Present: Audemars Piguet ROO Panda (26170) or Audemars Piguet ROO Diver (15707)?

[World]

Hi, not sure why there is no Audemars Piguet topic under: "Watch brands"
But I hope my post is at the right place here.

My brother wants to purchase a watch for me for my 30th birthday when he's going to Switzerland. I have to be honest, I've never been a watch guy nor did I have any interest in it unlike my brother. He said I can have any watch I want with a max of $30.000. Well, I had to catch-up and read a lot on high-end watches to educate myself a bit (but it's still not enough).

Anyway, I decided to go for a brand that he doesn't own one piece of, and that the AP brand ( royal oak offshore). I think this brand/series is something that fits my lifestyle the best: I am and always have been a sports fanatic: I'm generally a lot outdoors, going to the gym 5 days a week, do competitive swimming, as well as swimming in hotel pools, in lakes and oceans, do a lot of mountainbiking, motorcycle riding, travel a lot around the world: and would like to be prepared for every situation that can possibly happen. I would be annoyed as hell if I could not go swimming spontaneously due to the fact that my watch possibly couldn't handle it (water damage) or because I couldn't find a safe place to stash my watch, or if I do not have a proper watch to match with a shirt or suit when I suddenly have to be present at some fancy dinner.

That said, I like my watch to be versatile, meaning it must not look (too) stupid/childish/juvenile with a shirt or suit.

I basically narrowed it down to two models:

1. AP ROO Diver (15707): black/orange. Retail price: $ 18,900
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 15707CE - Audemars Piguet Swiss Watches

2. AP ROO "Panda" (26170): w/ steel bracelet. Retail price: $ 27,400 A price difference of $ 8500. Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26170ST - Audemars Piguet Swiss Watches

Yes, I also noticed the AP ROO (15706): FC/ yellow but I don't like yellow and I don't like the cheap childish plastic looking carbon.

I really need some advice on this from you guys.

P.S.

As to the diver series:

- For my own curiosity, why is the 15707 so cheap (especially compared to the other diver 15706). The later has a retail price of $ 27,100 and the first of only $18.900. Can somebody explain me why the + 8200 is justified? Both have the same 3120 movement. Is it because of the carbon V.S. Ceramic?

-I'm also a bit worried that the orange/black 15707 due to the cheap price would be considered an entry-level watch by in-crowd and purchased by all kinds of .........s mostly because of the affordable price compared to the Chronograph AP's. I like this watch very much (if I decide to not go for the Panda), but I don't want other people possibly see me as some kind of laughable, ridiculed poor risée ("chump") with a cheap entry-level AP watch, who can't afford to run with the big dogs, but nevertheless tries as some kind of clown. I don't like to loose face and be seen as some kind of clown who tries too hard. I'm a bit afraid that chances are high that -as time goes by- many people will be wearing the 15707 because of the cheap price and especially seeing that 15707 doesn't seem to be a limited edition watch and will be there for the time being (although the Panda isn't a limited edition either). The fact that both watches also don't seem to be "boutique only" makes it all even worse in my book!

Nevertheless, I just like this diver watch very much. So, I shouldn't be bothered by it too much. The black/orange color, the lightness of the material, the transparent back case and the fact that it is 300m waterproof (so I don't need to worry when it happens that I want to take a swim after work).

-I'm also a bit worried about what to think of certain reviewers who say that they consider the 3 Hz movement a big let down. A 4 Hz makes the second hand go smoother, but is a 3 Hz really considered a less favorable movement for an automatic watch? Some also say that the movement is a bit too small for the case. I don't know what to think of all of this.

