No love for AP Royal Oak Chrono 26320? Owners PLS show photos here :D

[illition]

Hi everyone, I've been looking at getting an AP.

I'm kind of torn between the

1.AP ROO (not the new ones with the exhibition back)
2. and the AP ROC. I'm looking at definitely looking for a timeless watch, which will be relatively easy keep.

I flip alot of watches, my Breitlings/IWC/Hamiltons etc but with this sort of money, i'm looking at a watch to keep for a long time.

Some points i'm considering are:

1. Whether the ROO will eventually be too 'large' for modern standards in say another 10-20 years (I know this is hard to gauge, and is more often than not subjective)
2. How well the rubber parts on the crowns and pushers for the ROO would last (some say they go after a couple of years and are an expensive option to replace)
3. Piggybacked movement for the AP ROO (although it is still an inhouse movement)
4. Non-inhouse movement for the AP ROC (although I understand it is a highly regarded F Piguet movement)
5. Size of the two watches, I have a PAM and I feel an AP ROO wears smaller.
6. I have an IWC 3717 and an Explorer 2 16570 and they are honestly the perfect size for a daily wearer for me, I'm thinking the AP ROC might be somewhere along the size of a 3717
7. Many ROO owners i've spoken to say just buy the watch, and sell it before the warranty runs out or servicing is due (5-10 years) but thats not exactly what I want.
8. ROC servicing is apparently cheaper than ROO servicing.
9. ROC is rarer and i've read more difficult to fake because of the extremely thin movement and case.

Problem is, i've been searching around and while theres TONS of info about the AP ROO, theres almost nothing on the AP ROC, I understand there are some reviews and photos but honestly its a little difficult.
I will definitely get round to trying both of them side by side and test it out, but as i'm studying overseas and my current location does not have an AD it will be difficult. When i return home I will get it done but thats only in a few months time.

It would be very helpful if 26320 ROC owners could post wristshots and possible wristsizes so I can get a good idea. Alternatively, if someone has a side by side comparison of a
1. ROC & a ROO
2. ROC & IWC 3717 (Would a ROC wear similarly to a 3717?)
3. Or a ROC & Explorer 2 16570



it would be great help!

I posted this on WUS but didn't get much of a response and someone directed me here, so trying to see who can comment on these issues :)
Thanks a lot everybody! Really appreciate it! :D

[thomaspp]

I love the look and feel of the 26320. Depending on how much of a movement snob you want to be, yes the use of a piguet movement bothers me a tad.

The 26320 will also be more "delicate". It will be more of a "dress up" watch and less of a "beater" if that makes sense. That being said I take the good with the bad and an just a big fan of the timeless look, the bracelet, ect of the ROs so that is probably what I would go with.

Ps: Neil please post some pictures of your beast.... Ha.

[illition]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

I love the look and feel of the 26320. Depending on how much of a movement snob you want to be, yes the use of a piguet movement bothers me a tad.

The 26320 will also be more "delicate". It will be more of a "dress up" watch and less of a "beater" if that makes sense. That being said I take the good with the bad and an just a big fan of the timeless look, the bracelet, ect of the ROs so that is probably what I would go with.

Ps: Neil please post some pictures of your beast.... Ha.

I see, I will definitely take more care of the 26320 as compared to my other watches considering it is about double or triple the price of the others, but as with all my watches, I probably will not be babying it a whole lot. Would want to wear to enjoy it :D

Has the F Piguet movement been known to hold up well? I wouldn't blink an eye purchasing a 15 year old Rolex cause their movements are workhorses but would the F Piguet hold up well over time too?

I have to admit I am leaning far more to the ROC than the ROO right now.

Thanks for the input so far!

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by illition

I see, I will definitely take more care of the 26320 as compared to my other watches considering it is about double or triple the price of the others, but as with all my watches, I probably will not be babying it a whole lot. Would want to wear to enjoy it :D

Has the F Piguet movement been known to hold up well? I wouldn't blink an eye purchasing a 15 year old Rolex cause their movements are workhorses but would the F Piguet hold up well over time too?

