Questions before taking the plunge

[Mr DateJust]

Been thinking for a while now about taking the step up to an AP or a Patek. Royal Oak vs Nautilus. Have tried both on and while I always leant towards PP the AP 15400 with the black dial looks like it could be the winner. I tried the watch on for a second time today but again left without it. I have always been a Rolex only guy and still have a few doubts. I am used to strapping on my explorer 2 or a datejust and not worrying about it. I don't want to spend what is to me a huge sum on the AP and only wear it on special occasions. Is the Royal Oak robust enough to wear on a daily basis? Can I get it wet (swimming etc) AP say yes on their website but what have others found? Are the serving costs as bad as I have heard?

Thanks.

[texex91]

Well first, you will not regret buying an AP.

Second, if new under warranty you will have three years covered, so servicing won't be an issue short term.

Third, are they as much of a tool watch as a SS Rolex, no. But that said, I wouldn't think twice about wearing an AP as an everyday.

If you're diving, maybe stick with your Rolex. The 15400 does have a tendency to scratch as it's all SS, but so do most SS watches. Depends how you wear it.

Go grab one and you'll never look back. If you need a beater keep the Rolex to have as well.

[Snow-Dweller]

I have been a Rolex man for decades (and still am) but things have changed over the last year.

My little "collection" grew to 6 Rolex, and then a number of things happened gradually and simultaneously....I found that I was wearing my "tool" pieces much more than the others (EXP II in particular)......I began to feel that precious metals were not for me at this stage....and I became interested in AP and PP.

In a semi-planned process I sold my SS Daytona (I never loved it, but that's another story), my WG DayDate (rarely worn) and my Milgauss GV.

I put myself on the waiting list for an Aquanaut at PP in Geneva last November, even though the watch felt light and small every time I tried it on....and I ordered my 15400 black from a grey dealer in January. Between TRF and my multiple Boutique/AD visits at this time I also became infatuated by the Diver (a year earlier I would have laughed at the notion of liking any ROO).

I ended up with both the 15400 and the Diver in the same week, and almost exactly six months on.........to say that I have no regrets would be a ridiculous understatement. I adore both pieces and am wearing one or the other most of the time. My EXP II is still my go-to watch for "risky" (read scratchy) situations....which are pretty rare....and I have just sold my BLNR.

So, my advice would be to go for the 15400 without hesitation. The sheer quality of the piece is mesmerising. I look forward to an "incoming" thread!

By the way....Patek called me in April to say that my Aquanaut had arrived. I went and tried it once again, and left without it.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Clivek

I have been a Rolex man for decades (and still am) but things have changed over the last year.

My little "collection" grew to 6 Rolex, and then a number of things happened gradually and simultaneously....I found that I was wearing my "tool" pieces much more than the others (EXP II in particular)......I began to feel that precious metals were not for me at this stage....and I became interested in AP and PP.

In a semi-planned process I sold my SS Daytona (I never loved it, but that's another story), my WG DayDate (rarely worn) and my Milgauss GV.

I put myself on the waiting list for an Aquanaut at PP in Geneva last November, even though the watch felt light and small every time I tried it on....and I ordered my 15400 black from a grey dealer in January. Between TRF and my multiple Boutique/AD visits at this time I also became infatuated by the Diver (a year earlier I would have laughed at the notion of liking any ROO).

I ended up with both the 15400 and the Diver in the same week, and almost exactly six months on.........to say that I have no regrets would be a ridiculous understatement. I adore both pieces and am wearing one or the other most of the time. My EXP II is still my go-to watch for "risky" (read scratchy) situations....which are pretty rare....and I have just sold my BLNR.

So, my advice would be to go for the 15400 without hesitation. The sheer quality of the piece is mesmerising. I look forward to an "incoming" thread!

By the way....Patek called me in April to say that my Aquanaut had arrived. I went and tried it once again, and left without it.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by Clivek

By the way....Patek called me in April to say that my Aquanaut had arrived. I went and tried it once again, and left without it.

