AP SS ruined Rolex PM for me: Do you agree?

[thekman]

I recently acquired my black 15500ST and have been blown away by the level of finishing vs my other watches. Recently I visited a few Rolex ADs and had the chance to try on the CHNR GMT, the Smurf, a Daytona OF and even a blue dial Daytona (not pictured). I also tried on an AP diver recently. To be honest while I love Rolex SS models and would get BLNR GMT in a heartbeat if offered at retail I feel like AP SS ruined Rolex PM for me. For example the full gold CHNR is almost double the price of the SS Royal Oak but in my opinion does not even come close in terms of finishing and overall luxury feel. Any AP owners feel the same way?

Now some quick pics. Not the greatest quality as they were snapped quickly at the AD.








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[locutus49]

I felt the opposite way. I bought a Royal Oak earlier this year and sold it shortly thereafter. I thought the finishing was meh and overall I did not bond with it. On the other hand (or should I say wrist), I own the Smurf and find it superior in every way (other than finishing, which is roughly equivalent IMO).

I realize this goes againstt the conventional wisdom that AP is superior to Rolex but I voted with my dollars.

[Reign]

In the same boat as you - started off with a BLNR in 2015, got a ROC in 2018 and have since added 3 more APs.

I am eyeing a couple Rolexes; SkyD, DD or Daytona in RG but AP still takes spending priority

[Burlington]

I understand fully where you’re coming from. For me it was my iwc, loved that watch but getting the AP meant I just stopped wearing it, so gave that away to my brother.

[JCZ5]

RO finishing is on a different level to Rolex, no doubt.

However, give yourself a year and see if you still have the same sentiment. When I first got my 15202, I basically said the same thing and was going to swear of Rolex. Recently, I was back and forth, even looking at a PM Rolex as opposed to a steel RO.

Nowadays, the 38mm ROC is at the top of my list when compared to the Daytona OF. See...I change often and both have their redeeming qualities.


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[Helmi]

Finishing may be yes. But rolex is more durable and reliable. I own blue ROC steel but I find myself reaching to my rolexes for daily use

[MrEleven]

I have recently been thinking about a all gold watch, loved the look of the rose gold day date with green dial. Tried it on and it felt like a cheap watch after wearing my ap diver for a few months.
IMO You cant compare ap to rolex its like comparing a mass produced bmw to a hand made Rolls Royce

[locutus49]

Surely you are joking, MrEleven.

Originally Posted by MrEleven

I have recently been thinking about a all gold watch, loved the look of the rose gold day date with green dial. Tried it on and it felt like a cheap watch after wearing my ap diver for a few months.
IMO You cant compare ap to rolex its like comparing a mass produced bmw to a hand made Rolls Royce

[MrEleven]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Surely you are joking, MrEleven.

Nope

[lig]

Disagree depending upon the model.

Any two tone? Sure. DD in Platinum? Nope. :)

Different animals altogether.

[AK797]

I get you, there is def a place for both in a collection, and after the refinement of an AP the chunky blockness of a PM Rolex is over-emphasised, then when you go back the AP can seem a bit dainty. I'd say more that a PM AP or PP can make a PM Rolex feel sedate.

[pepsiretail]

AP is just on another level than Rolex.

That would not, by itself, cause me to sour on PM Rolex. Rolex PM is a different animal and has a different appeal, one that has never been there for me.

[Vipes]

You may still be in the honeymoon phase.

[strettyend]

Hmmm I actually prefer my
Rolex PM on the wrist far more than my AP. The AP is beautiful but feels far more “flimsy” and less robust than the Rolexes

[thekman]

Loving the responses. Again no disrespect to any Rolex PM owners. I have been actually thinking about a TT RG Wimbledon dial to enter the "Rolex AD game" but have yet so see one in the flesh, however, will stick to SS for the professional models.

