Royal Oak for Daytona?

[BMess]

I’m been considering trading my AP Royal Oak Chrono for the 126500 white dial Daytona for a while.

Would you do the trade?

Some background:
The AP has always been my favorite watch, and my grail watch since I first saw it in or around 2018. I love the way it looks, feels, and fits my smaller wrist. However, I’ve been disappointed with it recently. The power reserve to be unacceptably low. I get between 24 and 36 hours before it dies. I’ve been frustrated with the lack of hacking seconds and the difficulty in accurately setting the time and then reengaging the crown to screw down. And I have been annoyed with how delicate the watch is resulting in it being hard to wear without thinking/worrying about it. For a $30,000 watch from the “Holy Trinity” of watch makers, I’ve been disappointed and find myself feeling like the AP is just a status symbol piece of jewelry and not a watch I can appreciate from a watchmaking and/or accuracy perspective.

Historically, I never liked the Daytona. It never did anything for me. My father has a two tone Daytona that he bought in 2014 and has worn every day since. I’ve seen many ceramic SS Daytonas and a handful of oyster flex and full PM Daytonas and none of them did anything for me. When the 126500 was released, I loved it from the moment I first saw it. I love the addition of the bezel ring to break up some of the contrast between the white dial and black ceramic bezel. I also love that the bezel ring makes the watch appear/wear slightly smaller. The smaller indices and and subdials were huge wins for me also, making the watch feel perfectly refined but maintaining the it’s sport watch history. All that said, I think the 126500 white dial Daytona is Rolex’s best modern example.

For all those reasons, I’m considering trading my AP for the white dial 126500.

If it helps, I also have a Pepsi on jubilee, a vintage Panerai, and a Cartier dress watch. I like to keep the collection as small as possible, having owned close to 30 watches over the last 3 years.

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by BMess

having owned close to 30 watches over the last 3 years.

This is rather impressive. It is like buying/selling a watch almost every month?

I won't lie, AP looks good on you. I think SS Daytona will be slightly underwhelming after it.

Did you try some PM Oysterflex Daytonas? Those are feel way more special.

[Kinnakeet]

I wouldn’t,

[EverCloserUnion]

I get the impression from your post that you've already made your decision.

Try this trick to make sure:

Toss a coin - heads you trade, tails you keep.

If the outcome feels 'wrong', then you already know what to do.

[brandrea]

As chronos go, I’d keep your AP

Have you discussed the power reserve with AP?

[JRell]

For a Daytona at MSRP from a AD, 100%. Maybe you can find an AD that would take it off your hands, trade in for a new Daytona SS, you get some money back and they make some money. Everyone wins.

[ikincooper]

Originally Posted by brandrea

As chronos go, I’d keep your AP

Have you discussed the power reserve with AP?

The above is what I’d be doing in your shoes. In my view, your AP is significantly more special V’s a SS Daytona.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ikincooper

The above is what I’d be doing in your shoes. In my view, your AP is significantly more special V’s a SS Daytona.


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Given that he owns another Rolex I wouldn’t be making that trade.

The AP is eye candy (to me)


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[padi56]

Not a real fan of the Daytona even less a fan of any of the RO range, both brands have great movement's but if I had to choose it would be trade for the Daytona.

[wesssyyy]

I wouldn't personally, not a daytona fan at all and that AP looks perfect on your wrist.

[spellmanski]

the AP looks great.

[jb335]

Don’t do it.

I would only trade a RO for a PM Daytona.


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[Bxtek]

I personally would do it in a heartbeat! However, I was never a fan of the RO to begin with is why. The RO line has some beauties in it, but they have never done anything for me. I will admit that the chrono you have looks great on you!

After reading your post, I wouldn't be so quick to do a trade? You mentioned about the functionality, power reserve, accuracy as the things that you dislike about it. You mentioned that you love the looks and how it feels. You're obviously enjoying the watch and with it being a grail for you since 2018, I am thinking you might miss it if it's gone?

For me personally, I could deal with the lower power reserve and non hacking seconds. I don't know what year model your watch is, but if it's older wasn't a 24-36 hour power reserve acceptable back in the day? I think 70 hours is a relatively newer thing in the watch world?

Also, the watch being "jewelry" is exactly what it is. Whether we use our pieces as tool watches, daily wearers or only on special occasions.....any luxury watch can be considered jewelry.

BTW, you have some nice pieces in your collection!

[Guppydriver]

That AP is nice….

Who’s to say you wouldn’t be disappointed with a Daytona after a bit?

Tough call.

I wouldn’t personally and I love Daytonas. You should add a steel Speedy and wear it for a bit. If you find you prefer the wearing experience over the AP, then trade the Omega and AP for a Daytona.

It would be really hard to trade a RO Chronograph for a mass market watch the retails for 15K.

[Bxtek]

As for the new 126 Daytona, wondering if you got to try one on as of yet? If not, you should give a "test drive". See if you actually like it as much as you think you do.

