Any readily available SS model for ~15k?

[BigBallerBrand]

Starting a new job in a few weeks and would like to commemorate this with a new watch, max $15k....have been eyeing Royal Oak for a while but can’t get one at my price range. Any suggestions? If not I’ll just pick up a SS sub

[steeevvvooo]

Yachtmaster. Otherwise go grey dealer for a sd4k over a sub IMHO.



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[ADB85]

Check out a lightly used AP Diver, you might be able to pick one up for about 15k USD.

If you want Rolex then there are lots of options for that money....

[steeevvvooo]

Good call. Probably the only steel AP available within the budget apart from perhaps some plainer/older ROO

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[Tomas Eriksson]

There is definitely options. If you go ROO you should be able to get a diver or older gen (still modern) chronos.
For classic RO it's maybe a bit tougher. 15300 and 15400 is out of that range. 14790ST can be found, but it's a jungle with all the third party service and bad polish jobs.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by BigBallerBrand

Starting a new job in a few weeks and would like to commemorate this with a new watch, max $15k....have been eyeing Royal Oak for a while but can’t get one at my price range. Any suggestions? If not I’ll just pick up a SS sub

As you’re struggling to get the RO that you’d prefer (presume it being the 15300/400), then instead of settling for any old RO, have you considered genuine alternatives?
By that, I mean Vacheron Constantin Overseas or Girard-Perregaux Laureato.
Depending on wrist size, you may even consider something like the Piaget Polo 45 (effectively replaced by the current Polo S).
Put it this way, for the budget available, you could have a new G-P Laureato and a Polo 45 (which came on rubber only) to switch between.

https://www.chrono24.com/girardperre...id11799849.htm
https://www.chrono24.com/piaget/polo...id10704464.htm

Don’t let the case size of the Polo put you off, it’s much like the Blancpain FF, which wears a good 2-3mm smaller, and being thinner than the BP, will be even less of a concern.

[Watcheroo]

For Royal Oaks, you'll likely need to look for a 36mm model given the budget. Otherwise, you might be able to find a used Diver in that range

[masterserg]

You can find some of the previous gen ROOs (Panda, Volcano, Safari) in that range. They are awesome!

A bit more (maybe about 2k or 3) can get you some of the newer gen with ceramic pushers and crown plus a clear case back.

[maciej]

Diver

[V25V]

I say you wait until you can get what you really want, instead of what you can afford right this moment. It will mean more to you and likely (maybe) make it a keeper instead of a placeholder.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by V25V

I say you wait until you can get what you really want, instead of what you can afford right this moment. It will mean more to you and likely (maybe) make it a keeper instead of a placeholder.

This is generally the smart thing to do ... however we know this might not be physiologically possible

[AK797]

Check out the 42mm ROOs as the guys say, esp the discontinued models at greys, see if any of them take, they were what drew me to AP in the first place.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by masterserg

This is generally the smart thing to do ... however we know this might not be physiologically possible

Do as I say, not as I do.

[calh22a]

Are you wearing this watch to work? Are you going to be dressed up all the time or casual? Not sure I would settle for something in the AP lineup because of budget reasons. I’d rather get a Rolex. Perhaps a DJ or GMT depending on your preferences. Sub is a great choice too. The TT bluesy is quite nice if you don’t mind TT

[pepsiretail]

I echo the posts above about AP options. As for alternatives;

I am eyeing the new Zenith defy ceramics, based on a case that resembles but predates the RO with an elite movement at 7.5k list. I tried the black version and it is a killer watch, first grade rubber strap, 100m and should show no signs of wear. I would love to see a traditional dial option.

Hodinkee has a recent article on them
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ze...ramic-hands-on

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by pepsiretail

I echo the posts above about AP options. As for alternatives;

I am eyeing the new Zenith defy ceramics, based on a case that resembles but predates the RO with an elite movement at 7.5k list. I tried the black version and it is a killer watch, first grade rubber strap, 100m and should show no signs of wear. I would love to see a traditional dial option.

Hodinkee has a recent article on them
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ze...ramic-hands-on

Nice watches but they are not AP. Assuming basic horology heritage and brand recognition is of importance then Zenith is in a different tier.

[pepsiretail]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Nice watches but they are not AP. Assuming basic horology heritage and brand recognition is of importance then Zenith is in a different tier.

Yes no question but he did mention a Sub as an alternative and these are more in line with that style. One thing is certain, these are very fine watches but if I didn’t already have my AP I would be inclined to wait until circumstances allowed me to acquire the one I wanted.

[TooWoundUp]

If not interested in 36mm 14790st, then ROO Diver.

[Collector2019]

if you can push your budget to 16.5k then 15450ST would be excellent option? considering you have 7" or smaller rest.