Rolex quality vs AP quality

[Onx]

My AP15300 exudes much more quality than the rolex until the buckle screw almost fell out by itself twice on me. The movement is sometimes inconsistent (fast by a couple mins per day) and after I set the time, the minute hand would jump forward as I push the crown back. It doesnt seem to be broken but I've read other people having this issues. So even though it is of a higher quality, I would say it is much more delicate.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Onx

My AP15300 exudes much more quality than the rolex until the buckle screw almost fell out by itself twice on me. The movement is sometimes inconsistent (fast by a couple mins per day) and after I set the time, the minute hand would jump forward as I push the crown back. It doesnt seem to be broken but I've read other people having this issues. So even though it is of a higher quality, I would say it is much more delicate.

If it is a couple of minutes fast a day, it may have been magnetized. I would send to APSC and have it looked at. Open backed watches are more susceptible to being magnetized, sapphire caseback has much less protection to EM waves than steel.

Buckle screw falling out can happen on any watch. Put a bit of Loctite (a very little bit), and make sure you get the correct color so that it can be removed if desired; some people have put the strong stuff on which requires ruining the screw to remove it.

[wisguy]

AP is higher end and therefore higher finish, quality might need to consider other factors.

I think Rolex makes the best watches, but not the finest.

Rolex is bulletproof most of the time, whereas other have issues from time to time.

That's why I have a mix of brands.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by WWCO

Look away now Rolex purists! I recently had the very fortunate experience of trying on a few AP peices with the view of buying the ROO Diver and I'm afraid to say that personally I feel the quality of the AP's (and I tried a variety of pieces, RO chronograph, ROO Chronograph, ultra thin RO, and even a concept) all which seem by far better quality than any Rolex I have ever tried on and hate to say it but my GMT doesn't feel the same anymore after having an AP on my wrist. Would love to hear you thoughts and if anyone has had the same experience.

Well, I pretty much agree.

[mobster600]

Just because AP has some more detailing doesn't mean their quality is anymore or less then any other brand. If Rolex did a tapisery dial and beveled their case edges we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

You need to separate the extra aesthetic features an AP has that is not comparable to Rolex.

The bottom line is Rolex can do anything any other watch does. Their cash and resources are for more then any watch brand or parent company.

I love both AP and Rolex, no bias here

[singe89]

Originally Posted by mobster600

Just because AP has some more detailing doesn't mean their quality is anymore or less then any other brand. If Rolex did a tapisery dial and beveled their case edges we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

You need to separate the extra aesthetic features an AP has that is not comparable to Rolex.

The bottom line is Rolex can do anything any other watch does. Their cash and resources are for more then any watch brand or parent company.

I love both AP and Rolex, no bias here

With all those "resources" they can't buy history in haute horology that AP has built. Rolex is a tool watch company that marketed its way into the luxury watch market. AP has had over 140 years of making haute horology pieces.

We might compare all Rolex models with APs base models but Rolex doesn't have anything that can compare to complicated APs. Yes Rolex has the resources/$$$ to make a complicated watch but it wouldn't appeal to their primary demographic. They could do a publicity stunt and make a 1 of 1 grande comp, tourbillon, minute repeater, etc and it would probably pull in a good amount. However I dont see Rolex really playing in the $100k+ market.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by mobster600

Just because AP has some more detailing doesn't mean their quality is anymore or less then any other brand. If Rolex did a tapisery dial and beveled their case edges we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

You need to separate the extra aesthetic features an AP has that is not comparable to Rolex.

The bottom line is Rolex can do anything any other watch does. Their cash and resources are for more then any watch brand or parent company.

I love both AP and Rolex, no bias here

The finer detailing and more complex layers are important to note in describing their differences, as it is to note this reflection in their prices.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by mobster600

Just because AP has some more detailing doesn't mean their quality is anymore or less then any other brand. If Rolex did a tapisery dial and beveled their case edges we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

You need to separate the extra aesthetic features an AP has that is not comparable to Rolex.

