A Question of Quality

[Fredd]

Hi,

I've not really been into watches until the last year or so and have recently been looking at other brands outside of Rolex.

Not to buy, as I cannot afford one. It took me 4 years to save up for a Rolex Sub. So it's just out of interest and to know more about other brands/models etc

I have a lot of respect for AP and like the way the majority of them look. But there is one thing I don't understand and that is why are they so expensive?

To be straight, I have never held one in real life. But on just about every picture I have ever seen, they look nowehre near as well finished as a Rolex. The main part being the face, the face always looks 'cheap'.

There are some that are over 10,000 Euro and look great. But they look to have the build and finish of an average 500 Euro Tissot or something.

What am I missing? Educate me please :)


p.s. The nicest watch I have ever seen and love is one of the AP Grande Complications! So I am in no way an 'AP hater' or something.

[cdnyc]

It's possible that you'll convert if you see and hold one in person, as pictures certainly don't do them justice. However, my hunch is they're not for you -- as my love started with the very first Royal Oak pic I saw. Always loved the shapes and angles (brushed octagonal bezel with contrasting white gold screws), case shape, the bracelet, etc. And the flat deep-brushed surfaces do amazing things under light.

I don't think there is sufficient justification for the prices, other than the simple reality that folks are willing to pay this prices for the unique design, finish, and movement quality (the movements are highly decorated with solid gold rotors, etc. and often visible through the case backs). They are handmade, so there are only about 35k of them going out per year vs about 1MM Rolexs.

[ufboy73]

well, cant really address if the face looks 'cheap' or not. i dont agree but if thats how it appears to you, it may never be the watch for you.

one thing i will say, and i am not even close to being that conversant with the brand (particularly compared to a lot of the experts here) but maybe that gives me a bit of an unbiased perspective...when i handled AP's for the first time in person, the detail, finishing, and precision of the watch totally and completely blew anything i have seen from rolex, since you happened to mention them, specifically (i own 5 rolex).

this doesnt necessarily mean that AP is 'better' but i am just speaking factually to the quality of the fit and finish - not even close.

as to why they cost so much - sometimes the snippy answer is the most accurate: because people are willing to pay that much for them.

[Koi6715]

Can someone post pics im struggling,
Struggling also to understand your thoughts, i know each to there oŵn but ?.
If we can put up a pic of a rolex sub
And then pic of ro 15202/15400
Roo 42mm black themes
Roo 44mm novelty ss
Maybe ss diver

If you still think cheap looking and quality of a Tissot, then maybe not for you

[ufboy73]

Originally Posted by cdnyc

It's possible that you'll convert if you see and hold one in person, as pictures certainly don't do them justice. However, my hunch is they're not for you -- as my love started with the very first Royal Oak pic I saw. Always loved the shapes and angles (brushed octagonal bezel with contrasting white gold screws), case shape, the bracelet, etc. And the flat deep-brushed surfaces do amazing things under light.

I don't think there is sufficient justification for the prices, other than the simple reality that folks are willing to pay this prices for the unique design, finish, and movement quality (the movements are highly decorated with solid gold rotors, etc. and often visible through the case backs). They are handmade, so there are only about 35k of them going out per year vs about 1MM Rolexs.

fantastic watch and pics!

[codecow]

It's one of those things where you need to see one in the metal and try it on.

[s14roller]

I have the Sub also, as well as a Datejust and a Daytona. I love Rolex as well, they are great watches…but quality wise, AP blows them out of the water. I love them both, but there is no comparison with the details and quality. You need it in your hand to appreciate the fine polishing, edges, etc.

[Cru Jones]

You must have been on some lousy sites, because if you poke around here for awhile, you'll see how incredible AP is.

[VICI]

Rolex is a well built workhorse. So is a Chevy or Ford or even a Mercedes.

AP is on a completely different level - just like a Bentley or Rolls.

Just because AP's aren't meant to go 1000 ft below sea level doesn't make it a crappy watch. Likewise, a Bentley isn't meant to be taken off road.

Both are very capable watches with great finishes. Check out an AP in person and you might have an epiphany.