As to my other choice of watch, the Panda, (26170).
Even though it is a totally different watch, I like it just as much as the diver. As said, I'm a outdoor kind of guy, who's going to beaches, lakes, pool parties ect, etc a lot. So, I'm a bit worried that even though it has a water resistance up to 100 m, I might damage it when I dive in the pool from the side, do some laps in the pool/ocean/lake or when I fall of a jet-ski or something like that. Notice, that I have no interest in deep diving. So, I will never take the watch deeper than 5m. The Panda seems to be more versatile, but I like the more sportier look of the diver. I guess, it can happen that I have to wear shirts and suits but not on a daily base. I guess, the chronograph function is cool, but like the most of you? I will not use it.

-As a new guy to watches, I've come to understand that you'll need to service your automatic watches every 5 or even 10 years (although 5 years seem to be the norm). Is it practice that you call them or e-mail the boutique where the watch is purchased in Switzerland and make arrangements? Or can I bring it to any big AP retailer? And what would servicing cost me for both watches? I really have no clue whatsoever on what to expect.

I'm only interested in one of these two watches. So, although appreciated, I don't want to have other watch suggestions, especially not the SS diver.

As said, I'm not really a watch guy, I don't see myself purchasing a second high-end watch (so that I will have both) ,but my brother really wants to give me one when he is in Switzerland for business again. The thought crossed my mind that it could also be an option to go for the cheap diver and use the $11000 that is left for a SS Jager-Lecoultre reverso duo (for the times I have to wear a dress suit and suit), or even using the $11000 for a new Ducati motorcycle!! But it sounds weird to say such a thing, but I think the cheap price/ entry-level vibe of the diver (as mentioned above) could cause

Choices, choices.

I hope my English wasn't to hard to understand. It's only my third language.

I hope some of you could advise me and explain some of the differences in watches, movements, and respond to some of my questions and concerns. I'm sorry for my ignorance if I showed it through my writing.

Thank you.

[s14roller]

The ceramic Diver will be a much more casual watch...would not reco with a suit. Panda is a great looking watch, but you need to be careful of the bezel.

Also, your price delta is off...retail on the ceramic diver is very close to the Panda...$26-27K list...and it's very new, which means you would actually find the Panda for cheaper with a higher discount.

I'm not sure either is a really good watch to do everything with...my APs only come out on weekends...it's hard to use a ROO as a one and only watch to do sports in, swim, beat around, and then throw on a suit with (in my opinion).

If you are not a watch person, I'd just pick up a Rolex Sub and call it a day. Of my collection (which my APs are my favorite) if I could only pick one watch to do everything with, it's hard to go wrong with something like a Rolex Sub.

My 2 cents

[VICI]

Agreed... Rolex is more versatile. But an AP....well it's an AP! Enough said.

I have the panda and absolutely love it. Bought it on bracelet and ordered the strap for a change of pace.

Depends on your personality, etc...but today, I wore a double breasted suit and my panda.

[Hairdude1]

The Panda gets my vote if only AP. As the others have stated maybe a rolex would be a better everyday watch

[Cru Jones]

It doesn't seem like either is a good choice for you based on what you are looking for. It would be like driving a Lamborghini when you don't care at all about cars. Oh, and servicing these watches is pretty expensive, so you might want to check if your brother will pay for that.

Anyway, I voted for the ceramic Diver.

[travisb]

Ceramic Diver will hold up better aesthetically with your daily activities.
Add a SS Rolex IF you add a second watch.

[HKRolexFans]

SS ROO is a scratch magnet, it does not suit your life style. Get the ceramic Diver.

[VICI]

If you want to compare high end 'versitility'




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[simongpaez]

Based on your description I would choose something else ,Rolex Daytona or Sub will cover everything you just said.

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

It doesn't seem like either is a good choice for you based on what you are looking for. It would be like driving a Lamborghini when you don't care at all about cars. Oh, and servicing these watches is pretty expensive, so you might want to check if your brother will pay for that.

Anyway, I voted for the ceramic Diver.

Good analogy

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

If you want to compare high end 'versitility'




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You bring up a good point with the 5980 - even something like that I feel would suit what he's looking for a bit better, but still not something I would wear when doing activities, jumping into the pool, etc...

