Rolex vs AP

[Joearch]

I had a black face 15400 for about 9 months last year. I enjoyed the watch but at the end of the day it was just too fancy, formal ... not sure the correct word. I ended up selling it. Beautiful watch, just not a keeper for me. Best of luck either way.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by salvadorsantana

Easy example is when an AP RO SS it is priced the same as a WG, YG Rolex, thats how can you tell why AP stands above Rolex...

You're the kind of customer companies love. AP is "better" than Rolex along a bunch of competitive dimensions, but "more expensive means better"...

[AK797]

APs were actually my first love as I stayed away from Rolex for a while. At the SS level I think AP and PP finishing is slightly more refined plus they have open casebacks, but as I really like PM on bracelets this is where Rolex excels for me. They look great, have fantastic dial options, and feel tougher, more robust and I worry about them far less than their AP and PP equivalents which tho beautiful as well are more delicate and take scratches less well so I wear them sparingly.

[salvadorsantana]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

You're the kind of customer companies love. AP is "better" than Rolex along a bunch of competitive dimensions, but "more expensive means better"...

Look at the market, not only watches, but everything that you consume on a daily basis...when you pay more for something it is because of their quality or exclusivity. Another example: you can buy a pair of leather loafers Clark shoes from Wallmart for $50 or you can buy a pair of leather loafers Salvatore Ferragamo from a boutique for $600. At the end both will serve the purpose of covering your feet but it is up to you if you want to walk around on Clarks or Ferragamos. Gotta pay to play.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Yeah I know it sounds ridiculous but Rolex is almost more like Lexus or Acura. Super reliable, well made, meant to be used every day forever.

Mercedes are beautiful and extremely well designed (especially recently IMO), but not exactly 'last forever' material.

True, they rust in the showroom.

On topic, the AP models don't do it for me, will never buy one.

[bmwatts]

Originally Posted by salvadorsantana

AP: since 1875
Rolex: since 1905

Easy example is when an AP RO SS it is priced the same as a WG, YG Rolex, thats how can you tell why AP stands above Rolex

I disagree with this because Rolex could charge 20k for the new Daytona C and it would still sell out and be in high demand. Rolex just makes more watches and sells more for a lower price. Doesn't make the watch itself any better or worse. AP could do the same thing but are taking a different business tactic. It might make their brand a little more exclusive because less people have them, but that in itself doesn't make the watch any better than another. It still comes down to buy what you like

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by salvadorsantana

Look at the market, not only watches, but everything that you consume on a daily basis...when you pay more for something it is because of their quality or exclusivity. Another example: you can buy a pair of leather loafers Clark shoes from Wallmart for $50 or you can buy a pair of leather loafers Salvatore Ferragamo from a boutique for $600. At the end both will serve the purpose of covering your feet but it is up to you if you want to walk around on Clarks or Ferragamos. Gotta pay to play.

Oof.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good

Those Ferragamos are utter crap compared to a cheaper pair of bench grade Crockett and Jones. It's OK not to be able to differentiate quality, I just wouldn't make it so clear.

[salvadorsantana]

Maybe an objective point of view

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L5YS60sx9c

[hoanghung45]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

You're the kind of customer companies love. AP is "better" than Rolex along a bunch of competitive dimensions, but "more expensive means better"...

Are you talking about that kind of customer who paying retail price for Invicta ? Sounds like them
If you know exactly what you are paying for, yes, i can say "expensive means better". Otherwise, it's not a bright move, is it ?

[beer]

Originally Posted by watchlover135

What are your thought as to which wins out in quality, design, reliability, durability, and holding of value ?

AP
cannot compare because they are designed for different things
rolex
rolex
rolex

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by beer

AP
cannot compare because they are designed for different things
rolex
rolex
rolex

There's a strength and weakness to Rolex that I feel invalidates your line in bold (respectfully, in my opinion that is), or at the least shifts the perspective away.

I recently commented that as much as I truly love my ROO, there's really only one other watch i'd seriously consider actually buying in the AP line. It's the Royal Oak, either jumbo or 15400. I do love the 44mm ROO, but it's just too big for me and looks silly.

Now, in comparison to Rolex, there is at least 8-10 watches in the line up I'd seriously consider buying at any given time. At first you might think this speaks volumes to Rolex, and in a way it does, but actually there is weakness to be found in this perspective.

