AP Royal Oak vs VC Overseas

[chillex]

If anyone was considering between AP Royal Oak and VC Overseas, could you share with me why did you end up AP Royal Oak (or VC Overseas?) What are the pros/cons between the two?

If anyone has both, please share with me what are the big difference and which one do you more wear?

[Ryann24]

I actually have two ROs and just put my deposit down on the VC Overseas.. to me the VC is extremely underrated. The blue dial is mesmerizing and the functionality of the 3 includes strap options is amazing. Ill let you know which I wear more once the VC comes in

[STLrolexfan]

I have been intrigued by both watches for some time and will eventually own both. I chose to buy the Overseas first, however (I’ll be getting it next week). Here were my reasons:

1) Overseas strap change system makes watch much more versatile. I worry about scratching the highly polished RO bracelet

2) Overseas is easier to get w/o playing games, and you can get the blue dial version from ADs. Impossible to get blue dial RO without purchase history (or paying huge premium). Overseas is also a bit cheaper, and is especially a better value once you factor in the strap system. Discounts from ADs are possible too

3) overseas is a little more under the radar. Not as many out there as RO, and not a huge Instagram status watch. I like having a slightly more unique piece.

Downside is that the Overseas may not hold value as well as RO, though I do think interest is starting to catch up.


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[fuigo]

Own both.

Prefer VC OS, due to its modernity. Movement is updated and case is good looking with a mesmerizing blue dial. It’s a watch that I don’t worry about being too tough or rough. Not to mention anti-magnetism is very useful in this day and age. Strap change system is convenient and you’ll find yourself swapping quite often. The strap I use the lease is actually the leather one. I use the steel bracelet and rubber strap the most often.

I like the AP RO jumbo mainly because I think the case proportion is close to perfection when compared to VC OS gen 3 and PP nautilus. The movement is finished nicely and everything about it oozes class and quality.

Maybe one day... I will have a 5711... At the current market, I can’t justify it.


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[ATO]

In terms of styling it really depends what one likes or dislikes. Both have their unique background and you won't find anything close to them (except copy cats). I would say RO metal bracelet is my favorite, but the 4500V metal bracelet is also one top of my list. For me, the blue on the OS is also one of the best looking blue out there.

Finishing both are top notch.

On the specification, VC OS has it advantages over the RO, better water resistance, anti-magnetic, quick changing system (not to mention all the 3 bracelet are top class, metal, rubber and leather) *one thing about the OS is that it has no hacking second function*

I got my OS last Oct with a 80% of retail from a watch shop and the RO from the BT, so no discount but some great great service.

[thekman]

Own the 15500ST and have only seen the VC at an AD. Honestly, the quality didn't even feel nearly as good as the AP. I do like the VC dual time though.

[C_Troy242]

Both. The OS wears easier. I have the black dual time, did not manage to fall in lave with the three hander blue or black dial (which is really anthracite, not like the time only). This one ist just perfect, the finishing is of course entirely different, but the craftmanship feels just as good. I love everything about the dial, the rubber is firm but comfortable (not like on a Zenith). I do probably wear it more (on the rubber) than RO(C), but love both equally. No regrets.

[Nav01L]

The RO is pretty dependent on which one you get. The 15202 is the one really worth having, but it’s not easy to wear. The movement is prone to producing service fees and its market value will always have you think twice before you expose it to actual wear. The latter is also true for the 15500 and the 15400 but to a lesser extent. In addition, these two both have movements that must live with at least some criticism in terms of how they’re executed, provided traditional high watchmaking is important to you (the 3120 more so than the 4302). The sweet spot to wear with relative piece of mind is a non blue 15500.

The 4500v on the other hand starts out even closer to that sweet spot. It’s a robust watch that doesn’t need to be babied (to my eyes, a beaten up overseas looks much better than a beaten up RO). In addition, it has a movement that, while not technically superior, is closer to the way things should be done in high watchmaking (compared to the advanced level of industrialization AP promotes with their more recent offerings). Last but not least, the VC will hardly turn any heads in public as no one really knows what it is.

Altogether, that makes the Overseas a much nicer and more worry free watch to appreciate every day on the wrist, while the 15500 appreciates in the back of the safe. And that’s why the VC is what I reach for every morning.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by C_Troy242

Both. The OS wears easier. I have the black dual time, did not manage to fall in lave with the three hander blue or black dial (which is really anthracite, not like the time only). This one ist just perfect, the finishing is of course entirely different, but the craftmanship feels just as good. I love everything about the dial, the rubber is firm but comfortable (not like on a Zenith). I do probably wear it more (on the rubber) than RO(C), but love both equally. No regrets.

Assuming you refer to the OS, when you say anthracite, you mean other than the minute track surrounding the dial? I‘ve always felt the dial was among the deepest blacks out there. Or do you mean the „black“ 15000? There your observation would indeed be entirely consistent with mine.

