OP41 or BB Chrono

[Mo_Mo_86]

I know this has probably been done a million times over. Curious to know what would be peoples choice between an OP41 green or BB Panda Chrono? If any owners can give their thoughts on how they wear, size, versatility etc… (I have 6.5” wrists) would be much appreciated. Side by side pictures would be amazing if there are any out there. I understand it is entirely subjective to the individual but it’s always nice to hear other peoples thoughts. Im also aware that both might be difficult to obtain in the current climate. This would be a secondary piece to sit along side a Burgundy BB ETA. Look forward to hearing what you guys have to say 👍🏻

[winst]

OP41 Green if you think you can get one.

[amphr1]

Top Tudor model vs entry level rolex. I don't own the OP41, but I would think the BB Chrono is more interesting. And you can get it at a reasonable price in grey market

[Harry-57]

Do you need or want the BB chrono complication? If you were comparing like for like it would be easier to give a subjective opinion.

If you need the chrono function it might be a good idea to try before you buy. The snow flake hour hand can obscure the sub dials, which seems a bit silly.

If you particularly like or want the OP, no contest. It's an OP. Enough said.

[jimcameron]

Consider a DJ36, might be easier to find, and a better fit.

[Mo_Mo_86]

Thanks for your responses. I currently use my BB diving bezel to time intervals in between services during work so a Chrono function would also serve this purpose but I dont particularly need it as my BB will suffice. I also like the contrast a white dial will give against my black dial BB as I would wear them alternately. The OP on the other hand would be worn on weekends and days off and will more than likely be my one and only rolex. The brand seems to be increasingly moving further away from my grasp, financially and availability wise, so feel I need to buy sooner rather than later. I dont particularly like date function either as weird as that sounds so a DJ is not really in my sights. I know an OP36 might well tick the box though but im worried the size in comparison to my BB might make me feel like its really small when I wear it or my BB is too big if you understand where im coming from?

[HMHM]

I have the same wrist size as you at 6.5". Personally my daily is the OP36 followed by the BB chronograph. The thinness and lightness of the OP make it really comfortable to wear for long hours. I think you should try the OP41 first before making a decision. I did not like the proportions of the 41s (OP or DJ) so all of my watches are in 36.

[ExplorerGuy]

I also have the same size wrist and when I tried the OP41, it did feel too big with such a lot of dial and with it being so clean.

I do get what you're saying Re having a smaller watch may then exacerbate how big your BB feels, however, you could also argue that it differentiates them even more which could make you enjoy each of them more.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I have the same wrist size as you at 6.5". Personally my daily is the OP36 followed by the BB chronograph. The thinness and lightness of the OP make it really comfortable to wear for long hours. I think you should try the OP41 first before making a decision. I did not like the proportions of the 41s (OP or DJ) so all of my watches are in 36.

Attachment 1268473

That chrono looks sharp in black

I was going to select the OP41 but after seeing this I think I'd go with the Tudor

Also I think having a date is a really important complication

Maybe consider a DJ41 smooth/oyster for a casual alternative to the OP41?

[samson66]

Any thought to one of these? Beautiful chrono. Date feature. Size should work for you.

[Societas]

I think the BB Chrono is pretty bulky and inelegant, I would go OP and setp into Rolex ownership

[Slimpee]

It’s an odd comparison. Are you in the market for a simple all-arounder? Do you want a chronograph?

[Lightsped]

OP41 in green. Not easy to find though....

[tlbarrs]

I own both and they are both fantastic watches but very different.
Personally I would take OP over the Tudor without a second thought the Tudor will be very easy to pick up should you wise to do so in a couple of years but as you have said Rolex just keeps getting harder and harder for the average guy to obtain however I would definitely try the 36mm on as I think that will be a better fit for your wrist


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[Mo_Mo_86]

All valid points thank you.

I will have to visit my local AD and see if they have any exhibition models for me to try to see how I feel the 36 and 41 fit then.