Many many many of their watches look the same. In fact they are basically modular watches. Most 40mm sport cases are the same, most bracelet links are identical and completely interchangeable. Even the new Daytona-C is in no way "impressive", there's no real innovation there just the same SS watch with a new bezel.

So I'd have to say AP wins out in design for me. That doesn't mean you have to love AP but one would have to admit their design branding is quite unique, especially in contrast to Rolex.

[Islatate]

I own pieces from AP + Rolex...love both brands. They offer outstanding designs and superb quality. In terms of value, Rolex definitely offers better bang for the buck. For example, AP's 26320 SS ROC has a list price of $24,300, and Rolex's SS Daytona has a retail price of $12,495.

Rolex has perceptibly better resale value. SS Sub dates and SS Daytona are 2 excellent examples.

For me personally, where AP holds the edge over Rolex can be found in 4 distinct areas: (a) brand exclusivity (there simply are not as many people sporting AP); (b) superior finishes (the Royal Oak bracelet is head and shoulders above the president); (c) sport watches that have cutting edge designs (look at all the ROOs available!); and (d) more interesting materials to choose from (cases in full ceramic, forged carbon & titanium; cermet bezel etc).

So if I were stranded on an island, and I could take only one watch with me, it would definitely be an AP - my SS Openworked!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Islatate

I own pieces from AP + Rolex...love both brands. They offer outstanding designs and superb quality. In terms of value, Rolex definitely offers better bang for the buck. For example, AP's 26320 SS ROC has a list price of $24,300, and Rolex's SS Daytona has a retail price of $12,495.

Rolex has perceptibly better resale value. SS Sub dates and SS Daytona are 2 excellent examples.

For me personally, where AP holds the edge over Rolex can be found in 4 distinct areas: (a) brand exclusivity (there simply are not as many people sporting AP); (b) superior finishes (the Royal Oak bracelet is head and shoulders above the president); (c) sport watches that have cutting edge designs (look at all the ROOs available!); and (d) more interesting materials to choose from (forged Carbon, Cermet bezels, Titanium cases etc).

So if I were stranded on an island, and I could only take one watch with me, it would definitely be an AP - my SS Openworked!

Beautiful watch! Amazing.

Stranded on an island though? Give me a submariner w/ a date.

Stranded at an island resort with electricity, food, water and shelter, bring that AP back into the mix ;)

[singe89]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

You're the kind of customer companies love. AP is "better" than Rolex along a bunch of competitive dimensions, but "more expensive means better"...

The same could be said about Rolex owners. Is Rolex really that much "better" than Tag, Omega, etc that the price difference justifies?

I think most here would agree the prices of Rolex is justified...and probably quote Rolex's long independent history and the many innovations and "firsts" they have brought to the watch world. AP is the same but has a longer history of making more complicated watches in true haute horology fashion. They are the oldest brand still owned by members of the founding families and they have many innovations in complications that Rolex will probably never produce.

Let's not forget that Rolex was designed as a tool watch and wasn't really a luxury watch until more recent years. AP started as a master watch maker in the small valley of Switzerland of master watch makers. They were always true luxury watches and created the first luxury sport watch in SS. AP also produces around 50k watches a year VS Rolex 1m+. AP also does extensive hand finishing to the case and movement by top watch makers. Does it make the watch more reliable or better...no but knowing the attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship can be appreciated.

The base RO and ROOs are the bread and butter for AP. That's where they make their money that allows them to branch out and create amazing pieces like the grand comps, Schumacher laptimer, minute repeaters, etc. This is truly where AP is a WAY WAY more prestigious brand than Rolex. Or take APRP and the amazing movements that come out of there for complicated APs and RMs. Rolex doesn't play in that leage.

In the end I love Rolex for rugged reliability and a tool watch, AP for luxury sport sports watches and Patek for luxury dress watches. (RM is really growing on me). I think there is room in any collection for all these brands and they each offer their own unique strengths. I don't see why we always need to compare them when we can be appreciating them.

[Ru4scuba]

This is really a question about value...and in the purest economics sense, you shouldn't judge another man's definition of value...you should only figure out what yours is and go from there.

[texex91]

These threads rarely accomplish anything.

Buy what YOU like and enjoy.