I have to admit I am leaning far more to the ROC than the ROO right now.

Thanks for the input so far!

I am no expert on the movement, but imagine it would do fine in terms of reliability, consistency, accuracy. It is no doubt a high quality movement.

Good luck

[RXAPPP]

I have owned a ROC and a 44mm ROO Novelty. The ROO is big and bold and IMO is not as classy as the ROC. That said if your a flipper the ROO is easier to shift. I had both around 18months, I missed the ROC and tried to get it back but in the end fell in love with the 15400 instead. With that you keep the timeless design whilst appealing to the movement snob inside you if it exists The bracelet is great on RO and ROC but it's a scratch magnet for me however the RO line is closer to the original Genta. He wasn't a fan of ROO and that to me says it all.

[illition]

Originally Posted by Broxi

I have owned a ROC and a 44mm ROO Novelty. The ROO is big and bold and IMO is not as classy as the ROC. That said if your a flipper the ROO is easier to shift. I had both around 18months, I missed the ROC and tried to get it back but in the end fell in love with the 15400 instead. With that you keep the timeless design whilst appealing to the movement snob inside you if it exists The bracelet is great on RO and ROC but it's a scratch magnet for me however the RO line is closer to the original Genta. He wasn't a fan of ROO and that to me says it all.

I am known (by myself) to be a flipper, but this is going to be my most expensive purchase yet, and I will not be planning to flip this (just like i've kept my PAM321 for about 3 years now - long for my standards)

So i would not want to base my decision on flipping

I do like the 15400 but i find the dial too simple/dressy to be worn with a jeans a t-shirt or even shorts and t shirt. Whereas the 26320 seems to be able to pull off dressy, casual, or even sporty at the same time.

I do get the original Genta line part though and I love the exhibition caseback.

Anyway, I will most likely be wearing this on a leather strap (custom made maybe) cause I am not a bracelet guy as you may observe from my collection :)

[srvrf]

I own an older ROC and I am considering adding a ROO to my collection so I am in a somewhat similar situation of comparing/contrasting ROCs to ROOs

Originally Posted by illition

1. Whether the ROO will eventually be too 'large' for modern standards in say another 10-20 years (I know this is hard to gauge, and is more often than not subjective)

Good question and only time will tell. That being said, I think the design of both will hold up well over time with a slight advantage to the ROC. After all, it is very similar to the original RO that came out in 1972. As for the ROOs (which came out in 1993), stick with some of the more traditional ones (Rubberclad, Themes, Safari, etc.) versus something like a Bee or Volcano

2. How well the rubber parts on the crowns and pushers for the ROO would last (some say they go after a couple of years and are an expensive option to replace)

While I don't know the exact cost, I'd think it would be relatively small compared to the overall cost of service, which I'd guess would be $1500-2000 depending on what needed to be done. But ROO owners who have had this done can give you a more accurate estimate of cost.

3. Piggybacked movement for the AP ROO (although it is still an inhouse movement)
4. Non-inhouse movement for the AP ROC (although I understand it is a highly regarded F Piguet movement)

My personal views on movements has changed over time. I used to feel that the only watches worth owning had in-house movements. But with movement makers simply being purchased, the lines are getting more blurred. Many outsourced movements are from top-notch companies (JLC, Zenith, F. Piguet).

5. Size of the two watches, I have a PAM and I feel an AP ROO wears smaller.
6. I have an IWC 3717 and an Explorer 2 16570 and they are honestly the perfect size for a daily wearer for me, I'm thinking the AP ROC might be somewhere along the size of a 3717

I haven't tried them all on and you will have to see for yourself. That being said, I think the ROCs wear larger than their case size suggests and ROOs wear smaller than their case size suggests. This may be due to the thickness differences

7. Many ROO owners i've spoken to say just buy the watch, and sell it before the warranty runs out or servicing is due (5-10 years) but thats not exactly what I want.

I guess this line of thought is like leasing a car and turning it back in before it needs new tires, battery, and more expensive maintenance. But I would just keep in mind that there is a cost of ownership with mechanical watches from maintenance and insurance.