Love the zenith chrono but its over my budget and beyond what id personally feel comfortable spending.

Not meaning to compare them. Im only trying to gauge them on a size and how they wear basis. Appreciate one is a simple 3 hander and one a chrono. Dont necessarily need a chrono function but would be handy for work.

The tiffany and panda look amazing! Can I ask how large the dials are on both models please? Very nerdy I know. My BB is around 31mm so guess dial size plays a big part in how large a watch wears.

Essentially I think I want a modern solid light/white dial rolex that probably is 36-41mm in diameter and around £5k! Will take on board any suggestions anyone may have.

[Bxtek]

Originally Posted by winst

OP41 Green if you think you can get one.

+1 vote on the green! That is my personal favorite out of all the colors!

[cjhurni]

The green is fantastic, that is certainly the piece I'd pursue

[nachopc]

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[rmwill]

OP is an icon.

[amphr1]

Keeping in mind the $ over MSRP for a OP41 vs BB Chrono, there's really no competition. If you want to buy an OP41 right now, it'll cost you $16k USD in grey market, and unless you're extremely lucky, you won't find it at MSRP. So if you can get one at MSRP, I sure would get the OP41, if only to flip it, and buy 2+ BB Chrono at grey market price!

[rlj676]

I don’t love the bb chrono, many other Chronos I’d choose first at that price point even.

If you can get an op41 that’d be my choice, especially as you have another watch so the green doesn’t have to be a daily.

[X E L O R]

As an owner of both a Turquoise 41mm OP and the Panda chrono… I’d pick the chrono out the two!

Reason… it’s a far more interesting watch, it’s got a stunning movement which is used in watches costing thousands more, it has a date and just incredible value! So it’s a little bulky on my 6.5 inch wrist… but it has a presence.

Don’t get caught up because it’s a ‘Rolex’!


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[asiparks]

BB- slap it on a bracelet, a Nato or leather strap very versatile and just looks really handsome, regardless whether you use the chrono.

The OP is ok. I think I'd get bored by any of the fashion colors.

[wetsum3]

I’d go bb chrono. Hard to beat for the money, even gray market prices. With the chronograph you’re getting a cool watch with the movement that is worth around 1.5x the watch’s gray market price. With the op, you’re getting a movement that is worth about 1/3 of the gray market price.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by wetsum3

I’d go bb chrono. Hard to beat for the money, even gray market prices. With the chronograph you’re getting a cool watch with the movement that is worth around 1.5x the watch’s gray market price. With the op, you’re getting a movement that is worth about 1/3 of the gray market price.

Yeah, at grey prices I’d go BB chrono. At MSRP, I’d go OP. Both might be big for a wrist less than 7 inches though. I don’t know your tastes, though.

[ogbeans]

I would buy the OP at retail.



I would buy the Tudor a few years down the line….it’ll b cheaper

[noshame]

OP, based on your wrist size, I'd definitely consider the OP36 over your two choices. That is, unless you like watches that fit bigger.

[Mo_Mo_86]

Thanks the OP seems to be edging it slightly right now. As for preferring watches that wear larger I honestly dont know what my preference is. All I know is I adore my heritage BB however I would say that is as large as I can go. I pressume the chrono to wear very similar and the OP to feel slightly smaller and probably more comfortable for that matter. Towards the end of a day my BB does feel heavy on wrist. Ive even considered a 114200 3-6-9 white dialled air king in 34mm as general opinion suggests it wears like a modern 36mm. Another option would be to wait till end of March beginning of April to see what both brands bring out in Watches and Wonders. A white OP, Explorer or BB58 would have my attention.

[watchwatcher]

It depends on your chances of getting an OP @ MSRP. If they're good, then it's not much of a decision.

If not, well...that BB chrono is one heck of a watch.

[HogwldFLTR]

I would choose any OP41 over the BB Chrono. Now that I've got the Silver I'm content. For Chronos, two Daytonas is enough for me.