Also, good point re the difference in finish. The brushed and curved links of the OS bracelet result in a much more muted look than the dramatic light play you’ll get from the AP‘s flat links. For this reason, the AP is a far louder watch visually and if flash is important to the OP, he may indeed want to consider that.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

The RO is pretty dependent on which one you get. The 15202 is the one really worth having, but it’s not easy to wear. The movement is prone to producing service fees and its market value will always have you think twice before you expose it to actual wear. The latter is also true for the 15500 and the 15400 but to a lesser extent. In addition, these two both have movements that must live with at least some criticism in terms of how they’re executed, provided traditional high watchmaking is important to you (the 3120 more so than the 4302). The sweet spot to wear with relative piece of mind is a non blue 15500.

The 4500v on the other hand starts out even closer to that sweet spot. It’s a robust watch that doesn’t need to be babied (to my eyes, a beaten up overseas looks much better than a beaten up RO). In addition, it has a movement that, while not technically superior, is closer to the way things should be done in high watchmaking (compared to the advanced level of industrialization AP promotes with their more recent offerings). Last but not least, the VC will hardly turn any heads in public as no one really knows what it is.

Altogether, that makes the Overseas a much nicer and more worry free watch to appreciate every day on the wrist, while the 15500 appreciates in the back of the safe. And that’s why the VC is what I reach for every morning.

That’s a very informative post, thank you

I’ve been looking at the OS dual time as well as time only a lot lately. Coming from a Rolex and Panerai it’s quite a step up in price for me, but seems worth the money.

My AP AD looked at me like I had two heads when I inquired about a 15500

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by brandrea

My AP AD looked at me like I had two heads when I inquired about a 15500

Haha, yes, that seems to be an increasingly common problem... that look, not the heads of course ;)

If you come from Rolex, chances are you’ll like the VC. The best way to describe it really is as a Datejust executed to high watchmaking standards (and with a blue dial that has no equal).

Panerai is a different story though... they’re so unique that there’s no replacing them. Still go back to my 424 every no and then. It’s not a refined watch by any standard... but there’s no substitute for it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

Haha, yes, that seems to be an increasingly common problem... that look, not the heads of course ;)

If you come from Rolex, chances are you’ll like the VC. The best way to describe it really is as a Datejust executed to high watchmaking standards (and with a blue dial that has no equal).

Panerai is a different story though... they’re so unique that there’s no replacing them. Still go back to my 424 every no and then. It’s not a refined watch by any standard... but there’s no substitute for it.

Really appreciate your perspective on the VC. I've had both on my wrist at the AD and your analogy is spot on.

Now I just need to get over the price

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[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

The RO is pretty dependent on which one you get. The 15202 is the one really worth having, but it’s not easy to wear. The movement is prone to producing service fees and its market value will always have you think twice before you expose it to actual wear. The latter is also true for the 15500 and the 15400 but to a lesser extent. In addition, these two both have movements that must live with at least some criticism in terms of how they’re executed, provided traditional high watchmaking is important to you (the 3120 more so than the 4302). The sweet spot to wear with relative piece of mind is a non blue 15500.

The 4500v on the other hand starts out even closer to that sweet spot. It’s a robust watch that doesn’t need to be babied (to my eyes, a beaten up overseas looks much better than a beaten up RO). In addition, it has a movement that, while not technically superior, is closer to the way things should be done in high watchmaking (compared to the advanced level of industrialization AP promotes with their more recent offerings). Last but not least, the VC will hardly turn any heads in public as no one really knows what it is.

Altogether, that makes the Overseas a much nicer and more worry free watch to appreciate every day on the wrist, while the 15500 appreciates in the back of the safe. And that’s why the VC is what I reach for every morning.

Would like to learn more if you can elaborate on the differences between the 3120 movement and what VC are using.

Personally I think the RO design is much more interesting, but the VC is a good looking watch too.

One major plus as already mentioned is how it still goes totally unnoticed by all but the wis community as it’s not at all an online hit generator that PP/AP can be.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Would like to learn more if you can elaborate on the differences between the 3120 movement and what VC are using.

Personally I think the RO design is much more interesting, but the VC is a good looking watch too.

One major plus as already mentioned is how it still goes totally unnoticed by all but the wis community as it’s not at all an online hit generator that PP/AP can be.

We actually had a pretty lively discussion about it in this thread, not directly compared to the VC5100, but might be an interesting read nonetheless: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=751602

AP is pretty far ahead of everyone else in getting milling machines to do extraordinary things on their volume models... even things some would rather were done by hand (obviously no one in that segment will wield a bois de gentiane like Dufour or Rexhep may, but having a person apply angles with a hand held touret remains different in my view from a diamond head finishing off the milling process before a part even leaves the machine).