8. ROC servicing is apparently cheaper than ROO servicing.

I can only speak of ROC servicing but think they're both similar costs. Base price for full service on a 25860 is around $1350.

9. ROC is rarer and i've read more difficult to fake because of the extremely thin movement and case.

I agree and during web searches I've seen what seems like countless ROO replicas on the web, rarely ROCs. But this should be of no concern to you other than buying from a reputable seller

[illition]

Originally Posted by srvrf

I own an older ROC and I am considering adding a ROO to my collection so I am in a somewhat similar situation of comparing/contrasting ROCs to ROOs

Good question and only time will tell. That being said, I think the design of both will hold up well over time with a slight advantage to the ROC. After all, it is very similar to the original RO that came out in 1972. As for the ROOs (which came out in 1993), stick with some of the more traditional ones (Rubberclad, Themes, Safari, etc.) versus something like a Bee or Volcano

While I don't know the exact cost, I'd think it would be relatively small compared to the overall cost of service, which I'd guess would be $1500-2000 depending on what needed to be done. But ROO owners who have had this done can give you a more accurate estimate of cost.

My personal views on movements has changed over time. I used to feel that the only watches worth owning had in-house movements. But with movement makers simply being purchased, the lines are getting more blurred. Many outsourced movements are from top-notch companies (JLC, Zenith, F. Piguet).

I haven't tried them all on and you will have to see for yourself. That being said, I think the ROCs wear larger than their case size suggests and ROOs wear smaller than their case size suggests. This may be due to the thickness differences

I guess this line of thought is like leasing a car and turning it back in before it needs new tires, battery, and more expensive maintenance. But I would just keep in mind that there is a cost of ownership with mechanical watches from maintenance and insurance.

I can only speak of ROC servicing but think they're both similar costs. Base price for full service on a 25860 is around $1350.

I agree and during web searches I've seen what seems like countless ROO replicas on the web, rarely ROCs. But this should be of no concern to you other than buying from a reputable seller

Thanks for the great insight! I am definitely leaning toward the ROC. Looks like an amazing piece which will definitely be timeless in the future.

Am just looking forward to some comparisons shots if any

[RUpanerai]

Buy the ROC, I think it is more similar to the size of your Rolex and IWC but wears a tag larger due to the weight of the bracelet and overall dimensions of the watch. It is truly a Daytona killer and is one of the best watches I would want to own. I had the Panda ROC and I really loved it. Dressed up very well if you add a croc strap or leave it on bracelet and looks absolutely killer on a Rubber.

Get the ROC over the ROO, I have had both but miss my ROC more than any ROO I have ever had.

[illition]

Originally Posted by RUpanerai

Buy the ROC, I think it is more similar to the size of your Rolex and IWC but wears a tag larger due to the weight of the bracelet and overall dimensions of the watch. It is truly a Daytona killer and is one of the best watches I would want to own. I had the Panda ROC and I really loved it. Dressed up very well if you add a croc strap or leave it on bracelet and looks absolutely killer on a Rubber.

Get the ROC over the ROO, I have had both but miss my ROC more than any ROO I have ever had.

Thanks for the reply! Just a quick question, do the adapters from the bracelet go directly onto the rubber strap you purchase?

I am looking at APBands but can't seem to quite understand. They sell an adapter conversion kit like this:
http://apbands.com/shop/merchant.mvc...roduct_Count=2

Don't the metal bits from the original bracelet come off and go onto whatever strap you order/customize?

On a side note where did you pick up the rubber? (I assume its not the same rubber strap that fits the AP Diver)
I found something like this:
http://apbands.com/shop/merchant.mvc...roduct_Count=0

Would I still need the conversion kit for this?

