Calling the Experts...

[Token74]

How does AP compare to Patek in terms of quality.

I’ve got both and to my untrained eye, I don’t see a difference in terms of case finishing, movement quality, dial etc.

I should point out that I’m comparing Nautilus and Royal Oak rather than their top end models, so maybe that’s why I don’t see a big difference.

But the pricing difference is significant. Royal Oak Perpetual vs Nautilus Perpetual for instance, the Patek is best part of £40k more expensive.

So...keep to understand how the two really compare, and why is Patek considered to be better.



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[NYG1121]

I am no expert but I agree at least those 2 models are close and not sure that premium for pp makes sense. Might get a different answer in pp forum though

[srvrf]

I too have one AP and one PP. They both look equally great to me, even with a magnifying lens. I'm not sure there's too much of a difference overall other than the name. I'd think that the case/bracelet finishing takes more time with AP, but maybe the movement gets more love from Patek.

[Bearxj86]

Outside finishing they are both on par.

Movement finishing is where Patek kills AP here especially the older 15400 movement.

Check this vs video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXOCShjo7Sw

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

Outside finishing they are both on par.

Movement finishing is where Patek kills AP here especially the older 15400 movement.

Check this vs video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXOCShjo7Sw

IMHO I think a comparison between the Nautilus and AP 15202 would be more appropriate:

https://www.fratellowatches.com/pate...uet-royal-oak/

Both are killer watches.

[AK797]

I agree there is not much of a difference in quality, on the PC I think prices reflect their positions in the market and their brand strength rather than any actual horological difference, but then the CE PC is market priced much closer to the Nautilus thus indicating that they have their brand strength there.

[subtona]

Here is a comparison I did a while back, you may find some relevant points to you inquiry?
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=643387

Short answer is I prefer the Patek.

[Vipes]

I am a fan of both the Royal Oak and Nautilus. I have/owned AP 15202ST, AP 15305ST, AP ROC 39mm, AP 15300, PP5711, PP5712 and PP5980R. IMO, both brands have excellent case, bracelet and movement finishing. I think they are equal. Overall, I have a slight preference for the Royal Oak design.

Patek costs more because Patek is considered at the top of the food chain.

[thekman]

My experience is limited to my 15500 and a nautilus chrono that I tried at an AD. The Royal Oak killed that particular Nautilus for me.

[GB-man]

On the low end AP does better dials, case and bracelet finishing, bracelet construction.

The only place Patek tops them in my opinion which is huge, is design.

Edit: of course brand as well. Patek owns perceived brand value after Rolex.

[Gravity]

I think Patek is considered the the "Rolls Royce" of watches by many and having that title is what justifies their pricing and a good amount of the demand as well. Some people just like to have what the society at large considers "the best", regardless of aesthetics. Definitely a lot of personal preference involved and some just like the styling of one over the other. I personally have always loved the design of AP exponentially more than Patek, so I consider it a huge bonus I can acquire the models I love most for a significant discount compared to equivalent Patek models. I've passed on several high demand Pateks at retail simply because they just don't sing to me. I have never heard from fans of either brand strong claims of quality or finishing over the other at all and really seems to be a personal preference.

[PPFANBOY]

I own watches from both brands.
AP better for most finishings, the RO bracelet in particular is much better than the Nautilus bracelet which for all intents and purposes feels flimsy.

Much of a muchness but AP are on top right now with their quality and releases in different materials. PP have the classic charm if that's what you're after.