[RollinMoses]

Have 15400 black dial and VC OC Dual time silver dial and think the comments above really capture it well.

The RO is a beautiful watch and I love wearing it, do not baby it particularly, but it is not as robust as the VC and is a bit more flashy and more noticeable so might not be the perfect everyday wear. Feels more like a weekend / special occasion watch.

The VC is an ideal daily wear - beautifully made, feels almost as robust a Rolex and can play many different roles with the strap changes. I wear it mainly on the rubber (got blue, works really well with silver dial) and sometimes bracelet.

I really like the comparison to a Rolex executes to high watchmaking standards. Spot on.

[C_Troy242]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

Assuming you refer to the OS, when you say anthracite, you mean other than the minute track surrounding the dial? I‘ve always felt the dial was among the deepest blacks out there. Or do you mean the „black“ 15000? There your observation would indeed be entirely consistent with mine.

To be clear, speaking of the OS Dual Time: Yes, other than the minute track, which I'd probably call grey. The Dual Time 'black' is very different from the deep (and monotone, i.e. it doesn't change with light like the blue, which to is just too blue for me, but that's personal preference) 4500v black dial.

As such, the black Dual Time has different colors/textures of grey, the outer deep black minute track, the grey minute track, lacquered anthracite dial (that is nice and warm and just perfect, I absolute love shades of grey) and the sunburst tonal date counter. They just really nailed this one.

That said, always feels very special to put the AP on, even though they're the same price ... Really comes down whether everyday wearability is a key factor, then you cannot beat he OS in this tier agreeing with most here, particularly given the strap options (again, that rubber).

[MrBlahBlah]

I also own both: a 4500V blue dial Overseas and a 26315st 38mm Royal Oak chronograph with grey dial.

I love both! But here’s my quick date: the OS is a better watch, but the RO is a more beautiful object. Now here are some scattered thoughts

They’re both great watches. But the OS seems like it was designed from the ground up to be the best watch it could be, while the RO is a thing of beauty and design, with a level of exterior finish that’s unmatched in my opinion.

There are many details on the VC that are subtle. What I like to say is that the wearing the OS is an experience really for the wearer alone, while wearing the RO is an experience for both the wearer and an audience.

While the OS bracelet is way more subdued than the RO, I actually think it is more comfortable. The deployant mechanism is thinner and rounder, making it more comfortable than the thicker and shaper bracelet deployant on the RO. There are two micro adjustments for the bracelet, which doesn’t exist on the RO (for the Nautilus for that matter). The RO always feels either a little too loose or a little too tight given its lack of micro-adjustability.

The OS could be a “one watch collection” it hits so many notes.

But hot damn if I haven’t seen a more beautiful object than a RO. They both exhibit high levels of exterior finishing, but the way the RO is designed, it’s just dazzling.

Ultimately I think you need to look at your collection to see what kind of watch you want or need. The RO is like a trophy wife, while the OS is the really pretty girl that does it all. Lucky for us, it is feasible to have both in one’s life!

[drhk]

Originally Posted by MrBlahBlah

I also own both: a 4500V blue dial Overseas and a 26315st 38mm Royal Oak chronograph with grey dial.

I love both! But here’s my quick date: the OS is a better watch, but the RO is a more beautiful object. Now here are some scattered thoughts

They’re both great watches. But the OS seems like it was designed from the ground up to be the best watch it could be, while the RO is a thing of beauty and design, with a level of exterior finish that’s unmatched in my opinion.

There are many details on the VC that are subtle. What I like to say is that the wearing the OS is an experience really for the wearer alone, while wearing the RO is an experience for both the wearer and an audience.

While the OS bracelet is way more subdued than the RO, I actually think it is more comfortable. The deployant mechanism is thinner and rounder, making it more comfortable than the thicker and shaper bracelet deployant on the RO. There are two micro adjustments for the bracelet, which doesn’t exist on the RO (for the Nautilus for that matter). The RO always feels either a little too loose or a little too tight given its lack of micro-adjustability.

The OS could be a “one watch collection” it hits so many notes.

But hot damn if I haven’t seen a more beautiful object than a RO. They both exhibit high levels of exterior finishing, but the way the RO is designed, it’s just dazzling.

Ultimately I think you need to look at your collection to see what kind of watch you want or need. The RO is like a trophy wife, while the OS is the really pretty girl that does it all. Lucky for us, it is feasible to have both in one’s life!

What a great summary! Especially the last two lines ...

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

We actually had a pretty lively discussion about it in this thread, not directly compared to the VC5100, but might be an interesting read nonetheless: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=751602

AP is pretty far ahead of everyone else in getting milling machines to do extraordinary things on their volume models... even things some would rather were done by hand (obviously no one in that segment will wield a bois de gentiane like Dufour or Rexhep may, but having a person apply angles with a hand held touret remains different in my view from a diamond head finishing off the milling process before a part even leaves the machine).