Thanks for the help!! :)

[AK797]

Steve makes many great points. I will add that I have the 26320 ROC and it wears larger at around 42/3mm, so not that dissimilar to the 42mm chrono ROOs as they have smaller dials, but at 11mm thick it is a fair bit slimmer and therefore more dressy and cuff friendly. The F. Piguet movement is very solid and I have had no issues with mine and not many reported here either I remember. My wrist is down to 7 inches from 7.25 and I find the ROOs a little too big and thick now. Even the ROC's lugs are right on the edge of going over my wrist.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by AK797

Steve makes many great points. I will add that I have the 26320 ROC and it wears larger at around 42/3mm, so not that dissimilar to the 42mm chrono ROOs as they have smaller dials, but at 11mm thick it is a fair bit slimmer and therefore more dressy and cuff friendly. The F. Piguet movement is very solid and I have had no issues with mine and not many reported here either I remember. My wrist is down to 7 inches from 7.25 and I find the ROOs a little too big and thick now. Even the ROC's lugs are right on the edge of going over my wrist.

Love that ROC Neil!

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by illition

Thanks for the reply! Just a quick question, do the adapters from the bracelet go directly onto the rubber strap you purchase?

There are two screws that attach the small metal plots to the case. Then a long screw and cap attach the band to the two plots.

I am looking at APBands but can't seem to quite understand. They sell an adapter conversion kit like this:



Don't the metal bits from the original bracelet come off and go onto whatever strap you order/customize?

The metal plots (bits) do not come off of the original bracelet. I have plots from AP Bands and OEM and the APB fit is not correct for my model. So stick with OEM. You can look up my 25860 conversion thread for details and pictures if you'd like.

On a side note where did you pick up the rubber? (I assume its not the same rubber strap that fits the AP Diver)

I found something like this:



Would I still need the conversion kit for this?



Thanks for the help!! :)

Depending on your ultimate choice, you'll have to look for an OEM strap. And you'll have to match case size. Most deployants I believe go to 18 mm. My ROC is 26mm, the City of Sails rubber strap is 27mm. I'm not sure about the 26300 or 26320 series as they are different case sizes.

And you'll need a set of four plots and two screw/cap sets that match the watch case. That's basically the conversion kit.

[bzabodyn]

My Panda ROC is my favorite and most comfortable watch I own by a long shot. Lifetime keeper.



BZ

[sturgeon123456]

The movement in the ROC does not hack. This and the fact that its not in house has completely ruled out a watch I would otherwise own....I was on the fence for quite some time but those points kill it for me.

[illition]

Originally Posted by srvrf

There are two screws that attach the small metal plots to the case. Then a long screw and cap attach the band to the two plots.





The metal plots (bits) do not come off of the original bracelet. I have plots from AP Bands and OEM and the APB fit is not correct for my model. So stick with OEM. You can look up my 25860 conversion thread for details and pictures if you'd like.



Depending on your ultimate choice, you'll have to look for an OEM strap. And you'll have to match case size. Most deployants I believe go to 18 mm. My ROC is 26mm, the City of Sails rubber strap is 27mm. I'm not sure about the 26300 or 26320 series as they are different case sizes.

And you'll need a set of four plots and two screw/cap sets that match the watch case. That's basically the conversion kit.

o.o looks like i'll have to spend another $1000 just getting the conversion kit and strap for swapping out of the bracelet.

Thanks for the help! Will look at your conversion thread!!

[illition]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

The movement in the ROC does not hack. This and the fact that its not in house has completely ruled out a watch I would otherwise own....I was on the fence for quite some time but those points kill it for me.

Thats true, another point for me to consider.

Its between that, the 15400 and the ROO. difficult choice

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Love that ROC Neil!

Thanks mate.

[illition]

Originally Posted by bzabodyn

My Panda ROC is my favorite and most comfortable watch I own by a long shot. Lifetime keeper.



BZ

I had a shot to get one of these preowned, but I hesitated and the deal fell through

Will keep my eyes peeled ;) Great looking watch!

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

The movement in the ROC does not hack. This and the fact that its not in house has completely ruled out a watch I would otherwise own....I was on the fence for quite some time but those points kill it for me.

I used to be against non-hacking movements but now own three F Piguet 1185 variants and an El Primero. It just doesn't bother me anymore. I think once you get used to the fact that an automatic isn't a quartz you realize that really the only time a hacking automatic is accurate to the second is the second you set it. So while I totally agree that people should get what they want, it is my experience that hacking vs non-hacking can become a non-issue once you own one.