The bottom line is Rolex can do anything any other watch does. Their cash and resources are for more then any watch brand or parent company.

I love both AP and Rolex, no bias here

Are we completely ignoring movement finishing?

If I had been working on my jump shot the past twenty years I'd be Curry. Just sayin.

[Northcap]

At the outset I admit I do not own an AP -- yet.

Recently I purchased my first casual/sports watch outside the Rolex brand. I worked with a reseller who sourced both the PP and the AP I was interested in purchasing. He had no bias in either direction. If anything his bias leaned in the direction of the AP. We discussed both watches over a couple of days. My conclusion was AP's reputation for being sensitive outweighed the beauty of the watch.

For me reliability and quality are inextricable. I will one day purchase a Royal Oak because I think it is iconic, but the RO will be babied more than any of my other daily wear watches.

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by mobster600

Just because AP has some more detailing doesn't mean their quality is anymore or less then any other brand. If Rolex did a tapisery dial and beveled their case edges we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

You need to separate the extra aesthetic features an AP has that is not comparable to Rolex.

The bottom line is Rolex can do anything any other watch does. Their cash and resources are for more then any watch brand or parent company.

I love both AP and Rolex, no bias here

What???

I love both brands, but really? Since Rolex isn't doing tapisserie dials and beveled cases, that is why we are having this discussion...That is all part of the quality category.

[locutus49]

I believe Rolex is a charitable foundation and gives much money to charity. Or so I heard on a video about Rolex.

Originally Posted by mobster600

dup post- please delete

[alexlt730512]

both watches do have high quality finished; however, I think Rolex is more robust.

[Fiddich]

I own both. They are both great. Rolex is more durable and robust ap is simply better looking and has a much superieur finish although feels more delicate.

[tmw84]

It's all about where the watchmakers want to position themselves on the demand curve. Luxury goods work the opposite from typical consumer goods - the more expensive they are, the more everyone wants them because their perceived fit/finishing/movement/shine is "better", or whatever their marketing tells us.

There's also the economics of it. Price them expensive and you sell less but make more per watch, price them cheap and you make profits on the volume. Rolex can afford to play in the volume game because they have the production capacity.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tmw84

It's all about where the watchmakers want to position themselves on the demand curve. Luxury goods work the opposite from typical consumer goods - the more expensive they are, the more everyone wants them because their perceived fit/finishing/movement/shine is "better", or whatever their marketing tells us.

There's also the economics of it. Price them expensive and you sell less but make more per watch, price them cheap and you make profits on the volume. Rolex can afford to play in the volume game because they have the production capacity.

Price has nothing to do with how well a watch is finished. It's not some sort of illusion. AP cases, movements, bracelets, and often dials are simply finished to a much higher level than Rolex. Then again, for less money so is grand seiko.

In regards to your point about production, I would say Rolex can play in the volume game because of superior brand awareness, achieved through decades of great marketing, and also just making a damn good watch.

[tmw84]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Price has nothing to do with how well a watch is finished. It's not some sort of illusion. AP cases, movements, bracelets, and often dials are simply finished to a much higher level than Rolex. Then again, for less money so is grand seiko.

Exactly, that's why I said "perceived" finishing is better...

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tmw84

Exactly, that's why I said "perceived" finishing is better...

I misread.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by tmw84

Exactly, that's why I said "perceived" finishing is better...

Looking from a horology standpoint there are one mayor thing that must be taken into consideration. AP are doing extensive hand finishing on both case and on the parts of the movement. Rolex have big machines pretty much doing it all. If one have no interest in handcraft then by all means Rolex are probably superior in most ways. Hey, a Volvo most definitely have statistically less flaws coming of the production line than a Ferrari. Not selling rolex short, what they do is remarkable and they are the best at what they do.

[ivanos]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Looking from a horology standpoint there are one mayor thing that must be taken into consideration. AP are doing extensive hand finishing on both case and on the parts of the movement. Rolex have big machines pretty much doing it all. If one have no interest in handcraft then by all means Rolex are probably superior in most ways. Hey, a Volvo most definitely have statistically less flaws coming of the production line than a Ferrari. Not selling rolex short, what they do is remarkable and they are the best at what they do.