For the more simple chap like me, some side by side comparison photos would illuminate the points if you have them ?

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Burlington

For the more simple chap like me, some side by side comparison photos would illuminate the points if you have them ?

It’s a matter of how angles are polished rather than of whether they’re polished. It’s an intellectual matter more than it is a visual one. While you can see it, the aesthetic difference of the result is not enormous, especially given the quality AP manages to mill their parts to. It would be hard to capture in an image through the sapphire of the caseback without a powerful loupe and some proper photography skills. But with some research I‘m sure you can find images to compare online, as many people have better loupes and cameras than I have out there. What you want to look out for is the broad, flat, very sharp and even anglage on the AP‘s bridges. It looks more synthetic, while the 5100‘s bridges have more restrained, natural anglage, with a softer look overall (pretty similar to what you’d see on a Patek of this price range too).

Then, there’s more under the bridges of course. Luckily you won’t have to disassemble your watch for this. Instead, I recommend Peter Speake Marin‘s tear down article.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

It’s a matter of how angles are polished rather than of whether they’re polished. It’s an intellectual matter more than it is a visual one. While you can see it, the aesthetic difference of the result is not enormous, especially given the quality AP manages to mill their parts to. It would be hard to capture in an image through the sapphire of the caseback without a powerful loupe and some proper photography skills. But with some research I‘m sure you can find images to compare online, as many people have better loupes and cameras than I have out there. What you want to look out for is the broad, flat, very sharp and even anglage on the AP‘s bridges. It looks more synthetic, while the 5100‘s bridges have more restrained, natural anglage, with a softer look overall (pretty similar to what you’d see on a Patek of this price range too).

Then, there’s more under the bridges of course. Luckily you won’t have to disassemble your watch for this. Instead, I recommend Peter Speake Marin‘s tear down article.

Have you got a link to the tear down article please as I couldn’t find it.

I must say the VC 5100 is rather stunning and I see what you mean about artistry vs. perfunctory.

Movement aside I do much prefer the more industrial and complicated design of the RO line, but from the back then the VC does sparkle somewhat brighter.

[Nav01L]

Sure, here it is: https://www.thenakedwatchmaker.com/d...udemars-piguet

As you’ll see, it’s a bit of a cocktail of excellent attention to detail on some aspects, such as the beautifully finished wheels, and raw machining if any on some undersides.

But altogether remains a well finished movement. It’s just that it has certain apparent AP quirks, due to their philosophy of doing things.

[phow]

I decided on both the RO 15500ST and OS Dual Time but I had to choose which one to pursue first...

Both are amazing pieces but in the end I went after the 15500. Why? It just came down to the following:

If I purchased the OS would I still be thinking about the RO and vice versa. After spending time with both the answer for me was clear, if I bought the OS first, I wouldn't enjoy it as much because I would still be lusting after the RO. But if I bought the RO first, I would satisfy that emotional itch and pursue the OS DT when it made sense.

For me, the RO was an emotional purchase and the OS is a logical next buy.

I love both watches for different reasons. One just made more sense then the other to add to the collection next.

[nosignalbmwdriver]

Nobody know what a vacheron is

AP has better brand recognition
that should factor into your decision

[Benzsiam]

Originally Posted by nosignalbmwdriver

Nobody know what a vacheron is

AP has better brand recognition
that should factor into your decision

Are you kidding?

VC is very well known to the watch world.

[jojosnr]

Let the pix do the talking.

Originally Posted by chillex

If anyone was considering between AP Royal Oak and VC Overseas, could you share with me why did you end up AP Royal Oak (or VC Overseas?) What are the pros/cons between the two?

If anyone has both, please share with me what are the big difference and which one do you more wear?

[YoungMoneyAssassin]

I love my 15400.
I just put down a deposit on a blue 4500v.

Get both, lol.


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[RolexZen]

I love the Overseas, though have only spotted it out in the wild a couple times.

Question, does the bezel collect dust in those pockets? Probably wouldn't be an issue, if you brush or blow it out daily, I suppose, but at least one time I saw one up close at a local GTG, I did see dust/scum in those little sprocket pockets.

[STLrolexfan]

Originally Posted by jojosnr

Let the pix do the talking.

Attachment 1150721

Attachment 1150722

Attachment 1150723

Attachment 1150724

Attachment 1150725

Jojosnr, is there a way to swap the bracelet for rubber on the RO? Or is that two different watches? I thought only ROOs came on rubber and I didn’t think you could easily remove the bracelet on the RO (unlike the VCO).


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[maciej]

The Vacheron is a great watch, but something about the AP just does it for me. Can't go wrong either way.