AP Novice - Carbon vs Ceramic vs Titanium

[Andy0331]

I've had 3 x 44's; SS, Carbon & Ceramic, in that order.

The SS was fine, but I was itching for a Carbon & traded the SS for it. The Carbon was great & I have no complaints about it at all. There is the "question" about long term durability, although the consensus is generally that older models were far durable to the early "forgings".

As far as scratching; I never saw a scratch on my carbon & even if you got one, I'm confident it would blend better than any other material. The matte, marbled appearance just doesn't "pop" & reflect light like any of the others do. Not disparaging the carbon at all, but it isn't "finished" like other AP's, as the material isn't designed that way; it's just a different animal.

Last year, I traded the Carbon for a NOS Anthracite dial CE. I still miss the carbon, but I've always loved the black ceramic & anthracite dial contrast. Of course, while the carbon is relatively low profile, the ceramic definitely "pops" in the light & has stunning finishing.

For comfort, the carbon was by far the lightest & most comfortable of the 3. The carbon doesn't feel heavy at all and the CE was noticeably heavier when compared side by side. I definitely miss the carbon model & will likely get another one some day, but I've got a few others to go before I get another all black watch.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by marc2828

Love that one as well. How much does it weigh and is it comfortable for extended wear? I feel bad buying expensive watches that sit in the safe.

That is full ceramic so around 149g. I would say its more comfortable than most Rolex but nowhere near as comfy as my octo chrono gmt or even my 5164.

[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by Andy0331

I've had 3 x 44's; SS, Carbon & Ceramic, in that order.

The SS was fine, but I was itching for a Carbon & traded the SS for it. The Carbon was great & I have no complaints about it at all. There is the "question" about long term durability, although the consensus is generally that older models were far durable to the early "forgings".

As far as scratching; I never saw a scratch on my carbon & even if you got one, I'm confident it would blend better than any other material. The matte, marbled appearance just doesn't "pop" & reflect light like any of the others do. Not disparaging the carbon at all, but it isn't "finished" like other AP's, as the material isn't designed that way; it's just a different animal.

Last year, I traded the Carbon for a NOS Anthracite dial CE. I still miss the carbon, but I've always loved the black ceramic & anthracite dial contrast. Of course, while the carbon is relatively low profile, the ceramic definitely "pops" in the light & has stunning finishing.

For comfort, the carbon was by far the lightest & most comfortable of the 3. The carbon doesn't feel heavy at all and the CE was noticeably heavier when compared side by side. I definitely miss the carbon model & will likely get another one some day, but I've got a few others to go before I get another all black watch.

How many of the 3 went in for service? Lol.

[rumnyc]

I got the 26400io. i really thinks its the perfect one:

1) 44mm. i like this size as find it wears smaller than the 42mm due to flatter porportions.
2) the titanium just sparkles. as does the ceramic. i find contrast between dial/subdial as well as bezel/case is kind of the hallmark look of an ROO for me. 3) the square pushers are so much nicer finish. if i had to get a 42 is would have to be the new blue tiantium boutique edition with the square pushers.
4) the gray color witha black strap works for every look for a daily watch. for special occasoions i have another RG camo one. that one is heavy lol...

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by marc2828

This was my other thought...but I felt the bezel click did not exude a sense of quality.

...

If you’re looking at other options, then you owe it to yourself to include the completely ceramic Bvlgari Octo Finissimo (skeleton or regular).
They’re the only HH brand to have made the clasp from ceramic too.

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by PJ S

If you’re looking at other options, then you owe it to yourself to include the completely ceramic Bvlgari Octo Finissimo (skeleton or regular).
They’re the only HH brand to have made the clasp from ceramic too.

looks like a cool watch..but I like the big bulky watches...also want a rubber strap. thank you

[PJ S]

^
The bigger, bulkier, rubber strap version it is then…

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bulgari/-...id13684964.htm

Ceramic bezel only though.