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by Mr DateJust

Been thinking for a while now about taking the step up to an AP or a Patek. Royal Oak vs Nautilus. Have tried both on and while I always leant towards PP the AP 15400 with the black dial looks like it could be the winner. I tried the watch on for a second time today but again left without it. I have always been a Rolex only guy and still have a few doubts. I am used to strapping on my explorer 2 or a datejust and not worrying about it. I don't want to spend what is to me a huge sum on the AP and only wear it on special occasions. Is the Royal Oak robust enough to wear on a daily basis? Can I get it wet (swimming etc) AP say yes on their website but what have others found? Are the serving costs as bad as I have heard?

Thanks.

"Step up" is right on.
APs are much "nicer" than Rolex's: details, fit, finishing, etc. Inside and out.
Side-by-side there is no comparison.
The 15400 should be a great daily driver!
Please post pics when you get your AP!

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by Clivek

I have been a Rolex man for decades (and still am) but things have changed over the last year.

My little "collection" grew to 6 Rolex, and then a number of things happened gradually and simultaneously....I found that I was wearing my "tool" pieces much more than the others (EXP II in particular)......I began to feel that precious metals were not for me at this stage....and I became interested in AP and PP.

In a semi-planned process I sold my SS Daytona (I never loved it, but that's another story), my WG DayDate (rarely worn) and my Milgauss GV.

I put myself on the waiting list for an Aquanaut at PP in Geneva last November, even though the watch felt light and small every time I tried it on....and I ordered my 15400 black from a grey dealer in January. Between TRF and my multiple Boutique/AD visits at this time I also became infatuated by the Diver (a year earlier I would have laughed at the notion of liking any ROO).

I ended up with both the 15400 and the Diver in the same week, and almost exactly six months on.........to say that I have no regrets would be a ridiculous understatement. I adore both pieces and am wearing one or the other most of the time. My EXP II is still my go-to watch for "risky" (read scratchy) situations....which are pretty rare....and I have just sold my BLNR.

So, my advice would be to go for the 15400 without hesitation. The sheer quality of the piece is mesmerising. I look forward to an "incoming" thread!

By the way....Patek called me in April to say that my Aquanaut had arrived. I went and tried it once again, and left without it.

That absolutely looks incredible on your wrists.
Still a bummer that no AP looks good on my wrists. The jumbo lugs don't rest well on my wrist sadly.
Would have loved to own a RO.

[tcheeco]

Only AP for me... I stopped buying other brands 5 years ago, no regrets at all.
Get the 15400 ;-)

[jjnd08]

I UPGRADED my one watch, Rolex Daytona, for a 15400 earlier this month.

It is currently my only watch, and I wear it daily. I say absolutely go for it.

Once I tried on an AP, it was hard for me to put a Rolex back on.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by crazypilot

That absolutely looks incredible on your wrists.
Still a bummer that no AP looks good on my wrists. The jumbo lugs don't rest well on my wrist sadly.
Would have loved to own a RO.

Thanks. What size is your wrist?

[jjnd08]

.

[jjnd08]

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by Clivek

Thanks. What size is your wrist?

6.25" wrists.
I did get a 5711 recently though, and it fits perfectly.
I would have definitely added a 15202 as I really love the look/history.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by Mr DateJust

....I don't want to spend what is to me a huge sum on the AP and only wear it on special occasions. Is the Royal Oak robust enough to wear on a daily basis?....

Buy pre-owned – the £3-4K saving is better off in your pocket than an AD's.
Even if you spend £1K of it straight away on a service, you'll have 2 years warranty and not need to worry about it for a further 3-4 years.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=319994
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...oyal-Oak-15400
http://www.thedivewatchconnection.co...hp?f=2&t=43678

[waisoserious]

unless you plan to go deep sea diving, the 15400 should be fine. I dont know of any pool 50m deep.

[Manofsteelpt]

Get it, how to be disappointed!

[srvrf]

To me there's no question that an AP 15400 can be worn on an everyday basis for most people in most situations. Like any worn watch, it will scratch, but I'm not convinced that my AP scratches any more easily than any of my other watches. It does get worn the most so that's probably why it seems like it in my case.

If you are frequently in the water, I would consider an alternative such as the VC Overseas, BP Fifty Fathoms, PP Nautilus/Aquanaut. All of those models have at least three times the WR that the AP 15400 does. Remember 50m does not mean you can take it 50m deep. Omega has a good chart on what WR ratings mean in everyday use. Even on the AP site, it does not specifically say that you can swim with a 15400. Under the FAQ section it says

Can I swim with my watch?

