Considering an AP Diver

[bpetty13]

Good afternoon everyone,

I am relatively new to the AP forum (usually stick to the Rolex and Panerai forums), but I ventured over here about a month or so ago and have really enjoyed everyone's posts and watches. During this time I've been using all of you to familiarize myself with the brand, and so far I am really liking what I'm finding. I've really taken a liking to the SS AP Diver, though I do have a concern.

First, a little background on me. I have a relatively small, but flat 6.5" wrist. Currently I own a black SubC and a Panerai 312. The SubC fits my wrist perfectly (love the glidelock mechanism) and the 44mm Pam fits ok, but is definitely pushing the limit as far as size goes. There's no way I could go any bigger than 44mm as to keep from looking silly. Right now I currently use the SubC as my daily wearer and the Pam comes out for casual Fridays and the weekend. What I love about these two watches is the versatility I get between them. SubC on the oyster bracelet and the Pam with it's unlimited strap options!

So in saying that I am seriously contemplating changing things up and selling my Pam 312 and getting an AP Diver. Everything I've read from anyone that owns or has encountered the Diver is how awesome of a watch it is and how much they enjoy it. At this time it's not feasible to keep the two watches I have and save for the Diver. I'm not much of a collector and I have found that two watches work really well for me. The AP Diver is also at the top of my price range (lord knows I would love me a Carbon).

My concerns with the AP Diver really begin and end with the size. I know it's listed at 42mm, but have read it wears more like a 47mm! If this is true then I'm afraid it may not be for me. Before I got the SubC I owned a 42mm Omega PO and it fit great, so that's sort of what I was hoping for here. Can anyone who has one/tried one on and has pics post them along with your wrist size for comparison. I wish I could try one on and see it in the flesh, but I don't believe there are any boutiques or ADs close to me (Austin, TX). Other than my concern with the size I love everything about the watch! I love the dial, the hands, and the rubber strap with tang buckle. It seems like it's a sporty, yet serious watch. If I do end up with the Diver I fully plan on acquiring the metal bracelet and some hornback straps to change the look. I really think that with these options it could be the ultimate AP!

I look forward to everyone's comments/responses/pics/insight. Thanks for your time & and for making this an awesome forum to visit.

Blake

[Kringkily]

Is there an AD near you? Just go in and try it on to be sure it works for you. Wrist shape is also an important factor.

[h999r]

+1 I love the diver, the strap is so comfortable, awesome finish. You wont be disappointed.

Here is mine , also the one on bracelet.

[bpetty13]

Originally Posted by h999r

+1 I love the diver, the strap is so comfortable, awesome finish. You wont be disappointed.

Here is mine , also the one on bracelet.

Attachment 300749
Attachment 300750

What's the size of your wrist?

[h999r]

We are about the same 6.5" - 6.7" .. 42MM is perfectly good for me , but 44MM above is too big.

[singe89]

I would suggest trying it on in person. I usually rotate the AP Diver, DSSD and 312 and the Diver is by far the most comfortable for me (and my favorite of the three) however other people tend to not find it as comfortable depending on wrist size and shape.

The diver is a great intro into AP but I can tell you the bug can bite hard and be even more addicting than Rolex or Panerai.

[alexlt730512]

Originally Posted by singe89

I would suggest trying it on in person. I usually rotate the AP Diver, DSSD and 312 and the Diver is by far the most comfortable for me (and my favorite of the three) however other people tend to not find it as comfortable depending on wrist size and shape.

The diver is a great intro into AP but I can tell you the bug can bite hard and be even more addicting than Rolex or Panerai.

I agree.

[TSW]

6,5 wrist myself and it wears like a dream!!

[ydna808]

Originally Posted by singe89

I would suggest trying it on in person. I usually rotate the AP Diver, DSSD and 312 and the Diver is by far the most comfortable for me (and my favorite of the three) however other people tend to not find it as comfortable depending on wrist size and shape.

The diver is a great intro into AP but I can tell you the bug can bite hard and be even more addicting than Rolex or Panerai.

Sorry don't mean to jack this thread but can you post a side by side comparo of the DSSD and the AP Diver please?

So true about the addictive nature you mentioned

TIA

PS Good luck OP! Looking forward to the "Incoming" thread

[ocwatching]

well..I am on the flip side..6.5" wrist and I tried all variations of strap lenghts to get the right fit on the Diver..after a while..I moved it on...

your mileage will vary...

I was/am a Panerai nut and I found the Diver wear big...bigger than the 312 I had...

I have the SubC as well and I can tell you that the Diver wears bigger than that easily...

[Andrés G]

IMO the size is almost the same as a PAM. I own a 112 and don't find much of a difference but the Diver is thicker and heavier than my PAM.

My wrist is 6.5 - 6.75 depending on the weather. Some pics for comparison:

[Watcheroo]

Great watch, I love it, but you will definitely need to try it on before you make a final decision. I have a 6.5" wrist as well and it works if you don't mind its larger-than-the-average-watch look. Good luck!