And I've commented on how my personal in house feeling have changed over time as well. All I can say is that when I look at my ROC the thought that it is somehow "less" of an Audemars because it has what is now considered a Breguet movement inside it never enters my mind. And I'm pretty sure others who own them think likewise.

These are all great choices and you may very well end up with more than one in the end.

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by illition

o.o looks like i'll have to spend another $1000 just getting the conversion kit and strap for swapping out of the bracelet.



Thanks for the help! Will look at your conversion thread!!

That's about right if you use OEM plots, straps and deployant. I've used a generic 18mm buckle which does help costs but the only way I could get an AP deployant to fit the curvature of my wrist would be to bend it which in hesitant to do. I know others have had success reversing straps.

[illition]

Ouch! Fair price to pay but as a one time thing I guess its not too bad.


Any comparison shots with any other watch by any chance?

[Oboema Sesetokoe]

I have an AP26320 in rosegold an wear it normally with rubber strap. I like the watch, but a 39mm case is more comfortable. My wrist is +/- 7 inch. See the pictures.

[illition]

Originally Posted by Oboema Sesetokoe

I have an AP26320 in rosegold an wear it normally with rubber strap. I like the watch, but a 39mm case is more comfortable. My wrist is +/- 7 inch. See the pictures.

Attachment 574438
Attachment 574439
Attachment 574440
Attachment 574441
Attachment 574442
Attachment 574443
Attachment 574444

That is one of the most perfect watches o.o

Thanks for the help! My wrists at 6.75 but I wear Pams and my 45mm Breitling Blacksteel without issues too, although sometimes its nice to get a smaller watch. (and sitting lower they tend to avoid scratches better too)

Maybe I should save up and put the funds towards that Rose Gold model instead.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by illition

That is one of the most perfect watches o.o

Thanks for the help! My wrists at 6.75 but I wear Pams and my 45mm Breitling Blacksteel without issues too, although sometimes its nice to get a smaller watch. (and sitting lower they tend to avoid scratches better too)

Maybe I should save up and put the funds towards that Rose Gold model instead.

It def wears smaller and slimmer than a 45mm Breitling so should be no problem for you and yes if you can save for gold, def do so!

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by srvrf

I used to be against non-hacking movements but now own three F Piguet 1185 variants and an El Primero. It just doesn't bother me anymore. I think once you get used to the fact that an automatic isn't a quartz you realize that really the only time a hacking automatic is accurate to the second is the second you set it. So while I totally agree that people should get what they want, it is my experience that hacking vs non-hacking can become a non-issue once you own one.

And I've commented on how my personal in house feeling have changed over time as well. All I can say is that when I look at my ROC the thought that it is somehow "less" of an Audemars because it has what is now considered a Breguet movement inside it never enters my mind. And I'm pretty sure others who own them think likewise.

These are all great choices and you may very well end up with more than one in the end.

All excellent points

For me it was tough to stomach that the ROO chronos use the DD module, but I dont mind anymore. Maybe one day I can look past the 1185 but its still a little stumbling block for me.

[RolexJNJ]

I love the ROC and all its variations! It does wear large, but AP's are meant to have wrist presence!!

[JizJizJiz]

Here are some wrist shots on a 6.75" wrist - hope they help!

26320:





26300:



16523:



116520 (modified with meteorite dial and hands):



216570:



16570:



3717:

[lipjin]

I have a thread with ROC photos up. Here are some of them. Best 41mm RO IMHO with the chrono subdials filling up the dial nicely. The 15400 just feels empty on the dial in comparison - 39mm is much better for a 3 hander









The two best chronos in the market at the moment. IMHO

[RolexJNJ]

Originally Posted by lipjin

I have a thread with ROC photos up. Here are some of them. Best 41mm RO IMHO with the chrono subdials filling up the dial nicely. The 15400 just feels empty on the dial in comparison - 39mm is much better for a 3 hander

The two best chronos in the market at the moment. IMHO

Great shots!!