[10XRolex]

Okay. Big, bulky, on strap and not to heavy. Done deal, jump on in the water is warm.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by DanD.1

If you like this one, I saw one for a better price in the classifieds section

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=719794

just found out this 42mm Titanium case watch weighs 131grams. Nice watch.

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by 10XRolex

Okay. Big, bulky, on strap and not to heavy. Done deal, jump on in the water is warm.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

very nice pic, thanks. Still hunting. I think shopping, learning, and hunting is the fun part in the watch process.

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by marc2828

Nope...just started hunting. Literally, the first AP i ever held in my hand. Really nice under the radar watch. I feel like only watch enthusiasts know AP

Really? Every kid knows AP from the music videos or something

[singe89]

Originally Posted by glamorama

Really? Every kid knows AP from the music videos or something

Social media as well. Awesome for value retention but sucks trying to fly under the radar. I actually find myself wearing my APs less now partly for this reason.

See a few ROs and ROOs as well around town and that never happened 5+ years ago. Owner at our local Italian place has the white ceramic diver, guy at the local supermarket with the RBII, Guy with the Arnold Legacy at Trevor's at the Tracks, etc.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by singe89

Social media as well. Awesome for value retention but sucks trying to fly under the radar. I actually find myself wearing my APs less now partly for this reason.

See a few ROs and ROOs as well around town and that never happened 5+ years ago. Owner at our local Italian place has the white ceramic diver, guy at the local supermarket with the RBII, Guy with the Arnold Legacy at Trevor's at the Tracks, etc.

I bought a car for my wife today and the 25 year old salesman knew all about Patek and AP lol

5 years ago that was not the case. People only knew rolex.

Theres a few ways to handle this.

1) Keep buying what you like. That's the most logical.

2) Lean in. Stealth days are over. YG sunburst subs for everyone.

3) Journe - They still don't know.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by singe89

Social media as well. Awesome for value retention but sucks trying to fly under the radar. I actually find myself wearing my APs less now partly for this reason.

See a few ROs and ROOs as well around town and that never happened 5+ years ago. Owner at our local Italian place has the white ceramic diver, guy at the local supermarket with the RBII, Guy with the Arnold Legacy at Trevor's at the Tracks, etc.

I always wonder how many of these one sees around are actually real. I would not say they are exactly dime a dozen where I live, but I can pretty much count on spotting a couple every time I leave the house.

[10XRolex]

You should be happy. If they are wearing those watches, it seems like you are living in a well to do demographic area. Location, location, location.

See a few ROs and ROOs as well around town and that never happened 5+ years ago. Owner at our local Italian place has the white ceramic diver, guy at the local supermarket with the RBII, Guy with the Arnold Legacy at Trevor's at the Tracks, etc.[/QUOTE]

[Andy0331]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

How many of the 3 went in for service? Lol.

Not exactly sure why its funny, but only one; the NOS CE for prematurely dried oils.

[eonflux]

My FC 44 weighed 118 g on a short strap



Very comfortable watch, disappeared on the wrist.

Still my favorite of the 44s because of the visual contrast between the brushed bezel and the FC pattern, and because I generally prefer non-contrasting subdials.

[Apflorio1]

Just for a point of reference my rose gold ROO weighs in at 236.6 grams.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[masterserg]

By the way one of my favorite APs ever and the only watch I truly regret selling. It's a beast of a watch, completely care free and could have easily been a one and only for the rest of my life.

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by eonflux

My FC 44 weighed 118 g on a short strap



Very comfortable watch, disappeared on the wrist.

Still my favorite of the 44s because of the visual contrast between the brushed bezel and the FC pattern, and because I generally prefer non-contrasting subdials.

thank you. Really nice watch. I tried that one on. Very light indeed.

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by masterserg

By the way one of my favorite APs ever and the only watch I truly regret selling. It's a beast of a watch, completely care free and could have easily been a one and only for the rest of my life.

great pic.

[wiswrist]

I am partial to the CE but that FC above looks fantastic!