[singe89]

Originally Posted by ydna808

Sorry don't mean to jack this thread but can you post a side by side comparo of the DSSD and the AP Diver please?

So true about the addictive nature you mentioned

TIA

PS Good luck OP! Looking forward to the "Incoming" thread

This is all I have on my iphone right now. I can try and get a few more side by side pics when I get home this weekend.







The DSSD feels way more top heavy. The lugs on the Diver seem to hug my wrist much better and the rubber feels much better on hot days. Going to pick up the AP bracelet for the diver as well. That should make a better comparison. The 312 is actually a 328 but I prefer it on a strap as I find the panerai bracelet to be a little too thick/heavy.

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by singe89

This is all I have on my iphone right now. I can try and get a few more side by side pics when I get home this weekend.







The DSSD feels way more top heavy. The lugs on the Diver seem to hug my wrist much better and the rubber feels much better on hot days. Going to pick up the AP bracelet for the diver as well. That should make a better comparison. The 312 is actually a 328 but I prefer it on a strap as I find the panerai bracelet to be a little too thick/heavy.

LOOKING good BRO!
looks like you are enjoying it greatly...nice to see!

Hope all is well!

[wrxsti]

i have a 6 1/2 inch wrist, i have owned panerai before and it does
not feel larger. The integrated case to bracelet may give the illusion on a bigger
watch. You will love it, the fit/finishing is truly outstanding.

It is a sporty watch like the sub but i wear it to work with my suits all the time. I enjoy the exclusivity, history, amazing bevels/chamfers. The rubber strap is super comfy and high quality. I will be picking up a bracelet soon and it wil make this diver even more versatile.

It just feels special on the wrist, so special that all my rolex are gone, just enjoying my Ap and Iwc. My rolex just lost that special feeling when wearing them and looked/felt pedestrian to me. I still want to get some vintage rolex in my collection soon. Looking forward to another Ap purchase, this time carbon/ceramic.

[h999r]

I think feel bigger watch is only because you never try and get used to it. If you wear this diver daily after awhile you will see / feel that Sub or daytona is a small watches. Correct me if Im wrong.

[singe89]

Originally Posted by ocwatching

LOOKING good BRO!
looks like you are enjoying it greatly...nice to see!

Hope all is well!

Really enjoying it. Thanks again!!!

Even convinced the fiancée to swing by Le Brassus and see the AP factory while on our honeymoon in Europe. She still won’t let me buy another watch until after our wedding but its giving me time to save for either the ROO 44mm carbon or a ROO panda and maybe a SS Millenary.


Cheers!

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by singe89

Really enjoying it. Thanks again!!!

Even convinced the fiancée to swing by Le Brassus and see the AP factory while on our honeymoon in Europe. She still won’t let me buy another watch until after our wedding but its giving me time to save for either the ROO 44mm carbon or a ROO panda and maybe a SS Millenary.


Cheers!

WOW!!!

that is an awesome experience..please take and share all these photos..

congrats again on the nuptials...!
good lady you got there that will go with you to AP manufacturer...with the Currency and VAT..buy there while you are there bud!!!

[Submarino]

The most comfortable watch. I have a 7-7.5" wrist.


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[gummy]

I bought it because I thought it looked cool...I wear it because it's so comfortable...I ordered the bracelet because of all the pictures here.

I find it very versatile...

I, like you, was first a Rolex guy who moved into Panerai and drifted into AP - the Diver is one of my favorites and it gets a ton of wrist time!

gummy

[singe89]

Originally Posted by ocwatching

WOW!!!

that is an awesome experience..please take and share all these photos..

congrats again on the nuptials...!
good lady you got there that will go with you to AP manufacturer...with the Currency and VAT..buy there while you are there bud!!!

I will take LOTS of photos and share them here as it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me. I really hate having to wait until march.

I thought about buying a watch at the factory but it will still have to be a good price compared to the trusted sellers on here. Would really increase the sentimental value getting it at the factory on our honeymoon…

[tomato]

My wrist size is closer to 6.25 than 6.5, but the diver seems to fit very well, and size is ok. Once I figure out the entire photo-posting and photo bucket thing, I will try to post a wrist shot.

[BgJoe79]

I to was eyeing the diver I am in love but correct me if I'm wrong but I think the ap diver is 44mm no matter what the diver will always look good it's a beautiful watch try it on good luck

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by BgJoe79

I to was eyeing the diver I am in love but correct me if I'm wrong but I think the ap diver is 44mm no matter what the diver will always look good it's a beautiful watch try it on good luck

It's officially a 42mm but seems larger because of the flatter bezel compared to the thicker on other ROOs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

[BgJoe79]

yea your right just looked it up but it looks bigger even in person

[Hairdude1]

I have tried one on... It is sweet!

[TimeOnHand]

You will love the AP Diver mate! I also have 6.5" wrist... also wear Panerai's... here are a few photo's of the 233 and AP Diver for your comparison...











Hope this helps!

[TSW]

Some comparison pics for you.

[Submarino]

Great comparison shots Thomas!

[TSW]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Great comparison shots Thomas!

Slow day today