[crazycarlitos]

AP has amazing looking dials and their quality is second to none.
The pedigree is unquestionable.

However (and I got the flame suit ready. Lol) the design of RO octagon bezel and screws, at least to me, seems 80s... And I don't mean that in a nice "retro" way. It just looks outdated.

Chadri, ur Roo, however, looks great !! Makes me almost change my mind about AP. Hahaha

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by texex91

These threads rarely accomplish anything.

Buy what YOU like and enjoy.

Not sure what your typical thread expectations are, but it's just a discussion. I'm enjoying the conversation. If it's enjoyable, isn't that an accomplishment?

Also, I don't understand why it's So terrible to ask the opinions of others before making a purchase. Isn't that the beauty of forum culture and modern-day communication?

[Bulldog21]

Originally Posted by texex91

These threads rarely accomplish anything.

Buy what YOU like and enjoy.

Agree, but do any of the treads really accomplish anything?

[sathwik]

To each their own. Rolex is a brand I grew up loving and was ever since my dream watch. AP has been more of an acquired taste, after getting into watches!
When it comes to reliability, brand recognition, sales, durability, rolex is undisputed king!
AP however is ART! Made possible by limited production. It stands for exclusivity, craftsmanship, status like no rolex!

[kilyung]

What does it matter as long as you like the watch/brand?

[Islatate]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Beautiful watch! Amazing.

Stranded on an island though? Give me a submariner w/ a date.

Stranded at an island resort with electricity, food, water and shelter, bring that AP back into the mix ;)

thank you for providing the much needed chuckle.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by texex91

Buy what YOU like and enjoy.

[Islatate]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I recently bought my first AP and I'm absolutely in love with it. I trade a Yacht-master 2 to fund it and I have no regrets.

I will say though, as much as I love my new AP it has made me appreciate Rolex even more. I have no desire to flip my AP, but I certainly appreciate the ruggedness and reliability of a Rolex. To me Rolex is the perfect combination of beauty, design and reliability.

Funny thing though is that in 6 weeks I've worn my AP more than I wore my YM2 after 5 months. Especially on the rubber strap my ROO is just more versatile for my style.

She sure is pretty ;)

Like a drop dead gorgeous brunette, your Grey Themes makes my knees weak Chadri! Incredible photo bro.

[tmehanna]

As with all luxury goods and conspicuous consumption items, you pay for the exclusivity and not for anything else. What makes AP a notch above Rolex? Is it the materials? No. Is it the engineering? No, Rolex spends more on R&D than PP, AP and VC combined Is it the finish? May be there is more attention to detail and stricter quality control given the limited production numbers compared to Rolex. I doubt any of this is relevant relevant though, and it all boils down to the image. I personally never found the ROO special enough to justify the price tag although the classic RO is indeed impressive (and cheaper).

So your answer is yes, AP is a notch or two above Rolex but mainly because of the price tag and the image and exclusivity that comes with it. It's not like Rolls Royce vs Mercedes though where you can really see and feel where your extra money went. Just my 2 cents

[Speed]

Your criteria are all over the map. design / quality are most subjective...

Other criteria can get down to the model level - especially holding of value.

[ROLEX4EvEr]

Originally Posted by FremStar

False statement... There is absolutely NOTHING special about both brands. Offline the tally of Rolex owners that comb this forum that don't post also own a handful of AP, Patek, JLC watches. Don't let this specific forum taint your thought process... i'm saying this as I have read tons of your post throughout the years yet never responded to you directly...

true indeed

[gtnator]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

There are a number of armchair "experts" here who will slag off any other brand than Rolex, yet they have absolutely zero personal experience with owning another brand. They just happen to have an opinion, based on something someone once said to them, whatever that is worth. If you want the truth ask an owner, not an armchair expert, what their real experiences are. And that applies to any brand from AP to Zenith.

x2, AND Panerai!!!

[bio guyver]

Rolex is rolex I'm sure 100% no one can say it not a luxury and high end watch you know one thing if rolex want to buy Ap they will do it and its easy for them but Ap can't afford to buy rolex company if they want to beat up Ap they can do it instantly it's more powerful than Ap who wins in the end rolex they sell more resale value is more than Ap . So they beat Ap any time.

[kneedeep]

Thank goodness for options. It'd be a very boring watch world if we all had to buy and wear the same thing.