AP Royal Oak vs VC Overseas

[jojosnr]

Hi,
Yes. You can get the original RO rubber band, deployant and mounting kit from AP. there are a couple of threads on the swapping and the cost.

Swapping is also quite easy to do diy. Unscrew both ends of the bracelet, take out the screws and replace. Understatement but still should mention, be gentle as the screw thread is rather fine.

Originally Posted by STLrolexfan

Jojosnr, is there a way to swap the bracelet for rubber on the RO? Or is that two different watches? I thought only ROOs came on rubber and I didn’t think you could easily remove the bracelet on the RO (unlike the VCO).


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[jojosnr]

My on experience. Yes it does, and not easy to clean ; (

Originally Posted by RolexZen

I love the Overseas, though have only spotted it out in the wild a couple times.

Question, does the bezel collect dust in those pockets? Probably wouldn't be an issue, if you brush or blow it out daily, I suppose, but at least one time I saw one up close at a local GTG, I did see dust/scum in those little sprocket pockets.

[RolexZen]

Originally Posted by jojosnr

My on experience. Yes it does, and not easy to clean ; (

Thanks for that info! Still love that bezel!

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by RolexZen

I love the Overseas, though have only spotted it out in the wild a couple times.

Question, does the bezel collect dust in those pockets? Probably wouldn't be an issue, if you brush or blow it out daily, I suppose, but at least one time I saw one up close at a local GTG, I did see dust/scum in those little sprocket pockets.

Not really an issue if you rinse it every now and again.

[rumnyc]

I wanted an overseas world time but apparently discontinued????


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[ATO]

Originally Posted by RolexZen

I love the Overseas, though have only spotted it out in the wild a couple times.

Question, does the bezel collect dust in those pockets? Probably wouldn't be an issue, if you brush or blow it out daily, I suppose, but at least one time I saw one up close at a local GTG, I did see dust/scum in those little sprocket pockets.

Yes, it does trap dust, i use toothpick to dig them out time to time.

[C_Troy242]

I just brush dust out with the soft wrist clean brush before and after wearing, no issue at all frankly and I was slightly worried before. It's much more of a thing (to me) to maintain a clean and dust/smudge-free RO all around (especially the flat edges of the case below the bezel). All worth it though.

[Benzsiam]

VC is an excellent watch brand. Overseas model is getting more popular now, most people like the idea that it came with 3 types of bracelet. I don't like the way they designed the shape of the bezel, why came up with many pockets around the bezel, I don't think it looks good at all and it can collect a lots of dust and not easy to clean.

[C_Troy242]

Again, that's just wrong.

And it does add to the uniqueness (and looks great - in my opinion )

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by C_Troy242

Again, that's just wrong.

And it does add to the uniqueness (and looks great - in my opinion )

I like it a lot too, but I can see how it’s a matter of taste. I can echo your sentiment re dust too. As I said earlier, apart from the eventual rinse, I haven’t done much to prevent dust... and yet, I don’t seem to have much of a problem with that.

[TommyT53]

I have both the VC and AP and both have their own qualities.

[STLrolexfan]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I have both the VC and AP and both have their own qualities.

Attachment 1151320

Which reference # is the AP here? Is it just 41mm? Looks bigger than the 42.5mm VC in this shot


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[SMD]

Originally Posted by STLrolexfan

Which reference # is the AP here? Is it just 41mm? Looks bigger than the 42.5mm VC in this shot


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26331 -- 41mm

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by STLrolexfan

Which reference # is the AP here? Is it just 41mm? Looks bigger than the 42.5mm VC in this shot


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I think that’s an optical illusion due to how close the subdials are to the center of the dial on either of the watches. Makes the AP look larger, because it’s all more spread out. The VC looks more compact due to the large subdial at 3 o’clock.

On another note that ROC really is a beauty... everytime I see it makes me question the 15500‘s place in my lineup.

[1Orologio]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Have you got a link to the tear down article please as I couldn’t find it.

I must say the VC 5100 is rather stunning and I see what you mean about artistry vs. perfunctory.

Movement aside I do much prefer the more industrial and complicated design of the RO line, but from the back then the VC does sparkle somewhat brighter.

For me, AP all the way. And , of course, I’m biased.

But aesthetics, brand, movement/s, options, marketing, value retention, presentation/box are some of the reasons I chose this over VC.

Not diminishing VC, just my personal view and preference.


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[bmclaurin]

I’m on the hunt for either of these right now, latest reference blue dial 3-hander. I tend to be drawn more to the styling of the VC, but what sucks is I know I don’t have the will power to resist eventually buying both.

[jojosnr]

Have to give it to VC for these two.

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I have both the VC and AP and both have their own qualities.

Attachment 1151320

[TommyT53]

The AP 26331 had always been my grail but I kinda lean towards liking the VC more. The bracelet is more comfortable and the watch appears thinner on my wrist, not to mention but it's a sparkler. The larger minute dial on the VC makes it easier to see, which helps these old eyes. The nice thing about the AP is that you can depress the stopwatch plungers without having to unscrew them. I use that function more because of it and it's almost as easy as turning the bezel on the Submariner.

