Sub-C vs. AP Royal Oak

[cbahn]

Predicting that Sub-C ND will have USD price around $7700 and that 116610 will likely go under ANOTHER price increase into mid $8000 range, I'm just wondering if it is worth buying Rolex Submariner anymore.

Should I get an AP Royal Oak instead of Submariner?

What do you guys think? Surely 15300 has only 50m depth rating, but I think the movement quality (in terms of decoration) and superior finishing should make up for it.

[Lanfor]

If I had the money I would get an AP anyday

[gwalker]

Yes it's totally worth having a sub. That said I think a realistic price for the AP is around $11-14k+ (not sure about better discounts or used prices.) I'm wanting an AP badly now and the ROO Chrono will be my next watch. Never thought I'd buy a $33k steel watch but when it sings to you go for it. Personally I think the 15300 is pretty plain Jane and I like the more complicated models. I'm also wanting a Thames Panda.

[dddrees]

The AP probably will see a price increase as well. However more importantly if the AP sings to you more than the SubC by all means get the AP.

[z32turbo]

I'd have to go for the Sub over an RO.

[cdnwatchguy]

A new Sub C to a new AP diver the price for the AP will be over double. Gorgeous watch though but only your wallet can say if the value is there for you.

[esm]

Dressy will have to be the AP RO, if you want sports, can't go wrong with a 116610

[HenryCA]

I would get the Royal Oak as well.

Like most collectors, I am phasing out of Rolex and jumping into the higher end watches. I love Rolex but the price increase and the new models make the higher pieces like AP more attractive.

It also something different in the collection.

[MrJ320]

I would say the RO is a sporty watch, but not a sports watch in the sense of a Sub. When wearing it compare to a Sub, the Sub feels more robust overall. The finishing of the case and bracelet is definitely much better on the RO, but it also seems like scratches will show more on the RO, so I think it really depends on how you plan to wear the RO or Sub.

[Jibba]

Tough to compare. The 15400 is gonna be $16k+. Basically double. It's a beauty but is better than 2 subs?

[MoBe]

I can`t stomach the AP designs so Rolex will be fine for now.

[Le Chef]

Much better finished movement, and in the 15300 it's also visible through the display back.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by cbahn

Predicting that Sub-C ND will have USD price around $7700 and that 116610 will likely go under ANOTHER price increase into mid $8000 range, I'm just wondering if it is worth buying Rolex Submariner anymore.

Should I get an AP Royal Oak instead of Submariner?

What do you guys think? Surely 15300 has only 50m depth rating, but I think the movement quality (in terms of decoration) and superior finishing should make up for it.

First, you can't get an AP 15300 or 15400 for SubC money. Second, these are two VERY different beasts.


Note: not in bad condition after a year of regular use

[HL65]

Originally Posted by kilyung

First, you can't get an AP 15300 or 15400 for SubC money. Second, these are two VERY different beasts.


Note: not in bad condition after a year of regular use

Beauty Mike-- love the white dial!

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Note: not in bad condition after a year of regular use

Wow, you managed to keep your RO in great condition Mike. I hope my ROC will still look like your RO after a year of use. So far so good after 1 month

[Lanfor]

Originally Posted by kilyung

First, you can't get an AP 15300 or 15400 for SubC money. Second, these are two VERY different beasts.


Note: not in bad condition after a year of regular use

That is a real beauty

[GEO_79]

AP gets my vote

[Speed]

Damn Mike...

I'm starting to like AP ROOs. Same thing happened with Panerai.

Curse you TRF!!!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Speed

Damn Mike...

I'm starting to like AP ROOs. Same thing happened with Panerai.

Curse you TRF!!!

Terrible on the wallet isn't it Bill?

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by Speed

Damn Mike...

I'm starting to like AP ROOs. Same thing happened with Panerai.

Curse you TRF!!!

I think we are comparing apples to oranges here. Of these two models I would still grab the sub but I say get what you like and will be most satisfied with

[Gharddog03]

Two completely different watches. No comparison.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Speed

Damn Mike...

I'm starting to like AP ROOs. Same thing happened with Panerai.

Curse you TRF!!!

I know. I was really starting to like the PAMs and then I saw the AP that changed it all. Now instead of $8k it's going to be about triple that if I get the model I'm leaning towards. Oh well I know people that spends $100s of thousands on cars that just sit in storage. My RV and boat sit for atleast 6 months a year. Sure it's a lot for just a watch but I will wear it probably almost everyday. Not such a bad deal in the grand scheme of things. I need a Dr. I'm a sick man.

[andrew79]

Originally Posted by Speed

Damn Mike...

I'm starting to like AP ROOs. Same thing happened with Panerai.

Curse you TRF!!!

Damn true .... TRF is the source of this disease....

[Grumpy Badger]

I'd say it depends on your lifestyle, wearing habits and other watches in your collection...

When I bought my 14060m I looked at Rolex, JLC, IWC, and AP and saw many lovely watches but none fitted my lifestyle as well as the Sub. I think I vary from most people on the forum in that I work in a very physical outdoor job so my watch has to stand up to everything my arm can.

IMHO the RO is a "sporty watch" and the Sub is a tool watch, at least in the case of my 14060m. I find the Sub-C's to be leaning a bit more towards "sporty" but I think it would still be better placed to handle rough and tumble than the RO.

Had I been an office worker I suspect I would have gone for a RO or a ROC over a Sub-C and kept my old TAG as a beater for weekend sports.

[h999r]

I'd prefer driving Ferrari then mercedes.

[Polemic]

I think there is no RO vs Sub, there is RO and Sub.

I would go for Sub at first, then RO will be very nice.

[emagni]

Subc is the best bang for the buck. AP is a whole different category, more luxury than sport IMHO. No use comparing them. The best way to discuss these two watche houses is which one will you get first. If you get the Subc it is more probable that you will move on to AP. If you get AP first then you may not remember to get the Subc since you will surpass your tolerance in terms of what you were willing to spend.

[p_mcgee]

I sold my blue 15300 and eventually replaced it with a Sub-C. Nice watch, but a little too dressy and the bracelet was too sparkly for me to be a daily wearer like the sub. Now I'm coveting a Royal Oak chrono, but no sellers remorse at all for the 15300.

[DucS2R]

I have both. I wear the sub c for everyday and reserve the 15300 for dressier occasions or when I feel like a change from the sub. I love both. The sub is more robust and the 15300 more prone to scratches, but they are my two favorite watches in my collection, and I have some nice watches. My 15300 is the white one as shown above.

T

[WatchTimes]

Id go for the sub, just not a fan of the AP
Depends on what you want really.
Do you want a watch you can do anything with
anytime? Get the sub.
If you want something you can wear but not put to
the abuse a sub would take get the AP.

I like to wear my watches and I am tough on the so I
love Rolex