Yes, if your watch is water-resistant. We encourage you to test its water-resistance on a yearly basis at our repair centers or boutiques. This control is complimentary.

They have ROOs that are typically 100m and Divers that are 300m. These are suitable for normal swimming.

[alexlt730512]

you can't go wrong with either one and it's great to pull AP first if you could.

[GB-man]

It's plenty robust but one knock on a door frame or what have you and it will have a black eye. If that will effect your ability to enjoy it, pause. That said, 5711 has the same propensity to scratch so it's really no different.

I wouldn't let fine finishing stop you from getting an AP. That said, I favor the 5711 for its light weight, thin case, WR, crown guard

[Hairdude1]

I started with Rolex and then AP, AP is amazing on the wrist. You cannot go wrong with an AP in the collection

[Mr DateJust]

Thanks for the input everyone. I am going to go and have another look at the Nautilus before making a final choice here (if the dealer still has it). It's a heck of a lot of money and will be the most expensive watch I have ever purchased so want to be sure before pulling the trigger.

[xeal]

Originally Posted by Mr DateJust

Thanks for the input everyone. I am going to go and have another look at the Nautilus before making a final choice here (if the dealer still has it). It's a heck of a lot of money and will be the most expensive watch I have ever purchased so want to be sure before pulling the trigger.

You should definitely take your time.
I went back and forth for over a month before any of my purchases!

[lapince]

I prefer the Nautilus models to the RO ones, but if you want a little more sporty go ROO, diver for example, awesome pieces, can't go wrong in both cases

[theflywrist]

Here are some pics to show you.
I liked and still like both equally.
The bracelet of the RO drives me crazy(in a good way), and the 5711 dial does the same.
Both similar designs, but extremely different watches.

It goes down to what looks better on your wrist IMO.
I couldn't justify both in a 3/4 watch collection. Maybe if I had a bigger collection, but my bank account doesn't allow for that.

The RO lugs were too big for me. The pic doesn't show how far it was from resting on my wrists, but you can get a feel of how the lugs wear, and I am very picky with these things. I would constantly have noticed it if I pulled the trigger on the RO.
The 5711 was the perfect fit.

Go back and forth 10 times if you must. Take your time, and pull the trigger when you're sure. There is no rush!

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by Mr DateJust

Thanks for the input everyone. I am going to go and have another look at the Nautilus before making a final choice here (if the dealer still has it). It's a heck of a lot of money and will be the most expensive watch I have ever purchased so want to be sure before pulling the trigger.

It was by far my most expensive watch purchase, my next closest was the Daytona.

I waited 3 months to make a decision, and 4 trips to the AD to try it on.

[Manofsteelpt]

.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

Get it, how to be disappointed!

Meant: get it, you won't be disappointed... Not sure how THAT ended up there.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

Meant: get it, you won't be disappointed... Not sure how THAT ended up there.

I thought there was something off about your post! But after seeing your arms, I wasn't going to challenge you on it.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

I thought there was something off about your post! But after seeing your arms, I wasn't going to challenge you on it.

[FightOnSC!]

Originally Posted by Mr DateJust

Is the Royal Oak robust enough to wear on a daily basis? Can I get it wet (swimming etc) AP say yes on their website but what have others found? Are the serving costs as bad as I have heard?

Thanks.

Robust enough? hell yeah. it's a beautiful watch.

swim? sure. most people don't even dive far enough (i say most) where the relative shallow water resistance is an issue

service costs? well... that's one of those things...it's like, you don't buy a ferrari if you can't afford the oil changes.

that said, as Paul mentioned, the watch will have a warranty and despite my issues with Clearwater, for the most part they are top notch and very quick on the turn around time.


Now will you wear a 15400 as a beater? probably not. If you purchased a "pre-loved" one that has seen some scars already, sure why not, what's another few scratches at that point? but if you have some rolex's that you already beat up on, wear those when you're doing chores around the house.

but a night out? heavy night of drinking at the pub? clubbing in Ibiza? oh don't worry, your Royal Oak is up to the task there mate.