about their size.
The 40mm Yachtmaster isn’t necessarily too small but i definitely couldn’t go any smaller.
Do any of you have pics of your APs on a somewhat larger wrist, especially the 26331, or the 15500?
Some pics for reference.

Thank you,
~Pat

[Toony]

My wrist is about 7”. I don’t think you will have any issue with a 15500 or 26331.

[amatsukaze]

Thank you for your service! I think you could go as low as the 15202/38mm chrono with no upper limits in terms of size in the AP range.

[Commandopat]

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

Thank you for your service! I think you could go as low as the 15202/38mm chrono with no upper limits in terms of size in the AP range.

Thank you, kindly. I’m afraid 40 is the smallest I could put on and still enjoy.

[Reign]

My wrist is 6.7” and I own the whole collection.

For your wrist size, a 41mm RO, 42mm ROO or 44mm ROO would be perfect. The world is your oyster with your wrist size as it pertains to AP!

[supernova]

You have some huge guns! I would recommend 41mm+ AP for you, wouldn't even consider the 38m or 39mm as any smaller would be similar to your 40mm Yachtmaster and look off.

[mjclark32]

I'm glad you made your way over here.
On your other thread I suggested Royal Oak Offshores and I'll reiterate it here.
Here are my AP's - 15400 and Diver. 7" wrist

[AshAP]

I’d recommend a 44mm Offshore. I think you might find a 15500 a bit too small if you compare it to a 44mm. This photo is on my 7.25” wrist.


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by AshAP

I’d recommend a 44mm Offshore. I think you might find a 15500 a bit too small if you compare it to a 44mm. This photo is on my 7.25” wrist.


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Indeed, would be no problem for you, it's a muscular sports piece of wrist art. My wrist is similar to Ash's and I wear a gold 44, it used to be smaller than Ash's but not now we are in lockdown.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by AK797

Indeed, would be no problem for you, it's a muscular sports piece of wrist art. My wrist is similar to Ash's and I wear a gold 44, it used to be smaller than Ash's but not now we are in lockdown.

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[huncho]

do you want a bracelet or strap? a 41mm RO would be perfect for you if you want a bracelet which is what i would recommend for a first AP, it's a work of art. otherwise as mentioned, you can always go for a bigger off shore

[chiscott_29]

Firstly to the OP, thank you for your service sir!

I think you should be all over an Offshore 44mm, or perhaps a 42mm. They can be pretty similar depending on model, but overall the 44mm feel and wear much larger. Either will look fabulous on you.

[steeevvvooo]

OP, I think a chunky statement piece is in order. Personally I wouldn't go below a 41mm given your build.

Offshores allow a lot of personal expression given there are a huge number of colours, and then you can change up straps easily too on the rubber clad versions. They are more casual than a steel bracelet, with the steel bracelet perhaps being more versatile given the sterile colours. The bracelet is anything but sterile/subtle though!

I have the blue YM and a 26331 so can provide wrist shots. My wrist is about 7 inch I think for comparison but you can judge the size difference of the YM vs the 41mm ROC




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[Benzsiam]

With your wrist size, you can wear all the size 41mm and above.

15500, 26331 and all ROO will look very good on your wrist.

[eonflux]

With your wrists, go for a 44mm.
Wears notably larger than a DSSD, except for thickness.

With a 44mm, will further differentiate from your Rolexes.

Those wrist shots vs the full-body pic illustrate how camera distance affects visual impression.
In that full-body pic, of which I assume is with your YM, it looks way too small. But the wrist shot of the YM looks fine.
A full-body pic of the DSSD will probably make it look small on your wrist as well.

Hence I think a 44 ROO would be just about perfect, and it'd probably look better on your wrist than on most of us.

[Commandopat]

Originally Posted by eonflux

With your wrists, go for a 44mm.
Wears notably larger than a DSSD, except for thickness.

With a 44mm, will further differentiate from your Rolexes.

Those wrist shots vs the full-body pic illustrate how camera distance affects visual impression.
In that full-body pic, of which I assume is with your YM, it looks way too small. But the wrist shot of the YM looks fine.
A full-body pic of the DSSD will probably make it look small on your wrist as well.

Hence I think a 44 ROO would be just about perfect, and it'd probably look better on your wrist than on most of us.

Which ROO is that? While I usually lean more towards the ROs, I kind of dig what you have in the pic, despite its rather large size - time to do some more research into it!

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by Commandopat

Which ROO is that? While I usually lean more towards the ROs, I kind of dig what you have in the pic, despite its rather large size - time to do some more research into it!

I think a 44mm ROO would look great on your wrist

That was a forged carbon 44mm ROO
Has been discontinued
But lots of other models available

I especially like that model because of the contrast of the forged carbon case juxtaposed with the ceramic bezel, the subdials are of the same color as the rest of the dial, and the light weight. Lightest of the 44mm which made it very comfortable.