It would indeed be like driving a Lambo when not caring about cars and just need the function of a normal but nicer car, say a BMW.

[Audemars Piguet]

Diver

[fkim011]

Panda! I just got mine and I love it!

[rolepam312]

No offense but for a " non watch " guy, why worry about the brands perception and value ? You seem to be more concerned about how you will be perceived with an " entry AP " model?? There are plenty of people who would die to have " one " entry level AP....

Besides, I doubt the crowd you hang out with will even be able to discern between any " high ended " brands so I would suggest a " Rolex " ( any model will do) as that will be the only brand they may recognize and you'll save your face too.... Good luck

[AK797]

I don't think APs are for you... or watches. Get something you actually like instead of what people around you will like you for.

[Jim12345]

I don't think I have heard of the AP Diver called entry level, it is normally just seen as a very cool piece. I know with some brands -for example Patek, there are some that see the Aquanaut as entry level rather than appreciate it for what it is, from some attracting comments like you should have got the Nautilus (just an example, don't hang me PP owners- I like the Aquanaut), but what I'm trying to say is, I haven't found this same stigma with the AP Diver.

I think both the Panda and the Diver are great, as others have said your pricing is out, the price you quote is the SS diver, the ceramic is close to the Panda in price. The fact you mention dressing up sometimes and don't want other watch suggestions, I would say the Panda would fit in better, but the ceramic diver, given your active lifestyle, will stand up to scuffs and scratches better in my opinion. Good luck with your choices, very generous of your brother.

[VICI]

Got to be honest, I didn't read your original post.

I mean this in the most candid way... You have got to get over yourself and your "perceived wealth"

Real wealth, kid, isn't about showing for others, it's about buying for yourself.

This should be a closed thread.

[simongpaez]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Got to be honest, I didn't read your original post.

I mean this in the most candid way... You have got to get over yourself and your "perceived wealth"

Real wealth, kid, isn't about showing for others, it's about buying for yourself.

This should be a closed thread.

I didn't read th whole thing but now that I did I couldn't agree more

[benlee]

Originally Posted by alex_nyc

got to be honest, i didn't read your original post.

I mean this in the most candid way... You have got to get over yourself and your "perceived wealth"

real wealth, kid, isn't about showing for others, it's about buying for yourself.

This should be a closed thread.

+1.

[World]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Got to be honest, I didn't read your original post.

I mean this in the most candid way... You have got to get over yourself and your "perceived wealth"

Real wealth, kid, isn't about showing for others, it's about buying for yourself.

This should be a closed thread.

Thanks for taking time to post. I like how the Panda model looks on your wrist. Yes, Alex, big guy, I still do feel like a kid often. I'm glad you noticed. On the other hand, I guess it's very mature of you then to ask a thread to be closed only because you disagree with how I - as a total layman in this respect- (clearly mistakenly) think in-crowd (high-end watch connoisseurs) could/would perceive me with an entry-level watch (like my brother says) like the diver. If insecurity of a total newb in this respect must be punished by closing a thread, then I guess this forum is not the place for me to ask advise on what watch would fit my lifestyle best.

A big thanks to all the other people who took time to vote -the results are clear: both options would be okay- and who gave me some appreciated advise. It's very nice of you and again, like I already said in the last sentence of my openings post, I'm sorry if I offended anyone by thinking other people "in the know" would think similar to my brothers asshole friends, who seem to ridicule every watch that isn't a limited edition tourbillon of brand xyz. Bye.

[Horofied]

I completely agree with the rest on this forum... Some of us have to save,save & save to end up with a watch we really do 'appreciate' & 'crave for'.
I voted for the Panda but if you consider it just entry-level and cheap I would suggest go for the JLC & Ducati.

[bde]

Originally Posted by alex_nyc

got to be honest, i didn't read your original post.

I mean this in the most candid way... You have got to get over yourself and your "perceived wealth"

real wealth, kid, isn't about showing for others, it's about buying for yourself.

This should be a closed thread.

+1