Would you trade Pepsi/Sub for AP 15550ST?

[rlx123]

Originally Posted by Malum

If you like ugly watches , Do it .

I agree. I too find the RO unattractive


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[rlx123]

Originally Posted by BMess

I have both a Pepsi jubilee and a 38mm AP RO chrono (“ROC”). I have a very small wrist also so I needed the 37mm Royal Oak or the 38mm ROC. At one point, I also had the 12 series no date submariner. I sold the submariner because, as others have correctly stated, the Pepsi is basically a submariner with a different bezel and additional hand. I found them too similar and redundant. I like to have as few watches in the collection as possible and I find the Pepsi to be my wear-anywhere-do-anything watch while the ROC is my work/going out watch that does not see abuse or water and is never in an environment where it can be subjected to harsh wear.

Let’s discuss the benefits and burdens of the Royal Oak. It’s an absolutely beautiful watch. The quality and workmanship is incredible and not, in any way, comparable to Rolex. The bracelet fits my small wrist perfectly and shines like nothing Rolex has ever produced. The mix of brushed and high polished finishing is materially better than any finishing I have seen on a Rolex. The level of detail and finishing on the AP’s dial is worlds ahead of Rolex. Theres a reason any AP boutique gives you a loupe to admire the details on their watches whereas you would never want to take a loupe to a Pepsi.

On the other hand, the Royal Oak is extremely delicate. The case and bracelet scratch very easily and show wear much faster than the Pepsi/Submariner. The power reserve, at least on my ROC, is awful (about 48 hours) when compared to my Pepsi. The crown doesn’t work as well the Rolex crown to the extent the ROC crown is hard to close after winding and when returning the crown from the time-setting position to either the winding position or closing position, often causes the minute hand to jump slightly making setting the time with absolute precision hard (notwithstanding the non hacking seconds hand on the ROC). In this regard, the ROC feels more like a piece of jewelry as opposed to the Pepsi that feels like a tool watch.

With all that out of the way, I will answer your question—is a trade of both your submariner and your Pepsi for the 37mm AP Royal Oak a good trade? From a purely monetary perspective, the answer is yes. The Sub/Pepsi combo would get you around $30,000 in today’s market. In that regard, you are making $3,000 dollars on this trade. From a utility perspective, and assuming the Royal Oak will be your only watch after the trade, the answer is no, I would not make this trade. You are losing the daily versatility and ruggedness of the Rolex. What will you wear when you go on vacation/holiday? What will you wear when you take your kids to play outside or give your dog a bath? What will you wear when you want to wear a watch but don’t want the attention associated with a shiny Royal Oak?

As you can see, your question is impossible to answer without more information (i.e., what other watches are in the collection, will you be wearing this watch every day, what do you do for work, what do you do outside of work, are you an active and adventurous person who is often mountain biking, hiking, and skiing or do you favor simpler pleasures like enjoying wineries and museums).

I hope this is helpful, but it’s also ok if you don’t want to do a full analysis as suggested above but rather simply want the Royal Oak because it’s a beautiful watch and in order to buy it you need to trade the two Rolex. No wrong answer here. In fact, although I’m quite critical and analytical by nature, I generally take the more emotional approach to adding watches to my collection—if I love the watch, I either buy it or trade something for it and I don’t really worry about the consequences of how the watch fits into my collection and daily life.

So the only good thing about the RO is the finish and workmanship. If that’s the case I rather get a Grand Seiko. No other finishes can beat GS, not to mention the movement. Maybe I am biased because I am venturing into that brand for my next purchase.


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[Mr Ben]

Not one I would do unless you love the AP - which I personally don’t.

[rohada]

I respect the AP higher horology. If I didn't have to look at it to tell time, then maybe I'd get one. Obviously, they have a following and more power to them. I wouldn't make that trade based on preference for the Rolex design aesthetic. For me, my Omega watches were all better looking. But, you gotta do you.

[FL2024]

Personally no, absolutely not.

[Steele]

I have the 37mm ROO chrono and the new 12 BLRO and 12 Sub no date and a 12 Daytona WG on OF.

So as someone who can tell you personally who rocks them all.

1- keep the BLRO (grail)
2- I would sell the Daytona
3- AP is a huge step up from Rolex (sorry not sorry)
4- Rolex is cranking up production and that’s gonna affect the prices of Rolex drastically in the next few years. (So the value you get today I would bet will be higher than in the next 12-24 months
5- AP makes 50k watches a year and now the focus on smaller watches and women’s pieces will tighten the men’s and unisex versions even more helping values
6- the RO bracelet is like jewelry

My 2 cents

[SLWoodster]

I think GS has been doing wonderful things.

But a Lexus LS is not a Mercedes S Class. Even if it runs infinitely better with less maintenance requirements.

There's a market for both though.

LOL.

Originally Posted by rlx123

So the only good thing about the RO is the finish and workmanship. If that’s the case I rather get a Grand Seiko. No other finishes can beat GS, not to mention the movement. Maybe I am biased because I am venturing into that brand for my next purchase.


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[wgdaytona]

No chance for me. No I would not.

[Rolexforthewin]

Ummm, that would be a no for me.