Here are some pictures to reference







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ufboy73]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

You must have been on some lousy sites, because if you poke around here for awhile, you'll see how incredible AP is.

thats what strikes me as odd - though i would completely agree that they are even more impressive in person, its not as if the pics on here make AP's look too shabby!

so, if they seem 'cheap' with some of these macros, could just be a case of the watch not being for the OP

[subtona]

Holding my AP next to my rolex, reminds that rolex is indeed a tool watch, i love every bit of my rolex, but imho the finish can simply not hold a candle to the AP.


I think this should clear things up once and forever, enjoy:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=221301

Fyi i particularly liked the video regarding the manufacture of the dial:
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2012/1/...royal-oak.html

[Demonoid]

Cheap?

[Demonoid]

.

[Demonoid]

Poor finish?

[Fredd]

I clearly need to see one in real life.

90+ % of the pictures must not be doing it justice.

Some of the ones posted here actually look very good.

The second post and the second picture which is a close up. Is the face actually 3D textured how it looks, or is it a print?

[ufboy73]

Originally Posted by Fredd

I clearly need to see one in real life.

90+ % of the pictures must not be doing it justice.

Some of the ones posted here actually look very good.

The second post and the second picture which is a close up. Is the face actually 3D textured how it looks, or is it a print?

it is actually texttured/detailed like that - thats one of the things that amazed me in person - the overall texture and detail...its another league

[subtona]

Once you understand, there is no going back.....are you sure you want to know

[Koi6715]

Dual time is just perfect
Supermodel looks/ finnish might be my next watch

[Fredd]

The picture Subtona just posted.....

I think it's just unlocked some sort of subconscious stereotyping!!!

This is a TAG I have and it looks feels fantastic, until you look and feel a Rolex.

I think my brain has slightly linked the two somewhat.... given the very similar face.

[Hamish]

????? Hmmmm what to say without upsetting anyone................only one thing

AP ROCKS

[diver2012]

You know that feeling you get holding the Rolex after your TAG?

That's the feeling I had when I first held an AP after 6 years of owning a Submariner.

You can't compare the two and simply have to see one in real life.

With regards to the dial...try watching this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0uW37FnCLM

[Fredd]

Diver2012 - That's a fantastic video.

I have just watched a load of the other ones and are very impressed.

The one about the strap got me a bit giddy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1Xw...0272DFB67C66E8

[rolepam312]

No offense, but if you have to be " convinced " why AP is such ... Then I'm afraid all the pictures in the world will not help you nor make you appreciate other high end brands ..
Rolex and AP are both watches... That's about where the commonality ends...
Enjoy your Rolex and hope someday you can appreciate and realize what makes AP and other brands ...

[Fredd]

Originally Posted by rolepam312

No offense, but if you have to be " convinced " why AP is such ... Then I'm afraid all the pictures in the world will not help you nor make you appreciate other high end brands ..
Rolex and AP are both watches... That's about where the commonality ends...
Enjoy your Rolex and hope someday you can appreciate and realize what makes AP and other brands ...

I'm afraid your missing the point.

[AK797]

I love my subc and think it is gorgeous looking but not quite in my APs league, hope my pics bear this out

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Fredd

Diver2012 - That's a fantastic video.

I have just watched a load of the other ones and are very impressed.

The one about the strap got me a bit giddy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1Xw...0272DFB67C66E8

Check out these two:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...2&postcount=45

[Tony-GB]

When I discovered watch forums a few years ago I asked exactly the same question, then I held an Offshore, fell in love and bought it instantly. The subdials are out of alignment, the hex bolts don't line up with the dial and the date is sunken and can be awkward to read. But there is magic there & when you wear it, it feels fantastic.

But let's not forget that Rolex are a superb watch too, and serious collectors always have one (or more! ) in their collection.

[h999r]

We people might not be understand about quality , but ask the watchmaker , they will know exactly the difference.

[improviz]

Bolts are aligned with the dial, but it's done in a particular way: they are basically arranged such that if you draw an imaginary line out of the middle of the bolt's screw slot, it will pass through the corner point on the bezel octagon corner point just about it, makes a T. Or if you think of each corner of the octagon as making a triangle, the direction of bezel screw slot is parallel to the bottom of the triangle, basically..

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Fredd

The picture Subtona just posted.....

I think it's just unlocked some sort of subconscious stereotyping!!!

This is a TAG I have and it looks feels fantastic, until you look and feel a Rolex.

I think my brain has slightly linked the two somewhat.... given the very similar face.

i see where your coming from, this comes to mind:
chrysler vs bentley