[DoctorA]

AP is in a class by itself. The case and bracelet details are second to none! The waffle dial on the RO is mesmerizing! And the movement is a true eye candy!
While the OS is a beautiful watch but I feel that it’s somewhat similar to so many watches in aesthetics and design while the AP is similar to only another AP!

[Franzl]

I own both. I love both. Prior to purchasing my OS I would have picked the RO to be the clear winner in this “contest”. I am not so sure now. While the design language of the RO is unmistakably more iconic and universally recognized I did surrender to the allure of the OS. It’s such a high quality piece that draws you in with its subtle elegance that makes you somehow feel like you are a member of a secret watch club only visible to a select few. This is a highly personal opinion and by no means do I think that others have to feel similar.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Franzl

I own both. I love both. Prior to purchasing my OS I would have picked the RO to be the clear winner in this “contest”. I am not so sure now. While the design language of the RO is unmistakably more iconic and universally recognized I did surrender to the allure of the OS. It’s such a high quality piece that draws you in with its subtle elegance that makes you somehow feel like you are a member of a secret watch club only visible to a select few. This is a highly personal opinion and by no means do I think that others have to feel similar.

Others do though;) I can very much echo your sentiment

[pblondon]

And me:-)

[Patton250]

The AP hacks. The VC doesn’t. It’s not important to a lot of people but it is to me. Having said that I still prefer the VC. I owned the blue Overseas version last year but I just don’t like it compared to other brands blues. So I went with silver. The AP blue is much nicer IMO. Much better for me. Yes people already mentioned the straps are completely easier to change out on the VC and it comes with 3. If an in-house movement is important to you remember AP still doesn’t have one on their Chrono. VC does. Both brands are awesome but let’s face it a AP really only has the Royal Oak. VC has a much better lineup. Someone had mentioned earlier in the thread that more people know AP so brand recognition is important he said. I don’t know why that would be important to a true watch enthusiast but the only reason why AP is more known is because professional basketball players and rap stars have been buying them up the last 10 years. So the guy has a point. My son because he loves rap music knows is exactly what the Royal Oak is. Same thing with Patek Nautilus or RM.

[Vivalas]

I’ve a 116500 white dial, the new Pepsi, a skydweller and a hulk so pretty fortunate with watches. Wanted something special for my 50th and originally looked at the blue overseas chrono. Eventually went for the 3 hander. Have to say it’s the best watch I’ve ever owned (and that includes a blue 5711).

It’s such a classy watch, yet can be worn casually. Is striking but also understated. Most don’t know what it is. The blue in the sun is incredible, but it also looks black in some light. As the the 3 strap options, you wonder why all the luxury watch companies aren’t doing this.

I’m looking to add an AP, but the VC will remain my firm favourite.

[ylai81]

Have had AP RO Chrono 26331ST (silver dial) for two years and VC Overseas Dualtime 7900V (blue dial) for a month. Got AP after a 3 month wait at NYC boutique and VC after a 10 month wait at NYC AD (covid, etc.) and VC raised prices amidst the wait which is quite frustrating.

A few key firsthand experience takeaways (between the two):

1. VC dial wins but AP is a close second. Very different styles, but VC feels more stunning and also more interesting (I think the grey / white hands and date ring adds really nice contrast to the dial - partially why I got DT vs 3 hander) but AP feels more nuanced with the tapisserie and contrasting color and texture for the subdials
2. AP bracelet wins overall (details, comfort, design, etc.). The impression of VC bracelet so far is it looks nice but feels a bit more flimsy (it’s hard to convey unless you have them side by side). VC’s quick change and extension system is great and all but just feels a bit of a fluff - I’d rather it come in one sturdy piece with a not so easily triggered extension and with solid springbar (I know it’s supposed to be secure but... I’m paranoid and have seen the mechanism accidental released on a IWC Aquatimer before). Also, I think AP bracelet ages better with hairline scratches, etc. added on inevitably over time since it already has that industrial, seasoned design into it
3. VC movement accuracy wins by a long shot, and display back case is fantastic. The 28,800 vph is audible when you hold up your hand to support your head and sounded super pleasant
4. VC bezel wins by a small margin. It just depends on what structural aesthetics you prefer. I love both but I think VC bezel is more interesting and hides any accidental scratches or songs better. They are very pronounced on AP (and on PP 5167).
5. Crystal - VC wins. Maybe it’s something about the dial color as well but the crystal looks exceptionally clear. The one annoying thing with VC crystal is watermark dried is extremely hard to get off (to the point that my first time running into that issue I almost had a panic attack with the swirled up, scratch like lines). It took a microfiber cloth and some serious elbow grease to get off. I have owned 15 watches from all the major mid and top tier brands and have never had that before
6. Value proposition... to each its own. VC is less known on the Main Street in the US (comparing to AP / PP / Rolex) and it takes some familiarity and curiosity to understand the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship. Overseas (no pun intended) it’s a very different story. That could explain why the trailing grey market value. I expect it to pick up, but don’t think it will be flipper central (inventory turns is just too slow to justify it).
7. Side bar - I’d get on a 5 year waitlist if they ever commercialize the Cory Richards VCO DT!