[tcheeco]

I own and love them both. Different watches surely but both great

[leoleo]

Originally Posted by strettyend

Hmmm I actually prefer my
Rolex PM on the wrist far more than my AP. The AP is beautiful but feels far more “flimsy” and less robust than the Rolexes

+1


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[leoleo]

8 yrs ago. I bought my AP ROO over smurf as it appealed more to everyone in the family. However, recently I found that the smurf is so cool and nice, so I pulled the trigger. I have never regretted on smurf as it is really stunning and it goes with all occasions. I must say Rolex PM is stunning and robust.


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[Golden Ellipse]

Different watches for different uses. In my collection, AP ROs (15202ba, 15450) get worn to the office and social events, Rolex (CHNR, SD4k, Exp, ExpII) for weekends, travel and outdoor activities. Sports car vs. SUV. No need to choose.

[Baco Noir]

Nope. Just sold my 15400st to fund an 116619LB.

That said, the dial and bracelet on the ROs are amazing. Congrats.

[Muxi]

Rolex timekeeping is much more consistent than AP.

[danicasi2002]

I cannot really say about PM Rolexes and I am not in the market for one in the foreseeable future but I have modern SS sports Rolexes before I bought my black 15500 (same as yours) last May. Since then I have been wearing the RO 95% of the time for office work.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by thekman

I recently acquired my black 15500ST and have been blown away by the level of finishing vs my other watches. Recently I visited a few Rolex ADs and had the chance to try on the CHNR GMT, the Smurf, a Daytona OF and even a blue dial Daytona (not pictured). I also tried on an AP diver recently. To be honest while I love Rolex SS models and would get BLNR GMT in a heartbeat if offered at retail I feel like AP SS ruined Rolex PM for me. For example the full gold CHNR is almost double the price of the SS Royal Oak but in my opinion does not even come close in terms of finishing and overall luxury feel. Any AP owners feel the same way?

Now some quick pics. Not the greatest quality as they were snapped quickly at the AD.


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I have my SS RO but still love my Rolex DD40 which is in YG. Finishing wise, AP better no doubt. But the Daydate is class.

Why not get the best of both worlds in your next purchase? A PM Royal Oak.

[Andad]

Either you like a dial style or you don’t.

The AP dials do nothing for me.

[peterpl]

An AP15400 or a DD40 - I'd choose the presi anyday of the week.

Dont get me wrong SS AP is nice and shiny but it does not compare to a PM Rolex for me anyway.

If it was a AP ROC full rose gold on bracelet with Blue dial well that will be a different story

[Collector2019]

I’m in the same boat as you’re, but my experience is limited to SS Rolex pieces, AP is superior without a single doubt but they also double the price if not more. On the other hand, Rolex is more superior in areas like robustness, durability etc.,


Wear your new acquisition in a good health


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[Kimber007]

Unfortunately I've never owned PM Rolex but...

AP sports model at a nice discount vs Rolex sports model at a high markup is an easy choice that's for sure

Retail on a Daytona is $12,400 whereas retail on a RO 41mm Chrono is $24,300. Therefore if paying retail for both it's hard to beat the value you get with Rolex. But until that happens, my only interest right now is AP.

[aphil]

The answer for me is quite simple: all it took is for me to see an AP wrist roll in person to make up my mind AP finishing >>>>


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[ufboy73]

There other intrinsic factors that often drive someone to have a PM rolex, long term - and usually not its finishing...so, comparing a steel AP/Patek vs PM Rolex is really apples and oranges comparison to me

[bruinmd]

.........when comparing SS models, the level of finishing by AP is on another level from an SS rolex. I'm not sure how anyone looking at both watches objectively could argue Rolex finishing is on par with AP, like I've read in a few of these responses.
I've owned a 15450, 15400, 15202, and 26480ti, and neither of my SS rolex models (LVC and BLRO) come close to comparing with any of those AP's in terms of finishing.

Having said that, in terms of durability for daily wear and reliability, Rolex wins all day.

Also, the RO dials don't do much for me any longer (the initial interest in them wore out), save the 15202, as its a darker shade of blue. I vastly prefer Nautilus dials over 15400/145450/15500 dials.
ROO dials are a different story......love them.