What has hand finishing to do with "horology standpoint"?



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[Snow-Dweller]

I had a 15400 and a Diver for a year (as well as a couple of Rolex).

I felt they were beautiful watches, but fragile. I'm pleased I did it, but not as pleased as I was to sell them and buy a PM Rolex.

[jem7v]

Not sure if rolex is more "durable". That being said, I'd probably be way more mindful of an AP on my wrist (depending which one) than a rolex.

The reason being the better finish quality inherently makes it easier to f**k up than a rolex.

But I wore my CE 44mm every day with zero issue. When my 44mm RG comes, I'll wear that too. The 15202 we'll see. I'll wear that probably more, but will have to be way more mindful, since I'm told if you breathe on that bracelet it pretty much scratches.

The rubber strap models are much easier when resting your hand on a desk (unless it's glass and then doesn't matter).

But pretty much any ROO I would say is more or less as durable as a rolex. The rubber strap and ceramic bezel really makes a different. And the steel bezel on the 42 ROOs is not that expensive to change out ever few years if you are OCD about polishing.

[Tmac478]

I own a few Rolexes and just purchased my first AP (15400). Right now I'm loving the AP but it's so different than any of my Rolexes. The finish and look are fantastic.
I think rather than compare Rolex vs AP, you have to compare certain models to one another. Doesn't make sense to compare a SS Sub to a PM RO.
Both brands make great watches.

[Mrngrz46]

I clarified right now: service full including polishing for a ROO 44 mm here in switzerland is 1700 CHF incl. taxes. Excluding polishing: 1500 CHF

[Bruins7]

Both brands have stood the test of time. For me Rolex makes the perfect timepiece for my wrist. A Daytona is my all time favorite. Simple, classic, durable and reliable. Owned a Rubberclad AP ROO black dial and it was a terrific timepiece. But, I've always gone back to crown. Glad you found AP as your go to watches, as most have said you won't be disappointed. Rich history and amazing looking pieces.

[ivanos]

Anyone not knowing that? Not knowing that brands like PP, Lange, AP, and VC all pursue paths different from Rolex? What's the point of beating the dead horse and keep comparing apples to oranges?


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[locutus49]

I wonder what the point of these threads are. We TRFers all know the difference between a Rolex and AP (or Patek). I guess beating a dead horse never gets old.

PS: Some have said that Rolexes are all machine made, constructed. There are some excellent videos showing the amount of hand finishing that goes into each Rolex. Not to AP standards, but still....

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by ivanos

Common trait? Not exactly. By the way, if that is 'common' then how come horology is "by nature subjective"?

Nevermind.

[Hanz079]

I have owned 2 APs and a few Rolexes...
My take is... there comes a time where you just want a nice, robust, reliable well constructed watch that can be worn hassle and worry free.
And by my own experience, AP (as beautiful as they are) isn't what I would call robust and reliable.
Life has enough problems as is... I don't need my watch to be one of them...
And of course, regarding service fees? Servicing the movement is one price and polishing is another. Added together, they can cost quite alot.
Well... you gotta pay to play...

[Xerxes77]

Originally Posted by Hanz079

I have owned 2 APs and a few Rolexes...
My take is... there comes a time where you just want a nice, robust, reliable well constructed watch that can be worn hassle and worry free.
And by my own experience, AP (as beautiful as they are) isn't what I would call robust and reliable.
Life has enough problems as is... I don't need my watch to be one of them...
And of course, regarding service fees? Servicing the movement is one price and polishing is another. Added together, they can cost quite alot.
Well... you gotta pay to play...

agree

[RolexAviator]

I've owned numerous Rolex models, a 5711 Nautilus and a 26300 ROC at the same time. There is no question that the quality of an AP (finishing in particular) is above Rolex and in my personal opinion, I believe the AP's are finished better than the PP Nautilus (especially the 15202). You pay for it though so it's not really fair to compare AP to Rolex...