I totally get what you're talking about on the details of the new model. I like those changes as well. However, I am a Daytona fan and loved the earlier models too. I guess what I am saying is that if the older model didn't do anything for you, will the newer one "scratch the itch" for the long term ownership? The changed details are relatively minor and the 2 models look VERY similar. Just make sure those small details are actually going to do it for you in the long run, before you let go of your AP grail. That's my thought!

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’m not a fan of either but the scales tip for me towards that particular AP.

[subtona]

Yes because chronos shouldn’t have a date window.

[rolexjackson]

Might try to get a platinum Daytona if possibly a white gold? I agree with you about the AP being a piece of jewlery it does feel more delicate than a rolex. Any Rolex including a vintage feels more robust and reliable than the AP


Life is short buy the watch.

[piratfisk]

Keep the APROC. That bracelet beats a SS oyster bracelet in comfort 11 times out of 10.

[warrior]

Probably an unpopular opinion on this forum…but why would you trade a relatively distinctive looking chronograph ( as chronographs go, that is) for the Daytona, which to me looks like any chronograph ever made from any brand? I’m not taking quality, just looks from my perspective.

Originally Posted by BMess

I’m been considering trading my AP Royal Oak Chrono for the 126500 white dial Daytona for a while.

Would you do the trade?

Some background:
The AP has always been my favorite watch, and my grail watch since I first saw it in or around 2018. I love the way it looks, feels, and fits my smaller wrist. However, I’ve been disappointed with it recently. The power reserve to be unacceptably low. I get between 24 and 36 hours before it dies. I’ve been frustrated with the lack of hacking seconds and the difficulty in accurately setting the time and then reengaging the crown to screw down. And I have been annoyed with how delicate the watch is resulting in it being hard to wear without thinking/worrying about it. For a $30,000 watch from the “Holy Trinity” of watch makers, I’ve been disappointed and find myself feeling like the AP is just a status symbol piece of jewelry and not a watch I can appreciate from a watchmaking and/or accuracy perspective.

Historically, I never liked the Daytona. It never did anything for me. My father has a two tone Daytona that he bought in 2014 and has worn every day since. I’ve seen many ceramic SS Daytonas and a handful of oyster flex and full PM Daytonas and none of them did anything for me. When the 126500 was released, I loved it from the moment I first saw it. I love the addition of the bezel ring to break up some of the contrast between the white dial and black ceramic bezel. I also love that the bezel ring makes the watch appear/wear slightly smaller. The smaller indices and and subdials were huge wins for me also, making the watch feel perfectly refined but maintaining the it’s sport watch history. All that said, I think the 126500 white dial Daytona is Rolex’s best modern example.

For all those reasons, I’m considering trading my AP for the white dial 126500.

If it helps, I also have a Pepsi on jubilee, a vintage Panerai, and a Cartier dress watch. I like to keep the collection as small as possible, having owned close to 30 watches over the last 3 years.

[Daytonaman799]

I feel your royal Oak is aesthetically nicer than the Panda. I think if you traded for the new baby Le Mans with the true panda that might be better. I am sorry that the AP hasn’t been as sturdy. I have worn AP’s and had a better experience than the ones I have. The Rolex is basically bullet proof and you won’t have those issues as you already know but the APmdoes dress things up a bit more than the Daytona in my opinion. Also, just keep in mind a Daytona doesn’t have a date.

[KY..]

Absolutely beautiful AP.
Personally I wouldn’t do it for that particular Daytona you mentioned.
I do understand your feelings though as I traded a 25594st for a 6263 a while back.

[boa2]

If you're getting under 30 hours of reserve on the watch, service the AP and enjoy it.
The 126500 is a beauty, but tell me you won't then worry about scratching the polished center links.

[lowmandfl]

Sounds like you’ve owned a lot of watches, so you’ve got a pretty good idea what you like and don’t. It seems like you’ve already moved on from the watch in your mind, so I say go for it.

When a watch loses its fun, or you’re just totally out of the honeymoon phase, try something new. The new Daytona is great, I had the previous version in white, and enjoyed it but it wasn’t for me so I moved it. I do agree, the new bezel design is great and is a big improvement in my opinion.

[trackingtime]

i take the RO any day over a daytona

[bullies]

I’d get the AP serviced - my guess is you’ll realize how much you’d miss it while it’s away…

[t65tampa]

I love Daytona watches and I also really like AP ROs, especially the chronographs. I personally wouldn't do that trade, but if you've fallen out of love with your AP, there's nothing anybody can say that matters. Sounds like your AP is ready for a service.

I'd send the AP off for service and add the Daytona independent of any trade.

[Vipes]

I think you should do the trade. The Daytona is more versatile due to the ceramic bezel. If you want an AP, get a 15202/16202; more special than the ROC.

[inadeje]

I would keep the AP. I have a similar AP and already unloaded 2 ceramic Daytona’s while keeping the AP in my collection. I do have too other Daytona’s though, both Zenith. Tough decision but I would keep that AP.

[so nice]

A Daytona for that? Snap out of it lol