118g vs 203g for the DSSD (and that's with the diver extension and a few links removed)

[Commandopat]

Originally Posted by eonflux

I think a 44mm ROO would look great on your wrist

That was a forged carbon 44mm ROO
Has been discontinued
But lots of other models available

I especially like that model because of the contrast of the forged carbon case juxtaposed with the ceramic bezel, the subdials are of the same color as the rest of the dial, and the light weight. Lightest of the 44mm which made it very comfortable.

118g vs 203g for the DSSD (and that's with the diver extension and a few links removed)

Found a few on C24; mid to high 20’s for a 6-7 year old watch. I have to ask, how does it feel having a watch worth that much on a rubber strap, and not even with a nice buckle? I realize many watches are that way, but it’s just been a really like time since I’ve worn one, and certainly never one worth that much. 118g is nothing; funny though, at this stage in my collecting I almost feel like the more weight, the more substantial the watch and therefore the “better”.. as silly as that may sound. I do like how it looks though, I’ll give you that.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by Commandopat

Found a few on C24; mid to high 20’s for a 6-7 year old watch. I have to ask, how does it feel having a watch worth that much on a rubber strap, and not even with a nice buckle? I realize many watches are that way, but it’s just been a really like time since I’ve worn one, and certainly never one worth that much. 118g is nothing; funny though, at this stage in my collecting I almost feel like the more weight, the more substantial the watch and therefore the “better”.. as silly as that may sound. I do like how it looks though, I’ll give you that.

Dude with your biceps you need to at least consider this one: platinum 44, most people complain about the weight, personally I love it.


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by Commandopat

Found a few on C24; mid to high 20’s for a 6-7 year old watch. I have to ask, how does it feel having a watch worth that much on a rubber strap, and not even with a nice buckle? I realize many watches are that way, but it’s just been a really like time since I’ve worn one, and certainly never one worth that much. 118g is nothing; funny though, at this stage in my collecting I almost feel like the more weight, the more substantial the watch and therefore the “better”.. as silly as that may sound. I do like how it looks though, I’ll give you that.

It does have a nice buckle, if you mean why no deployant well the 42 ones are pretty uncomfortable so most of us are very happy with the simple tang buckles on the 44s, and the rubber straps are very sturdy as they have to be, but there are many other options - gator, camo, textile etc so one watch can have a few different looks. The weights range from very light to heavy depending on materials so you have a lot of choice, try as many as you can on, I'm sure you'll find something that will just sing to you.

The 44s with camos might be right up your street. My RG with brown camo below.

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by Commandopat

Found a few on C24; mid to high 20’s for a 6-7 year old watch. I have to ask, how does it feel having a watch worth that much on a rubber strap, and not even with a nice buckle? I realize many watches are that way, but it’s just been a really like time since I’ve worn one, and certainly never one worth that much. 118g is nothing; funny though, at this stage in my collecting I almost feel like the more weight, the more substantial the watch and therefore the “better”.. as silly as that may sound. I do like how it looks though, I’ll give you that.

Totally understand about wanting more wrist presence with respect to mass.
All the other models are heavier.

Between ceramic and titanium, not sure which is heavier, but I tried on the ceramic version, and it was noticeably heavier than the FC.
Steel and precious metal would obviously be even more so.

As for a rubber strap, whether with a tang or deployant buckle, a bit ironic that the more expensive the watch, the more likely not to be available on a bracelet (Patek, Lange, Richard Mille, AP Concept, etc). While on less expensive Rolex and other brand models, some really nice bracelets are available. And the RO bracelets have no micro adjustment features similar to the DSSD Glidelock or that of other bracelets.

Certainly it costs more to produce a metal bracelet with a sophisticated clasp than a strap of dead animal skin or rubber with a clasp, even with a fancy deployant. A bit of an irony.

[joegusmano]

Originally Posted by Commandopat

Which ROO is that? While I usually lean more towards the ROs, I kind of dig what you have in the pic, despite its rather large size - time to do some more research into it!

The Royal Oak Offshore in that photo is reference number 26402CE. It's 44mm in full black ceramic. Beautiful piece. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued. "Nashville Watch" has one in mint condition for sale.

[WatchEater666]

Probably the only time I've seen someone who can pull off an APRO.

[7sins]

Thank you for your service!

I would not go below 41mm. I have a smaller 6.75" wrist and I find the 39mm 15202 wears small.

Also take into consideration, bracelet vs strap will wear differently with the bracelet wearing larger.

[Burlington]

As per above - a 44mm ROO is probably going to be your best bet.

[TheDude]

Look into an AP Survivor. Kind of a bargain these days.


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[Commandopat]

Originally Posted by supernova

You have some huge guns! I would recommend 41mm+ AP for you, wouldn't even consider the 38m or 39mm as any smaller would be similar to your 40mm Yachtmaster and look off.

