AP 26315ST vs Daytona RG OF

[Gatedmanual]

Hello!

I’m on the cusp of purchasing a milestone watch for myself and am vacillating between an excellent condition AP Royal Oak chronograph 26315 ST with silver dial and blue sub registers or a new/mint Rolex Daytona in rose gold on the oysterflex bracelet.

I love the look of each and truly can’t decide which I want. I’m not likely to buy one now and add the other so it really comes down to picking one. I’ve read through all the threads and watched YT videos without a clear pick. I’m hoping some comments here might help me.

For background: This will be worn a few times a month I’m guessing to please me and for special occasions. I have an Explorer 2 polar and a Speedy for daily wear. I want presence without too much bling and something I can mature into. I’m turning 50 this year and tend to hang onto things—I don’t envision flipping this hence wanting to get it right the first time. My wrist size is 7.25”. I think a watch in the 38-40mm looks best on me and I tan pretty easily for what it’s worth.

I don’t view this purchase as a financial investment but I don’t want to get burned either. The new Daytona seems like a known quantity—at this point in time they are all selling at some consistent markup over retail. The ROC on the other hand seems harder to pin down—it’s a discontinued 5-ish year old model and I’m seeing a 10k plus spread in what appear to be nearly identical condition and spec watches. It also seems like these may be continuing to go down in price? I accept that as I plan to keep whichever watch long term that this shouldn’t be a concern but I don’t ignore it either.

Regular service is expected and I won’t ask hard duty from either watch but I want it to have some weight and feel substantial and be beautifully crafted under scrutiny. Alas I don’t have the opportunity to try on or handle either watch—this is a purchase I have to make sight unseen due to where I live and my work schedule.

I don’t really have a budget—the ROC is low 40s and the Daytona about 45k so pretty much the same.

Love to get some feedback and grow a conversation on this.

Thanks

[Gatedmanual]

I ended up deciding against either chronograph. I have the Speedy and may add a SS Daytona if I get the chance to try one on in person. To my mind I like that functionality in a tool watch.
When I remeasured my wrist it was actually 7.5” so a bit bigger than I recalled. After some more hours reading and watching videos I ended up getting a mint, unpolished blue dial 15500st from one of the forum sponsors (thanks Thanh!). I feel like the 41mm fits me well and I love the look. I can see how these are addicting!

[Steele]

Originally Posted by Gatedmanual

I ended up deciding against either chronograph. I have the Speedy and may add a SS Daytona if I get the chance to try one on in person. To my mind I like that functionality in a tool watch.
When I remeasured my wrist it was actually 7.5” so a bit bigger than I recalled. After some more hours reading and watching videos I ended up getting a mint, unpolished blue dial 15500st from one of the forum sponsors (thanks Thanh!). I feel like the 41mm fits me well and I love the look. I can see how these are addicting!

Honestly this was the best watch of all three could have picked. The 41mm will fit your wrist perfect and that bracelet is jewelry grade.

Congrats

[Emery]

As an occasional piece, I would’ve suggested a PM Daytona on bracelet instead, but a 15500st isn’t too shabby a choice either!

[cascavel]

If your mind is set on a chronograph get the Daytona. I have a WG Daytona on bracelet and have grown to love it and wear it every other day. The Royal Oak chronograph always seemed like an afterthought from AP when they were looking for another Royal Oak to sell to people who already had a Royal Oak. That and I don't like the 4:00 date window.
Rolex makes an incredibly solid product that's extremely reliable and it's "the" classic chronograph.

[Gatedmanual]

I appreciate the comments. I was very unsure going into this selection but truthfully once I unboxed the AP I knew I made the right choice. I’ve had zero regrets

For anyone who missed it I went with the 15500 three hand watch. It’s simple and classic looking to my eye. I need to reach 10 posts before I can post pics but will do so.

[Gatedmanual]

https://i.imgur.com/Bow93Qf.jpeg

[Gatedmanual]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gaQaVEEiQbCS4rFt7

[APhound]

Good call. I think you’ll love it.


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[Steele]

Originally Posted by Gatedmanual

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gaQaVEEiQbCS4rFt7

Love it even with the condom