AP vorPatek

[Token74]

I currently have a Sea Dweller 116600 as my daily wearer, and I'm in the market for two watches to give me a rounded collection:

(1) AP Royal Oak or Patek 5711
(2) Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 (for classic occasions)

I have some very specific demands of the 5513 so I'm preparing myself for a long search (years rather than months), so my priority is the AP or PP.

I have small wrists (which suits both watches, probably a 36mm or 37mm AP) and I prefer Steel to precious metals (which is lucky given my budget!).

Previously I have mainly bought new, but for this I will be looking at the used market due to my budget.

To look at, I slightly prefer the Patek but only very slightly. I could stretch to the Patek (although it makes my life a lot easier not to) but only if it is justified.

So my question is (finally), how does an AP Royal Oak (15450 for example) compare to a Patek Nautilus (5711 for example) in terms of quality.

There is a pretty significant difference in price, so I assume the Patek must be significantly better - but this confuses me as people are always telling me that AP is superior quality than Rolex, but I think Rolex is pretty damn impressive.

Thoughts of everyone welcome of course, but especially from anyone who has owned both.