Haha thank you - working out takes a little time than I spend watch shopping but probably not by much! Lol
I agree, 41mm is the smallest I’m considering.

Originally Posted by mjclark32

I'm glad you made your way over here.
On your other thread I suggested Royal Oak Offshores and I'll reiterate it here.
Here are my AP's - 15400 and Diver. 7" wrist

Yep, I appreciate the pics, they definitely help.

Originally Posted by AshAP

I’d recommend a 44mm Offshore. I think you might find a 15500 a bit too small if you compare it to a 44mm. This photo is on my 7.25” wrist.


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Good to know. I’m not necessarily needing something to be 44mm, but whatever I get It will need to be at least 40mm and look bigger than a yachtmaster.

Originally Posted by huncho

do you want a bracelet or strap? a 41mm RO would be perfect for you if you want a bracelet which is what i would recommend for a first AP, it's a work of art. otherwise as mentioned, you can always go for a bigger off shore

I love the bracelet on AP, and it’s certainly part of what draws me to an AP vice another Rolex. Not having seen the larger 44s on a strap it’s hard to tell but I fear that at a distance it just looks like a gshock... am I just being silly? Again, forgive me if they don’t - you don’t see many of my brethren buying them abs certainly not wearing them in uniform lol.

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Firstly to the OP, thank you for your service sir!

I think you should be all over an Offshore 44mm, or perhaps a 42mm. They can be pretty similar depending on model, but overall the 44mm feel and wear much larger. Either will look fabulous on you.

Thank you for the kind words. I’m still learning all models but it seems like even the 41s wear slightly larger than a 40mm Yachtmaster, which is encouraging.

Originally Posted by AK797

Indeed, would be no problem for you, it's a muscular sports piece of wrist art. My wrist is similar to Ash's and I wear a gold 44, it used to be smaller than Ash's but not now we are in lockdown.

Haha, time to get out and abouts by the sound of it! Lol. I really need to find a store with some 44s in it. I don’t doubt I could wear it, but is it my best option... that’s a tougher one.

Originally Posted by steeevvvooo

OP, I think a chunky statement piece is in order. Personally I wouldn't go below a 41mm given your build.

Offshores allow a lot of personal expression given there are a huge number of colours, and then you can change up straps easily too on the rubber clad versions. They are more casual than a steel bracelet, with the steel bracelet perhaps being more versatile given the sterile colours. The bracelet is anything but sterile/subtle though!

I have the blue YM and a 26331 so can provide wrist shots. My wrist is about 7 inch I think for comparison but you can judge the size difference of the YM vs the 41mm ROC




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Great pics for referee, thank you! Looks like a subtle size difference in favor of the AP, which gives me hope. I love the bracelet!

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

With your wrist size, you can wear all the size 41mm and above.

15500, 26331 and all ROO will look very good on your wrist.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by eonflux

With your wrists, go for a 44mm.
Wears notably larger than a DSSD, except for thickness.

With a 44mm, will further differentiate from your Rolexes.

Those wrist shots vs the full-body pic illustrate how camera distance affects visual impression.
In that full-body pic, of which I assume is with your YM, it looks way too small. But the wrist shot of the YM looks fine.
A full-body pic of the DSSD will probably make it look small on your wrist as well.

Hence I think a 44 ROO would be just about perfect, and it'd probably look better on your wrist than on most of us.

So I never really knew how the watch looked from afar until my wife took that pic and yes, it’s on the smaller size. I’m not sure most people outside of the WIS community would notice, but hey. The DSSD is a more proportional size, but then preference and acceptability are very personal so it’s all relative.

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Probably the only time I've seen someone who can pull off an APRO.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by 7sins

Thank you for your service!

I would not go below 41mm. I have a smaller 6.75" wrist and I find the 39mm 15202 wears small.

Also take into consideration, bracelet vs strap will wear differently with the bracelet wearing larger.

Also good to know. I’m impartial to the bracelet because it’s beautiful and iconic.

Originally Posted by Burlington

As per above - a 44mm ROO is probably going to be your best bet.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by TheDude

Look into an AP Survivor. Kind of a bargain these days.

I’ll check it out!
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[Lamontsanders]

44mm chrono or a diver would look good. Diver wears bigger than 42 for sure. The diver on the rubber wears great.

[Burlington]

Once you try it on, you will forget any misconceptions about rubber being in anyway inferior as a material.

For an active lifestyle it’s perfect.

[Commandopat]

Crazy how much more a blue dial 26331 costs over a silver dial... like $9K more. I understand, I like the blue dial, but not sure I like it that much more.

So question for those of you who have/have owned 26331s and 15500s... which did you prefer? Did one wear differently than the other? Obviously the former has a busier dial; was that a distraction or is the extra detail “preferred” if you will?

As nice as the ROOs are, I’m drawn to the bracelet on the ROs.